Ch.66First Rookie Award (2)

The day before the awards ceremony.

Director Lee Seongdeok was doing his best to calm his trembling hands.

‘I should contact him, that’s the right thing to do.’

The reason for his trembling was none other than the nervousness of contacting actor Kim Donghu.

He should have reached out much earlier,

but he was so nervous and anxious that it ended up being the day before the Blue Dragon Film Awards.

‘If there’s a possibility of winning an award, I can’t not tell him.’

Typically, for a short film to enter a film festival, one must apply in advance,

submit the required documents and the film, and then await evaluation.

And after this, one usually waits to see what will happen to the work.

But “The Real Hero” had proudly made it onto the shortlist for the Short Film Award.

In a way, it was the natural progression.

It would be absurd for a film that won four awards at Mise-en-scène not to even make the nominations.

Perhaps that’s why?

For Director Lee Seongdeok, it was actually more burdensome.

‘To think my film would be alongside a movie that sold ten million tickets.’

In any other situation, he wouldn’t have felt any pressure at all.

But it bothered him that the lead actor in his short film

had also appeared in a blockbuster that sold ten million tickets.

‘If it were me, I wouldn’t even glance at a short film and would go for the blockbuster instead. Is it right for me to contact him?’

The timid Director Lee Seongdeok was endlessly worrying in his head.

Yet his fingers diligently sent a message to actor Kim Donghu.

Saying that they might have a chance at winning the Short Film Award,

and asking if he could join him on the red carpet.

Contrary to his expectation of rejection.

Katalk!

>Of course, why didn’t you tell me earlier?

>I absolutely must attend for “The Real Hero”

Kim Donghu’s refreshingly direct reply arrived.

Huk!

With that sound, Director Lee Seongdeok let out a cry.

++++++

And so, with that backstory,

the steps on the red carpet for “The Real Hero” were both light and cheerful.

‘The director is so nervous on my behalf that I don’t even feel nervous anymore.’

This was my first red carpet since becoming an actor.

Countless flashes going off and attention pouring from the densely packed crowd.

Normally, I would have been so burdened that I might not have been able to walk properly.

But with someone even more nervous beside me, I felt relatively fine by comparison.

“K-Kim Donghu… It’s not too late, you can abandon me and join ‘Endless Frontline’…!”

“What are you saying? If I go there now, I’ll get stoned.”

I playfully responded to Director Lee Seongdeok’s words while quickly supporting him.

It was about time for the people behind us to arrive, so we needed to hurry to the photo zone.

“Yes! Just now, Director Lee Seongdeok and actor Kim Donghu of the short film ‘The Real Hero’ have arrived!”

As soon as we arrived, the MC greeted us with a dazzling smile.

Seeing that smile, Director Lee Seongdeok, whose burden doubled, bowed his head deeply.

Since I had anticipated this,

I greeted everyone with a bright smile and a polite bow.

“Thank you for welcoming us.”

“Th-thank you… Ah, hello!”

“The director seems very nervous, and by contrast, actor Kim Donghu seems quite relaxed.”

“That’s all thanks to your kind perception.”

“Well then, I can’t help but ask this question.”

Could we hear your thoughts on potentially winning?

‘Thoughts on winning, huh.’

What should I say to be appropriate and keep the atmosphere pleasant?

While I was pondering this.

“I believe without a doubt that we will win. Because Kim Donghu is the best.”

Director Lee Seongdeok, who could barely speak properly just moments ago, suddenly spoke fluently.

Wasn’t he just hanging his head and looking weak a few seconds ago?

As if he had abandoned all that past behavior.

Director Lee Seongdeok, with clear eyes, emphasized once more.

“We will definitely live up to the expectations of our fans. Thank you.”

Since when did he become so articulate?

+++++

After all the red carpet events were completed,

and before the main Blue Dragon Film Awards ceremony began.

The opening declaration and ceremony started.

The opening, which began with the MCs’ witty remarks,

proceeded in a calm and dignified manner befitting the nature of the film festival.

But while they call it calm and dignified.

‘It’s incredibly boring.’

It was just as loose as when watching it on TV.

One could say it was the epitome of tedium except for the actual awards.

Without any special performances or the like,

Kim Donghu had to concentrate on suppressing his yawns.

“That’s the face of someone desperately hiding their extreme boredom, isn’t it?”

At that moment, as if he had been waiting, actor Han Taegeon suddenly appeared.

“H-Han…Han Tae…Taegeon…”

As soon as he appeared, Director Lee Seongdeok entered panic mode as if he’d seen a ghost.

Familiar with such situations, actor Han Taegeon naturally sat down next to Kim Donghu.

“Senior, is it okay for you to be here?”

“There are assigned seats, but ‘The Real Hero’ and ‘Endless Frontline’ are originally one team, so it’s fine, right Director?”

“Y-yes, th-that’s right.”

“Is that so? I’m glad you agree, then I’ll sit here too.”

The one who responded to Director Lee Seongdeok’s words wasn’t Kim Donghu, but—

“?!”

The owner of the Guan Yu beard,

Director Kang Sanghun of “Endless Frontline” sat down next to Director Lee Seongdeok with a thud.

The table itself had enough chairs to accommodate the entire “Endless Frontline” team.

But to move in all at once like this,

‘That startled me.’

Kim Donghu made a surprised face,

and seeing that face, Han Taegeon continued with a light joke.

“To think our youngest would abandon us and choose a short film… sob sob.”

“Haha, that’s right. It’s the correct choice, he can’t abandon something where he’s the lead.”

Taking Han Taegeon’s joke, Director Kang Sanghun glanced at Director Lee Seongdeok.

“I’ve been watching to see who first debuted our Donghu on screen.”

He’s quite skilled, he’ll become a good director in the future.

“…Huh…huk.”

Recognition from Director Kang Sanghun, who could be considered a senior in the industry.

Director Lee Seongdeok’s hands began to tremble as he received this direct hit.

And right at that moment.

“First, we have the Short Film Award.”

“Yes, and the presenters for this award are…”

The time for the Blue Dragon Film Festival’s Short Film Award ceremony suddenly arrived.

The presenters for the award entered separately, building tension,

and without any unnecessary suspense, the winner was announced.

And the winner was, naturally.

“I think it might be the short film that has been the hottest topic recently.”

“The winner of the Short Film Award is! ‘The Real Hero’! Congratulations!”

As if it had been predetermined, “The Real Hero” received the award.

And then came the acceptance speech.

Director Lee Seongdeok stood blankly in front of the microphone, looking as if he didn’t know how he got there.

‘Uh, uh, wh-what should I say?’

It would be a lie to say he didn’t expect to win at all.

But he didn’t think they would definitely win either.

Who can be certain about how things will turn out in this world?

According to the rule that great expectations lead to great disappointments,

Director Lee Seongdeok regretted not preparing an acceptance speech.

“I, I’m truly grateful. Those who helped with this award…”

But strangely, once he opened his mouth, the words flowed smoothly.

From those who helped a lot with the short film, to family and friends, and finally.

“I extend my deepest gratitude to my greatest benefactor, actor Kim Donghu, who made it possible for me to be here.”

After completing these words, as if it had been waiting.

Drip, drip.

Tears poured from Director Lee Seongdeok’s eyes.

But this should normally conclude as a touching moment.

However, his crying was at such a level of sobbing that it became amusing.

The scene of a grown man crying his eyes out and being supported off stage by the lead actor of his film

brought a sense of relaxation to the otherwise tense Blue Dragon Film Festival.

“Sniff…sob…thanks to Kim Donghu, I really, ahem…sob… I’m so grateful, really.”

“We did it together, how could I alone have won an award?”

“Thank you so much… for saying that.”

Though the camera zoomed in on them for ratings,

Lee Seongdeok and Kim Donghu comforted each other as if they were alone.

Anyway, after “The Real Hero” received its award,

the ceremony quickly moved on to the next category.

After passing through the Popularity Award determined by audience votes,

and before proceeding to the second part.

One of the awards people were most looking forward to was about to be announced.

“Now it’s time for the Best New Actor and Actress Awards.”

“The presenters for this award are last year’s winners…”

The Blue Dragon New Actor Award.

As questions arose about who would receive it,

the presenters exchanged light greetings.

“Now, let’s see who the nominees are.”

The nominee videos began playing.

One by one.

Impressive performances by new male actors passed by.

-Is there really anyone in the south?

Everyone held their breath at the video of the final nominee.

A performance so perfect it was hard to believe he was a newcomer.

A skillfulness that made it impossible to imagine this was his debut work.

Above all.

-Sister…

Even the single tear that marked the finale.

Everyone was shocked by his appearance, which was on a different level from the other new actors.

They thought he was good at acting, but.

‘Showing them side by side like this makes the comparison too stark.’

‘Can’t even say they’re all strong contenders, this is just…’

There was nothing but admiration for that different level of skill.

Perhaps that’s why?

Drum roll.

The drum sound that should have heightened the tension failed to do so.

As if the winner was already determined.

“Endless Frontline, Kim Donghu! Congratulations!”

“Congratulations!”

The winner’s name was announced, and applause erupted as if everyone had been waiting.

“Honestly, it would be strange if our youngest didn’t win.”

Actor Han Taegeon stood up and lifted Kim Donghu.

Kim Donghu went up to the stage amid everyone’s congratulations and stood in front of the microphone.

And so began the acceptance speech.

“Hello, I am Kim Donghu who played the student soldier in ‘Endless Frontline’.”

Kyaaaaaaah!

Screams erupted as soon as he bowed.

Demonstrating just how popular Kim Donghu was.

His acceptance speech continued,

“First, I am truly honored to receive my first New Actor Award.”

At that moment, question marks appeared above everyone’s heads.

‘First? Did he say first?’

‘…Was that a slip of the tongue?’

‘No, judging by his confidence, it wasn’t a slip, was it a declaration?’

‘Did Kim Donghu just announce he’s going to hunt for more New Actor Awards?’

‘He said “first” because there will be second and third ones, right?’

It was a moment when an unexpected bombshell was dropped.

Of course, Kim Donghu himself.

‘Wow, live broadcasts are so nerve-wracking?’

He was so nervous that he wasn’t thinking about anything else.