I Was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor-Chapter 349: Return (1) - Edited

Chapter 349: Return (1)

Translator: Santos

The close-up of director Ahn Ga-bok's face appeared on the TV broadcasting the closing ceremony of the Cannes Film Festival. The members and staff of the "Leech" production company from Korea stared at the screen in disbelief, numbering at least twenty. They couldn’t grasp the reality of the announcement of the Palme d'Or on TV.

“Uh??”

“Huh???”

“...Did they just say ‘Leech’??”

“That’s what I heard too.”

“Wait, no way.”

They reacted as if they must have misheard or that it was impossible. Cannes was known for strictly adhering to its rules, and since “Leech” had already won Best Actor, it shouldn’t have been eligible for another award due to the rule that a single film can only receive one award.

However,

“Why is the camera focused on director Ahn??”

Everyone's eyes were glued to the large TV showing Ahn Ga-bok's face.

And then,

-[Clap clap clap clap clap clap clap!!!]

The thunderous applause erupted in the hall, as thousands of prominent figures stood in appreciation during the live broadcast of the closing ceremony. Including Kang Woo-jin, the cast of "Leech" also stood to applaud.

At this point,

“Gasp!!!”

“What, what? Did our ‘Leech’ really just win the Palme d'Or?!!”

“No way, this is insane!!!”

“It really is the Palme d'Or! It’s true!!”

The members of the “Leech” production company and its staff erupted in excitement.

“Oh my! What on earth is happening at Cannes right now!!”

Many media outlets monitoring the Cannes Film Festival in real-time had similar reactions.

“Keep sending articles on Kang Woo-jin immediately!”

“Yes! Uh, wait a moment, editor!”

“Why! If you have time to chat, send at least one more article.”

“No!! Right now... I think ‘Leech’ just won the Palme d'Or??!”

“What nonsense are you talking about? Don’t they know Cannes' rules?”

“No! Look at the live broadcast!!”

“Why are you making a fuss... huh???”

All media outlets suddenly froze in their tracks.

“‘Leech’ won the Palme d'Or??!!!”

“Is this for real?! Was it not mistakenly announced?”

“I don’t know! But it seems to be happening?!”

“Maybe there was a mistake—but no! Just get it out! Write the article first!!”

However, as soon as they regained their composure, the domestic media outlets began frantically adding breaking news headlines. Every second counted. Similarly, several broadcast news teams communicating closely with local sources were just as frantic.

“‘Palme d'Or’ for ‘Leech’??! Is it certain? Did they confirm this from the ground?”

“Yes, yes! Cannes is going crazy right now!”

“...So what does this mean? ‘Leech’ won both Best Actor and Palme d'Or at Cannes this year??! This is truly making history!!!”

At this point, the host of the Cannes Film Festival added a comment on stage.

-[“The exceptional ‘Palme d'Or’ this year was awarded unanimously by the ten judges...”]

They were adding some explanation, but at the moment, no one in the news teams could understand French. They were simply too caught up in their excitement. Their minds were filled only with thoughts of the Best Actor and the Palme d'Or.

“This is Cannes breaking its own rules!!”

“Wow—a film in the ‘Competition’ section winning both Best Actor and Palme d'Or... and it’s a Korean film.”

“In terms of Cannes history, this has happened before, right? When was that?!”

“I’ll look it up!! Oh—‘The Black Piano’ received the Grand Prix, Best Actor, and Best Actress in 2002!!”

“Then it’s the first time in over 20 years that the rules have been broken??”

“Yes! Moreover—this is the first time in Cannes history that the Palme d'Or and Best Actor were awarded simultaneously...!”

“This is an incredible record, isn’t it??!!”

As soon as the domestic news teams realized the reality of the situation, they became busier than ever.

“Revise what you were preparing!! Quickly!!!!”

They had to change the news they intended to broadcast in the morning as fast as possible.

Amidst the articles flooding the internet,

**‘Kang Woo-jin achieves Best Actor at Cannes!’**

**‘[Star Talk] In just his second year, Kang Woo-jin raises the Best Actor trophy at Cannes! Declares “Next year, I’ll aim for the Academy Award.”’**

**‘[Here at Cannes] Kang Woo-jin achieves Best Actor at Cannes! Declares in fluent French “Next year, I’ll aim for the Academy Award.”’**

Real-time news began to flood in with updates about “Leech” winning the Palme d'Or.

**‘[Cannes Film Festival] Breaking the rule of “no simultaneous awards,” “Leech” wins both the Palme d'Or and Best Actor... the first for Cannes + Korea.”**

Indeed, “Leech” was writing its legend.

---

Back in France,

The gigantic hall of the ‘Palais des Festivals’ was bustling with thunderous standing applause from thousands of spectators.

-Clap clap clap clap clap clap!

-Clap clap clap clap clap clap clap!!

Everyone’s attention was on director Ahn Ga-bok, who had short white hair and was wearing a tuxedo, currently receiving greetings from the “Leech” cast members. However, many among the audience murmured among themselves.

“Simultaneous wins?? Has that happened before?”

“It seems like the first time, at least in my memory.”

“Does this mean Cannes broke its own rules? Is ‘Leech’ really that incredible??”

“Just looking at the unanimous decision of the judges indicates its quality.”

Those who had seen “Leech” understood this well and clapped, but there were many more in the hall who had not seen it.

While the standing ovation overshadowed the murmurs, the whispers grew louder.

“What on earth is ‘Leech’ that it breaks the rules to award both Best Actor and the Palme d'Or??”

The curiosity of many influential figures from around the world exploded. What on earth was “Leech” that it produced such an absurd result? At this moment, the live broadcast, which many around the world were watching, was dominated by Korean comments.

- What the???!! Is this for real???

- Oh my gosh! Congratulations!!

- Wow, this is insane!

- I can’t believe I’m witnessing a Korean film winning the Palme d'Or at Cannes before I die...

- Are you serious???????????

- Did this really happen? Winning both the Palme d'Or and Best Actor???

- Japan is going to have a meltdown.

- Wait... what?!!! I need to change my pants!

- Cannes: There’s still one more to come.

- Congratulations!!!!

- So cool!

---

Regardless of anything, the Palme d'Or of the 74th Cannes Film Festival was confirmed to be for “Leech,” and director Ahn Ga-bok had left a significant mark on this grand stage with his 100th film. As Ahn Ga-bok stood up, congratulations poured in.

“Congratulations, director!!!”

“Wow—director, I’m so happy for you!! Oh, I’m tearing up.”

“Director, congratulations.”

The applause from the “Leech” team, including a calm yet heartfelt Kang Woo-jin, the praise from the surrounding influential figures, the flashes of cameras, and the urgent approach of Cannes broadcast team cameras created a chaotic scene.

However, Ahn Ga-bok remained remarkably composed, and as he received each congratulation, he leaned towards Kang Woo-jin and whispered.

“Woo-jin, could you do me a favor?”

Woo-jin responded calmly.

“Tell me.”

Ahn Ga-bok gestured toward the front as he stepped out into the aisle.

“Please translate my acceptance speech into French.”

Huh?? Me? Although he was taken aback internally, Woo-jin maintained a serious expression.

“...”

Ahn Ga-bok repeated himself.

“This year’s Cannes has been extraordinary, and you and ‘Leech’ are its protagonists. So, we must finish this properly. It needs to be captured well on camera.”

“...Understood.”

“Just in case, bring the Best Actor trophy with you.”

This was a quintessentially Ahn Ga-bok idea, reflecting decades of directing experience.

He intended to make a definitive impact for the finale.

After finishing his conversation, Ahn Ga-bok and Kang Woo-jin moved toward the stage side by side. The audience, who had been standing in applause, looked on with curiosity, while hundreds of reporters from various countries snapped pictures of the confidently walking Woo-jin and Ahn Ga-bok.

At that point, the head of the Cannes Film Festival took the microphone.

“After a unanimous decision from the judges and a lengthy meeting, we’ve reached this conclusion. ‘Leech’ is a film that is entirely worthy of this honor...”

He began explaining why they broke the rules for “Leech.”

Finally.

-Swish.

Director Ahn Ga-bok stepped onto the stage, followed by Kang Woo-jin. Soon, he received the trophy from the actress among the judges. The trophy was indeed the palm tree leaf trophy, gilded and approximately 1.5 times larger than the Best Actor trophy held by Kang Woo-jin.

As director Ahn Ga-bok gazed down at the golden Palme d'Or,

“...”

His expression remained calm. He didn’t look particularly joyful or sad.

Just an abundance of normalcy. Perhaps the panorama of his life rolling through the film industry flashed before him, especially from the start of “Leech.”

“This absurd result was possible because I met Woo-jin at the starting point of ‘Leech.’”

Then he moved.

“Phew—”

Letting out a small sigh, Ahn Ga-bok stood at the podium. He then looked at Kang Woo-jin, standing to his left in his white tuxedo, with a wrinkled smile.

“I’m counting on you.”

Kang Woo-jin silently nodded. Ahn Ga-bok, smiling softly, pressed his lips to the standing microphone. All eyes in the hall, from the thousands of spectators to the hundreds of reporters and the Cannes broadcast team, focused on the stage.

Soon, Ahn Ga-bok’s aged voice echoed.

“Hello, I am Ahn Ga-bok, the director of ‘Leech.’”

This was also the first time such a scenario had unfolded at Cannes: the acceptance speech of the Palme d'Or being interpreted by the Best Actor recipient.

“I am overwhelmed with emotions tonight. My team and I have completed ‘Leech’ together, and it has made quite the impact.”

As he paused for a moment, Kang Woo-jin, standing right next to him, took action. His low-toned French resonated throughout the hall.

This two-shot was sure to become a part of Cannes history.

---

Afterward, several dozen minutes passed following the conclusion of the two-shot of Ahn Ga-bok receiving the Palme d'Or and Kang Woo-jin with his Best Actor trophy. The grand hall, where the 74th Cannes Film Festival’s closing ceremony was taking place, was filled with majestic music.

-♬♪

The thunderous standing ovation erupted as the ceremony concluded. But the heated energy remained intense, especially with many rushing toward the “Leech” team. Broadcast teams and reporters from around the world, along with influential figures nearby.

The grand hall was truly a ‘Leech’ party.

-Bang bang bang!

-Bang bang bang bang!!!

The flashes erupted towards the “Leech” team, specifically Ahn Ga-bok and Kang Woo-jin. The officials of Cannes and the ten judges called out to them. Soon, Kang Woo-jin and director Ahn Ga-bok re-entered the stage, trophy in hand. They were not alone.

“Oh—A photo op?”

All the award recipients from the ‘Competition’ section of the 74th Cannes Film Festival gathered for a group photo. The photo session lasted for about 15 minutes, followed by brief conversations among the judges and awardees, and then another short photo session.

Kang Woo-jin, seemingly indifferent, was internally grumbling.

“Ugh—this is chaotic.”

The reason was simple.

“Kang Woo-jin, amazing! Can we take a photo together?”

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He was bombarded with requests for handshakes and pictures. On the stage, it felt like a fan signing event for Kang Woo-jin and director Ahn Ga-bok. Once the group photos with the international jury of influential figures concluded, the thousands of notable attendees, including those from Hollywood, were waiting in the audience.

A massive crowd.

Directors, actors, associates, and celebrities alike were requesting handshakes and pictures with Kang Woo-jin and director Ahn Ga-bok. This atmosphere persisted for at least an hour, and the number of handshakes and photos Kang Woo-jin engaged in easily surpassed hundreds.

During this time,

“Congratulations! I felt you would win. I’m genuinely happy for you.”

“Thank you.”

Among them were Kara with her blonde hair, as well as Joseph, Megan, and Hollywood executives, including the balding Hollywood master, director Danny Randis.

“It was impressive, very.”

However, Kang Woo-jin didn’t remember each individual.

“I’m starting to feel a bit overwhelmed.”

Honestly, he didn’t have the luxury to feel that way. Just maintaining the concept in such a chaotic situation was exhausting. Yet this was still manageable. When Kang Woo-jin and director Ahn Ga-bok, along with the “Leech” team, finally reached the entrance of the ‘Palais des Festivals’,

“Ugh!!”

Kang Woo-jin silently gasped.

The red carpet spread out beneath the stairs, and a line of metal fences lined both sides, with thousands of tuxedo-clad reporters from various countries clicking their cameras. All the journalists who had attended the closing ceremony or were monitoring from outside mixed together. The moment Kang Woo-jin and director Ahn Ga-bok stepped out, they shouted at the top of their lungs.

“%*#Kang Woo-jin&&%(#%*(!!”

“#*%%*(%(#*!”

“%#*%#*#@@@!!!”

“*#(*Kang Woo-jin, Ahn Ga-bok%**##!!!”

Kang Woo-jin couldn’t comprehend what they were saying. All he knew was the overwhelming noise of the flashes pouring in, and among the reporters, broadcast teams from around the world, including Cannes, were present. Despite their different races and countries, they all shared a common goal.

They were all focused on the “Leech” team, specifically Kang Woo-jin.

At that moment,

-Swish.

Kang Woo-jin raised his hand towards the thousands of reporters with a serious demeanor. Ahn Ga-bok and other “Leech” team members were slightly surprised at this. His cynical expression was surprisingly calm. Soon, a smile spread across Ahn Ga-bok’s face, and he whispered to Woo-jin.

“In Cannes and with ‘Leech,’ you are the main character.”

They shifted positions. Ahn Ga-bok moved to the second position. That is, Kang Woo-jin in his white tuxedo became the first in a line with the “Leech” team. The flashes erupted in a blinding array towards Woo-jin’s Best Actor trophy and Ahn Ga-bok’s Palme d'Or.

Now, at 11 PM in France, it was early morning in Korea at 7 AM.

Korea was already bombarding the news with the story of “Leech.”

**‘[Breaking] Director Ahn Ga-bok wins the Palme d'Or at Cannes Film Festival!’**

**‘Director Ahn Ga-bok of ‘Leech’ wins the Palme d'Or, while Kang Woo-jin makes history with the Best Actor award at Cannes!’**

**‘[News] ‘Leech’ wins the Palme d'Or, and this year’s Cannes Film Festival’s highest honor goes to director Ahn Ga-bok.’**

At the same time, the title of “Leech” was rapidly spreading worldwide. Naturally, most foreign news articles included Kang Woo-jin in their headlines or content.

**‘CNM/Cannes’ Reversal! The Korean film [Leech] wins the Palme d'Or and Best Actor for the first time!’**

**‘LA TIMES/Ahn Ga-bok makes history at Cannes! The first to win the Palme d'Or, Korean cinema will have a remarkable night.’**

**‘BBX/Kang Woo-jin, the first Korean to win Best Actor, declares in his acceptance speech, “Next year, I’m aiming for the Academy Award!”’**

It was evident that Kang Woo-jin’s name would spread far and wide. Especially, Hollywood was in a frenzy.

**‘ABY/Warning to the “Academy Award”! This year’s Cannes Best Actor, Kang Woo-jin, who is he?’**

**‘NT/The Best Actor of Cannes, Kang Woo-jin, aiming for next year’s Academy Award, was discovered to be working on Miley Kara’s new album.’**

They seemed to be waiting to see what would happen next.