I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 346

Just before Kang Woo-jin’s name echoed through the closing and awards ceremony of the 74th Cannes Film Festival, Woo-jin, sitting in his seat, was actually in a daze. It would be more accurate to say he didn’t have high expectations. However, he had imagined it.

‘If I win Best Actor here at Cannes, it would be absolutely insane.’

He had personally experienced the immense power of Cannes, a festival for filmmakers worldwide, for about ten days. Countless foreign reporters, directors, and actors had acknowledged him or reached out through social media. If he were to officially win Best Actor with that level of recognition.

‘That’s it, then.’

It was obvious that the film industry in Korea, as well as around the world, would be buzzing. But that was it. It would be a lie to say he didn’t have any desire after coming this far, but Kang Woo-jin had cleared his mind. First of all, what Choi Sung-gun had said before the closing and awards ceremony started had a big impact.

‘Of course, there’s a possibility that you, Woo-jin, will win an award. But in the end, it’s something people decide, and the ten judges are no different.’

Even though Choi Sung-gun wanted Kang Woo-jin to win more than anyone else.

‘Especially in the case of such large-scale festivals, it’s hard to say that the selection is based solely on acting. The actor’s career, public image, recognition, etc. Even if your acting is outstanding, sometimes those factors are reflected in the evaluation. There’s also a high possibility of bias or discrimination. So, let’s not expect too much.’

He gave realistic advice, matter-of-factly.

‘We’ve achieved the goal of using Cannes as a stepping stone. It’s become a much bigger deal than we thought, and many Hollywood figures have taken notice of you. That alone is a great achievement.’

Choi Sung-gun’s advice was mostly correct. Yes, Kang Woo-jin had used the Cannes Film Festival as a stepping stone, not the main goal. To be clear, it was a misunderstanding by Director Ahn Ga-bok and Choi Sung-gun, but as a result, everything came true. In just two years, he had made it to the Cannes Film Festival, explosively increasing his recognition among famous filmmakers overseas, including Hollywood.

Even if he were to go to Hollywood right now, quite a few people would recognize Kang Woo-jin.

Even if they didn’t recognize him right away, it would come up with a little research.

That’s why Kang Woo-jin had cleared his mind. Well, in fact, as the ordinary citizen Woo-jin, not the public figure, just being on this absurd stage was already surreal.

It was at this moment that it echoed.

“My eyes were not wrong.”

The name of this year’s Cannes Film Festival Best Actor, the name of Kang Woo-jin, who was maintaining a composed demeanor with an empty mind, echoed throughout the grand hall of the ‘Palais des Festivals’ [Festival Palace].

“The 74th Cannes Film Festival ‘Best Actor,’ Kang Woo-jin of ‘Leech.’”

Immediately after, Woo-jin didn’t react much.

“······”

He hadn’t realized it right away. It was because of the awkward pronunciation of the Italian director on that huge stage, and because he hadn’t been thinking much, he hadn’t recognized it immediately. Kang Woo-jin snapped to his senses from the moment the cameras of the entire hall and over 5,000 ‘big shots’ from all over the world turned to look at him.

‘Uh- uh?’

Then, Director Ahn Ga-bok and the entire ‘Leech’ team around him turned their heads towards Kang Woo-jin. Woo-jin remained calm. But inside, he was cursing like crazy.

‘…No, shit. Is it me?’

Several more times.

‘Is it true??! Really???! Crazy! What is this? Is it a hidden camera!!’

However, his indifferent expression was maintained. It wasn’t so much a deliberate act as it was that his mind had stopped due to bewilderment and absurdity. What is this? Is it real? No, it must be a dream. But damn, for a dream, it’s incredibly vivid??

Just as Kang Woo-jin’s brain was getting tangled.

The atmosphere became strange, and the thousands of spectators in the grand hall were similar. Murmuring, buzzing, puzzled eyes, mouths agape in surprise. The reason was simple. A Korean actor had been called for the world-renowned Cannes Film Festival ‘Best Actor’ award.

“Kang Woo-jin? Where is he?”

“Oh my god, isn’t this the first time??”

“As far as I know, it’s the first time.”

It was the first time for both Cannes and South Korea.

At that moment, a blonde woman stood up in the quiet, vast hall.

-Swish.

A woman with blue eyes full of joy and certainty. It was Miley Cara, a global superstar. She became the starting point. Then, without hesitation, thousands of spectators rose from their seats.

Soon.

-Clap clap clap clap clap clap clap!!

A standing ovation erupted.

-Clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap!!

The host on stage, the 10 judges, the big-shot spectators filling the first and second floors of the hall, the reporters and broadcasting teams, and the ‘Leech’ team around Kang Woo-jin.

Everyone was applauding generously.

Even.

-Clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap!!

In front of the screen installed on the beach outside the hall, tens of thousands of spectators watching the ‘Cannes Film Festival’ were also busy applauding. Of course, not everyone was like that. About 30% were looking around with faces that seemed to say, ‘What is this?’ Similar sentiments must have existed among the 5,000 spectators inside the hall where the closing and awards ceremony was taking place.

Because ‘firsts’ and ‘changes’ always have ‘resentment’.

Around this time, Kang Woo-jin, in his white tuxedo.

-Rustle.

He had gotten up from his seat in a daze. His expression was still solemn, but his inner self was a complete mess.

‘Damn it, seriously. What is this?’

It wasn’t that he couldn’t believe his current vision, but rather that he was overwhelmed. Who could be calm in this absurd situation?

-♬♪

Music similar to a fanfare filled the entire hall, loud enough to make his ears ring. Endless thunderous applause. Congratulatory messages from the big shots around him. Several cameras suddenly rushing in. Flashing lights. It wouldn’t be strange if he fainted or became disoriented.

-Clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap!!

But at least Kang Woo-jin’s composed exterior was the epitome of composure. The ‘my way’ attitude he had cultivated until now had instinctively kicked in. Woo-jin grabbed the hands that were being extended to him in a daze. It was a handshake. The old voice of the short-haired Director Ahn Ga-bok was heard.

“Congratulations, I mean it. I’m proud of the title of being the first Korean actor.”

The great actor Shim Han-ho, who resembled a tiger, grabbed Woo-jin’s shoulder and patted his back.

“What I couldn’t achieve in decades, you’ve done in just two years. I’m truly happy. Stand tall, Kang Woo-jin.”

Oh Hee-ryung, who was even more alluring today, hugged Kang Woo-jin. Her eyes were red. The excited congratulations of Jin Jae-joon and Han So-jin were also heard. Kang Woo-jin only managed to say things like ‘Thank you,’ and the flashing lights and applause became even more intense. The world was sending congratulations to Kang Woo-jin.

The funny thing was.

‘Ah- I don’t know. I think I’m getting better.’

In a situation where it wouldn’t be strange to go crazy, Woo-jin’s mind was actually calming down. Was it because of the adrenaline rush? Anyway, Kang Woo-jin.

-Swish.

Amidst the cameras sticking to him and the exploding congratulations, he looked ahead at the host on stage and the 10 judges waiting for him.

“······”

At this moment, Woo-jin had only a brief thought in his mind.

Take a step. And no turning back.

The persona he had created for himself was becoming a greater force than anything else in this bizarre moment.

-Step.

Woo-jin, with a deep indifference, walked along the aisle. On both sides, dozens, hundreds of big shots were still giving a standing ovation. His ears were ringing, but Kang Woo-jin did not stop his calm walk. Some of the audience members tilted their heads.

“Isn’t he happy? Isn’t he too calm?”

“That can’t be. He won Best Actor at Cannes, and the first one at that. He must be too nervous.”

“But he’s walking so calmly. Maybe he was sure he would receive it.”

“I understand, I saw his ‘Leech’.”

Kang Woo-jin was about five steps away from the stage.

‘It’s dazzling.’

He could feel the hot temperature of the spotlight gradually shining down. Around this time, the YouTube broadcast being live-streamed through the cameras on his sides or behind him was showing.

-??????Is this real??!!!!!!!!!

-Wtfㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋomgㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-Goosebumps!!! Goosebumps!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

-Aaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhh crazy!!!!

-True???!!!

-Heolllllllllllllllllllllllll

-Kang Woo-jin!! Kang Woo-jin!!!!!!!!

-No way… wow…. This is insane….

-Nailed it.

-ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋAwesomeㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

The live chat was exploding.

Comments in various languages, including English, were flooding in, but Korean dominated overwhelmingly. The Korean comments were updating at a furious pace, without a single pause. Even though it was well past 3 AM in Korea, the atmosphere was electric, and the waiting room next to the hall was also in complete chaos.

“Waaaaaah!!!!”

This was the waiting room where several Korean reporters, Kang Woo-jin’s team including Choi Sung-gun, and the film and distribution teams of ‘Leech’ had gathered.

“Woo-jin did it! Woo-jin did it!!!”

“Aaaah! Amazing!! CEO!! Woo-jin hyung!! Woo-jin hyung did it!!!”

“Yeah, yeah!! That’s right!! Our Woo-jin did it!!”

“Kyaaaaak!!”

“Crazy!! It’s crazy!!! Kyaaak!!!”

“Oppa, right?!! It’s oppa who’s going up there, right!!”

Everyone was hugging each other, jumping around while watching the live broadcast on the large TV.

“No way!! No!! That’s right!! It’s definitely right!!!”

“Uwaaah!! Aaaah!!”

“To see this moment with my own eyes!!”

At this moment, they weren’t just different teams.

They were all citizens of the Republic of Korea.

-Clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap!!!

The endless screams, shouts, and applause were more than justified. This was a moment of national pride. It was the moment when the names of Korea and Kang Woo-jin were known beyond Cannes, across the entire world. It wouldn’t be surprising if the president himself made a statement.

Therefore, Korea, where it was around 4 AM due to the time difference, was also in an uproar.

Kang Woo-jin’s family in Jinju.

“Kyaaaah!!!!! Mom!! Dad!! Oppa!! Oppa got it!! He got it!!”

“Oh, my goodness.”

“······Hic.”

“Ack! Mom!! Get a grip!! Dad! Mom is acting weird!!”

Kang Woo-jin’s close friends, gathered at Kim Dae-young’s house.

“Crazy!! No way!! What is this!!!”

“Hey, hey!! Kang Woo-jin won Best Actor at Cannes??! Really???!!!”

“Insane… Yeah. Is it true that Woo-jin won Best Actor at Cannes?!!”

“Call!! Call him!!”

“You idiot! Do you think he’ll answer!!”

“Stop him! Stop that bastard!!”

At this moment, the Korean media also moved quickly.

『[Breaking News] ‘Leech’ Kang Woo-jin, First Korean to Win ‘Cannes Best Actor Award’』

As soon as Kang Woo-jin’s name was announced in Cannes, articles began to appear.

And.

-Swish.

Kang Woo-jin of Cannes was now on stage as the winner of the ‘Best Actor Award.’ The applause and cheers from the host, the judges, and thousands of audience members continued.

-Clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap!!!

Woo-jin, in his white tuxedo, stood calmly in front of the Belgian actress who was the host. The host, smiling brightly, handed something to Kang Woo-jin as he approached.

It was the Best Actor trophy.

The palm leaf trophy in its case. It was a scene being played out for the first time in the history of Cannes or the entire Korean film industry, and as Kang Woo-jin stared silently at the trophy in his hand, a thrill ran through him.

‘This is it—the one I’ve only seen in pictures.’

The funny thing was, it didn’t look as impressive as he thought. Well, from Kang Woo-jin’s perspective, it didn’t look much different from the trophy he received at the Blue Dragon Awards [a prestigious South Korean film award]. Perhaps it was because of the true Kang Woo-jin’s inner core, rather than the ‘monster actor’ facade. Then, the host gestured to Kang Woo-jin. Towards the standing microphone in the center of the stage.

It meant it was time for him to give his acceptance speech.

“······”

Kang Woo-jin, with a deep poker face, placed the trophy he was holding on the podium. Somehow, at this point, Woo-jin’s body moved automatically. His heart had also calmed down. Let’s just focus on the concept, the concept. Acceptance speech? Bullshit. Would he have prepared anything? Still, Woo-jin stood in front of the podium. What he saw immediately were dozens of foreign press reporters with large cameras in the front.

-Flash flash flash!

They were frantically taking pictures of Kang Woo-jin on stage. The thousands of VIP audience members behind them, who had been giving a standing ovation, sat down one by one as Woo-jin took his position to give his speech. The 10 judges on the stage did the same.

-Swish.

Kang Woo-jin raised his head.

‘This is crazy.’

Seeing this huge hall from the stage was spectacular. Soon, a translator approached from Woo-jin’s left. She was going to translate Kang Woo-jin’s words into French. Woo-jin, who was fluent in French, didn’t particularly stop her. The reason was clear. He didn’t know about the acceptance speech or anything, but there was one thought that was stimulating his brain.

Kang Woo-jin, with a calm expression, ignored the broadcast and press cameras, and opened his mouth towards the thousands of VIP audience members in front of him. Of course, he lowered his voice to the maximum.

“Bonsoir.”

He started with French. What should he say? Hmm, let’s just say whatever comes to mind.

“I’m not good at speaking. And I can’t believe I’m standing here.”

His fluent French surprised the translator next to him, the dozens of reporters in front, the host and 10 judges on stage, the Cannes chairman and staff, the broadcast team, and the thousands of audience members. Of course, quite a few people were calm. They had already witnessed his French during the second screening of ‘Leech’.

But that was a minority.

Most of the people here looked quite surprised. But Kang Woo-jin’s low French continued.

“Um—thank you. I am truly honored to receive an award at this grand festival. I would like to thank the great work ‘Leech,’ and all the colleagues and staff who worked on it.”

His French was indistinguishable from that of a native speaker. It far surpassed the skills he had practiced and prepared. The flustered translator blinked her eyes.

-Swish.

Kang Woo-jin, who had paused for a moment, shifted his gaze slightly to the right from the front. And the language changed as well.

“I am Kang Woo-jin, an actor from Korea.”

Korean in a low tone. Even though French was ingrained in him, Kang Woo-jin deliberately continued his acceptance speech in Korean. It wasn’t because he had some grand purpose. Woo-jin simply wanted to give his acceptance speech in Korean at this global festival.

“I believe that many people in Korea are happy at this moment. It may be early morning in Korea, but there are fans who are watching while sacrificing their sleep.”

A moment for translation. However, Woo-jin didn’t need the translator’s help. He could handle it himself. He whispered what he had said in French. The murmuring in the audience grew louder. This was also a first in the history of Cannes. The scene of the Best Actor winner translating his Korean acceptance speech into French himself.

Regardless, Kang Woo-jin stopped the French translation and spoke again in Korean.

“I have received a truly great award. Last year, at the Blue Dragon Film Awards in Korea, I said this while receiving the Best New Actor Award. ‘This year it’s the Best New Actor Award, but next year I will have the Best Actor Award in my hands. You can watch me.’ Now I have received the Best Actor Award. It hasn’t even been a year.”

While translating what he had said back into French, Woo-jin’s mind was filled with other thoughts. Wouldn’t it be better to show a somewhat confident side? A moderate amount of contemplation. But it didn’t last long. Whatever, I already have experience.

Kang Woo-jin once again delivered his acceptance speech in Korean.

“I recently got a house in LA, so I’ll aim for that next year.”

He didn’t forget his ‘no backing down’ attitude, regardless of Cannes.

End