I Was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor

Chapter 475

Episode 475: The Monster (Part 3)

Before Kang Woojin's name echoed across the world, it was The Clown that was first called during the Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre, starting with the Costume Design Award.

“And the winner for Best Costume Design is... The Clown: Birth of a Villain! Congratulations!”

It was the first award of the night, and the entire The Clown team erupted in applause as the key costume staff member, who had designed the iconic Joker costumes, rose to accept the award. Woojin, despite his usual stoic demeanor, stood up and clapped along with the rest of the team to celebrate her achievement.

At that moment, Kang Woojin’s racing heart began to calm down.

‘Wow—things were chaotic, but now that we’ve won an award, it’s not so bad. I can finally relax a bit.’

Before this, his anxiety had been through the roof—so bad that he had considered running to the bathroom to throw up. But thanks to years of honing his public persona, he managed to maintain his composure. As the costume designer, dressed elegantly for the occasion, took the stage, the industry titans around Woojin began to murmur.

“Haha, The Clown wins the first award of the night.”

“This must be exactly what Columbia was hoping for, right?”

“Of course. With all the buzz surrounding Kang Woojin, they’re raking in even more attention now.”

“Well, I thought the costume award was a safe bet. Those Joker outfits were truly something else.”

They threw occasional glances at Woojin, who continued to clap silently. Many of them were thinking back to his stunning performance in The Clown and his jaw-dropping portrayal of the Joker. While the costumes were impressive, it was Woojin who had truly brought the character to life.

“Kang Woojin’s performance really breathed life into the Joker. He didn’t just wear the costume; he became the character.”

Some had already seen the movie, but most of them still had vivid memories of Woojin’s unforgettable performance at the Emmys.

“The impact was huge.”

The designer, now holding her trophy, stood at the microphone, already overcome with emotion.

“Sniff... I’m so incredibly grateful to be nominated, and winning this award feels like a dream come true. Thank you, everyone. I especially want to thank the The Clown team for making this possible.”

She continued, listing her family and colleagues, until she unexpectedly mentioned Kang Woojin’s name.

“And to Kang Woojin, thank you. I believe I won this award because of how brilliantly you brought the Joker to life. I’m so grateful.”

The hall erupted in applause.

• Clap, clap, clap, clap!

As the camera zoomed in on Woojin, his face remained as impassive as ever, though he was clapping politely.

“…”

Inside, though, Woojin was squirming with embarrassment.

‘What? Why me? I didn’t do anything! Ugh, now everyone’s looking at me again!’

He desperately wished he could be ignored, as the spotlight had been on him from the very beginning of the ceremony when the host mentioned him. The costume designer returned to her seat, where she was warmly congratulated by her colleagues, including a brief hug with Woojin. From the corner of his eye, Woojin missed the subtle twitch of Miley Cara’s expression as she watched them.

Unaware of this, Woojin returned to his seat as the pace of the Academy Awards picked up. After the Costume Design Award came the Art Direction, Cinematography, and other awards primarily focused on technical achievements. During this time, Woojin managed to regain control of his thoughts.

By the mid-point of the ceremony, Woojin had begun to enjoy the event.

‘Holy crap! Look at that guy’s size! He makes Kim Dae-young look like a baby.’

Even though he was nominated for Best Actor, Woojin wasn’t thinking much about it. He was just keeping his poker face on and observing the ceremony like any other spectator. The reason was simple.

He wasn’t expecting to win.

Sure, he wanted to win deep down, but the veteran Hollywood actors he was up against were simply titans in their own right. He hadn’t had the time to see their performances, but—

‘If Hollywood is calling them “great actors,” they must be amazing.’

He guessed they were at least several levels above Korea’s own greats.

Soon enough, the technical awards wrapped up, and the next category was announced.

“Best Supporting Actress!”

As the Supporting Actor and Actress awards were announced, the The Clown team—Director Anga Bok, Chris Hartnett, the costume team—wore grins that stretched from ear to ear. They had already achieved their goal by winning one award. Even if they didn’t win any more, the buzz around the film was undeniable.

Eventually, the supporting actor and actress awards were handed out, leaving the stage momentarily empty. By now, the Dolby Theatre was buzzing with anticipation. It was at this moment that two more actors appeared on stage to present the next award, and Woojin felt his gut instinct kick in.

‘Is it already time for Best Actor? So soon? Ugh, whatever. I’ll just sit here and keep my face neutral.’

As if confirming his suspicion, Chris Hartnett leaned in and whispered.

“Woojin, it’s your turn.”

No, pretty boy, don’t raise my expectations! Woojin kept his cool, responding in the calmest voice he could muster.

“Looks like it.”

“Nervous?”

“Not really.”

“Is that confidence or resignation?”

“…”

Woojin opted for silence. His heart was already racing again, and he didn’t trust his voice to stay steady. Chris, however, saw this in a different light.

‘…Those steady eyes. Haha, I shouldn’t have asked. A guy this full of confidence wouldn’t be shaken by something like this.’

On stage, the actors presenting the award built up the suspense.

• [“Alright, enough talking. It’s time to make the announcement.”]

The moment had come. On the large monitors behind the stage, the five nominees for Best Actor appeared. At the far end of the row was Kang Woojin. The other nominees, all veteran actors with decades of experience, exuded an aura of gravitas, something even Woojin could feel.

‘Damn, their presence is insane. They’re like gods.’

The white hair and deep wrinkles of these actors were testament to the years of experience and mastery of their craft. These were the faces of legends who had reached the pinnacle of their profession with decades of dedication. For Woojin, this was a wake-up call.

‘Well, it’s good enough to be nominated alongside them. The competition is just too tough.’

In fact, Woojin was the only nominee in his twenties. He felt outclassed in terms of both experience and presence, but this was just his perspective. The thousands of attendees in the hall and millions of viewers around the world had similar thoughts. The live chats of the global audience were filled with similar sentiments.

Miley Cara, on the other hand, had a completely different mindset, thanks to her relationship with Woojin.

‘Beat those old men! It wouldn’t be a surprise; Woojin’s performance was just better!’

Regardless of the thoughts swirling around, Woojin himself was at peace.

“…”

If anything, he was prepared to gracefully clap for whoever won.

Then it happened.

“And the 95th Academy Award for Best Actor goes to… The Clown: Birth of a Villain! Congratulations to Kang Woojin!”

Woojin’s name was called.

• ??

The entire Dolby Theatre exploded with applause as majestic classical music filled the hall. The thousands of industry titans in the audience were momentarily stunned.

“…What? Kang Woojin?”

“Wow, Kang Woojin actually won.”

“Haha, amazing. History is being made at the Academy tonight.”

“Wow, to think he beat those veteran legends. Kang Woojin really did it.”

“Let’s give him a standing ovation. This is the moment Hollywood starts to change, thanks to Kang Woojin.”

“He’s forged a new legend.”

One by one, the titans of Hollywood rose to their feet, clapping vigorously.

• Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap!

Miley Cara, smiling brighter than anyone, was clapping with all her might. The other Best Actor nominees, veteran actors themselves, were also standing and applauding. Every camera, every eye in the room, was now focused on one person.

• Clap, clap, clap, clap!

It was Kang Woojin, still seated.

His colleagues—Director Anga Bok, Chris Hartnett, and the entire The Clown team—were hugging him, congratulating him with powerful claps on the back. They were all shouting with joy, but Woojin, the man of the hour, remained expressionless.

‘…Huh?’

He couldn’t believe it.

‘Wh-what?’

He was so shocked that he almost let out a siren-like scream. Wait, what just happened? Me? Did they really just call my name? Woojin’s brain momentarily shut down, and his ears rang before the world gradually returned to focus. The cheers, shouts, and applause were now crashing into his senses.

“$)@&@%*(@@**@!!!!”

“@$@@@&*$$@$)_$!!!”

People were yelling all around him, but he couldn’t make out a single word. Slowly, Woojin’s brain began to reboot. The massive monitor on stage was showing his face, larger than life.

Oh. It really is me.

Finally snapping out of his daze, Woojin stood up. Though he had no idea how, his body automatically slipped into the poised demeanor he had perfected over the last four years. It wasn’t intentional—it was instinctual.

At this point.

• Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap!

• Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap!

The entire hall was still roaring with applause. Kang Woojin, now standing, absorbed the intense energy of thousands of Hollywood elites clapping for him. The sheer power of the moment flooded his mind as he slowly turned to take it all in.

To his right, to his left, every person in the room was standing and applauding him. It sent chills down Woojin’s spine.

How could he even begin to describe the electricity coursing through him? It felt like a current of energy was sparking across his skin.

‘Wow—this… this is insane.’

At the same time, people around the world watching the live broadcast were going wild in the chat. Reactions were flying in by the second, and though Woojin couldn’t hear it, his family in Korea was screaming at the top of their lungs.

“Kyaaaaaaa!!! Dad!!! Mom!!! My brother won!!!”

“Yes!!! My son did it!!! He did it!”

“Oh my God, my son! I’m so proud of you! You did it!”

Woojin’s childhood friends, every celebrity who knew him, and his fans were all screaming his name. Even in Japan and other parts of the world, Woojin’s supporters were probably doing the same.

After acknowledging his team’s congratulations, Woojin began walking toward the stage.

• Swoosh.

His face was still unreadable, but his steps toward the stage were full of purpose. With each stride, the standing ovation continued, and the tuxedo-clad Kang Woojin’s expression grew more resolute. Inside, however, he was internally panicking.

‘Wait! Wait, wait, wait! What do I say? What the hell do I say in my speech? Oh crap, I haven’t thought of a single word! Do I just say “thank you” and get off? No, you idiot, this is the freaking Academy Awards!!!’

His inner turmoil was in stark contrast to the calm, imposing figure he cut as he approached the stage.

Finally—

• Thud.

Without finding any answers to his speech dilemma, Kang Woojin stepped onto the dream stage. The very stage every actor in the world dreams of standing on. Looking out from the stage, the view was entirely different from what he’d seen from the audience. The lights were so hot, practically searing. Whoa—what is this? For a moment, all thoughts of his acceptance speech evaporated.

Meanwhile—

“Congratulations, Woojin.”

“Well deserved. The Clown was incredible.”

The actors who had called his name extended their hands for a handshake. Then they handed him the coveted Best Actor trophy, the one modeled after the iconic Academy Award statuette.

Holding the trophy in his hand, Woojin’s first thought was simple.

‘It’s heavy.’

That weight represented not just the trophy itself but the prestige and significance of the award. It was a symbol of all the effort that had gone into getting him here.

‘They didn’t just hand this to me.’

It was proof that Kang Woojin had earned this. Silent for a moment, Woojin gazed down at the trophy in his hand.

“…”

By now, the applause had died down. The entire hall was silent, waiting to hear what Kang Woojin would say. But he didn’t move immediately.

Was he still thinking about his acceptance speech?

No.

He simply wanted to take in the moment, to savor it for just a little longer.

In fact, Woojin had already made his decision about the speech when the trophy was placed in his hand. There had never been anything to debate. Perhaps it had been decided from the moment he’d entered his strange time-space.

• Swoosh.

Exhaling softly, Kang Woojin, the 95th Academy Award winner for Best Actor, stepped up to the microphone. The lights above shone down on him, and thousands of powerful figures in the audience focused their attention on him. With his poker face intact, Woojin lightly scanned the vast sea of people before him.

Then, suddenly, his stern expression relaxed, and a smile tugged at the corners of his lips. His face shifted in an instant.

“Wow, I actually won. Honestly, I didn’t see this coming.”

His tone, his accent, the atmosphere of his voice—everything was different from the usual cool and aloof Kang Woojin. The reason was simple.

“To be honest, I’m still not sure if this is real. Is this trophy really mine?”

This was not the made-up or fake Kang Woojin that I had always known, but the real, pure Kang Woojin.

“If not, please tell me now.”

Before the entire world, Kang Woojin shed his usual mask.