I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 344

Long Take (9)

The simultaneous release of ‘Leech’ and ‘Strange Geisha.’

‘Leech,’ having concluded its run at the Cannes Film Festival, was slated to premiere in Korea at the end of October. Meanwhile, the highly anticipated and controversial ‘Strange Geisha’ was also set to premiere in Japan around the same time. Although the two films were being released in different countries, they shared one crucial element.

The lead actor was Kang Woo-jin.

In essence, movies starring Woo-jin would be released simultaneously in Korea and Japan. While there have been instances of different films starring a Korean actor being released concurrently in domestic theaters, it was virtually unheard of for a movie to be released simultaneously in Korea and another country like Japan.

Unique, unprecedented.

If ‘Leech’ and ‘Strange Geisha’ were to be released almost at the same time, it would be another milestone for Kang Woo-jin, another record set. The executives at ‘Leech’s’ distribution company, aware of this, shared their thoughts.

“It wasn’t planned, but things have escalated quite a bit. The films are different, but a simultaneous release in Korea and Japan—and the lead is a Korean actor in his second year since debut, who has even conquered Japan. And now he’s in Cannes. Honestly, it’s incredible.”

“Has there ever been a case like this before?”

“No, not that I can recall. It’s rare for a Korean actor to even get a lead role in a Japanese movie in the first place. And the original work is by that Akari writer, and the director is Tanoguchi Kyotaro. Aren’t they the most prominent figures in Japan? It’s quite something for Japan.”

“Haha, hearing it like that, it is quite something. Are we really going to see both movies, released in Korea and Japan, surpass ten million viewers?”

“Kang Woo-jin is a 20 million-viewer actor. It’s incredibly difficult, but not impossible.”

“The buzz around ‘Strange Geisha’ in Japan seems pretty intense too.”

Several executives corrected the word ‘intense.’

“Intense? No, in terms of buzz, it’s the most talked-about movie in the history of Japanese cinema.”

“It’s also a movie with a lot of noise, problems, and controversy.”

“Don’t you remember when Kang Woo-jin was officially cast in ‘Strange Geisha’? It was absolute chaos.”

Ultimately, it all came down to the name ‘Kang Woo-jin.’

“With this, Kang Woo-jin has earned another legendary title. His star power is just incredible.”

“He’s the lead in our ‘Leech,’ so it’s good that his star power is exploding, right?”

“It would be great if that star power explodes at the Cannes Film Festival too.”

Then, the distribution company executives and staff refocused on the meeting. The domestic release of ‘Leech’ after the Cannes Film Festival. The expected date was Wednesday, October 27th. Of course, not all Korean films that went to Cannes could secure a release. Works that went to other sections besides the ‘Competition’ section often struggled to get released. That’s why they try to submit to other film festivals.

On the other hand, ‘Leech,’ with its ‘Competition’ section entry and the established reputation of director Ahn Ga-bok, would have no trouble securing a release.

Looking back, there have been similar cases, and there were comparable movies in director Ahn Ga-bok’s filmography. Especially, ‘Leech,’ which was at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, had a very high promotional impact. It included several talking points, such as Kang Woo-jin and director Ahn Ga-bok’s 100th film, a legend in the Korean film industry.

Not releasing it would be a waste.

Therefore, the distribution company pushed for this during the production of ‘Leech.’ It was planned even before going to Cannes. It would have been safer to release it slowly after Cannes, but what the ‘Leech’ film company and distribution company valued more than safety was the buzz.

In short, the strategy was to release ‘Leech’ before the Cannes Film Festival buzz faded.

At this point, the executive with glasses slightly shifted the topic.

“Let’s say the domestic release is confirmed, how are the overseas releases being prepared?”

A team leader-level employee answered.

“If ‘Leech’ wins an award in the ‘Competition’ section, we are in talks to release it in Japan and France about a month after the Korean release.”

“Hmm.”

If ‘Leech’ wins even one award at Cannes, its buzz will be very high overseas. So, they can seize the opportunity to release it in overseas theaters. Especially France, the home of the Cannes Film Festival, would be very receptive.

The executive, nodding, murmured a wish.

“Hoo—I’m getting nervous at this age. I’d have no regrets if ‘Leech’ wins even one award.”

After that.

Time flew by with bustling events in Korea and Cannes, France. Kang Woo-jin, in Cannes, was enjoying a fairly relaxed schedule, while also watching other movies in the ‘Competition’ section.

‘Is this the first time in my life I’ve been binging movies like this?’

Woo-jin muttered to himself while looking at the movie subtitles. Of course, if it weren’t for the English and French abilities that the subspace had given him, watching the movies themselves would have been impossible. In fact, among the thousands of audience members inside the large theater, the number of people from Asia, including Korea and Japan, was small.

About an hour later.

Woo-jin, who had joined in the applause after the movie ended, came out of the theater.

At that moment.

“Excuse me! Mr. Kang Woo-jin!”

Foreigners he had never seen before called out to Kang Woo-jin from behind. It was one of the overseas reporters.

“‘Leech’ was really impressive, and so was your acting. Could you please sign this poster?”

He asked Woo-jin for a signature. The reporter held out the ‘Leech’ poster. Kang Woo-jin, maintaining his composure, nodded calmly while also saying.

“Yes, thank you.”

Internally, he was making a fuss.

‘Crazy? Is this real? So cool.’

He never thought he would be giving autographs in Cannes, especially to a foreign reporter. What was interesting was that he wasn’t the only one asking for Kang Woo-jin’s autograph here.

“Nice to meet you, could I get one too?”

“Mr. Kang Woo-jin. Can I take a picture?”

“I’d like to do a short interview, if you have time.”

Dozens of reporters who were in the theater swarmed around Woo-jin in the hallway. What else could it be? It was the aftermath of ‘Leech.’ These reporters had also watched the afternoon showing of ‘Leech.’ Kang Woo-jin responded to them appropriately and then left the scene. Many eyes were on him.

Soon, Woo-jin, who had returned to his hotel room, muttered to himself.

“Cannes is something else, one movie and my overseas recognition just shoots up.”

Then, he picked up his phone. He accessed the SNS [Social Networking Service] that he hadn’t been able to access for the past few days because he was so busy. Of course, Han Ye-jeong had been consistently posting during the Cannes Film Festival.

“Woah—crazy.”

Kang Woo-jin’s eyes widened slightly. The reason was simple.

-@Wooji_n

Posts 301

Followers 40.13 million

Following 121

His follower count had already surpassed 40 million. And DMs [Direct Messages] were pouring in like crazy. Among them were actors, directors, reporters, and officials he had met in Cannes.

Shocked, Kang Woo-jin quickly accessed his YouTube channel. The shock intensified.

[Channel Name: Kang Woo-jin’s Sub-Character]

[Subscribers 25.39 million]

[Videos 93]

The number of subscribers was over 25 million. It was the result of the impact of Miley Cara’s new album teaser, combined with this Cannes event.

One thing to note here.

“The explosive power is insane.”

Kang Woo-jin had not yet officially debuted overseas.

Meanwhile.

As Cannes was nearing its end, Japan was just as noisy as Korea. While Korea had one film, Japan had two films in the ‘Competition’ section, so it was understandable. Perhaps Japan was even noisier than Korea.

『Cannes Film Festival Competition Section’s First Runner, Director Kamoto, Receives Applause from Thousands of Audience Members』

『Following Director Kamoto, Director Okimura Also Receives High Praise』

『Directors Kamoto and Okimura Make Their Names Known Even More at the Cannes Film Festival! What About Korea’s ‘Leech’?』

As always, the Japanese media formed a fierce rivalry with Korea. To be precise, they were excessively wary of ‘Leech.’

『Good Atmosphere in Japan, So How About ‘Leech’? Public Interest』

The reason was simple. Not only were they in the ‘Competition’ section together, but the male lead of ‘Leech’ was Kang Woo-jin, who had recently swept through Japan.

『‘Strange Geisha’ Kang Woo-jin Remains Calm on the Red Carpet, Will He Make a Big Declaration at the Cannes Film Festival?』

Therefore, the Japanese media and public opinion were buzzing, similar to Korea. Japanese variety shows analyzing all the films in the ‘Competition’ section of this year’s Cannes Film Festival were frequently seen. Meanwhile, in Japan, there was another hot issue besides the Cannes Film Festival.

It was ‘Strange Geisha,’ which was about to be released and had already finished its press screenings.

『How Many Screenings Are They Doing? ‘Strange Geisha’ Is Several Times Noisier Than Usual Promotion, Over 5 Press Screenings』

The Japanese film industry thought that the buzz around ‘Strange Geisha’ would subside a bit due to the Cannes Film Festival. But it was the opposite. ‘Strange Geisha’ was rapidly gaining traction in Japan, alongside Cannes.

This was also largely due to Kang Woo-jin’s influence.

What was unusual was that many Japanese reporters who had recently attended the screenings were silent. Most of them were shocked, but there were no articles about the screenings yet. The timing wasn’t right yet. The day ‘Strange Geisha’ side had allowed was next week. Until then, the reporters and critics who had experienced the screenings had to keep their mouths shut.

But they were waiting. Many Japanese reporters who had attended the screenings.

“Have you finished writing the ‘Strange Geisha’ articles?”

“Yes, of course. My impressions at the time, appropriate evaluations, and explanations of the content to the extent allowed. As provocative as possible. I’ll release them next week.”

“Was it that shocking? What is ‘Strange Geisha’ like? Most of the reporters who went to the screenings were speechless.”

“Criticism? Controversy? It will easily surpass that when the movie is released.”

Regardless, ‘Strange Geisha’ was currently in the midst of promotion and marketing. As planned in the past, it was being promoted several times more aggressively than usual movies. From the number of articles to advertisements, etc. Promotional videos related to the movie, other than teasers and trailers, were already all over YouTube and various video platforms.

It was excessive by anyone’s standards.

In addition, public screenings inviting an unspecified number of people, and VIP screenings inviting actors, directors, or celebrities were also scheduled to open soon.

The rumors about ‘Strange Geisha’ were explosive.

Word of mouth spread rapidly through Japanese SNS and various communities.

Around this time, ‘Strange Geisha’ side made an official announcement.

『[Official] ‘Strange Geisha,’ Which Everyone Is Watching, Officially Confirmed for Release on October 26th』

The official release date of the movie ‘Strange Geisha’ was announced throughout Japan. It was Tuesday, October 26th. There were roughly 3 weeks and a few days left. And the fact that ‘Strange Geisha’ was being released on the 26th meant.

『SNS and Communities Buzzing Already at the News of ‘Strange Geisha’ Confirmed for Release on October 26th』

It was just one day apart from ‘Leech,’ which was scheduled to be released on the 27th.

A few days later, on the morning of the 10th, in Korea.

The day of the closing and awards ceremony of the Cannes Film Festival had dawned. Of course, it was not until 3 AM tomorrow morning Korean time that it would be broadcast live, but the domestic media and public opinion were already in turmoil.

『[Cannes Film Festival] Live Broadcast of the Cannes Film Festival Closing and Awards Ceremony Begins at 3 AM Tomorrow Morning… Will Director Ahn Ga-bok Resolve His Frustrations?』

『Ahn Ga-bok, Shim Han-ho, Kang Woo-jin, and Other Korean Stars Gathered at the Cannes Film Festival Can Be Watched on YouTube』

『Movie Communities Buzzing at the News of the Live Broadcast of the Cannes Film Festival at Dawn, Netizens Say “Ordering Chicken and Waiting”』

『[Feature] What Are the Chances of Director Ahn Ga-bok’s Movie ‘Leech’ Winning the Palme d’Or at Cannes?』

But as always, Kang Woo-jin’s acquaintances were the most excited. His family, Seo Hyun-mi, Kang Woo-cheol, and Kang Hyun-ah, couldn’t let go of their tension while watching Woo-jin on TV and in articles.

“Ha—is it true that our son is there, there in Cannes? I can’t believe it even when I see it.”

“He is, Woo-jin is definitely there right now.”

“It’s so amazing that he’s with such famous people.”

“But why does he look so stiff?”

“He’s nervous! Anyway, isn’t our son going to win an award there?!”

“According to the news… they said it would be the first time for a Korean male actor.”

“First, the first time! What time was the live broadcast of the awards ceremony??”

“3 AM.”

“We have to be prepared to stay up all night that day, you know!”

The group chat, including his best friends, was about to explode. Not only that, but all the actors who knew Kang Woo-jin were also watching the Cannes Film Festival.

『Hong Hye-yeon, Ryu Jeong-min, Hwa-rin, and Other Stars Upload a Series of Support Messages for the ‘Leech’ Team on SNS/Photos』

Directors and entertainment industry officials other than PD Song Man-woo and director Kwon Gi-taek were the same.

Around this time, unlike Korea, which was in the morning, it was past midnight in Cannes, France. Kang Woo-jin could be found in his hotel room, and even though it was 2 AM, he was wide awake.

“Damn, I can’t sleep.”

Tension or anxiety was preventing him from sleeping. The finale of the Cannes Film Festival was just a few dozen hours away. Perhaps because he had already searched through various materials, the real Kang Woo-jin’s heart was pounding even more than on the opening day.

“Aish—damn it. I’m going to stay up all night like this.”

It wasn’t. After thinking about other things for a while, he opened his eyes with a start! And the sky of Cannes, France, which had been dark, was now lit by the sun.

“…Finally, today.”

It was the morning of the Cannes closing and awards ceremony.

End

I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]

I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]

대뜸 착각당했다 괴물 천재배우로
Status: Ongoing Author: Native Language: Korean
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[English Translation] Kang Woojin, a former designer turned unemployed, reluctantly accompanies a friend to an audition, where he's unexpectedly thrust into performing. Upon receiving a script, he experiences a mysterious phenomenon: a void space in his mind compels him to fully immerse himself in the character's life. From feeling the pain of being stabbed to embodying the psyche of a serial killer or the resolve of an exorcist, Woojin lives out these intense roles vividly. His uncanny ability to portray such diverse characters leads to widespread acclaim, but also a series of misunderstandings as those around him grapple with his sudden, monstrous talent. Dive into the world of "I Was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor" to explore Woojin's journey through unexpected fame and the complexities of his newfound gift.

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