novelburst
Chapter 462
Chapter 462
Chapter 462: Prologue (5)
Translator: NovelBin
The dazed Hwa-rin sat in a stupor, surrounded by concerned team members as they prepared for the concert rehearsal.
“Hwa-rin! What’s going on? Snap out of it!”
“It’s… a dream. It’s just a dream.”
“What? Why is she acting like this? Dream? What dream?!”
More of the crew rushed over to shake Hwa-rin out of her trance. Soon, other members of her group, Ellani, joined in.
“What’s going on with her? Why is she acting like this?”
“Hwa-rin! Come on, wake up!”
“She just looked at her phone and suddenly…!”
One of the members took Hwa-rin’s phone from her hand. And then…
“What could she have seen to make her—wait, what?!”
The member’s eyes widened as she saw the screen.
“Oh my God! Guys, look at this!”
On the screen was a Korean news article.
"[Breaking News] Kang Woo-jin and Miley Cara in Love…Hollywood Romance Rumors Explode [Photos]"
Immediately, the others crowded around the phone, their reactions a mixture of shock and amazement.
“Whoa! Are they really dating? Is this for real? Or just a rumor?”
“Hold on, let me check other articles!”
“Wow… it’s blowing up everywhere! Not just Korea, even here in Japan!”
“Hollywood is buzzing too!”
“Woo-jin and Miley Cara dating… this is huge. I mean, it’s surprising, but not in a bad way.”
“They do make a good match. And Woo-jin’s basically a world star now.”
“More than just a world star! But are they really dating? There’s no official statement from either side yet.”
“Maybe they’re just trying to get their story straight.”
“Could be a rumor the media just ran with. But if they really are together, they’d be a global power couple.”
The group was a mix of speculation and excitement, and in the midst of it, one of the members noticed that Hwa-rin had slipped away. Looking around, they spotted her sitting on a nearby couch, staring blankly into space.
“Why is she acting like this just because Woo-jin and Miley Cara might be dating?”
Hwa-rin sat on the couch, her gaze fixed on the air in front of her, her soul seemingly lost.
Just then, one of the team members spoke up.
“If they’re really dating, it’s going to be impossible not to think about it when we watch *Beauty and the Beast*.”
Meanwhile, the rumor of Woo-jin’s romance spread rapidly not just among Hwa-rin’s team but across all of Japan. Given the fame of both Kang Woo-jin and Miley Cara, it wasn’t surprising.
“Did you see the news about Woo-jin and Miley Cara dating?”
“Of course! It’s all over the place!”
“Remember how that variety show star, Uramatsu Mihuyu, confessed her crush on Woo-jin? Guess she’s out of the running now.”
As the morning continued, Japanese fans couldn’t stop discussing Woo-jin’s romance rumors.
And in Korea?
"Kang Woo-jin?Miley Cara In Love, Romance Rumor Shakes Hollywood!"
"[Star Photos] Miley Cara Spotted Leaving Kang Woo-jin's LA Home Late at Night [Photos]"
"A ‘World Star’ Couple is Born! Kang Woo-jin and Miley Cara in the Spotlight"
The story was a jackpot, and the entire country was buzzing. The news from Hollywood spread across time zones like wildfire.
"Kang Woo-jin and Miley Cara's Romance Rumor Sparks Buzz Across Hollywood!"
**"[Global Topic] Major Community Forums on Fire: 'Kang Woo-jin and Miley Cara Are Dating?!'"**
Every corner of Korea—both online and offline—was buzzing. It was no surprise; after all, domestic media and fans love a good romance story, and Woo-jin was already seen as a legendary figure with achievements that filled Koreans with pride.
It was his first romance rumor, and a big one at that.
"[Star Talk] ‘Kang Woo-jin’ Dating Global Pop Star Miley Cara? Speculation Rises as Both Stars Stay Silent"
The Korean media and fans were in a frenzy.
"Is Woo-jin really dating Miley Cara? Did I just read that right?!"
"No way... Woo-jin oppa, I’m happy for you, but seeing a romance article feels bittersweet."
"Hollywood-level romance for Woo-jin’s first rumor?! His status is insane."
"Guys, it’s just a rumor so far; neither of them has confirmed it!"
"If this is just a rumor, the foreign press that started it might regret it—the scale is massive."
"I never thought I’d see an article about Miley Cara dating a Korean actor…"
"They’ve worked together a lot though, so if it’s true, they’d make a good couple."
"If it’s real, then we have a global power couple!"
Back in Korea’s entertainment industry, things were just as wild. Phones at Woo-jin’s agency, BW Entertainment, were ringing off the hook, and actors like Hong Hye-yeon and Ryu Jung-min were all but panicking.
“This can’t be true! Why isn’t Sung-geon answering?!”
“Hong Hye-yeon, why are you freaking out?”
Everyone who knew Woo-jin was buzzing with curiosity. And naturally, Woo-jin’s family was also caught up in the excitement—his father, Kang Woo-chul; his mother, Seo Hyun-mi; and his sister, Kang Hyun-ah.
Woo-jin’s father was shocked.
“Our son… in a relationship?”
Seo Hyun-mi, on the other hand, was calm.
“It’s not that surprising. He’s at the right age.”
“So, does this mean we’ll have a Hollywood actress as a daughter-in-law?”
“Oh, come back to reality!”
“Well, I wouldn’t mind a blonde daughter-in-law.”
“Have you lost your mind?”
Woo-jin’s parents, surprisingly, weren’t too shocked—possibly because they weren’t fully aware of Hollywood’s impact. But his sister, Kang Hyun-ah, had been squealing and reading every article she could find.
“Wow! No way! This is huge!”
But Woo-jin’s family had something else to focus on besides the romance rumors. Seo Hyun-mi gave Hyun-ah a light smack on the backside, reminding her.
“Stop fussing and get packed! You were the one making a fuss about leaving in two days!”
“But mom! Oppa’s dating Miley Cara! She’s one of the biggest stars in Hollywood! And he’s not answering his phone!”
“Are you crazy? You’re the fan club president, not someone who should bother him! Now get packed!”
In fact, they were set to fly to LA on the 5th.
“The idea of seeing Woo-jin’s Hollywood film on the actual release date… it’s thrilling.”
They had received tickets to *Piero*, screening at one of the 33 theaters on its early release on the 9th. Woo-jin’s family would soon be on their way to LA.
“Do you think we’ll get to see Woo-jin?”
“Of course, he said he’d make an appearance, so we’ll at least see him briefly.”
“Will the theater be filled with foreigners?”
But they wouldn’t be the only ones from Korea in LA around the 9th.
“Mom, Dad! It won’t just be foreigners there! I heard that Korean actors and industry figures will also attend, since Director Ahn Ga-bok worked on *Piero*!”
A considerable number of people from Korea were planning to attend.
---
February 5, LA, early morning.
With Hollywood abuzz from the massive rumor, articles about Woo-jin and Miley Cara were spreading across the US, with interest only growing. On every platform—social media, YouTube, and online communities—their names were at the center of discussions. Woo-jin and Miley’s SNS and YouTube channels were practically paralyzed by the influx.
Meanwhile, Miley Cara was on the move, boarding a van in a baseball cap to avoid attention. Her buzz-cut manager sighed as he joined her.
“This whole situation is just… unreal.”
Staring out the window, Miley gave a faint smile.
“Jonathan, you’ve been saying that since yesterday.”
“Miley, are you really just going to sit back and let this go on? I really think we should do something.”
“We are doing something. We’re doing nothing.”
“…You do realize the entire world is freaking out, right?”
Her manager sighed again, then asked something that had been on his mind.
“Did you really confess to Kang Woo-jin first?”
“Yep.”
“Seriously?”
“How many times are you going to ask?”
Scratching his head, he replied.
“It’s just hard to imagine Miley Cara confessing to a guy…”
But Miley only smiled, showing him the photo of her and Woo-jin from the article.
“This photo came out pretty nice, don’t you think? I should save it.”
“…Yeah, it’s nice. Sigh…”
Jonathan sighed, sounding almost resigned.
“So how long are you planning to leave things as they are?”
Miley crossed her legs and shrugged.
“Let’s wait a bit and see how Woo-jin responds.”
“He hasn’t said anything either. But if you both keep quiet, it could start affecting your image.”
Miley smirked, a hint of mischief in her expression.
“Well, maybe I’ll just go public and say, ‘I confessed first, but we’re not dating.’”
Her manager’s mouth dropped open in shock.
---
Meanwhile, at Columbia Studios, the *Piero: Birth of a Villain* team held a meeting. Director Ahn Ga-bok was present, along with Columbia executives, including producer Nora Foster. With only four days until the premiere, they discussed the final details.
“When will ticket sales open for the 33 theaters?”
“Today at noon. All showtimes for the 33 theaters will be available. We’ve secured ample slots.”
“And promotional efforts?”
“We doubled our marketing efforts a week ago, focusing on the early release date.”
During the discussion, an executive brought up Woo-jin’s recent rumor with Miley Cara.
“What do we think about this whole Woo-jin and Miley Cara issue?”
“It’s not a problem for us. If anything, it’s a great boost.”
“Exactly. Just look at the press—everyone’s talking about Woo-jin and Miley. The public is even more engaged.”
“For us, it’s a huge advantage. Woo-jin’s name alone drives buzz, and with this kind of massive story right before the premiere, it’s a perfect storm.”
“The more Woo-jin is mentioned, the more *Piero* benefits.”
Suddenly, Director Ahn Ga-bok shifted the topic.
“Has it been confirmed that Woo-jin will play the Joker again in *Bat: Birth of a Hero*?”
An executive smiled, nodding.
“Yes, we received his confirmation yesterday. Once we sign the official contract, Woo-jin will be Joker in *Bat: Birth of a Hero*.”
In other words, Woo-jin’s Joker role would continue after *Piero*. The executive then turned serious, addressing Director Ahn.
“Director, have you considered our previous proposal?”
All eyes turned to Ahn Ga-bok as the executive added, “We’d like you to direct *Bat: Birth of a Hero*.”
After a moment of thought, Ahn Ga-bok nodded, his voice calm but resolved.
“Alright. I’ll direct *Bat: Birth of a Hero*.”
---
Later that afternoon, just past noon, in a large LA photo studio, dozens of staff members busily moved around a photoshoot set. Kang Woo-jin, dressed sharply in a suit, was shooting for a well-known magazine cover.
“Perfect! That’s great!”
The shoot was in full swing, with Woo-jin switching poses and suits like a pro. Half of the staff couldn’t help but gossip about his rumored romance with Miley Cara.
Eventually, Woo-jin was given a break. Returning to his seat, he accepted a water bottle and his phone from a staff member.
Just then…
*Bzzzz, bzzzz.*
His phone buzzed with an incoming call. The name “Chris Hartnett” flashed on the screen. Woo-jin, guessing the nature of the call, inwardly sighed.
‘Is he calling to tease me again?’
When the romance rumor first broke, many people called Woo-jin to congratulate him—Chris included, who hadn’t missed a chance to poke fun at him. Deciding to take the call, Woo-jin answered in a deepened voice.
“I’m busy.”
“Woo-jin, I’m at Columbia Studios. Did you hear?”
“Hear what?”
“*Piero: Birth of a Villain* ticket sales opened at noon today, remember?”
Oh, right. Woo-jin suddenly recalled.
“I know. So?”
Chris replied immediately.
“Every single showtime in all 33 theaters sold out on the first day.”