Closing (3)

 

Simultaneous sortie of ‘leeches’ and ‘unfamiliar parasites’.

‘Leech’, which finished the  Cannes Film Festival, was released in Korea at the end of October, and the hot but controversial ‘Familiar Gisaeng’ was released in Japan almost the same way. Although the two works were released in different countries, they had one thing in common.

The main character is Kang Woo-jin.

In other words, the movies that Woojin was in charge of were being released in both Korea and Japan at the same time. There are cases where different works starring Korean actors were released simultaneously in domestic movie theaters. However, it was safe to say that there were no simultaneous releases, including domestically or even in Japan.

Unique or first.

If ‘Leech’ and ‘Unfamiliar  Parasite’ appear almost simultaneously, it would be like Kang Woo-jin setting another record, another milestone. As if they were not aware of this, executives from the distribution company of ‘Leech’ added their words one by one.

“I didn’t mean to, but it turned out to be pretty big. The work is different, but it was released simultaneously in Korea and Japan – but the main character studied Korea and even took over Japan in the second year of his debut. I’m in Cannes now. “Honestly, it’s amazing.”

“Has there been a case like this?”

“No, at least as far as I remember. Because it is difficult for a Korean actor to star in a Japanese movie in the first place. Even the original work is written by Akari and the director is Kyotaro Tanoguchi. Aren’t they people who represent Japan? “For Japan, this is absurd.”

“Hehe, it’s absurd to hear this. If this continues, aren’t the movies released in Korea and Japan both going to sell over 10 million?”

“Kang Woo-jin is an actor of 20 million. “It might be extremely difficult to do, but it’s not impossible.”

“If you look at the Japanese response to ‘Unfamiliar Parasite’, it seems to be quite hot.”

Some executives corrected the statement that it was quite a bit.

“fairly? No, in terms of topicality, it is the loudest work in the history of Japanese cinema.”

“It is also a movie with a lot of noise, problems, and controversy.”

“Don’t you remember when Kang Woo-jin was officially cast in ‘The Stranger’? “There was no fuss or anything like that.”

Anyway, it ended up being the name ‘Kang Woo-jin’.

“With this, Kang Woo-jin has won another legend title. “The tension is absolutely ridiculous.”

“It’s our lead role in ‘Leech’. Don’t you want the tension to explode?”

“I hope that tension explodes at the Cannes Film Festival as well.”

Afterwards, the distribution company executives and employees again focused on the content of the meeting. The domestic release of ‘Leech’ after the Cannes Film Festival. The expected date is Wednesday, October 27th. Of course, not all Korean films that entered Cannes were eligible for release. It is difficult for works that advance into sections other than the ‘competitive section’ to be released. That’s why I try to submit it to other film festivals.

On the other hand, it was not difficult to release ‘Leech’ in the ‘competitive section’ if it was worthy of director Anga Bok’s name.

Looking back on the past, there were many cases like this, and there were films similar to ‘Leech’ in director Ang Bok’s filmography. In particular, ‘Leech’, which was selected for the  Cannes Film Festival, had a very high advertising effect. This is because many issues were included, including Kang Woo-jin and the 100th film by director Ahn Ga-bok, a legend in the Korean film industry.

It’s stupid not to release this.

Therefore, the distributor pursued this issue during the production of ‘Leech’. This means that it was planned even before entering Cannes. It was said that it would be safer to wait a while and release the film slowly after Cannes, but it was still an issue for ‘leech’ film companies and distributors to value safety over safety.

To put it simply, the strategy is to release ‘Leech’ before it gets rave reviews at the Cannes Film Festival.

At this time, the bespectacled executive changed the subject slightly.

“Even though the domestic release has been confirmed, how are the releases in other countries being prepared?”

A team leader-level employee answered.

“If ‘Leech’ wins an award in the ‘competition category,’ we are contacting Japan and France about a month after its release in Korea.”

“hmm.”

If ‘Leech’ wins at least one award at Cannes, its popularity abroad will increase. So, there is an opportunity to release it in overseas movie theaters as well. France, the home of the Cannes Film Festival, will be particularly hot.

Then the executive nodded and recited his wish.

“Hehe, I’m a little nervous at this age, but I wouldn’t have any wish if a ‘leech’ lifted up even one award.”

after.

Time melted away with bustling events in Korea and Cannes, France. Kang Woo-jin, who was in Cannes, had a fairly leisurely schedule, but watched other films in the ‘competition section’.

‘I think this is the first time I’ve seen a movie like this in my life??’

Woojin’s thoughts as he read the movie’s subtitles. Of course, without the English and French skills that Subspace gave me, watching the movie itself would have been impossible. In fact, among the thousands of audiences inside the large theater, there were only a small number of people from Asia, including Korea and Japan.

About an hour later.

After the movie ended, Woojin, who had joined in the applause, left the theater.

At this time.

“excuse me! Mr. Kang Woo-jin!”

The foreigners who saw him for the first time in the back called Kang Woo-jin. He was one of the overseas reporters.

“‘Leech’ was really impressive, as was your performance. “Please sign this poster.”

I asked Woojin for an autograph. A reporter holding out a ‘Leech’ poster. Kang Woo-jin, with his indifferent attitude, calmly nodded.

“Yes, thank you.”

Inside, I was fussing.

‘crazy? Is this right?? Reformation period.’

I didn’t know that I would be signing autographs at Cannes, especially to reporters from other countries. What’s interesting is that not only one person asked Kang Woo-jin for an autograph here.

“Nice to meet you, please do me a favor too.”

“Mr. Kang Woo-jin. “Can I take some pictures?”

“Perhaps I would like to interview you for a moment.”

Dozens of reporters in the theater rushed to Woojin in the hallway. What could it be? It was the aftermath of ‘Leech’. Because these reporters also watched the afternoon show of ‘Leech’. Kang Woo-jin responded appropriately to them and then left. Because there were a lot of eyes on it.

Soon, Woojin returned to the hotel room and muttered to himself.

“I’m tired of Cannes. With just one movie, the international recognition goes up.”

And then I picked up my cell phone. What he accessed was SNS, which he had not accessed for the past few days. Of course, Han Yejeong continued uploading during the  Cannes Film Festival.

“Whoa, crazy.”

Kang Woo-jin’s eyes widen slightly. The reason was simple.

-@Wooji_n

Post 301

40.13 million followers

Follow 121

Before I knew it, the number of followers had surpassed 40 million. And DMs are pouring in tremendously. Among them were a mix of actors, directors, reporters, and officials I met at Cannes.

Surprised, Kang Woo-jin quickly logged onto his YouTube channel. The shock deepened.

[Channel Name: Kang Woo-jin Alt.]

[25.39 million subscribers]

[93 videos]

Because the number of subscribers exceeded 25 million. It should have been seen as the result of the combination of the influence of Miley Cara’s new album teaser and this year’s Cannes.

One thing that needs to be pointed out here.

“It’s really explosive.”

Kang Woo-jin had yet to officially advance overseas.

Meanwhile.

As Kahn was rushing towards the second half, Korea was making a lot of noise, and Japan was no different. While Korea only had one work, Japan had two works in the ‘competition section’, so it was worth it. Maybe Japan was noisier than Korea.

『Director Kamoto, No. 1 in competition at Cannes Film Festival, receives applause from thousands of viewers』

『Following Director Kamoto, “Director Okimura” also received rave reviews.』

『Director Kamoto and Okimura made their names even more known at the Cannes Film Festival! What is Korea’s ‘leech’?

As has been the case in the past, Japanese media has formed a fierce competitive structure with Korea. To be precise, are we going to excessively check the ‘leeches’?

『Japan has a nice atmosphere, so how about “Leech”? Public interest』

The reason was simple. Although they were already in the ‘Competitive Category’, it was important that the male lead of ‘Leech’ was Kang Woo-jin, who recently swept Japan.

『「Unfamiliar  Parasite」Kang Woo-jin’s calm appearance as ever on the red carpet, will he make a big splash at the Cannes Film Festival?』

Therefore, Japanese media and public opinion boiled over, similar to Korea. It is quite common to see Japanese entertainment shows analyzing all the works in the ‘competition section’ of this year’s Cannes Film Festival. Meanwhile, other issues besides the Cannes Film Festival were also hot in Japan.

It was ‘Unfamiliar Parasite’, which was about to be released and had even had a press screening.

『How many previews are you holding? “Unfamiliar Parasite” is several times louder than normal publicity, with more than 5 press screenings held』

In the Japanese film version, I thought that the issue of ‘The Unfamiliar Parasite’ would die down a bit due to the Cannes Film Festival. But it was the opposite. Like Khan, ‘Strange Gisaeng’ has risen rapidly in Japan.

This also had a significant impact on Kang Woo-jin.

What is unusual is that many Japanese reporters who participated in the recent preview were silent. Most people were shocked, but there were no articles about the preview yet. Because the timing was still right. The day that ‘Unfamiliar Gisaeng’ side gave permission was next week. Until then, reporters and critics who had experienced the preview had to keep their mouths shut.

But I was waiting. Many Japanese reporters attended the preview.

“Have you finished writing the article about ‘Strange Gisaeng’?”

“Yes, of course. Impressions and appropriate evaluations felt at the time. and explanation of the content to the extent permitted. Be as provocative as possible. “I will shoot it as soon as next week.”

“Was it that shocking? What on earth is ‘Unfamiliar Parasite’? “Most reporters at the preview held their tongues.”

“Wonseong? argument? “We will easily surpass that level when the movie is released.”

Be that as it may, the promotion and marketing of ‘Unfamiliar Gisaeng’ was currently in full swing. As planned in the past, the spray was sprayed several times harder than in normal movies. From the amount of articles to advertisements, etc. Aside from teasers and trailers, promotional videos related to the movie have long been available on YouTube and other video platforms.

It was too much for anyone to see.

In addition, beyond the press preview, an audience preview to which an unspecified number of people are invited, and a VIP preview to which actors, directors, and celebrities are invited, were also scheduled to be held soon.

The rumor about the ‘unfamiliar parasite’ is truly explosive.

Word of mouth spread through various communities, including Japanese SNS.

Around this time, the ‘Unfamiliar’ side posted an official announcement.

『[Official] The official release date of “Familiar Gisaeng,” which everyone is watching, is confirmed as October 26』

The official release date of the movie ‘Familiar’ was announced throughout Japan. It was Tuesday, October 26th. At first glance, there are three weeks and a few days left. And the fact that ‘Familiar Gisaeng’ will be released on the 26th.

『SNS and communities are already buzzing with the news that 「The Stranger」 will be released on October 26th.』

It was just one day away from ‘Leech’, which is scheduled to be released on the 27th.

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

The day of the closing and awards ceremony of the  Cannes Film Festival dawned. Of course, it was broadcast live at 3 a.m. tomorrow, not today, in Korean time, but the domestic media and public opinion were already fluctuating.

『[Cannes Film Festival] At 3 a.m., the live broadcast of the closing and awards ceremony of the Cannes Film Festival will begin… Shall we talk about director Ga-bok Ang?』

『You can watch the Cannes Film Festival, which is crowded with Koreans including director Ahn Ga-bok, Shin Shim-ho, and Kang Woo-jin』

『The film community is excited by the news of the early morning live broadcast of the Cannes Film Festival, netizens “order chicken and wait”』

『[Special] Director Ahn Ga-bok’s film ‘Leech’, what are the chances of winning the Cannes Palme d’Or?』

However, the people around Kang Woo-jin were the most furious. The family, Seo Hyun-mi, Kang Woo-cheol, and Kang Hyun-ah, couldn’t let go of their tension while watching Woojin on TV or in articles.

“H-Is my son in the compartment over there? Anyway, is that right over there? “I can’t believe it even after seeing it.”

“Yes, Woojin is definitely over there right now.”

“Wow, I’m so proud to be around so many famous people.”

“But why is that guy’s expression so stiff?”

“You’re nervous! After all, isn’t my son winning a prize there??!”

“I saw on the news that if that happens… he would be the first Korean male actor.”

“Choi, first! What time was the live broadcast of the awards ceremony??”

“3 o’clock in the morning.”

“You have to be prepared to stay up all night that night, you know!”

The group chat room containing my friends was on the verge of explosion. Is that it? All actors who know Kang Woo-jin also watched the Cannes Film Festival.

『Stars such as Hong Hye-yeon, Ryu Jeong-min, and Hwarin uploaded cheers for the ‘Leech’ team on social media/photos』

Other than producer Song Man-woo and director Kwon Ki-taek, other directors and entertainment industry officials were also the same.

By this time, unlike in Korea, where it was morning, it was dawn past midnight in Cannes, France. Kang Woo-jin was found on the bed in the hotel room, and even though it was 2 a.m., he was wide awake.

“Shiba, I can’t sleep.”

Because nervousness or nervousness was interfering with his sleep. The finale of the Cannes Film Festival opens in a few dozen hours. Perhaps because he had already searched various materials, Kang Woo-jin’s heart was beating even harder on the opening day.

“Oh, Mr. “I’m up all night like this.”

It wasn’t. I was thinking about something else, but in vain! When I opened my eyes, the sun was rising in the dark sky of Cannes, France.

“…Finally today.”

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