23rd, afternoon.
At around 6:30, the area in front of the ‘Plaza’, the giant hall of ‘Paradise S City’ with its red carpet, was absolutely bustling.
A red carpet was laid from the end of the long photo zone to the entrance on the stairs of the hall. On both sides, there were fences with billboards and dozens of lights. There were at least hundreds of people crowded between the lights. Broadcasting station staff, reporters, and journalists were holding cannon-like cameras and taking pictures like crazy.
Who?
“Kim Heo-tae!! Kim Heo-tae is here!!”
“Mr. Heo Tae!!! Hello!”
“Look over here and wave your hand!!!”
The actors who appear one by one.
-Pavabavabak!!
-Pavabavabavabak!!
Clearly, the sky is dark, but the flashes are so loud that it’s hard to tell if it’s morning or not. Behind the reporters, there are a similar number of onlookers and fans screaming and yelling.
“Gyaaaaaaah!!! Oppa!”
“Hello!! Crazy! It’s a gift!! A gift!!”
“Wow!! Awesome!!!”
“Ouch!! Stop pushing!!”
If you look at it from above, there are an incredibly large number of heads.
“Heejung! You’ve been nominated for a popularity award this time!! How would you describe your feelings in one word??”
“I feel like I’m going to throw up.”
“Hahaha! Thank you!”
The frequency of actors arriving and walking down the red carpet gradually increases, and the flashes of light also go off incessantly.
-Pavabavabak!!
-Pavabavabavabak!!
It was natural. The Blue Dragon Film Festival was about to start in two hours. As a result, the screams of hundreds of onlookers and reporters raised the decibel level. Clearly, the crowd was larger than last year. The reason was simple. This year, the Blue Dragon Film Festival was very strong, from the venue to the scale.
And this year again, the main characters of the film festival are actresses.
“Jimin!!! You look so pretty today!!”
“thank you-”
“What is the concept? Dress concept!”
“Nothing special? I just wore what was given to me!”
“Hahaha! Did you wear whatever was given to you??!”
Although the weather was cold, actresses appeared one after another and walked the red carpet in thin dresses without any fuss.
“Jung-ah!!! I came out on ‘Today’s Entertainment’!!”
“Oh, hello.”
“The dress suits you well??!”
“Right? I like it too!”
After walking the red carpet, the actors posed for about 30 seconds at the photo zone set up at the entrance of the hall, then entered the hall under the guidance of the film festival staff.
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It repeats itself. But the heat is at its peak.
There were many different types of actors. Some were awkward in this situation, while others walked briskly down the red carpet. Well, most of them were relaxed. Film festival veterans responded with just a smile, a wave, and an expression.
Like this for about 30 minutes.
Hundreds of reporters around the red carpet, where the air had become warm even in the winter weather, suddenly became excited.
“Hong Hye-yeon! Hong Hye-yeon!!”
“You’re here?! Where?!! Ah! Hye-yeon!!”
“Hello, Hong Hye-yeon!!!”
Just now, Hong Hye-yeon got off the white van in a red dress. She was supported by a large guard and, as expected, walked down the red carpet very comfortably. However, the reporters and fans who were standing on both sides were screaming in a way that was close to madness.
“Hye-yeon!! Please say just one thing!!”
“Congratulations on becoming a successful gangster!!!”
“When will you tell me about your next work??!!”
“Wow!! Sister!! You’re pretty!!! Your face is so pretty!!”
“Mr. Kang Woojin didn’t come with you???!”
“Hong Hye-yeon! This way!! This way!!!”
Hong Hye-yeon was the type who waved at everyone without answering. She also looked around carefully and made eye contact. After her appearance, the speed of the flash baptism became crazy fast.
-Pavabavabak!
-Pavabavabavabak!!
Because increasingly expensive actors have appeared. Hong Hye-yeon, Ryu Jung-min, Jin Jae-jun, and the actors from ‘The Island of the Missing’, etc. There were actors who had worked with Kang Woo-jin, and there were also many top actors who had nothing to do with him.
Around here.
“Ugh! It’s cold!!”
Among the hundreds of reporters, one reporter wearing a thick long padded jacket looked at his wristwatch and said.
“When are you coming?”
The answer was given by the cameraman who came along.
“who?”
“Who are you? Kang Woojin, Kang Woojin.”
“iced coffee.”
“All the reporters here have been talking about Kang Woojin Kang Woojin since a while ago.”
About 60% of the actors invited to the film festival have already arrived. Hundreds of reporters are starting to look forward to the hottest actors. The same goes for the fans.
It was Kang Woo-jin.
That was when.
-Squeak.
A black van arrived at the end of the red carpet, where the largest number of reporters were gathered. It was a familiar car. Soon, numerous reporters were shouting.
“Who is it!! Who is it!!”
I pressed the camera shutter before I could even check.
-Pavabavabakbak!!
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The flash was so loud that the black van looked white. Anyway, the guard in charge of guiding us moved towards the back door of the van that had arrived. At the same time, the car door opened.
-Suddenly.
The actor’s face appeared right away, and the gathered reporters and fans screamed terribly.
“Kang Woojin!! Mr. Kang Woojin!!!”
“You’re here! Woojin!! Hello!!!”
“I’ve been waiting!! Say hello to Woojin!!”
“Gyaaaah!! Oppa!! We have strong hearts!!”
“Eww!! Don’t push!!”
Woojin, who was in the van, slowly got out. From the shoes he received as a gift from Hong Hye-yeon, to the black tuxedo, unique ribbon tie, and the watch he also received as a gift from Hwa-rin.
-Ugh.
A blinding flash goes off on Kang Woo-jin, who is standing at the entrance of the red carpet. On the other hand, Kang Woo-jin’s face is a poker face itself. No, it is several times darker than usual.
It was a concept, but it was also sincere.
‘Wait! Wait, wait, wait. What the hell! What is this??! What is this?? I, I can’t move my feet!’
Exploding tension, pounding heart, rapid breathing, slightly trembling hands and feet. Kang Woo-jin’s soul was currently being sucked out of him.
It was a crisis.
My body froze in a situation where the concept should have been the most intense. It was so dazzling that I couldn’t even see ahead of me.
‘Ouch! It’s dazzling!’
The blood stopped flowing. The accident had stopped. Woojin got out of the van and stood at the beginning of the red carpet without moving at all.
Hundreds of reporters took pictures and said it was good.
-Pavabavabakbak!!
Reporters? Fans? It’s not like Kang Woo-jin doesn’t have experience. He’s been to many production press conferences in Japan. He even handled them all calmly back then. So why is he frozen now?
It was thanks to this grandeur and magnificence.
The entrance to the hall seen from afar seemed like a door leading to another world, and the atmosphere of Korea’s largest film festival enveloped Woojin’s body. Even for Kang Woojin, who was a master of concept art, this moment could not have been ordinary.
“······”
What the hell is this place? Why am I here? Just a few months ago, he was lying down after work watching YouTube. But now, hundreds of reporters and fans are all taking pictures of him.
Ah- No. Come to your senses, Kang Woojin.
Woojin suddenly remembered his forgotten position. However, the infectious tension that spread throughout his body did not subside.
I don’t know, just walk.
The field of vision is narrow. It is so noisy that the ears are dull. The hands and feet are still shaking. However, Kang Woo-jin concentrated all his concentration on one spot.
Walking.
Let’s walk towards the finish line that seems unwavering no matter what. There is no time to do anything else.
-Thump, thump.
What’s unusual is that this feeling is seen as an aura by others. A strange force is emanating. The reporters couldn’t help but whisper.
“Hey- What is that? That guy Kang Woojin is acting all tough?”
“Look at that coolness. You look more relaxed than most of the tops??”
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“Is this your first film festival? Your expression hasn’t changed at all······”
“I heard he’s a quiet guy, is that true??”
At this point, Kang Woo-jin’s field of vision as he walked the red carpet gradually widened. Strangely enough, it was because he felt more at ease than he had expected when he actually threw himself into it.
‘······Huh? Maybe it’ll be better than I thought?’
He slowly turned his head to the right, gaining courage. He saw a huge crowd of people and cameras. Let’s raise our hands, let’s raise our hands calmly.
-Ugh.
Kang Woo-jin turned his head to the left this time. The same scene unfolded. Then he raised his hand again. There was no smile. Only indifference filled it, but Kang Woo-jin was satisfied.
like that.
‘Whew- arrived.’
Woojin, who had barely managed to step into the photo zone at the entrance of the hall, turned around. He could see the dazzling red carpet that he had just passed. Mission clear. Woojin felt his heartbeat gradually slowing down.
‘It feels a bit like riding a ride? It’s thrilling – this.’
I was getting used to film festivals.
And the reporters who had filmed Kang Woo-jin’s walking until just before checked the results.
“It was only for a moment, but he has the best form among all the actors.”
About an hour later, inside the large hall ‘Plaza’.
The interior of the ‘Plaza’ where the Blue Dragon Film Awards was held was magnificent. An incredibly large hall, over a thousand seats divided into the first and second floors, a very high ceiling, dozens of lights hanging from the ceiling, an interior that was somewhat reminiscent of an opera, three large screens on the left wall, and even filming crews placed everywhere.
More than anything, the large stage at the front was impressive.
In contrast to the generally dark atmosphere of the hall, the stage was lit up in orange. There was a stage sculpture in the shape of exploding firecrackers, a giant screen, a host’s chair with the Blue Dragon Film Awards slogan written on it, a stage with soft light emanating from the floor, and a life-sized film festival trophy statue erected on one side of the stage.
It was great. Kang Woo-jin, who was sitting in the smallest seat, thought so.
‘It’s true, no… Really.’
Although Woojin attended as an actor, his gaze was similar to that of a tourist because he was a commoner. He was still confused as to why he was sitting there.
Even.
‘There are so many top actors.’
There were countless actors who were leading the Korean acting scene sitting around Woojin. What should I say, there were so many of them that I thought they were not actors but just mannequins. Yes, that was it. Kang Woojin had stepped into this glamorous world and was spreading shocking issues here.
Kang Woo-jin realizes anew how amazing all those things were.
To be honest, this was my first time seeing so many actors. Do all these countless actors know me? I feel strangely tingly. In fact, the actors around Woojin have been glancing at him since earlier.
There it is.
“Okay- Let’s look at all the pictures of the actors sitting, ah! Let’s get some Kang Woo-jin inserts!”
The broadcasting team that was filming the live broadcast of the Blue Dragon Film Awards was also paying attention to Kang Woo-jin. Kang Woo-jin’s seat was in the middle of the first floor, and around him were top actors Jin Jae-jun, Park Pan-seo, and director Kim Do-hee. And the staff members who worked with him on ‘Drug Dealer’. Of course. Kang Woo-jin was part of the ‘Drug Dealer’ team.
At this point, Jin Jae-jun, wearing a gray suit, whispered to Kang Woo-jin.
“Woojin, have you been to a film festival? Why are you so calm?”
Park Pan-seo, a veteran actor sitting to Woo-jin’s right, also supports him.
“Haha, that’s right. If someone saw you, they’d think you came to the film festival as if it were food. Is this your first time at the Blue Dragon?”
Woojin, who came to his senses after looking around the interior, lowered his voice.
“Yes, this is my first time with the Blue Dragon.”
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“It’s my first time, but I’m starting out as a star who’s getting a lot of attention. Look at me, the actors are sneaking peeks at me.”
Jin Jae-jun intervened.
“When I came in earlier, there was chaos after I asked Woojin.”
“Is that so?”
“You didn’t stick to Woojin? I think he’ll come and talk to you a lot after the film festival ends. If he gets tired, he’ll run away.”
The lights in the hall grew darker. Park Pan-seo noticed this and spoke while looking at the stage in front of him.
“Shall we start now? Let’s see – what’s the order?”
The answer, of course, was Jin Jae-jun.
“Isn’t the Blue Dragon the same every year? The first part starts with the Rookie of the Year award, then the Most Viewed Award? Then, a congratulatory stage after a quick look at the short films.”
“Ah, when the stage is over, are the Key Staff going to receive an award?”
“yes.”
“Hehe, Woojin, should I get ready right away?”
Kang Woo-jin silently lowered his head, but reality began to fade away. He had seen and heard a lot, but when it was right in front of him, he felt awkward. He was talking about awards, but he couldn’t hear a single thing.
At this time.
-♬♪
As the entire hall’s lights shot toward the stage, cheerful music began to play, and a broadcast team PD wearing an intercom around his neck threw a signal to the stage. Then, the lights on the stage floor began to move. There was also a change on the giant screen at the back.
The scheduled promotional video was played out.
Soon, two familiar faces appeared at the social seats set up on the left side of the stage. They were famous broadcasters. Their brief greetings. Although he was watching it live, Kang Woo-jin felt like he was watching TV. Regardless, the hosts continued the proceedings after a moderate amount of banter and looked at the cue cards.
“Okay! Then, let’s begin the first part of the Blue Dragon Film Awards!”
“Now it’s time for the most outstanding rookie actors of the year. The announcement will be made by Ko Sung-jin and Park Yu-min, who presented the rookie award last year!”
As the introduction ended, the music started playing again, and two actors wearing navy tuxedos and beige dresses walked out onto the large stage. Standing in the center of the stage, the two greeted the large audience and then spoke into the standing microphone.
“I won the Rookie of the Year award on this stage last year, so I’m nervous to present it myself. How about you, Yumin?”
“Me too. Should I say it’s a new experience?”
“Yes. This year, there are many great actors nominated, but I don’t know if I can dare to announce this.”
“But you have to do it. Be prepared.”
“Haha, I understand.”
Soon, the male actor who had put down the cue card continued speaking.
“Then, the first order of business for the 41st Blue Dragon Film Awards. The Rookie of the Year Award, starting with the Rookie of the Year Award for Best Male Actor. Let’s meet the nominees first.”
As soon as his commentary ended, images were displayed on the large screen installed on the stage and on monitors installed here and there in the hall. Short movie scenes, the actors performing, their lines, and the names of the actors were quickly interleaved.
Among them, a familiar role appeared.
[“Aren’t your eyes like those of a sea urchin? They’re salty eyes, you salty ones.”]
The ideal of a ‘drug dealer’. In other words, it was Kang Woo-jin. As a result, a total of 5 candidates emerged.
[‘Depressed Man’ Park Tae-woo / ‘Manipulated Hand’ Ha Sang-il / ‘Keyword of Betrayal’ Ahn Il-hoon / ‘With You’ Kim Gun / ‘Drug Dealer’ Kang Woo-jin]
As each candidate appears, the person in the audience is shown on the monitor. The last one is, of course, Kang Woo-jin, and Woo-jin’s poker face is displayed on the large monitor.
In the meantime.
“Who do you think it will be? Kang Woojin, of course?”
“I don’t know. It’s hot, but it’s Kang Woojin-”
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“The judges’ scores were probably important too, right?”
“Yes. But Lee Sang-man’s acting was really killing me.”
“Are the judges still the same?”
“Yes.”
The actors who filled the audience seats were busy chattering.
“I vote for Kim Geon.”
“Hmm- His acting is good. But doesn’t Kang Woo-jin stand out more?”
“Is everyone expecting a plot twist? It has to be Kang Woo-jin.”
“The ‘drug dealer’ was the one who paid the fine. Isn’t that also reflected in the evaluation?”
“I think it will be Park Tae-woo. He acts well and calmly.”
There were some cool-headed evaluations and some jealous thoughts. Whatever it was, an envelope was given to the actor in charge of hosting the Best New Actor award. It was clear that it contained the results.
“Then I will announce it.”
Here, Kang Woo-jin had no thoughts. No, should I say his mind was blank? He just stared straight ahead. However, somewhere, a thrill ran through him. He vaguely realized that it was a wonderful moment.
There were many people who shared Kang Woo-jin’s feelings at this moment.
Kang Hyun-ah and Woo-jin’s parents at the closed porridge restaurant.
“Please······Please!!”
“Hyun-ah, be quiet. Woo-jin is so dependable too.”
“Please, my son!”
“honey!”
Woojin’s friends are sitting together at a bar, watching TV and getting excited.
“Shout! Shout! Call my friend’s name!”
“Oh my god. What the hell is this!”
“Okay, it’s okay. He’ll get it no matter what.”
“Why is this kid Kim Dae-young shaking his hand?”
Of course, many big names at the Blue Dragon Film Awards and many people watching on TV also feel the same way.
And then, on the stage of the Blue Dragon Film Awards.
“Best New Actor!!”
The male actor who was looking down at the results changed his face to the aforementioned one.
“This person has been really great this year. He’s causing quite a stir in his debut year! Congratulations!!”
He shouted loudly into the standing microphone, his gaze focused on the numerous actors in front of him.
“The 41st Blue Dragon Film Awards! Best New Actor Award! Actor Kang Woo-jin of ‘Drug Dealer’!!”
At the same time, there was tremendous applause in the hall.
-Clap clap clap clap clap clap clap!!
-Clap clap clap clap clap clap clap!!
All the hundreds of actors looked around in one place. All the broadcasting team cameras were also turned towards the called actor.
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Soon, a man stood up silently in the center of the magnificent auditorium.
“······”
It was Kang Woo-jin with an indifferent face.
end
