I was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor [EN]: Chapter 348

The face of Director Ahn Ga-bok fills the TV screen, a close-up from the live broadcast of the Cannes Film Festival’s closing and awards ceremony. The executives and staff of the Korean film company and distribution company behind ‘Leech’ stare blankly at it. There are at least 20 of them, and they haven’t yet grasped the reality of the ‘Palme d’Or’ announcement they just heard on TV.

‘Huh??’

‘What???’

‘……’Leech’? Did they just say ‘Leech’?’

‘Y-Yeah? I heard that too.’

‘N-No way.’

They reacted as if they had misheard or that it was impossible. It was understandable. Cannes is known as an international film festival that strictly adheres to its rules, and ‘Leech’ had already won a Best Actor award. According to the rule of ‘one award per work,’ ‘Leech’ shouldn’t have been called again.

However.

‘Why are they showing Director Ahn??’

For now, everyone’s attention is glued to the large TV screen showing Director Ahn Ga-bok’s face.

And.

-[Clap clap clap clap clap clap clap!!!]

On the TV broadcasting the highest award of the closing ceremony live from Cannes, the thunderous applause of thousands of dignitaries echoes. The ‘Leech’ actors, including Kang Woo-jin, are also giving a standing ovation.

It’s only at this point that.

‘Huuuh!!!’

‘W-What! Did our ‘Leech’ receive the ‘Palme d’Or’?!’

‘Th-This is insane!!!’

‘It’s the ‘Palme d’Or’! It’s real!!’

The film company and distribution company executives and staff of ‘Leech’ who were watching TV started to freak out.

‘Oh my god! What is happening in Cannes right now!!’

Numerous domestic media outlets monitoring the Cannes Film Festival in real-time had similar reactions.

‘Shoot out articles about Kang Woo-jin non-stop!’

‘Yes! Huh? W-Wait a minute, Editor-in-chief!’

‘Why! What! If you have time to chatter, write another article.’

‘No!! Right now… it seems like ‘Leech’ was called for the ‘Palme d’Or’??!’

‘What nonsense are you talking about? Don’t they know Cannes’ rules?’

‘No! Look at this! Watch the live broadcast!!’

‘Why are you making such a fuss… Huh???’

All the media outlets, which had been firing off articles about Kang Woo-jin, suddenly stopped moving.

”Leech’ got the ‘Palme d’Or’??!!!’

‘I-Is this real?! Could it be a mistake?!’

‘I don’t know! But it seems like it’s actually happening?!’

‘There was a mistake or something- No!! Just fire! Fire the articles first!!’

However, the domestic media outlets, quickly regaining their senses, began to urgently add breaking news headlines, whether it was a mistake or not. Every minute and second was precious. Similarly, the news teams of various broadcasting stations, which were monitoring the live broadcast and communicating closely with the local area, were in the same frenzy.

‘The ‘Palme d’Or’ is ‘Leech’??! Are you sure? Did you get confirmation from the local area?!’

‘Yes, yes! The local area in Cannes is also in chaos!’

“So, what’s the deal? Are you saying ‘Leech’ won both Best Actor and the Palme d’Or at Cannes this year? This is literally rewriting history!”

At that moment, the host’s comments from the Cannes Film Festival stage were broadcast on the monitor.

-[“This year’s unprecedented Palme d’Or at Cannes was awarded by a unanimous decision of the 10 jury members…”]

They were adding some explanation, but no one on the news team could immediately understand it because it was in French. They were too frantic to think straight. Their minds were fixated on ‘Best Actor’ and ‘Palme d’Or’.

“Did that notoriously rigid Cannes really break its own rules?!”

“Wow—to award both ‘Best Actor’ and the ‘Palme d’Or’ to one film in the ‘Competition’ category… and it’s a Korean film.”

“Looking at the history of the Cannes Film Festival, there have been cases like this, right? When was it?!”

“Let me check! Ah—‘The Piano’ won three major awards: the Grand Prix, Best Actor, and Best Actress in 1993!”

“So, does that mean they broke the rules for the first time in about 30 years?”

“Yes! Moreover—it seems like it’s the first time in Cannes history that the ‘Palme d’Or’ and ‘Best Actor’ have been awarded to the same film….”

“This—this is an absolutely insane record?!”

As soon as the news teams at various domestic broadcasting stations grasped the reality, they became incredibly busy.

“Revise everything we were preparing! Quickly!”

They had to change the news they were planning to broadcast in the morning as quickly as possible.

Around this time, the internet was flooded with articles:

『Kang Woo-jin Achieves Great Success, Wins Best Actor at Cannes Film Festival!』

『[Star Talk] Kang Woo-jin Wins Best Actor at Cannes Just Two Years After Debut! Declares ‘Next Year is the Academy Awards’ in Acceptance Speech』

『[Cannes Dispatch] Kang Woo-jin Achieves Great Success, Wins Best Actor at Cannes Film Festival! Declares “Next Year is the Academy Awards” in Fluent French』

New news began to pour out in real-time. The news of ‘Leech’ winning the ‘Palme d’Or’.

『[Cannes Film Festival] ‘Leech’ Breaks ‘No Simultaneous Awards’ Rule, Wins ‘Palme d’Or’ and ‘Best Actor’ Simultaneously… First in Cannes + Korea』

‘Leech’ was truly making history.

Back in Cannes, France.

The huge hall of the ‘Palais des Festivals’ [Festival Palace], where the awards ceremony was in full swing, was filled with the thunderous applause of thousands of spectators.

-Clap clap clap clap clap!

-Clap clap clap clap clap clap!!

Everyone focused on director Ahn Ga-bok, who had short white hair and was wearing a tuxedo. He was standing about halfway down the first floor, currently receiving congratulations from the ‘Leech’ actors around him. At the same time, quite a few of the prominent audience members whispered among themselves.

“Simultaneous awards? Has this ever happened before?”

“It seems like it’s the first time, at least in my memory.”

“If that’s the case, it means Cannes broke its own rules—what is it? Is the movie ‘Leech’ that good?”

“Just the fact that it was a unanimous decision by the jury members suggests it’s of considerable quality.”

Those who had already seen ‘Leech’ at Cannes were clapping with faces that showed they understood, but there were more people in the hall who hadn’t seen ‘Leech,’ so it was natural.

Although it was drowned out by the standing ovation, the murmuring also grew quite loud.

“‘Leech’… what kind of movie is it that Cannes is breaking its own rules to give it both ‘Best Actor’ and ‘Palme d’Or’?”

In addition, the curiosity of the world’s dignitaries exploded. What kind of movie is ‘Leech’ to have created such an absurd result? At this moment, the live broadcast, which many people around the world had accessed, was already dominated by Korean comments.

-What is this???!! Is this for real???

-HoorayyyyㅠㅠㅠㅠCongratulations!!

-Wow, that’s crazy, I’ve got goosebumps. LOL

-This is insane… To see a Korean movie win the Palme d’Or at Cannes in my lifetime…

-???? Is this for real???????????

-They’ve thrown out the rulebook. LOL. They’re taking both the Palme d’Or and Best Actor Award???

-Japan is going to have a meltdown. LOL

-No way… WTF?!!! Hold on, let me go change my underwear. LOL

-Cannes: There’s still one more surprise left.

-Congratulations!!!!

-That’s so cool. LOL

·

·

·

In any case, the ‘Palme d’Or’ at the 74th Cannes Film Festival was officially awarded to ‘Leech,’ and Director Ahn Ga-bok, the cinematic prodigy, made a monumental mark on the Cannes stage with his 100th film. Congratulations poured in for Director Ahn Ga-bok, who had reached such heights.

‘Congratulations, Director!!!’

‘Hwaaah- Director, congratulations so much!! Ah, I’m crying.’

‘Congratulations, Director.’

The cheers from the ‘Leech’ team, including Kang Woo-jin, who appeared indifferent but was genuinely moved, the praise from the influential audience members surrounding them, the flashing cameras, and the Cannes broadcasting team’s cameras that rushed in, all contributed to the chaotic scene.

However, Director Ahn Ga-bok remained quite calm, and while accepting greetings with a gentle smile, he suddenly whispered to Kang Woo-jin.

‘Woo-jin, could you do me a favor?’

Woo-jin replied calmly.

‘Please tell me.’

Director Ahn Ga-bok, who had stepped into the aisle from his seat, gestured towards the front.

‘I want you to translate my acceptance speech into French.’

‘What? Me?’ He was taken aback, but Woo-jin remained silent with a composed expression.

‘······’

Director Ahn Ga-bok continued.

‘This year’s Cannes was extraordinary, and the main focus was on you and ‘Leech.’ So, shouldn’t the two of you finish it properly? I mean, make sure you’re both captured by the cameras.’

‘…I understand.’

‘Just in case, bring the ‘Best Actor’ trophy too.’

It was a plan befitting the veteran Director Ahn Ga-bok, who had dedicated his life to directing for decades.

To make a lasting impact in the finale.

After finishing their conversation, Director Ahn Ga-bok and Kang Woo-jin walked towards the stage side by side. The audience, who were giving a standing ovation, watched with curious eyes, and hundreds of reporters from various countries snapped pictures of Woo-jin and Director Ahn Ga-bok walking confidently.

Around that time, the executive chairman of the Cannes Film Festival on the stage picked up the microphone.

‘After a unanimous decision by the jury members and a lengthy deliberation, we have reached this decision. ‘Leech’ was a work that was truly deserving…’

He began to explain why they had broken the rules for ‘Leech.’

Soon.

-Swish.

Director Ahn Ga-bok stepped onto the stage, followed by Kang Woo-jin. Director Ahn Ga-bok received the Palme d’Or trophy from a jury member, an actress. As expected, it was the Palme d’Or in its case, but the gold-plated palm leaves were noticeably larger, about 1.5 times the size of Kang Woo-jin’s ‘Best Actor’ trophy.

Director Ahn Ga-bok stared at the ‘Palme d’Or’ blankly.

“······”

His expression was neutral, neither happy nor sad. It was as if his entire career in the film industry flashed before his eyes, starting from the very beginning of ‘Leech’.

‘This improbable outcome was only possible because I met Woo-jin at the start of Leech.’

Then, he took a breath.

“Hoo-”

Director Ahn Ga-bok, after a small exhale, stood at the podium. He gave a slight, wrinkled smile to Kang Woo-jin, who stood to his left in a white tuxedo.

“I’m counting on you.”

Kang Woo-jin nodded silently. Director Ahn Ga-bok, with a small smile, leaned into the microphone. The eyes of thousands of spectators, hundreds of reporters, and the entire Cannes broadcasting team were fixed on the stage.

Director Ahn Ga-bok’s aged voice filled the hall.

“Hello, I am Ahn Ga-bok, the director of ‘Leech’.”

This was also a first for Cannes: the ‘Palme d’Or’ director’s acceptance speech being interpreted by the ‘Best Actor’ winner.

“It’s an overwhelming night. ‘Leech,’ a project that I, the staff, and the grateful actors worked so hard on, has caused quite a stir.”

As soon as he finished speaking, Kang Woo-jin, standing right beside him, began to translate. His deep French voice echoed through the hall.

This two-shot was destined to become a legendary moment in Cannes history.

Afterwards.

Several tens of minutes after the iconic two-shot of ‘Palme d’Or’ winner Director Ahn Ga-bok and ‘Best Actor’ winner Kang Woo-jin, the grand hall hosting the closing ceremony of the 74th Cannes Film Festival was filled with triumphant music.

-♬♪

A thunderous standing ovation erupted, signaling the end of the closing and awards ceremonies. However, the excitement and buzz remained intense. Many people surged towards the ‘Leech’ team, including broadcasting teams and reporters from various countries, as well as prominent spectators.

The grand hall had become a ‘Leech’ celebration.

-Flash! Flash!

The flashes were all directed at the ‘Leech’ team, particularly at Director Ahn Ga-bok and Kang Woo-jin. Cannes officials and the ten jury members on stage called them over. Kang Woo-jin and Director Ahn Ga-bok returned to the stage with their trophies. Of course, they weren’t the only ones there.

‘Oh, a photo op?’

All the winners from the ‘Competition Section’ of the 74th Cannes Film Festival had gathered. The group photo session lasted about fifteen minutes. Afterward, there were brief conversations with the jury members and other winners, followed by more photos in smaller groups of two or three.

Inside, the usually composed Kang Woo-jin was grumbling.

‘Ugh, this is chaotic.’

The reason was simple.

“Mr. Kang Woo-jin, you’re amazing! Could I take a picture with you?”

He had no time to rest due to the constant handshakes and photo requests. The stage felt like a fan signing event for Kang Woo-jin and Director Ahn Ga-bok. After the photo session with the jury, composed of prominent figures from various countries, thousands of big names, including those from Hollywood, who had been waiting in the audience, were now approaching.

A massive crowd.

Directors, actors, staff, celebrities—everyone was asking Kang Woo-jin and Director Ahn Ga-bok for handshakes and photos. This continued for at least an hour, and Kang Woo-jin had easily shaken hands and posed for hundreds of photos.

Meanwhile.

‘I sincerely congratulate you. I had a feeling you would win, for some reason. I’m so happy for you.’

‘Thank you.’

There was also the blonde Cara, Joseph, Megan, and executives from Hollywood film companies, including the half-bald Hollywood master director, Danny Landis.

‘Impressive, very.’

But Kang Woo-jin didn’t remember them all individually.

‘Ugh… I’m starting to feel nauseous?’

To be honest, it was more accurate to say he didn’t have the mental space for it. Just maintaining this ridiculous situation, this persona, was overwhelming. But so far, it had been mild. It was when Kang Woo-jin and Director Ahn Ga-bok, along with the ‘Leech’ team, who had barely managed to organize themselves, came out of the large hall and reached the entrance of the ‘Palais des Festivals’ [Festival Palace].

‘Ugh!!’

Kang Woo-jin’s silent scream.

Below the stairs, a red carpet was laid out, and iron fences were erected. On both sides of the fences, thousands of tuxedo-clad reporters from various countries were clicking their camera shutters. All the reporters who had attended the closing ceremony and awards ceremony, or who had been waiting outside, were mixed together. As soon as they saw Kang Woo-jin and Director Ahn Ga-bok, they shouted at the top of their lungs.

‘Kang Woo-jin!!’

‘#*%%*(%(#*!’

‘%#*%#*#@@@!!!’

‘Kang Woo-jin, Ahn Ga-bok!!!’

It was impossible to understand what they were saying. However, the sound of the flashes was like a roar, and among the reporters, there were also broadcasting teams from various countries, including those from Cannes. Although their races and countries were different, they all had one thing in common.

They were all desperate for the ‘Leech’ team, which included Kang Woo-jin.

At that moment.

-Swish.

Kang Woo-jin solemnly raised his hand towards the thousands of reporters. Director Ahn Ga-bok and the ‘Leech’ team members, including Shim Han-ho, were slightly surprised to see this. His cynical expression was so relaxed. Soon, after a chuckle, Director Ahn Ga-bok whispered to Woo-jin.

‘Here at Cannes, and in ‘Leech’, you’re the main character.’

The positions changed. Director Ahn Ga-bok became second. That is, Kang Woo-jin in his white tuxedo became the first in the line of the ‘Leech’ team. The flashes were blinding, aimed at Woo-jin’s ‘Best Actor Award’ and Director Ahn Ga-bok’s ‘Palme d’Or’ [Golden Palm, the highest prize at the Cannes Film Festival].

It was past 11 PM in France, where the after-party was taking place, and 7 AM in South Korea, early morning.

South Korea was already being bombarded with news of ‘Leech’.

『[Breaking News] Director Ahn Ga-bok Wins ‘Palme d’Or’ at Cannes Film Festival!』

『’Leech’ Director Ahn Ga-bok Wins ‘Palme d’Or’, Kang Woo-jin Wins ‘Best Actor Award’, Making New History at Cannes!』

『[Breaking] ‘Leech’ Wins ‘Palme d’Or’, Director Ahn Ga-bok Takes Top Prize at This Year’s Cannes Film Festival』

At the same time, the title of ‘Leech’ was spreading rapidly around the world. Naturally, most of the foreign news headlines or content included ‘Kang Woo-jin’.

『CNM/Cannes’ Twist! Korean Film [Leech] Simultaneously Wins Palme d’Or and Best Actor Award for the First Time at Cannes! Also, the First in Asia and Cannes』

『LA TIME/Director Ahn Ga-bok Makes New History at Cannes! First Palme d’Or Winner, It Will Be a Great Night for the Korean Film Industry』

『BBX/Korean Actor Kang Woo-jin Wins First Best Actor Award in Korea, Declares ‘Aiming for Next Year’s Academy Award for Best Actor’ in His Acceptance Speech!』

It was clear that Kang Woo-jin’s name would spread far and wide around the world. In particular, Hollywood was excessively excited.

『ABY/Warning to the ‘Academy Awards’! Who is ‘Kang Woo-jin’, This Year’s Cannes Film Festival Best Actor Winner?』

『NT/Cannes Best Actor Winner Kang Woo-jin, Who Aims for Next Year’s Academy Awards, Turns Out to Be a Korean Actor Who Participated in Miley Cara’s New Album Work』

As if to say, ‘We’ll see.’

End