I Was Mistaken as a Monstrous Genius Actor

Simultaneous releases of 'Leech' and 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger'.

After completing its run at the Cannes Film Festival, 'Leech' would premiere in Korea at the end of October, while the controversial 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger' would release around the same time in Japan. Although the two films were being released in different countries, they shared one significant commonality.

The lead actor was Kang Woojin.

In other words, the movies starring Woojin would be showing simultaneously in theaters in Korea and Japan. There have been instances where different films featuring a Korean actor were released in Korean theaters at the same time. However, it was almost unheard of for simultaneous releases to happen not only domestically but also in another country like Japan.

Unique and unprecedented.

If 'Leech' and 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger' were to be released simultaneously, Kang Woojin would once again make history, carving his name into the record books. The executives at the distributor of 'Leech' had a few words to add about this.

“It wasn’t intentional, but this has grown into quite a big deal. The projects may be different, but simultaneous releases in Korea and Japan- and the lead actor is a Korean who debuted only two years ago and has already conquered Japan. Right now, he’s at Cannes. Honestly, it’s remarkable.”

“Has anything like this happened before?”

“No, not that I can remember. For starters, it’s hard enough for a Korean actor to land a lead role in a Japanese film. And it’s based on a work by that writer Akari, with Kyotaro Tanoguchi as the director. Aren’t these two figures representative of Japan? From Japan’s perspective, it’s an absurd situation.”

“Haha, when you put it that way, it is absurd. At this rate, could both films released in Korea and Japan surpass ten million viewers?"

“Kang Woojin is a 20-million-viewer actor, after all. It’s going to be insanely challenging, but it’s not impossible.”

“I hear the response to 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger' in Japan is quite intense.”

A few executives corrected the word 'quite'.

“Quite? That’s an understatement. In terms of buzz, it’s arguably the most talked-about film in the history of Japanese cinema.”

“Not to mention, it’s a film riddled with controversies, issues, and debates.”

“Don’t you all remember the uproar when Kang Woojin was officially cast in 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger'? There was no end to the commotion.”

In the end, everything circled back to the name 'Kang Woojin'.

“With this, Kang Woojin’s added yet another legendary title to his name. The hype is simply off the charts.”

“Well, he’s the lead in our 'Leech', and it’s always good for the hype to keep pumping, isn’t it?”

“I just hope that energy explodes at Cannes too.”

With that, the executives and staff at the distributor returned their focus to the meeting’s agenda: the domestic release of 'Leech' following the Cannes Film Festival. The projected release date was set for Wednesday, October 27. Of course, not all Korean films that made it to Cannes could secure a release. Films featured in sections outside of the 'In Competition' section often face difficulties in securing a release. That's why they try to submit to other film festivals.

On the other hand, with 'Leech' participating in the 'In Competition' section and the renowned Director Ahn Ga-bok’s name attached to it, getting a release would not be challenging.

Looking back, there have been similar cases in the past, and Ahn Ga-bok’s filmography included movies similar to 'Leech'. Moreover, 'Leech', which made it to the Cannes Film Festival this time, already had significant advertising value. With Kang Woojin’s involvement, the legendary Korean director Ahn Ga-bok directing his 100th film, and various other factors, there was considerable buzz surrounding it.

Not releasing it would be foolish.

As such, the distributor pushed forward with preparations for Leech’s release during production. This meant that the release had been planned even before it entered Cannes. Waiting a bit after Cannes and releasing it slowly would be safer, but rather than safety, the production company and distributor valued the film’s potential for hype.

In simple terms, the strategy was to release 'Leech' before the Cannes Film Festival buzz wore off.

At this point, an executive wearing glasses slightly changed the topic.

“Assuming the domestic release is settled, how are the preparations for international releases?”

A team leader-level employee responded.

“If 'Leech' wins an award in the 'In Competition' section, we are in talks to schedule its release about a month after the Korean premiere, in Japan and France.”

“Hmm.”

If 'Leech' were to win even a single award at Cannes, it would attract significant attention overseas as well. This could provide an opportunity to release it in international theaters. France, in particular, as the home of the Cannes Film Festival, would likely be especially receptive.

Nodding, an executive murmured his hopes.

"Whew- even at this age, I'm nervous. If 'Leech' could bring home even one award, I'd have no regrets."

Afterwards.

Time flowed by with bustling events both in Korea and in Cannes, France. Kang Woojin, currently in Cannes, was enjoying a relatively relaxed schedule while also watching other films in the 'In Competition' section.

'I think this is the first time in my life I've been watching so many films??'

Woojin muttered to himself as he read the subtitles. If it hadn’t been for the English and French skills granted to him by the Void Space, he wouldn’t have been able to watch the films at all. In fact, among the thousands of audience members inside the large theater, there were few people from Asia, including those from Korea and Japan.

About an hour later.

The movie ended, and after joining in the applause, Woojin exited the theater.

At that moment.

“Hey! Kang Woojin!”

A foreigner he’d never seen before called out to Woojin from behind. It turned out to be one of the international reporters.

“'Leech' was truly impressive, and so was your performance. Could I ask you to sign this poster?”

The reporter handed him a 'Leech' poster and asked for an autograph. Wearing his usual nonchalant expression, Kang Woojin nodded calmly.

“Yes, thank you.”

Internally, though, he was freaking out.

'What the hell? Is this for real?? This is insane.'

He had never imagined that he would be asked for an autograph in Cannes, and by a foreigner reporter at that. And the funny part? This reporter wasn’t the only one asking for his autograph.

"Nice to meet you, could I get one too?"

“Kang Woojin, can I take a picture with you?”

“I’d like to do a quick interview if you don’t mind.”

Dozens of reporters who had been in the theater swarmed around Woojin in the hallway. What else could it be? It was the impact of 'Leech'. These reporters had also watched the afternoon screening of 'Leech'. After responding to them appropriately, Woojin quickly made his way out of there, as countless eyes were on him.

Soon, back in his hotel room, Woojin muttered to himself.

“Cannes really is something else. Just one movie screening, and my international recognition shoots up like crazy.”

He then picked up his phone. He logged into his social media, which he hadn’t checked for a few hectic days. Of course, during the Cannes Film Festival, Han Ye-jung had been steadily updating it.

“Whoa- insane.”

Kang Woojin’s eyes widened a bit. The reason was simple.

-@Wooji_n

Posts: 301

Followers: 40.13 million

Following: 121

His followers had suddenly surpassed 40 million. And the DMs were pouring in by the thousands. Among them were messages from actors, directors, journalists, and industry figures he had met in Cannes.

Shocked, Kang Woojin quickly accessed his YouTube channel. The shock only deepened.

[Channel Name: Kang Woojin’s Alter Ego]

[Subscribers: 25.39 million]

[Videos: 93]

His subscribers had surpassed 25 million. It was the result of the combined impact of Miley Cara’s new album teaser and his appearance at Cannes.

One thing worth noting here:

“The explosive impact is absolutely insane.”

Kang Woojin hadn’t even officially debuted overseas yet.

Meanwhile.

As Cannes was heading into its later stages, things were just as lively in Japan as they were in the bustling Korean media. Korea had one film 'In Competition' section, whereas Japan had entered two, which was enough to stir up excitement. In fact, Japan might even have been noisier than Korea.

『First in the Cannes 'In Competition' section: Director Kamoto receives standing ovation from thousands of viewers』

『Following Director Kamoto, high praise also for Director Okimura』

『Directors Kamoto and Okimura gain even more recognition at Cannes! What about Korea's 'Leech'?"』

As always, Japanese media positioned themselves in fierce competition with Korea. To be precise, they seemed overly wary of 'Leech'.

『Positive vibes in Japan, but what about 'Leech'? The public is curious』

The reason was simple. Not only was 'Leech' in the 'In Competition' section alongside the Japanese films, but it also starred Kang Woojin, who had recently swept through Japan.

『Kang Woojin from 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger' maintains his calm demeanor on the red carpet; will he make another big statement at Cannes as well?』

As a result, the Japanese media and public sentiment were boiling over, much like in Korea. Japanese entertainment shows analyzing all the films in the 'In Competition' section of the Cannes Film Festival were frequently appearing. Meanwhile, in Japan, there was another hot issue aside from Cannes.

It was 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger', which was about to be released and had already held its press screenings.

『How many screenings are they doing? 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger' is making way more noise than the usual promotions, with over five press screenings already held.』

The Japanese film industry initially thought that 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger' might lose some of its buzz due to the Cannes Film Festival. But the opposite happened. Alongside Cannes, 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger' was rapidly gaining attention in Japan.

This was also largely due to Kang Woojin’s influence.

An unusual aspect was that the numerous Japanese reporters who recently attended the press screenings were remaining quiet. Most of them were shocked, but no articles about the screenings had appeared yet. The timing wasn’t right. The 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger' team had set a date for when they could release their coverage, which was next week. Until then, the journalists and critics who had attended the screenings had to keep silent.

But they were eagerly waiting. Many Japanese reporters who attended the screenings were preparing.

“Have you finished writing the article on 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger'?”

“Yes, of course. I’ve captured my impressions and a balanced evaluation, along with an allowed level of content description. As sensational as possible. I’ll release it as soon as we get the green light next week.”

“Was it really that shocking? What on earth is 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger' like? Most reporters who attended the screening seemed speechless.”

"Public outcry? Controversy? It’s going to easily surpass that level once the movie is released.”

Regardless, 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger' was in the midst of intense promotion and marketing. Just as planned, they were going all out, several times more aggressively than typical films. The amount of press coverage, advertising, and so on was substantial. Aside from teasers and trailers, promotional videos related to the movie were already all over YouTube and various video platforms.

Anyone could see it was over the top.

Furthermore, beyond press screenings, they were about to open up audience screenings for a randomly selected crowd, as well as VIP screenings for actors, directors, celebrities, and other notable figures.

The buzz surrounding 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger' was explosive.

The word of mouth was spreading rapidly across Japanese social media and various online communities.

At this point, the 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger' team made an official announcement.

『[Official] Highly anticipated film 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger' confirmed for release on October 26th』

They announced the official release date for 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger' across Japan. It was Tuesday, October 26. That left just over three weeks. And with 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger' scheduled to open on the 26th…

『News of 'The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger' confirmed for October 26 release already stirring excitement on social media and online communities』

…it would be released just one day before 'Leech', which was set to release on the 27th.

A few days later, on the morning of the 10th, in Korea.

The day of the Cannes Film Festival closing and awards ceremony had arrived. Of course, in Korean time, it would be broadcast live at 3 a.m. the next day, but the Korean media and public were already buzzing with excitement.

『[Cannes Film Festival] Live broadcast of Cannes Film Festival closing and awards ceremony to begin at 3 a.m. tonight… Will Director Ahn Ga-bok achieve his dream?』

『Watch Korean ★ like Director Ahn Ga-bok, Sim Han-ho, and Kang Woo-jin at the Cannes Film Festival on YouTube』

『Excitement on movie forums as news of the Cannes Film Festival live broadcast spreads; netizens say, “Ordering chicken and staying up to watch”』

『[Feature] Director Ahn Ga-bok’s 'Leech', What are the chances of winning the Palme d'Or at Cannes?』

Of course, Kang Woojin’s family and close ones were the most excited. His family members, Seo Hyun-mi, Kang Woo-chul, and Kang Hyun-ah, couldn’t tear their eyes away from the TV and news articles featuring Woojin.

“Ha- Is our son really over there at Cannes? I mean, he’s actually there? I still can’t believe it.”

“Yes, Woojin’s definitely there right now.”

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

“But why does he look so stiff?”

“He’s probably nervous! Anyway, isn’t our son going to win an award there?!”

“The news said that if he does… he’ll be the first Korean male actor.”

"F-first! When’s the awards ceremony live broadcast again?”

“3 a.m.”

"Get ready to pull an all-nighter, okay!"

The group chat with his close friends was on the verge of exploding. That's not all? Every actor who knew Kang Woojin was keeping a close eye on the Cannes Film Festival.

『Stars like Hong Hye-yeon, Ryu Jung-min, and Hwalin upload photos on SNS, one after another, cheering for the 'Leech' team』

Not only people like PD Song Man-woo or Director Kwon Ki-taek, but other directors and entertainment industry figures were doing the same.

At this point, while it was morning in Korea, it was past midnight, early dawn, in Cannes, France. Kang Woojin was lying on the bed in his hotel room, wide awake even though it was 2 a.m.

“Shit, I can’t fall asleep.”

Tension or anxiety was preventing his sleep. After all, in just a few dozen hours, the Cannes Film Festival’s finale would take place. Having already looked up numerous resources, Woojin’s heart was pounding even more than it had on the opening day.

“Ah- damn. I'm gonna end up staying up all night."

But that wasn't the case. After letting his mind wander for a bit, he fell asleep, and before he knew it, the once dark sky over Cannes, France, was now bright with the morning sun.

“...Finally, today.”

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

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