I Was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor-Chapter 345: Closing (3) - Edited

Chapter 345: Closing (3)

Translator: Santos

“The Leech” and “The Beneficial Evil” Launch Simultaneously.

After wrapping up the Cannes Film Festival, *The Leech* is set to premiere in South Korea at the end of October, while the much-anticipated and controversial *The Beneficial Evil* will be released almost simultaneously in Japan. Although the two films are debuting in different countries, there’s one key similarity:

Both star Kang Woo-jin.

This means that Woo-jin's films will be showcased in South Korea and Japan at the same time. While it’s not uncommon for various films featuring a Korean actor to be released simultaneously in domestic theaters, it is rare to see a Korean actor’s works debut in foreign markets like Japan at the same time.

It’s a unique or perhaps unprecedented occurrence.

If *The Leech* and *The Beneficial Evil* were indeed to launch almost simultaneously, it would mark another record for Kang Woo-jin, a significant milestone in his career. Perhaps aware of this, the executives at the distribution company for *The Leech* chimed in.

“It wasn’t intentional, but this has grown quite large. While the works are different, simultaneous releases in Korea and Japan—especially with the lead being a Korean actor in his second year since debut, who has now conquered Japan. And right now, he’s at Cannes. Honestly, that’s impressive.”

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

“Not that I can recall, at least. It’s difficult for a Korean actor to even land a leading role in a Japanese film. Especially when the original work is by Akari and directed by Taniguchi Kyotaro—these are prominent figures in Japan. This is quite a remarkable situation for Japan.”

“Haha, thinking about it, it’s absurd. Are we really going to see both films surpass ten million viewers?”

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“Kang Woo-jin is a twenty-million actor. While it would be incredibly challenging, it’s not impossible.”

“*The Beneficial Evil* is generating quite a buzz in Japan as well.”

Several executives corrected the word “quite.”

“Quite? No, in terms of buzz, it’s the noisiest film in the history of Japanese cinema.”

“It’s full of noise and controversies, after all.”

“Don’t you remember when Kang Woo-jin was officially cast in *The Beneficial Evil*? It was absolute chaos.”

Regardless, it all led back to the name “Kang Woo-jin.”

“With this, Kang Woo-jin has gained yet another legendary title. His energy is simply outrageous.”

“Our star in *The Leech* should have energy that explodes, right?”

“It would be great if that energy also explodes at the Cannes Film Festival.”

The executives and staff then refocused on the meeting about the domestic release of *The Leech*. The expected date was set for Wednesday, October 27. Of course, not all Korean films participating in Cannes could be released; works in sections other than the ‘Competition Section’ faced challenges in securing release dates. Thus, they sought to enter other film festivals.

In contrast, the film *The Leech*, with its director Ahn Gabok's reputation, had no trouble securing a release due to its inclusion in the ‘Competition Section.’

Looking back, there had been similar cases in the past, and Ahn Gabok had films in his filmography that were similar to *The Leech*. Particularly, *The Leech* had garnered considerable advertising momentum due to the legendary status of Ahn Gabok and Kang Woo-jin in the Korean film industry, marking Ahn’s one-hundredth film among various other noteworthy issues.

To not release this would be foolish.

Thus, the distributor had pushed this matter during the production of *The Leech*. This indicated it had been planned even before their participation in Cannes. It was deemed safer to release slowly after Cannes ended, but for the film company and distributors of *The Leech*, the priority was clearly on the buzz surrounding the project.

In simpler terms, they aimed to release *The Leech* before the hype from the Cannes Film Festival wore off.

At that moment, an executive wearing glasses shifted the topic slightly.

“Since the domestic release is confirmed, how are the international releases being prepared?”

A team leader responded.

“If *The Leech* wins an award in the ‘Competition Section’, we’re in touch to have it premiere in Japan and France about a month after the Korean release.”

“Hmm.”

If *The Leech* wins even one award at Cannes, it would greatly enhance its international visibility, thereby increasing opportunities for overseas screenings. France, being the home of the Cannes Film Festival, would be especially eager.

The executive who nodded then whispered a wish.

“Phew—at my age, I feel nervous. If *The Leech* wins even one award, I’ll have no more wishes left.”

---

### Later

As events in Korea unfolded, the atmosphere in Cannes remained lively. Kang Woo-jin, despite his busy schedule, took time to watch films competing in the ‘Competition Section.’

“I feel like it’s the first time I’m enjoying films this much in my life??”

As he murmured while watching the movie subtitles, it was clear that without the linguistic capabilities gifted by the dimensional space, it would have been impossible to enjoy the films. In reality, the audience in the large theater comprised only a small number of Asians, including Koreans and Japanese.

After about an hour,

The film ended, and after joining in the applause, Woo-jin exited the theater.

At that moment,

“Hey! Kang Woo-jin!”

Foreigners, whom he had never seen before, called out to him from behind. One was a foreign journalist.

“*The Leech* was really impressive, as was your performance. Could you sign this poster for me?”

The journalist held out a poster for *The Leech*. Maintaining an air of indifference, Kang Woo-jin nodded calmly.

“Yes, thank you.”

Internally, he was buzzing with excitement.

“Is this real? Am I dreaming?”

He never expected to give an autograph to a foreign journalist at Cannes. What was even more interesting was that it wasn’t just one person asking for his autograph.

“Nice to meet you! Could you sign mine too?”

“Kang Woo-jin, can I take a photo with you?”

“I’d like to do a short interview, if possible.”

Dozens of journalists who were in the theater rushed toward Woo-jin in the hallway. What could this be? The ripple effect of *The Leech*. These journalists had also attended the afternoon screening of *The Leech*. Woo-jin responded appropriately before making his exit, as many eyes were on him.

Soon, back in his hotel room, Woo-jin spoke to himself.

“Cannes is amazing; my international recognition just skyrocketed with one film.”

He picked up his phone, connecting to the social media account he hadn’t checked in a few hectic days. Of course, Han Ye-jeong had been steadily uploading posts during the Cannes Film Festival.

“Wow—this is 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 now surpassed 40 million. Additionally, his DMs were flooded. Among them were messages from actors, directors, journalists, and industry insiders he met at Cannes.

Surprised, Kang Woo-jin quickly logged into his YouTube channel. The shock only intensified.

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

[Subscribers: 25.39 million]

[Videos: 93]

His subscriber count had exceeded 25 million. This was likely the result of the buzz surrounding Miley Cara’s new album teaser combined with the excitement from this year’s Cannes.

One thing needed clarification.

“The explosive power is unreal.”

Kang Woo-jin still hadn’t officially ventured into international markets.

---

Meanwhile, as Cannes rushed into its second half, the excitement in Korea was echoed in Japan. While Korea was focusing on one film, Japan had two films competing in the ‘Competition Section,’ which warranted the buzz. Perhaps Japan was even louder than Korea.

**“Director Kamoto’s *The Leech* Receives Thunderous Applause from Thousands of Audience Members”**

**“Director Okimura Also Garnered High Praise Following Kamoto”**

**“Kamoto and Okimura Directors Further Boost Their Names at Cannes! What About Korea’s *The Leech*?”**

As always, Japanese media maintained an intense competitive stance against Korea. More accurately, they excessively scrutinized *The Leech*.

**“In the vibrant atmosphere of Japan, what about *The Leech*? Public Interest Rising.”**

The reason was simple: not only was *The Leech* included in the ‘Competition Section’, but its lead actor was also Kang Woo-jin, who had recently taken Japan by storm.

**“Kang Woo-jin Maintains His Calm Demeanor on the Red Carpet for *The Beneficial Evil*; Will He Make a Major Announcement at Cannes?”**

Thus, the Japanese media and public opinion simmered, much like in Korea. Japanese variety shows frequently analyzed the entire lineup of films in the ‘Competition Section’ at Cannes. Meanwhile, aside from the Cannes hype, another issue was also heating up in Japan.

*The Beneficial Evil*, having wrapped its press screenings, was nearing release.

**“How Many Press Screenings Did They Hold? *The Beneficial Evil*, Noisy Beyond Compare, Holds Over Five Press Screenings.”**

The Japanese film industry had initially thought that the Cannes Film Festival would dull the buzz surrounding *The Beneficial Evil*. However, the opposite was true. Just like Cannes, *The

Beneficial Evil* was rapidly rising in Japan.

This was also significantly influenced by Kang Woo-jin’s impact.

Interestingly, numerous Japanese journalists who attended the recent press screening remained silent. While most were shocked, there were no articles about the screenings yet. The timing wasn’t right. The day they were allowed to publish was next week. Until then, the journalists and critics who attended the screenings were to remain tight-lipped.

Yet, they were waiting eagerly. Many of the journalists who had attended the screenings were itching to share their thoughts.

“Have you finished writing the article about *The Beneficial Evil*?”

“Yes, of course. I’ve drafted my impressions and evaluations, along with descriptions permitted by the studio. I’ll make it as sensational as possible. I’ll release it right away next week.”

“It was that shocking? What on earth was *The Beneficial Evil* like? Most journalists at the screening were speechless.”

“Criticism? Controversy? It’ll easily surpass that once the movie is released.”

Nevertheless, *The Beneficial Evil* was in full swing with promotions and marketing. True to their earlier plans, the promotional efforts were exponentially more vigorous than ordinary films. Articles, advertisements, teasers, and promotional videos unrelated to the trailers were already flooding YouTube and various video platforms.

It was beyond excessive.

Furthermore, beyond media screenings, they were soon set to hold audience screenings open to the public and VIP screenings inviting celebrities, directors, and other notable figures.

The buzz around *The Beneficial Evil* was explosive.

Word of mouth spread rapidly through Japanese social media and various communities.

At this point, the *The Beneficial Evil* team made an official announcement.

**“[Official] Everyone is Watching—*The Beneficial Evil* Confirmed to Release on October 26.”**

This announcement informed the entire nation of Japan about the official release date for *The Beneficial Evil*. It was set for Tuesday, October 26. There were roughly three weeks and a few days left until then. Moreover, the fact that *The Beneficial Evil* would be released on the 26th meant:

**“Buzz Surges on Social Media and Communities Following Confirmation of *The Beneficial Evil*’s Release on October 26.”**

It was just one day apart from the scheduled release of *The Leech* on the 27th.

---

A few days later, on the morning of the 10th, Korea awoke to the day of the Cannes Film Festival's closing ceremony and awards. Of course, in Korean time, the live broadcast wouldn’t happen until 3 AM the following day, but the domestic media and public were already in a frenzy.

**“[Cannes Film Festival] Live Broadcast of the Closing Ceremony and Awards Begins at 3 AM Tomorrow... Will Director Ahn Gabok Have His Redemption?”**

**“Korean Stars, Including Director Ahn Gabok, Shim Han-ho, and Kang Woo-jin, Will Be Streaming the Cannes Film Festival on YouTube.”**

**“With Live Broadcast News of the Cannes Film Festival in the Early Morning, Movie Communities Are Buzzing; Netizens Say, ‘Ordering Chicken and Waiting.’”**

**“[Special Feature] Will Director Ahn Gabok’s Film *The Leech* Win the Palme d'Or?”**

However, it was undoubtedly Kang Woo-jin’s circle that was the most agitated. His family members, Seo Hyun-mi, Kang Woo-cheol, and Kang Hyun-a, couldn’t take their eyes off the TV or articles featuring Woo-jin.

**“Ha—our son is at Cannes? Is he really there? I can’t believe it even after seeing it.”**

**“He is definitely there, no doubt about it.”**

**“I’m so proud to see him with such famous people.”**

**“But why does he look so stiff?”**

**“He’s nervous! Anyway, isn’t our son winning an award there??!”**

**“I heard if that happens... it’ll be the first time for a Korean male actor.”**

**“F-First! What time is the live broadcast for the award ceremony again??”**

**“3 AM.”**

**“We’ve got to stay up all night!”**

The group chat including his close friends was about to explode. It wasn’t just them; every actor who knew Kang Woo-jin was watching the Cannes Film Festival closely.

**“Stars like Hong Hye-yeon, Ryu Jeong-min, and Hwa-rin Are Flooding SNS with Support for the *The Leech* Team / Photos.”**

Producers like Song Man-woo and directors like Kwon Gi-taek, as well as other industry figures, felt the same excitement.

Meanwhile, unlike the morning in Korea, it was already past midnight in Cannes, France. Kang Woo-jin was found in his hotel room bed, and despite it being 2 AM, he lay wide awake.

“Damn, I can’t sleep.”

His anxiety or nervousness was disrupting his sleep. After all, the finale of the Cannes Film Festival was only a few hours away. He had already searched through multiple sources, and his heart raced even faster than on the opening day.

“Aah—this is going to keep me up all night.”

That was not the case. After a bit of distraction, he suddenly opened his eyes, and the dark sky over Cannes had brightened with the rising sun.

“...Finally today.”

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