Ch.196An Actor Who Knows How to Play

Early December.

About 3 weeks before <The Real Hero> leaves theaters.

“Great Achievement <The Real Hero> Reaches 18 Million Viewers!”

“Too Quick Succession? <The Real Hero> Becomes Most-Watched Film After Just 3 Years”

“Can It Reach 19 Million? <The Real Hero> Box Office Trend Analysis!”

“Youngest Triple 10-Million Actor Ever, There’s Never Been Anyone Like Him, Exclusive Interview with Kim Donghu!”

“Not the Success of a Series, but Kim Donghu’s Success. Three Different Works”

“Possibility of Imitating Private Sanctions? Expert Opinion: ‘Absolutely Impossible, No One Can Be Like Kim Donghu'”

“First Requirement to Become a Hero: ‘Boxing Heavyweight Gold Medalist’, Something Only One Person in Korea Can Do”

“Sudden Possibility? Continuous Amazement at Kim Donghu’s Control! Each Team ‘Eyeing Ceremonial First Pitch'”

Having reached 18 million viewers, <The Real Hero> finally broke the domestic record for most-watched film.

Based on the viewer growth trend through the end of December, the estimated final count was about 19 million.

“It’s a shame we can’t break 20 million! But that’s such a greedy complaint that honestly, it doesn’t feel real.”

“But it is real.”

Director Lee Seongdeok couldn’t close his eyes due to the film’s performance, which was thriving like a fish in water.

“I really can’t believe… that we made this.”

“Haha, don’t be so modest. You can be a little prouder.”

Clatter.

Choi Seokho brought coffee while trying to calm down the excited Director Lee.

‘But why did he come to our agency instead of the production company?’

Choi Seokho discreetly observed Director Lee.

He understood why the director was in such a good mood.

The film was doing incredibly well.

But it seemed odd that his first stop would be the Veritas office.

And without even making an appointment.

A brief silence.

Sensing the meaning behind this awkward pause, Director Lee quickly spoke up.

“Ah, the reason I came is to propose a short film.”

“A short film?”

“Yes.”

After making the highest-grossing commercial film of all time, he suddenly wants to do a short film?

And he’s here to schedule it while his current film is still in theaters?

‘I’m in the arts industry too, but I really don’t understand how content creators’ minds work.’

Choi Seokho responded with a puzzled expression.

“So you want to cast Kim Donghu for this?”

“Yes, that’s right. More precisely, I came to get a reservation number.”

“…I might be missing something, but could you explain the situation in more detail?”

“Ah, I’m so excited I keep… I’m sorry.”

“No, that’s understandable. Would you like sugar in your coffee?”

“Oh… five sugar cubes, please.”

“Sure.”

During that brief moment as the sugar cubes dissolved into the coffee,

Choi Seokho waited for Lee Seongdeok to organize his thoughts.

“To put it simply, I received an investment offer from Netflix.”

“What?”

Lee Seongdeok cut straight to the point.

“From Netflix?!”

“Yes, as you know, OTT services are becoming more active, and Netflix has shown interest in Korea.”

“So in the midst of this… the most-watched film record changed, and Netflix sees the director and our Donghu as the key players?”

“That’s right.”

Netflix, the leading OTT service.

They’ve been expanding their business through various original series lately.

Who knew their reach would extend here so soon?

“So Netflix will cover Donghu’s appearance fee?”

“Yes, that’s why it’s a short film. They’re testing the waters first, I suppose.”

He thought this would be a casual conversation over coffee.

But the matter was bigger than expected.

‘How should I adjust the schedule for this?’

While Choi Seokho’s mind was racing,

“We don’t have a script or scenario yet… but if possible, I really want to do this, which is why I’m telling you in advance.”

Lee Seongdeok wrapped up the conversation, as not much had been finalized yet.

He could have waited until everything was confirmed, but

he wanted to get ahead of the game, knowing how busy Kim Donghu would be.

“He’ll be extremely busy next year, so I’d like to film in January if possible.”

“January, you say?”

“Yes, if the schedule works… Donghu will be competing in the Asian Games next year.”

“Right, yes, that’s correct. So… I understand. I’ll relay this information.”

Netflix, huh.

‘Is he really going global now?’

Taking Kim Donghu to the world.

That sentence was becoming reality.

‘That’s great.’

Choi Seokho smiled deeply.

++++++

Mid-December.

The time for the major year-end award ceremonies.

The Blue Dragon Film Awards kicked off the season.

“Wow! It’s Kim Donghu!”

The red carpet event, an essential part of any film festival.

Despite having already made an appearance at the Grand Bell Awards in November.

‘People really love me.’

I can see fans reacting enthusiastically to my walk down the red carpet.

“His face is a work of art.”

“Just looking at him is healing, and he’s so good with fans.”

“Youth… youth is so good, or is it just Kim Donghu? How many achievements does this 21-year-old have?”

“He’ll probably win boxing gold at next year’s Asian Games too, right? They say he’s the only real contender.”

Passing by the occasional voices of reporters.

Click click click.

Moving past countless camera flashes.

At the photo zone, with a light greeting.

“Hello. Thank you.”

I checked my attire and headed to my designated seat.

“Donghu, you’re a bit late today?”

A voice from beside me as soon as I sat down.

I thought I had arrived early.

“Taegeon hyung, you came really early?”

“I heard I needed to come early if I wanted to have a long conversation with you, so I made the effort.”

“What? Who said that?”

“Jinwoo.”

Taegeon hyung glanced at me with eyes full of things to say.

Then he lowered his voice slightly and continued.

“I’m thinking of moving to Veritas agency, what do you think?”

“…What?”

Did I hear that wrong?

Come to think of it, he had shown signs of this.

‘So it wasn’t a joke?’

Of course, no celebrity would joke about changing agencies.

But I still couldn’t understand it.

“Why so suddenly?”

“Because of you.”

“Pardon?”

“Success follows you, look at Jinwoo. He had a 10-million viewer film last year. I heard you picked that for him?”

That’s true.

Jinwoo hyung’s Veritas contract had just one special clause.

‘I get to choose his projects.’

I don’t know what instinct made me add that clause.

But since then, Jinwoo hyung has been on a winning streak.

But Jinwoo hyung isn’t the type to go around talking about this.

So did he figure this out on his own?

When I looked at Taegeon hyung with that question in my eyes,

he immediately provided an answer.

“You and I have worked on two projects together, right?”

“Yes.”

“And both were ridiculously successful, enough to redefine my filmography.”

And who was always by my side during those times?

“Me?”

“That’s right, you.”

Then the conclusion is too easy.

Ah, if I stick close to Kim Donghu, I can be more successful.

I can advance through better acting.

“Plus, Veritas guarantees all existing staff, right? So it’s fine if I bring my whole team.”

“Uh… I’m not really…”

“I’m saying this because I know Jinwoo’s team is still intact. But I guess you might not know about that.”

Rattle rattle rattle.

In that brief moment before the Blue Dragon Film Awards began,

Taegeon hyung listed his reasons for transferring to Veritas as if he had prepared a script.

‘But why tell me this?’

Honestly, there was no reason to tell me this.

Usually, these matters are coordinated between agencies, or between the CEO and the transferring actor.

Why would he tell me this?

“Because you’re the de facto head of Veritas, of course I should tell you.”

“What?”

“I saw that question on your face, so I answered it.”

“…”

“Not bad, right?”

Unintentionally, Veritas has become a very elite, small agency.

Unlike the original plan to expand the number of actors.

Currently, Veritas has only two actors.

‘Me and Jinwoo hyung.’

And now Han Taegeon would be added?

‘The average face level is too high? And their filmographies too.’

Won’t the agency’s image become too intimidating?

But that was something for Seokho hyung to worry about.

“I’m fine with it.”

I nodded readily.

Dong! Du-du-du-dong!

At that moment, as if on cue, the Blue Dragon Film Awards began.

As always, a clean opening and the MCs’ opening remarks.

Followed immediately by:

“Cinematography Award! The Real Hero!”

“Editing Award! The Real Hero!”

“Technical Award! The Real Hero!”

<The Real Hero>’s award sweep had begun.

+++++++

After the first part ended, which included the New Actor Award and Technical Awards,

and set the mood for the ceremony.

Just as the congratulatory performances were about to begin.

ㄴThis film festival will probably be similar to next year’s Baeksang

ㄴAnyone betting on Yapka or Bout? I have a private server

ㄴWill actors watch the performances with serious faces again?

ㄴWhy do actors always act so dignified? I really don’t get it

The streaming channel chat watching the Blue Dragon Film Awards live was in chaos.

The usual controversy about actors’ attitudes during award shows.

Most comments questioned why they acted so serious when they were all in the entertainment industry.

ㄴWho’s performing this time?

ㄴProbably just Bloombell? They’re super popular

ㄴHuh? So Kim Donghu’s wife is performing?

ㄴWow, his wife is giving a congratulatory performance?

ㄴThe performance is starting

Just as everyone wondered if the actors would show the worst attitudes again,

Bloombell’s performance began.

The moment the music started.

ㄴKim Donghu you crazy bastard LMFAO lol

ㄴAs expected, wife-loving Dong Hu LMFAO lol

ㄴOh, Donghwang, it’s you again? LMFAO lol

The camera immediately caught Kim Donghu making a heart with his hands above his head.

ㄴHan Taegeon looks surprised… then quickly manages his expression

ㄴHe looks like he’s preparing to dance?

ㄴHan Taegeon had such a serious face last year, but he seems more likable now

ㄴDonghu is next to him, don’t you know about young blood?

Han Taegeon, who was sitting next to him, also gained attention and likability.

ㄴAs expected of 21-year-old Dong Hu

ㄴEven with early success, he knows how to have fun, Dong Hu

ㄴDong Gallery guys are here

ㄴBreaking news: “Knows how to have fun” added to ^that long list^

ㄴOh

After the successful congratulatory performance ended,

the atmosphere for the second part of the awards was the same as the first.

Apart from the excitement,

<The Real Hero> took every award it was eligible for,

and Kim Donghu’s acceptance speech for Best Actor became a hot topic again.

“This is truly a joyful award. I won’t be complacent with this award, but will do my best to fly higher and farther with the power of the Blue Dragon.”

With a genuinely happy and bright smile.

News articles poured out about the different feeling of this award compared to the Grand Bell Awards.

And so, after the successful conclusion of the Blue Dragon Film Awards, at the end of December.

“…I will definitely win the Best Couple Award.”

Someone was passionately determined to aim for the Best Couple Award at the year-end ceremonies.