Sebenarnya, Kang Woojin tiba di bioskop multipleks yang terletak di pusat kota Los Angeles tepat 15 menit sebelum pemutaran perdana 'Pierrot: The Birth of a Villain' berakhir. Ada tiga van secara keseluruhan, masing-masing membawa tim 'Pierrot' yang berkumpul untuk jadwal promosi. Woojin duduk di paling depan.
“……”
Meskipun ia memasang wajah tanpa ekspresi yang tebal, jauh di lubuk hatinya ia merasa sangat gugup.
‘Wah—bukankah jumlah orang di depan bioskop itu gila-gilaan??! Dan kamera ada di mana-mana. Kelihatan persis seperti kru berita. Maksudku, untuk apa kru berita muncul hanya karena sebuah film sedang tayang perdana??’
Ia terkejut bukan hanya oleh jumlah penonton yang membludak di pintu masuk bioskop, tetapi juga oleh kehadiran para wartawan dan tim siaran berita. Rasanya agak memalukan juga.
‘Dan papan reklame raksasa di pintu masuk itu! Wajahku terlalu besar di sana??! Dan kenapa semua orang berpose di depan benda itu!’
Karena 'Joker', versi yang diperankan oleh Kang Woojin, terpampang di seluruh papan reklame raksasa dengan kerumunan besar berkumpul di sekitarnya. Dan papan reklame itu jauh lebih besar dari yang ia duga. Meskipun di dalam hatinya merasa sangat bersemangat, Kang Woojin tetap mempertahankan persona karakternya, pantas untuk acara megah seperti itu.
‘Fiuh, sungguh. Ibu dan Ayah pasti berfoto di depan papan reklame itu.’
Pada saat yang sama, ia menambahkan gerutuan kecil seperti, ‘Ada apa dengan pakaian ini!’ Karena dialah satu-satunya yang mengenakan kostum 'Joker'. Rambut dan riasannya dibuat alami seperti biasanya, tetapi ia mengenakan pakaian yang berbeda hari itu khusus untuk acara tersebut.
Sambil mengamati Woojin dengan tenang dari kursi tepat di sebelah kanannya, ada Chris Hartnett.
‘Seperti yang diduga, di tengah banjir penonton, wartawan, dan bahkan kru berita, ekspresinya tidak berubah sama sekali. Rasanya kata “tekanan” bahkan tidak ada dalam kamus pria ini. Yah, justru itulah yang membuatnya menarik.’
Segera setelah itu, Chris Hartnett berbicara kepadanya.
“Woojin, ini tergolong biasa saja, bukan? Dibandingkan dengan segala kehebohan dari media dan opini publik?”
Apa yang kau bicarakan, bagaimana ini bisa disebut biasa saja? Jika ini dianggap biasa, lalu kehidupan seperti apa yang dijalani oleh pria tampan ini? Meskipun merasa bingung di dalam hati, Kang Woojin, yang mengenakan akting tangguhnya yang biasa, hanya mengangguk acuh tak acuh.
“Ya. Ini sedikit membosankan.”
“Hahaha, tetap saja, ini luar biasa. Aku menduga akan ada wartawan, tetapi aku tidak menyangka bahkan kru berita pun akan muncul.”
Chris menepuk bahu Woojin.
“Itu berarti pandangan Hollywood sepenuhnya tertuju padamu. Kalau aku, aku merasa sedikit tersisih, tetapi aku tetap menikmati tontonan ini.”
“Begitu ya.”
Namun, itu bukanlah kenyataan sebenarnya. Chris Hartnett saat ini merasa cukup cemburu.
'Pernahkah aku mengalami hal seperti ini?'
Tidak, ia belum pernah. Meskipun Chris adalah aktor berperingkat teratas secara global dengan tingkat pengenalan yang sangat tinggi, belum pernah situasi seperti itu terjadi untuk proyek apa pun yang pernah dipimpinnya. Chris kemudian mengalihkan pandangannya ke arah Kang Woojin dengan senyum tipis yang terasa pahit.
‘Ini pasti bukan kesenjangan dalam popularitas atau pengenalan, melainkan dalam dampak murni dari orang itu sendiri.’
Sambil mendengarkan percakapan antara keduanya secara diam-diam dari kursi belakang, ada Sutradara Ahn Ga-bok.
‘Tidak aneh jika Chris merasa tersisih. Columbia terang-terangan memusatkan pemasaran promosi mereka pada Kang Woojin, dan baik perhatian media maupun publik menyorotinya. Bagi Chris, yang selalu mendapatkan perlakuan bintang top, situasi seperti ini sepertinya adalah yang pertama dalam hidupnya. Tapi mau bagaimana lagi.’
Ia kemudian memberikan jawaban, dalam hatinya, terhadap rasa kesenjangan yang dirasakan oleh Chris.
‘Ini adalah perbedaan dalam kualitas bintang. Saat ini, Kang Woojin telah sepenuhnya melahap Hollywood dengan kekuatan bintangnya yang luar biasa.’
Kang Woojin telah dengan mudah melampaui Chris Hartnett, yang telah lama bertakhta sebagai aktor top di Hollywood. Setidaknya, begitulah kelihatannya pada saat ini. Sebagai contoh, dapatkah Chris menjual habis semua pemutaran pratinjau 'Pierrot' hanya dengan pengaruhnya saja?
‘Itu akan sulit.’
Jadi Chris, bahkan jika ia merasakan kecemburuan, tidak punya pilihan selain menerimanya. Daripada merespons dengan iri kepada Woojin, ia membiarkan sedikit tekad kuat muncul di dalam dirinya.
'Aku harus belajar apa yang kubisa, baik dalam hal akting maupun dampak sebagai manusia.'
Tak lama kemudian, tim 'Pierrot' memasuki bioskop, tepat saat film tersebut hendak berakhir. Ratusan penonton yang menjadi orang pertama di dunia yang menyaksikan 'Pierrot' semuanya mengalihkan pandangan.
-Syuu.
Perhatian mereka langsung terpusat. Setelah para pemeran pendukung masuk, disusul oleh Sutradara Ahn Ga-bok dan Chris, dan di bagian paling akhir.
‘Ugh—sial, aku gugup. Ibu dan ayah mungkin juga ada di sana. Dan... bagaimana para penonton menerima Joker-ku?’
Entah mengapa, jantung Kang Woojin berdegup kencang saat ia memasuki ruang pemutaran. Ia bisa mengabaikan pakaiannya, tetapi ekspresi seperti apa yang harus ia tunjukkan? Ya, seperti biasa, tidak ada yang bisa mengalahkan mempertahankan karakter. Woojin memasang wajah paling serius yang bisa ia tampilkan.
Pada saat itu.
-Prokk prokk prokk prokk prokk!
Ia tiba-tiba disambut dengan tepuk tangan meriah dari ratusan penonton asing. Sesaat tertegun tanpa membiarkannya terlihat, Kang Woojin memindai lautan penonton yang luas.
‘A-apa??! Apakah ini lelucon?’
Sejujurnya, ini adalah situasi yang bahkan tidak pernah ia bayangkan. Namun tak lama kemudian, Kang Woojin menyadari bahwa tepuk tangan meriah itu tulus. Ekspresi dan mata para penonton benar-benar menyuarakan sambutan hangat dari lubuk hati mereka untuk 'Joker'.
‘Wah—merinding.’
Itu adalah rasa merinding yang sudah lama tidak ia rasakan. Sutradara Ahn Ga-bok benar-benar telah memberitahunya sebelum masuk: “Banyak penonton mungkin datang untuk mengkritikmu”. Columbia Studios dan produser Nora juga mengatakan hal yang sama. Bahkan reaksi publik yang dicari oleh Woojin sendiri mengarah ke arah itu. Jadi Woojin telah menyiapkan mentalnya. Insiden apa pun yang mungkin terjadi, ia akan menghadapinya dengan tenang, dengan sikap ‘masa bodoh dengan jalanku sendiri’.
Namun kenyataannya justru sebaliknya.
-Prokk prokk prokk prokk prokk prokk prokk!
Lupakan kritik, setiap orang dari ratusan penonton itu dengan tulus memuji Kang Woojin. Mereka semua telah terpikat oleh 'Joker'-nya, benar-benar dikuasai oleh karakter tersebut. Mereka telah memasuki tahap mencintai karakter itu. Ini adalah bukti bahwa tidak peduli seberapa banyak kecaman yang diterima seseorang karena suatu citra, jika ada keterampilan dan kemampuan, situasi apa pun bisa dibalikkan.
‘Wah—ini gila.’
Tidak ada tontonan yang lebih megah. Ratusan orang asing, yang datang dengan berbagai alasan, memberikan pujian tanpa syarat kepada seorang aktor Korea di panggung utama. Dan di antara mereka, Kang Woo-chul, Seo Hyun-mi, dan Kang Hyun-ah tampak bertepuk tangan dengan mata berkaca-kaca, terlihat jelas oleh Woojin.
Tanpa sadar, Kang Woojin bergumam pada dirinya sendiri.
'……Ah, sebentar.'
Ia harus berjuang keras untuk menekan emosi yang membuncah. Sebagian dari dirinya ingin berlari menghampiri keluarganya dan menangis tersedu-sedu, tetapi ia tidak bisa melakukannya. Tim 'Pierrot', yang kini berbaris dalam formasi, sedang menunggunya.
Sutradara Ahn Ga-bok, yang berdiri di barisan paling depan, memanggilnya.
“Woojin-ssi.”
Bahkan pada saat ini, tepuk tangan meriah dari para penonton terus berlanjut, dan Kang Woojin, memaksa dirinya untuk mendongkrak kehadiran karakternya secara maksimal, mulai bergerak perlahan. Ia mengambil tempatnya di sebelah Sutradara Ahn Ga-bok. Begitu Woojin menemukan tempatnya, ratusan penonton berhenti bertepuk tangan dan perlahan kembali duduk. Kemudian, Sutradara Ahn Ga-bok mendekatkan mikrofon genggam, yang diserahkan kepadanya oleh staf, ke mulutnya.
Suara tua yang berbicara dalam bahasa Inggris bergema di seluruh ruang pemutaran.
“Terima kasih semuanya karena telah menikmati film kami. Saya Ahn Ga-bok, sutradara dari 'Pierrot: The Birth of a Villain'.”
-Pababababak!
Kilatan kamera meledak ke arah Sutradara Ahn Ga-bok saat ia menyelesaikan salamnya. Para wartawan yang telah diundang berkumpul di bagian paling belakang ruang pemutaran. Setelah menyadari kehadiran para wartawan, Sutradara Ahn Ga-bok.
-Syuu.
Menyerahkan mikrofon kepada Kang Woojin.
“……”
Woojin menarik napas dengan tenang, sangat tenang. Ia merasa suaranya akan bergetar jika ia langsung berbicara. Namun ia segera menjadi tenang. Ia dapat melihat wajah keluarganya, beserta Hong Hye-yeon, Ryu Jung-min, Sutradara Kwon Ki-taek, Sim Han-ho dan tim 'Leech', serta staf bw Entertainment. Menuju ke belakang, Choi Sung-gun dan timnya juga telah mengambil tempat duduk. Choi Sung-gun mengacungkan jempol kepadanya, dan Han Ye-jung sibuk merekam Woojin dengan ponselnya.
‘...Aku tidak boleh mempermalukan diriku sendiri.’
Kang Woojin yang sebenarnya mengambil mikrofon genggam tersebut. Suara yang rendah dan dingin menyebar ke seluruh ruangan.
“Halo, saya Kang Woojin, pemeran 'Joker'.”
Sekali lagi, tepuk tangan dan sorak-sorai meletus, dan para wartawan melepaskan badai kilatan kamera. Namun tindakan Kang Woojin tidak berhenti sampai di situ.
“Seperti yang kalian lihat, karena ini adalah hari pertama pratinjau, saya datang dengan mengenakan kostum 'Joker'. Kalian mungkin ingat, saya juga mengenakan ini di 'Emmy Awards'.”
Separuh penonton terkekeh mendengar ucapan itu, dan Woojin melanjutkan.
“Saya pernah berkata, ‘Tonton atau tidak’, tetapi banyak dari kalian yang datang. Bagaimana pendapat kalian tentang ‘badut’ yang kalian saksikan?”
Ia melemparkan pertanyaan itu kepada ratusan penonton. Balasannya langsung datang. Itu adalah seorang pria asing yang duduk di barisan depan, yang awalnya datang dengan niat untuk mengkritik Woojin sebelum pemutaran dimulai.
“Filmnya terlihat berakhir dengan memberi petunjuk akan ada sekuel! Apakah akan ada cerita 'Joker' kedua??!”
Kang Woojin menjawab dengan tenang.
“Tentu saja. ‘Cinematic Universe’ dari ‘Columbia Studios’ dimulai dari film ini.”
“K-kalau begitu! Apakah Anda akan kembali sebagai 'Joker' di film berikutnya juga?!”
Semua mata, baik dari ratusan penonton maupun para wartawan, kembali tertuju pada Woojin setelah pertanyaan susulan itu dilontarkan. Kang Woojin tiba-tiba tersenyum menyeringai. Itu adalah senyuman, persis seperti 'Joker'.
“Saya akan kembali lain kali juga, tonton atau tidak, itu terserah kalian.”
Ia berhasil memberikan layanan penggemar yang memuaskan.
Seluruh penonton mulai berteriak.
“'Joker'! Itu 'Joker'!!”
In fact, Kang Woojin arrived at the multiplex cinema located in the center of Downtown LA just 15 minutes before the first screening of 'Pierrot: The Birth of a Villain' ended. There were three vans in total, each carrying the 'Pierrot' team gathered for the promotional schedule. Woojin, seated at the very front.
“......”
Though he wore a thick poker face, inwardly he was wildly flustered.
‘Wow- weren’t there a crazy number of people in front of the cinema??! And cameras were everywhere. Looked exactly like news crews. I mean, why would news teams show up just because a movie is premiering??’
He had been surprised by not just the overwhelming number of audience members crowded at the entrance of the cinema, but also by the presence of reporters and news broadcast teams. It was a little embarrassing too.
‘And that giant billboard at the entrance! My face was way too big on it??! And why is everyone taking photos in front of that thing!’
Because 'Joker', the version portrayed by Kang Woojin, was plastered across the enormous billboard, with a massive crowd gathered around it. And the billboard was much more absurdly large than expected. Though inwardly quite excited, Kang Woojin kept up his concept persona, as befitted such a grand event.
‘Phew, seriously. Mom and Dad definitely took photos in front of that billboard.’
At the same time, he added a small grumble like, ‘What is up with this outfit!’ Because he was the only one wearing the 'Joker' costume. Hair and makeup were kept natural to his usual self, but he wore a different outfit today just for the event.
Watching such Woojin quietly from the seat immediately to the right was Chris Hartnett.
‘As expected, despite the flood of audience members, reporters, and even news crews, not a single expression change. Feels like the word "pressure" doesn’t even exist in this guy’s vocabulary. Well, that’s what makes him interesting though.’
Soon, Chris Hartnett spoke to him.
"Woojin, it's rather ordinary, isn't it? Compared to all the fuss from the media and public opinion?"
What are you talking about, how is this ordinary? If this is considered ordinary, then what kind of life does this handsome guy live? Though baffled inwardly, Kang Woojin, clad in his usual tough-guy act, simply nodded indifferently.
“Yeah. It’s a little boring.”
“Hahaha, still, it’s quite something. I expected the reporters, but I didn’t think even news crews would show up.”
Chris patted Woojin’s shoulder.
“That just means Hollywood’s eyes are all on you. As for me, I feel a little left out, but I’m still enjoying the spectacle.”
“I see.”
But that wasn’t the truth. Chris Hartnett was currently feeling quite a bit of jealousy.
'Have I ever experienced anything like this?'
No, he hadn’t. Though Chris was a globally top-ranked actor with sky-high recognition, never before had such a situation occurred for any project he had led. Chris then turned his gaze toward Kang Woojin with a faintly bitter smile.
‘This must be a gap not of popularity or recognition, but in the sheer impact of the person himself.’
Listening quietly from the back seat to the conversation between the two was Director Ahn Ga-bok.
‘It’s not strange that Chris feels left out. Columbia outright focused their promotional marketing on Kang Woojin, and both the media and public attention are spotlighting him. For Chris, who has always received top star treatment, this kind of situation is likely a first in his life. But what can you do.’
He then gave an answer, internally, to the sense of gap Chris was feeling.
‘It’s a difference in star quality. Right now, Kang Woojin has completely engulfed Hollywood with his destructive star power.’
Kang Woojin had effortlessly surpassed Chris Hartnett, who had long reigned as a top actor in Hollywood. At least, that’s how it appeared at this moment. For example, could Chris have sold out all preview screenings of 'Pierrot' with his influence alone?
‘That would’ve been tough.’
So Chris, even if he felt jealousy, had no choice but to accept it. Rather than envy Woojin, he let a bit of fierce determination rise within him.
'I need to learn what I can, both in terms of acting and the impact as a human being.'
Soon, the 'Pierrot' team entered the cinema, just as the movie was about to end. The hundreds of audience members who were the first in the world to watch 'Pierrot' all turned their eyes.
-Swoosh.
Their attention focused instantly. After the supporting cast entered, followed by Director Ahn Ga-bok and Chris, and at the very end.
‘Ugh- damn, I’m nervous. Mom and dad are probably here too. And... how did the audience take my Joker?’
For some reason, Kang Woojin’s heart was pounding as he entered the screening room. He could let the outfit slide, but what kind of expression should he wear? Yes, as expected, nothing beats staying in character. Woojin put on the most solemn face he could manage.
At that moment.
-Clap clap clap clap clap!
He was suddenly met with a standing ovation from hundreds of foreign audience members. Momentarily pausing without letting it show, Kang Woojin scanned the wide sea of spectators.
‘W-what??! Is this a joke?’
Honestly, it was a situation he hadn’t even imagined. But soon, Kang Woojin realized the standing ovation was sincere. The expressions and eyes of the audience truly conveyed a heartfelt welcome to 'Joker'.
‘Wow- goosebumps.’
It was a shiver he hadn’t felt in a long time. Director Ahn Ga-bok had definitely told him before entering: “Many audience members may have come to criticize you”. Columbia Studios and producer Nora had said the same. Even the public reactions Woojin had searched for himself pointed in that direction. So Woojin had prepared himself mentally. Whatever incident might occur, he would face it with composure, with a ‘damn my-way’ attitude.
But reality was the exact opposite.
-Clap clap clap clap clap clap clap!
Forget criticism, every one of the hundreds of audience members was sincerely praising Kang Woojin. They had all fallen for his 'Joker', completely overtaken by it. They had entered the stage of loving the character. This was proof that no matter how much flak one took for an image, if there’s skill and ability, any situation could be overturned.
‘Whoa- this is insane.’
There was no grander spectacle. Hundreds of foreigners, who had come for various reasons, showering a Korean actor at center stage with unreserved praise. And among them, Kang Woo-chul, Seo Hyun-mi, and Kang Hyun-ah were clapping with teary eyes, visible to Woojin.
Unconsciously, Kang Woojin muttered to himself.
'......Ah, wait a sec.'
He had to fight hard to suppress the swelling emotions. Part of him wanted to run to his family and burst into tears, but he couldn’t. The 'Pierrot' team, now lined up in formation, was waiting for him.
Director Ahn Ga-bok, standing first in the line, called out to him.
“Woojin-ssi.”
Even in this moment, the audience’s standing ovation continued, and Kang Woojin, forcing himself to dial up his in-character presence to the max, began to move slowly. He took his place next to Director Ahn Ga-bok. The moment Woojin found his spot, the hundreds of audience members stopped clapping and slowly took their seats. Then, Director Ahn Ga-bok brought a handheld mic, handed to him by staff, to his mouth.
An aged voice, speaking English, echoed throughout the screening room.
“Thank you all for enjoying our film. I’m Ahn Ga-bok, the director of 'Pierrot: The Birth of a Villain'.”
-Pababababak!
Flashes exploded toward Director Ahn Ga-bok as he finished his greeting. Reporters, who had been invited, had gathered at the very back of the screening room. Upon noticing the reporters, Director Ahn Ga-bok.
-Swoosh.
Passed the mic to Kang Woojin.
“......”
Woojin quietly, very quietly, caught his breath. He felt his voice would shake if he spoke right away. But he soon calmed down. He could see his family’s faces, along with Hong Hye-yeon, Ryu Jung-min, Director Kwon Ki-taek, Sim Han-ho and the ‘Leech’ team, and the staff of bw Entertainment. Toward the back, Choi Sung-gun and his team had also taken seats. Choi Sung-gun gave him a thumbs-up, and Han Ye-jung was busy filming Woojin on her phone.
‘...I can’t make a fool of myself.’
The real Kang Woojin picked up the handheld mic. A low, cold voice spread through the room.
“Hello, I’m Kang Woojin, who portrayed 'Joker'.”
Once again, the applause and cheers erupted, and the reporters fired off a storm of camera flashes. But Kang Woojin’s actions didn’t stop there.
“As you can see, since it’s the first day of the preview, I came dressed in the 'Joker' outfit. You might remember, I also wore this at the 'Emmy Awards'.”
Half the audience chuckled at that, and Woojin continued.
“I once said, ‘Watch it or don’t', but many of you came. What did you think of the ‘clown’ you saw?”
He threw the question to the hundreds of audience members. The reply came immediately. It was a foreign man seated at the front, who had originally come intending to criticize Woojin before the screening.
“It looked like the movie ended hinting at a sequel! Will there be a second 'Joker' story??!”
Kang Woojin responded composedly.
“Of course. The ‘Cinematic Universe’ of ‘Columbia Studios’ begins with this film.”
“T-then! Will you return as 'Joker' in the next film too?!”
All eyes, those of the hundreds of audience members and reporters, were once again fixed on Woojin after the follow-up question was thrown. Kang Woojin suddenly smirked. It was a smile, just like 'Joker'.
“I’ll be back next time too, watch it or don’t, it up to you.”
He nailed the fan service.
The entire audience began shouting.
“'Joker'! It’s the 'Joker'!!”
"Great! I'll definitely watch it!"
“When! When is it coming out?!”
“Your acting was amazing! I’ll be there for the next movie too!!”
And this wasn’t just happening here. It was certain the same thing was taking place at the 33 theaters currently hosting the early screening in LA and New York.
Amid the frenzy-like atmosphere, Director Ahn Ga-bok chuckled softly.
‘They’re already trapped in a swamp where they can’t bear it if it's not Kang Woojin’s 'Joker'. Even the Academy Award jury members are no different.’
It was obvious that from here on, the whole world would be taken over.
30 minutes later.
After wrapping up the stage greeting, the 'Pierrot' team had a proper photo session and then disbanded. Of course, Kang Woojin and Director Ahn Ga-bok stayed behind to meet the family and colleagues who had come all the way to LA. The place was the now-empty screening room. It was there that Woojin faced an unexpected crisis.
“Woojin!”
“Son!”
“Oppa!!”
He had to meet his family in a place where many others were gathered.
“...Yes, you’re here.”
“Oh my goodness! I loved the movie, but once you appeared at the end, I just burst into tears.”
“Come here, let me give you a hug.”
“Me too!!”
Kang Woojin subtly glanced around, watching for eyes on them as he dealt with his family.
“But Woojin, why do you look so cold? Did something happen?”
“No, that’s not it.”
“Hmm, come on, smile! It’s been ages since we’ve seen you.”
Surprisingly, the one who diffused the situation was his younger sister, Kang Hyun-ah.
“Ah! Dad! Mom! Look around you! It’s all top actors from Korea and Hollywood! You’ve got to let him go quickly!”
Nice one, bloodsister. Right, she is the president of my fan club, after all, she’s actually helpful. Kang Woojin made a mental note to give his sister some spending money and spoke in a low voice.
“Please head to the hotel I reserved. I’ll come once today’s schedule is over.”
"Oh, you're busy, right? Okay, okay."
After that, Kang Woojin briefly greeted the people who had come from Korea. Though he was happy to see familiar faces after a long time, there wasn’t much time.
There was another promotional schedule right after.
But as he was about to leave, Hong Hye-yeon stopped him and asked urgently. Her voice was quiet.
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