I Was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor

Translator: Dreamscribe

The winner of the Best Actor Award at the 95th Academy Awards was Kang Woojin. This outcome was, perhaps, unexpected- a twist and a surprise for many in the global film industry and the general public. The Hollywood A-list actors nominated alongside him were formidable, and the result overturned the traditions and history that the Academy Awards had upheld for so long.

Moreover, the outlandish trajectory of ‘Pierrot’ was also part of that surprise.

But above all, Kang Woojin’s circumstances were unbelievable.

He was only in his fourth year since debut and had only recently appeared in Hollywood. Winning the Emmy Awards might have been considered a miracle, but the Academy Awards felt like a dream come true. He was also the first Korean actor and the first from Asia to ever achieve this. Woojin had done something that had never happened in the entire 95-year history of the event.

It was enough to shake Hollywood, and the world.

Therefore, ten minutes after Kang Woojin lifted the Best Actor trophy:

『CNM / Joker appeared on the Academy Awards stage! Kang Woojin concludes it with Joker, wins Best Actor! / Photo』

『LA TIME / Kang Woojin’s acceptance speech shocked thousands in the audience and global viewers- The one lifting the trophy on stage was Joker』

Hollywood was suddenly flooded with an enormous amount of coverage. While Woojin’s Best Actor win was big news, what truly drew attention was his acceptance speech. Despite accomplishing what no one else had, Kang Woojin, without the slightest bit of nervousness or trembling, delivered a ridiculously absurd acceptance speech in front of the entire world.

It was full of misconceptions and misunderstandings, but no one knew the inside story.

Everyone could only marvel, and praise Kang Woojin’s boldness.

『BBX / Global viewers watching the live broadcast were deeply moved! Kang Woojin remained an actor even in the moment of receiving the award / Photo』

He overturned history, and yet handled his acceptance speech as ‘Joker’ with poise. He displayed mischievousness in front of the vast stage and thousands of industry giants. His unquenchable thirst for acting, his steadfastness in walking his own path without regard for others’ opinions, and his fearless ‘no backing down’ nature, he threw it all out there without a second thought.

Hollywood was feverishly ecstatic over Woojin’s eccentricity or, in their words, his ‘fucking-my-way’ attitude that they had never seen before.

『ABY / There’s no other word than ‘Monster’ to describe him, Kang Woojin’s Best Actor win at the Academy Awards was perhaps inevitable』

Yes, a monster. Even in Hollywood, the heart of the global film industry, Woojin was now being described as a monster.

The global public was just as frenzied.

-Kang Woojin is insane! He even turned his acceptance speech into a performance!

-Joker! Joker!! Joker!! Ah! I saw ‘Pierrot’ during its early screening but I’m going to watch it again when it officially releases!!

-Did he really deliver the acceptance speech possessed by Joker??? If so, he’s truly a lunatic!

-There may be people who hate or criticize him, but I think Kang Woojin is a true actor

-A speech that will be remembered forever

-This is what true star power looks like, someone who overturns expectations and constantly generates buzz

-Everyone is excited about Kang Woojin, but I still find him uncomfortable, he’s too self-centered

-I admit he’s arrogant, but it’s an arrogance with substance, and I like that! Way better than someone who acts cocky after gaining a little popularity

-Kang Woojin!! Congratulations on your Best Actor Oscar win!!!

-To win the Academy Award for Best Actor in such a short time! How much more amazing will he be in 5 years??!

-Joker! Now that the acceptance speech is done, hurry and release your next work!!

Those watching the Academy Awards live, global online communities, various social media platforms, regardless of country or language, the global public was screaming madly for Kang Woojin, for ‘Joker’.

YouTube across multiple countries was already flooded with videos of the Academy Awards or Kang Woojin.

If this was the global reaction, what more can be said about Korea?

Press, mass media, public opinion- all were already watching the Academy Awards as if it were a national event, and Korea had already…

『[Breaking] Kang Woojin lifts the Academy Award Best Actor trophy… Acceptance speech delivered as ‘Joker’』

It was all about Kang Woojin. Aside from his family, friends, colleagues, and fans, practically the entire nation was shouting. This was no longer just national prestige, it was the treatment of a national hero. Japan was no different, and many Asian countries that had shown consistent interest in Kang Woojin also featured his achievement as headline news.

『Japan, China, Vietnam and others highlight Kang Woojin’s ‘Academy Awards’ Best Actor win as main story / Photo』

Of course, among Hollywood’s five major film studios, ‘Columbia Studios’, ‘World Disney Pictures’, and ‘Universal Movies’ were in a celebratory mood, and ‘A8 Media’ of ‘Guest’ was in utter chaos.

“Kang Woojin!! Kang Woojin won it!!”

“This is insane! Truly insane! Who would’ve thought he’d actually win Best Actor!”

“Hahahaha! He’s a monster, a monster! There’s no other way to describe it!”

“When he gave his speech as Joker, it gave me chills!”

“Bizarre but brilliant!! Only Kang Woojin could pull this off! He’s a phenomenal actor!!”

The world was in an uproar, but this was only the beginning.

At the same time, at the Dolby Theatre.

The focus of the Academy Awards ceremony that had been entirely on Kang Woojin had somewhat settled, and the next part of the event had begun as if nothing had happened.

“Whew, what an incredible acceptance speech, wasn’t it? Congratulations to Kang Woojin. Now, let’s change the mood and move on to the Best Actress Award!”

Just like before, the announcers stepped onto the splendid stage, and Kang Woojin, seated among countless industry giants, was.

“……”

Already immersed in his concept persona again. After all, he had accepted, with resignation, the “mistaken bastards” he had furiously muttered to himself earlier.

‘Yeah, years’ worth of misconceptions and misunderstandings aren’t going to disappear all at once.’

Then he.

-Swoosh.

Glanced down at the Best Actor trophy on his knee. Its golden, dazzling form.

‘But fuck, I really didn’t see this misunderstanding coming.’

Soon, Kang Woojin came to a conclusion.

‘Whatever, damn it. I’m just going to roll with the misunderstandings until I die.’

So what? Whether it was his true self or a persona.

‘In the end, both the real Kang Woojin and the act are still me. Makes no difference.’

Both were Kang Woojin. Still, except for family and friends who already knew his true self, he wanted at least one person to see the real him. Woojin looked up at someone.

‘My girlfriend.’

It was Miley Cara. She wasn’t looking at Woojin, her gaze directed at the stage, but Woojin looked at her profile and made a resolution.

‘After the ceremony, I need to tell her that the acceptance speech wasn’t Joker, it was really me. I wonder what she’ll say?’

Just about then, the Best Actress of the Academy Awards was announced. A Hollywood actress in a beige-toned dress ascended the stage with a wide smile. Woojin clapped reflexively but his mind was elsewhere.

He was thinking about his future.

He had just won the Academy Award for Best Actor. What kind of things would unfold from now on? Honestly, it was hard for him to even guess. Everything was a first, an unknown world. At that moment, as if he had read Woojin’s inner thoughts, Chris Hartnett, smiling, whispered into his ear.

“You never get tired of looking at the Oscar trophy, huh?”

“…That’s true.”

“Haha, I felt the same when I first got one. Mmm- Woojin, you’re already a world star, but now the Academy has proven you’re a monstrous actor. A superstar too.”

Come on, that’s a bit much. Chris, you’re a goddamn handsome superstar yourself. Woojin answered inwardly but remained silent on the outside.

“……”

Chris’s smile deepened as he concluded.

“It’s probably already overwhelming, but from now on, things will get way busier. Because Hollywood, and the world, will come looking for you.”

It was spot on. It was clear that starting tonight, Kang Woojin would be bombarded with offers from all over the United States, TV broadcasts, media, YouTube, parties, events, and more. Not only that, but even beyond Hollywood, no matter what country he visited, including Korea, he would be met with jaw-dropping welcomes and crowds gathering like clouds. While Woojin vaguely imagined this absurd future for a moment, Chris added more words.

“But the wild part is, Woojin, this is just the beginning. There are still so many projects waiting to be released to the world.”

That was true. From ‘Pierrot: The Birth of a Villain’, which had now won two awards including Woojin’s Best Actor, to ‘Beast and the Beauty’, ‘John Persona’, and the upcoming films scheduled for the next year or two. Kang Woojin’s influence wouldn’t be surprising even if it pierced through the universe.

At that moment.

“Hello, I feel infinitely honored to be able to present the Best Director Award at the 95th Academy Awards.”

The Academy Awards were reaching their finale. On the large monitors across the grand stage, the faces of directors considered giants in Hollywood were displayed.

And among them appeared Director Ahn Ga-bok, the only one of Korean nationality.

It was time for the Best Director announcement.

Woojin, who had been watching the stage, glanced to his right. Director Ahn Ga-bok’s wrinkled face wore a serious expression. No matter how much of a veteran or old man he might be, this was still a moment that could make anyone nervous. If he were to win here, ‘Pierrot’ would secure its third award.

And that triple crown was achieved.

“The 95th Academy Awards Best Director!!”

It didn’t take long.

“Phew- what an incredible work, congratulations!! Director Ahn Ga-bok of ‘Pierrot: The Birth of a Villain’!!!”

Director Ahn Ga-bok was announced as the recipient of the Best Director Award at the Academy Awards. Once again, the hall full of industry heavyweights stood up and erupted into applause.

-Clap clap clap clap clap!!

The entire ‘Pierrot’ team, including Kang Woojin, also gave a standing ovation, and now a faint smile appeared on Director Ahn Ga-bok’s face. After expressing his gratitude for some time, Director Ahn Ga-bok made eye contact with Woojin, whose expression was indifferent.

-Swish.

He extended his hand. Offering a handshake.

“Thank you. Meeting you was the greatest fortune of my life.”

This old man was truly touched. Kang Woojin clasped Director Ahn Ga-bok’s hand and pulled him into an embrace. It was clumsy but sincere.

“Congratulations, Director-nim. Working with you on this project was the best experience for me as well.”

“Heh heh, at my age, I shouldn’t be getting teary-eyed.”

A Korean actor and director embracing. This scene was vividly captured by numerous cameras. Watching this moment from the monitor in the Dolby Theatre’s waiting room, Choi Sung-gun was also moved to tears.

“This image! A masterpiece, a masterpiece. Whew-“

A Korean actor and director had achieved a miracle side by side at the Academy Awards. A two-shot that may never come again in the past or future.

Following that, Director Ahn Ga-bok took his trophy and stood before the standing microphone.

“Thank you.”

Overcome with emotion, his aged voice trembled slightly. Still, he managed to force out his English.

“I don’t have the witty sense to give a speech like Kang Woojin’s Joker one, but I’ll say what I can in my own way. It’s been a long journey, getting up to this stage, I mean. The Academy Awards is a place every director dreams of visiting, and I was no different. It took me decades, but I finally made it here. First, I want to thank Kang Woojin. And also ‘Columbia Studios’ for giving me the opportunity, and…”

Director Ahn Ga-bok continued his speech calmly, without getting too excited or animated. At the end, he expressed his gratitude in Korean to the people back home in Korea.

“To the Korean fans, and to the hundreds or thousands of you who have watched my films throughout my career, I dedicate this award to you. Thank you.”

The standing ovation erupted again.

-Clap clap clap clap clap!!

-Clap clap clap clap clap clap!!

In the middle of it, several audience members seated in the crowd gasped in amazement.

“Costume Design, Best Actor, Best Director. ‘Pierrot’ just bagged three awards.”

“They’ve done something incredible. It’s an outstanding piece of work in many ways.”

“It’s even more surprising that it hasn’t officially released yet. And the Best Picture Award is still remaining.”

By now, many audience members were starting to anticipate. After causing this much of a sensation, they hoped the momentum wouldn’t stop, that it would carry on and explode all the way to the Academy’s grandest prize.

And that expectation.

-Clap clap clap clap clap clap clap!!

Quickly became reality. The most prestigious and final award of the globally renowned Academy Awards: Best Picture.

With thunderous applause shaking the hall.

-Swish.

A composed Kang Woojin once again stepped onto the stage. He wasn’t alone. Director Ahn Ga-bok, Chris Hartnett, and the entire ‘Pierrot’ team appeared on stage. Some were crying, others were jumping with joy. They already had three trophies, but now a fourth was being handed over. Ahn Ga-bok and Chris gestured toward Kang Woojin.

They meant for him to receive it.

“……”

Woojin, still maintaining his poker face, accepted the final Academy Award trophy.

“Say a few words, why don’t you go first.”

“Yes, Woojin. This time, it’s fine to speak as yourself, not as Joker.”

Director Ahn Ga-bok and the others chose Woojin to be the first speaker. Soon, holding two Academy trophies in both hands, Woojin.

-Swish.

Stood before the standing microphone once more. Unlike the previous acceptance speech as Joker for Best Actor, Kang Woojin now stood with an entirely different, very subdued energy and mood, and quietly spoke in English into the microphone.

“Thank you for the Best Picture Award. This is the result of everyone here on stage, and all the members of the ‘Pierrot’ team who aren’t here with us.”

And with that, Woojin’s cynical air once again left the powerful audience in awe.

“How different he is, it seems the ‘Joker’ who gave the acceptance speech earlier has gone home.”

Achieving a quadruple crown, ‘Pierrot: The Birth of a Villain’ swept the Academy Awards.

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