Peninsula: From a supporting actor to the best actor in Chungmuro

Chapter 213 Busan International Film Festival Opening Ceremony
October st.

A huge "BIFF20" (20th Anniversary of the Busan International Film Festival) light-up sign shone brightly in the distance.

The salty sea breeze, carrying with it a cacophony of voices, piercing screams, and a powerful background melody, violently assaults the senses.

Although the star power has dimmed somewhat compared to its heyday, those walking the red carpet are still the core forces whose mere presence can shake the entire Korean film industry.

The media and fan areas on both sides of the red carpet were packed with people, and the human wall of security guards looked like a dam struggling to hold up against a stormy sea.

And this moment.

On the red carpet.

It's the perfect moment for all the flowers to bloom in competition!
In a prominent position near the center—

Jeon Do-yeon.

This woman, who won the Cannes Best Actress award, possesses a profound and serene quality on her face, detached from the hustle and bustle. Her very presence exudes an aura, not dazzlingly radiant, but like a rock, steadily suppressing a turbulent sea.

Ha Ji-won.

A modified slit dress accentuates a chic yet feminine silhouette.

When he raised his hand to greet the fans, a smile played on his lips, and his eyes sparkled with both the uprightness and heroism of a man and the gentle warmth of spring water. His aura was like a sword, its sharpness restrained, and he was equally adept at both stillness and movement.

Son Ye-jin.

A pure white long dress enveloped her slender and well-proportioned figure, making her look like a moon goddess descending to earth.

Her smile is gentle and soft; when her eyebrows and eyes curve upwards, it seems to melt away all sharp edges.

Park Bo-young.

A refreshing pink short dress, paired with a playful bun hairstyle and bright eyes, makes her look like a sweet candy bouncing into the adult world.

Her energetic smile was highly contagious, making the tense red carpet seem a bit lighter and brighter.

Each and every one of them is a darling of the spotlight.

Flashes of light came one after another, so dense that there were almost no gaps, weaving a dazzling, incandescent white forest.

And on the other side.

The interview area specifically set up for overseas filmmakers was a bit noisy.

The sounds of translators, reporters vying for questions, and Mandarin and Cantonese spoken in different regional accents rose and fell.

"What are your expectations for coming to Busan with your work this time?"

Could you talk about the inspiration behind this film?

"The possibility of future film collaborations between China and South Korea..."

Several heads and key members of the Chinese film teams who brought their works to the screening tried their best to make their voices drown out the noise of the sea breeze, with the help of translators.

The interplay of light inside and outside the venue created two distinct worlds.

Backstage preparation area.

Inside a quiet lounge.

Kang Jae-hoon sat in front of the makeup mirror, letting the stylist make the final adjustments.

The crisp black dress accentuated her broad shoulders and narrow waist, the bow tie was impeccable, and every strand of hair was carefully fixed in the perfect arc.

He looked radiant in the mirror, meeting all the highest standards that celebrities have for red carpet events.

however.

Beneath the calm surface reflected in the mirror lies a turbulent undercurrent within.

He hasn't experienced many "big scenes" to begin with.

The fact that the Blue Dragon Award was accepted on behalf of someone else was unexpected, while the press conference for "Veteran" was due to the character's aura.

The situation they were about to face was so large that it went beyond the scope of a simple entertainment activity, stepping into an unfathomable political vortex.

The traditional opening ceremony of the Busan International Film Festival was a male-female pairing.

Renowned filmmakers from other countries and South Korea collaborated to create an international atmosphere.

However, due to Professor Li Yongguan's self-destructive process arrangement and the sensitive political storm behind it, the organizers obviously dared not drag a foreign female star who might not know the inside story or was unwilling to get involved.

and so.

There was only Kang Jae-hoon.

Standing alone in the center of that stage, where everyone was watching.

Alone, under the spotlight of global media, he pressed the "play" button that could have ignited a massive political vortex.

The pressure felt like real seawater squeezing in from all directions.

but.

Even under intense pressure, the Carrera Calibre 5 on his wrist remains his constant companion in high-profile situations.

This sense of responsibility, or rather, professional ethics, is indeed very strong.

After a while.

The stylist finished the final adjustments to the bow tie and smoothed the cuffs, nodded in satisfaction, and quietly left the dressing room.

Kang Jae-hoon silently picked up the incredibly heavy process draft that was placed on the dressing table.

Even though he had already memorized every single word on it.

But every time I rewatch it, it sends a chill down my spine.

Just as he was trying to calm his racing heart by taking deep breaths, the door behind him was silently pushed open a crack.

Bae Suzy slipped in sideways and then quickly closed the door gently behind her.

Her gaze immediately fell on that tall, straight back.

The meticulously styled look pushed Kang Jae-hoon's already superior appearance to its extreme.

The dress fits perfectly.

His posture is like that of a pine tree.

The light accentuated his perfect profile and the contours of his shoulders and neck.

"So handsome."

Bae Suzy's eyes lit up with undisguised admiration. She walked straight to him and kissed his cheek without hesitation, her lips glossy and fragrant.

immediately.

Before he could react, Bae Suzy immediately pulled out her phone:
"Come on, let's take a photo together to commemorate this milestone in my career as a male host!"

She snuggled into Kang Jae-hoon's arms with complete ease, as if they were in the bedroom rather than the tense backstage area.

The angle of the selfie.

The screen freezes on two faces that are extremely close together—

One of them smiled, as bright as the stars in the sky.

one……

His face was so stiff it looked like it had been frozen.

Bae Suzy looked down to examine the photos.

Her beautiful eyebrows immediately furrowed into a "川" shape.

I poked the face of that "ice sculpture man" whose facial expression control was completely off:

"nervous?"

His voice carried undisguised surprise and a hint of amusement.

"Ah."

Kang Jae-hoon nodded frankly:

"a little nervous."

There's really no need to put on a brave face in front of your own family, let alone play the role of an invincible steel figure.

Showing a little vulnerability under pressure and revealing your inner tension at the right time will not damage your image; on the contrary, it will help you get closer to her and evoke her tender empathy and protective instincts.

"Um……"

Bae Suzy stroked her smooth chin thoughtfully, her eyes sparkling.

After a while.

As if she had thought of something, she turned her head and quickly walked to the door, locking it neatly with a "click".

"I'm nervous..."

She dragged out the last syllable.

A slender, fair hand was raised, loosely clenched into a fist, and moved up and down in the air.

The meaning of the action is self-evident.

This is what she remembered from watching "The Wolf of Wall Street"—

Mark Hannah, the protagonist Jordan's early boss and mentor, taught him that this was a quick way to relieve anxiety and tension when under pressure.

Bae Suzy is unsure of the actual effect.

but……

Why don't you try it and see?
Jiang Jae-hoon: “…”

He instantly understood the meaning of the gesture, and the veins on his forehead almost popped out.

In a place like this?
At this time?
Is there less than ten minutes left before he goes on the field?

He waved his hand without hesitation, his expression a mixture of amusement and exasperation:
"Don't make trouble!"

Bae Suzy shrugged, seemingly unsurprised by the answer.

But then.

A seductive smile curved her lips as she leaned forward slightly, bringing her breath close to his ear, her breath sweet and fragrant.
"Then...how about another way?"

The lowered voice made each word sound like it had a tiny hook:
"Tonight I'll wear Chen Caixian's costume to help you...?"

The words have not yet fallen.

The gloom of political turmoil and the pressure of public speaking that had been swirling in Kang Jae-hoon's mind was instantly dispelled by an extremely beautiful and alluring scene, imbued with a strong sense of private seduction.

The gorgeous hanbok draped over Bae Suzy's exquisite and curvaceous figure.

Her black hair was tied up in a loose bun.

The lotus steps move lightly.

Zhu Cui swayed with every step she took.

Her eyes, brimming with the light of spring water, sparkled.

She shed the label of the era's suffering and became "Chen Caixian," blooming only to please him.

That picture...

Its impact is stronger than any tranquilizer!

"Row!"

The answer came almost immediately.

Crisp and neat.

Without hesitation.

Seeing the look in Kang Jae-hoon's eyes that lit up instantly at the mention of "Chen Chae-seon," as if all his pressure had vanished, Bae Soo-ji felt a sudden sense of absurdity.

His own vibrant and alluring self was actually inferior to... a tattered garment? Was he already rehearsing what poses he'd be posing for tonight?!
Just as this "acid fire" was about to spread—

dong dong dong.

There was a knock on the door.

Immediately following this was a staff member urging them through the door:
"Kang Jae-hoon-ssi! Get ready to go on stage!"

Time is up.

Bae Suzy instantly dropped all her joking expressions and said nothing more. She simply stepped forward and helped Kang Jae-hoon tidy up his already perfect bow tie.

"Go ahead, I'll be watching you from the audience."

Eyes meet.

Jiang Zai Xun nodded, turned around, pushed open the door of the dressing room, and stepped into that absolute light and absolute roar.

……

The sound of his footsteps was perfectly absorbed by the carpet, and the spotlight precisely enveloped him from head to toe.

Kang Jae-hoon stood still in the circular spot of light at the center of the stage.

The front row area below the stage.

South Korean politicians, business tycoons, cultural officials, and film masters from home and abroad... countless faces, some gentle, some serious, some profound, blurred together in the interplay of light and shadow below the stage, forming a silent pressure field.

He slowly raised his arm, which was adorned with a wristwatch, and brought the microphone to his lips:
"Distinguished guests, fellow film professionals, friends from the media... I am actor Kang Jae-hoon."

"It is an honor, and also a bit nerve-wracking, to be able to ignite the light of the 20th Busan International Film Festival for you all on this star-studded night in this seaside city that has given birth to countless dreams and cinematic miracles!"

The stage lights shifted with his voice, rising steadily in accompaniment to the grand melody played by the symphony orchestra.

A giant screen simultaneously played classic moments from previous film festivals.

Applause rang out at the opportune moment. (From the front row, near the side of the stage.)

Tang Wei leaned slightly closer to her husband, Kim Tae-yong, who was sitting beside her. Her lips, adorned with delicate nude lip gloss, parted slightly as she whispered in a voice only the two of them could hear:
"Who is this young host...?"

No wonder she was puzzled.

Looking back at the opening ceremonies of the Busan International Film Festival—

Ahn Sung-ki, Song Kang-ho, Han Suk-kyu, Aaron Kwok... including herself, which one of them hasn't been through thick and thin, been a household name in the film industry for decades, and whose very name is a guarantee of film quality?

The person in front of me...

He has a very handsome face and a strong presence.

but……

too young!

Unprecedented!

Who is he?

What makes them qualified to stand in this position that requires seniority, prestige, and influence?

Especially since he was hosting it alone?

Kim Tae-yong, one of the jury members at this year's film festival, couldn't help but smile when he saw his wife's confused expression.

He adjusted his glasses, turned his head, and leaned closer to her ear:

"He..."

"The son-in-law of Gwangju".

Tang Wei was slightly taken aback.

Gwangju?

That symbol represents the struggle for democracy, a concrete manifestation of the collective pain and struggle of a specific period...

son in law?

The combination of these two seemingly unrelated nouns instantly outlines an identity label with strong regional and political metaphors.

……

on the stage.

Kang Jae-hoon's speech remained unhurried and measured.

He recounted the history of the Busan International Film Festival over the past twenty years, introducing the highlights of this year's sections and participating films, handling every aspect with precision and without a single flaw.

The atmosphere still seemed to be immersed in the grandeur and anticipation of the film festival's opening ceremony.

however.

The tension in everyone who knew the situation was building as he spoke, their hearts pounding towards the predetermined detonation point.

"...The Busan International Film Festival has gone through twenty years of trials and tribulations since its inception in 1996."

"It has always upheld the purest pursuit of cinematic art, and is committed to becoming a bridge for film exchange in Asia and even the world, and a sanctuary for independent spirit and artistic expression..."

"These past twenty years have not been smooth sailing. They have weathered storms and witnessed glory, and what has sustained it to this day is—"

The moment the four words "independent spirit" landed with resounding force.

The huge screen, which was originally playing grand promotional images for the film festival and clips of historical materials, abruptly switched to a different display.

No longer just a glamorous figure or a movie star.

Instead, it was a highly impactful candid shot.

The location was clearly inside a dimly lit office.

Center of the image.

Two men dressed in black prosecutor's uniforms, their faces as cold as iron plates, were restraining an old man's arms, one on each side.

The old man—

It was none other than Chairman Li Yongguan, who was sitting right below the stage.

The screen shook violently.

The documents were scattered all over the floor.

All around were panicked faces of staff and muffled voices trying to dissuade them.

"What are you doing?!"

"Release Chairman Li!"

"You have no right..."

offstage.

The smiles on the faces of the political and business leaders and cultural officials who were listening with smiles instantly froze.

Countless reporters gasped in astonishment.

What followed was an absolutely insane, explosive action—frantically pressing the shutter button, as if trying to capture every frame forever!
The screen image finally froze amidst the violent shoving.

Chairman Li Yongguan was ruthlessly shoved into the back seat of a black official car with a roof light in an extremely disheveled state.

"Oh!"

Tang Wei's eyes widened instantly. Startled by the sudden violence and subversive scene, she instinctively covered her mouth and turned to look at Kim Tae-yong, who simply shook his head slightly, his expression solemn and complicated.

Almost everyone who knew Li Yongguan's identity.

They all stared in disbelief at the huge screen displaying "public executions"!

The impact was too strong!

This is not showing film festival content at all.

This is on the stage in Busan, in front of the cameras of global media, revealing the cruelty and darkness of political struggle and the naked humiliation and trampling of the independence of artists and film festivals!

"Sorry, technical malfunction."

Kang Jae-hoon's calm, unwavering voice broke the deathly silence, carrying a mocking tone devoid of any discernible emotion:

"Just like some people always say that censoring the documentary 'The Diving Bell'... is merely a technical issue."

This statement is like a drop of water thrown into a pot of boiling oil!

moment!

"Whoa!!!"

A deafening burst of applause erupted from the audience, interspersed with excited whistles and cheers from some filmmakers who couldn't contain their excitement!
They understood the biting sarcasm perfectly!

This is an indictment of the official censorship that blatantly interferes with art!

This is a show of support for Chairman Li Yongguan for the injustice and framing he suffered!

This is an expression of anger at the film festival being hijacked by politics!
The sudden burst of applause caught the bewildered foreign journalists and filmmakers off guard, and they joined in the applause.

The applause was like a tidal wave.

It slapped the faces of those Ministry of Culture officials whose faces were ashen.

The atmosphere was eerily strange, like a world of contrasting ice and fire.

And at the very peak of this massive, tumultuous wave of noise—born from the standoff, a symphony of chaos and fervor—

Kang Jae-hoon raised his hand slightly.

Like a conductor gracefully bringing down a symphony orchestra.

The enormous noise in the venue subsided noticeably, as if the tide were receding.

"A brief 'glitch' will not overshadow the brilliance."

"Next-"

Let's put this aside for now!

"Let's kick off this ten-day cinematic extravaganza with Mozez Singh's soulful work, 'Zubaan,' a film brimming with music and philosophical depth!"

The words fell.

The background music seamlessly transitions into the exotic intro of "Zubaan," and the giant LED screen instantly switches to the film's dazzling premiere poster.

……

The applause sounded distant and muffled, blocked out by the heavy backstage doors.

As Kang Jae-hoon stepped down the side steps of the stage, the radiance that belonged to a host instantly faded from his face.

Without pausing for a moment, he went straight to his lounge.

open the door.

Loosen your bow tie.

Take out your phone.

Open the chat window with Bae Suzy, and your fingers fly across the screen:

How did you perform?

The message has just been sent.

hum-

Almost at the same time.

The doorknob of the lounge was turned from the outside.

Kang Jae-hoon's heart skipped a beat.

I subconsciously thought it was Bae Suzy who had arrived.

however.

The door was pushed open.

But the beautiful face standing at the door was not the one he had imagined.

Instead, they were two men dressed in dark suits, with solemn expressions and sharp, hawk-like eyes.

One of them even showed his identification.

Ministry of Culture.

Kang Jae-hoon's gaze swept over the small document, and his pupils contracted slightly.

Although this was expected.

but……

That's incredibly fast!
Even though he prided himself on having a strong mental fortitude.

At this moment, even Kang Jae-hoon couldn't help but feel a sense of absurdity rising in his heart—

When it comes to this kind of thing, the bureaucratic machine really does operate with lightning speed.

“Kang Jae-hoon-ssi.”

One of them stepped forward:
"Regarding the film festival's procedures and certain arrangements, please come with us to cooperate with further investigation. This is a necessary administrative procedure."

The wording was official and watertight.

By disguising blatant kidnapping as "cooperating with the investigation," even a formal summons seems superfluous at this moment.

Kang Jae-hoon's gaze swept past the two of them and landed deep in the empty corridor by the door, silently crossing out a planned itinerary in his mind.

How long will the cooperation take?

"Necessary investigation time. Please."

The other person turned slightly to the side and made a "please" gesture, but the posture was more like that of an escort.

Kang Jae-hoon twitched the corners of his mouth, revealing an expression that could hardly be called a smile.

He nodded.

The movements were swift and decisive.

"it is good."

There were no unnecessary words.

He knew that any attempt to explain himself at this moment would be futile.

His gaze swept over the empty lounge.

finally.

He shook his head with some regret.

Enter the palace twice.

They still use the high-sounding pretext of "cooperating with the investigation."

It looks like tonight...

It was destined that I would never have the chance to witness the graceful figure of "Chen Caixian" in her gorgeous attire, moving with delicate steps.

pity.

what a pity.

(End of this chapter)