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

Chapter 227 The Birth of a New King and the Death of a Society

Say goodbye to the tense atmosphere in front of the bathroom mirror.

Kang Jae-hoon and Kang Ha-neul returned to their respective film crew areas and took their seats.

Just in time.

The main venue suddenly went dark.

All the noise and conversation seemed to be instantly silenced by an invisible hand.

immediately--

The huge award stage backdrop suddenly became brightly lit!

A meticulously edited montage unfolds on the screen.

Action films with their explosions and chases, art films with their delicate lighting and the warmth and coldness of human relationships, comedies with their exaggerated jokes, suspense films with their tense atmosphere... In the flow of light and shadow, the essence and glory of Korean films over the past year evoke countless memories and sighs from viewers.

As the last piece of film fades away.

When the main venue was once again illuminated as if it were daytime, the air was filled with the sacred and solemn atmosphere of a film ceremony.

The stirring orchestral music began once again.

On either side of the stage, the hosts of this year's Blue Dragon Awards—

Actress Kim Hye-soo, a goddess-level beauty, and actor Yoo Joon-sang, a talented actor, made their grand entrance in elegant attire!

Kim Hye-soo, the only South Korean to be sponsored by a jeweler, exudes confidence and charisma; while Yoo Joon beside her is refined and composed.

The two complement each other perfectly.

"Respected judges!"

"Fellow colleagues in the film industry!"

"And to all the viewers who are currently paying attention to the Blue Dragon Awards!"

A gentle yet penetrating opening greeting resonated throughout the Temple of Peace.

Next comes the essential step—

Kim Hye-soo introduced the composition of this year's judges, the award judging criteria, and the rules for the proportion of audience votes.

Liu Junxiang skillfully introduced the sponsored brands.

The process was clean, efficient, and without any delays.

"Now, the 36th Blue Dragon Film Awards—officially commence!"

"The first award we'll present is for Best New Actor!"

Liu Junxiang's calm voice continued:

"Let's welcome the award presenters—"

Another classic award ceremony song began to play.

The lights were focused on the side of the stage.

Park Yoochun and Kim Sae-ron, who won the Best New Actor and Best Actress awards last year, took to the stage hand in hand amidst applause.

Park Yoochun looked elegant and stylish in a classic black tuxedo, while Kim Sae-ron wore a silver off-the-shoulder dress that was both sweet and dignified.

The two stood in the center of the stage.

"Senior!"

Kim Sae-ron tilted her head playfully:

"When you stand on the Blue Dragon Film Awards stage again, do you recall how you felt last year?"

Park Yoochun chuckled:
"Yes, looking at these faces in the audience, you can feel the vitality of the film industry being passed down from generation to generation."

Kim Sae-ron playfully chimed in:

"Wow, this gives me goosebumps! So, let's see which rising stars have received this prestigious nomination, and who will take home the crown of 'Rising Star'?"

The lighthearted banter easily dispelled the initial solemnity of the ceremony, precisely focusing everyone's attention on the first award.

"Before the official awards ceremony, let's turn our attention to the big screen."

Park Yoochun finished speaking.

The main screen instantly switched from the host's podium view—

Nominees for Best New Actor at the 36th Blue Dragon Film Awards:

Lee Min-ho (Gangnam 1970) portrays the fierce and tenacious fighting spirit amidst blood and mud;

Kang Ha-neul's (Twenty) hearty, genuine laughter after getting drunk;

Choi Woo-shik (Giant) bulges his veins as he faces immense injustice, his suppressed emotions reaching their peak.
Park Seo-joon's (The Chronicle of Malice) pupils suddenly contract when he discovers crucial evidence at a crime scene;
Kang Jae-hoon (Veteran) – with a cigarette dangling from his lips, swirling his wine glass, and glaring at Yoo Hae-jin when he fails to perform his duties, exuding a cold arrogance and a morbid desire for control.

Although each person only has a few seconds of screen time.

Yet it accurately captured the soul of the characters and their most explosive moments of acting.

The clip has ended.

The main screen instantly switched to a live feed—dividing the five nominees into five windows, presenting them simultaneously to all viewers.

Despite the efforts of the five young people to maintain a polite and expectant smile.

But there was Park Seo-joon clenching his fists, Choi Woo-shik unconsciously pursing his lips, Lee Min-ho seemingly relaxed but slightly stiff, Kang Ha-neul whose Adam's apple bobbed rapidly with tension, and Kang Jae-hoon smiling but with his eyes slightly narrowed...

Everything silently reveals the same emotion—

tension!

"Wow~"

Kim Sae-ron exclaimed sincerely, "These five nominees are all absolutely brilliant! I didn't expect the competition for the first award to be so fierce."

Park Yoochun nodded in agreement:
"Indeed, this is one of the most competitive nominations, so—"

The award presenter deliberately dragged out his words, keeping everyone in suspense.

The director perfectly timed the cut to a high-energy drumbeat background music, pushing the tense atmosphere on set to its peak.

The winner of the Best New Actor award at the 36th Blue Dragon Film Awards is—

A dramatic, perfectly timed pause.

The drumbeats suddenly stopped.

"—Veteran! Kang Jae-hoon! Congratulations!"

"Wow--!!!"

This name instantly ignited the entire venue!

Thunderous applause erupted and swept through the entire Peace Hall of Kyung Hee University.

The fan section at the back of the venue erupted in deafening screams, the sound almost lifting the roof off!
"Jaehoon oppa! Ahhh!!"

One female fan was so excited that her voice cracked!

The large screen switches instantly!
Only close-ups of Kang Jae-hoon are shown.

He first let out a deep breath as if a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders.

The tense shoulder lines instantly relaxed, and the slightly furrowed brows and pursed lips also eased.

Followed by.

A radiance, a mixture of excitement and joy, burst forth from the depths of his eyes, instantly illuminating his handsome face.

immediately.

He stood up.

He smoothly bowed deeply to director Ryu Seung-wan at a 90-degree angle.

Ryu Seung-wan nodded in response to the applause.

After straightening up.

Kang Jae-hoon turned around, opened his arms, and gave Hwang Jung-min a big hug. Hwang Jung-min, who had stood up immediately and was smiling broadly as he opened his arms to him, was the first to do so.

Hwang Jungmin roughly ruffled Kang Jae-hoon's meticulously styled hair without any hesitation.

It's like a father's most direct and affectionate praise for his successful child.

He was laughing and cursing at something (the mouth movements were roughly something like "Good job, brat").

After separation.

Liu Haizhen had already squeezed to the side, smiling and giving a thumbs-up in praise, while forcefully patting Jiang Zaihun's shoulder with a gesture full of congratulations and encouragement.

Subsequently.

Surrounded by the smiles, applause, and admiring gazes of everyone in the crew.

Kang Jae-hoon straightened his messy hair (though it was no use) and quickly walked through the narrow aisle of the guest seating area.

at the same time.

As he strode confidently toward the center of the stage, the deep, emotional voice of the ceremony's narrator delivered a professional introduction:
"In the movie 'Veteran,' Kang Jae-hoon's powerful performance perfectly captures the contradictory charm and oppressive aura of a morbidly twisted third-generation chaebol heir who retains the noble air of a scion of a wealthy family!"

"His groundbreaking character portrayal and precise control over complex emotions won high praise from the judges!"

"Congratulations again to Kang Jae-hoon on winning the award."

The solemn narration intertwines with his departing figure as he walks towards glory.

This created a classic scene worthy of being recorded in the annals of his acting career.

……

Kang Jae-hoon stepped steadily onto the podium, bowed to Kim Sae-ron and Park Yoo-chun, and shook hands solemnly to express his gratitude.

Subsequently.

Park Yoochun carefully and solemnly handed the elegantly designed Blue Dragon Rookie Award trophy to Kang Jae-hoon.

The cold metallic texture touching the hot palm instantly conveyed an incredibly strong sense of realism to the heart.

Holding the trophy carefully and solemnly in both hands, I could clearly feel the smooth dragon pattern and the weight of the base with my fingertips.

He stood in front of the standing microphone.

His gaze slowly swept over the dark, yet dazzling sea of ​​stars below the stage.

The encouraging smiles of director Ryoo Seung-wan and Hwang Jung-min, the congratulatory glances from the entire "Veteran" crew...

Further away.

It is countless top industry veterans and peers, and behind them, the warm and noisy cheers that belong to the audience and fans, who cheered him loudly.

The emotions in my heart are like an overturned palette.

Mixed feelings.

Immense joy certainly prevailed, but beneath this ecstasy lay a sense of relief.

It was a mix of excitement and slight dizziness at the moment of such glory, being recognized by the most prestigious institution.

When I received the Grand Bell Award for Best New Performer last month, I wasn't there in person, so the feeling of seeing it through a screen was ultimately like looking at flowers through a fog.

But now!
Standing at the center of this storm of flashing lights and applause, with a real trophy in hand.

The sheer weight and significance of being crowned by the highest honor in the industry overwhelmed him like a surging tide.

This is a milestone recognition for an actor in the early stages of his career!

It brings not only glory, but also boundless expectations for the future!
Kang Jae-hoon's gaze unconsciously swept in the direction where Kang Ha-na was.

Just then, she met Jiang He's gaze, a mixture of disappointment, blessing, and a little envy.

She couldn't help but grin at him.

Jiang He was completely bewildered by his enigmatic yet unusually "sunny" smile. She subconsciously returned a stiff smile, thinking to herself:

What are you doing?
Are you ecstatic?

Are you mocking me for not winning an award?

however--

next second.

Kang Jae-hoon had already suppressed his smile and began his acceptance speech:

"I am very grateful to the senior members of the Blue Dragon Film Awards jury for awarding me this extremely precious newcomer award, which symbolizes the hope for the future of the film industry..."

Immediately afterwards——

He paused slightly before smoothly delivering the words he had "learned": "At the same time, I would also like to sincerely thank the outstanding fellow actors who were nominated alongside me: senior Lee Min-ho, my friend Kang Ha-neul, Choi Woo-shik, and Park Seo-joon!"

"To be on the same nomination list as these talented actors is an honor that transcends the value of any trophy! Each and every one of your performances deserves the highest respect."

That was a beautifully and appropriately said statement.

Elevate all the nominees.

A chorus of applause and whistles erupted from the audience in approval.

Jiang Hena, sitting in the audience, stared wide-eyed, nearly spitting out a mouthful of blood, inwardly cursing:
"Kang Jae-hoon, you plagiarist!!! You can't even be bothered to change the core sentence structure!"

That was all the polite talk.

Next came Kang Jae-hoon's heartfelt thanks.

"I am deeply grateful to Director Ryoo Seung-wan for giving me this life-changing role! Without you, I wouldn't be standing on this stage today!"

(Looking sincerely at Ryu Seung-wan, he bows deeply.)
"I would also like to thank my eternal acting role model and teacher, Hwang Jung-min. Without your guidance and teaching, I would not be who I am today. I will always remember your kindness!"

(Looking towards Hwang Jung-min)

Almost the instant Kang Jae-hoon finished speaking and pointed at Hwang Jung-min—

Without hesitation, the main screen and the live stream camera switched to Hwang Jung-min in the audience!

(We can't let this master-disciple CP's popularity code slip by!)

Hwang Jung-min wore a proud and satisfied smile, and nodded several times in the direction of Kang Jae-hoon on the stage to show his approval.

however!
Beneath that seemingly perfectly composed and pleased smile—

Hwang Jung-min's inner monologue was practically a barrage of comments:
"Stinky boy!"

"That's a nice way of saying 'the kindness of being recognized and appreciated'!"

"The gratitude for being taught sounds alright!"

"But what I teach you is how to understand a character! I teach you to recognize the Stanislavski method of experiential learning! I teach you camera movement!"

"I didn't teach you... I didn't teach you time management to the point of walking a tightrope! And I certainly didn't teach you... cough... well... octopus-like multitasking in relationships!! I won't take the blame for this!"

On stage, Kang Jae-hoon naturally couldn't see the raging storm of complaints raging inside his master's heart.

His heart was pounding, and he continued:

"besides!"

"Thank you to my manager, Kim Dae-won, who has been with me all the way, working tirelessly behind the scenes like an ox and solving all the problems! And thank you to every staff member who has dedicated their heart and soul to the film 'Veteran'! Your contributions have made this film a success, and have also made me who I am on stage! Thank you everyone!"

"at last--"

"I will transform this honor tonight into a spark that propels me forward! It will spur me to continuously climb higher on this endlessly captivating big screen, constantly challenging my own limits! I will repay everyone's love with more touching roles and more outstanding works! Thank you!"

Done.

Amidst another surge of applause.

Kang Jae-hoon bowed deeply, giving a perfect 90-degree bow to the entire audience, the cameras, and the hall!
Keep your back straight.

Turn around.

Holding the trophy, he walked steadily down the stage steps.

step……

(Applause continues)
Two steps...

(Camera follows)
Three steps...

(He took the first step onto the stairs leading to the guest seats)
The noise from the audience gradually subsided, and the host seemed to be preparing to present the next award...

suddenly!

Jiang Zai Xun, who had just steadily stepped down three steps, suddenly stopped in his tracks.

The entire venue fell silent once more, and the award presenters, Kim Hye-soo and Yoo Joon-sang, both peered at him with slightly questioning expressions.

And under the astonished gazes of countless viewers in front of their televisions—

Kang Jae-hoon quickly turned around on the spot and jogged back to the microphone!
The embarrassment and shyness on his handsome face were clearly visible, and he even blushed instantly due to frustration and anxiety.

"Ah! I'm so sorry! Seniors, I'm really sorry!"

(Speaking rapidly, he repeatedly bowed in all directions to express his apologies to the audience.)

"I was so excited just now!"

(He slapped his forehead in frustration)

"There's something very, very important I forgot to mention!"

"The film 'Himalaya,' starring myself and my beloved teacher Hwang Jung-min, was filmed in Nepal amidst blizzards and countless hardships. It is a labor of love for many people and will be officially released in theaters across South Korea on December 16th!!"

"The film will deliver an unprecedented visual spectacle! A heart-wrenching story of survival in dire circumstances! And Yoona's brilliant performance! Please look forward to it! Please go to the cinema to support it! Thank you!!"

Done.

He immediately gave another deep, crisp bow.

Because the movements were too hasty.

The angle and speed of the bow were not well controlled...

Just listen——

A muffled "thud" clearly echoed throughout the entire venue from the microphone amplifier.

His head, which had just been messed up by Hwang Jung-min and hadn't yet had time to be properly combed, slammed solidly into the hard microphone.

"Om-"

The microphone emitted a mournful cry, strained from the unbearable weight.

After a deathly silence of a fraction of a second—

"Whoa——————————!!!!!"

The entire venue erupted in uncontrollable bursts of laughter!

The reserved seniors in the front row burst into laughter and slapped their thighs!
The staff backstage were laughing so hard they almost choked!
The reporters were laughing so hard they could barely hold their cameras!

The fan area was filled with screams and laughter: "Oppa is so cute!!" and "Ahhh, does it hurt?!"

Even Kim Hye-soo, who is usually dignified, elegant, and has a steady stage presence, couldn't hold back.

She first covered her mouth, her shoulders trembling slightly, then looked at Kang Jae-hoon, who was trying to appear calm:

"Has Xunxi truly, definitively, and completely confessed everything this time?"

(Subtext: Is there anything else you've forgotten? If not, hurry up and get off, I'm afraid you might bump into something again...)
"excuse me……"

Kang Jae-hoon blushed deeply in the center of the stage and gave Kim Hye-soo an awkward, sheepish smile.

Then, as if fleeing in panic, they quickly walked down the steps, this time completely leaving the spotlight of the stage and returning to the warm yellow glow of the guest seats.

Kim Hye-soo suppressed a laugh and smoothed things over with her charming and magnetic voice:

"It seems that Hoon really went all out to promote his new film (laughs)! His dedication deserves applause! Let's congratulate him again and look forward to more excellent performances from him in the future!"

"Yes."

Liu Junxiang continued, "After the excitement, let's give our applause and anticipation to the next rising star. Next, we will present the Best New Actress award!"

……

With the various technical awards (editing, music, art direction, etc.), Best Cinematography, Best Screenplay, and other major awards presented in an orderly manner, interspersed with exciting performances that were either dynamic or lyrical, the ceremony finally arrived at the highly anticipated final segment, truly representing the highest honor for the actors—

Best Actor!

Best Actress!

And the highest honor symbolizing the best film of the year—the Blue Dragon Award!
Best Actor nominees:
Song Kang-ho, Hwang Jung-min, Lee Jung-jae, Yoo Ah-in, Jung Jae-young.

Best Actress nominees:
Kim Hye-soo, Lee Jung-hyun, Jeon Do-yeon, Jun Ji-hyun, Han Hyo-joo.

result……

The biggest upset of the year, a double-winner, has occurred!

Best Actor – Yoo Ah-in!

Best Actress – Lee Jung-hyun!

Even the winner himself looked incredulous!
Yoo Ah-in's portrayal of the Crown Prince in "The Throne" was incredibly powerful, but facing formidable rivals like Song Kang-ho and Hwang Jung-min, his agency didn't even prepare an acceptance speech for his Best Actor award!
After going on stage, he stood there stunned for several seconds holding the trophy before beginning his almost impromptu acceptance speech in a slightly trembling voice.

The same applies to Lee Jung-hyun.

Her role was extremely subversive, but the names Jeon Do-yeon and Kim Hye-soo carry immense weight!
When she heard her name called, she walked onto the stage purely on instinct, covered her mouth, tears and shock mingling together, and even stammered a few times during her speech.

This dramatic reversal.

This once again proves that the charm of award ceremonies lies in the unpredictability of the next moment.

finally.

The most prestigious Blue Dragon Award (Best Film) was won by "Assassination," a film with a huge budget, a star-studded cast, and a blend of commercial appeal and patriotism!
This is the end.

The 36th Blue Dragon Film Awards, amidst flashing lights, applause, and cheers, officially came to a close amidst numerous highlights and surprises.

The noise subsided.

The nightlife scene that truly belongs to insiders has just begun.

The celebratory banquet arranged by the organizers was held in the magnificent banquet hall of a top luxury hotel.

The lights were deliberately dimmed to create an ambiguous and private atmosphere.

The air was filled with the bubbles of fine champagne, the rich smoke of cigars, the mixed scents of expensive perfumes, and the low murmurs of laughter amidst the clinking of glasses.

The music is soothing.

But it couldn't mask the racing heartbeat of the world of fame and fortune.

This is another battlefield.

A more naked reality of fame and fortune than the awards podium.

Well-dressed officials and executives strolled around casually, their eyes occasionally lingering on certain elegantly dressed, young and beautiful actresses, with knowing smiles on their faces.
Directors gathered in small groups, either whispering with familiar actors about the next script or surrounded by small producers eager to seek investment.
Representatives from major film investors and cinema chains were like emperors on an inspection tour, always surrounded by fawning smiles and faces seeking introductions.

Executives who sponsor luxury brands are the darlings of the dinner party.

Surrounding them were not only the owners of talent agencies, but also artists and their agents who aspired to be favored by top-tier brands…

Kang Jae-hoon was naturally drawn into it as well.

He arrived at the scene with Hwang Jung-min and Ryu Seung-wan, the core members of the "Veteran" cast.

Just walked in the door.

Before he could even take a sip of water, people kept coming up to congratulate him:

"Congratulations, Zai Xun! You have a bright future ahead of you!"

"His acting was superb! That third-generation chaebol heir was absolutely brilliant!"

"Young and promising, looking forward to future cooperation!"

……

Kang Jae-hoon wore an impeccable smile, responding calmly and expressing his gratitude for every congratulation.

But he knew it very well.

I attended this event not just to enjoy the prestige and social obligations of being a newly promoted member of the Azure Dragon.

Rather, it has a more practical purpose—

I chatted and got to know key representatives from the production departments of major film and television companies.

Although that damn 10 billion won in start-up capital is still a long way off.

Before officially entering the fray, Kang Jae-hoon needs to understand the depths and undercurrents beneath the surface.

such as--

Behind those seemingly generous investments, how much real say did the creative team actually lose?
In project operations, which stages are most prone to inflated costs? What "extra" fees are industry norms?
At what stage do production companies typically get involved, and how do they control the core aspects such as final editing rights?
What are the most vulnerable points for new production companies to be tricked and harmed by big companies and seasoned veterans in the early stages?
He needs to conduct preliminary market "research".

Listen to their words and observe their actions.

We must sift through casual conversations and the "success stories" and "industry secrets" revealed by others to extract valuable information.

He didn't want to wait until the funds were in place and the project started, only to be treated like a clueless novice and slaughtered.

Intelligence is the key to gaining an advantage.

Gaining an early advantage is key to saving money, earning respect, and maintaining core control over a project!
(End of this chapter)