The simultaneous release of Leech and The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice.
After completing its screening at Cannes, Leech was set for a late October release in Korea, while the controversial The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice was scheduled to open in Japan around the same time. The two films were being released in different countries, but they shared one important common point.
Their lead actor was Kang Woojin.
In other words, films starring Woojin were opening in Korean and Japanese theaters at the same time. There had been cases where several films featuring a Korean actor opened simultaneously in Korean theaters, but a simultaneous release not only domestically but overseas as well, in a place like Japan, was almost unheard of.
Unique and unprecedented.
If Leech and The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice were released at the same time, Kang Woojin would once again be rewriting history and adding another page to the record books. A representative from Leech's distributor added this.
"We didn't intend for it to turn into something this big, but here we are. The projects are different, yet they're opening simultaneously in Korea and Japan, and the lead actor is a Korean actor who debuted only two years ago, yet he's already hugely popular in Japan. On top of that, he's at Cannes right now. Honestly, it's incredible."
"Has anything like this ever happened before?"
"No. Not as far as I can remember. To begin with, it's already difficult for a Korean actor to land the lead role in a Japanese film. And on top of that, it's based on a work by writer Akari and directed by Tanoguchi Kyotaro. Aren't those two among the people who represent Japan? From Japan's point of view, it's a truly absurd situation."
"Haha, now that you put it that way, it really is outrageous. At this rate, both films released in Korea and Japan could break ten million admissions, couldn't they?"
"Kang Woojin is the actor who already pulled twenty million viewers. It would be an incredibly difficult challenge, but it isn't impossible."
"I've heard the response to The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice in Japan is extremely hot."
A few executives corrected the word extremely.
"Hot? That's far too weak a word. In terms of buzz, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say it's one of the most talked-about films in Japanese film history."
"And on top of that, the film is packed with controversy, problems, and debate."
"Everyone, don't you remember the uproar when Kang Woojin was officially cast in The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice*? The chaos never stopped."*
In the end, everything led back to the name Kang Woojin.
"With this, Kang Woojin has added yet another legendary title to his name. The heat around him is at an absolute peak."
"Well, he's the lead actor of our film, Leech*, so it's always a good thing when that level of anticipation keeps building, isn't it?"*
"I just hope that energy explodes even harder at Cannes."
With that, the distributor's executives and staff once again turned their attention back to the main subject of the meeting: the domestic release of Leech after Cannes. The expected release date had been set for Wednesday, October 27.
Of course, not every Korean film that made it to Cannes was guaranteed a domestic release. Films screened in sections other than Competition often struggled to secure theatrical openings. That was why they sought out other festivals in the first place.
On the other hand, Leech had entered the Competition section, and since it was a work by the famous director Ahn Gabok, there seemed to be no real obstacle to its release.
Looking back, there had been similar cases in the past, and Director Ahn Gabok's filmography already included works comparable to Leech. On top of that, the fact that Leech had made it into Cannes had already generated enormous publicity. Kang Woojin's appearance in it, and the fact that it was the 100th film by Korea's legendary director Ahn Gabok, had combined to make it a huge issue.
Not releasing it under those conditions would have been foolish.
For that reason, the distributor had already been hurrying the release preparations even during production. In other words, the release had been planned long before Cannes. It might have been safer to wait a little after Cannes and then release it more slowly, but the production company and distributor valued the promotional power the film could gain more than safety.
Put simply, the strategy was to release Leech before the heat from Cannes had time to cool.
At that point, an executive in glasses lightly changed the topic.
"Assuming the domestic release is locked in, how are the preparations for an overseas release progressing?"
A team leader responded.
"If Leech wins even a single award in the Competition section, we're discussing a Japanese and French release approximately one month after the Korean release."
"Hmm."
If Leech were to win even one prize at Cannes, it would naturally attract considerable attention overseas as well. That could open the door to theatrical releases abroad, and France in particular, as the home of the Cannes Film Festival, was likely to respond even more positively.
One executive nodded and quietly voiced his anticipation.
"Whew, even at my age, this makes me nervous. If Leech wins even one award, I'll be more than satisfied."
Later.
In the middle of busy schedules in both Korea and Cannes, France, time flew by. Kang Woojin, currently in Cannes, was spending his relatively free time watching the other films screening in the Competition section.
'I think this might be the first time in my life I've watched this many movies.'
Woojin muttered inwardly as he read the subtitles. If not for the English and French abilities the void space had given him, he would not have been able to watch them at all. In truth, among the thousands of people inside the huge theater, there were barely any Asians, including Koreans and Japanese.
About an hour later.
Once the film ended, Woojin responded to the applause and exited the theater.
At that exact moment—
"Hey! Kang Woojin!"
A foreigner he had never seen before called out to him from behind. It turned out to be one of the foreign journalists.
"Leech was really impressive, and your acting was excellent. Would you sign this poster for me?"
The reporter handed him a Leech poster and asked for an autograph. Kang Woojin nodded with his usual calm expression.
"Yes, thank you."
But inside, he was in complete turmoil.
'What is this? Is this real?? No way.'
He had never imagined he would be asked for an autograph at Cannes, and by a foreign journalist at that. But the amusing part was that the reporter was not the only one.
"Nice to meet you. Could I get one too?"
"Mr. Kang Woojin, could I get a photo with you?"
"If it's alright, could I ask for a brief interview?"
Dozens of journalists from inside the theater surrounded Woojin in the corridor. What else could it be? It was simply the aftereffect of Leech. These reporters, too, had watched the afternoon screening. After responding to them as best he could, Woojin quickly escaped the place, fleeing the flood of attention.
Soon after returning to his hotel room, he muttered to himself,
"Cannes really is a special place. Just one screening of a single film and my international recognition shoots up explosively."
He immediately picked up his phone. He opened social media, which he had not even had time to check for several days because things had been so chaotic. Of course, throughout Cannes, Han Yejung had been steadily posting on his behalf.
"Wow, that's crazy."
Kang Woojin's eyes widened slightly. The reason was simple.
-@Wooji_n
Posts: 301
Followers: 40.13 million
Following: 121
His follower count had suddenly surpassed forty million, and thousands of DMs had poured in. Among them were messages from actors, directors, reporters, and industry figures he had met in Cannes.
Shocked, Kang Woojin immediately checked his YouTube channel.
The shock deepened.
[Channel Name: Kang Woojin's Alter Ego]
[Subscribers: 25.39 million]
[Videos: 93]
His subscriber count had surpassed twenty-five million. That was the combined result of Miley Cara's new album teaser and his appearance at Cannes.
One thing stood out clearly here.
"The impact of an explosive shock really is enormous."
Kang Woojin had not even made his official overseas debut yet.
Meanwhile.
As Cannes neared its end, Japan was just as overheated as the Korean press. Korea had only one film in Competition, but Japan had two, which naturally made them a major issue. In fact, Japan's heat may have been even more intense than Korea's.
『First Competition screening at Cannes: Director Kamoto receives a standing ovation from thousands of viewers』
『Following Director Kamoto, Director Okimura also receives rave reviews』
『Director Kamoto and Director Okimura draw even more attention at Cannes! What about Korea's Leech?』
As always, the Japanese media framed everything as a fierce rivalry with Korea. More precisely, they were excessively wary of Leech.
『The mood in Japan is positive, but what about Leech? Public curiosity continues to rise』
The reason was simple. Leech had entered the Competition section alongside Japanese films, and it also starred Kang Woojin, who had recently become enormously popular in Japan.
『Kang Woojin of* The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice *maintains his composure even on the red carpet... will he once again leave a powerful impression in Cannes?』
As a result, just like in Korea, the Japanese media and public opinion were in an uproar. Japanese variety programs analyzing the Cannes Competition lineup aired frequently.
At the same time, however, there was another major issue burning hot in Japan besides Cannes.
That film was The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice, which had already completed its press screenings ahead of release.
『How many screenings are they doing?* The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice *is generating far more buzz than a typical promotional campaign, with over five press screenings already held.』
At first, the Japanese film industry had assumed that Cannes would somewhat cool public interest in The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice. But the exact opposite happened. Alongside Cannes, The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice began drawing attention even more rapidly in Japan.
Here too, Kang Woojin's influence was enormous.
What stood out was that the many Japanese journalists who had attended the recent screenings remained silent. Most of them had been left shocked, but no proper reviews had come out yet. The timing was not right. The production team of The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice had already set the date for when articles would be allowed to go live next week. Until then, the journalists and critics who had attended the screenings had to remain silent.
But they were desperate to speak. Many of those Japanese journalists were fully prepared.
"Have you finished writing your article on The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice*?"*
"Yes, of course. I included my impressions, a balanced evaluation, and the maximum level of plot description we're allowed to use. As provocatively as possible. The moment approval is granted next week, I'll publish it immediately."
"Was it really that shocking? What kind of film is The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice*? Most of the journalists who attended the screening looked like they had lost the ability to speak."*
"Public backlash? Controversy? Once the film opens, it'll go far beyond that level."
In any case, The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice was in the middle of a full-scale promotional and marketing offensive. As planned, they were pouring in several times more effort than an ordinary film. The scale of the media exposure, advertisements, and publicity was immense. In addition to teasers and trailers, promotional videos tied to the film had already spread across YouTube and other video platforms.
Anyone could tell it was being pushed to an excessive degree.
On top of the press screenings, they also planned to hold preview screenings for randomly selected general audiences, as well as VIP screenings for actors, directors, celebrities, and other notable figures.
The heat surrounding The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice was explosive.
Word of mouth spread rapidly through Japanese social media and various online communities.
At that point, the production team made an official announcement.
『[Official] Highly anticipated film* The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice *confirmed for release on October 26』
The official release date of The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice was announced all across Japan. It was set for Tuesday, October 26. Just a little over three weeks remained. The film would open on the 26th—
『News of* The Stranger's Grim Sacrifice *being confirmed for October 26 is already becoming a major issue across social media and online communities』
—and that meant it would arrive only one day before Leech, which was scheduled to open on the 27th.
A few days later, on the morning of the 10th, in Korea.
At last, the day of the Cannes Film Festival closing ceremony and awards had arrived. Of course, in Korean time it would be broadcast live at 3 a.m. the following morning, but the Korean press and public were already in an excited frenzy.
『[Cannes Film Festival] Cannes closing ceremony and awards live broadcast begins at 3 a.m. today... can Director Ahn Gabok achieve his dream?』
『Watch Director Ahn Gabok, Shim Hanho, Kang Woojin, and the rest of the Cannes attendees live on YouTube』
With news of the Cannes livestream spreading, film forums were on fire. Netizens were saying things like, "We're ordering chicken and staying up all night to watch."
『[Special Feature] What are the chances of Director Ahn Gabok's* Leech *winning the Palme d'Or?』
Naturally, Kang Woojin's family and those closest to him were the most thrilled of all. Seo Hyunmi, Kang Woocheol, and Kang Hyuna, his family, could not take their eyes off the TV screens and news articles showing Woojin.
"Ha—our son is really in Cannes? He's really there? I still can't believe it."
"Yes, Woojin is definitely there right now."
"Seeing him among all those famous people really makes me proud."
"But why does he look so stiff?"
"He must be nervous! But our son is going to win something there, right?!"
"The news said that if he does… he'll become the first Korean male actor ever."
"F-first! When does the live broadcast start again?"
Three in the morning.
"Then get ready to stay up all night!"
The group chat with his close friends was on the verge of exploding. And that was not all. Every actor who knew Kang Woojin was keeping a close eye on Cannes.
『Stars such as Hong Hyeyeon, Ryu Jeongmin, and Hwarin continue posting photos on social media cheering for the* Leech *team』
Not only PD Song Manwoo and Director Kwon Gitaek, but other directors and entertainment industry figures were doing the same.
It was morning in Korea, but in Cannes, France, it was already the early hours past midnight. Kang Woojin was lying in bed in his hotel room, wide awake even though it was already 2 a.m.
"Damn it, I can't sleep."
Tension and anxiety kept sleep away. In only a few hours, the Cannes closing ceremony would begin. Woojin, who had already looked up endless information about it, felt his heart pounding far harder than it had on opening day.
"Ah, damn it. I'm going to be awake all night."
But that was not what happened. After thinking for a while, he fell asleep, and when he came to, the dark sky over Cannes had already brightened with morning sunlight.
"...Finally, today."
It was the morning of the day of the Cannes Film Festival closing ceremony and awards.