Rookie Talent Agent Knows It All-Chapter 450: Hwangryong Film Association (4)

"Oppa. When you take care of me like this, I can't help but fall for you again."

What I did out of habit ended up causing a misunderstanding. Ever since rejecting her confession in China, Ju Yung-In seemed to have dropped all boundaries with me and openly expressed her feelings.

I was momentarily flustered by Ju Yung-In's attitude but took a deep breath and replied as casually as possible. "It's just a habit. Don't read too much into it."

Ju Yung-In smiled and brought the straw to her lips. "Doesn't matter if it's a habit. Either way, thank you, oppa."

She expressed her gratitude nonchalantly and began drinking the water with vigor. We weren't this close before the regression, but Ju Yung-In had also changed significantly.

At that moment, the door clicked open and Jo Ah-Yeon appeared. "Huff, huff, huff. Mr. Jung, everyone has arrived."

Behind Jo Ah-Yeon, Do Ran-Hee leading Kang Ha-Na, Kim Jong-Hoon, and Bang Seon-Woo came into view.

Do Ran-Hee with her face red and out of breath spoke rapidly as if on fast-forward. "Huff, huff... Mr. Jung, I'm here... Mr. Lee and Mr. Han are running over now, and the rest are coming with the Cherry Blossom members by car. Huff, huff, huff..."

It was now 8:40 p.m. with little time left until the performance.

I asked, "Seon-Woo, we'll need to rehearse here. Is that okay?"

Bang Seon-Woo nodded. "Yes. Ha-Na noona has sung this song hundreds of times. She could do it with her eyes closed. We've also split the parts while coming here."

"Is that so? Good. Then let's start."

I handed a water bottle with a straw to Kang Ha-Na after uncapping it, just as I had done for Ju Yung-In. Disappointment flickered in Ju Yung-In's eyes for a moment, but I ignored it and handed water bottles to Kim Jong-Hoon and Bang Seon-Woo as well.

Ju Yung-In softly clicked her tongue, but I pretended not to hear it.

Jo Ah-Yeon stepped aside as Lee Dong-Min and Han Myung-Ho entered, followed by Ahn Yung-Hee and Ji Soo-Hyun. With everyone gathered, the rehearsal began.

Bang Seon-Woo played Kang Ha-Na's 'New Beginning' on a portable speaker. "Let's start now."

Ju Yung-In started singing in her unembellished voice. While her tone was slightly plain, her clear voice was pleasant to hear.

Then Kang Ha-Na picked up the part originally sung by Oh Ji-Seok, and this was when the magic began.

Kang Ha-Na harmonized over Ju Yung-In's weaker parts and enveloped the song with richness. Thanks to her, the plain simplicity of 'New Beginning' transformed into a piece filled with vibrancy.

Impressed by Kang Ha-Na's skill, I gave her a thumbs-up and she responded with a bright smile. Despite being an impromptu team, Bang Seon-Woo and Kang Ha-Na's exceptional talent made the duet seamless.

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After rehearsing three times, we even found ourselves with extra time.

Bang Seon-Woo gave his approval. "This should be good enough, right?"

At that moment, cheers erupted as the live broadcast of the 41st Hwangryong Film Association began on the waiting room monitor.

***

After finishing the rehearsal, we watched the start of the Hwangryong Film Association on the monitor in Ju Yung-In's waiting room.

Baek Yoon-Sung, who starred alongside Lee Tae-Poong in Beyond the Boundary, stepped up with a calm voice to announce Hwangryong Film Association's opening.

-This year has been a tumultuous one for the film industry...

Baek Yoon-Sung, holding the microphone for the first time in a long while, wore an expression filled with emotion. After recounting the major events in the film industry over the year, he proceeded to introduce the MCs.

-Then let me introduce the MCs for the 2020 Hwangryong Film Association: Ms. Kim Yeon-Soo and Mr. Yoo Han-Seok.

Applause erupted from the audience as the two regular MCs of the Hwangryong Film Association appeared.

Seeing the scene, Kang Ha-Na seemed a little nervous.

I advised, "Ha-Na, take a deep breath. Don't focus on the audience but imagine the viewers watching from their living rooms."

"Got it, oppa."

It seemed Kang Ha-Na was a bit tense to perform on a special stage in front of actors rather than her fans. I advised her to think of the actors on the monitor as just the viewers chatting during a livestream.

"But what if they don't react at all? Unlike viewers, actors sometimes don't give any feedback."

Three years ago during a congratulatory performance by Petite More at the Hwangryong Film Association, the actors didn't respond at all. The actors were too nervous about their awards, which caused the situation.

Kang Ha-Na worried about such a recurrence. But I had already anticipated this and made prior arrangements.

"If that happens, look at the right-hand side of the first floor stage. That's the 10th row."

Kang Ha-Na tilted her head. "Why?"

"That's where Yoo-Jin, Miso, Haru, Mr. Go Jae-Soo, and even Si-Ah are sitting together. A cheer squad is ready to back you up. So don't worry."

I had brought Team Jung's actors to introduce them to this place they might one day experience. Simultaneously, they were prepared to cheer on our performers filling the special stage.

Kang Ha-Na sighed in relief.

Just then, Kang Ha-Na glanced at Ju Yung-In fixing her makeup in a corner of the waiting room and whispered softly. "But, oppa. Doesn't she need care as well?"

When I took a glance at Ju Yung-In, she was wearing a poised expression unlike when we were alone.

"She handles herself fine. And sorry, but I already have my hands full with my actors and singers."

Kang Ha-Na's eyes sparkled. "Wow, that's touching."

"It's nothing. It's a talent agent's job to take care of their own stars."

Just then, Kim Jong-Hoon came up beside me. "Hey, give me some attention too."

I chuckled at Kim Jong-Hoon's teasing. "You're not my singer. Handle yourself."

Kim Jong-Hoon grumbled. "This is unbelievable! See, Ha-Na? This is how he treats his friends."

Kang Ha-Na giggled. "Jong-Hoon oppa, if you're upset, join Hoop Entertainment."

"I was thinking about it, but Yoon-Ho refuses to accept me. He can be so picky sometimes."

I cut Kim Jong-Hoon at once. "I don't want trouble with your president. Now, get ready to head out."

It was already 9:20 p.m.

Jo Ah-Yeon received a signal from her intercom and urged us forward. "Alright. It's time to go on stage."

Following Jo Ah-Yeon's lead, all the members left the waiting room.

Watching them leave, I cheered them on. "Do your best!"

Kang Ha-Na, Kim Jong-Hoon, and Ju Yung-In waved back at me.

***

The first special stage of the Hwangryong Film Association began.

I stayed in the waiting room with Lee Dong-Min and Ahn Yung-Hee to watch the performance on TV.

Kang Ha-Na and Ju Yung-In performed 'New Beginning' in perfect harmony. The five minute performance ended successfully with thunderous applause from the audience.

Then, Yoo Han-Seok took the microphone.

-Thank you, Miss Yung-In, for today's special performance.

-It's nothing. Thanks to Miss Kang Ha-Na and Mr. Kim Jong-Hoon, I feel like I didn't embarrass myself. I'm once again amazed at the skills of the singers.

Ju Yung-In placed her hand over her heart and looked deeply moved. As Kang Ha-Na and Kim Jong-Hoon returned their greetings, Kim Yeon-Soo asked another question.

-Miss Yung-In, how is filming for Wolf of the Battlefield in China going?

-It's set to premiere simultaneously in Korea and China on February 1 next year, so please look forward to it.

-February isn't far off.

-No it isn't.

-But it's a bit disappointing for us. It would have been nice to see you more in Korean productions.

Ju Yung-In smiled warmly.

-I'll make sure to appear in a Korean film next year.

-That's great to hear. Do you have a project in mind?

-I'm still reviewing scripts.

After Ju Yung-In finished her special stage, she exuded an even greater presence.

***

With Ju Yung-In's special stage concluded, the first part of the event ended and the second part began.

The second part opened with a celebratory stage by Cherry Blossom. The four members of Cherry Blossom appeared in pure white dresses and passionately performed their hit song, 'Hurry Up!'

As a song known for holding the number one spot for nine consecutive weeks, even the actors in the audience started singing along and mimicking the choreography.

『Raise your hands~ Hurry up!』

Thanks to Cherry Blossom and the actors enjoying the stage together, the second part of the Hwangryong Film Association kicked off in high spirits.

As each award was announced, staff and actors shared their experiences of the past year while holding their trophies high, reflecting on the struggles of making films.

Then it was time for the Best Director Award. Among several nominees, the strongest contenders were Choi Sung-Moon for Beyond the Boundary and Kim Seok-Pil for Mist Horde.

The winner of the two was Choi Sung-Moon of Beyond the Boundary.

"The Best Director Award at this year's Hwangryong Film Association goes to Director Choi Sung-Moon of Beyond the Boundary!"

Choi Sung-Moon jumped to his feet amid thunderous applause. Having set a record with 14.7 million viewers, Choi Sung-Moon took home the Best Director Award. He let out a cheer and ran to the stage where actors presented him with bouquets.

-The award belongs to our staff and actors who prepared everything. I just had the privilege of enjoying the fruits of their labor. I feel unworthy of this spotlight and dedicate this honor to the amazing crew who truly deserve it.

Choi Sung-Moon was elated by this long-awaited win and left the stage amidst a warm and lively atmosphere.

Afterward, Kang Ha-Na and Kim Jong-Hoon, who also appeared in the first part, performed 'Soulfire' with a traditional music ensemble to heighten the festival's mood.

Next was finally the presentation of the Best Actor Award. Baek Yoon-Sung, who had opened the festival, escorted Ju Yung-In to the stage.

Baek Yoon-Sung took the microphone and spoke in a calm voice. "First, I would like to sincerely thank all the industry colleagues who worked hard over the past year."

Ju Yung-In continued with a bright smile. "Now, let's see which actors have been nominated this year."

She gestured to the enormous white panel behind them. On the massive screen, summaries of the films and close-ups of the lead actors' faces appeared.

Baek Yoon-Sung introduced the first nominee. "First, Lee Tae-Poong from Beyond the Boundary!"

Cheers erupted from the audience. The fans of Beyond the Boundary screamed so loudly that it nearly drowned out the voices of the presenters.

Even Yoo-Jin and Miso joined in the cheers.

"Ahhh! Tae-Poong oppa!"

"Uncle Tae-Poong!"

The sharp portrayal of Lee Tae-Poong's character in Beyond the Boundary was showcased before the screen marked him as the first nominee. Next came Jo Min-Sung of Hoop Entertainment, the lead of Righteous Prosecutor, Go Jin-Tae.

Two more names were announced, but Oh Ji-Seok of Mist Horde was notably absent.

When there were only four nominees, the audience buzzed with murmurs. Though Oh Ji-Seok had been involved in controversy, many didn't expect him to be excluded from the list entirely.

As the murmurs grew louder, Yoo Han-Seok addressed the crowd. "Mr. Oh Ji-Seok from Mist Horde was excluded due to issues during the nomination process. This will be explained on the official website later. However, even if he had been included, the final winner would not have changed."

Baek Yoon-Sung calmed the crowd as he took the microphone again. "Now, we'll announce the winner. Miss Yung-In, shall we do it together?"

"Yes, sir."

Baek Yoon-Sung and Ju Yung-In confidently held the microphone and announced in unison.

"The Best Actor Award at the 41st Hwangryong Film Association goes to... Mr. Lee Tae-Poong of Beyond the Boundary!"

The giant screen displayed a close-up of Lee Tae-Poong rising from his seat.

At that moment, my heart felt like it would burst.

Lee Tae-Poong, one of the members of Unfaithful, had finally claimed the trophy.

***

As Lee Tae-Poong received the Best Actor trophy at the Hwangryong Film Association, Yoo-Jin and Miso jumped up from their seats and began clapping.

"Lee Tae-Poong! Lee Tae-Poong!"

"Uncle Tae-Poong~"

At the same time, actors of Team Jung and other actors from Hoop Entertainment stood and clapped, chanting Lee Tae-Poong's name.

I also rose to my feet and cheered his name. "Lee Tae-Poong! You're the best!"

Meanwhile, Lee Tae-Poong, named Best Actor of the year, greeted his sunbaes and hoobaes before slowly making his way to the stage. Walking up with trembling steps, Lee Tae-Poong received the trophy from Baek Yoon-Sung.

After handing over the trophy, Baek Yoon-Sung extended his hand for a handshake. Lee Tae-Poong bowed deeply as he shook Baek Yoon-Sung's hand. Baek Yoon-Sung patted Lee Tae-Poong's shoulder with a smile.

Soon after, Baek Yoon-Sung and Ju Yung-In left the stage, leaving Lee Tae-Poong alone at the microphone.

The audience grew silent as Lee Tae-Poong's trembling voice resonated through the speakers.

"First... I want to thank you for honoring me with this prestigious award."

Lee Tae-Poong held the trophy respectfully with both hands and appeared more humble than ever.

"As many of you know, I wasn't a good actor. I made countless mistakes during filming, causing delays and receiving criticism from directors and colleagues. Honestly, I would have been frustrated with myself too. My mistakes disrupted the tight schedules."

He openly admitted how terrible his acting had been at the start of his career.

"And that... was because of my dyslexia. Unable to read or understand scripts properly, I caused trouble for many staff members and fellow actors. Through this opportunity, I want to sincerely apologize to everyone I burdened back then. I truly am sorry."

Lee Tae-Poong bowed at a full ninety degrees toward the actors and staff. Though he had been criticized and ridiculed endlessly for being just a pretty face, Lee Tae-Poong endured it all. Yet he never shifted blame onto others.

Taking full responsibility, Lee Tae-Poong lowered his head toward the other actors.

'Tae-Poong...'

Lee Tae-Poong's body began to tremble as if memories of his hardships seemed to flood back.

The room grew solemn as many in the audience had once spoken harshly to Lee Tae-Poong themselves.

After a moment, Lee Tae-Poong raised his head and held back tears as he expressed his gratitude.

"To the fans who made this possible, to Mr. Choi Sung-Moon, to Mr. Baek Yoon-Sung who taught me how to act... and to all the staff who worked tirelessly on set, thank you from the bottom of my heart."

Lee Tae-Poong looked at each actor and staff member attending the Hwangryong Film Association, offering heartfelt thanks. Each time Lee Tae-Poong placed his hand over his chest and spoke, the recipients of his gratitude responded with finger hearts.

After a long string of thanks, Lee Tae-Poong turned to the audience for his final acknowledgment.

"And lastly, there's someone I'd especially like to thank."

As everyone looked around curiously to see who it was, Lee Tae-Poong turned his gaze directly toward me in the audience.

In a trembling voice, Lee Tae-Poong began his heartfelt thanks.

"Yoon-Ho hyung..."