Brother, Am I Cute? [EN]: Chapter 420

“Hyung [older brother or close male friend], aren’t I cute?” Siha asked, striking a pose. 420

The movie ‘Ant’ became a hot topic once again after its feature on the Today Show.

Thanks to its US release in October and the lingering buzz, the interview reignited public interest.

Now, people readily recognized the director and actors.

Of course, the director’s witty remarks still felt fresh and engaging.

However, as actor Kim Seok-hyun had predicted, the interpreter truly captured the spotlight.

He maintained a professional demeanor, always playing a supporting role.

He had a relatable, down-to-earth quality, but occasionally displayed an endearing, dazed expression, like a panda, which people found charming.

His good looks and exceptional interpreting skills only amplified his appeal.

These factors created a buzz, but the attention exploded the day after the Today Show aired.

A YouTube video featuring highlights from the Today Show was uploaded.

The video primarily focused on the interpreter, Lee Si-hyuk.

It quickly amassed 1 million views in a single day, becoming a viral sensation.

As the video spread, many others began creating similar content, generating a cascade of derivative works.

With guaranteed views, there was no reason not to jump on the bandwagon.

Korean YouTubers quickly followed suit, releasing their own videos.

A reporter who had been following the interpreter since the Cannes Film Festival published an article, which was then summarized in a video.

[Interpreter Lee Si-hyuk: The Man of the Hour. Who is He?]

The YouTuber began her video with a cheerful greeting.

“Today, I’m introducing you to interpreter Lee Si-hyuk.”

“From my research, Lee Si-hyuk has been working with the director since the movie’s filming. You might remember Siha from the Today Show. She also appears in ‘Ant.’ Isn’t she adorable? Siha is Lee Si-hyuk’s younger sister.”

As Siha’s popularity grew, people began discussing Lee Si-hyuk’s contributions.

He participated not only as an interpreter but also as a translator.

Viewers were captivated by foreigners’ reactions to his translations and interpretations.

Most importantly, his rising fame became a central topic.

“Interpreter Lee Si-hyuk didn’t even graduate from a prestigious interpretation and translation graduate program, yet he’s doing such an amazing job. I was curious, so I invited a professional interpreter to share her thoughts. Hello.”

“Hello,” the guest replied.

The YouTuber displayed the guest’s credentials, highlighting her graduation from a renowned graduate program and her extensive experience.

“As an interpreter, what do you think of Lee Si-hyuk’s skill level?”

“Honestly, it’s incredible. He can instantly adapt his wording and use excellent expressions. His quick wit is remarkable. He uses idioms and expressions that native speakers would use effortlessly.”

“I see.”

“I also reviewed his translations, and they were outstanding. His linguistic abilities are truly exceptional.”

“Wow! Really? If you’re a good interpreter, aren’t you also a good translator?”

“Well, interpreting and translating involve different skill sets, focusing on spoken and written language, respectively.”

“That’s true.”

“So, while writing and speaking abilities can be related, they are distinct. This person excels at both, which is truly amazing.”

“Wow, I see,” the YouTuber said, widening her eyes in feigned surprise.

The professional interpreter smiled gently.

“So, interpreter…”

“Yes?”

“How many people are skilled at both interpreting and translating and also handsome?”

“Hmm, interpreters with that level of attractiveness are rare. He’s tall, has a great physique, and is young. Haa…”

Comments flooded the screen with laughter.

-Professional interpreter’s reality check, lol [laughing out loud]

-What was I doing at that age???

-If you only consider looks, he’s in the top percentile… Haa… Life…

-Why does he have everything…

-He also has Siha… Jealous…

-Siha is so cute ㅎㅎㅎ [Korean laughing emoticon]

-I watched the Today Show, and his quirky answers were hilariousㅋㅋㅋ

-No! He answered perfectly!ㅋㅋㅋ

The YouTuber nodded in agreement.

The broadcast wasn’t over yet.

There was one more surprising revelation to come.

It had been reported in the news, but most people don’t read lengthy articles.

A video was the perfect format to share this information.

“Everyone, I have some shocking news. Even the interpreter will be surprised when he sees this.”

“I’m already surprised, but there’s more?”

“Yes.”

The YouTuber sifted through her data and presented information she had obtained from her contacts.

It was Lee Si-hyuk’s professional history.

While not widely known, it revealed his extensive work with various companies.

1. KI Publishing translated books by translator Lee Si-hyuk.

2. Interpretation for Harviness Fiber Company (one contract signed with India).

3. Interpretation with German automobile company Meltz.

4. Agreement between US subscription shopping mall Steve Baek and Parang Mall for clothing supply.

5. Interpretation for Garam Semiconductor.

6. Agreement for distribution of Vietnamese salon products.

7. Game scenario writer at Kyung Trio Company in Estoom Games.

8. Signed and interpreted aerospace industry agreements with VUMAX.

9. Overseas publication of Kyung Trio Company games.

10. Translator and interpreter for ‘Ant.’

The interpreter listened to each new piece of information with a shocked expression.

The comment section erupted, just as the YouTuber had predicted.

“How about that? Amazing, right?”

“No, what is this? He didn’t just work as an interpreter? Did one person do all of this? No way. How many languages does he speak?”

“Do interpreters usually speak this many languages?”

“Not usually. However, many interpreters can speak more than four languages. It’s often better to specialize.”

“Wow, I see.”

“But this is incredible. It’s rare to have this level of fluency in so many languages unless you’re a very experienced interpreter. And it’s not just everyday language, but also specialized terminology.”

“Oh ho. Experienced?”

“Yes. Like an interpreter who has studied for over 20 years? And worked incredibly hard.”

“I see.”

“It’s an unbelievable skill set for someone his age. Honestly, if there’s such a thing as a genius, it’s him. You should know that interpreters like him are extremely rare. Don’t use him as a benchmark.”

“!!!”

The YouTuber smiled, as if she had discovered something significant.

“Everyone, did you hear that? An irreplaceable ‘genius interpreter’ is promoting Korea. It’s clear that he’ll become even more famous in the future. Just watch. Everyone will start creating videos by remixing my content. Keu [onomatopoeia for a satisfied chuckle]. National prestige. Director Go Dong-soo and interpreter Lee Si-hyuk are both a source of pride.”

The YouTuber concluded the video with a refreshing dose of patriotism.

Unsurprisingly, the video quickly reached 1 million views and was widely shared.

***

I accompanied the director on a US promotional tour.

In the US, many people listen to the radio, so I appeared on several shows as an interpreter.

As we continued our schedule, more and more people began to recognize me.

Since we were always together, it was hard not to notice me, and some people recognized me from the Today Show.

I was becoming popular.

I wasn’t thrilled about it. I’m not a celebrity, just an ordinary person, and this level of recognition felt strange.

Eventually, this will fade, and fewer people will recognize me.

But the situation in Korea was concerning.

I glanced at YouTube and saw the videos being produced and consumed.

Ah, I’m doomed. I don’t want to go back to Korea. My professional history has been revealed, and I’m a hot topic again.

It was even in the news.

With Siha as a package deal.

Siha was also gaining attention for his cuteness, and I think it became even more of a sensation because his brother is the interpreter.

If my interpreting skills weren’t so impressive, people might have said I got the job through Siha’s connections. But because I’m so good at it, it seems to be an even bigger story.

I had posted on Instagram to receive inquiries from companies, but who knew that would fuel the fire?

Honestly, my DMs [direct messages] are overflowing, and I’m afraid to open them.

Knowing that I’m working, the fact that they’re sending me DMs suggests it’s not about work.

I’m not an idol, a YouTuber, or an Instagram celebrity, so why do they have so much to say that they’re sending me so many DMs?

I’m even more afraid to open them in case there’s something weird.

“Wow, you worked hard today. You really went through a lot,” Director Go Dong-soo said, putting his arm around my shoulder as we walked.

“It’s nothing. The director and actors did more.”

“Hey, you’re the one who has to keep interpreting for the actors during group interviews. Think about it. I have time to rest my mouth, but what about you?”

“Hahaha.”

Now I can roughly predict what the actors will say.

I’ve been to so many interviews and radio shows.

That’s why I can anticipate their thoughts.

The only unpredictable moments are when they make jokes.

I laugh with them, but I also worry about how to convey the humor effectively.

It’s frustrating that I can’t fully enjoy the jokes because I’m focused on interpreting them.

Because people praise my abilities, I feel a pressure to meet their expectations rather than pure enjoyment.

It’s not a huge burden, but it’s like a small pebble has been placed on my shoulder, causing me some anxiety.

“It’s great. You’re becoming famous.”

“The director is more famous.”

“Well, that’s true. But what should I do? Now that we’re returning to Korea after winning the Academy Award, the reporters will swarm you too.”

“You’ve already won the Academy Award in your heart.”

“Hahaha. Actually, it would be nice to win it since we’re working so hard. If we don’t, there’s nothing we can do.”

“That’s right. If I had the chance, I would go back and say I wouldn’t be an interpreter.”

“Ah! Why! How many awards are you going to receive in the future?”

“That’s what I’m saying.”

I want to confront whoever created so many awards.

Keep it moderate, please.

“Good job today. See you tomorrow.”

“Yes. Good job.”

I entered my accommodation.

Siha jumped up and ran to me.

“Hyung!”

“Yeah! Siha!”

He hugged me tightly.

I wanted to bring him to the radio interviews, but I couldn’t take him on these schedules.

I did bring him a few times, though.

It’s a movie promotion, and if Siha keeps participating, he might lose interest, and it will truly become work.

I’m also reluctant to expose him too much to the media.

Just like a small stone is sitting on my shoulder, a small stone can sit on Siha’s shoulder too.

It may be small to us adults, but it can feel like a very big rock in a child’s world.

Because physical violence isn’t the only kind of harm.

That’s what I’m worried about.

Of course, there are also TV shows featuring celebrity dads raising young children.

But we are not celebrities, not a celebrity family, but ordinary people.

It’s good to be on this borderline.

If we cross it, we may cross a river of no return.

“Did you have a good time with your uncle today?”

“Yeah! I played well with Samchun [term for uncle or close older male friend].”

“What did you play?”

“Hide-and-seek!”

“Puh [sound of stifled laughter].”

I can imagine it.

I can picture my uncle’s face saying, “Hide-and-seek again!”

Of course! Hide-and-seek is fun even if you do it every day.

“Hyung, what are you doing tomorrow?”

“Tomorrow, I have another interview scheduled. It’s with a magazine.”

“Then Siha will go too.”

“Okay. Siha, let’s go too.”

“But how long will we be here?”

“Hmm, we won’t be here long. There’s really only a little bit left.”

Once we attend the Oscars, it’s over.

I have to go back to Korea.

Then I’ll just accompany them when they go to receive awards again.

“Siha is good at English now.”

“Huh? Really?”

“Yeah. Siha talked to a stranger today.”

“Wow, that’s great!”

“Siha said, ‘Hey! Nunnu Nanna! [nonsense phrase, possibly a child’s song or rhyme]’”

“Yeah. Did the man understand?”

“Siha danced, so the man understood. He danced.”

“That’s something. You must have suffered a lot.”

Let’s thank the man for going along with it.

“But Samchun kept asking Siha if he should buy me a soda because I accepted Nunnu Nanna.”

“Huh? Samchoon!!”

My uncle looked at me and ran away.

I ran and playfully hit him on the back.

Why do you keep trying to buy him something for no reason? Huh? What’s suspicious? Huh?! What’s so suspicious!

“Oh my, really.”

“Hey, why! He might be a special agent.”

“That’s my uncle.”

“It’s not me.”

“Really, don’t put weird ideas into Siha’s head. Suspicion is a disease. Suspicion. Suspicion.”

“Uh-huh, would you call it an occupational hazard?”

I shook my head.

My uncle stroked my back and said in a low voice.

“Hoo. But there’s really a suspicious guy.”

“Yes?”

My uncle’s face was serious.

He took out his phone and showed me a picture he had taken.

The picture showed someone I had seen before.

My uncle said.

“I’m telling you, I’m the kind of person who thinks that meeting three times is not fate but a plan.”

“Did he run into Siha?”

“No. He was just hovering around.”

“Hmm.”

I looked at the phone again.

There was a picture of the bearded man I met at the French art museum.

Even here in the United States.