Choi Sunggeon, his hair tied in a ponytail, widened his eyes and fell silent for a moment. That state lasted for about five seconds. He soon regained his composure and asked the head of the overseas team again.
"Where did you say it was?"
The team leader answered immediately with a serious expression.
"World Disney Pictures."
"…Are you sure it's 'World Disney Pictures'? Not something like Walt Disney or Disneyland?"
"No, it's definitely 'World Disney Pictures.'"
"They sent us a script?"
"Yes, that's correct."
"World Disney Pictures?" Countless films and animations flashed through Choi Sunggeon's mind in an instant. His past—no, his entire memory—felt filled with World Disney Pictures. It was probably the same for many people around the world. After all, it was a studio that had given people fairy tales and childhood dreams.
It was a moment that made it clear just how much influence World Disney Pictures held in Hollywood.
Like Columbia Studios behind "Pierrot," they were considered one of the five major film studios, yet they possessed the largest global fanbase.
Then what about their identity?
Their flagship characters continued to sell even decades later, enjoying immense popularity not only in Korea but also in Japan and across the world. Saying there was no one who didn't know World Disney Pictures was not an exaggeration.
'Disney sent Woojin a script?!'
That meant World Disney Pictures had made a casting offer to Kang Woojin. Choi Sunggeon couldn't help but feel excited—no, he felt almost euphoric. Since Cannes, this was the first time two of Hollywood's five major studios had sent offers to Woojin.
"Has something like this… ever happened before?"
Choi Sunggeon muttered blankly, and the team leader replied in a similar tone.
"No… not that I can remember."
"Same here. Nothing even close to this."
"It's unprecedented for World Disney Pictures to show interest in a Korean actor."
"That's right. Woojin is the first in Korean history."
Columbia Studios alone was enough to shake the domestic film industry, and now World Disney Pictures had joined in. Whether Kang Woojin accepted both projects or not, this went far beyond a simple shift in the landscape—it was something that could create a massive ripple effect. The fact that two of Hollywood's five major studios had made him offers was already groundbreaking.
"Heh… working with Woojin really makes impossible things feel real."
It was obvious that Woojin's reputation and aura as an actor would skyrocket.
"I'm really looking forward to next year."
Choi Sunggeon slowly smiled as he imagined Woojin's global future. Then, like a CEO, he turned to the team leader and gave instructions.
"Alright, organize the details of both World Disney Pictures and Columbia Studios' offers and send them to me. I'll personally deliver them to Woojin."
"Understood."
"But both must be handled with strict confidentiality. Nothing should leak outside yet, and it's probably the same on their side."
"Yes, sir."
While giving instructions, Choi Sunggeon suddenly remembered something and asked another question.
"By the way, what was the title of the script from World Disney Pictures?"
He seemed to only want to confirm the title. The team leader tapped on the tablet a few times and showed him the information. Choi Sunggeon scanned the English text and found it.
"…They're making this into a live-action film?"
Shock and excitement mixed again on his face as he muttered quietly.
"This animation is one of World Disney Pictures' flagship works."
──────────
Around that time.
A black van sped down the highway. It was, of course, Kang Woojin's vehicle, heading toward the large-scale set of the drama "Beneficial Evil," located in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi Province. Inside the van, Woojin's team members were busy with their respective tasks, while Woojin sat with his legs crossed, casually looking at his phone.
His poker face remained unchanged, as did his thoughts.
"..."
But.
'Ooooooh!!'
Inside, he was practically jumping.
'The firepower is insane!!'
Though he appeared calm on the outside, Kang Woojin was closely monitoring the news. The media was in chaos, pouring out all kinds of headlines.
Blockbusters like "The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice," "Leech," "Beneficial Evil," and Miley Cara dominated the conversation.
However, the hottest topic recently was the shocking twist surrounding "Beneficial Evil" and Miley Cara. Domestic media and public opinion were boiling, Hollywood was buzzing, and now even Japan had joined the debate.
Naturally, Miley Cara, "Beneficial Evil," and Kang Woojin were mentioned repeatedly.
Moreover, after the announcement that "Beneficial Evil" would be released globally in parts as quickly as possible, anticipation from fans exploded. Comments flooded social media accounts, YouTube channels, articles, and countless communities.
The expressions varied, but the thoughts were similar.
'When can we watch Beneficial Evil?'
Of course.
'It'll be on Netflix, right?'
'Yeah, they said it'll be released worldwide on Netflix!'
The information that "Beneficial Evil" would be available globally had already spread widely.
As Woojin browsed both overseas and Korean content on his phone, a few articles caught his attention.
[Star Talk / "Monster Actor" Kang Woojin – Endless Attention, But No News of Hollywood Debut… Is He Not Marketable in Hollywood?]
It almost felt like they had nothing to say, so they were just making things up.
The comments were similar.
'So Kang Woojin is just a domestic actor? LOL'
'He looks influential, but Hollywood is way harder than people think.'
'Didn't he win Best Actor at Cannes? Even if not big studios, shouldn't mid-tier Hollywood studios show interest?'
'Maybe he failed in Hollywood and is staying quiet LOL'
'Shaking Korea and Japan is impressive, but Hollywood is a different level LOL'
Malicious comments poured in like waves. Of course, none of it affected Kang Woojin.
'What are they even talking about? That's complete nonsense.'
That was the extent of his reaction. Still, he didn't entirely blame the reporters or commenters. From past to present, Woojin had steadily built international recognition, and recently, his collaboration with Miley Cara had created massive buzz. Yet, there had been no visible Hollywood news.
In a normal situation, anyone would be desperate to reveal that.
In reality, Kang Woojin had several major Hollywood projects lined up. But through his life in the entertainment industry, he had learned the virtue of patience. Just as fireworks are most beautiful when they light up the night sky, news must be revealed at the right time.
Kang Woojin smirked slightly.
'It'll be fun to see their reactions.'
──────────
That same afternoon, in Busan.
It was past 5 PM. At that hour, the massive Busan Cinema Center was filled with people. Hundreds of reporters had gathered, and even more spectators had arrived.
The reason was simple.
The Busan International Film Festival was about to open. It was a large-scale festival, and although Kang Woojin had been invited, he couldn't attend due to scheduling conflicts. Even so, as the opening approached, the crowd continued to grow. The number of reporters doubled, and so did the number of spectators.
As expected of an international film festival, there were quite a few foreign reporters.
There were also overseas directors and actors invited to the festival. However, what drew the most attention was the long red carpet lined with metal barricades stretching from the building entrance. Stars began walking slowly across it.
Flash!
Camera flashes burst like fireworks.
"Ahhhhhh!!"
The piercing screams of the crowd filled the air. People didn't forget to take photos with their phones every time a star appeared.
The festive atmosphere was reaching its peak.
At that moment, reporters' shouts grew louder.
"Look over there! Over there!"
"Over here! Director Ahn, please look this way!"
"Director Ahn Ga-bok!! Director!!"
An elderly man in a suit stepped onto the red carpet. It was Director Ahn Ga-bok. But he wasn't alone.
"Ah! He's here with Director Kwon Gitaek?"
"What an incredible pairing!"
Director Ahn Ga-bok and the gentle-looking Director Kwon Gitaek appeared side by side. Two giants of Korean cinema walking together. Kwon Gitaek had gained attention with "Island of the Missing," while Ahn Ga-bok had done so with "Leech." Especially, Ahn Ga-bok's popularity had reached its peak.
"Hello, Director! Please wave!"
Ahn Ga-bok gave a light wave to the reporters with his characteristic composed demeanor.
The flashes didn't stop. To the reporters, the two directors looked like rivals competing for box office rankings, but in reality, they walked the red carpet chatting warmly with smiles.
Soon.
They arrived at the photo zone set up at the entrance of the Busan Cinema Center. Under the "Busan International Film Festival" banner and various corporate logos, Ahn Ga-bok and Kwon Gitaek stood side by side. The photo zone was packed with broadcasting crews and reporters, and the scene was being broadcast live nationwide.
At that moment.
"Hello, Director Ahn Ga-bok, Director Kwon Gitaek!"
A female host approached them before the cast and staff entered. Holding cue cards, she asked:
"I really enjoyed both 'Island of the Missing' and 'Leech'! Both films left a deep impression. How do you feel?"
Ahn Ga-bok spoke first.
"I'm grateful for all the attention. It's something I never expected, so it feels overwhelming."
"Really? You looked so calm at Cannes!"
"Haha, did I?"
Then it was Kwon Gitaek's turn.
"Compared to Director Ahn, I'm nothing."
"You're giving me too much credit."
No, he meant it.
Their friendly exchange was captured by hundreds of cameras. Then the host asked Ahn Ga-bok another question.
"'Leech' is still in theaters and doing incredibly well, so it might be early, but have you thought about your next project?"
Flash!
The shutters intensified. Reporters had been waiting for this question. Even Kwon Gitaek glanced at Ahn Ga-bok with curiosity. All eyes focused on him.
Ahn Ga-bok remained calm.
"My next project… is actually already in progress."
The host's eyes widened slightly.
"In progress? Do you mean your next film?"
"Yes."
Murmurs spread among the reporters. Even the broadcast crew reacted. It was unusually fast for a new project to already be underway while "Leech" was still dominating.
The host asked again.
"When you say in progress, do you mean production has already started?"
Ahn Ga-bok nodded slowly.
"You could say that."
"…What?"
Then he addressed the reporters directly.
"I've taken on the role of director for a film produced by Columbia Studios in Hollywood."
Silence fell.
──────────
At the same time, in Yeoncheon.
At the massive set of "Beneficial Evil," filming was in full swing. Among the hundred-plus staff, Song Manwoo PD's voice rang out.
"Cut!! Haah…"
An actor stepped out from among the rolling cameras. It was Kang Woojin, who had just been acting as Jang Yeonwoo. Judging by the blood stains on his face, it seemed to be an action scene.
Song Manwoo PD rushed over.
"Woojin! That last scene was incredible! The action keeps getting more dynamic. Let's take a 10-minute break, then shoot a wide shot."
"Yes, PD-nim."
Woojin nodded and moved, still wearing heavy concept makeup. As soon as he reached his chair, stylists including Han Yejung surrounded him, and Jang Suhwan handed him a bottle of water.
Then.
"Woojin."
A voice called him. It was Choi Sunggeon, ponytail and faint smile.
'He wasn't here earlier… did he just arrive?'
Woojin spoke calmly.
"CEO-nim, you're here."
"Yeah. It's chaos out there. I just got here…"
Choi Sunggeon leaned in and whispered.
"How long is your break?"
"About 10 minutes."
"Good. Come with me for a moment. We can't talk here."
Choi Sunggeon led Woojin away from the staff at a brisk pace. They headed to the parking lot outside the set—specifically, the van.
He got in first and gestured for Woojin to follow. Woojin tilted his head slightly but got in calmly.
As soon as the door closed, Choi Sunggeon handed him a thick bundle of documents.
"First, take a look at this script."
It wasn't just a stack—it was practically a manuscript. On the cover, an English title was printed, immediately catching Woojin's attention.
— "Beauty and the Beast."