Chapter 103: Nomination
The date was announced.
May 2nd. The Baeksang Arts Festival, a grand spring celebration held at Samsung COEX, had an unexpected proposal written on the invitation sent to Big Win Entertainment.
“Are we the presenters? Me and Yuna?”
Muyoung asked, surprised.
Yuna and Muyoung were invited as presenters for the Icon Award in the miscellaneous category. It was an award given to versatile stylers within a work, similar to a popularity award.
Ko Gyeongmin checked the details and muttered,
“I guess it’s because Baeksang doesn’t have a Best Couple award. Louis and Jaeni’s chemistry was quite popular, especially overseas. I think they want to capture a two-shot.”
One of the most outstanding aspects of The Plague was undoubtedly the chemistry between the two.
Louis’ death became a legendary scene because of his narrative with Jaeni, which people still talk about.
“I’m happy. It’s an honor.”
“Yuna will probably accept if she has no other commitments. She has to attend the awards ceremony anyway. But the problem is—”
Muyoung received nomination notices for two categories.
It was a fortunate dilemma.
“Which table should I sit at, The Plague or You Are a Star, I Am a Star? If it’s the same category, I’d just sit at the more popular one.”
The movie was his debut, but the drama was his lead role. And both were nominated for Best New Actor.
“I guess I’ll sit at the table where I think I’ll win, but how would I know?”
It could lead to an awkward situation.
If he sat at a different table and another work won, the congratulatory path and camera angles could look strange.
Muyoung, suffering from a hangover, asked,
“But they really don’t tell you?”
“They usually hint that they’d like you to attend, but your situation is ambiguous right now.”
There had even been an unprecedented headline about him winning Best New Actor in both categories simultaneously. The organizers must be very concerned.
“Is there really a possibility I could win both at the same time?”
“Usually not. Usually.”
But Muyoung’s case wasn’t usual, which was why it was so confusing.
Louis from The Plague, whom Director Jin Gyeongmun called the best death of his career.
Doha from You Are a Star, I Am a Star, who set record viewership ratings.
Both were outstanding in every way.
“Can I ask them to put the tables together?”
“I’ll make that request, but I don’t know if it’ll work.”
Na Geumdong was also deep in thought. Then he looked at Muyoung, who was sitting blankly, and laughed.
“Why do you look like that?”
“Me? I think it’s because I drank too much.”
“You’re nominated for Best New Actor in two categories simultaneously! No one has ever done that. You should be overjoyed, but why do you look so down?”
He noticed that Muyoung wasn’t in a good mood.
That’s why you can’t fool the boss! He scratched his chin, looking embarrassed.
“No, it’s truly an honor, and I’ll gladly accept if I win. But it’s a bit concerning because it’s not just any award—it’s Best New Actor.”
It felt even more so when he saw the other nominees.
There was a middle-aged actor who had finally started to gain recognition and was nominated for Best New Actor, and since it was the first time acting for the members of You Are a Star, I Am a Star, Romin was also nominated.
“It’s something that only happens once in an actor’s life. I don’t think I need to have two of them. That’s how I feel.”
“Oh? They haven’t said you’ve won yet.”
“I know! That’s why I kept my mouth shut. You asked me first, boss!”
Muyoung, with a red face, hugged a cushion. He had tried to keep his mouth shut because it felt like he was counting his chickens before they hatched.
Ko Gyeongmin thought carefully and said,
“I think it’s better for me to go with The Plague.”
He then counted on his fingers.
“In The Plague, you’re the only one who could win, but in You Are a Star, I Am a Star, there’s Song-a and Romin too. They’re more likely to give you the movie award and them the drama award.”
In The Plague, Muyoung was the only newcomer.
And there would be another chance to meet at the drama’s own network awards ceremony.
At the S Broadcasting Acting Awards, he could aim not only for Best New Actor but also for higher accolades—if You Are a Star, I Am a Star maintained its number one viewership rating by then.
“Plus, since Yuna is also invited as a presenter, let’s sit at The Plague table. I’ll let Director Yoo Yujin and the organizers know about this.”
“Understood.”
Ko Gyeongmin efficiently handled the situation. He patted Muyoung on the back and laughed.
“No one knows until you actually win—”
For example, there was an actor who was nominated simultaneously for Best Actor and the Grand Prize. It was a great work, and a great performance.
But he was only mentioned as a nominee and ended up leaving the awards ceremony empty-handed.
“The fact that your name has already appeared in two Best New Actor categories is an excellent debut. I think both last year and this year have been Muyoung’s years.”
“Wow. Why are you saying that all of a sudden?”
“Don’t be too nervous, don’t expect too much, just enjoy it as it is.”
It would be great to win. But what could be more disappointing than going in with high expectations and coming out disappointed?
Muyoung smiled, as if to say not to worry.
“I’m already honored.”
“Good. That’s a relief. By the way, what did you do at the MT?”
“I didn’t do anything special.”
“You didn’t do anything special, and this post came out?”
The photo he showed was of Muyoung’s drunken appearance, posted on his classmates’ and juniors’ SNS.
Photos of him doing everything from writing his name with his butt to receiving all sorts of drinking game penalties had spread.
“Oh. This.”
Muyoung suddenly muttered seriously.
“I didn’t know, but I’m really bad at games.”
“No! Not that!”
“Wow. I was really good when I played with the Melilkelin members. How bad are they?”
The post titles were varied.
[Common rookie actor drinking party JPG.]
[If Lim Doha was a real senior, he’d be JYP.]
[Who said otakus can’t join a club? I went to an MT with Muyoung, the guardian of Seoyeon Universityㅠㅠ I should have studied harder too.]
[Ha Muyoung is good at acting but bad at games.]
[Was Ha Muyoung an idol trainee? He’s good at random dancing.]
And so on. Since so many photos were taken, all sorts of posts came out.
The public reaction was that it was quite fresh. They had never seen a celebrity playing like that behind the scenes.
It seemed like the photos were circulating as much as legendary friendship trip photos of famous actors.
“Next time, I’ll really win all the games and not drink.”
“……I can’t live. I just can’t!”
Ko Gyeongmin raised his hands in defeat. Muyoung grinned and scrolled through the gallery. As they say, only photos remain, and the joy of that day felt alive again.
“It was good to go to school. I’m really enjoying studying these days, and the kids are fun too.”
Maybe it’s because I don’t have to worry about tuition.
Unlike before, it felt like he was studying for the sake of learning, not for grades. Comfortably, the way he wanted to!
“Make sure you prepare well for the final exams. By then, your shooting schedule will overlap. The reading for Street Sunlight starts right after Baeksang ends.”
“Yes! Got it!”
“Let’s see. Then I need to look into clothing sponsorships……”
Even if not a dress, a suit was essential. And since he was presenting, he needed an extra outfit for that!
Muyoung waved his hand, as if to say not to worry.
“Junho already contacted me. He said BORNTORE is releasing something new.”
“You’re almost like a muse.”
“Not a muse, more like an exclusive model.”
His first awards ceremony.
Muyoung showed him the new photos with a pounding heart. A dark gray suit with a bowtie as the focal point.
“I’ll have to transform into Louis again after a long time.”
On the way into COEX, a long red carpet was laid out, with fences on either side and countless fans gathered.
There were not only journalists taking photos but also cameras from the broadcasting station for live coverage.
“Ah. I’m nervous.”
Yuna, wearing a red mini dress, fidgeted with her fingers. Her tightly tied ponytail was cute.
“Nervous? You’ve been doing this for several years now.”
“Uncle Hijun, this is my first time coming for The Plague.”
“Yes, the first time is always nerve-wracking.”
The people in the van were Yuna, Hijun, Muyoung, and Director Jin Gyeongmun.
Hyejoon and Hyojung decided to enter separately because of their dresses, so the four of them went in together.
“Oh. The car is moving. It’s our turn, I guess.”
Inside the van, which was moving in order, they waited for their turn to get off.
Muyoung, who had put waves in his hair for the first time in a while, looked even more boyish in his gray suit and bowtie.
“Yuna, your dress today is really cool.”
“Oppa, you look super cool today too.”
The two exchanged compliments. Hijun glanced at Muyoung indifferently. Damn. Being young is good. Look at that glow.
“Ha Muyoung. You’re doing well these days?”
“Me? Nah. It’s all thanks to the members.”
At that moment, the slowly moving car stopped, and a security guard knocked on the door. It was a signal to get off. As the car door opened, a barrage of flashes poured in.
Click- click-!
“We’ll get off now.”
“Yes.”
Jin Gyeongmun and Lee Hijun got off first. Muyoung also got off the van but hesitated. The car was tall, so it was quite high.
“Yuna. Your hand.”
“Hehe! Thanks!”
She was wearing flats, but her legs were short, so there was nothing she could do. Yuna grabbed Muyoung’s hand and practically jumped down onto the red carpet.
“Do you want to hold hands and go in?”
“Oh my. Is that okay?”
“I can’t link arms because you’re too short.”
“I’m the tallest in my class!”
They exchanged playful banter. Yuna and Muyoung stood in front of the reporters, holding hands. Wow, it was blinding.
Click! Click-!
“Look over here!”
“To the right! To the right!”
“Wave your hand!”
As the reporters made their requests, the space behind the fence, blocked by just one barrier, was bustling with people who had gathered to see the celebrities.
“It’s Ha Muyoung!”
“Yuyuna-! Jaeni!”
“Hijun oppa! Oppaaa!”
The Plague team, after frantically taking photos at the photo wall, entered inside.
In the large hall, there were round tables with nameplates placed on them.
Hyojung and Hyejoon hadn’t arrived yet, it seemed. Then, someone tapped him on the back.
“Romin!”
“Hyung. You’re here?”
Right behind them. Romin and Song-a were sitting at the You Are a Star, I Am a Star table. It was so close that they only needed to turn their chairs a little.
“Wow. They put us right next to each other. I’m really grateful.”
“Hello. Director. Seniors.”
“Nice to meet you. Wow. You look even more handsome in person.”
“PD-nim-! Over here, over here!”
The two teams greeted each other. Muyoung looked around for the other members.
“Oh. Lye is performing a congratulatory performance today.”
“Really?”
“It’s the opening stage of the first part, so they’ll come later.”
He felt a little sorry, but since they were sitting right next to each other, it was much better.
Other actors and celebrities arrived one after another. It was truly a world of stars.
People he had seen on TV were moving right in front of his eyes!
“Mr. Ha Muyoung. Nice to meet you?”
“Huh! Senior Seo Yul.”
“I enjoyed your work. Congratulations on your simultaneous Best New Actor nominations.”
“Thank you!”
The hottest topic among the stars was undoubtedly Muyoung.
In the midst of the conversation, Muyoung was busy receiving and giving greetings.
Then, the stage lights flickered, and the host took the stage at the MC booth.
The combination of famous actor Haesu and comedian Jun was impressive.
Cool, so cool!
“Mr. Ha Muyoung. Miss Yuyuna.”
At that moment, a staff member crouched down and whispered.
“When the congratulatory performance is over and the VCR comes on, the host will proceed. When the Male Popularity Award is called, follow me.”
“Yes. Understood.”
As the large screen displayed a VCR announcing the start of the awards, Muyoung tensed up slightly. It was really starting, he thought.
Tap tap.
Then Yuna tapped Muyoung’s hand.
Just like Muyoung had done to the child at the reading venue before.
“Oppa. I’m definitely going to win an award this time.”
Yuna, the youngest nominee for Best Actress, had a heavy crown to bear, and with so many strong contenders…… everyone thought being nominated was an achievement in itself, but she seemed to think differently.
“Okay. I’ll cheer for you.”
The child looked up at the stage with clear, sparkling eyes. How could a child have such passion? It was astonishing. Yuna winked and whispered to Muyoung,
“So, oppa, you have to go out holding a trophy too. Got it?”
At Yuna’s words, Muyoung smiled and held her hand tightly.
It was an opportunity that came only once in an actor’s life. Muyoung nodded too.