Translator: Dreamscribe
Kang Woojin’s deep voice echoed through the grand Cannes Film Festival’s closing and awards ceremony. His expression was silent, composed, and calm. It was hard to believe he was the first Korean man to achieve this at Cannes.
His remarks, spoken in Korean to the audience, which included titans of the global film industry and reporters from various countries, were:
“I got a house in LA, so next year, I’ll set my sights there.”
It was nothing short of a declaration of war. This time, his target was the world.
This was clearly a comment powerful enough to stir up global waves. But Kang Woojin didn’t make a big deal out of it. No, he had to act like he didn’t care. Every moment was a battlefield when it came to maintaining his concept, and regardless of the situation, there was no backing down. Moreover, though Kang Woojin appeared cool-headed standing on the Cannes stage, internally, he was overwhelmed.
So, as always, he focused only on playing his persona.
‘Damn-my-way’, with a touch of politeness added.
“You’re welcome to keep watching me this time as well.”
As Woojin delivered his nonchalant remarks, the eyes of the interpreter standing next to him widened to several times their normal size. It was understandable. He likely didn’t expect that Woojin would suddenly issue a challenge to the world. Meanwhile, the host on stage, the ten jury members, dozens of reporters in the front rows, the Cannes broadcasting team, and thousands of prominent figures in the audience showed no immediate reaction.
That was natural, since there hadn’t been any interpretation yet.
“LA? I think he just mentioned LA.”
“Yeah, he definitely mentioned LA.”
The foreign press reporters, murmuring amongst themselves, began snapping photos of Kang Woojin. The thousands of audience members tilted their heads or looked intently at Woojin, waiting for the interpreter. Meanwhile, on the live YouTube broadcast of Cannes, Korean comments were going wild.
– I can’t believe what I’m seeing with my own eyes
– But why is Kang Woojin so good at French????
– RightㅋㅋㅋㅋWhy is Kang Woojin so good at French?
– Who caresㅋㅋWhat’s important is that Kang Woojin just won the Best Actor award at Cannesㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ
– Praise me for staying up all night!!!
– Wow… Kang Woojin really raised our national prestige
– Kang Woojin’s French pronunciation is insane
– Why do I feel happy?
– Bartender! One glass of national pride, please!!!
– No wayㅋㅋㅋㅋWas it even possible to win Best Actor at Cannes just two years after debuting?ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ
– Goosebumps…
– There’s gonna be chaos tomorrow both here and thereㅋㅋㅋㅋ
– Congratulations!!
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·
In the Cannes audience, although there were only a few, some people who understood Korean reacted immediately to Woojin’s comments. It was the ‘Leech’ team. Director Ahn Ga-bok, with his short white hair, chuckled as he stroked his chin.
“He’s talking about Hollywood, about the Academy Awards. Right- he wouldn’t be him if he didn’t have that kind of ambition. Anyway, Cannes was just a stepping stone for him.”
Sim Han-ho, recalling Kang Woojin’s moment at last year’s Blue Dragon Film Awards, agreed.
“I secretly expected this, but he really said it confidently without the slightest tension.”
“He doesn’t care about the consequences.”
“Or he’s simply confident that he’ll win Best Actor again next year.”
“Both, definitely both. But it’s not just bravado. Look at that unwavering face of his. It’s full of conviction.”
“He just won Best Actor at Cannes, a first for Korea – he should show that kind of spirit.”
“Haha. Well, looks like you’re falling behind now.”
“I’ll have to work harder.”
Director Ahn Ga-bok seemed to be enjoying the moment, and the veteran actor Sim Han-ho remained composed despite being overtaken by his much younger colleague. His eyes hinted that he would be the one to win next year. Meanwhile, Jin Jae-jun and Han So-jin, with their mouths hanging open, couldn’t hide their shock, and Oh Hee-ryung, with an elegant smile, quietly murmured.
“Nice shot- tomorrow, both Korea and the world will be buzzing, won’t they?”
Her gaze was more expectant than concerned. Director Ahn Ga-bok then crossed his legs as he looked at Woojin on stage.
“Well, this means I’m out.”
Sim Han-ho, understanding Director Ahn Ga-bok’s words, responded.
“……Since ‘Leech’ has now won Best Actor.”
“Mm, it means there won’t be any other awards for ‘Leech’ at this Cannes.”
The longstanding Cannes Film Festival has many rules, but the one Director Ahn Ga-bok was referring to was that “only one major award can be given to a single film”. If a film in the ‘In Competition’ section receives the “Best Director” award, that’s the end of it.
In other words, for ‘Leech’, with Kang Woojin just having won the “Best Actor” award, it meant that was the last award it could receive.
Of course, looking back at Cannes Film Festival history, there were cases where a single film in the ‘In Competition’ section received multiple major awards. But that was in the early 2000s, and in the past 20 years, no film had won multiple major awards simultaneously. It was a pity, but Director Ahn Ga-bok didn’t seem particularly bothered.
“But this is more than enough. ‘Leech’ and Woojin have made history at Cannes. The first ever for Korea as well. This is enough, this is good enough.”
Instead, his wrinkled smile deepened.
“Not bad for my 100th film.”
At this point,
-Swish.
With a calm face, Woojin began interpreting his acceptance speech into French. Meanwhile, what he said was translated into English through the headphones worn by many in the audience. Soon, the reporters, the broadcast team, and the thousands of spectators also understood Kang Woojin’s declaration. Many eyes immediately widened.
“What, what did he say?”
“When he says he’s setting his sights there, does he mean the Academy Awards?”
“This will cause… some controversy.”
“It’s not so much confidence as it is arrogance. Cannes is prestigious, but to suddenly mention the Academy Awards?”
“Isn’t he being too casual about making such remarks??”
“It doesn’t seem like something he just came up with on the spot, right? The way he says it so smoothly… it must mean he prepared this in advance.”
“……Did he plan this provocative acceptance speech beforehand?”
The murmuring and buzzing spread across the entire hall.
“B-but isn’t that actor’s French really good?”
“Yeah. Has he lived here before?”
“Look at his pronunciation, he must have lived in France.”
“There was no information like that.”
“Maybe he studied abroad here.”
“Oh, did he learn acting here?”
Confusion, bewilderment, shock, surprise, curiosity, and more. Various emotions, but all similar in nature, were etched on the faces of the thousands of prominent figures.
The interesting part was,
“Kang Woojin, huh- a rather peculiar actor. But will he be able to handle the repercussions of this?”
“This acceptance speech will follow him for the rest of his life.”
While over 70% of the audience showed clear signs of disbelief, the rest displayed strangely opposite reactions. Some nodded in recognition, others had faint smiles, expectant looks, or expressions that seemed supportive. The reason was simple.
They had seen ‘Leech’.
Having witnessed Kang Woojin’s performance in ‘Leech’, his bold declaration didn’t come across as childish bravado or posturing.
‘With that level of acting that dominated Cannes, he could definitely succeed in Hollywood.’
‘If he just finds the right project, even the Academy Award isn’t out of reach.’
‘If he has room to grow from that performance, it’s possible.’
At this moment, Kang Woojin continued his acceptance speech to the bustling hall.
“To my parents and sister who believe in and support me, my friends, colleagues, directors and staff who helped me greatly, my agency’s CEO and staff, and to my all fans. Thank you, I dedicate this moment to all of you.”
He concluded his speech in a low tone.
“Once again, I am grateful to be able to stand on this glorious stage.”
Kang Woojin immediately began interpreting it into French. At this point, a Hollywood master director in the audience, Director Danny Landis, was smiling slightly.
“He’s got a strong mentality. It doesn’t make sense that he’s only two years into his career. There must be something in his past, something before his debut.”
And he felt a growing desire.
“Star quality, the power to draw people in. I actually want to be the one to bring this actor to the Academy Awards.”
Miley Cara covered her mouth with one hand, trying to contain her excitement.
‘How many men are there who can express their desires purely, without caring about their image, on such a grand stage? Academy Awards- this actor will definitely appear there.’
In the eyes of Hollywood figures like Joseph and Megan, too, there was an explosion of anticipation. Meanwhile, in various parts of the audience, people were busy murmuring as they tried to process Kang Woojin’s speech and some of the difficult-to-understand phrases.
“Didn’t they say he won Best New Actor last year? So that means he won Best Actor at Cannes the year right after winning Best New Actor?”
“…Unbelievable.”
“Has it not been long since he debuted?”
“No way. He must have debuted a while ago, but only recently came into the spotlight.”
Soon, Woojin, holding the Best Actor trophy, bowed towards the audience from the podium.
-Swish.
Simultaneously,
-Clap clap clap clap!
Dozens of people in the audience rose to give him a standing ovation once again. This spread like wildfire.
-Clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap!
Most of the thousands in the audience stood up and applauded. Of course, there were some who were genuinely happy for him, but still, more were bewildered or skeptical. But they followed the atmosphere regardless.
-Clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap!
Thunderous applause filled the hall. Kang Woojin calmly stepped off the stage. Immediately, several cameras from the Cannes broadcast team focused on him, and dozens of foreign press photographers followed, pressing their shutters. To the media, this was a 100% scoop. The first Korean actor to win Best Actor at Cannes, delivering an extraordinary acceptance speech.
-Pabababababak!
Thunderous applause and a barrage of flashing lights. Yet, Kang Woojin’s expression remained unchanged.
“……”
He quietly made his way back to his seat. Well, on the inside, he was freaking out.
‘Woah- Is it over?? It’s over, right? Damn, this is insane! I can’t even remember what I just did! Whatever, let’s just sit down. I seriously need to rest.’
Kang Woojin, still in full persona mode, managed to finally sit down, and the ‘Leech’ team immediately showered him with congratulations. Of course, the gazes of thousands of audience members were still fixed on him. At this moment, Jin Jae-jun, a top actor in Korea, carefully spoke up.
“Um- would it be okay if I take a proper look at the Best Actor trophy?”
Without much fuss, Kang Woojin opened the case. Jin Jae-jun and Han So-jin let out exclamations.
“Ooh- ”
“Wow… so this is it.”
Sim Han-ho also glanced at the trophy with a serious expression. At this moment, Director Ahn Ga-bok, smiling, spoke to Kang Woojin in his aged voice.
“By tomorrow, your acceptance speech will have the whole world abuzz, and half of them might attack you. But that doesn’t matter at all, right?”
Kang Woojin replied in a calm tone.
“No problem.”
Meanwhile, in Korea.
Though it was the middle of the afternoon at the Cannes closing and awards ceremony in France, it was past 4:30 a.m. in Korea, where a media earthquake was occurring. Most of the domestic media outlets, which had been on standby, were now frantically publishing articles.
『[Breaking News] Kang Woojin, triumphs with Best Actor Award at Cannes International Film Festival / Photo』
『[Breaking News] “Kang Woojin did it!” Wins Best Actor at Cannes for ‘Leech’』
As the Cannes Film Festival was ongoing, articles with similar titles were pouring out like crazy every second.
『[Star Photo] The first Korean actor to win Best Actor at Cannes! Kang Woojin delivers his acceptance speech fluently in French / Photo』
『“Second-Year” Kang Woojin made history… First Korean to win Best Actor at Cannes』
『He’s fluent in French too? Korean actor who made history with Best Actor Award at Cannes, delivers speech in native-level French / Photo』
Kang Woojin’s name was flooding the top three Korean portal sites, SNS, countless online communities, and YouTube.
『First Korean to win Best Actor at Cannes, Kang Woojin’s unconventional acceptance speech! “Setting my sights on Hollywood next year”』
『“Monster Actor” Kang Woojin, references last year’s Blue Dragon Film Awards in his speech, “Got a house in LA, aiming for the Academy Award for Best Actor”』
Despite the early morning hours, the media and public opinion were showing an intensity close to madness. Kang Woojin had not only brought honor to his country but had made global history.
And he had done so just two years after entering the Korean entertainment industry.
If this was the reaction at such an early hour, it was clear that by the time morning came, the flames would grow several times larger. In fact, numerous news teams from domestic broadcasting stations were already bustling around since dawn.
“The materials that came in!! The materials!!”
“Over here!!!”
“The video of Kang Woojin’s acceptance speech!! The one with the French included!!”
“Currently editing!”
“What about the on-site reporter!!”
“Contact made!”
They had to air the news of Kang Woojin’s legendary achievement as a special feature on the morning news.
“Is this the only photo we have?!! Get a clearer one!”
“Yes, yes!!”
“We don’t have time! Hurry up and prepare!! There won’t be any more awards related to ‘Leech’ at Cannes, right?!”
“There shouldn’t be! Since he already won Best Actor, by rule they can’t win any other awards!”
“Okay!! Let’s go live with the main feature on Kang Woojin winning Best Actor at Cannes this morning! And release the post-ceremony footage at noon! Make sure to secure an interview with Kang Woojin!!”
“Got it, I’ll relay the message!”
Every second, every minute, the name “Kang Woojin” kept piling up on domestic online and offline platforms.
About 45 minutes passed like this?
As Korea was getting more and more excited, the conference room of ‘Leech’’s official film company was reminiscent of a frenzied party.
“Woohoo!! Kang Woojin! Kang Woojin!!”
“It’s done!! It’s done!! With this, not only Korea but the whole world will be buzzing!!”
“Articles are already pouring out like crazy!!”
“Good, good!! Get in touch with our team at Cannes!! Get Woojin-ssi on the phone as soon as the closing ceremony ends!!”
“We’ll push for theatrical releases in Japan and France too!”
“Of course!!”
The executives of ‘Leech’’s production and distribution companies, who had stayed back in Korea, were half out of their minds with excitement. They had all gathered in the early morning to watch the live broadcast of the Cannes Film Festival on a large TV screen. Naturally, from the moment Kang Woojin’s name was called for Best Actor, they’d been in this state.
“Tell the behind-the-scenes team at Cannes! As soon as the awards ceremony is over, have them stick with Woojin-ssi! Tell them to capture everything, from commemorative photos and interviews to the after-party! We absolutely need the original footage!”
“Understood!!”
“And, what’s it called! Make sure they take at least 100 full shots and close-ups of Woojin-ssi holding the Best Actor trophy!! And ask Woojin-ssi about his French skills too!”
Of course, at this moment, the conference room’s front TV was still broadcasting the Cannes Film Festival’s closing ceremony live. The French director who had just won the second prize had finished his acceptance speech, and now it was time for the final award, the top prize of the Cannes Film Festival- the Palme d’Or.
However, the executives from the film and distribution companies in the conference room didn’t pay much attention.
They were well aware of the rules of the Cannes Film Festival. Since ‘Leech’ had already produced a Best Actor winner, there was no chance of it being called again. So, right now, all focus was on Kang Woojin. If there was a dual win, it would cause a worldwide sensation, but they all knew that wouldn’t happen.
“But Woojin-ssi’s acceptance speech- is it okay?? It seemed a bit strong.”
“Who cares!! Thanks to that, we’re about to cause a global sensation!! In fact, we should be grateful!!”
And at that moment,
-[“I’m honored to announce the prestigious Palme d’Or of the 74th Cannes Film Festival. Ah- this year’s Cannes has truly been full of surprises.”]
While everyone was distracted, on the large TV at the front of the conference room, one of the 10 jurors, an actress, was announcing the Palme d’Or.
-[“Congratulations!! This year’s Palme d’Or at Cannes goes to… ‘Leech’!!!”]
In an instant, the executives of Leech’s production and distribution companies, who had been shouting and moving around in excitement, all froze. Then, with faces as if they were bewitched, they all turned to look at the TV.
“…? What did she just say- ?”
The TV showed Director Ahn Ga-bok’s surprised face.