Former Warrior Turns Into A Million-Dollar Actor [EN]: Chapter 49

Former Hero is a Ten Million Actor – Episode 49

The Stars of the Awards Ceremony (2)

* * *

“What? Jang Ji-hoon for Best New Actor?”

JNBC [Joint National Broadcasting Corporation] 16th floor, the director’s office.

Director Kim Baek-dong’s eyebrows shot up.

“Yes, he practically carried the first half of the year on his own. With his innocent younger man concept, he appealed broadly to female viewers in their 20s to 40s.”

If a company’s year-end is tax settlement, a broadcasting station’s is the awards ceremonies for each field.

The guy who did the best, the guy who deserves one, and the guy who can’t *not* receive one all gather.

“Don’t you ever leave your house these days?”

“Yes? No.”

“Then why are you pushing Jang Ji-hoon? Are you out of your mind?”

Although it varies by broadcasting station, the final decision is made by the director, but the picks of influential CPs [Chief Producers] are also considered.

CP Nam Hyun-soo felt that something was wrong, but he decided to insist anyway.

“Who else is there to give it to besides Jang Ji-hoon? At best, maybe… Park Geon? But that guy is a supporting actor, and his viewership ratings aren’t as high…”

The director let out a hollow laugh.

“This punk, he’s been bossing kids around since he became a CP and his senses are all dead. Can you even compare Jang Ji-hoon’s potential to Park Geon’s? It’s because you only look at viewership ratings that awards ceremonies are called vulgar, like putting money in and taking money out.”

CP Nam was inwardly fuming. Jang Ji-hoon was able to rise to prominence thanks to this youth drama, and the drama was directed by his direct junior’s family member.

‘If we just plant Jang Ji-hoon as the Best New Actor, we’ll have a beautiful picture until next year…’

He came up here making big promises to take care of his junior’s family, but a dark horse is tackling him. Na Jong-mo, did that rootless bum slip the director something?

The director’s eyes narrowed as he looked at CP Nam.

“Did you receive anything from them?”

“Ah… no, what would I receive?”

“You didn’t receive anything and you’re out of your mind? Look at Park Geon’s stock price right now. There’s a frenzy that he might sweep the year-end film festivals, the Grand Bell Awards, and even next year’s Baeksang Arts Awards.”

‘Again, again, that Park Geon…’

He got famous by catching a director from somewhere, and the treatment he’s receiving is like he’s a world-class star. CP Nam, with his mouth hanging open, grumbled.

“At best, it’ll be Best Picture or Best Screenplay. He can’t win Best Actor anyway…”

“Hey, you punk!”

A water bottle came flying. He quickly dodged it, and the bottle hit the wooden sword hanging on the director’s office wall with a loud bang and rolled away.

Director Kim Baek-dong, who was notorious for his dirty temper in his active days, started shouting.

“What if he says he’ll never come to our broadcasting station again, do you have to block someone’s future! Stop talking nonsense and make calls quickly!”

As the director picked up another water bottle, CP Nam quickly covered his head and ran out.

“I’m sorry, I’ll go right away!”

*

Broadcasting awards ceremonies are festivals. Inside, it’s among themselves, outside, it’s among outsiders, a fierce battle of pride unfolds in this party of stars.

This is also the reason why the Drama Awards, Entertainment Awards, and Film Festivals never schedule events on the same day. It’s to prevent any potentially unpleasant situations in advance.

Of course, the most important thing is how well you’ve done in the past year. Broadcasting stations with many so-called ‘hit’ works are pleased, while those who haven’t hit as many home runs feel a bit disappointed.

In that respect, this year’s JNBC Awards Ceremony is a grand festival that doesn’t pale in comparison to any other.

“Wow, I’m going to see all the ‘Dogs of Seoul’ family for the first time in a while. Right?”

On the way to Sangam-dong, Park Seon, who was in the driver’s seat, chattered with anticipation.

Geon, who was getting his makeup done in the back seat, nodded.

“Yeah, it’s been a while since we filmed the movie.”

“Ah, Actor-nim! Please don’t move!”

The makeup artist holding the cushion screamed. For the company’s rising rookie, Roman provided full-course support as contracted.

Even without the Starcraft van they’re riding in, the makeup, hair styling, and outfits would add up to the price of a decent used car.

Park Seon’s eyes turned to the rearview mirror.

“Seriously, this is no joke. Hyung [older brother or close male friend] is going to get a lot of camera time this time, huh?”

As it was his first awards ceremony, the stylist put a lot of effort into his ‘hair, makeup, and clothes.’ Instead of a priest’s robe, he wore a jet-black suit with a vest, and a normal tie instead of a bow tie.

‘I never used to do this kind of thing.’

The tie around his neck is quite uncomfortable. Even in the Iron Kingdom, he didn’t wear artifact-shaped accessories because they were cumbersome, but he had to endure it for this important day.

“You look good today too.”

“Hehe, Team Leader Gong told me to dress well, so I put some effort into it. On days like this, the manager has to look sharp to save the actor’s face.”

Park Seon is also wearing a sleek suit today instead of a hoodie and jeans.

The stylist even touched up his hair as a service, and Team Leader Gong Gi-hyung, who was constantly marveling at how different he looked, even took pictures.

The makeup artist who finished the styling looked back and forth between the driver’s seat and the passenger seat and was surprised.

“Both of you are incredibly good-looking. Especially the manager-nim… looking at you like this, you’re totally debut-ready idol material, the youngest member that fans would stan [support enthusiastically]!”

“That’s right. Actually, Seon gave up the chance for me to act, originally it was the other way around.”

“Wow, really?”

“That’s true. I only studied when I was young, and Seon even worked as a school uniform model.”

No wonder they’re so good-looking… the makeup artist’s eyes widened even more than before.

“Wow… can I talk about this somewhere?”

“No, you can’t, my mom made me do that! Don’t make fun of people!”

*

Sangam-dong JNBC headquarters.

The car was stuck in traffic, so they arrived later than scheduled. In about ten minutes, the live awards ceremony will begin after a light rehearsal.

“Oh, Geon-ssi!”

As he entered the hall and looked around to find his seat, he heard a welcome voice.

“Hyung! Over here, over here!”

Actor Seo Hee-do, PD [Production Director] Na Jong-mo, and writer Eun Hee-wook were sitting at a large round table, waving their hands.

“Hello.”

“Wow, it’s been a long time. How did you get even more handsome than before?”

“Our Geon-ssi was always handsome. But why have you lost so much weight? Did the director starve you at the filming site?”

PD Na Jong-mo shook his hand vigorously. Writer Eun Hee-wook, who was wearing a suit instead of a modified hanbok [traditional Korean clothing] today, said with a smile.

“Actor Yong will be here soon too. The traffic must be really bad today.”

“Yes, there were a lot of cars on the road. Seon drove well, so we got here quickly.”

“Wow… Geon-hyung’s brotherly pride, I heard it all the time on set! It’s been a while, hasn’t it, Writer-nim?”

“Hee-do-ssi, that’s not the problem.”

PD Na Jong-mo, interrupting Seo Hee-do’s words, made a mournful expression.

“The problem is that Actor Park has drifted away. I’m starting a new project, but he’s going off to film a movie by himself… I’m already a traitor to Chungmuro [Korean Hollywood, referring to the film industry], what am I going to do if even Geon-ssi leaves me, I’ll be so lonely!”

“PD-nim, don’t worry. I’m always a member of the Na Jong-mo division.”

“Come here, Hee-do-ssi!”

The two hugged each other like separated family members. Writer Eun Hee-wook, who was watching the scene with a pathetic look, revealed.

“I’m sorry, PD-nim. Hee-do-ssi will also be starting filming around next summer, with Director Woo Young-joon’s new work.”

PD Na Jong-mo moved away from Seo Hee-do with a betrayed expression.

“Y-y-you… traitors…!”

Soon after, Yong Joon-sang and Baek Jang-hyeop arrived, and the ‘Dogs of Seoul’ table began to get crowded.

Writer Eun Hee-wook, who greeted the newcomers, came to Park Geon’s side and offered his congratulations.

“Congratulations, I enjoyed the movie.”

“Thank you. I wouldn’t have been able to appear in it if it weren’t for Writer-nim.”

“It’s not because of me, Hee-do-ssi’s scenario just found its rightful owner.”

“You scouted me before that, didn’t you? You even came to my house in person.”

Eun Hee-wook smiled with emotion.

“No. Actually, even if I hadn’t caught you then, Park Geon-ssi would have debuted someday. Our CEO Noh is also known for having a good eye.”

“I saw him at the company recently. He still looked good.”

The two burst into laughter.

“Park Geon-ssi looks good too, much better than before. You looked like a mercenary back then…”

Writer Eun Hee-wook, who was continuing to speak, suddenly rubbed his eyes.

“No, why is she coming?”

As Geon turned around, the last actor of ‘Dogs of Seoul’ was walking over. Jin Ji-yoo, wearing an ash-gray evening dress, walked gracefully and greeted them.

“Am I late? Everyone’s here.”

The design exposed her shoulders and upper chest, and the flowing fabric revealed her back coolly. It’s definitely not a revealing outfit, but her natural physique is the problem.

Already, the gazes of the surrounding actors and staff are fixed on this table. Eun Hee-wook asked, as if he was dumbfounded.

“This person makes surprise appearances every time? You didn’t even say you were coming to the awards ceremony today.”

“I didn’t say I wasn’t coming either. I came to get some fresh air at the JNBC headquarters after a long time.”

Jin Ji-yoo, who replied kindly, turned her head. Below her swaying bob, a thin cross-shaped necklace rested on her white skin, shining.

“I also came to see my company colleagues.”

*

The awards ceremony began.

As befitting JNBC, which wants a young sensibility and trendy flow, the Drama Awards were also held lavishly.

A popular rapper performed, and a girl group that had returned from overseas concerts presented a special stage.

When they went down the stage, one of the members with long hair bowed deeply, but it was ambiguous as to who she was bowing to.

A senior from the same company solved the question.

“They’re Puffing Dolls.”

“Yes?”

Jin Ji-yoo, leaning in, whispered.

“They’re idols from the same company as us. So they recognized us and said hello.”

“Ah, I knew that.”

“…Liar. Honestly, you don’t even know all the names of the actors in your agency, do you?”

“Jin Ji-yoo-ssi, Choi Pil-rip-ssi, Baek Ha-ni-ssi… the CEO, the head of headquarters, and the PR team leader also know.”

“……..”

While Jin Ji-yoo was drinking her water with a look that her head was throbbing, Na Jong-mo and Seo Hee-do were bickering at the other side of the table.

“No, Ji-yoo-ssi stole my seat, didn’t she? I was willing to become an squid while sticking next to Geon-ssi…!”

“PD-nim, she’s from the same company. If you’re upset, join Roman as a creator or something.”

“Shh, the next segment is starting!”

The full-fledged awards continued. The team-based supporting actor award and the youth acting award were announced, and Yong Joon-sang received some kind of scene-stealer award.

Yong Joon-sang, who came down from the stage, put down the bouquet with a bitter smile.

“I didn’t even dream of the Top Excellence Award, so it’s like they’re saying they won’t even give me the Excellence Award. Looking at them giving it to me in advance to shut me up.”

Seo Hee-do, who was looking at the trophy with envious eyes, put her hands together as if praying.

“I hope I get anything. If I just get one award, the CEO said he’d send all our members on vacation overseas.”

“Aim for it. The PD said they created a Best Character Award or something.”

The Best Character Award went to another actor. While Seo Hee-do, who was frustrated, was being encouraged by those around her, PD Na Jong-mo’s name was called for the Lifetime Achievement Award.

“What? Why me?”

Everyone pushed the bewildered PD Na Jong-mo onto the stage.

“Na Jong-mo is cool!”

“You’re handsome, PD-nim!”

Amidst the support fire from the ‘Dogs of Seoul’ table, PD Na delivered his acceptance speech skillfully.

“A Lifetime Achievement Award when I haven’t even done anything, I’ll take it as a sign to work like a cow and build another floor on the JNBC building and run even harder. Our ‘Dogs of Seoul’ team members, the great writer and famous actors, and even the terrifying monster rookie… thank you all.”

That’s how Part 1 ended.

The broadcast stopped for a while for a break. Taking advantage of the break, actors chatted with each other.

“I’m Lee Jong-hee. I enjoyed the movie.”

“Thank you. I’m Park Geon.”

“Ah, Ji-yoo-ssi is also here…”

“I was also a special guest here. I begged the PD-nim and writer-nim to come and hang out.”

The actors who had said a few words each returned to their own tables. Before the standby signal came on again, Jin Ji-yoo, who was next to him, made a feigned groan.

“It’s frustrating being next to a promising star. Everyone’s only looking at you, and no one’s interested in me.”

“Everyone’s trying to say hello to Jin Ji-yoo-ssi. They’re using me, who’s from the same company.”

Jin Ji-yoo, who was moving her lips, sighed.

“…Anyway, did you prepare your Best New Actor acceptance speech?”

“I don’t even know if I’ll receive it.”

“You’ll receive it. If you don’t, I’ll dance to my old song in front of you.”

Jin Ji-yoo’s confident guarantee came true.

“Best New Actor, Park Geon!”

The veteran actor who was the MC called out his name. Park Geon went up to the stage, received the bouquet and trophy, and stood in front of the microphone.

“Thank you for giving me such a big award.”

His younger brother had whispered to him that he only had one chance for an acceptance speech, so he should say everything he wanted to say. Down below, the ‘Dogs of Seoul’ team were all standing up, holding a banner that said [Park Geon, Best New Actor].

“Writer Eun Hee-wook-nim, PD Na Jong-mo-nim, martial arts director Hyun Do-kyun-nim and cinematographer Kim Jeong-nam-nim, who worked hard, and Mal-chin-ssi, Sang-cheol-ssi, and Yoon-gu-ssi…”

He recites not only the staff such as the martial arts director, but also the extras and supporting actors.

The former colleagues who came with the audience tickets are wiping away tears with the faces of family members who have won an award.

“Thank you all. PD Na-nim, I’m sorry for saying I’d go when you called me, but then I went to film a movie. From now on, I won’t make promises I can’t keep.”

Laughter finally erupted. It’s a word that’s hard for an actor to say easily, but because he’s from the general public and Park Geon’s aura overlaps, this is also content.

“Thank you for giving me such a generous award on such a good day. I will become an actor who lives up to your expectations.”

Those involved who had only seen Park Geon’s early debut were inwardly surprised.

He wasn’t such a good speaker, did his agency write a script for him?

“Park Yeol-ho, former fire chief, Han Young-joo, Park Seon manager, I miss you all. I will personally message those who I am more grateful to.”

His eloquence has suspiciously increased, but his signature expressionless face remains the same. One of the actresses sitting in the front of the stage muttered.

“Is it because of his face? It’s more interesting because he’s expressionless like that…”

*

“Hyung…!”

As soon as he came down to the back of the stage, where the lights didn’t reach, Park Seon ran over and hugged him.

“Thank you, you’ve worked so hard.”

“What hard work, congratulations!”

After barely escaping from his younger brother, a second bombing was waiting for him at the table.

“Our Geon-ssi, the pride of the Miryang Park clan! Let’s have a hug with the pride of the Naju Na clan!”

“Hyung, I told you you’d get it, right? If anyone other than Hyung gets the Best New Actor award, it’s lobbying.”

“Congratulations. Let’s eat up to the Top Excellence Award while you’re at it, they said rookies can win both at the same time.”

After being hugged by Na Jong-mo, Eun Hee-wook, Seo Hee-do, and Yong Joon-sang, Jin Ji-yoo handed over the bouquet.

“What did I say? I said you’d definitely get it, right?”

“It’s a shame, I should have seen Senior-nim’s special performance.”

“Then I’ll be so embarrassed that I’ll retire. Is it okay to kick out a member of the agency?”

Geon corrected himself like a rookie.

“Thinking about it, it won’t work. I’ll just take it this time.”

Jin Ji-yoo, who burst into laughter, took a step closer. A gesture of lightly spreading her arms, a friendly hug she had just shared with her colleagues.

“Congratulations. I look forward to working with you in the future.”

She’s tall and wearing such high heels, so their eye level is roughly the same. Geon bent his back slightly and gave her a short hug on the back.

When skin touched skin, a low voice brushed against his ear.

“You’re very conscious of scandals, Oppa [older brother or close male friend, also used by women to address older men they are close to].”