I Was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor-Chapter 341: Cannes (7) - Edited
Chapter 341: Cannes (7)
Translator: Santos
Two years since debut? That can’t be right.
That was the thought of director Danny Landis. His reaction of disbelief was entirely natural. The film *The Leech* that he had watched that morning—specifically, the performance of Kang Woo-jin in *The Leech*—seemed to him to be at a level that could only be achieved after at least a decade of experience as an actor, given his position as a Hollywood heavyweight.
Moreover, wasn’t that “Ripley Syndrome” just acting?
Having encountered thousands upon thousands of Hollywood actors, Danny had seen and directed performances of countless styles. He had become numb to the various acting techniques of many actors, but Kang Woo-jin’s performance had captivated him. It was clear that the 3,000 audience members who had watched with him were also buzzing with excitement.
How could he be only two years into his career?
Danny concluded that Joseph, sitting in front of him, was joking. The same went for Megan, sitting next to him. Danny lowered his voice, furrowing his brow.
“Look, Joseph. I’m serious. I’m not joking to lighten the mood.”
Joseph, the tall Black man, chuckled softly and shrugged.
“Director, I’m being serious too. I had no intention of joking when you arrived.”
Hearing this, Danny took off his round glasses and placed them on the table.
“...Are you really telling me that Kang Woo-jin has been active for only two years? You expect me to believe that?”
His voice dropped suddenly.
“Three thousand people, including myself, who watched *The Leech* in the first screening this morning were all blown away. While the quality of *The Leech* was extraordinary, it was Kang Woo-jin’s performance that left everyone shocked. But are those 3,000 just casual audience members? They are prominent figures from the film industry in Hollywood and around the world. A level of tension like that isn’t something a rookie actor in their second year could achieve.”
As a prominent director in Hollywood, Danny had his own set of firm beliefs, but his years of survival in the vast industry had made him fairly flexible in thought. Yet, no matter how he looked at it, he couldn’t believe that Kang Woo-jin was only two years into his acting career.
However, Joseph and Megan’s expressions remained unchanged. Joseph seemed to convey a sense of “So what if it’s true?”
“When I first learned about Kang Woo-jin, I had a similar expression as yours, Director. In fact, when we first saw him, he wasn’t even two years in but just one.”
“...One year?”
“I understand. His energy always exceeds common sense. I didn’t see the theater situation this morning, but I can guess. I’m set to see *The Leech* again in a few hours, and it’s likely to be even more intense than in the morning.”
“...”
“However, I have no reason to lie to you about this. It’s a fact that he is in his second year. If you investigate yourself, you’ll find the answer quickly. Of course, his past is a bit murky. But he debuted two years ago.”
“A murky past, you say.”
“Well, from what I’ve researched, he appeared like a comet, and from the very start, his acting was outrageous.”
As Danny listened to the explanation, the furrow in his brow deepened. On the other hand, Joseph continued his explanation, which felt almost like spreading an illusion.
“Of course, Kang Woo-jin must have gone through years of hard work before achieving such acting skills. Moreover, he has an animal instinct for selecting projects; in other words, his eye for good work is exceptional.”
“An eye for good work?”
This time, it was Megan, with her brown bob, who answered.
“Since debuting, Kang Woo-jin has not had a single failure in the projects he’s participated in. In Korea and Japan, he’s even been given the nickname ‘Midas Touch.’”
“...What? That sounds almost god-like.”
Joseph chuckled.
“I’m confused too. His ability and energy exceed imagination.”
Megan added to this.
“And I should mention, you might find this even more astonishing, Director.”
“What’s that? What else is there?”
“Kang Woo-jin performs without being bound to genres. The role you saw in *The Leech* is just one part of his repertoire.”
The more he heard, the more astonishing it became. It was already absurd that someone in their second year of debut was present at the Cannes Film Festival, and everything related to Kang Woo-jin was far beyond the ordinary.
At this moment, Joseph leaned forward and spoke low to Danny.
“Are you curious about him even more?”
Danny, with his serious expression, stared at Joseph for a moment before nodding.
“Seems so.”
“If you’d like, I and Megan can provide you with a dossier we’ve prepared on Kang Woo-jin.”
“...Please do.”
“By the way, I’m preparing to cast Kang Woo-jin in my upcoming project, and I’ve been working on it for quite a while.”
At that moment, an image of Joseph and Kang Woo-jin side by side from yesterday flashed in Danny’s mind.
“Is that the project you sent me a proposal about?”
“Yes, Director.”
“Nothing has been finalized yet, but I’m working on it.”
For a moment, Danny was silent as he took a few sips from the glass of water. Then he looked back at Joseph.
“I’ll check the proposal you sent again, and—please send me the dossier on Kang Woo-jin as soon as possible.”
“Understood.”
At that, Megan asked Danny.
“What’s your first impression of Kang Woo-jin as an actor?”
Danny Landis, the Hollywood heavyweight, had a simple answer.
“He was real.”
---
**At the same time.**
Among the many attendees invited to the Cannes Film Festival, *The Leech* was being mentioned quite frequently for some reason. Foreigners, just like Joseph and Danny, were having their meals and discussing it.
“*The Leech* was shocking.”
“Oh—that film. It’s Korean, right? It’s about the protagonist’s success story. Was the quality that low?”
“No, that’s not it. It was actually the opposite.”
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“The opposite?”
“That film wasn’t a dull success story at all. It was fantastic.”
Reporters from various countries were scattered throughout the streets of Cannes.
“You saw *The Leech* this morning, right? How was it?”
“You’ll regret not seeing it, everyone.”
“What?”
“I’m going to the second screening of *The Leech* in a few hours. I need to catch Kang Woo-jin.”
“Kang Woo-jin? Oh—he was the one who walked the red carpet with Miley.”
“That actor is going to turn Cannes upside down.”
From the mouths of actors and industry personnel as well.
“Director Ang Kabok has gone mad!”
“Why is that?”
“He cast someone who embodies the setting of the story as an actor.”
“Are you talking about *The Leech*?”
“You should have seen that film with me this morning! It’s indescribable.”
The buzz was intense. Who was it? It was the 3,000 audience members who had seen *The Leech* in the first screening today. They had all experienced shock like Danny’s and were spreading rumors everywhere. But the figure of 3,000 was small compared to the tens of thousands attending the Cannes Film Festival and even more tourist visitors.
There were dozens more who hadn’t seen *The Leech*.
Amidst this, Kang Woo-jin thought.
“Phew—I’ve rested enough, now it’s time to work.”
He began preparing for his appearance. Usually, directors and lead actors of films invited to all sections of the Cannes Film Festival, including the competition section, attend the screening of their films. This was especially true for the main competition section, and *The Leech* was no different. It felt somewhat like a stage greeting for a newly released film.
Of course, the scale was many times larger than a typical stage greeting.
Kang Woo-jin, Director Ang Kabok, and the actors of *The Leech* had not attended the morning screening, but they were all set to attend the second screening at 7 PM. Therefore, it was important to look good. It wouldn’t be as intense as the red carpet, but it would be good to present themselves accordingly.
Since world-renowned figures were gathering.
Woo-jin wore an all-black suit, complete with a tie. As Han Ye-jung was fixing her hair, Choi Seong-gun spoke to Kang Woo-jin.
“You know, a tremendous number of significant figures will be here, and the official ten judges of Cannes will also be attending this time.”
The composed Kang Woo-jin replied quietly.
“Yes. I know.”
“Of course, you’re not nervous, right?”
“Not particularly.”
No, he was nervous. Kang Woo-jin’s heart was pounding now.
“Wow—actually being here with those guys makes me a bit anxious.”
The “those guys” he referred to were the judges and the 3,000 audience members watching *The Leech*. Wasn’t it so? He was going to watch *The Leech* with world-renowned figures and would be able to see their reactions live.
“Ugh, I’m so thirsty.”
But already deep into his concept, Woo-jin hid the real self inside, and Choi Seong-gun patted Kang Woo-jin on the shoulder.
“Yeah, just by looking at your calm expression, I know you’ll be fine. I’m not worried about you. We’ll be outside, so call us if anything happens.”
For
reference, Choi Seong-gun and Woo-jin’s team wouldn’t participate in the theater.
At that moment—
*Brrr, brrr!*
Kang Woo-jin’s phone rang. Casually checking the caller ID, Woo-jin pressed the phone to his ear.
“Yes, Director.”
It was Director Ang Kabok.
---
**A few hours later.**
Around 6:40 PM. Hundreds of reporters were gathered on the steps of the *Palais des Festivals*, the heart of this grand global festival, which had massive billboards. The red carpet was still laid out on the stairs, and a photo zone was set up right in front of the entrance to the *Palais des Festivals*.
The reason so many reporters were gathered was simple.
Soon, the second screening of *The Leech*, the only Korean film in the competition section, would begin. Therefore, many celebrities invited to Cannes were entering the *Palais des Festivals*, and hundreds of reporters from various countries were busy clicking their shutters.
*Snap! Snap!*
The reporters’ fingers were moving frantically, and they didn’t pause for breath.
“*The Leech* is sold out for the second screening as well?”
“That’s right; there will be 3,000 this time. It was the same in the morning.”
“It’s more popular than I expected? I heard the Japanese film that screened on the first day had some empty seats for the second screening.”
“It must be due to all the rumors.”
“Oh, I heard the content is shocking.”
Around that time—
*Swish!*
A group of ten dressed in suits and dresses appeared on the steps of the *Palais des Festivals*. The reporters became excited and started flashing their cameras. They were the official judges of this year’s Cannes Film Festival, composed of prominent figures from the film industries of various countries.
Judges who would evaluate *The Leech*.
The judges posed for the reporters at the entrance photo zone. Although many questions were thrown their way, they were careful with their words as judges and soon disappeared inside the *Palais des Festivals*.
However, the sound of hundreds of reporters clicking shutters didn’t lessen.
“Oh! Miley!! Miley!!!”
More eye-catching figures continued to appear. Just moments ago, the world superstar Miley Cara had appeared. She waved to the reporters in her white suit before moving inside. Many actors, including Hollywood stars, followed her in. Of course, directors from various countries did the same. Among them were Joseph and Megan, along with the stunt team Joseph had gathered and executives from Universal Movies.
Hollywood titan Danny Landis also made another appearance.
“Is that Danny? It’s Danny Landis!”
“I heard he watched *The Leech* this morning, right?”
“Why is he here again?”
So, for several dozen minutes, countless stars entered the *Lumiere Theater* inside the *Palais des Festivals*. As it was a film in the competition section, it was naturally hot. Well, there was slightly more excitement than usual for a typical competition film.
At that moment—
*Snap!*
The intensity of the camera flashes increased. The main stars of *The Leech* had just appeared. Director Ang Kabok, gray-haired Shim Han-ho, Kang Woo-jin, with arms crossed with Oh Hee-ryung, Jin Jae-jun, and Han So-jin. They posed for the reporters for about three minutes, displaying courtesy, before heading towards the *Lumiere Theater* as the time drew near.
At the front was the director, Ang Kabok, whose short white hair was lined with wrinkles.
The actors followed behind him. On their way to the theater, foreigners who hadn’t settled into their seats greeted the *The Leech* team. An interpreter was present, so there were no issues with communication.
*An interpreter is always present—*
In an emergency, Kang Woo-jin could step in.
As 7 PM approached, the *Lumiere Theater*, with a capacity of 3,000, was overflowing with foreigners. It was full. It was approximately ten times the size of a typical movie theater. It was quite a spectacle to see so many foreigners filling the space from the giant screen to the back.
But in the grand scheme of the Cannes Film Festival, it was a minuscule number.
However, even though it was a global festival, more than half were still locals from France, the home of the Cannes Film Festival. Nevertheless, familiar faces appeared among them. In the front, there was Miley Cara, her blue eyes brimming with anticipation. Next to her sat Danny Landis. In the middle were Joseph and Megan’s group. And the ten official judges of the Cannes Film Festival.
The theater was noisy with 3,000 people gathered.
At that moment.
*Shh!*
Several people ascended to the fairly large podium in front of the giant screen. Starting with Director Ang Kabok, Shim Han-ho, Oh Hee-ryung, Kang Woo-jin, Jin Jae-jun, and Han So-jin.
In other words, the *Leech* team.
As they took the stage, a large round of applause erupted in the bustling *Lumiere Theater*. All 3,000 gazes were focused forward.
*Clap clap clap clap clap clap!*
Amidst this, the old-timer director Ang Kabok, who looked slightly awkward in his suit, was handed a handheld microphone. An interpreter stood beside him. It was customary to greet the judges and the audience before the film began.
“Hello, I’m Ang Kabok, a director for several decades.”
As his remarks concluded, the interpreter holding a notepad translated into French, and naturally, the English translation followed simultaneously. The English translation was only audible to those in the audience wearing headphones.
“Along with the actors, I’ve passionately engaged with *The Leech*. Please enjoy the film. Thank you.”
Director Ang Kabok’s greeting was brief. The microphone was then passed to the leading actor, Shim Han-ho.
“Hello, I’m actor Shim Han-ho. It’s an honor to be invited to this festival of global filmmakers. I’ve been here a few times in the past, but I still get nervous...”
Next was Oh Hee-ryung. Her greeting was also short. Soon, the microphone passed to the actor standing in the middle. Kang Woo-jin, dressed in an all-black suit with neatly slicked back hair, approached the microphone, and some in the 3,000 audience showed rising anticipation.
In particular.
*Why am I nervous?*
Miley Cara, who had her blonde hair tied back, and—
*That actor is Kang Woo-jin—he seems so at ease; could he be a bit dry in reality?*
Hollywood titan Danny Landis was visibly present. Regardless of the circumstances, the gaze of all 3,000 prestigious audience members from around the world was fixed on Kang Woo-jin. In a typical situation, it wouldn’t be strange if all eyes were glued to him.
However, Kang Woo-jin—
“...”
Calmly lifted the microphone. Soon, his composed yet low voice resonated throughout the *Lumiere Theater*.
“Hello. I’m actor Kang Woo-jin.”
The interpreter conveyed his words in French, and the English translation reached those audience members wearing headphones. At that moment, Kang Woo-jin suddenly glanced at the interpreter beside him and raised one hand in a gesture that signified ‘I’m okay.’
Then he lowered his voice again. This time, it was not in Korean.
“Bonsoir, Je suis très content d'être à Cannes.” (Translation: “Good evening, I’m very happy to be at Cannes.”)
It was in French, to a degree that could rival a native speaker.
