novelburst
Chapter 455
Chapter 455
Chapter 455: Speed ??of Light (7)
Translator: NovelBin
The media frenzy ignited by Woo-jin’s declaration at the luxury brand event showed no sign of slowing down.
“Because we’re aiming for the Oscars.”
That simple statement had left both reporters and Hollywood stars in attendance in stunned silence. Reporters had frozen, their cameras momentarily still as they processed what Woo-jin had just said.
"Did he just say… the Oscars?"
"Is he serious?"
Once they regained their composure, journalists fired off a barrage of follow-up questions, all vying to confirm if *Piero: Birth of a Villain* was indeed a contender for the Academy Awards. Woo-jin responded with calm affirmation, saying the details would soon be revealed by Columbia Studios. However, he knew that this teaser would be enough to spark an international media storm.
As soon as he exited the spotlight, reporters scrambled to contact their editors, each trying to be the first to break the news. Meanwhile, Hollywood stars murmured amongst themselves, speculating whether Woo-jin’s words were genuine or merely a publicity stunt.
While this media firestorm brewed, at A8 Media, CEO Jennifer Sermon had just finished a phone call. The name "Miley Cara" had come up multiple times during the conversation, drawing her staff around her, all waiting anxiously for confirmation.
“Is it true, Ms. Sermon? Miley Cara? *The* Miley Cara?”
“Yes,” Jennifer said, still in disbelief herself. “Miley Cara wants to meet about *Guest*.”
The excitement among the staff was electric. The very mention of Miley Cara—the Hollywood A-lister—in connection with their film *Guest* was enough to transform what had been a struggling production into a potential blockbuster. Jennifer, still processing, couldn’t help but recall a conversation with Choi Sung-geon, the lead investor from BW Entertainment.
“Let’s hold off on casting announcements for as long as we can.”
Now it made sense. Jennifer suspected Woo-jin was the link between Miley’s sudden interest and BW Entertainment’s involvement. But there was no time to waste pondering. She quickly directed her staff to arrange the meeting with Miley.
Hours later, Columbia’s surprise Oscar ambitions were making headlines worldwide.
*LA Times:* "Woo-jin Kang Declares *Piero: Birth of a Villain* an Oscars Contender—Can Columbia Studios Really Pull It Off?"
*Star Talk:* "*Piero* Takes Aim at the Oscars? Woo-jin Kang’s Bold Move Shocks the Industry"
While Hollywood buzzed with speculation, Woo-jin continued his work on *Beauty and the Beast*. At the set’s lavish ballroom, a hundred dancers in white feathered gowns were rehearsing under elaborate chandeliers. The atmosphere was grand, and Woo-jin, in princely attire, moved through the set with a calm smile, fitting perfectly into the role of the Beast-turned-Prince. He sat at a gleaming golden piano, his fingers flying over the keys, filling the ballroom with rich melodies that matched the elegance of the setting.
From the monitor, Director Bill Roettner watched, visibly thrilled.
“His piano playing never ceases to amaze me,” he remarked, barely containing his excitement.
Just as Woo-jin finished, thunderous sound effects reverberated through the set, signaling the Beast’s impending transformation—a dramatic shift that left the dancers stumbling back in surprise. Woo-jin, now standing in the center of the ballroom, began a haunting vocal solo, embodying the character’s deep emotional turmoil. It was a powerful scene that would become the film’s main soundtrack.
When the director called cut, the dancers exited to prepare for their next scene, which would be the more intense, primal dance that followed the Beast’s appearance.
Bill Roettner approached Woo-jin, holding the shooting script.
“So, I heard *Piero* is going for the Oscars,” he said, chuckling.
Woo-jin nodded, his expression as calm and controlled as ever. “Yes, that’s right, Director.”
“The press is having a field day with it. Are you really aiming for the Academy?”
“We’ll see,” Woo-jin replied simply, the hint of a smile playing at his lips.
Roettner chuckled and gave Woo-jin an approving nod. “Well, if you’re game for it, let’s set our sights on next year’s Oscars for *Beauty and the Beast* too. If things keep going at this pace, we should wrap filming by January.”
As Woo-jin returned to set, the excitement continued to spread across Hollywood.
Later that same morning, headlines about *Piero: Birth of a Villain* flooded news outlets, sparking a wave of speculation.
*LA Times:* "Woo-jin Kang Hints at Oscars Ambitions for *Piero: Birth of a Villain*—Hollywood Skeptical But Intrigued"
The world’s eyes were on Woo-jin and his Hollywood debut, and his bold Oscar declaration only added fuel to the growing fire surrounding his career trajectory.