How many animations had "World Disney Pictures" released across the world? Among them were iconic works—titles that instantly came to mind, stories that carried the innocence of childhood and stirred deep nostalgia through boundless imagination.
Those animated films undoubtedly existed within Kang Woojin's memories as well.
Underwater worlds, talking animals, stories of rubbing lamps to make wishes… there were far too many to count. Among them, the one Woojin loved most was the animation where a lion became king.
Even so—
'Wait… isn't this that animation I know?'
The title printed on the cover of the script in Woojin's hand, as he sat inside the van, was deeply etched into his memory.
— "Beauty and the Beast"
Returning from his concept makeup, Woojin briefly recalled the film "Beauty and the Beast" he had seen long ago. A winter storm, a massive castle buried in snow, a beast living within it, and a dazzlingly beautiful woman.
'Even the characters designed as a teapot and teacup were unforgettable.'
More than anything, the songs those distinctive characters sang were all masterpieces. Woojin could still remember them vividly. How old had he been back then? As he drifted through a sea of memories, Kang Woojin snapped back to reality.
'Ah, wait. This might not even be that animation.'
Though rare, there were cases where films shared the same title across Hollywood and Korea. Holding onto a faint sense of hope, he looked down at the script again before lifting his gaze.
Choi Sunggeon was smiling faintly.
With a stiff expression, Woojin quietly asked him,
"CEO. Is this script… the one I'm thinking of?"
"Heh."
Letting out a strange chuckle, Choi Sunggeon raised his thumb.
"That's right. The very one you know. Honestly, you could say every Korean knows it."
"The Disney animation film 'Beauty and the Beast.'"
"Yeah. That one."
"Why is that script here?"
"Do I look like a Disney executive to you? Why do you think it's here?"
Pointing at Woojin, Choi Sunggeon's smile deepened.
"Because the script came to you first. Obviously."
What?
Woojin's expression loosened as he let out a breath. The script had come to him. In other words, "World Disney Pictures" had sent him a casting offer.
And not just any project—"Beauty and the Beast."
It was already shocking enough that an offer came from a Hollywood giant, but the fact that it was a story he had known and loved since childhood made it even more overwhelming.
'Wow… is this even real? Disney contacted me?'
Woojin forced himself to remain calm, but inside, he couldn't hide his shock.
"Beauty and the Beast" was completely different from the recent project "Pierrot." While "Pierrot" was still unknown to the world, this one was something nearly everyone across the globe already knew.
'Wait… then what is this? A modern remake? Or live-action?'
Suppressing his racing heart, Woojin asked again in a steady voice.
"Is 'Beauty and the Beast' being made into a live-action film?"
Choi Sunggeon nodded immediately.
"Yes. A live-action film. And Disney is handling it under strict secrecy."
"I see."
"Why are you acting so indifferent? Hey, this is Disney we're talking about! Disney! It was already shocking that Columbia Studios contacted us, but now Disney too? Two of the Big Five studios at the same time! Aren't you excited?!"
He was. He honestly felt like dancing from excitement—but Woojin held it in.
"A little."
"…That's so like you. Once this news breaks, it'll cause a massive stir both domestically and internationally. And if the project is 'Beauty and the Beast'? This is nuclear-level news. It's practically Disney's signature work."
"When did this script arrive?"
"I heard about it just this morning. There are a few things to explain, but it's too early to go into details. For now, just keep an eye on the situation."
Even while listening, Woojin's gaze dropped back to the script.
Beside it sat the familiar black square.
Just as Choi Sunggeon was about to step out of the van, he spoke again.
"Oh, and the role they're offering you is 'Beast.'"
—Thud.
Before Woojin could even process it, his vision was swallowed into endless darkness. Without realizing it, he had touched the black square.
Inside the void, Woojin discarded his concept face and everything else he had built up.
"No way… seriously? Disney?? This is insane."
He immediately began moving toward the floating white rectangle in the distance.
Though he was in the middle of filming "Beneficial Evil," he didn't have time to fully dive into reading—but checking the grade was fine.
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In the distance, the most recently added works came into view.
—[11/Script (Title: "Pierrot"), EX+ Grade]
It was "Pierrot," which had once again broken the highest rating in the void space.
To its right appeared the newly added "Beauty and the Beast."
—[12/Script (Title: "Beauty and the Beast"), EX Grade]
The grade was EX.
An undeniably tremendous rating. Until recently, EX had been the highest achievable grade in the void.
Seeing it, Woojin grinned.
"Even the score is ridiculously high."
There was no reason to refuse "Beauty and the Beast."
Beyond the scale of "World Disney Pictures" and the perfection of the project, the biggest reason was the nostalgia it carried.
"How could I turn down the chance to become that 'Beast'?"
It was a shared memory—one held by Woojin, by those around him, and by practically the entire world.
The chance to become that Beast.
Not just as an actor, but as Kang Woojin himself, it was something he could never refuse.
The moment he shouted "Exit," he returned to reality—the van.
Choi Sunggeon was just about to step out when Woojin spoke quietly toward his back.
"CEO, I'll take 'Beauty and the Beast.'"
He froze.
With his hand still on the van door, Choi Sunggeon turned his head sharply. Woojin sat there holding the script, his expression firm.
"You… you're taking this without hearing any details again?"
"Disney. The role of Beast. That's enough. I can hear the rest later."
"…Doesn't it feel like a burden? It's a live-action adaptation of something the entire world knows."
Maintaining a perfect poker face, Woojin shook his head.
"Not at all."
From "Pierrot" to "Beauty and the Beast," Kang Woojin showed not a hint of hesitation.
Choi Sunggeon stared at him for a moment, then broke into a grin.
"Alright. Let's do Disney too."
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Meanwhile, in Busan—
At the entrance of the Cinema Center, where the Busan International Film Festival red carpet event was taking place, Director Ahn Gabok and Director Kwon Gitaek stood surrounded by countless broadcast teams and reporters.
The frenzy had already been going on for ten minutes.
"Director!! Did Columbia Studios send you an offer directly?!!"
"When did negotiations begin?!"
"Is it confirmed?! Are you officially directing a film produced by Columbia Studios?!"
"Can you tell us what the project is?!"
Flashes exploded nonstop as hundreds of reporters shouted questions.
Yet Director Ahn Gabok simply smiled calmly.
"Details will be revealed soon."
He kept it brief, but left behind one hint.
"As for the cast… I'll just say something interesting is coming."
He was referring to the hidden project "Pierrot."
A statement aimed entirely at Kang Woojin—but none of the reporters realized it.
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The next day, early morning.
Saturday had begun.
Inside Kang Woojin's home in Samseong-dong, just past 6 AM—
—Rustle.
From the quiet bedroom, Woojin slowly sat up, his hair a mess and his mind half-asleep.
"Ugh… I'm dying."
He trudged into the living room.
On the table lay two stacks of scripts marked with black squares—"Pierrot" and "Beauty and the Beast."
The one he picked up was "Beauty and the Beast."
Then—
—Thud!
Without thinking, Woojin pressed the black square and was pulled into the void again.
Standing in the endless darkness, he moved toward the floating white rectangle.
—[12/Script (Title: "Beauty and the Beast"), EX Grade]
A thought suddenly crossed his mind.
"But this isn't Disney's first live-action adaptation, is it?"
It was true.
"World Disney Pictures" had already adapted many of their signature works into live-action films.
And every time, the biggest issue had always been casting.
Who would play those beloved characters from childhood?
A question surfaced in Woojin's mind.
"Hmm… who's playing Beauty?"
Curiosity growing, he touched the white rectangle labeled "Beauty and the Beast."
—[You have selected Script 12: "Beauty and the Beast."]
—[Available roles for reading (experience):]
—[A: Beast, B: Lumière, C: Cogsworth…]
All familiar names.
Naturally, Woojin's finger moved toward "Beast."
He intended to begin the experience immediately.
Recently, he had developed a habit of thoroughly reading scripts beforehand—but this one was different.
He already knew the story.
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The selected role was, of course, "Beast."
Soon, the mechanical female voice echoed through the void.
["A capability exceeding base stats has been detected. Acquire 'Beast Transformation' first."]
Woojin frowned.
"Huh? Beast??"
But the voice didn't give him time to react.
["Preparing 'Beast Transformation' reading…"]
["…Preparation complete. Beginning 'Beast Transformation' reading."]
A massive gray wave swallowed him whole.
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How much time had passed?
The voice spoke again.
["Concluding the reading (experience) of 'Beast Transformation.'"]
When Woojin opened his eyes, he was back in his living room.
"…."
Without a word, he activated the newly acquired ability.
"As expected… no physical changes."
There was no visible transformation.
But something had clearly changed within him.
Absolute control. Restraint.
And a wild, untamed instinct lurking beneath.
"…So this is what 'Beast Transformation' is."
It felt like his very concept had evolved to another level.