I Was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor-Chapter 342: Cannes (8) - Edited

Chapter 342: Cannes (8)

Translator: Santos

When a person suddenly witnesses an unexpected sight, they may freeze in place. Their words might fail them, or they may be so shocked that they become paralyzed. Either way, that was the case in the enormous 3,000-seat *Lumiere Theater* at the *Palais des Festivals*.

“...”

“...”

“...”

The only Korean film invited to the Cannes Film Festival's competition section. In other words, the afternoon screening of *The Leech*. The 3,000 seats were full. Yet the audience, filled with globally renowned celebrities, was eerily silent. No matter their nationality, everyone was quiet. Not even a cough could be heard in the grand theater.

What happened right after Kang Woo-jin’s greeting in a low tone?

“Bonsoir, Je suis très content d'être à Cannes.” (Translation: "Good evening, I’m very happy to be at Cannes.")

French words suddenly filled the theater. And they were very fluent. The first to react was the interpreter beside Woo-jin, who turned to look at him with wide eyes.

‘...What? How can he speak French so well??! This isn’t just a matter of practice!!!’

Meanwhile, Kang Woo-jin continued his cynical greeting without missing a beat.

“It’s an honor to introduce my performance and to show you *The Leech*.”

The shock remained in the widened eyes of the 3,000 audience members. A hint of confusion was mixed in. It was completely understandable. No one expected a Korean actor, let alone one they were seeing for the first time, to greet them suddenly in French.

Amidst this—

“Huh—”

“...?”

“What, what’s going on?”

“Wow—”

The experienced director Ang Kabok, with his short white hair, was among them.

‘He can speak French? It’s not just English or Japanese, or sign language? Has he lived in this part of the world before??’

The leading actors Shim Han-ho and Oh Hee-ryung felt the same.

‘Who is this kid? With such abilities, how can he also speak French? If he hasn’t been training as an actor since childhood, this is impossible.’

‘...Wow, practice?? No, even I, who don’t know any French, can tell this is top-notch! What the hell is he?’

Even Jin Jae-jun and Han So-jin were astonished.

‘He’s crazy. He can speak French too?? Was he educated abroad... in France??!’

The *Leech* team was staring blankly at Kang Woo-jin, half in shock. Naturally, the confusion only grew. Yet, completely unconcerned with the shock around him, Woo-jin did not stop speaking French.

“I’m nervous thinking about watching *The Leech* with so many people, but I acted hard without any shortcomings.”

At this point—

“What’s up with that Korean actor? His French is so fluent!”

The audience of 3,000 began to murmur. Especially the French attendees, who made up more than half of the crowd.

“...That’s impressive. Did he practice? For it to sound so natural...”

“It doesn’t seem like he practiced. I’d believe it if he said he lived in France. We can tell when we hear it.”

“Didn’t that actor speak fluent English on the red carpet?”

“His pronunciation is perfect, just like a local. It seems he has lived in France before.”

“He might have studied acting there.”

“Ah—that’s a possibility too.”

The buzz grew louder. Although the Cannes Film Festival appears to be a global festival, the reality is that many locals from France make up a significant portion of the audience, which heightened their excitement.

“Is it the first time in Cannes history that a Korean actor, no, an Asian actor speaks French at such a native level?”

“I think he must have practiced a bit, but this level is unprecedented. We’re witnessing something amazing.”

“Remarkable. He must have ties to France.”

“If we judge by his French skills, he’s probably lived here for at least several years, maybe even longer.”

“He might be mixed race.”

“Hmm.”

The murmuring increased. The Cannes Film Festival is indeed a festival for everyone, but when you look closer, it’s still filled with many French attendees, leading to their heightened excitement.

Kang Woo-jin finished his greeting in French.

“Just as the director said, all the actors and staff dedicated themselves to completing this work. I hope you enjoy it.”

The all-black-clad Woo-jin calmly passed the microphone. Jin Jae-jun, who had been staring blankly at Woo-jin, received the handheld microphone. But still, the attention of both the *Leech* team and the 3,000 audience members was fixed on—

“...”

Their focus was entirely on Kang Woo-jin’s impenetrable poker face. Miley Cara, with her sparkling blue eyes, shouted silently.

‘What is this guy’s true identity!!’

The fact that she had witnessed so much about Woo-jin made it even more intense.

‘I can accept his English skills—but he also speaks Japanese?? And that voice, not to mention his piano skills! Plus, CQC! His acting level is absurd too!!!’

In the meantime, she recalled the dishes he had cooked for her. Thinking back, his cooking skills were at a chef’s level. While Miley herself was a star with both acting and musical abilities, the cold Korean actor in front of her felt light-years ahead.

‘Monster, alien. Those terms don’t even seem sufficient! And why is he so calm when he’s turning the entire theater upside down??’

The expressions of the ten official judges at the Cannes Film Festival varied widely, but they all shared a common look of astonishment. Joseph and Megan squinted at each other, unsure if what they were seeing was real.

“It’s not unusual for someone to speak French... but this is strange. No, it’s really weird.”

“It’s hard enough to grasp one language in reality. Kang Woo-jin is speaking several languages effortlessly—he might be living a second life.”

“Even if it’s a second life, that’s strange.”

The stunt team and executives from Universal Movies were similarly at a loss. One actor had so much to offer. On the contrary, Hollywood titan Danny Landis managed to remain composed. Though surprised, he lacked the information that others had.

‘French at a native level.’

With his arms crossed, Danny stared at Woo-jin on stage, recalling something Joseph had mentioned earlier: that Kang Woo-jin’s past was unclear.

‘He’s heard to be proficient in English as well. Given that he speaks French fluently, he must have developed his skills not just in Korea, but also in Hollywood and here.’

There was an error in perception.

‘But that actor—he seems exceptionally relaxed. Is he confidently calm or just really laid back? No matter how you look at it, he doesn’t seem like a two-year debut actor.’

At this point, Danny focused not on Woo-jin speaking French but rather on something else: the veteran energy and composure that he exuded.

‘A rare dignity or tranquility. That’s not something that can be easily imitated. It flows naturally. How did he encapsulate that in just two years?’

Currently, Kang Woo-jin’s aura was truly that of someone who should have been in the industry for many years. It was a reality that could not be acquired in merely two years. A heavyweight like Danny Landis surely knew this.

Regardless of everything.

“...Hello, I’m actor Jin Jae-jun.”

As the atmosphere reached a heated crescendo, Jin Jae-jun continued his greeting. Of course, Kang Woo-jin’s poker face remained unchanged. However, inside, Woo-jin was feeling a whirlwind of emotions.

“Wow—this is insane! I almost flubbed my lines from nerves! Ugh, with everyone staring at me, the pressure is intense. But when else will I get to use my French??”

The first official showcase at the Cannes Film Festival was a tremendous success.

‘It’s uncertain whether I’ll win an award, so it’s the right time to use it. Ah—but my heart is racing so fast!’

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---

**Ten minutes later.**

After the greetings from the main cast of *The Leech* concluded, they took their seats in the designated front row of the theater. Meanwhile, the gaze of the 3,000 audience members remained glued to Kang Woo-jin.

His impact had been too strong.

Naturally, whispers began to circulate among the audience, including the ten judges.

“What an intriguing actor.”

“Hmm, it’s clear he’s special. He’s going to attract some attention.”

“I wonder how his acting will be?”

“We’ll find out soon.”

“If his acting disappoints, the impact will fade quickly.”

“Conversely, if his acting is good, the current impact will only multiply.”

“First, we need to focus on judging.”

Among reporters and others.

“That actor, Kang Woo-jin? I like him, whether his acting is good or bad. Either way, he’s going to generate buzz.”

“Yeah, but I think it would be more entertaining if his acting was a bit lacking.”

“I’ve heard rumors that his acting isn’t bad.”

“Ah, it’s starting now. Let’s just watch for now.”

At this point, the lights in the grand *Lumiere Theater* dimmed. It signaled that the second screening of *The Leech* was about to begin. Soon, the indifferent-faced Kang Woo-jin, along with the *Leech* team, along with Miley Cara and Director Danny, all fixed their gazes on the giant screen. A few seconds of silence followed. The first sound that broke the stillness was

the audio.

*“Huh.”*

The dark theater filled with someone’s exhaled breath. The once pitch-black giant screen gradually transformed into gray. In an instant, the 3,000 audience members realized that the gray was tobacco smoke. The angle zoomed in, cutting through the smoke, and the face of a man appeared on the screen. It was Kang Woo-jin.

Simultaneously, his narration began.

*“I don’t know anymore who I am, or who I exist as. I’ve lost my way. Am I really the one speaking now?”*

Kang Woo-jin’s words echoed through Cannes.

*“Am I just making excuses to fit the situation? Again, I don’t know. Maybe by tomorrow morning, I’ll be smiling.”*

The subtitles in French and English followed along smoothly, making it easy to follow.

*“Am I really the one who will be smiling tomorrow morning? I’m confused. I don’t know who I’m imitating or if that’s really me.”*

On the screen, Kang Woo-jin, or rather ‘Park Ha-sung’, was crouched down. A full shot. He continuously exhaled tobacco smoke. His expression was dull, but the weariness he exuded with each puff was evident. Soon, after grinding out his cigarette on the floor, Woo-jin looked up to the sky. The weather was stunningly nice. However, Kang Woo-jin did not smile, only clicking his tongue.

Once again, his voice was laid down.

*“But now, I really can’t find myself. I think I forgot what I had on the way. It will be hard to find.”*

At that moment, a voice devoid of character was heard.

“Hey! Hey!! Stop fooling around and get back to work!!”

*“...Ah—yes.”*

Kang Woo-jin stood up nonchalantly. Clad in a cheap suit, he picked up a round tray he had set nearby. The screen displayed a lavish garden party filled with wealthy individuals, showing the high-priced lives of conglomerates.

-♬♪

A light classical tune filled the air in a leisurely setting. The angle gradually rose, illuminating Kang Woo-jin as he entered among the conglomerates, where the title appeared.

-‘The Leech’

Until this point, the 3,000 audience members watched in relative calm. But soon, the plot twist struck.

*“What are you looking for?”*

A meeting between Kang Woo-jin and the mute mistress Oh Hee-ryung. And Woo-jin’s sign language. In an instant, the expressions of the audience changed. It felt as if a shock had been layered on top. After the fluent French, the addition of sign language was dazzlingly impressive. It was, of course, the narrative surrounding Woo-jin’s character.

Next came Shim Han-ho, or the appearance of ‘Chairman Yoon Jeong-bae’. They soon became intertwined with *The Leech*.

*“Honey, I’m going to play with that kid here. This party is so boring.”*

In a flash, the 3,000 audience members concentrated on *The Leech*. A sudden spike in tension. Although most of the audience had been expecting a success story, there was a strange undercurrent of eerie unease surrounding *The Leech*.

Among the ten judges and the audience, the standout actor was Shim Han-ho.

*“As expected, he’s got a different energy from the get-go.”*

The speed of the narrative picked up from the dialogue between Kang Woo-jin and Shim Han-ho.

*“What you need to do is simple. Just be my wife’s secretary.”*

*“What are you talking about?”*

*“It’s just a fancy way of saying you’ll be her servant. Be a companion to my wife, play with her, eat with her, and accompany her shopping.”*

*“...?”*

*“The goal is simple. First, make my wife depend on you, blindly.”*

The beginning of chaos. At this point, the audience began to perceive the subtle changes in Kang Woo-jin’s expression and psyche. This transformation occurred after he stepped into the conglomerate's world. His feelings toward the mistress ‘Yoo Hyun-ji’ gradually shifted from ‘work’ to a very slight sense of ‘possessiveness’ as reality set in.

The first lie was told to the youngest daughter of the conglomerate, ‘Yoon Ji-min’.

*“What did mom just say!”*

*“She told me to get close to you.”*

No, Mistress ‘Yoo Hyun-ji’ had signed to ‘ignore my daughter.’ However, Ji-min believed Park Ha-sung's words. She believes me? Trust me a little. Gradually, the character on screen, Park Ha-sung, or Kang Woo-jin, began to change, viewing Yoo Hyun-ji and Yoon Ji-min not as others but as targets.

Lies, once spoken, become reality.

*“Then that’s true?”*

If so, it wasn’t fiction. Who can discern the truth from a lie? In this household, Kang Woo-jin was the only one. Lies and truths were invisible. Only phenomena occurred. Lies felt like magic. Once spoken, they came to life.

Kang Woo-jin’s psyche evolved into an essence.

His influence expanded.

Chillingly, Woo-jin’s face was now entirely different from how it was at the beginning. Chairman Yoon Jeong-bae, who sensed something was off, was far too busy. This was the first appearance of his eldest son, Yoon Ja-ho.

The setting was the courtyard of a grand mansion.

Ja-ho smirked and spoke first.

*“How’s your mother doing these days?”*

Kang Woo-jin didn’t answer immediately. He stared intently at Ja-ho. The close-up captured Ja-ho’s pupils. The strength had faded from his gaze. It was altered and transformed. Pure yet muddied. In *The Leech*, close-ups of Kang Woo-jin’s eyes were frequent. This was to show the audience his essence.

At that moment, he was a quiet monster.

*“Madam. No, my mother is doing very well.”*

And then—

‘...Oh my.’

Miley Cara's blue eyes widened as she covered her mouth with both hands.

‘Something beyond method. I can’t possibly put into words the level of that performance.’

It was terrifying.