Closing (5)

 

At the closing and awards ceremony of the 74th Cannes Film Festival, right before Kang Woo-jin’s name rang out, Woo-jin, who was sitting in his seat at this moment, had no thoughts. You’re probably right that he didn’t have high expectations. However, I had imagined it.

‘If I win the Best Actor Award here at Cannes, I’ll be really happy.’

I experienced first-hand the power of Cannes, the huge festival of world filmmakers, for about 10 days. Numerous foreign reporters, directors, and actors pretended to know or did so through social media. That’s right, if he officially wins the Best Actor Award.

‘That’s it.’

It was obvious that movie theaters not only in Korea but all over the world would be excited. But it ended there. It would be a lie if he said he wasn’t greedy after coming this far, but Kang Woo-jin’s mind was empty. First of all, what Choi Seong-geon said before the closing and awards ceremony began was significant.

‘Of course, there is a possibility that you will win the prize, Woojin. But in the end, it’s what people do and the 10 judges are no different.’

Although Choi Seong-geon wants Kang Woo-jin to receive it more than anyone else.

‘Especially in the case of large-scale festivals like this, it’s difficult to be selected solely based on acting. The actor’s career, aura, recognition, etc. Even if your acting skills are overwhelming, sometimes that background is reflected in the evaluation. There is a strong possibility that there may be prejudice or discrimination. So let’s not have any expectations.’

He gave calm and realistic advice.

‘The goal of using Khan as a stepping stone was achieved. The issue even became several times bigger than we thought, and was impressed by many Hollywood figures. That alone is a great harvest.’

Choi Seong-gun’s advice was generally correct. Yes, Kang Woo-jin used the Cannes Film Festival as a stepping stone rather than the main event. Clearly, it was a misunderstanding between Director Ga-bok Ahn and Sung-gun Choi, but in the end, it all came true. By entering the Cannes Film Festival for the first time in two years, it has explosively increased awareness among famous overseas filmmakers, including Hollywood.

Even if he goes on to Hollywood like this, quite a few people will recognize Kang Woo-jin.

Even if you don’t know it right now, if you do a little research, you’ll find out.

That’s why Kang Woo-jin emptied his mind. Well, in fact, for Woojin, who is not a public person but a small citizen, coming to this absurd stage was unrealistic.

It rang at this time.

“My eyes were not wrong.”

The name of the Best Actor Award at this year’s Cannes Film Festival spread throughout the magnificent hall of the ‘Palais des Festivals’, and it is the name of Kang Woo-jin, who maintains a noble concept with an empty mind.

“74th Cannes Film Festival ‘Best Actor’, Kang Woo-jin for ‘Leech’.”

Immediately after, Woojin didn’t react much.

“······”

I didn’t notice it right away. Because of the awkward pronunciation of the Italian director on that huge stage, and because I didn’t think much of it, I didn’t recognize it right away. The moment Kang Woo-jin suddenly came to his senses was when cameras throughout the hall and more than 5,000 ‘big names’ from around the world were looking at him.

‘H-huh?’

Next, director Ga-bok Ang and the entire ‘Leech’ team turned their heads towards Kang Woo-jin. Woojin continued to remain calm. But inside, he was just spitting out harsh curses at the world.

‘···No, fuck. ‘Me?’

A few more times.

‘Is that right??! really???! crazy! What? Hidden camera!!’

However, his indifferent expression was maintained. It was accurate to say that the thought stopped out of embarrassment and absurdity, rather than just a concept. what? Is it reality? No, it must be a dream. But for a Shiva dream, it’s pretty vivid, isn’t it??

At the moment, Kang Woo-jin’s brain was becoming tangled.

The strange atmosphere was similar to the thousands of spectators in the magnificent hall. Gossip, murmuring, puzzled eyes, mouths open in surprise. The reason was simple. A Korean actor was named for the ‘Best Actor’ award at the world-famous Cannes Film Festival.

“Kang Woo-jin? “Where is it?”

“Oh my god, isn’t this the first time??”

“As far as I know, this is the first time.”

Because it was a first for Khan and for Korea.

At that time, a blonde woman stood up in the quiet, spacious hall.

-Sigh

A blue-eyed woman full of joy and confidence. She was Miley Cara, a superstar all over the world. She Became Her Fuck Tan Then, thousands of spectators, including you and me, stood up from our seats.

Within.

-Clap clap clap clap clap!!

A standing ovation exploded.

-Clap clap clap clap clap!!

The host on stage, the 10 judges, the big audience that filled the first and second floors of the hall, the reporters and broadcasting teams, and the ‘leech’ team around Woojin Kang.

Everyone applauded generously.

even.

-Clap clap clap clap clap!!

Tens of thousands of spectators watching the ‘Cannes Film Festival’ were also busy applauding in front of the screen installed on the beach outside the hall. Of course, not everything was like that. About 30% of the time I was looking around and thinking, what is this? It was a face I wanted to see. A similar feeling was sure to exist among the 5,000 audience members in the hall where the closing and awards ceremonies were held.

Because there is always ‘antipathy’ towards ‘first’ or ‘change’.

Around here, Kang Woo-jin is wearing a white-toned tuxedo.

-Sureuk.

I had just suddenly gotten up from my seat. His expression was still solemn, but his insides were truly a mess.

‘Fuck, really. ‘What is this?’

Rather than not believing my current vision, I felt like it was overloaded. Who could remain calm in this absurd situation?

-♬♪

Fanfare-like music that fills the entire hall, so much so that it makes your ears ring. Endless, thunderous applause. Congratulatory comments from the surrounding giants. Several cameras suddenly rush at you. Exploding flash. It wasn’t strange if I fainted or lost consciousness.

-Clap clap clap clap clap!!

But at least Kang Woo-jin’s concept-laden exterior was calm. The ‘fuck my way’ strength he had built up until now was activated instinctively. Woojin grabbed the hands that were being held out frantically. It was a handshake. I heard the old voice of director Gabok Ang with short gray hair.

“Congratulations, I mean it. “I am proud of the title of being Korea’s first actor.”

Shim Shim-ho, a great actor reminiscent of a tiger, grabbed Woojin’s shoulder and patted his back.

“What I couldn’t achieve in decades, you achieved in just two years. I am truly happy. “Put out your chest, Kang Woo-jin.”

Oh Hee-ryeong, who looks even more alluring today, hugs Kang Woo-jin. Her eyes are red. Excited congratulations from Jin Jae-jun and Han So-jin were also heard. She said something like ‘Thank you’ from Kang Woo-jin’s mouth, and the flash and applause became even more intense. The world was congratulating Kang Woo-jin.

The funny thing is.

‘Ah-I don’t know. It seems like things have gotten better.’

In a situation where it would not be strange to go crazy, Woojin’s feelings are actually calming down. Is it because of the adrenaline rush? Anyway, Kang Woo-jin.

-Sigh.

While he was surrounded by cameras and congratulations, he looked at the host and 10 judges waiting for him on the stage in front.

“······”

At this moment, there was only a short thought in Woojin’s mind.

Let’s take a step. And Noppakku.

Conceptualization for the sake of illusion was becoming more powerful than anything else in this awkward moment.

-Tap.

Woojin walked along the aisle with deep indifference. Dozens or hundreds of giants on both sides continued to give a standing ovation. Although his ears were ringing, Kang Woo-jin did not stop walking calmly. Some audience members tilted their heads.

“Isn’t that good? “Aren’t you being too calm?”

“No way. At Cannes, he won the Best Actor Award for the first time. “Maybe it’s because I’m too nervous.”

“For something like that, your steps are calm. Maybe she was confident she would get it.”

“I understand, I’ve seen his ‘leeches.’”

Kang Woo-jin was about five steps to the stage.

‘It’s dazzling.’

I could feel the hot temperature of the lighting gradually coming down. Around this time, the YouTube broadcast is broadcast live through cameras on either side or behind him.

-??????Is this true??!!!!!!!!!!!

-Whahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha

-creeps!!! creeps!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

-Caaah ah ah a ㄱㄱㄱㄱ ㄱㄱㄱㄱ ㄱㄱㄱ ㅓ ㅏ ᆼ ᆼ ᆼ !!!!

-True???!!!

-Wow.

-Kang Woojin!! Woojin Kang!!!!!!

-No…wow…it gives me goosebumps…

-I’m tired

– Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha

The live chat was saturated.

Languages ​​from all over the world, including English, were prevalent, but Korean was also incredibly prevalent. The Korean comments were updated like crazy without a single second of pause. Right now, Korea was in a frenzy even though it was well past 3 a.m., and the waiting room right next to the hall was also a crucible of frenzy.

“Wow!!!!”

It was a waiting room where several Korean reporters, Kang Woo-jin’s team, including Choi Seong-gun, and the film company and distributor team of ‘Leech’ gathered.

“Woojin! Woojin!!!”

“Aaaah! oh my god!! CEO!! Brother Woojin!! “Brother Woojin!!!”

“Uh oh! okay!! right!! “It’s our Woojin!!”

“Aaaah!!”

“It’s crazy!! It’s crazy!!! “Aaaah!!!”

“You’re my brother, right?!! “It’s true that my brother is leaving!!”

Everyone was busy running around hugging each other while watching the current situation being broadcast on a large TV.

“Nonsense!! no!! right!! Absolutely yes!!!”

“Wow!! Argh!!”

“With my own eyes!! “I can’t believe I saw this moment with my own eyes!!”

At this moment, it wasn’t like each team was different.

I was just a citizen of the Republic of Korea.

-Clap clap clap clap clap!!!

Endless screams, shouts and applause. It was definitely worth it. Because this was the promotion of national prestige itself. It was a moment that made Korea and the name Kang Woo-jin known not only at Cannes, but also overseas. It wouldn’t be surprising if the president stepped forward.

Therefore, due to the time difference, Korea was also shaking around 4 a.m.

Kang Woo-jin’s family in Jinju.

“Kya!!!!! mom!! dad!! Oppa!! My brother got it!! “I got it!!”

“Three, oh my god.”

“······Ugh.”

“evil! mom!! Come to your senses!! dad! “Mom is weird!!”

Kang Woo-jin’s friends gathered in one place. It was Kim Dae-young’s house.

“crazy!! no!! “What is this!!!”

“Hey hey hey!! Kang Woo-jin wins the Best Male Actor award??! really???!!!”

“It turned… yes. “Woojin is really the best actor at Cannes?!!”

“phone call!! “Call me!!”

“You idiot! “Do you accept it?”

“Stop it! Stop that bastard!!”

At this moment, the Korean media also moved quickly.

『[Breaking News] ‘Leech’ Kang Woo-jin, Korea’s first ‘Cannes Best Actor’ winner』

As soon as the name Kang Woo-jin rang in the Cannes, articles began to appear.

and.

-Sigh.

At Cannes, Kang Woo-jin had just entered the stage as the winner of the ‘Best Actor’ award. Applause and cheers from thousands of spectators, including the host and judges, continue.

-Clap clap clap clap clap!!!

Woojin in a white tuxedo calmly stood in front of the host, a Belgian actress. The host, who was smiling brightly, held out something to Kang Woo-jin who approached.

It was the Best Actor trophy.

Palm leaf trophy in box. It was the first scene to be staged in the history of Cannes or the entire Korean film industry, and Kang Woo-jin was thrilled as he quietly looked down at the trophy in his hand.

‘This is what I only saw in pictures.’

The funny thing is that it doesn’t look as great as you think. Well, from Kang Woo-jin’s perspective, it wasn’t much different from the trophy he received from Blue Dragon. Maybe it was because of the real heart of Kang Woo-jin, rather than his appearance as a ‘monster actor’. Then, the host motioned to Kang Woo-jin. Near the standing microphone in the center of the stage.

It means it’s time to express your feelings.

“······”

Kang Woo-jin, with his thick poker face, placed the trophy in his hand on the lectern. What can I say, at this point, Woojin’s body started moving automatically. Her heart also grew cold. Concept quality, let’s think only about concept quality. impression? Fuck you. Have you prepared anything? Still, Woojin stood in front of the podium. What was immediately visible were dozens of foreign reporters holding large cameras near the front.

-Pababababak!

I was frantically taking pictures of Kang Woo-jin on stage. Behind him, thousands of big audience members gave a standing ovation and then took their seats one by one as Woojin took his stance for his speech. The same goes for the 10 judges on the stage.

-Sigh.

Kang Woo-jin raised his head.

‘You’re crazy.’

It was spectacular to see this huge hall from the stage. Soon, an interpreter came from Woojin’s left. Kang Woo-jin’s speech will be changed to French. Woojin, who speaks French fluently, did not particularly stop her. The reason was clear. I don’t know if it’s just a feeling or not, but there was just one thought that stimulated his brain.

Kang Woo-jin, with a calm expression, tried to ignore the broadcast and reporter cameras, but opened his mouth to the thousands of monster audiences in front. Of course, I set my voice to maximum.

“Bonsoir.”

It started with French. What should I say? Well, just say whatever comes to mind.

“I’m not good at talking. And it doesn’t even feel real standing here.”

The eyes of the interpreter next to him, the dozens of reporters in front of him, the host and 10 judges on stage, the broadcast team including the Cannes chairman and officials, and thousands of audience members widened their eyes at his high-level French skills. Of course, quite a few people were calm. I already witnessed his French during the second screening of ‘Leech’.

But it’s a minority.

Most people here looked quite surprised. However, Kang Woo-jin’s low blow continued.

“Um, thank you. I am truly honored to receive an award at this huge festival. I would like to thank all the colleagues and staff who worked with the great ‘Leech’ work.”

French that is no different from the locals. I have far exceeded the skills I have practiced and prepared for. The interpreter employee blinked in embarrassment.

-Sigh.

Kang Woo-jin, who paused for a moment, changed his gaze slightly from the front to the right. And the language has also changed.

“I am Kang Woo-jin, a Korean actor.”

Korean in a low tone. Even though Kang Woo-jin was impressed by French, he continued his remarks in Korean. It wasn’t because it had some grand meaning. Woojin just wanted to express his thoughts in Korean at this global festival.

“At this moment, I think many people in Korea are happy. “It may be early in the morning in Korea, but there are fans who care about their sleep.”

A moment for interpretation. However, Woojin did not need the help of an interpreter. Because you just have to solve it yourself. He quietly recited what he said in French. The murmur in the audience grew louder. This was also a first in Cannes history. This is the scene where the main character, Nam Joo-sang, personally translates his Korean comments into French.

Anyway, Kang Woo-jin cut off the French interpretation and spoke again in Korean.

“It was a really great award. I said this when I received the Rookie of the Year award at the Blue Dragon, a Korean film festival last year. ‘This year it’s the Rookie of the Year award, but next year I’ll win the Leading Actor award. You can watch.’ I just won the Best Actor Award. It took less than a year.”

As Woojin was translating what was said in French again, other thoughts coexisted in his head. Wouldn’t it be better to look somewhat bold? Moderate concern. But it wasn’t long. Mola, you already have experience.

Kang Woo-jin’s Korean comments again.

“I recently bought a house in LA, so I’ll be looking for that next year.”

Khan, Nabal, and ‘Nopakku’ were not forgotten.