I Was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor

Chapter 466

Chapter 466: Encroachment (2)

Translator: NovelBin

In reality, Kang Woo-jin arrived at the multiplex theater in downtown LA just 15 minutes before the end of *Piero: Birth of a Villain*'s first screening. Three vans full of the *Piero* team had gathered for the promotional event. Sitting in the front seat, Woo-jin kept a stoic expression, though inside, he was buzzing with excitement.

“Wow—did you see the crowd in front of the theater?! There were so many people and so many cameras. Looked like a news team! Why is a news team even here for a movie release?”

He was taken aback by the massive turnout of spectators and journalists alike, feeling a bit overwhelmed by it all.

“And that huge poster at the entrance! My face was massive on it! And why is everyone taking pictures right in front of it?”

The poster of the "Joker," his own face on full display, had drawn a crowd. The poster was even bigger than he had expected. Although Woo-jin was trying to keep his excitement in check, he couldn’t help but be thrilled inside.

“Bet Dad and Mom took a picture in front of it too.”

He also grumbled a bit, internally noting, “And why am I the only one in full Joker costume?” His hair and makeup were his usual self, but as a one-time event, he was dressed in his character’s costume.

Sitting next to him, Chris Hartnett watched Woo-jin quietly.

"Even with all the attention from the crowd, reporters, and news teams, he hasn’t changed his expression. It’s like the word ‘pressure’ doesn’t exist for him. That’s what makes him interesting."

Chris turned to Woo-jin with a smile. 

“Woo-jin, doesn’t it seem rather… ordinary? Given all the media frenzy and the public reaction?”

Ordinary? If this is ordinary, then what kind of life does a superstar lead? Woo-jin hid his surprise, feigning indifference with a calm nod.

“Yeah, a bit mundane.”

“Haha, but it’s still quite something. I expected reporters, but I didn’t think there would be entire news teams here.”

Chris patted Woo-jin on the shoulder.

“Hollywood’s got its eyes on you, that’s for sure. It’s a bit of a bummer for me, but I’m enjoying the show.”

"Thanks."

In truth, Chris Hartnett felt more than a little jealous.

"Has there ever been a time when something like this happened for me?"

There hadn’t been. Despite his global fame, Chris had never had this level of attention for any of his films. He glanced at Woo-jin with a somewhat bitter smile.

"It's a gap in charisma, a presence that has nothing to do with popularity or fame."

From the back seat, Director Ahn Ga-bok listened to their conversation.

"It's only natural for Chris to feel slighted. Columbia is marketing almost entirely around Kang Woo-jin, and all eyes are on him. For Chris, who’s been a top actor his whole life, this must be new. But there's nothing he can do."

Ahn Ga-bok mused silently, thinking of how Woo-jin had overtaken Chris with his overwhelming "star power." Woo-jin was effortlessly stealing the spotlight, even surpassing the Hollywood veteran. Could Chris have single-handedly sold out every screening of *Piero*?

"It would be tough."

Chris knew he had to accept it and chose to see Woo-jin as a figure to learn from rather than an object of envy.

“There’s a lot to learn, both in terms of acting and in sheer presence.”

As the *Piero* team entered the theater, they made their way to the screening hall just as the movie was ending. The hundreds of audience members, who had just witnessed *Piero* for the first time, quickly focused their attention.

- Swish.

The supporting actors entered first, followed by Director Ahn Ga-bok and Chris. Woo-jin entered last, his heart racing.

“Damn, I’m nervous. My parents are here… and I wonder how the audience took to my Joker.”

Despite his nerves, Woo-jin kept his expression dignified, a reminder of the “Joker” persona he had so carefully crafted. And then—

-Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap!

To his surprise, the entire theater erupted in a standing ovation. Woo-jin paused for a split second, scanning the room.

“What… what is this?! Are they serious?”

He hadn’t anticipated such a warm reception. But as he looked closer, he could see it in their faces, in their eyes—this applause was genuine, an honest tribute to his Joker.

“Whoa—goosebumps.”

It had been a while since he’d felt this kind of thrill. Director Ahn had warned him before he went in, "Most of these viewers came here to criticize you." Columbia’s producers had told him the same thing, and from his own searches, he had seen the mixed reactions. So, he had prepared himself for any outcome, determined to take it in stride.

But reality had flipped his expectations completely.

-Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap!

Every single person in the room was genuinely applauding him. They had all fallen for his Joker, completely immersed in his character. They adored the Joker, and he had won them over. It was proof that skill and talent could change any narrative, no matter the preconceived image.

“Amazing.”

There wasn’t a more spectacular scene. Hundreds of international fans had come together, applauding a Korean actor without reservation. Among them, Woo-jin caught a glimpse of his father, Kang Woo-chul, his mother, Seo Hyun-mi, and his sister, Kang Hyun-ah, all wiping away tears while clapping.

Murmuring to himself, Woo-jin whispered, “Wait a second…”

He had to swallow back the lump in his throat. His heart longed to run to his family and let out his emotions, but he held himself back. The *Piero* team had already lined up, waiting for him to join.

Standing at the front of the line, Director Ahn Ga-bok called out to him.

“Woo-jin.”

Even as the applause continued, Woo-jin took a deep breath, his face composed as he moved toward the director’s side. As soon as he reached his spot, the hundreds of audience members finally took their seats. Director Ahn raised the microphone to his lips, his voice filling the room in English.

“Thank you all for enjoying our film. I am Ahn Ga-bok, director of *Piero: Birth of a Villain*.”

-Flash, flash, flash!

Cameras flashed from the back of the theater, where reporters had gathered. Spotting them, Director Ahn passed the microphone to Woo-jin.

“…”

Woo-jin took a quiet, steady breath, holding back the tremble in his voice. Seeing his family’s faces, along with Hong Hye-yeon, Ryu Jung-min, Director Kwon Ki-taek, and many others, calmed him. Even his CEO, Choi Sung-geon, and his team were there, Choi giving him a thumbs-up, and Han Ye-jung snapping pictures on her phone.

“Can’t look like a fool now.”

With that, Woo-jin raised the microphone, his voice cool and steady.

“Hello, I’m Kang Woo-jin, who played the Joker.”

Applause and cheers erupted again, the cameras flashing wildly. Woo-jin wasn’t finished yet.

“As you can see, today being the first day of the early release, I came in full Joker costume. You might remember this outfit from the Emmys as well.”

Half the audience chuckled, and Woo-jin continued.

“As I said before, ‘watch it or don’t,’ yet here you all are. So, how did you find this ‘terrifying clown’?”

Hundreds of audience members were quick to respond. A foreign man, who had initially planned to criticize Woo-jin, called out from the front row.

“The movie ended with a hint of a sequel! Is there a second part to the Joker’s story?!”

Woo-jin responded with confidence.

“Of course. Columbia Studio’s cinematic universe is just beginning with this film.”

“Then… does that mean you’ll be playing the Joker again?!”

As the audience and reporters leaned forward, Woo-jin smirked, just like the Joker.

“I’ll be back as long as you watch.”

It was a perfect line for the fans.

The entire theater exploded in cheers.

“Joker! It’s the Joker!”

“Yes! I’ll definitely watch it!”

“When?! When’s the next one coming?!”

“Your acting was incredible! I’ll be back for the next movie too!”

And it wasn’t just this theater. The same energy filled all 33 theaters screening *Piero* in LA and New York.

As the theater buzzed with excitement, Director Ahn Ga-bok chuckled quietly to himself.

“They’re already hooked. Without Kang Woo-jin’s Joker, they’re lost. Even the Academy members judging the Oscars will feel the same.”

The global impact was inevitable.

Thirty minutes later.

The *Piero* team wrapped up the meet-and-greet and took photos with the fans before dispersing. Woo-jin and Director Ahn had a chance to reunite with family and colleagues who had flown all the way to LA. They gathered in the now-empty theater.

“Woo-jin!”

“My son!”

“Oppa!”

Meeting his family in front of so many people was unexpectedly emotional.

“…Yes, you’re here.”

“Oh, Woo-jin, the movie was amazing, but when you came out afterward, I couldn’t hold back the tears.”

“Come here, let me hug you.”

“Me too

!”

Woo-jin tried to keep a straight face, aware of everyone around them.

“But Woo-jin, why the serious face? Is something wrong?”

“No, it’s not that.”

“Then, smile, come on. It’s been so long since we’ve seen you.”

To his relief, his sister, Kang Hyun-ah, saved him from the awkwardness.

“Oh, Mom! Dad! Look around! We’re surrounded by Korean and Hollywood stars! Let’s give him some space!”

Nice move, sis. As Woo-jin mentally promised to give her a nice gift, he whispered low.

“Head to the hotel; I’ll come as soon as I’m done here.”

“Oh, sure. We’ll see you there.”

Woo-jin greeted each familiar face from Korea, though there wasn’t much time for chatting.

He had another promotional event coming up.

Just as he was leaving, Hong Hye-yeon pulled him aside, her voice a whisper.

“By the way… are you actually dating Miley Cara?”

Woo-jin looked at her for a moment, then shrugged.

“Who knows?”

Meanwhile, in other theaters across LA and New York, the first screenings of *Piero: Birth of a Villain* were wrapping up. The theaters, packed with viewers, buzzed with excitement.

“Kang Woo-jin’s acting—was he insane?!”

“I can’t even remember how those two hours went by!”

“Columbia finally has another masterpiece!”

“Whatever happens next, Columbia’s cinematic universe is off to an incredible start. Woo-jin’s acting is beyond words.”

Later that afternoon, Woo-jin, riding in the *Piero* team van, checked his phone.

“What’s the media response like?”

His eyes widened as he took in the flood of headlines.

“Whoa! The articles are exploding!”

*Piero*-related articles were flooding the Hollywood press.

“CNM: *Standing Ovation for Kang Woo-jin Following *Piero* Screening / Photos*”

Some articles detailed the meet-and-greet, while others included reviews from journalists who had seen the movie, giving honest impressions.

Of course, they were exactly the kind of reviews Woo-jin wanted to see.

“Guess they’re falling for my acting, huh?”

The best part?

"BBX: Kang Woo-jin’s ‘Watch it or Don’t’ Remark Justified—Viewers Rave Over His Performance in *Piero*!"

The shift in media tone from before and after the screening was staggering.

The next morning, on the 10th, as the second day of *Piero*'s two-week limited release sold out once again, Hollywood's top-rated review sites uploaded their first critic reviews.

One famous critic’s words captured it best:

“*Kang Woo-jin’s Joker is a dangerous mess, but addictively so. As I left the theater, I realized I’d been rooting for the villain. It was a bizarre experience, but I’m satisfied. And Kang Woo-jin’s acting is astonishingly precise. He may brush off the Oscars, but I suspect I’ll continue to love his Joker for years to come.*”

Rating: 10/10.

It was a glowing review.