Chapter 82

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Translator: Wjin

Chapter: 082

Chapter Title: God's Masterstroke

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Short film wins the contest.

'Th-this goes beyond just a gift...!'

'Results come out this fast?!'

This wasn't ordinary news by any stretch.

For starters, it wasn't even a contest held in Korea.

No matter how overflowing short film contests were across America's vast landscape.

This particular one was hosted by America's major horror film company, 'A Haunted House.'

Choo Gyeo-ul couldn't help but beam with a wide smile.

It was a festival that wasn't well-known in Korea but already drew massive interest from U.S. horror enthusiasts.

Upon proper research, she discovered it generated huge buzz on NewTube every year.

And Yi-han had pierced through all the entries from America's top horror directors.

To clinch the win in one shot, no less.

A short film starring a Korean actor and directed by a comedian, at that.

Choo Gyeo-ul had received the final edited version via email and checked it out.

'It was already an extraordinary piece.'

To the point where it hardly felt like a horror short, with its insane pull and vividness...

'I figured something would happen.'

But given the flood of powerhouse entries expected, the shock was inevitable.

This was proof that Shin Yi-han's acting had landed solidly even in Hollywood.

And simultaneously, it meant his potential as an actor had expanded dramatically.

Especially since he'd created all this buzz single-handedly.

'How can we just sit still...!'

As agency CEO, Choo Gyeo-ul's heart raced.

'We need to spread the word properly—starting with opening the fan cafe ASAP!'

'Releasing in a week?! That's insanely tight!'

With the short film set to drop on NewTube in a week, accelerating the fan cafe launch was a no-brainer.

Shin Yi-han's filmography: five works total.

Two dramas in supporting roles, two indie films.

One Newflix drama as a sub-villain.

For someone who'd debuted not long ago, it was a hefty lineup—and everyone acknowledged that much.

But there was no helping it.

Fans always felt starved for more.

The more they watched his acting, the more they anticipated what he'd bring next.

Since he rarely showed personal sides, fans couldn't help feeling the void.

No official NewTube or fan cafe yet.

StarTalk, his sole SNS, was their only hangout—but even that had gone quiet since the last post celebrating Murder's Delusion Part 2 wrap party pics.

In the end, fans wandered other communities in search.

The only info out was that it was a Joseon zombie flick—which was the problem.

All they could do was vent lightly to each other.

Then, amid that, glad tidings arrived for the wandering fans.

Ding!

The notice had gone up on StarTalk, their one line of communication.

Fan cafe opening.

The words everyone had awaited.

Fans rushed to the fan cafe in joy.

And there it was.

Shin Yi-han's fan cafe, crafted with care under Choo Gyeo-ul's direction.

Incoming fans marveled at every corner plastered with his photos.

[Murder's Delusion_Unseen Pics]

[Flame_Unseen Pics]

......

[Others' Hell_Unseen Pics]

The pre-uploaded unseen shots caused absolute chaos.

The old grudges from sparse crumbs melted away.

Lurkers everywhere started joining en masse thanks to the unseen pic flood.

They were already posting and reveling among themselves.

Bound by fandom, they freely gushed without restraint.

An hour later.

Today's reveal wasn't just work unseen pics.

[Kindergarten_Unseen Pics]

Even childhood snaps lovingly saved in sister Shin I-rim's phone album.

The explosive reactions were par for the course.

Fans' empty hearts filled to bursting.

A festival vibe took over.

Shin Yi-han couldn't stop chuckling.

'So many comments on just a few pics.'

Amazed.

That crowds came for him.

That they loved both his acting self and real self.

Yi-han scrolled through comments and posts.

Pure joy, inevitably.

All praise, as fellow fans.

Honestly, he'd worried dumping unseen pics might burden folks.

But now? Perfect call.

Manager Na Seon-yong beside him grinned proudly too.

Fun as a fan, and as his manager.

'Yes! This is it!'

Finally, true fans who got it!

'See?! Acting and real him both slay!'

Na Seon-yong nodded furiously, smashing likes.

Hm?

One odd thing, though.

"Hyung Yi-han."

Na Seon-yong, refreshing nonstop, rubbed his eyes and spoke.

"Yeah?"

"Is this ours? Numbers look weird."

The fan cafe memberships had surged beyond expectations mere hours in.

"Already 2,000."

"Huh...?"

"No—now 3,000?!"

"...!"

Even with Newflix boosting his fame.

Hard to believe in just two hours.

"Gasp! At this rate."

One plan could accelerate.

"We can spill on the Handshake short sooner?!"

Originally, they'd post the contest notice after steady buildup.

To reach max fans.

But no need to wait now.

That evening.

As fans gathered, a new notice popped for them.

Ding!

Everyone flocked excitedly.

The post was simple, with one attached pic: Yi-han from the Handshake shoot day.

A curiosity-sparking photo.

Countdown begun.

No one guessed it was the Handshake short's NewTube release date.

The day after fan cafe launch.

Memberships smashed 6,000 overnight.

Affirming the fans who'd waited.

Popularity confirmed.

Today's second notice drew massive eyes.

Attached: Yi-han lounging on a sofa.

Precisely, behind-the-scenes from the short film shoot.

Even sparse clues sparked full speculation.

Yi-han, the man himself.

'Sharp eyes, everyone.'

Heh heh. Couldn't help a small laugh at the reactions.

Just as eager for D-day himself, the wait wasn't dull.

Well, he had zero boring time anyway.

Tamra prep kept him slammed.

Red Film's audition room.

"Yi-han! Come on in!"

Yi-han smiled at Kwak Hoon's welcome.

Honestly, a bit pumped.

Leads rarely hit auditions, but unavoidable.

Joseon zombie flick Tamra.

Today: casting the deposed boy king at its core.

Specifically, meeting actor Lee Do-ha.

10 years younger than past life's version, but closest acting bond.

Yi-han couldn't help anticipating.

Said it once: the actor I envied most in past life.

Embarrassing, but true then.

Unlike me, scarred and camera-shy, he shone blindingly.

Top-tier, no doubt.

The closer the time, the more curious his kid days.

No one as hyped as Yi-han, though.

Resume? Bare. Low-res pic.

Red Film staff: zero expectations.

'Lee Do-ha?'

'Sure, audition him.'

'But Tamra's key role to a no-experience kid? Nah.'

Nearly co-lead.

Had to outact adults.

'Even if writer recommended... pushing it.'

'Hm. Some reason? Dunno.'

Trust in writer aside, no warm fuzzies.

'Next up's that theater kid anyway.'

'Oh, him! Buzz says killer actor...!'

'For real?'

'Yeah, he'll get it.'

Hearts set on another child actor long ago.

Only Kwak Hoon curiously awaited little Do-ha.

Yi-han—writer and lead—recommended him.

'How not to wonder...!'

Yi-han's signature instinct at play? Some gem they spotted?

Kwak Hoon sat, thrilled.

"First applicant, Lee Do-ha. Enter!"

Audition underway.

Moment thick with doubt and curiosity.

Just 10 years old.

With a guardian who could pass for grandma, Lee Do-ha entered.

Staffers stirred.

"Hello!"

Beaming greeting, zero nerves.

"I'm Lee Do-ha!"

Real-life visuals worlds beyond the resume pic—idol material, no question.

"...?!"

"...!"

Eyes widened all around.

Uh...

Wait.

Did we summon an angel...?

He slotted perfectly into everyone's hearts.