Chapter 93: Shock: Unexpected Things That Actually Exist in Korea

Time flowed like a stream.

Furthermore, as time passed, the “Busan International Short Film Festival” naturally began to take shape, since most of the audience had already examined many works.

This meant that they had already decided what was good and what wasn’t.

Naturally, the torrent of articles was also influenced by that atmosphere.

[This year’s “Busan International Short Film Festival” has been completely transformed—an upset occurred. Which top stars unexpectedly appeared?]

[In “Geum,” Seo Yeon-ju and Kim Sun-il appeared, exuding a “short but impressive presence.”]

[Yang Ha‑rin, eyeing the Newcomer Award—will she succeed?]

[What’s so special about “Geum”? A surge of viewing verifications for repeated screenings.]

Firstly, the attention towards Seo Yeon-ju and Kim Sun-il was naturally high. For audiences who had expected nothing more than the constant presence of rookie faces, the familiar visage of a top actor was undeniably welcome.

Of course, there were also occasional mentions of Yang Ha‑rin.

…This was merely a drop in the bucket among the public.

[Kim Sun‑il decided to make a special appearance because of “this.”]

[Seo Yeon‑ju, showcasing a pure charm in a fusion historical drama costume.]

Although CT Entertainment, to which Yang Ha‑rin belonged, had prepared many articles in advance, after all, isn’t journalism a profession that rides the wave and chases the trend?

And it was clear what the colossal trend was.

The interest in Seo Yeon-ju and Kim Sun‑il surged like a tidal wave, and it was unstoppable. No matter how much CT Entertainment tried to generate interest by promoting Yang Ha‑rin, it made no difference.

[Was Yang Ha‑rin originally intended to be the lead in “Geum”?]

From the start, the impact of articles suggesting that Yang Ha‑rin was nearly cast as the lead in “Geum” was unfavorable—it all came down to Lee Sua’s flawless acting, making it naturally difficult to win approval.

[Who is the newcomer cast as the lead in “Geum”?]

[An unknown actor who stood alongside Seo Yeon‑ju and Kim Sun‑il.]

On the contrary, some articles focusing on Lee Sua occasionally achieved impressive view counts. It was only natural—those interested in Seo Yeon‑ju and Kim Sun‑il also grew curious about the “person next door.”

With backing from Mystic Entertainment, along with on‑site audience SNS posts and entertainment articles, the recognition of “Geum” rapidly soared, and naturally, online communities became extremely active.

[Headline: Are short films all the rage among the insiders these days?]

[These bastards—what the hell has gotten into them that they all act like they know everything, watching short films and causing a ruckus on SNS. It’s f*cking ridiculous, I guess.]

–You should get out and enjoy some culture as well.

・We did promote it this time.

It’s important that people start taking an interest.

–Go and watch it yourself; it won’t take long to see everything.

[Headline: I’m too lazy to watch everything.]

[Headline: Can’t someone just recommend just one to me?]

・Watch the one featuring Seo Yeon‑ju.

–Seo Yeon‑ju was in a short film?

—And the content is decent.

“Geum” is worth watching; it’s not bad.

[Headline: “Geum” is f*cking unexpectedly surprising.]

[I went to see it because Seo Yeon‑ju was in it, but surprisingly, the real lead was someone else. Kim Sun‑il was just a special guest. Not that I was disappointed—just amazed. The unknown actor performed well.]

Is this viral or what?

For those sarcastic ones in the comments, just go and watch it already.

Kim Sun‑il really had a short role, haha.

In light of the trend, interest in Lee Sua inevitably soared. As mentions became more frequent and she was only referred to as “the unknown actor,” everyone grew curious about her name.

[Headline: That unknown actor is named Lee Sua, they say?]

[Headline: Three recommended short film festivals.]

[Headline: You search for Lee Sua and nothing comes up, haha.]

[Headline: Is this the Lee Sua Gallery?]

[Headline: Why suddenly drop hints about an unknown actor?]

Consequently, a gallery suddenly skyrocketed in popularity.

“…Huh?”

Wonsong-ing, who usually enjoyed various online communities, was startled—closing his eyes and then reopening them. It was inevitable; this was the gallery he had made as a joke, a gallery he hadn’t even managed.

…A gallery he never even imagined would re-emerge.

[Lee Sua Gallery]

[Headline: Is this the Wi Ji‑hye Gallery?]

[Headline: Does anyone have Lee Sua’s SNS handle?]

[Headline: I really liked “Geum.”]

[Headline: Please, anyone with information on Lee Sua?]

The Lee Sua Gallery had been adorned with an accolade.

[Real‑time trending gallery!]

It was the name of the badge.

At last, Lee Sua’s profile began to rise on the upward trend.

A week later. Seoul Exhibition Hall.

Invited actors, industry insiders, renowned directors, and the influencers who had diligently promoted it…

VIPs related to the “Busan International Short Film Festival” began to gather one after another.

Today, the Seoul Exhibition Hall is screening short films exclusively for them—a VIP‑only viewing, one might say.

However, this gathering was not merely for the sake of fellowship and leisure. Today, awards for films and actors at the “Busan International Short Film Festival” will be decided right here.

Once everyone was assembled, there were roughly 50 people.

The NeoLive V‑tubers only offered thanks for the invitation and did not actually attend, as it’s best for a V‑tuber’s face not to be overexposed.

Thus, at this moment, with one hour remaining until the film screening…

After a long time, the heavyweights who had reunited started catching up with one another.

“Oh, so Director Go has taken on the marquee role, after all?”

“It just happened by chance. I’m truly flattered.”

Director Go Tae‑min smiled leisurely. As a master director, he was approached by numerous figures from here and there.

“Unworthy, me? Not at all! It’s precisely because you’re Director Go that everyone has gathered. Had some random guy taken the marquee role, none of us would have shown up. The thought of Kim Jun‑ki still sends chills down my spine!”

“Thank you.”

“So, is your new project going well these days, Director Go? You mentioned you’re working on something related to music, right? I’m looking forward to it.”

“You can expect great things. I’ve cast an actor who completely won my heart as the lead. I can’t disclose who, as it’s still confidential.”

Meanwhile, amidst this exceptionally pleasant gathering, one particular relationship was noticeably awkward. It involved an invitee from the entertainment side.

These were two people who, no matter what, would never exchange greetings.

They were none other than Kim Yi‑seo of Mystic Entertainment and the representative of CT Entertainment.

In fact, Kim Yi‑seo didn’t even bother to look at the CT Entertainment representative. The representative, seemingly itching for a confrontation, glared at Kim Yi‑seo with a burning gaze, but it was futile.

Simply because Kim Yi‑seo refused to engage.

As a result, the CT Entertainment representative ground his teeth in irritation.

“That insolent one.”

But he chose to let it pass.

“After all, we have no choice but to come and greet first—since the award will ultimately be won by Yang Ha‑rin’s work.”

The CT Entertainment representative, with a mocking laugh, quickened his pace.

However, his steps were already heavy.

As if he were seized by an ominous premonition.

Finally, the time had come to present the film to the VIPs.

The members of the Busan International Short Film Festival committee could only be utterly nervous, for if the films they had prepared were food, they would be the most discerning gourmets of all.

People who had been exchanging warm greetings at the exhibition hall entrance quickly made their way to the screening room, which had been arranged exclusively for VIPs.

It resembled seating for wedding guests.

Everyone barely had time to sit in their designated seats with their names on them.

At the round table where the master directors sat, silence was broken.

It was Director Go Tae‑min who first broke the silence.

“At last, the time has come to critique someone’s film; it’s not exactly a moment I relish. I’m no better myself.”

“Oh my, when Director Go speaks like that, what can we do? Just relax and enjoy. I’ll also watch with an open mind.”

“There are two things I desire.”

“Two things?”

“Either the judging is easy because an indisputably excellent work has emerged, or one is enveloped in the delightful dilemma of not being able to choose just one because they are all outstanding. That’s enough.”

“…Indeed. How wonderful it would be if that were the case.”

Compared to the atmosphere at the other tables, the area where the directors sat was exceptionally strict, for they were responsible for choosing the award winners.

Just as Go Tae‑min was about to gulp down the water placed before him.

Shuuuu‑

The lights gradually dimmed, and the entire space achieved a brightness level optimal for viewing the screen, indicating that short films would be shown continuously from that point forward.

Following that, the screening of short films proceeded.

The running times varied from extremely short to films that occupied a full 30 minutes, and influencers were already beginning to either rest their chins on their hands or nod off.

Meanwhile, the directors and officials scrutinized each work meticulously, and with the conclusion of every film, applause erupted in the hall.

Clap, clap, clap!

There was a 5‑minute break between each film.

“Everyone, the film I just watched is…”

“Look at those actors over there! Even the invited actors…!”

During each break, the influencers hurriedly awoke to record snippets for their video content, while the directors recited their reviews.

“This year, there are an unusually high number of well‑crafted works.”

“Perhaps it’s because the scale has grown so much, and the number of entries is enormous.”

“They all show signs of having put in great effort. I like that.”

Naturally, there were both excellent works and subpar ones.

“This one completely got the camera angle wrong.”

“Indeed. This work is the most disappointing; while the acting is fine, there’s an issue with the speakers.”

Then, at one moment.

“…!”

The influencers began to awaken one by one.

The reason was singular: the title ‘Geum’ was on the line.

Given the volume of recent articles and the buzz in online communities, anything related to ‘Geum’ was a surefire hit for viewership, signifying that many were intrigued by this work.

Naturally, their chatter began.

“MuteB friends! Finally, I’m watching ‘Geum’ too!”

“I wonder how the celebs will react to ‘Geum’? There’s even a short interview at the end—so hit subscribe and like!”

Shortly thereafter, the screening of ‘Geum’ finally commenced.

Among the influencers and those who were initially uneasy in this unfamiliar setting, any trace of fatigue vanished from their faces, replaced by astonishment and intrigue.

“Isn’t she holding her own next to Seo Yeon‑ju? What’s going on?”

“…With talent like that, how can she be considered unknown?”

“The mask is great. It’s a face you remember immediately after just one glance.”

Initially, the attention was focused on Seo Yeon‑ju, but gradually, the spotlight shifted toward Lee Sua.

Even the representative of CT Entertainment was visibly flustered.

“T‑That level of talent? This is completely unexpected…!”

It was inevitable. Not that he wanted to admit it, but subconsciously he was thinking that at this level, aside from Yang Ha‑rin, Lee Sua was definitely worth casting.

Soon, an astonishing turn of events took place.

Everyone’s focus converged on a single individual.

“Director Park Jun, you’re really on fire.”

“Your presence is unbelievable—you completely fill the screen on your own.”

“Huh… That is truly something, isn’t it?”

The lead, of course, was Lee Sua.

Meanwhile, just before ‘Geum’ began screening.

Unlike the other tables that were filled with at least six people, there was one luxurious table occupied by only two—reserved for the eminent guest Yusaku, invited from Japan.

The assistant was the first to speak.

“Director,”

“Uh.”

(Director, what do you think?)

“5h?”

(Yeah?)

“I’m asking whether you found anything to learn from Korean cinema.”

“Ah.”

“In my opinion, it’s rather ordinary. I can admit that it’s high‑quality for a short film, but this level is something that could easily be produced in Japan. That’s about it.”

“Hmm, that’s certainly true.”

Yusaku rubbed his chin, his beard grown in a goat‑like manner.

“But listen. If you want to learn about filmmaking techniques, you’d watch a feature film rather than a short. The reason I take an interest in short films is altogether different.”

“What is it?”

“Talent scouting. Raw gems are naturally buried in the soil. You never know—you might discover a new talent that catches your fancy.”

“If it’s the new talent you’re after… Ah, could it be?”

The assistant wore an expression of exasperation.

“Is it the one you mentioned before?”

“Yes.”

“I mean, how on earth would you find such an actor?”

The assistant shook his head in disbelief.

“You mentioned you needed a new talent to play a yakuza, didn’t you?”

But a simply cocky and rebellious image won’t suffice. After all, there are plenty of such faces in Japan. So what I’m looking for is…

“…Not merely someone who glares when spoken to, but someone whose look would have you first break their nose with a punch, followed by them saying, ‘Did you think you could speak to me, you damn bastard?’”

“Exactly. That level of intensity would be ideal. To break away from traditional noir, you need a face with that kind of impact.”

“That seems like something only possible in anime.”

In other words, it implied that such a face could only exist in the 2D world of anime.

Around that time, the screening of ‘Geum’ began.

“…!”

Yusaku and the assistant were both suddenly astonished.

They had found the exact look they were after.

Moreover, the subject was not a male actor, but a female actor.

In that moment, both of them envisioned the exact same image.

That actress, donning baggy trousers with her upper body wrapped in bandages, with irezumi tattoos covering her collarbone to her arms, and a cigarette in her mouth…

·Terrifying.

“…!”

Yusaku and the assistant simultaneously turned to look at each other.

“Is this Korea’s dokkaebi?”

“I can’t believe dokkaebi actually exist in Korea!”

They found themselves recalling the Japanese goblin, “oni.”