Top Star By Luck [EN]: Chapter 162

162. Not Made to Be Acknowledged

The crystal-clear words were so unexpected that Lee Minki couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

“Pfft.”

“Keu-he-he.”

Small chuckles rippled through the surroundings.

Anyone could see that Director Oh Kyung-wook was exactly the kind of rigid, by-the-book type.

The type who’d be judged solely on academic performance in high school.

Perhaps that unspoken judgment reached Director Oh Kyung-wook’s ears.

“… Keuk!”

His face, previously so confident, flushed as red as a drunkard’s. Though, it was also true he was slightly drunk already.

“Director Hwang, right now…!”

He was about to retort, ready to pounce.

“Director, that’s not quite right,” Lee Minki interjected, cutting him off like a skilled defender, and addressed Director Hwang Ui-sung directly.

“The midterm exam report card doesn’t account for subjectivity.”

“…!”

The implication was clear: Director Oh Kyung-wook only achieved good grades because he excelled at creating movies that appealed to critics’ tastes, not necessarily because of inherent artistic merit.

At those words, Director Oh Kyung-wook’s complexion, already somewhat rosy, deepened to the crimson of a rare steak.

“Eueueuk!”

He gnashed his teeth, a silent snarl.

But simultaneously, he felt a jolt, a prick of awareness, and a sliver of reason returned.

‘There are too many eyes watching.’

Too many people were observing the scene unfold.

He wasn’t afraid of being watched, per se.

However, he desperately didn’t want to be seen as the one being ridiculed, he wanted to be the one ridiculing Director Hwang Ui-sung.

So, in that moment, he saw only one viable option.

“…Let’s see, we’ll see.”

He had to take a step back.

Director Oh Kyung-wook spoke, his lips trembling slightly, feigning a confidence he didn’t quite possess.

“Indeed, we’ll see who wins the award today.”

“Director Oh still can’t escape from high school.”

“…!”

Stung by the parting taunt, Director Oh Kyung-wook trembled, then turned and stalked back to his seat.

This time, he offered no retort, maintaining a strained composure.

A moment later, when the gazes of the unexpected audience gradually dissipated.

“Hoo.”

Lee Minki, instantly relieved of the tension, sighed softly.

“Director, you’re quite the debater.”

It was unexpected, to say the least.

That Director Hwang Ui-sung could deliver such subtle, cutting remarks.

He’d always seemed like the type to absorb abuse without complaint.

Just as he was thinking this, Director Hwang Ui-sung replied nonchalantly, as if completely missing the point.

“Debates are for people who are on the same level.”

“Pfft.”

It seemed this man didn’t even consider Director Oh Kyung-wook a worthy opponent from the start.

It was a one-sided rivalry, fueled by one man’s insecurities.

As he was about to chuckle, Director Hwang Ui-sung added another jab.

“Director Oh has a severe inferiority complex.”

“Poop.”

Another direct hit.

That Oh Kyung-wook harbored such deep-seated insecurity.

Lee Minki nearly choked on his drink at the deadpan delivery, which lacked even a hint of jest.

But Director Hwang Ui-sung wasn’t finished.

“He craves my recognition. Because I’ve never praised him, not even once.”

“Peu-heu-heu.”

“It’s an annual spectacle that unfolds every awards ceremony. You needn’t worry about it.”

Ah, this person.

He truly didn’t care about Director Oh Kyung-wook’s feelings.

He’d been worried for nothing.

Yeah, he definitely shouldn’t make him an enemy, even as a precaution.

Just as that thought crossed his mind, Director Hwang Ui-sung spoke, his words flowing effortlessly.

“More importantly, I remember what you said a long time ago.”

“Yes?”

“That you would consider my work the best in the world. I’m grateful your opinion hasn’t changed.”

The word ‘thank you’ actually came from Director Hwang Ui-sung’s mouth.

Simultaneously, Lee Minki let out a small exclamation.

“…Ah.”

The conversation they’d had when they first met at Daejeon Studio, he’d remembered it all along.

For some reason, his face flushed.

Just as he was about to change the subject and focus on the awards ceremony, Director Hwang Ui-sung dropped one last comment.

“The name of the group you recommended last time, was it the Neutral Zone?”

“Ah.”

Lee Minki swallowed hard.

He had recommended it last time.

And also…

‘I was rejected.’

He simply didn’t like being affiliated with anything.

It was a decision perfectly in line with Director Hwang Ui-sung’s character, a man who hated external evaluations and preferred to stand alone.

Because of that, he hadn’t been able to invite him to the gym gathering either.

It was a shame.

Because he’d missed out on the prestige that would come with his name alone.

But.

‘Something’s different this time.’

The atmosphere felt unusual.

The moment Lee Minki had that hunch, Director Hwang Ui-sung opened his mouth.

“Is that recommendation still valid?”

“…!”

Lee Minki’s eyes widened, a spark of hope igniting within.

That question.

The answer was already decided.

“I think there’s still an hour left on the expiration date.”

* * *

Was it because the time before the main awards ceremony had been too chaotic?

‘Looking at the results like this, it’s a bit anticlimactic.’

The actual awards ceremony passed by quickly, like slurping down noodles.

“The Baekryong Award goes to Director Oh Kyung-wook of [My Second Wife].”

The Baekryong Award [Baeksang Arts Awards], the highest honor of the Baekryong Film Festival and the Director Award, went to Director Oh Kyung-wook.

My Second Wife.

The story of a man who divorces his wife due to irreconcilable differences, only to fall in love with her again after she suffers amnesia and he visits her in the hospital.

A work that skillfully blended emotional cues while adapting a story based on true events.

Some critics argued that it was openly pandering to melodrama.

[Let’s get married.]

[Us, Let’s Get Married]

That melodrama worked a little too well.

[Hic, sob, hic, not at all, hic, sad, hic.]

[Oh Kyung-wook, you bastard, don’t touch my tear ducts!]

[Am I really going to cry at this kind of movie, sniffle.]

Was there any need to explain further, as it made the eyes of the entire nation red, with viewers admitting they were being emotionally manipulated even though they knew it was melodrama?

Of course, as expected of Director Oh Kyung-wook’s work, it was a box office success.

‘It was good when I just watched the movie, but it’s a bit of a letdown to think that it’s the work of that flighty Director Oh Kyung-wook.’

Lee Minki resolved to avoid meeting too many directors in the future.

After all, the less you know about the creator’s personality, the more enjoyable the creation is.

And the Best Actor Award.

“The Best Actor Award goes to actor Kim Yo-han of [My Second Wife], congratulations.”

It went to the lead actor of the same work.

It was a shame.

He’d secretly hoped to receive an award for [Fashion & Passion], but as a result, he came away empty-handed.

No, not entirely empty-handed.

“Popular Star Award, actor Lee Minki, congratulations.”

He did receive an award.

But it was an award that had nothing to do with [Fashion & Passion], the film he’d made with Director Hwang Ui-sung.

As the name Popular Star Award suggests, it was an award based on popularity, so it was difficult for Lee Minki, who craved recognition for his artistic merit, to be completely happy.

What should he say?

‘He really hates Director Hwang Ui-sung.’

It was very blatant.

Anyway, it was better than nothing.

Even if it was the Popular Star Award, a Baekryong Film Festival award was still an award.

Also.

[Aseong Teacher – Minki is now a Baekryong Film Festival winner.]

[Aseong Teacher – I’ll be scared to even make eye contact with you in the future?]

[Kim Tak – lol ㄹㅇㅋㅋ [Real Respect, Real Funny in Korean slang]]

Wasn’t it fun?

It was a monumental achievement just to be in the position of the most 주목받은 [talked-about] actor.

And above all.

‘I got something.’

There was a huge side benefit at this awards ceremony.

In some ways, winning the Baekryong Film Festival Popular Star Award was insignificant compared to this very huge side benefit.

“Oh, it’s cold.”

The day after the Baekryong Film Festival.

Lee Minki visited Maiar Pictures’ new studio with a surprise guest.

“Ah, Actor, you’ve arrived. I have something to show you.”

Director Shim Sung-bo, who rushed out as if overjoyed to see him, turned his attention to the guest.

“Is……”

His words faltered, and his pupils dilated like teacups in a typhoon.

He knew it would be like this.

Lee Minki smiled and said.

“He said he wanted to join as a directing director.”

The person standing proudly next to him.

“Nice to meet you.”

It was Director Hwang Ui-sung.

It was also a side benefit of the Baekryong Film Festival.

“Let me introduce you. He’s a new recruit who just joined our Neutral Zone.”

* * *

Director Hwang Ui-sung.

Director Shim Sung-bo gaped at the miracle unfolding before his eyes, no, the appearance of a giant.

No, it was definitely reality.

Physically, quantum mechanically, biologically, and logically, it was undeniably reality.

Even if Nietzsche saw it, he would have given it a thumbs up, saying that he couldn’t doubt it.

But that reality was impossible to accept.

‘Director Hwang Ui-sung is joining my work?’

It was because that reality involved Director Hwang Ui-sung.

Director Hwang Ui-sung sipped his black tea with a stoic expression in front of the Maiar Pictures office.

“The tea is hot.”

“Ah, should I have cooled it down for you?”

“What’s the point of drinking cold tea? Do people even drink that?”

“I, I apologize.”

Director Shim Sung-bo swallowed hard, intimidated by a comment that wasn’t even particularly harsh.

‘He seemed a bit sharp just now, did I make a mistake?’

No.

That’s just how he talks.

It was simply that Director Shim Sung-bo wasn’t accustomed to Director Hwang Ui-sung’s bluntness.

And also.

‘I’m facing Director Hwang Ui-sung across the same table.’

He’d been a fan of Director Hwang Ui-sung for a long time.

‘Ha, I’m so lucky to have this kind of luck in my life.’

That’s right.

Director Shim Sung-bo was someone who admired the name Hwang Ui-sung and had walked the path of a director because of him.

What made Hwang Ui-sung great?

Why was he the idol of directors from rookies to veterans?

The reason was simple.

‘The director only made the works he wanted to make.’

Director Hwang Ui-sung was a person who only filmed what he wanted to film and was widely recognized by the public for it.

It’s never easy.

Is a movie something that magically appears with a wave of a wand?

Even among the elites who have received professional education, it was a market where it was difficult to even talk about box office success, even if they desperately struggled to cater to the public’s taste.

‘There are so many people who I thought were geniuses who barely filmed one or two low-budget movies and left this scene.’

In such a market, Director Hwang Ui-sung was recognized for the work he wanted to film, regardless of the public’s taste.

“The tea has become lukewarm.”

Since he achieved the directors’ dream, he also became a huge dream.

‘I’m happy.’

Strictly speaking, Director Shim Sung-bo was also a director who had a worldwide hit.

Although [Manman-tu] was a lump-sum contract, so he didn’t earn a lot of money compared to his recognition, Director Hwang Ui-sung was 새 발의 피 [sae barui pi – bird’s foot blood, meaning a tiny amount] when it came to worldwide recognition.

As befitting a star director, love calls were pouring in.

But.

‘Still, I’m not confident.’

Nevertheless, Director Shim Sung-bo clearly saw Director Hwang Ui-sung as his superior as a film producer, and he was also intimidated.

‘Director Hwang Ui-sung said he wanted to join……’

Maybe that’s it.

Director Shim Sung-bo bit his lower lip slightly and asked.

“Um, does that mean that the director will be holding the megaphone for our next work?”

This was it.

As long as a big shot like Director Hwang Ui-sung joined, there was no place for him.

At least that’s what Director Shim Sung-bo judged.

“……”

While Director Hwang Ui-sung tilted his teacup once more without saying anything, Director Shim Sung-bo gained confidence in his judgment.

‘As expected.’

He hoped it wasn’t, but this is reality.

He scratched his head and said.

“Haha, actually, my previous work was a one-hit wonder. After all, it’s better for someone more talented to take on a good work.”

He’d have to step down as a director.

Or do a supporting role under the title of co-director.

But even that is an honor.

Let’s learn the director’s know-how diligently and use it as fertilizer to make the next work with care.

“The actor is very lucky. If it’s Director Hwang Ui-sung, I can trust him and ask him to……”

It was the moment he said that with such determination.

“Yes? What are you talking about?”

Lee Minki said in a bewildered voice.

“Why are you changing the director?”

“Yes?”

“Of course, our Director Shim should take on the role. In the first place, Maiar Pictures here is the director’s company.”

“……”

Wait, what is this?

What’s going on?

Director Shim Sung-bo blinked at the words that betrayed his expectations.

“Wait a minute. You brought Director Hwang Ui-sung. You said he was joining.”

“Yes, he’s joining.”

“Then of course the director.”

“The director is the director. The directing director.”

“Yes?”

“Director Shim Sung-bo will continue to be the general director as he has been until now.”

Director Shim Sung-bo’s face crumpled even more at Lee Minki’s words, as if it were natural.

Are you going to entrust the directing director to a big shot like Director Hwang Ui-sung?

Are you serious?

‘No, is he out of his mind?’

He’d often thought that the actor’s way of thinking was extraordinary, but wasn’t this going too far?

Just let Hwang Ui-sung take care of the directing?

Regardless of what Director Shim Sung-bo thought, Lee Minki continued to say what he had to say.

“I didn’t decide this. Director Hwang Ui-sung requested it himself.”

“Director Hwang?”

Director Shim Sung-bo hiccupped.

Is a director of this caliber going to step down as a director?

Directing is of course important.

But I don’t think this can happen in the Joseon film industry, and finally Director Hwang Ui-sung opened his mouth.

“It’s common in the United States.”

“……Hiccup.”

“I just want to focus on directing. I can’t think of anything else.”

Director Shim Sung-bo repeatedly hiccupped at the calm voice.

That’s right.

It’s almost non-existent in the Joseon film industry, especially in the Chungmuro [Korean Hollywood] film industry, but it’s quite common in the United States.

An AAA-class director who has served as the general director of blockbusters several times is cooperating as a director in other movies.

It was safe to say that it was more than common.

‘But this is Korea.’

Hiccup.

Director Shim Sung-bo’s lungs convulsed without him knowing.