I Was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor-Chapter 348: Closing (6) - Edited
Chapter 348: Closing (6)
Translator: Santos
The deep voice of Kang Woo-jin echoed in the grand hall of the Cannes Film Festival's closing ceremony. His face was calm, collected, and stoic, making it hard to believe he was the first man from Korea to receive such an honor.
He directed his remarks towards the audience, global film industry magnates, and reporters from various countries, stating in Korean:
“I have a home in LA, so next year, I’ll be aiming for that market.”
It was akin to a declaration of war, targeting the world this time.
This was certainly a statement that could cause a global sensation. However, Kang Woo-jin remained unfazed. In fact, he had to pretend to be. Maintaining his concept was akin to being on a battlefield; no matter the circumstances, there was no room for regression. Moreover, despite appearing cool and composed on stage, he was internally in a whirlwind of emotions.
So, he focused on his usual demeanor, as he always did.
“Just my way,” with a hint of decorum added.
“This time, feel free to watch closely.”
As he made his statement, he noticed the interpreter beside him widening her eyes in astonishment. It was understandable; she hadn’t expected him to challenge the world so boldly. Conversely, the host on stage, the ten judges, dozens of reporters, and thousands of prominent figures in the audience were momentarily stunned into silence.
Naturally, without interpretation, it was to be expected.
“LA? Did he just say LA?”
“Yeah, he definitely mentioned LA.”
The murmuring foreign reporters quickly began capturing Kang Woo-jin on their cameras. Thousands of audience members tilted their heads in confusion or stared at him, waiting for the interpretation. Meanwhile, on the live stream of the Cannes ceremony, Korean comments were going wild.
- I can't believe what I'm seeing
- But why is Kang Woo-jin so good at French?????
- True, why is he so fluent in French?
- Who cares, the important thing is that Kang Woo-jin just won Best Actor at Cannes!
- Praise me for staying up all night!!!
- Wow... Kang Woo-jin is representing Korea proudly
- His French pronunciation is amazing
- Why do I feel this way??
- Waiter!! Bring me a bowl of national pride!!!!
- I can’t believe it, is it really possible to win Best Actor at Cannes just two years after debuting?
- Goosebumps...
- Tomorrow, both Korea and here will explode with excitement.
- Congratulations!!
---
Although very few in the audience at Cannes reacted immediately to Woo-jin's remarks in Korean, there were some from the "Leech" team. The short-haired director, Ahn Ga-bok, chuckled and nodded.
“He’s talking about Hollywood, the Academy Awards. If he doesn’t get that exposure, it’d be a shame. After all, Cannes is just a stepping stone.”
Shim Han-ho, recalling Kang Woo-jin’s performance at last year’s Blue Dragon Film Awards, chimed in.
“I had a feeling he might say something like this, but to say it so boldly without a hint of nervousness...”
“He’s probably not worried about what comes next.”
“Or he’s so confident he’ll win another Best Actor next year.”
“Both, I suppose. But it’s not just bravado. Look at that firm expression on his face; it’s filled with conviction.”
“He won the Best Actor award here at Cannes, the first for Korea. He has to show that kind of spirit.”
“Ha! Well, it seems I’ll be falling behind.”
“I need to step up my game.”
Ahn Ga-bok seemed to be enjoying the moment, while the seasoned actor Shim Han-ho maintained his composure, even as a junior had just outperformed him. It was as if he believed he’d be the one to win next year. Jin Jae-jun and Han So-jin sat in shock, their mouths agape, while Oh Hee-ryeong wore a graceful smile and whispered softly.
“Good shot—tomorrow, not just Korea, but the whole world will be buzzing, right?”
Her eyes sparkled with anticipation rather than worry. Ahn Ga-bok then crossed his legs while watching Woo-jin on stage.
“Well, in that case, I’ve struck gold.”
Shim Han-ho responded, as if he understood Ahn Ga-bok’s words.
“Since we’ve already won Best Actor for ‘Leech.’”
“Right, it means no other awards will be called for ‘Leech’ here at Cannes.”
While there are many traditions at the Cannes Film Festival, what Ahn Ga-bok referred to was the rule that a single work can only win one major award. If any work in the ‘Competition’ section wins Best Director, then that’s the end of it.
In other words, ‘Leech’ was done winning awards now that Kang Woo-jin had received the Best Actor.
Of course, looking back at the festival’s history, there have been instances where a single work in the ‘Competition’ section received multiple major awards. However, that was in the early 2000s, and no work had achieved simultaneous awards in the last 20 years. While it was disappointing, Ahn Ga-bok didn’t seem to mind.
“But it’s more than enough. ‘Leech’ and Woo-jin have written a new chapter in Cannes history. It’s also the first for Korea. This is sufficient; this is what we needed.”
His wrinkled smile deepened.
“For my hundredth film, this is a luxury.”
At this point.
Woo-jin, with his calm expression, began translating his remarks into French. Meanwhile, the many headsets in the audience received the English translation. Soon, reporters and the broadcast team, along with thousands of spectators, began to recognize Kang Woo-jin’s bold declaration. Most of their eyes widened in shock.
“What did he just say?”
“Did he just aim for LA? Is he really talking about the Academy Awards?”
“That could cause a bit of controversy...”
“That sounds more arrogant than brave. Cannes is impressive, but suddenly aiming for the Academy Awards?”
“Isn’t he taking this a bit too casually?”
“It doesn’t seem like he just blurted it out. The way he speaks so smoothly means he must have prepared for this.”
“Did he plan such a declaration in advance?”
The whispers and murmurs spread throughout the hall.
“Is that actor really good at French?”
“Yeah. Did he live here?”
“Look at his pronunciation; he must have lived in France.”
“I didn’t know anything about that.”
“Maybe he studied abroad.”
“Did he learn acting here?”
Surprise, confusion, shock, astonishment, curiosity, and other emotions reflected on the faces of the thousands of prominent figures.
Interestingly,
“Kang Woo-jin—he’s quite an unusual actor. But can he handle the pressure after saying all this?”
“His acceptance speech will likely follow him for a lifetime.”
While over 70% of the audience openly displayed their disbelief, the remaining attendees surprisingly reacted differently. They nodded in acknowledgment, smiled subtly, and wore expressions of anticipation and support. The reason was simple.
They had seen “Leech.”
Having witnessed Kang Woo-jin’s performance in “Leech,” his bold declaration didn’t come off as a childish boast or bravado.
“If his performance that overwhelmed Cannes is anything to go by, it should work in Hollywood.”
“If he picks the right project, the Academy Award isn’t impossible.”
“There’s potential for even more growth in that performance.”
At this moment, Kang Woo-jin continued with his acceptance speech.
“I would like to thank my parents, my younger sibling, friends, colleagues, all the directors and staff who have helped me, the head of my agency and the staff, and all my fans. Thank you for allowing me to share this moment with you.”
He concluded in a low tone.
“I’m truly grateful to stand in this glorious position once again.”
Then, Kang Woo-jin began the translation into French. By this point, the Hollywood giant director, Danny Landis, was smiling slightly.
“He’s shown remarkable mental strength. It’s hard to believe he’s only in his second year; there must be something significant in his past before debuting.”
And he felt a desire to support him.
“Star quality, the power to draw people in. I’d actually love to take that actor to the Academy Awards myself.”
Blonde Miley Cara covered her mouth with one hand, holding back her excitement.
“How many men can openly express their desires on such a grand stage without worrying about their image? Academy Awards—he’s bound to make an appearance there.”
The anticipation was palpable among Hollywood figures like Joseph and Megan. Meanwhile, in various corners of the audience, they whispered about the words they found hard to understand in Kang Woo-jin’s speech.
“You mentioned you won Best New Actor last year, right? Does that mean you won Best Actor at Cannes right after that?”
“...My goodness.”
“Hasn’t it been a short time since his debut?”
“No way. He might have debuted a while ago, but he only recently started getting noticed.”
Soon, Kang Woo-jin, holding the Best Actor trophy, bowed to the audience.
-Swish.
Simultaneously.
-Clap clap clap!
Dozens of audience members stood up again to applaud. It became contagious.
-Clap clap clap clap clap clap clap!
Most of the thousands of spectators rose from their seats to applaud. While many genuinely rejoiced, even more were still in disbelief or confusion. However, they seemed to follow the atmosphere.
-Clap clap clap clap clap clap clap!
The hall was filled with thunderous applause. Kang Woo-jin calmly descended the stage. Several cameras from Cannes’s broadcast team followed him, along with dozens of foreign reporters clicking their shutters.
From the media’s perspective, it was a 100% scoop: the first Korean actor to win Best Actor at Cannes and his extraordinary acceptance speech.
-Bang bang bang!
The applause echoed like thunder, and flashes erupted around him. Yet, Kang Woo-jin’s composed expression remained unchanged.
“...”
He simply moved towards his seat. Internally, however, he was in a frenzy.
“Wow—Is it over? It’s over, right? What the hell! I can’t even remember what I did! I don’t know; let’s just sit down. I seriously want to rest.”
Kang Woo-jin, heavily involved in his concept, finally sat down in his seat, and as if they had been waiting for it, the “Leech” team showered him with congratulations. Meanwhile, the eyes of thousands of audience members remained focused on Kang Woo-jin. At this moment, Jin Jae-jun, one of the top actors in Korea, cautiously spoke up.
“Um—can I see the Best Actor trophy properly?”
Nonchalantly, Kang Woo-jin opened the case. Jin Jae-jun and Han So-jin gasped in awe.
“Ohh—”
“Wow... this is the one.”
Shim Han-ho, who resembled a tiger, also peeked at the trophy with a serious expression. At that moment, director Ahn Ga-bok, smiling, spoke in his aged voice.
“By tomorrow, your speech will cause a stir worldwide; some might even criticize you. But does that bother you at all?”
Kang Woo-jin replied calmly.
“No problem.”
---
**Meanwhile, in Korea.**
While it was afternoon in France during the closing ceremony, Korea, past 4:30 AM, was experiencing a seismic reaction. The media was in a frenzy, quickly reporting the news.
**‘[Breaking] Kang Woo-jin achieves Best Actor at Cannes Film Festival / Photo’**
**‘[News] “Kang Woo-jin did it!” Wins Best Actor at Cannes with “Leech”’**
As the Cannes Film Festival continued, similar articles flooded in by the second.
**‘[Star Photo] Korean actor becomes the first to win Best Actor at Cannes! Kang Woo-jin delivers his speech in fluent French / Photo’**
**‘Kang Woo-jin makes history in just his second year... First Korean Best Actor at Cannes’**
**‘Wait, he’s good at French? The “legend” Kang Woo-jin, who won Best Actor for the first time in Korea, gives his speech in local-level French / Photo’**
Kang Woo-jin’s name was overflowing on domestic portal sites, social media, numerous online communities, and YouTube.
**‘Kang Woo-jin, the first Korean to win Best Actor at Cannes: His speech was extraordinary! “Next year, I’m aiming for Hollywood”’**
**‘“Monster actor” Kang Woo-jin mentioned last year’s Blue Dragon Film Awards in his speech, “I’m preparing for the Academy Awards with a house in LA.”’**
Despite the early hour, the media and public opinion were exhibiting a fervor bordering on madness. It was not just national pride; Kang Woo-jin had created a new history on the world stage.
Especially in just two years since entering the Korean entertainment industry.
Given how things were at such an early hour, it was evident that the fire would grow many times over by morning. In fact, numerous news teams were already bustling from early dawn.
“Has the material come in? We need the data!!”
“Here!!!”
“We need the video of Kang Woo-jin’s acceptance speech! Including the French part!”
“Editing it now!”
“How about the local reporter?”
“Got in touch!”
They had to broadcast the legendary Kang Woo-jin’s story as a morning news special.
“Is this the only photo we have? Get a clearer one!”
“Yes, yes!!”
“No time! Hurry and prepare! There’s nothing more to be reported about ‘Leech’ from Cannes, right?”
“There shouldn’t be! He can’t win another award since he just won Best Actor!”
“Okay! For the morning news, make sure to feature Kang Woo-jin’s Best Actor win at Cannes! After lunch, show the post-ceremony footage! We need to follow up on Kang Woo-jin’s interview for sure!”
“I’ll convey that!”
Seconds and minutes passed. As time went on, Kang Woo-jin’s name continued to pile up in both online and offline spaces in Korea.
About 45 minutes later,
As Korea grew more and more lively, the conference room of the official production company of “Leech” resembled a wild party.
“Woo-wak!! Kang Woo-jin! Kang Woo-jin!!”
“Done!! It’s enough!! This will definitely make waves not just in Korea but globally!”
“Articles are pouring in like crazy!!”
“Great, great!! Get in touch with the local Cannes team!! After the ceremony, make sure to get a call with Woo-jin!!”
“We’ll also push for releases in Japan and France!”
“Of course!!”
Aside from those at Cannes, the executives from the production and distribution companies of “Leech” remaining in Korea were in a half-crazed state. They had gathered in the early morning to watch the live broadcast of the Cannes Film Festival on a big TV. Naturally, this was the case from the moment Kang Woo-jin was called for Best Actor.
“Tell the making team at Cannes! Have them stick with Woo-jin right after the ceremony! Get as many commemorative photos and interviews as possible! We need to secure the original footage no matter what!”
“Understood!!”
“What about the shot of Woo-jin holding the Best Actor trophy? Make sure to get a full shot, at least 100 close-ups! Ask Woo-jin about the French part too!”
Of course, at this moment, the large TV in the conference room was still showing the live broadcast of the Cannes Film Festival's closing ceremony. The French director who had just won the second-place award had finished his acceptance speech, and it was now time for the festival’s top honor, the Palme d'Or.
However, the executives from the production and distribution companies were not paying much attention.
They all knew the rules of the Cannes Film Festival well. Since “Leech” had already produced a Best Actor winner, it would not be called again. So for now, it was all about Kang Woo-jin. If there were simultaneous wins, the entire world would be thrown into chaos, but everyone knew that was not going to happen.
“Is Woo-jin’s acceptance speech really okay? I’m starting to think it might be a bit too much.”
“What does it matter? Thanks to him, the whole world is about to go crazy! I’d actually be grateful!”
At that moment.
- [“I’m delighted to announce the glorious ‘Palme d'Or’ of the 74th Cannes Film Festival. This year’s Cannes has seen many unexpected events.”]
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While everyone was in a frenzy, the large TV in the conference room displayed one of the ten judges, a female actress, announcing the Palme d'Or.
- [“Congratulations!! This year’s Cannes Palme d'Or goes to ‘Leech’!!!”]
In an instant, all the movements and words of the members of the “Leech” production and distribution companies came to a halt. They turned towards the TV with faces that looked as if they were in a trance.
“...Huh? What did she just say?”
The TV was filled with Ahn Ga-bok’s face.
