Chapter 335: Cannes (1)

Kang Woo-jin also read the news that Director Ahn Ga-bok had boarded the plane to attend the Cannes Film Festival. Of course, he was in Bangkok. It was early in the morning, in the car moving for the shooting of 'Beneficial Evil'.

'Looks like Director Ahn has departed.'

Today was Friday, the 24th. As soon as Woojin saw the news of Ahn Ga-bok's departure, the forgotten tension surged up.

‘I don’t have many days left either, right?? Whew— Now that it’s time to go, I’m getting a bit nervous.’

What would the grand Cannes Film Festival, the festival of global filmmakers, actually look like? He had seen photos and YouTube videos beforehand through searches, but seeing it 100% in person at Cannes would be a whole different experience.

‘Just like how reading a script with your eyes and reading (experiencing) it in the void space is different.’

Kang Woojin’s official schedule in Bangkok was until September 30th. Of course, depending on the shooting situation, there might be a change of a day or two. Anyway, the overseas location shoot of 'Beneficial Evil' was from the end of September to early October, and after that, Woojin had to board a plane to France to attend the Cannes Film Festival.

The official opening of the Cannes Film Festival was on the 30th.

From then on, the festival, including screenings of invited films, would continue until October 10th, and on the 11th, there would be a grand closing ceremony along with the awards ceremony. For the invited films and countless actors, this closing ceremony was the main event.

Naturally, it was the same for Kang Woojin.

Woojin, who had put on his concept, kept his rising tension in check while browsing through various search sites around the world. From nearby Japan to Hollywood and so on. Even to France. Naturally, it was focused on countries where he understood the language.

As a result.

‘Damn, Cannes is really freaking amazing—’

Every country was in an uproar over the Cannes Film Festival. The French media had already dispatched reporters to the local scene where the festival would be held, churning out articles. There were already reports that many stars and famous figures had arrived in Cannes. Woojin recognized a lot of international stars. Though it was only about 30% of the arrivals at best, the current situation was already tremendous.

‘Wow— Unbelievable, all these people are gathered just for Cannes?’

The articles predicting that tens or even hundreds of thousands of spectators would gather also stood out. Kang Woojin moved his fingers, imagining himself at that moment. He was checking the domestic reactions. When 'Leech' was announced as a work in the main 'In Competition' section entry at the Cannes Film Festival last week, the domestic media and public opinion exploded in an instant.

Because 'Leech' was the only Korean film in the 'In Competition' section.

It was even introduced on various national TV news.

That firepower was still maintained even now, a week later, and as soon as Director Ahn Ga-bok boarded the plane to France, the flame flared up even more intensely.

For now, the domestic media was simultaneously firing out articles. Probably because most of the media had been eagerly waiting for this news as well.

『'Leech', Enters the 'In Competition' Section at Cannes Film Festival This Year... Will Director 'Ahn Ga-bok', Who is Attending for the Fifth Time, Bring Home a Prize This Year?』

『[Global] 'Leech', the Only Korean Film Confirmed in the 'In Competition' section Featuring 'Sim Han-ho, Kang Woojin'... Will It Finally Break the Award Drought for Korean Films?』

That was why the firepower was extraordinary.

『As Expected, the Legend of Korean Cinema, Director Ahn Ga-bok Competing for the "Palme d'Or" Against Global Heavyweights! / Photo』

The articles on Woojin’s phone were updating every second. The film industry media, as well as numerous news outlets, were celebrating the achievement. Of course, many questions and curiosities were also erupting.

『[Issue Pick] Cannes Film Festival Has Seven Competition Awards, Last Year’s Domestic Film Festival Dominator 'Kang Woojin' Who Swept Over Eight Awards... Possibility of Winning the Best Actor?』

『[Film Festival] Sim Han-ho, Oh Hee-ryung, and Kang Woojin Going to War Against World-Renowned Actors』

Overall, there was no lack of praise and support for "Leech’s" entry into the 'In Competition' section.

『Director Ahn Ga-bok Departed for Cannes Today, Sim Han-ho and Oh Hee-ryung Are Also Set to Fly Soon... When Will Kang Woojin Leave Bangkok?』

『[Photo] After Director Ahn Ga-bok, Jin Jae-jun Also Spotted at Incheon Airport! / Photo』

At this point, Woojin couldn't help but be curious about the public's opinion. He subtly checked the comments on the articles.

The public was also fired up.

-ㅠㅜㅜㅠㅜㅠㅠLeech!! Fighting!!

-I hope they cause a big impact while they're thereㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-But seriously, Kang WoojinㅋㅋㅋㅋGoing to the Cannes Film Festival just 2 years after debut, that's insaneㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-Team Korea: Sim Han-ho, Oh Hee-ryung, Kang Woojin, Jin Jae-jun lineup is amazing

And Kang Woojin's name came up frequently. Seeing his name being mentioned repeatedly, Woojin grinned widely. Of course, he did so inwardly.

‘Being called a representative— not bad at all.’

It was natural, but the value of the names of the 'Leech' actors had skyrocketed, to say the least. Even though they all already had significant influence, this Cannes Film Festival had multiplied that impact several times over.

Especially Kang Woojin.

『[Issue Check] “First in Korea!” Second-year actor Kang Woojin makes a bold entrance to Cannes with his unprecedented career!』

While veteran actors like Sim Han-ho and Oh Hee-ryung already had experience with Cannes and were full of experience, Kang Woojin, who was only in his second year of debut, was on a truly groundbreaking path.

『“Sim Han-ho’s 4th time at Cannes is impressive, but the legend that Kang Woojin is creating is even more powerful... Netizens say ‘Kang Woojin is truly legendary.’』

Everything he did was a first. No domestic actor had ever walked the same path as Kang Woojin. Thanks to this, the media and the public were even more fanatically excited.

In moments like these, Koreans come together.

-Krr!!! I’m bursting with national pride!! I hope Leech and Kang Woojin sweep Cannes while they're at it!!

-ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋDamn we can't even lose at rock-paper-scissors to Japanㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-ㅠㅠㅠㅠWhen Leech was announced at the end of the 'In competition' lineup, I got chills all over.....

-Swept domestic film festivals last year and now heading to Cannes this yearㅋㅋㅋThat's not normal but if it's Kang Woojin... yeah... I get it....

Meanwhile, even in the Japanese media that had two films in the Cannes Film Festival’s 'In Competition' section.

『「Cannes Film Festival」 features two entries from Japan and one from Korea, with ‘Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger’ actor Kang Woojin heading to Cannes as well』

They were already frantically consuming the hot name of Kang Woojin, and.

『「Japan vs. Korea」 A grand showdown in the Cannes Film Festival’s ‘In Competition’ section!』

They were framing it as a competition.

Afterwards.

Kang Woojin was back on the set of 'Beneficial Evil'. Following the long take scene where the entire crew put in their all a few days ago, the organized 'Beneficial Evil' team had now fully entered the phase of shooting specific scenes.

In other words, they had begun to aggressively clear the filming schedule.

While it's true that drama or film scenes can’t be shot in the exact order of the script or scenario, in cases of overseas location shoots where time is limited, they usually try to shoot in sequence as much as possible.

“Action!!”

Even so, the scenes being shot in Bangkok were somewhat disorganized. At the moment, Kang Woojin was filming at a large mansion located quite far from downtown Bangkok.

-Bang bang bang bang!!

They were filming the first appearance scene of ‘Jang Yeon-woo’ in 'Beneficial Evil', as well as the part where he disappears. Several Thai actors were also involved in this scene, and although guns, knives, and explosions were used, they weren’t shot in a continuous long take.

Additionally.

“Cut!! OK! This time we'll go with Woojin-ssi's angle!”

"Flower bed! Changing the flower bed!!"

They had managed to secure the mansion, but they could only film the overall picture without causing any damage. Therefore, they were filming on a similar yard created in the forest near the mansion.

“Cut cut cut!! OOK!!”

The same scene was being filmed from multiple angles and perspectives. Kang Woojin's actions and martial arts while in his military uniform were shining, but what also caught attention was the aura of Miley Cara, who had joined the shoot a few days earlier. Even though it wasn’t her own project, she gave her all to the filming of 'Beneficial Evil'. She showcased her top-level Hollywood skills without holding back.

For ponytailed Choi Sung-gun, who was watching the shoot, it was an emotional moment.

‘Woojin— our Woojin is in the same frame with Miley Cara this soon...... Even as I watch it, it doesn’t feel real.’

It was fascinating to see that the entire crew of over a hundred members of 'Beneficial Evil' felt the same way.

“Wow...... A two-shot of Woojin-ssi and Miley Cara- this is absolutely insane.”

“But don’t you think Woojin-ssi and Cara-nim look really good together? They seem like they’re really close.”

“They worked on an album together, right? Cara even appeared on Woojin-ssi's YouTube channel.”

“No, seriously, just seeing Miley Cara captured by our cameras feels like a dream to me.”

“I’m dying to spill the beans— if people see this shot, they’ll absolutely freak out.”

And that night.

As the schedule for the overseas shoot of 'Beneficial Evil' passed its midpoint, Joseph, Megan, and a group of foreigners who had come from Hollywood met with Kang Woojin. They didn’t engage in any serious conversation. It was just a simple greeting.

“Hello, I work for Universal Movies.”

“Yes, hello. I’m Kang Woojin.”

“We’re the stunt team. We were really impressed by Mr. Woojin’s long take scenes.”

“Thank you.”

There was a hint of a deep misunderstanding in the air.

“The action overall was- incredible. The ‘martial arts’ and ‘CQC’ were beyond top-notch. I heard you were in the special forces.”

Kang Woojin glanced at Ethan, who was among the foreigners. So that guy was the host. But his poker face didn’t waver. He was used to this kind of situation.

Silence was the answer in times like these.

“......”

As expected, they completely misinterpreted Woojin's stiff silence.

“Ah, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to pry, if there’s a reason you’d rather not talk about it, that’s okay.”

“Yes.”

“I’m looking forward to Cannes, we’ll watch your work there first. Let’s meet again at Cannes.”

That was how most of their conversations went. However, Hollywood’s famous producer Joseph quietly made an offer to Woojin.

“This team consists of people involved in a movie I’m currently preparing. I wanted to show them Kang Woojin. Of course, I was also curious about your action scenes.”

“Is that so?”

“Haha, really- Woojin, every time I see you, you defy expectations. The energy I saw in ‘Last Kill 3’ now feels like child’s play. Woojin, I’m setting up the stage to give you a leading role. That stage will probably be completed at Cannes. Surely, many big names will be after you, but when the script for my upcoming project is ready, would you look at it first?”

Joseph and Megan had been incredibly dedicated to Kang Woojin, following him from Korea to Japan and now to Bangkok. Woojin was well aware of their persistence.

“Yes, that shouldn’t be too difficult.”

The giant Joseph didn’t forget to smile.

"I look forward to the day when I can produce a work with you."

The following morning, on the 25th. The team led by Joseph left Bangkok, heading not to Hollywood but to Cannes, France.

Later that afternoon.

-Bang bang!!

Inside a specially designed car, Miley Cara was shot in the abdomen.

“Ugh!”

According to the scene, the car was supposed to be speeding away, but the special vehicle containing Woojin, Cara, and the camera only appeared to accelerate. However, thanks to the vibration devices attached to the wheels, a violent shaking effect was created. The van shook wildly, almost out of control.

-Crash!!

The front window shattered as bullets hit it. They were being ambushed during their escape, and Woojin, who was driving, clenched his teeth and pressed his hand firmly against Cara’s abdomen in the passenger seat.

“Stop the bleeding!”

The blonde Cara, her expression gradually softening, placed her trembling hand on Woojin’s forearm. She didn’t seem to have any intention of stopping the gushing blood.

“J, when I found you, I was happy.”

“Shut up and stop the bleeding!”

“It’s a shame. I wanted to enjoy my time a bit more with you. Please take care of the rest. You can have the money I was supposed to receive."

"Just shut your mouth!"

“Don't live foolishly, J. Whatever it is, do what you have to do. Being more evil than evil suits you."

The car shook even more violently. The camera focused on Cara's blue eyes as she let go of Woojin's arm, turning her gaze outside the window.

"I'll take your guilt with me."

She lowered her head. But the intense vibrations of the car continued. Like that, for a few seconds. As the dialogue stopped, PD Song Man-woo's shout rang out over the loudspeaker.

“Cuuuut!! OOOK!!!”

That marked the end of Miley Cara's role in 'Beneficial Evil'.

Kang Woojin immediately thanked her in a low voice, speaking in English.

“Thank you for your hard work, and for participating in the shoot.”

Cara shook her head lightly and shrugged her shoulders.

“I had fun. I’m looking forward to the release of ‘Beneficial Evil’.”

About an hour later, after saying a casual farewell to PD Song Man-woo and the rest of the crew, Miley Cara prepared to catch her night flight. Of course, her destination was the same as Joseph and Megan's-Cannes, France. Before leaving the set, Cara called out to Kang Woojin.

"Here."

-Swish.

Standing in front of the van, Cara swept her blonde hair back and handed Woojin a card key.

“I wanted to give this to you in person. It’s the key to your house that I’ve prepared in LA.”

Woojin accepted the key with a calm expression.

“...Thank you.”

“Hmm? No need to thank me, I’m just giving you what I should.”

Internally, though, he was filled with intense excitement.

‘I-is this really the key to that mansion!! Do I really have a house in LA now??! For real??!’

Of course, Cara couldn’t possibly know his thoughts.

“You like it, right? Anyway, see you in Cannes.”

A few days later, on Friday, September 29th, in Japan.

At a large movie theater in Tokyo, a crowd of people had gathered to watch a film. On closer look, the audience members all held cameras in their hands. The reason was simple. The hundreds of people in the audience were all Japanese reporters. Among them were some film critics as well.

A billboard was set up towards the large screen in front.

-‘First Press Screening’

It seemed to be a press screening for a movie set to be released soon.

What stood out was.

“......”

“......”

The eyes of all the reporters watching the giant screen widened dramatically. Their faces showed a look of massive shock. At that moment.

-♬♪

A grand piece of film music filled the theater, and on the giant screen, the movie title in Japanese appeared.

-[Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger]

The names of the cast members began to roll up in the ending credits. An immediately recognizable name appeared at the very top.

-[Role of Iyota Kiyoshi / Kang Woojin]

-[Role of Yoshizawa Mochio / Mana Kosaku]

-[Role of Horinochi Amie / Mifuyu Uramatsu]

·

·

·

Soon, among the hundreds of reporters, a journalist sitting in the middle, who struggled to adjust his thick glasses, muttered to himself while still staring at the screen.

“Wh-what is this? Is this the ending?”