I Was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor-Chapter 347: Closing (5) - Edited
Chapter 347: Closing (5)
Translator: Santos
Just before Kang Woo-jin's name echoed through the grand hall of the 74th Cannes Film Festival's closing ceremony and awards, he found himself seated, lost in thought. It was accurate to say he had no great expectations. Still, he had imagined it.
**‘If I receive the Best Actor award here at Cannes, it would be truly insane.’**
Having experienced the overwhelming energy of the Cannes Film Festival, a grand celebration of global cinema, for about ten days, he had been acknowledged by countless foreign journalists, directors, and actors, some of whom reached out to him via social media. If he were to officially win the Best Actor award, it would undoubtedly be a monumental moment.
**‘That would be the end of it.’**
It was evident that the film industry, both in Korea and worldwide, would be buzzing with excitement. However, that was as far as his expectations went. It would be a lie to say he didn’t feel a sense of greed, but Kang Woo-jin chose to empty his mind. Before the ceremony began, the words of Choi Seong-geon had weighed heavily on him.
**‘There’s a chance you could win, Woo-jin. But in the end, it's human decision-making, and the ten judges are no different.’**
Despite being the one who wanted Woo-jin to win the most,
**‘Especially at a colossal festival like this, it’s tough to get picked based solely on acting. Factors like an actor's career, aura, and recognition also come into play. Even if your acting is overwhelmingly good, those backgrounds can sometimes affect the judgment. There’s a strong possibility of bias or discrimination. So, let’s not get our hopes up.’**
He offered this realistic advice with a clear perspective.
**‘You’ve already achieved your goal of using Cannes as a stepping stone. It’s even gained more traction than we anticipated, and many Hollywood figures have taken notice. That alone is a great accomplishment.’**
Choi Seong-geon’s advice was mostly on point. Yes, Kang Woo-jin had used the Cannes Film Festival as a platform, even if it was more of a misunderstanding by Ahn Gabok and Seong-geon. Still, all of that had come to fruition. In just two years since his debut, he had skyrocketed in recognition among international figures, including those in Hollywood.
It was likely that many people would recognize Kang Woo-jin if he ventured into Hollywood.
Even if they didn’t know him right away, a little research would reveal his identity.
Thus, Kang Woo-jin emptied his mind. For him, the ordinary individual behind the spotlight, being on this ridiculous stage felt surreal.
At that moment, the announcement rang out.
**“My eyes do not deceive me.”**
In the grand hall of the Palais des Festivals, the name of Kang Woo-jin—the actor maintaining his calm, aloof persona—was called as the winner of the Best Actor award.
**“The 74th Cannes Film Festival’s Best Actor award goes to *The Leech’s* Kang Woo-jin.”**
Immediately, Woo-jin didn’t react.
**“...?”**
He hadn’t fully processed it at first. The awkward pronunciation of the Italian director on that enormous stage, coupled with his lack of thought, caused him to fail to register the announcement right away. It wasn’t until the cameras in the hall and the gazes of over 5,000 international luminaries turned toward him that he snapped to attention.
**‘Huh? Huh?’**
Around him, Ahn Gabok and the entire *The Leech* team turned their heads toward Kang Woo-jin. He remained calm, but internally, he was unleashing an avalanche of curse words.
**‘...No way. Is it really me??’**
A few more times.
**‘Is it true?! Am I actually?! This is insane! Is this some prank?!’**
Still, he maintained his impassive expression. Rather than a persona, it was clear that he was overwhelmed and stunned. What was this? Was it reality? No, it must be a dream. But damn, this dream felt incredibly vivid!
Just as Kang Woo-jin’s mind was spinning,
The atmosphere shifted among the thousands of spectators in the grand hall. Whispers, murmurs, astonished glances, and open mouths filled the air. The reason was simple. It was unprecedented for a Korean actor to be recognized with the Best Actor award at the globally prestigious Cannes Film Festival.
**“Kang Woo-jin? Where is he?”**
“Oh my God, is this the first time??”
“I believe it is the first time.”
It was the first time for both Cannes and Korea.
At that moment, amidst the quiet, a blonde woman stood up.
- **Swoosh.**
With her bright blue eyes full of joy and certainty, it was none other than the superstar Miley Cara. She became the catalyst for the moment. Soon, everyone in the audience, without exception, rose from their seats.
- **Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap!!**
A standing ovation erupted.
- **Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap!!**
The host on stage, the ten jury members, the luminary audience filling both the first and second floors, the journalists, the broadcasting teams, and Kang Woo-jin’s *The Leech* team—everyone was showering him with applause.
Even,
- **Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap!!**
Tens of thousands of spectators on the beach outside, watching the Cannes Film Festival on the giant screen, were also applauding furiously. Of course, not everyone was cheering. About 30% of the audience looked around, puzzled, wondering what was happening. Similar sentiments surely existed among the 5,000 audience members inside the hall as well.
‘First’ or ‘change’ always comes with a sense of ‘resistance.’
At this moment, Kang Woo-jin in his white tuxedo found himself—
- **Swoosh.**
He unintentionally rose from his seat. His expression remained solemn, but internally, he was utterly disoriented.
**‘Damn it, what is this?’**
It wasn’t that he couldn’t believe what he was seeing; it felt like he was overloaded. Who could remain calm in such a ridiculous situation?
- **♬♪**
A triumphant piece of music, akin to a fanfare, filled the hall. Thunderous applause surrounded him. Compliments and well wishes from the luminaries nearby. Suddenly, multiple cameras surged toward him. Flashing lights erupted everywhere. It would have been strange not to faint or lose consciousness.
- **Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap!!**
Yet at least on the outside, Kang Woo-jin maintained an air of composure. His self-assured demeanor, honed from years of “doing it my way,” instinctively kicked in. He extended his hand toward the rushing arms, shaking hands as he went. He heard the aged voice of Director Ahn Gabok beside him.
“Congratulations, I’m genuinely proud of you. You’re the first actor from Korea to achieve this title.”
The renowned actor Shim Han-ho, reminiscent of a tiger, clasped Woo-jin’s shoulder and patted his back.
“What you’ve achieved in just two years is what I couldn’t do in decades. I’m truly happy. Stand tall, Kang Woo-jin.”
Today, the ever-entrancing Oh Hee-ryeong embraced Woo-jin, her eyes glistening with tears. Excited congratulations from Jin Jae-jun and Han So-jin echoed around him. All Kang Woo-jin could manage was a simple, “Thank you,” as the flashing lights and applause intensified. The world was celebrating Kang Woo-jin.
Interestingly,
**‘Ah—I don’t know. This seems to be alright.’**
In a situation where it wouldn’t be strange to go crazy, Woo-jin’s feelings surprisingly became more serene. Perhaps it was an adrenaline rush? In any case, Kang Woo-jin—
- **Swoosh.**
While receiving the explosive congratulations and surrounded by cameras, he turned his gaze to the host on stage and the ten jury members waiting for him.
**“...”**
In that moment, Woo-jin had only a fleeting thought.
He took a step forward. No holding back.
The persona he maintained for the sake of appearances had transformed into an incredible source of strength in this bizarre moment.
- **Thud.**
With a heavy sense of indifference, Woo-jin walked down the aisle. On either side, dozens, if not hundreds, of luminaries continued their standing ovation. His ears buzzed, but Kang Woo-jin didn’t stop his calm stride. A few audience members tilted their heads in confusion.
**“Is something wrong? Isn’t he a bit too calm?”**
“No way. He just won the Best Actor award at Cannes for the first time! He’s probably just too nervous.”
“It seems too calm for that. Maybe he was confident he would win.”
“I get it; I’ve seen his *The Leech*.”
Kang Woo-jin was only a few steps away from the stage.
**‘This is dazzling.’**
He gradually felt the heat from the lights shining down. At this point, the YouTube broadcast, live-streamed with cameras surrounding him, was filled with—
- **??????Is this real??!!!!!!!!!**
- **Haha, what the hell!!!**
- **Chills!!! Chills!!!!!!!!!!!!!!**
- **Aaaaaaaah, this is insane!!!!**
- **True???!!!**
- **Whoa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!**
- **
Kang Woo-jin!! Kang Woo-jin!!!!!!!!**
- **No way... Wow... This is giving me chills....**
- **This is insane.**
- **Hahaha, this is unreal.**
The live chat was in a frenzy.
Languages from all over, including English, flooded the chat, but of course, Korean comments dominated. Not a single second passed without Korean comments flooding in wildly. Despite being well past 3 AM in Korea, it was pure chaos, and the waiting room right next to the hall was a maelstrom of excitement.
**“Waaaaah!!!!”**
A few Korean journalists and Kang Woo-jin’s team, including Choi Seong-geon, gathered in the waiting room.
**“Woo-jin! Woo-jin!!!”**
“Ahhh! This is crazy!! Director!! Woo-jin hyung!!!”
“Yessss! That’s right!! Our Woo-jin is really up there!!”
“Gahhh!!”
“This is insane!! This is insane!!! Gahhh!!!”
“Is it my brother?!! Is my brother really going out there?!!”
The source of this c𝐨ntent is freёnovelkiss.com.
Everyone was busy embracing each other and jumping up and down in front of the big TV, which displayed the current situation.
**“This is unbelievable!! No way!! This is definitely happening!!!”**
**“Whoa!! Ahhh!!”**
**“I can’t believe I’m seeing this moment with my own eyes!!”**
In that moment, they were not separate teams.
They were simply citizens of South Korea.
- **Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap!!!**
Endless shouts of joy, screams of excitement, and applause surged forth. It was entirely warranted. This was a moment of national pride. It was the moment Kang Woo-jin, alongside Korea, made his name known across the globe, transcending even Cannes. It wouldn’t be surprising if the president came out to celebrate.
Thus, due to the time difference, Korea was also in a frenzy around 4 AM.
In Jinju, Kang Woo-jin’s family reacted.
**“Kyaa!!!!! Mom!! Dad!! My brother!! My brother won!! He really won!!”**
“W-What?!”
“...Huh.”
“Ah! Mom!! Get a grip!! Dad! Mom’s acting weird!!”
In a different gathering, among Kang Woo-jin’s childhood friends, at Kim Dae-young’s house.
**“This is insane!! No way!!!”**
“Wait, wait, wait!! Kang Woo-jin won the Best Actor award at Cannes?? For real??!!”
“Shut up... Are you serious? Is it really Woo-jin who won Best Actor at Cannes?!!”
“Call him!! Call him now!!”
“Idiot! Do you think he’ll pick up?!”
“Stop! Don’t say that!!”
At this moment, the Korean media quickly jumped into action.
**“[Breaking News] *The Leech’s* Kang Woo-jin Wins Korea’s First Best Actor Award at Cannes.”**
As soon as Kang Woo-jin’s name rang out at Cannes, articles began to flood in.
---
And so it was.
- **Swoosh.**
Kang Woo-jin stepped onto the stage as the recipient of the Best Actor award. Applause and cheers continued from the audience, including the host and jury members.
- **Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap!!!**
In his white tuxedo, Woo-jin stood before the Belgian actress hosting the event. She beamed brightly as she approached him, holding out something.
It was the Best Actor trophy.
The trophy, in the form of a palm leaf, marked a historical moment for both Cannes and the Korean film industry. As Kang Woo-jin lowered his gaze to the trophy in his hand, he felt a thrill.
**‘This is what I’ve only seen in pictures.’**
Ironically, it didn’t look as grand as he had imagined. Perhaps because, in Woo-jin’s eyes, it wasn’t much different from the trophy he received at the Blue Dragon Film Awards. Maybe it was because the true Kang Woo-jin, rather than his ‘monstrous actor’ persona, was what mattered. The host gestured for him to step toward the center stage where the standing microphone awaited.
It was time for him to share his thoughts.
“...”
With a poker face, Kang Woo-jin placed the trophy on the podium. It felt as though his body moved automatically. His heart had cooled. He had to focus on the persona. Thoughts of an acceptance speech? None at all. Yet, he stood at the podium, facing a sea of cameras with dozens of foreign journalists in front of him.
- **Bababababam!**
The cameras clicked furiously at the stage where Kang Woo-jin stood. As the thousands of luminaries applauded, they gradually took their seats as he prepared to speak. The ten jury members also followed suit.
- **Swoosh.**
Kang Woo-jin lifted his gaze.
**‘This is insane.’**
From the stage, the view of the massive hall was breathtaking. Soon, a translator approached him from his left, ready to translate his words into French. Since Woo-jin was fluent in French, he didn’t bother to stop her. The reason was clear. He didn’t care about the speech; there was only one thought stimulating his brain.
With his calm demeanor, Kang Woo-jin consciously ignored the broadcasting and press cameras, turning to the thousands of distinguished audience members.
**“...Good evening.”**
He began in French. What should he say? Well, he would just ramble whatever came to mind.
“I’m not particularly good with words. And I can’t believe I’m standing here.”
His fluent French caught the attention of the translator, dozens of journalists in front of him, the host, the ten jury members, and the broadcasting team, including the chairman of Cannes and staff, all opened their eyes wide. Of course, many of them were calm. They had already witnessed his French at the second screening of *The Leech*.
But that was a minority.
The majority of the audience looked genuinely surprised. However, Kang Woo-jin continued in his low French tone.
“Um—thank you. It’s truly an honor to win an award at this grand festival. I want to thank the great *The Leech*, and all my colleagues and staff who worked on this project.”
His French was indistinguishable from that of the locals. His practiced skills far exceeded his earlier preparation. The translator blinked in disbelief.
- **Swoosh.**
As Kang Woo-jin paused briefly, his gaze shifted slightly to the front right. He switched languages.
“I am Kang Woo-jin, an actor from Korea.”
In a low tone of Korean, despite having already made an impression with his French, Kang Woo-jin chose to continue his speech in Korean. There was no grand intention behind it. He simply wanted to express himself in Korean at this global festival.
“At this moment, I believe many people in Korea are celebrating. It’s early morning there, but there are fans who are staying up to watch this.”
A moment for translation. However, Woo-jin didn’t need the translator’s help. He could handle it himself. He softly recited what he had said in Korean in French. The murmurs in the audience grew louder. This was also unprecedented in Cannes history. It was the first time a lead actor had personally translated his acceptance speech into French.
Regardless, Kang Woo-jin cut off the translation and continued in Korean.
“I have received a truly magnificent award. Last year, when I won the Best New Actor award at the Korean Blue Dragon Film Awards, I made a statement: ‘This year, I’m a rookie, but next year, I’ll win Best Actor. Just wait and see.’ Today, I have won Best Actor. It didn’t even take a year.”
As the translator processed his words, Kang Woo-jin’s mind was racing with other thoughts. Would it be better to show some bravado? It was a quick contemplation. But it didn’t last long. It didn’t matter; he had already experienced something similar.
Kang Woo-jin resumed his speech in Korean.
“Recently, I got a house in LA, so I’m aiming for that next year.”
He didn’t forget to add his ‘no holding back’ attitude, whether it was Cannes or not.
