Chapter 49
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Translator: Wjin
Chapter: 049
Chapter Title: Independent Film Festival (4)
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Seoul Independent Film Festival's Famous Faces Day.
For those who made it to the finals, it was a chance to show their indie films to key industry figures.
From the organizers' perspective, it was the perfect way to promote the festival right up to the end.
Articles galore about which celebrities showed up at the Seoul Independent Film Festival, right?
Of course, the attending actors felt much the same.
By making an appearance at this festival, now famous for the master critic Tak Bong-chun, they'd score even just one more line in the press.
Directors and other insiders were desperate to see which film had earned Tak Bong-chun's lavish praise.
And so, it was a win-win for everyone.
Perhaps it was only natural that even more people than expected started flooding in.
"Whoa! Director Kim!"
"No way, isn't that my favorite actor Kwon?"
A bunch of actors, critics, writers, and directors had belatedly signed up to attend.
It was right around when the first screening of the day was about to start.
The festival's spacious lobby began buzzing with all sorts of people.
"I can't believe so many celebs are showing up at an indie fest like this! Wow."
"Kwon-star, you can't really say that, haha!"
Conversations between acquaintances echoed here and there.
"Aw, come on, I'm no star."
"Oh please, our Kwon's as humble as ever?"
And if you had to pick the most eye-catching group...
"Among everyone here, Kwon's definitely star treatment-"
Baek Eun-won, who'd exploded onto the scene as a child star with a 10-million-ticket blockbuster and stayed a top star ever since.
Go Do-jin, who'd started as a villain and still held the top spot with villain roles.
Genius director Gil Mi-jin and powerhouse writer Go Ji-sook.
Jennifer Kim, whose face people might not know but who'd produced exclusive Korea projects for Newflix multiple times.
The Newflix drama team.
"I can't do it... Ugh, yeah."
"......"
The real stars were over there, after all.
They were the kind of people who got antsy just trying to strike up a conversation.
And because of that, the rookie actor right in their midst stood out even more.
Not only had he landed the film rumored to be the one Tak Bong-chun raved about.
With barely any experience under his belt, he'd snagged a sub-lead role in Newflix's Brilliant Sky.
Shin Yi-han.
This rookie actor was enviable beyond words.
"...How lucky does someone have to be to stand there so confidently?"
Envy led to jealousy, jealousy to inferiority.
"Yeah? Oh, right! Honestly, our Kwon fits in over there way better than that rookie, doesn't he?"
"Exactly, even Director Kim thinks so? Experience makes all the difference."
"Y-Yeah!"
Unable to approach, their frustrations boiled over.
The other actors felt the same.
A fresh debutant's film caught Tak Bong-chun's eye?
'Nothing's confirmed yet, right?'
'Even if it did, no way it's for real. Tak Bong-chun probably exaggerated on purpose.'
'It's not that the film's amazing... it's just everything else was so bad by comparison.'
All eyes pretended otherwise but locked on Shin Yi-han.
And Shin Yi-han was thoroughly enjoying the attention.
Shin Yi-han let out a small laugh.
What could he say? The situation was just hilarious.
Actors weren't even hiding their emotions—they were openly glaring with displeasure.
Like they wanted to yank a fledgling bird right out of the sky before it could soar.
He hadn't expected it to be this blatant. It was almost admirable.
But knowing those looks would flip in just a few hours made it all the more fun for Shin Yi-han.
He'd get to witness the reactions live, after all.
And he was already looking forward to how those faces would change.
"I hope it starts soon...!"
On top of that, his Brilliant Sky team was deliberately raising their voices amid the atmosphere. Shin Yi-han was grateful for it.
"You have no idea how hard I worked to avoid spoilers. I deliberately stayed off the internet!"
It wasn't just director Gil Mi-jin and writer Go Ji-sook.
"My friends kept nagging me I'd regret it if I didn't watch. Now whenever I mention doing a drama with Yi-han, they're all jealous."
Surprisingly, Go Do-jin was the most enthusiastic.
Unlike the others, he'd skyrocketed suddenly, so he seemed right at home—slinging an arm around Shin Yi-han's shoulders with a sly grin.
"Seriously, did you all see that critic score? First time I've seen Won Il-man give out a 3.9."
"Yeah, a score he hasn't given in the last two years."
Baek Eun-won quietly chimed in from the side, and Shin Yi-han finally burst out laughing.
'Ah. This... actually feels pretty great.'
Shin Yi-han couldn't stop smiling, feeling good.
It felt even better compared to his past life.
'Back then, it was just me and Kwak Hoon.'
What had it been like in his past life when they first made Murder's Delusion?
An unknown director and an unknown writer.
People finally noticing their work.
Amid the attention pouring in, how much of it had been toxic.
Envy, jealousy, doubt. They'd had to navigate it all without any shield.
Thinking back, having these solid allies now was incredibly reassuring.
He couldn't help the chuckles leaking out.
Everything felt fresh and exciting now.
Of course, the more Shin Yi-han smiled among those heavyweights...
The more it twisted the guts of the other actors there.
How could their stomachs not churn seeing big shots openly coddling a rookie?
'I debuted earlier. I'm younger too.'
'If I hadn't flubbed that audition... that spot would've been mine.'
They just wished the Innocent Boy screening would hurry up already.
'Even if it's good, how good could it be? It's just a domestic indie fest.'
'Standing ovation? As if that happens easily.'
'Regular folks hyping it up 'cause they showed up.'
They tuned out the others.
Hoping their own thoughts would prove right.
And honestly, even the famed Japanese director Imamura Genji, invited from Japan, felt the same.
[Japan's Imamura Genji vs. Korea's Tak Bong-chun! The two masters clash again?!]
[The films each master recommends are set to screen at Korea's Seoul Independent Film Festival...]
[Imamura Genji's declaration: The star of the Seoul indie fest will be director Takeshi's 'Blue Night's Day.']
Japan showing what real movies are!
Imamura Genji has a good eye for directors. Probably the Japanese film that's superior.
Korea daring to challenge Japan?
No beating Japan's sensibility.
With everyone convinced and cheering it on, Imamura Genji was brimming with confidence.
He was sure he could prove whatever fuss Tak Bong-chun had made.
But the moment he arrived in Korea...
'Why... is there such a long line over there?'
Director Imamura Genji was a bit taken aback from the start.
The first screening hadn't even begun, yet a line was already forming in one spot.
A pretty long one, too.
Actors and directors who'd signed up late were queuing for the remaining seats in Innocent Boy.
'Ah, must be pre-screening lines. Our side's already seated.'
Unaware of that, Imamura Genji checked the screening room for the invited Japanese film and nodded.
He brushed it off as no big deal.
'Our vibe's already great.'
He felt proud seeing the seats packed 10 minutes before start time.
Of course, that was thanks to the organizers filling seats for the invited film.
And the buzz about famed Japanese director Imamura coming.
Even if his glory days were past, his name still carried weight.
People skipped Innocent Boy's first screening at the same time slot to come here.
Half curiosity about his recommendation, half hope of scoring something from a chance encounter.
"To think you'd come in person! It's an honor, Director Genji!"
Director Takeshi of Blue Night's Day rushed to greet Imamura Genji barefoot.
A senior master had praised his work, after all. His voice naturally rose.
"Of course I'd come for my junior."
Imamura Genji clapped Takeshi on the shoulder.
This genius junior felt like such solid backup right now.
A brand-new director's script couldn't possibly be this brilliant. Who could top content like this?
A smile crept onto his face.
Having juniors compete via their films might be a stretch, but beating Tak Bong-chun even once would be enough.
It held even after the screening started.
Blue Night's Day was genuinely excellent.
Two utterly different families meet.
Understand each other.
Hate each other thoroughly.
Until the inseparable night and day inevitably merge.
The whole process was metaphorical, lyrical, and raw.
Clap clap clap—clap clap!
When the film ended, solid applause broke out.
Even accounting for courtesy claps due to it being an invited film with Japanese directors present.
Imamura Genji couldn't help but grin wide.
'Yes! This is the film I recommended!'
Objectively, his junior's work was top-notch.
He couldn't imagine anything topping it at a small festival like this.
"As expected of Director Genji!"
"Saw the article. You spotted this gem right away? Impressive."
"Thanks to you, we enjoyed a great film."
Korean directors and actors tried speaking broken Japanese, and Imamura's shoulders puffed up.
He was in high spirits.
Tak Bong-chun probably hadn't expected an invited film's quality to hit this level...!
Now he just needed articles declaring his victory.
But as Imamura Genji exited the screening hall with the crowd...
'Hm?'
He had to tilt his head.
A massive applause echoed through the hallway again.
Far more thunderous than what he'd heard earlier.
'Wait... our film?'
Wondering if it was delayed applause, he glanced back at their screening room.
But only people packing up and leaving.
'No?'
It was coming clearly from the opposite direction.
'Figures. Louder cheers for their home film.'
And it didn't die down easily.
In the end, Imamura Genji had no choice but to head toward the sound.
Imamura arrived at the film in no time.
'Muzai Shōnen (Innocent Boy)...?'
A huge poster on the electronic board near Innocent Boy's screening room.
Below it, the organizers' prepared Japanese title. Reading it, Imamura stroked his chin.
He'd been caught off guard for a moment.
Following the applause from inside, the poster jumping out at him...
'Well then.'
It had quite the vibe.
...Provocative yet enigmatic boy.
Even without a clear face shot, you could feel it—the unease lurking behind that stillness.
'Didn't see this coming.'
Honestly, he liked it.
An actor who could pull off this atmosphere... as the lead here?
'...Then this must be it.'
The eyes of a former master were sharp.
He'd have known even without the applause. No other explanation—Imamura recognized Innocent Boy.
If Tak Bong-chun had raved about something here.
It had to be this one.
"When's the next screening for this?"
"In 20 minutes. Shall we grab seats? There should be some reserved for you, Director."
"Please do."
At Imamura's word, the staffer sprang into action.
He'd come all the way from Japan—better verify thoroughly.
Especially since it looked more impressive than expected.
And exactly 20 minutes later.
Innocent Boy's second screening on day four began.
Imamura Genji sat in his assigned seat, holding the organizers' subtitle device.
Not only was it packed, some had dragged extra chairs to the back.
More celebs and insiders had shown up than anticipated.
'This one's crowded too.'
Ahem, ahem.
Imamura cleared his throat awkwardly.
The atmosphere was worlds apart from Blue Night's Day. More... tense. You could feel the anticipation.
Soon the film started.
When the boy from the poster appeared on screen...
'Alright, Tak Bong-chun.'
Imamura had to admit this was no pushover.
'There's a reason you called it a comet.'
But his confidence still overflowed.
Ours isn't a fleeting comet—it's a bigger, more beautiful moon.
'How could a comet beat the moon?'
He pushed down the creeping unease.
"......"
But the result was completely different from expected.
That comet hurtled in at blinding speed and smashed the moon to bits.
Ludicrously, that's exactly what happened.
The moonlight he'd boasted about vanished in an instant.
Shattered so thoroughly it was unforgettable what it even was.
To the point where it felt more like a roadside streetlamp than a moon.
Whirlwind plot swept up, Imamura Genji suddenly found himself at the end.
His mind reeled.
His body had been rigid for ages.
Even the cookie video girl amid the end credits' silence hit the same.
Pure shock burst forth.
From start to finish.
All of it.
Imamura Genji was on the verge of falling for that audacity.
'What...?'
Blue Night's Day... the star of this festival?
Flattening Tak Bong-chun's nose...?
'Don't make me laugh.'
In the end, Imamura Genji had to curse himself.
The one getting flattened was him.
Let alone... carrying this whole story.
'That boy is what?'
Just recalling gave him chills.
This festival's star was utterly that boy.
No. More than that.
Wasn't this exactly the kind of thing to stun the people he sought?
Imamura Genji dry-washed his face repeatedly.
To encounter this caliber here of all places.
Emptiness and awe surged.
"...I lost. For real."
He recalled the hallway applause from earlier.
Thinking they'd clapped harder for their home film—what an idiotic notion.
Finally, Imamura Genji stood.
The body that hadn't budged even after Blue Night's Day...
Rose all too easily now.
Applause poured out.
As a fellow filmmaker, he couldn't deny it.
Anyone could see—this was a truly shining comet.
Moreover, Imamura's head was now filled with Innocent Boy.
The greed was overwhelming. He wanted to grab this story right now.
Bring this comet to Japan...!
And starting with Imamura Genji's applause, thunderous clapping filled the screening room once more.
Everyone clapped dazedly over and over.
'How the hell did they pull this off.'
Even those who'd dismissed Innocent Boy.
Even actors jealous of a rookie's spot.
'Who calls this a rookie.'
'...It's a monster.'
Speechless.
The film had ended, yet it didn't feel over. The sensation lingered, sticky on their hands.
Intense, in a word.
Of course, the biggest shock among the audience...
'What... kind of actor did we cast.'
'I-I mean.'
The Brilliant Sky team, who'd done table reads with Shin Yi-han recently and grabbed meals together.
They'd come to cheer him on, sure.
Expecting some great acting from him, yes.
But.
'Even so, I didn't expect this.'
This film had way more surprises.
The Shin Yi-han they met here.
'How is he even better than in Murder's Delusion?'
'How did he pull off acting like this...'
He'd exceeded every expectation.
Like a fully formed monster.
'...I'm gonna get crushed.'
Some grew anxious.
'For real, he's a madman? Our junior?'
Others let out hollow laughs, feeling utterly outpaced.
'Wait... showing this level here means.'
Newflix's Jennifer Kim looked like she'd been smacked upside the head.
'That acting at Yi-han's table read.'
'He held back on purpose. That's it.'
Everyone reeled in their own way.
Still, the applause didn't stop.
And a few days later.
[Top star Baek Eun-won visits Seoul Independent Film Festival?!]
[Baek Eun-won and Go Do-jin! Stop by to cheer on sub-villain Shin Yi-han from Others' Hell!]
[Baek Eun-won graces indie scene after ages! Posing in front of 'Innocent Boy' poster...]
With top stars mobilized on Famous Faces Day, crowds exploded even more.
The week-long Seoul Independent Film Festival.
It wasn't just a success—it achieved the best results even the 50th anniversary couldn't touch.
The grand closing ceremony approached.
At that ceremony's awards...
The festival's outcomes would be finalized.