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

Chapter 217 Grand Bell Awards Nomination

Ever since that veil of secrecy in their intimate relationship was completely torn down.

Kim Ji-won was "forced" into a sweet and blush-inducing honeymoon period where she and Kang Jae-hoon spent almost every night together.

No matter how many takes are needed for the daytime scenes, it won't affect the tender moments at night.

That invisible barrier was broken, releasing not only physical heat, but also a torrent of emotions.

This rapid development of their real-life emotions unsurprisingly catalyzed their on-screen chemistry.

The two actors who played Seo Dae-young and Yoon Myung-joo.

Whether it's a tense scene between two people, a perfectly tacit understanding in their eyes, or a tender moment of life and death together, their performances are all sparkling and incredibly natural and fluid.

Even director Lee Eung-bok couldn't help but nod repeatedly, privately remarking to Kim Eun-sook that the choice of this secondary couple was perfect.

Such an obvious change naturally did not escape the keen eyes of the crew.

Several young interns, including the lighting technician and set design assistant, had taken advantage of their breaks to observe the relaxed distance between the two while they waited, their "accidental" physical contact, and the undeniable natural flow of their presence. The gossip sparks in their eyes were almost impossible to suppress.
Something's up!

[Definitely in talks!]

[Kim Ji-won's gaze at him was so sticky, it was almost like she was being swayed by silk!]

But these are, after all, just rumors and speculations circulating internally.

In this regard.

Kang Jae-hoon and Kim Ji-won maintained a consistent stance of silence and denial.

"It's just that I'm quite deeply immersed in the role."

"We've teamed up three times already, so it's normal for us to have great teamwork."

"..."

These kinds of official, overly formal statements have become their standard answers.

Although the production team did not have an explicit rule prohibiting actors from dating each other.

However, Kang Jae-hoon's complicated and extremely risky emotional life, and the enormous potential public opinion risks that followed, led them to tacitly agree on a consensus:
If possible, keep this relationship out of the spotlight and handle it discreetly to avoid complications.

night.

Kim Ji-won's room was filled with a warm and cozy atmosphere.

Holding the script for tomorrow's shoot, she tried to understand Yin Mingzhu's complex emotions under the high-pressure environment of the battlefield medical team.

only.

Attention is not always 100%.

Her gaze would involuntarily drift toward Kang Jae-hoon, who was now comfortably resting his head on her lap.

He was dozing off with his eyes closed.

He seemed to be immersed in the world of the script as well.

Looking at that sleeping face that looked exceptionally handsome under the light, Kim Ji-won's lips would always involuntarily curve upwards slightly, revealing an extremely gentle smile that she herself was unaware of.

"Buzzing—"

A sudden cell phone vibration shattered the warm tranquility.

Jiang Zai Xun frowned impatiently, clicked his tongue softly, and reached for his vibrating phone on the coffee table next to him.

The screen's blinding light illuminated his eye sockets—

Caller ID: Jin Dayuan.

"What's wrong, brother?"

Jin Dayuan's voice came from the other end of the phone:

"The Grand Bell Awards committee recently announced the shortlist for this year's awards."

"Ok?"

"You've been nominated for Best New Actor."

"Oh."

Kang Jae-hoon was not surprised by this bombshell news:

What number?

"The awards ceremony will be held on the 20th at the KBS television studio. Are you... going to take some time to fly back and attend?"

This is Kang Jae-hoon's first major nomination in the film industry.

Significance.

Normal celebrities would overcome all difficulties to attend, even if it's just to be a participant.

however.

Kang Jae-hoon replied lazily:

"I'm not going back. The film crew has a tight shooting schedule here, and I can't find a time to reschedule."

"If... by some stroke of luck I actually win an award, then I'll just ask the person designated by Director Yoon Je-kyoon to collect it on my behalf."

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone.

Obviously.

Kim Dae-won was somewhat surprised by his decision:

"At least... record an acceptance speech video?"

"Row."

immediately.

Jin Dayuan then gave a brief and concise report on the progress of the full rental project.

Two units have already been successfully leased; two units are undergoing mortgage assessment according to procedure; the remaining three units are nearing completion and will be finished in a week at most.

"Okay, I understand."

Kang Jae-hoon responded succinctly and then hung up the phone.

He had just tossed his phone back onto the coffee table.

Then they heard Kim Ji-won's voice, tinged with pride and excitement, coming from above:

"Oppa, look! In the public vote for the Grand Bell Awards Popularity Award, you have over 20,000 votes! You're in first place by a landslide!"

As she spoke, she turned her phone upside down so that the screen was facing Kang Jae-hoon's eyes.

The screen displays the real-time voting rankings for the Grand Bell Awards' Most Popular Actor award:
1. Kang Jae-hoon: 20,619 votes

2. Kim Soo-hyun: 10,397 votes

3. Park Seo-joon: 2163 votes

……

The names and votes below have been far surpassed.

Within just two hours of the official voting channel opening, Kang Jae-hoon had surged ahead with an absolute lead of more than double that of the second-place candidate.

This data directly reflects the explosive popularity and terrifying audience appeal that the extremely morbid yet charismatic villain "Zhao Taiwu" in "Veteran" brought him.

"Oppa, are you really not going back to participate?"

Kim Ji-won tilted her head and looked at him, her tone full of confusion.

In her opinion.

With Kang Jae-hoon's groundbreaking and impactful performance in "Veteran," winning the Best New Actor award is almost a certainty.

This is not blind worship based on the idea that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Rather, it stemmed from her personal experience of witnessing firsthand how Kang Jae-hoon portrayed the villain with such depth and intensity, which made her incredibly convinced of his abilities in the professional field.

however.

Jiang Zai Xun tilted his head slightly, raised his hand and gently pinched her delicate cheek, a lazy smile playing on his lips:

"not going back."

"why?"

Kim Ji-won couldn't understand his decision at all.

She felt it was a real shame to give up such an opportunity to appear at an important award ceremony, and even a bit disrespectful to the award and the audience who loved her.

"because……"

Kang Jae-hoon's hand slid down the curve of her cheek to the back of her neck, his smile deepening.

"I can't bear to leave you. I can't stand not seeing you for even a day."

These sweet words sound so saccharine they could make someone choke.

But Kim Ji-won, who had been "forced" to spend these days with him, seemed less easily fooled than before. She wrinkled her nose:

"You're lying, it's just that the awards ceremony was too boring, you're lazy..."

Kang Jae-hoon smiled and pinched her nose, without explaining anything further.

The real reason is actually quite complicated.

The Grand Bell Awards, once the highest honor in South Korean cinema, is no longer what it used to be.

It was originally jointly managed and operated by the Korean Film Association, but a shocking scandal broke out two years ago—the then chairman of the Grand Bell Awards organizing committee was suspected of embezzling huge sums of public funds for personal luxury consumption and to cover up financial loopholes in other businesses.

This move directly triggered the Grand Bell Awards' financial crisis and collapse of trust.

Even worse.

In an effort to cover a deficit, the fairness of the awards ceremony was subjected to unprecedented scrutiny and trampling. There were even rumors that awards could be obtained simply by providing the organizing committee with sufficient "sponsorship."

This directly exacerbated the deep-seated contradictions within the film association.

The Actors Guild has long been unable to obtain the publicity resources and actor training funds it deserves, and the Directors Guild's repeated "fair distribution proposals" have been rudely ignored by its former president.

The grievances had been brewing for a long time, and the conflict had intensified.

This ultimately led to a joint boycott action with the Directors Guild at its core and the Actors Guild actively participating.

A large number of influential directors and top actors have publicly announced their refusal to attend this year's Grand Bell Awards.

To protest against its internal corruption and injustice.

With the Busan International Film Festival controversy preceding it and the Grand Bell Awards scandal following, this year has been a turbulent one for the South Korean film industry.

In this situation.

Even Hwang Jung-min made it clear that he would not attend.

If Kang Jae-hoon dared to openly defy the collective will of the entire Actors Guild and go back alone to claim the award for a mere "newcomer award".

That would be tantamount to openly standing in opposition to the core circle of the entire industry.

Not only will they be seen as traitors who are opportunistic and lack a firm stance, but they will also completely cut themselves off from future resources and opportunities in the mainstream film industry.

In the South Korean film industry, which places great emphasis on seniority and factionalism, the rule of survival is:

Follow the mainstream.

In particular, the decision to closely align with the core circle.

After all.

Kim Ji-won's foundation in the film and television industry is still shallow, and her main battlefield is still in the field of television dramas.

There is still a lack of in-depth understanding and personal experience regarding the intricate historical grievances, factional struggles, and power games behind award ceremonies within the film industry.

To her.

The Grand Bell Awards still shine with its brilliance and allure as the highest honor in Korean cinema (at least ostensibly), and serve as an important and tangible goal for actors to strive for.

Looking at Kim Ji-won's pitiful yet proud expression, Kang Jae-hoon felt a mix of amusement and tenderness.

He had no intention of explaining to her the heavy stuff about factional struggles, power games, and industry secrets.

Her world is relatively simple.

This purity is rare even in the Korean film and television industry. So why pollute her sincerity with those murky things?

"Okay."

He placed his hand on the back of Kim Ji-won's neck with slight pressure, gesturing for her to lower her head, then their foreheads touched and their noses met.
"You really want to see me win an award?"

"Of course I do!"

Kim Ji-won's bright eyes, like they were filled with tiny starlight, immediately nodded and said:
"Oppa's first film award nomination! This is so significant!"

Jiang Zai Xun chuckled softly, his finger tracing her jawline down to her delicate chin, and gently tapped it:
"Since you're so eager to see it... why don't you record an acceptance speech for me right now?"

"what?"

Kim Ji-won was taken aback, not understanding what he meant:
"Record now? For the organizing committee?" "Idiot."

Kang Jae-hoon bent his finger and gently tapped her forehead with his knuckles:
"I'll record it for you to see. So you can check it out in advance, just in case you get lucky and the video gets released and embarrasses you."

This reason...

Kim Ji-won chuckled.

It was clearly his own fault for not wanting to go back and face the potential chaos, yet he shifted the responsibility of "not embarrassing himself" onto her?
She glared at him reproachfully.

But deep down, he made her feel sweet inside because of his playful and affectionate gesture.

He then picked up his phone, turned on the video recording function, and adjusted the angle:

"Kang Jae-hoon, your fan Kim Ji-won is ready. Now, please begin your performance."

Kang Jae-hoon nodded and closed his eyes to prepare himself emotionally.

A few seconds later, when Kim Ji-won opened her eyes again, she could clearly see through her phone screen that his gaze had changed.

His eyes instantly filled with indescribable complex emotions—his eyes visibly reddened slightly, his nostrils flared, and his voice became hoarse with suppressed excitement when he spoke.
"Thank you... I'm really grateful to the Grand Bell Awards committee for awarding me this precious prize..."

“Standing here today, receiving the ‘Best New Actor’ award, feels like a dream… a dream I’ve been dreaming for many years, a dream that has been filled with countless falls, countless moments of self-doubt, and countless times of wanting to give up, yet which was illuminated in a certain moment by a certain role, a certain shot, or a certain expectant gaze…”

"...There are so many people I need to thank to get to where I am today..."

"I will carry this recognition and this heavy sense of responsibility with me, and continue to walk step by step on the path of acting... until I repay all those who support and trust me with better works... Thank you!"

His words were slow and full of genuine emotion, each word seemingly squeezed out from the depths of his heart.

When he got emotional.

He even turned his head and rubbed the corner of his eye with his knuckles very quickly.

Kim Ji-won held her phone, watching intently.

The immersion is so strong.

I was almost moved to tears by this sincere "acceptance speech".

however.

next second.

All of Jiang Zai Xun's previous sentimentality, heaviness, and tearful eyes vanished instantly, replaced by a wild and unrestrained grin, and his eyes instantly became bright and lively:
"From the moment I decided to act, I knew I would be standing here!"

"The role of Cho Tae-oh is just the first step I've taken!"

"Thank you for Director Liu's trust, thank you for the inspiration from Professor Huang Zhengmin and senior Liu Haizhen, and thank you for my own talent! Thank you for my hard work! Thank you to everyone who witnessed this moment! This award is just the beginning!"

This version of the dialogue is forceful and full of an overbearing, self-assured attitude.

Completely lacking the humility and restraint common in Eastern culture, he brought to the extreme the smugness and high spirits of a young person experiencing great success for the first time.

The stark contrast between before and after almost made Kim Ji-won burst out laughing, but she was also shaken by his overwhelming aura.

So crazy!
Yet... it's so damn seductive!

however.

next second.

Kang Jae-hoon's flamboyant smile vanished instantly, replaced by an almost eerie calm, his eyes becoming vacant and unfocused.
"Thank you to the organizing committee, thank you to the director... The makeup artist worked very hard..."

He started talking about things that were very disjointed and had little to do with the award itself, his words were incoherent and his logic was broken.

"The prop car crashed many times, and Director Liu was a great help to me... although he also yelled a lot... Well, that's all, thank you everyone."

Kim Ji-won: “…”

In the lens.

The man who was making a domineering declaration to turn the world upside down just a second ago has turned into a clumsy, big, dumb guy who can't even give a complete speech and can only awkwardly bow.

This extreme contrast creates a cute and endearing feeling.

Combined with his handsome face, the impact is simply overwhelming!
She remained motionless, holding her phone, her mind replaying the three completely different states he had seamlessly switched and precisely controlled—deep emotion, unrestrained arrogance, and bewildered panic.

Is this guy... a prodigy?!
She cried out silently in her heart.

As an actor.

Kim Ji-won can certainly portray all three states.

Whether she's moved, excited, or flustered, give her some time to prepare and practice in front of the mirror. She'll definitely be able to imitate it pretty well.

but!

Like Kang Jae-hoon!

One moment they were immersed in a sad and heavy atmosphere, their eyes filled with tears and their voices choked, and the next second they were about to burst into tears... Then, without any buffer or transition of expression, their eyes suddenly became clear and bright, and they grinned with satisfaction and high spirits!
And yet, before that arrogant arrogance has completely dissipated, he can immediately fall into a clumsy, flustered, incoherent, and unfocused state?

This requires not only strong imitation skills or accumulated techniques, but also a precise "switch" control over one's own emotions and physiological state.

Make your tears, tone of voice, facial expressions, eyes, muscle movement, and even breathing rhythm obey the brain's commands in an instant.

This will achieve the desired effect.

She finally understood.

This man is probably a genius of extraordinary talent when it comes to acting!
She looked down at Kang Jae-hoon, who had lazily put his head back on her lap.

So……

What about him?
Those deep, ambiguous whispers that burned her eardrums; those possessive gazes that were suffocating and addictive; those intensely intimate entanglements that ignited like fireworks deep within her body.

And now...

A languid posture, resting one's head on one's own lap, concealing all sharpness.

In the hands of such a monstrous genius who can switch between soul masks at will and manipulate emotions...

Which part is true?

And which part of the plot was meticulously arranged just to make her fall into depravity?
"Oppa..."

"Ok?"

"Are there any elements of acting in your feelings for me?"

After he finished speaking, the room was silent for a few seconds.

Kim Ji-won could even hear her own heartbeat suddenly quickening.

She felt a little regretful.

But the words were already spoken and couldn't be taken back.

She could only hold her breath and wait for Kang Jae-hoon's reaction.

Kang Jae-hoon suddenly opened his eyes, which had been closed.

He did not answer immediately.

He suddenly raised his hand, pinched Kim Ji-won's smooth and bouncy cheek, and pulled it outwards with just the right amount of force.

"Hey... it hurts!"

"That's good, it should hurt! You little ingrate!"

Kang Jae-hoon sat up and cupped her face in his hands:

Anyone can ask that, but not you!

Kim Ji-won's aura instantly diminished under his gaze.

My face started to feel hot.

True.

Kang Jae-hoon's interactions with different women.

Their "persona" and the state they present will indeed be "optimized and adjusted" to some extent based on the other party's personality traits and interaction needs.

For example, in front of Lim Yoona.

He would deliberately amplify her childishness to satisfy her sense of accomplishment and desire for control in a "raising" relationship.

But in front of Lee Sung-kyung.

He would occasionally reveal a sense of vulnerability and authenticity, which matched the down-to-earth daily life of the two roommates becoming family, and also gave her room to play the role of "caregiver".

In front of Bae Suzy.

As long as you maintain your looks and figure, any other thoughtful or considerate gestures will be a pleasant surprise.

But the essence of these adjustments.

It is about catering to someone's preferences; it is a unique way of getting along that is needed to maintain different relationships.

The kernel is not a deception.

It's a different kind of sincerity—I'm willing to play the role you need, just to make you happy and make our relationship more harmonious.

in contrast.

Between him and Kim Ji-won, however, stripped away the back-and-forth probing and the occasional little tricks they used, revealing a much more authentic version of himself.

There's no need to deliberately act mature and composed, nor to force yourself to play dumb.

You can be lazy, you can be smug, you can show ambition, and you can also show vulnerability and exhaustion.

That sense of relaxation can't be faked.

"Oh~ I was wrong, Oppa~"

All of Kim Ji-won's defenses crumbled under that "You're no good!" look in his eyes. A wave of guilt and shame washed over her, and she instantly activated her ultimate skill of acting cute and charming.

During this time, the sense of security that Kang Jae-hoon provided her was truly unparalleled.

Support in one's career, meticulous care in life, the intense pleasure of physical intimacy... and even the relaxation and intimacy of not needing to pretend and letting down all defenses.

She experienced almost every element of the fantasy of "perfect love".

……

Kim Ji-won blinked her clear, innocent eyes, her small hand timidly extending her index finger to gently poke Kang Jae-hoon's arm, which was pinching her cheek and refusing to let go.
"...It hurts, please be gentle, Oppa...Ji-won won't ask questions like that again next time..."

This pitiful appearance instantly shattered Kang Jae-hoon's feigned anger.

"If there's a next time..."

He made a threatening gesture of "squeeze again".

Kim Ji-won immediately seized the opportunity, clinging to him and burying her head in his arms again: "Of course! Of course there won't be a next time! Oppa is the best! The best in the universe!"

The little hand even poked his well-defined abs in a flattering way.

It feels really good.

"Come on this!"

Kang Jae-hoon was completely exasperated by her spineless attitude:
Which version looked better just now?

Let's quickly change the subject.

Otherwise, I won't even be able to read the script later.

Kim Ji-won immediately lifted her head from his embrace, her eyes shining:

"Let's start with the first one."

"why?"

"Because this is my first mainstream and formal film award! The character I worked so hard to create has received such important recognition, so it's worth crying to express my excitement~ It's more down-to-earth and more popular with the audience than the later cool and arrogant version."

Her analysis was very logical and well-reasoned.

After listening.

Kang Jae-hoon paused for a few seconds, then put his arm around Kim Ji-won's shoulder and gazed at the tranquil night view of Zakynthos Island outside the window, his eyes becoming somewhat distant.

Those days and nights spent on the set of "Veteran" giving their all for the role, those painful struggles of suppressing their own nature to get closer to Jo Tae-oh's morbid and manic state, those moments of losing genuine emotions generated by the role (such as... losing that former white moonlight)...

Not to mention what happened after the filming of this movie.

His own life story has completely gone astray, transforming him from a "suspected scumbag" into a "philanthropist" with multiple women (although he may not fully agree with this label deep down)...

Along the way.

Gain, loss, transformation, decline...

If this award were to fall into my lap, wouldn't I be overwhelmed with mixed feelings? Wouldn't it be worth shedding a real tear to commemorate all that bittersweet experience?

only.

This is the "truth".

It may only exist in this fleeting moment of reflection in the quiet of the night, or it may eventually transform into a brilliant "performance" in that alternative video.

(End of this chapter)