I Was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor

Chapter 477

Episode 477: The Monster (Part 5)

Kang Woojin, the star of the 95th Academy Awards, had just been named Best Actor. The outcome was unexpected, a surprise to both the film industry and the global audience, marking a shocking reversal of tradition in the Academy’s long history.

The competition had been fierce, with Hollywood’s most legendary actors in the running, but Kang Woojin's win had shattered the Academy’s decades-old precedents. As the first Asian actor in 95 years to take home the award, it was nothing short of a historic moment. Hollywood, and indeed the world, was buzzing with excitement.

Just ten minutes after Kang Woojin held his Best Actor trophy high, the media frenzy erupted.

?CNM: Joker Appears on the Academy Stage! Kang Woojin Ends His Best Actor Speech as Joker! / Photos?

?LA Times: Kang Woojin Shocks Audience and World with his Speech—Was it Kang Woojin or the Joker Accepting the Award??

The flood of articles gushed over Woojin's performance, marveling at how he had delivered a seemingly casual, carefree speech, devoid of any nerves or hesitation, yet leaving the world in awe. Despite the widespread misconceptions about his speech, no one could decipher the true meaning behind it.

Kang Woojin’s audacity, poise, and monstrous talent were celebrated. The headlines reflected an overwhelming reverence for his demeanor, confidence, and his unpredictable, unapologetic nature.

?BBX: World Shocked and Moved! Kang Woojin Shows Actor’s True Dedication, Even During His Acceptance Speech / Photos?

Kang Woojin had not only broken records but also transformed the Academy Awards into his playground, leaving a mark with his brazen personality, his thirst for acting, and his relentless pursuit of excellence. Hollywood was ablaze with admiration.

?ABY: The Only Word to Describe Him is “Monster”—Kang Woojin’s Best Actor Win Feels Like Destiny?

The world’s fascination with Woojin grew, and fans everywhere clamored to celebrate him.

• Kang Woojin is insane! He delivered his acceptance speech in character as the Joker!
• Joker! Joker!! I’ve seen The Clown, but I’ll definitely watch it again once it’s officially released!!
• Did he really deliver his speech as the Joker? If so, he’s a true madman.
• Some may hate him, but I think Kang Woojin is a real actor.
• That speech will go down in history.
• This is true star power—defying expectations while continuously creating buzz.
• Sure, he’s arrogant, but he has every reason to be. I like that he’s not just playing it safe.
• Kang Woojin! Congratulations on your Oscar win!!!

While the global response was wild, it was nothing compared to the reaction in Korea. For them, this was more than just a win—it was national pride on full display.

?Breaking News: Kang Woojin Raises Academy Award for Best Actor—Delivered Acceptance Speech as “Joker”?

The entire country was in a frenzy. It was a monumental moment for Korea, treating Woojin as a national hero. The headlines in Japan, China, Vietnam, and other Asian countries also praised his historic achievement.

?Japan, China, Vietnam: Kang Woojin’s Academy Win Makes Headlines Across Asia / Photos?

Meanwhile, in Hollywood, the studios behind The Clown—Columbia Pictures, Walt Disney Pictures, Universal Studios—were celebrating alongside the team at A8 Media.

“Kang Woojin!! He won!!”

“Incredible! Absolutely insane! We never expected him to actually win Best Actor!”

“What a monster! There’s no other way to describe him!”

“His acceptance speech as Joker? It gave me chills!”

“It’s strange, but brilliant!! Only Kang Woojin could pull something like that off! He’s an amazing actor!!”

The world was going wild, but this was just the beginning.

Back at the Dolby Theatre

The excitement from Woojin’s Academy Award win had finally started to calm down, and the ceremony continued.

“What an incredible acceptance speech from Kang Woojin! Congratulations again! Now, let’s shift gears to our next award—the Best Actress category!”

On stage, the next presenters were ready, while Kang Woojin, still seated, had resumed his usual calm demeanor. He had already come to terms with the misunderstanding.

‘Yeah, it’s not like all the misunderstandings and misconceptions that have built up over the years would disappear overnight.’

He looked down at the golden Best Actor trophy resting on his lap, still glowing.

‘But damn, I really didn’t expect this one.’

With a resigned sigh, Woojin concluded:

‘Screw it. From now on, I’ll just roll with the punches and live with the misunderstandings.’

What did it matter? Whether it was the “real” him or the persona, both were still Kang Woojin.

‘Either way, it’s still me, right? Who cares.’

While his family and close friends knew the real him, there was one more person he wanted to share the truth with. Woojin’s gaze shifted towards a certain someone.

‘My girlfriend.’

It was Miley Cara. Though she wasn’t looking at him, her eyes focused on the stage, Woojin made a silent promise to himself.

‘After this ceremony, I’ll tell her the truth. That it wasn’t the Joker giving that speech—it was really me. I wonder how she’ll react.’

At that moment, the Best Actress award was announced, and the actress in a beige-toned dress walked up to the stage with a broad smile. Woojin clapped along with the rest of the audience, though his mind was elsewhere—thinking about the future.

He had just won the Academy Award for Best Actor. What lay ahead for him now? Frankly, Woojin couldn’t predict what the future would hold. Everything was new and unexplored territory for him. Sensing his contemplation, Chris Hartnett leaned over and whispered to him.

“You never get tired of looking at that Oscar trophy, do you?”

“Yeah, no kidding,” Woojin replied with a faint smile.

Chris chuckled. “When I won my first, I felt the same way. Woojin, you’re already a global star, but now, with the Academy’s seal of approval, you’re officially a monster actor—a true superstar.”

Though Woojin kept quiet, he appreciated the compliment.

Chris grinned. “It’s going to get even crazier from here. Hollywood and the world will be chasing after you now.”

Chris wasn’t wrong. From that night onward, Woojin would be inundated with invitations—from TV shows, interviews, YouTube channels, parties, and events. Not just in Hollywood, but all over the world. The future Woojin was glimpsing would be full of awe-struck crowds and overwhelming praise. Sensing that Woojin was deep in thought, Chris added:

“The funny thing is, Woojin, this is just the beginning. You still have so many films to release.”

Chris was right. From the soon-to-be-released The Clown: Birth of a Villain—which had now won two Academy Awards—to The Beauty and the Beast and John Persona, not to mention the films scheduled for next year and the year after that, Kang Woojin’s potential was boundless.

As the Academy Awards ceremony reached its climax, the announcement for Best Director was up next. On the giant monitors displaying the nominees was the face of Anga Bok, the only Korean director among them.

It was finally time for the Best Director award.

Woojin glanced over at Anga Bok, seated beside him. The director’s face was stoic, though his expression carried a weight of anticipation. Even for someone as seasoned as Anga Bok, this moment carried immense pressure. If he won, The Clown would be taking home its third award.

And that third award came swiftly.

“The 95th Academy Award for Best Director goes to... Anga Bok for The Clown: Birth of a Villain!!”

The hall erupted into applause once again, as Anga Bok stood up to accept his Best Director award.

• Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap!

Woojin and the rest of the The Clown team stood up, giving their heartfelt congratulations to Anga Bok, who was now smiling faintly. Before heading to the stage, Anga Bok turned to Woojin and extended his hand for a handshake.

“Thank you. Meeting you was the greatest fortune of my life.”

Woojin, taken aback by the director’s heartfelt words, embraced him in a rough but sincere hug.

“Congratulations, Director. It’s been an honor working with you.”

“Haha, at this age, I’m not supposed to be tearing up.”

The cameras captured this touching moment between the Korean actor and director, a historic image that would be remembered for years to come.

In his acceptance speech, Anga Bok expressed his heartfelt gratitude, his voice shaking with emotion as he spoke in English.

“I don’t have the wit or showmanship of Kang Woojin’s brilliant Joker speech, but I will do my best to express my gratitude. It has been a long journey to reach this stage. The Academy Awards is a dream for every director, and after decades, I have finally made it. I would like to thank Kang Woojin for his dedication, and to Columbia Studios for giving me this opportunity...”

At the end, in Korean, Anga Bok expressed his thanks to the people of Korea who had supported his films throughout his career.

“To all the fans in Korea who have watched my films over the years, I dedicate this award to you. Thank you.”

Once again, the Dolby Theatre erupted into applause.

• Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap!

From all around, audience members were murmuring in awe.

“Costume Design, Best Actor, and now Best Director. The Clown has won three awards.”

“What an incredible film.”

“And it’s not even officially released yet! Plus, there’s still the Best Picture award left.”

By now, the audience had high expectations, and they weren’t disappointed.

• Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap!

The night’s biggest prize, Best Picture, was awarded to The Clown: Birth of a Villain, rounding out a stunning four-award sweep at the Oscars.

Woojin, along with the entire cast and crew, took to the stage to accept the award. Some cried, some jumped in excitement. As he received the final trophy, Anga Bok and Chris Hartnett gestured for Woojin to take the lead in delivering the speech.

“…”

Still maintaining his stoic expression, Woojin approached the microphone once more, holding two Oscars in his hands.

“Thank you for the Best Picture award. This is the result of everyone on the The Clown team, both those on stage and those not here.”

His cool, collected demeanor once again left the Hollywood elite in awe.

“Wow, how different he is from that Joker speech earlier. The Joker must’ve gone home.”

With The Clown: Birth of a Villain winning four awards, Kang Woojin and his team had swept the Academy Awards.