Chapter 140: Year-End
Muyoung opened his mouth with the representative catchphrase of the awards ceremony.
He smiled brightly and patted the doll. If it were up to him, he would want to pour out all his gratitude right now, but since he had to come back up for Best Actor, he would have to hold back a little.
“I’ve already received the Rookie of the Year award twice, which they say can only be received once in a lifetime. I’m so happy and truly grateful for this overwhelming honor that I don’t know what to do with myself. Ah, I won’t cry today.”
Everyone chuckled at his more relaxed acceptance speech. Muyoung hugged the trophy and expressed his gratitude once more.
There was something he absolutely had to do after receiving the award this time.
“The head of BV Academy, our director!”
He had completely forgotten to mention this when he won Rookie of the Year at the Baeksang.
It wasn’t intentional, but he had been so flustered……
At first, Director Ohseok had been genuinely upset, though he had calmed down over time. Still, it seemed like there was some lingering resentment.
Muyoung emphasized once more as he called out his teacher’s name.
“Director Jeong Ohseok! It was thanks to you that I was able to start acting. Thank you so much!”
“Whoooa—!”
Bora also clapped and cheered when she heard the director’s name.
After that, Muyoung made sure to call out the names of everyone at Big Win Entertainment, the cast and production team, and all the other people he was grateful for, without missing a single one. This time, without any mistakes, and accurately.
“And if he were here, he would be congratulating me more than anyone else—Kang Seongbae!”
Muyoung didn’t cry this time.
There was still some sadness left, but now it was like a dried-up trace. Since he had seen him resolve all his lingering emotions at the premiere, there was no reason not to smile.
“You are the true lead of this film. I’ll continue to improve as Ha Muyoung. Thank you, and I love you.”
And then, as if in a ceremony, he gave the doll a kiss!
He waved it toward the audience and also greeted the guardians.
When Muyoung returned to the table, Director Bae Cheoljin, with an excited expression, sat there blankly.
“Director, are you okay?”
“Celebrities… how do they live off this kind of energy? My head is spinning.”
The energy was no joke.
No matter how much they lived off attention, their bodies felt crushed by the intense energy. It was as if they were floating around, lost in a dream.
“Yes, that was a really cute and cool acceptance speech. I look forward to Ha Muyoung’s even brighter future. Now, we’ll be announcing the Rookie Actress of the Year award. The people who will help with the announcement are—”
The MC cleared the stage and proceeded with the next segment.
Suddenly, Bora, who had been sitting perfectly still, froze.
The VCR showed various actresses’ intense performances, and among them, Bora’s nurse stood out confidently.
“Uh……”
“Smile, Bora.”
Just as Bora had told the director, Muyoung also told Bora.
Like a true actor, her expression instantly softened, and a bright smile filled the screen.
“—They are truly amazing actors. Now, I’ll make the announcement. The Blue Dragon Film Award for Rookie Actress of the Year goes to—”
The presenter held the microphone and paused for a moment. Then, slowly, his lips moved in slow motion.
That lip shape—
“Kang Bora from <Street Sunlight>. Congratulations!”
“Whooooaaah! Bora!”
“Congratulations, Bora. Oh my goodness.”
“Congratulations, Bora!”
Everyone hugged and made a fuss.
With this, the
They were truly the stars of the moment!
Bora wobbled as she carefully walked forward.
But with her dress trailing on the ground and those killer heels, it was precarious and unstable.
“……”
After taking a few steps, Bora hesitated and looked back, looking troubled. Was there a problem?
Just as everyone thought that, Muyoung quickly rushed over and extended his arm to her.
“Thanks. You’re a lifesaver.”
“Of course. We’ve known each other for years.”
“Ahh, I’m so embarrassed. I shouldn’t have nagged the director like that.”
Her legs had given out.
If she fell here, of all places, it would be utterly humiliating.
And what about her outfit? With her shoulders completely exposed, there could be a wardrobe malfunction at any moment.
“Thanks, Muyoung.”
“Don’t mention it. Congratulations.”
Muyoung naturally escorted Bora up the stairs and then stepped back.
Those who knew the relationship between Muyoung and Bora were nonchalant, but others were different.
“Oh my, they look good together.”
“Didn’t they have a dating rumor once?”
“You can’t hide love or a cough.”
“Kids these days~ really, they look good together.”
Once the film awards were over, there would be another uproar for a different reason. Ko Gyeongmin sighed and shook his head from a distance.
“Uh, hello. I’m Kang Bora.”
Bora nervously swept her long, straight hair back. She had hoped for this, but never expected
She knew Muyoung and the director would have their chances, but she never thought it would come to her as well.
“This is my first time standing here, and I’m really nervous. I was first exposed to acting when I was very young, and I wandered for quite a long time. It was fun, but I didn’t think I had any talent.”
She had just thought she was lucky to have had that opportunity when she was young. As time passed, she felt increasingly left behind, and though she had many worries, she couldn’t give up acting, so her body and mind suffered a lot.
“But receiving an award for such a great work feels like encouragement. Like you’re telling me that Kang Bora has more potential than she thinks, so don’t give up and keep going.”
Her voice trembled faintly.
She had been determined not to cry, but life never goes as planned.
“Thank you so much. I’ll reflect on the meaning of this award and move forward bravely as the actor Kang Bora. Thank you very much.”
Bora bowed her head and paused for a moment.
As if at a loss with the tears streaming down.
Her makeup smudged a little, but even that was beautiful. It perfectly captured the image of a youth chasing her dreams.
The two MCs smiled brightly and concluded with light applause.
“Yes, that was a wonderful speech. With such brave youth, the future of South Korea is bright. We look forward to the wonderful future Kang Bora will show us.”
After returning backstage, Bora arrived at the table.
She hugged the cast members with all her might, concluding the lingering emotions. Among them, Taeseok, with tears and a runny nose, struggled to hold back his sobs.
“Guys, I really, truly congratulate you……”
“Hyung, stop crying. People will think something bad happened.”
While the winners were overwhelmed with emotion, the ceremony had to continue.
That night, the
“Congratulations! And the award for Best Supporting Actor goes to Ha Muyoung from The Plague!”
The Plague took home the honor of Best Supporting Actor.
Muyoung, who had already known this in advance, spoiler or not.
He calmly walked onstage and fluently delivered the acceptance speech he had prepared, concluding the festival.
“Look, it’s Ha Muyoung……”
The reporters at the event scratched their heads and scribbled notes with their pens.
A second-year actor, soon to be in his third year, had won both Best New Actor and Best Supporting Actor at the Blue Dragon Awards……
“Who has won a triple crown before?”
“You can count them on one hand. Maybe… four people?”
Actors who had won Best New Actor, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Actor were few and far between. Of course, winning two categories at once was also an extraordinary feat.
“Ahh, it’s so unfair.”
“It kind of is, right?”
Camera directors exchanged self-deprecating jokes with the staff. Young, handsome, with a solid career—it was as if he was walking a path of only flowers.
“Close-up on Ha Muyoung’s face.”
“Yes, sir.”
But you had to acknowledge it.
Today, no, for a while, Ha Muyoung was the hottest topic in the entertainment industry.
“Hmm.”
Muyoung sat in the living room, looking down at the row of trophies. From the Baeksang to the Blue Dragon and SBC, there were six trophies in total, sparkling brightly.
“Muyoung, are you ready?”
“Yes, all set.”
“Then why are you sitting like that?”
At SBC, he had won Best Character and Best New Actor.
After such a dazzling year-end, the excitement gradually settled in the new year. Muyoung turned to his manager and said,
“I think I need to buy a display case.”
It was a fully furnished officetel, so he hadn’t bought any furniture himself, not even a sofa table.
But with the trophies and gifts from fans piling up, it was time for him to buy his own furniture for the first time.
“Good idea. The place is spacious, so get a big one.”
“Yeah, sounds good. I’ve made up my mind.”
“Alright, let’s go. We’re going to be late.”
Muyoung nodded and wrapped his face tightly in a scarf. Today was finally the meeting for
It was more of an informal pre-meeting among the cast rather than a formal reading.
“Do you know what we’re having for lunch?”
“Probably meat, right? It’s the safest option. Oh, and I’m heading to the company afterward.”
“Yes, I’ll take a taxi.”
“No, not me—us.”
Ko Gyeongmin laughed, as if he couldn’t believe it.
What kind of manager ditches an actor’s schedule to go to the company? Muyoung buckled his seatbelt and asked,
“Why? Is something going on?”
“The boss has a major announcement.”
Ohhh. What could that major announcement be?
Muyoung, who had been staring out the window, suddenly turned to Ko Gyeongmin in surprise.
The manager just shrugged and smiled. Muyoung silently turned his head back to the window.
“Oh, right, Muyoung. I resent the schedule for this week, so could you check it?”
“Different from what you sent yesterday?”
“Yeah, there were some changes this morning.”
Muyoung checked the schedule on his phone as Ko Gyeongmin mentioned. Most of it was related to
“Oh? If it’s Jeong Yi, then it’s that one, right?
“It’s a personal interview. You know only the popular ones get to do that, right?”
It was the highest-rated program among entertainment news shows. Its main segment, one-on-one interviews with stars, was quite popular.
It was partly due to Comedian Jeong Yi’s wit, but also thanks to the production team’s networking skills.
“Hmm. I’m looking forward to it.”
Muyoung checked the final score for
It ranked fourth in box office admissions for that year, a huge success.
Thanks to that, Muyoung’s name value had risen significantly.
Squeak—
After driving for about thirty minutes, they arrived at the meeting location.
It was a franchise meat restaurant with well-equipped private rooms. The decent price and taste made it perfect for meetings.
Kang Ok-kyung was waiting for them at the entrance.
Squeak—
“Team Leader, hello! Happy New Year!”
“Hearing that from you, I really feel like I’ll have a great year. Happy New Year to you too, and to your manager. Come on in.”
“Am I a bit late?”
“No, everyone just got here.”
Since it was a slightly awkward time, the restaurant was quiet.
Muyoung followed Kang Ok-kyung, and as the door to the private room opened, he immediately locked eyes with a familiar face.
“Oh!”
“Hello.”
It’s Kim Jinseo!
She smiled brightly and greeted him as she wiped her hands with a wet towel. Kang Ok-kyung sat down and said,
“I heard you two know each other?”
“Yeah, she’s a friend of a friend.”
Kim Jinseo must have mentioned it beforehand.
Muyoung also took off his coat and sat in the empty seat in the middle.
“What a coincidence. Kim Jinseo is the female lead in our project this time. You two will have great chemistry.”