Chapter 91
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Translator: Wjin
Chapter: 091
Chapter Title: Short Film Awards Ceremony
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A modern-day exorcism tale penned by a "famous director."
The film starring that very "Kevin Peters" in the lead role.
Just those two factors alone had drawn massive attention even before production began.
In Hollywood circles, it was already being treated like a guaranteed box-office hit.
Naturally, the crew's shoulders were riding high as a result.
They'd been charging through the shoot with the bold confidence of being part of Hellbound.
And with their egos inflated like that,
it was perhaps inevitable that they'd look down on the outsider, Shin Yi-han.
"Why put an Asian guy in such an important role?"
"It obviously needs to be a white actor like Kevin to make the visuals pop!"
Top-tier actors—who were practically flying high already—had reached out multiple times, begging for the punk side character role.
Stars whose mere presence guaranteed buzz and ticket sales.
And in that context? A Korean actor.
"John's tastes are so quirky. Why'd he even contact someone from over there?"
"Koreans are short, aren't they? A little kid like that just doesn't fit our movie."
There were just too many reasons he rubbed them the wrong way.
"Honestly, Hell of Others? That Newflix drama with him was fun, sure. But that's a Korean show. They should stick to their own stuff."
Yet some of the Hellbound crew who had tagged along with casting director John to check out the horror short film awards
found their minds suddenly changing that very day.
The moment they actually watched the short film Handshake.
"He's really a Korean actor?"
"Everything about it was... perfect."
"No. More than perfect."
All their preconceptions shattered in an instant.
They were genuinely stunned.
They could tell right away: Shin Yi-han was an actor like no other.
And the crew, who were closest to the action on set, felt it even more acutely.
"I get why John called Yi-han in for the audition now..."
"The vibe is good. Too good."
Even after leaving the theater, their heads nodded in agreement on reflex.
They were even starting to look forward to the audition in two days.
Wondering just how Shin Yi-han's acting would come across up close and personal.
But their expectations came with a caveat.
"Of course... that doesn't mean he'll get cast."
"If he's lucky, maybe a different supporting role."
They still figured his chances were slim to none. Sure, he was impressive, but from the start, Shin Yi-han wasn't getting picked.
This was Hollywood.
Hollywood, where A-listers poured out in droves.
The crew shrugged with regret.
But then they spotted him—Shin Yi-han, walking over from afar with John.
"Uh..."
As his silhouette sharpened into focus,
"Huh?"
the shock from watching the short film hit them all over again.
"...?!"
Tall and stately, with long legs, a small face, and a suit that hugged his unreal proportions to perfection.
"Wha—huh?"
"M-maybe he does have a shot...?"
The crew could only gape in stunned silence.
It wasn't just his killer looks. The subtle smile tugging at his lips, the way his eyes locked onto people.
He exuded an irresistible charm that made it hard to believe this was the same actor from the short film.
He held his own against any "Hollywood actor" they knew.
If anything, he felt fresher.
"Yi-han's real-life presence is... like this?"
"Never thought an Asian guy could pull off this kind of appeal."
"Insane."
It was the gut instinct of industry veterans.
They couldn't quite put it into words, but something told them this guy was destined for big things—and the right ones.
And casting director John felt exactly the same.
John's face lit up instantly.
Shin Yi-han didn't look like a high schooler at all—not even close.
The fidgety transfer student desperate to fit in with his friends from the short film? Nowhere in sight.
Even that youthful vibe had been Shin Yi-han's doing, crafted through his signature gestures, expressions, and delivery.
A chill ran down John's spine.
He scanned Shin Yi-han from head to toe, not missing a detail.
All his worries evaporated, from start to finish.
Solid build, height matching Kevin Peters, a face that commanded attention.
Far from fragile—his gaze was steely and assured.
And the crisp black jacket buttoned to the collar, white shirt, perfectly knotted tie without a single flaw.
This neat, ascetic aura.
Whether it was intentional or just his natural vibe, John couldn't tell.
But it instantly brought to mind Yohan, the priest role in Hellbound.
Just drape a clerical robe over that frame,
and it'd fit like it was made for him.
John was convinced anew: his eyes hadn't deceived him.
"Bobby!"
He couldn't help charging toward his acquaintance ahead.
Even knowing it was rude to butt in.
"Long time no see!"
How could he hold back?
In truth, Shin Yi-han had headed straight here the moment he landed in the U.S.
After nothing more than a quick change of clothes.
Sure, there was still time before the awards, so he could've rested at the hotel.
But a film festival-style awards ceremony? As a writer and actor, how could he resist?
Especially the chance to see his short film projected on a massive screen.
Shin Yi-han made his way there with eager steps.
"Yi-han!"
The instant he entered the theater for A Haunted House with his manager, Jason Yoon,
"Jason! Good to see you!"
Bobby Park came into view, waving enthusiastically our way.
"How've you been, Bobby?"
"Great, of course!"
Shin Yi-han couldn't help greeting him warmly. Bobby's bright expression was a joy to behold.
Shin Yi-han grinned wide.
"Whoa! Yi-han, something's different about you."
Bobby Park's eyes went round at Shin Yi-han's subtly transformed presence after just a short time apart.
"Taller somehow? No, way more impressive!"
Bobby exclaimed in shock.
"Really?"
"Totally!"
Shin Yi-han smiled contentedly at Bobby's admiration.
"Glad it's noticeable."
He really had changed a bit.
Last time they'd met, he'd been slimmed down for the role of Geum Seong-je in the Newflix drama Hell of Others.
Now, he was bulking up with intense workouts for his bodyguard samurai in the Joseon zombie flick.
It would've been a shame if no one noticed.
Especially with his chicken-breast-only diet these days... Ahem.
Not that he'd gone overboard with the muscle. He had no intention of turning into a hulking brute like Jason.
Moderation was key.
Just enough to fit the samurai "Moo-young."
"Your vibe right now? Perfect for Hellbound."
And that warrior look might even echo a priest's in some ways.
"You look just like a priest!"
Bobby's praises kept coming.
Shin Yi-han couldn't help smiling, pleased.
He'd put some thought into his outfit, after all.
A sharp suit—clean and understated over flashy.
Hoping it'd leave a good impression on Kevin Peters, whom he might run into today.
In America, getting closer to Yohan from Hellbound seemed wise.
But...
He hadn't expected his hunch to hit so spot-on, so soon.
Mid-conversation with Bobby,
"Bobby!"
Someone approached.
A stocky white guy with a distinctive brown beard.
"Oh? John!"
Recognizing him, Bobby lit up and waved back.
"Perfect timing! You know him, but this is Yi-han."
Bobby made the introductions.
"Yi-han, this is John Carter. Casting director for Hellbound. The guy who asked me for your contact!"
Shin Yi-han was thrilled to meet him.
Whoa. Running into him like this.
The very man who'd offered the audition slot. Shin Yi-han extended his hand with a soft smile.
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Carter."
John's eyes sparkled at the sight.
Up close, he was even more captivating.
A young star radiating charm that the screen couldn't fully capture.
"Looking forward to working with you."
"Me too...! Really, truly! The pleasure's mine!"
Seeing potential, John shook Shin Yi-han's hand vigorously, voice buzzing with excitement.
An actor perfect in skill and looks—enough to convince everyone.
How could he not be thrilled by Shin Yi-han's real presence?
No telling how the audition in two days would go, but as casting director, John felt secure his reputation was safe.
No scolding for suggesting the audition. They'd praise him for unearthing a gem!
John breathed a full sigh of relief.
And that's when it happened.
Not just John had spotted Shin Yi-han.
"He'd fit right in."
A low, weighty mutter reached them.
It was Kevin Peters, lead actor of Hellbound, drawing near.
Kevin eyed Shin Yi-han with utter satisfaction.
"Nice to meet you, Yi-han."
He even nodded and offered his hand first.
That signature relaxed poise, laced with curiosity.
A gaze saying he exceeded expectations.
"First time meeting. Pleasure."
Shin Yi-han shook it with a smile.
The thought hit him square:
Ah. So this is the guy.
His instincts screamed it.
This might be the one who'd recommended him for Hellbound.
The way Kevin already seemed taken with him.
Kevin Peters—one of the judges for the horror short film contest.
A strange thrill stirred in Shin Yi-han.
"Thanks to you, I'm really looking forward to the audition coming up."
Kevin shook his hand lightly a couple times, his dimples deepening in a broad grin.
Shin Yi-han smiled back.
"Me too."
This was a face he'd seen countless times on screen, right in front of him.
Wearing a friendly expression, no less.
Shin Yi-han was genuinely excited now.
Someone he'd never dreamed of acting with. He didn't want to let this chance slip away in front of Kevin Peters.
Acting alongside a Hollywood survivor who was only headed higher—what would that feel like?
Just imagining it curved Shin Yi-han's lips into a smile.
John, watching their greeting,
wondered the same.
For real.
...This combo works. Perfectly.
He was already sold on Kevin and Yi-han together.
John wanted Yi-han even more.
That delicate chemistry—aware of each other yet respecting boundaries. Two utterly different men blending seamlessly.
If he were the director, he'd lock it in on sight.
A two-shot made in heaven.
If Yi-han landed Yohan, the results would be explosive.
Problem was, he was just the casting director.
John sighed inwardly.
He could suggest, but the director decided.
If only that guy wasn't on the shortlist... he'd have a real shot. What a shame.
The strongest contender came to mind naturally.
An actor whose audition entry had been a late addition, like Yi-han.
A rising star drawing Hollywood eyes,
and the director's favorite rookie.
Yeah... it's tough.
Unless a miracle happened.
How to beat that actor.
Relief that his face wouldn't be lost over picking Yi-han was short-lived.
The more he liked Shin Yi-han, the deeper the regret gnawed.
After that unexpected encounter with casting director John and Kevin Peters,
Shin Yi-han wandered the festival with manager Jason Yoon, enjoying Handshake and other shorts.
Then, as evening hit, he headed to the auditorium for the awards ceremony.
With audiences and industry folks gathered,
"You guys saw that short film Handshake? Absolute gold!"
"Huge fan, Yi-han!"
there were plenty of encounters.
"Mind if I give you my card?"
"Can I send a script to your agency?"
Only when Jason's jacket pocket was stuffed with business cards did the ceremony kick off.
Jason struggled hilariously with the English barrage, but for Shin Yi-han, it was a blast.
Especially surrounded by true horror short film fanatics.
And soon after,
following awards for finalists that didn't quite take top prizes,
the highlight arrived.
"Congratulations! 28th Grand Prize winner!"
Proving it the top entry, our film was called last.
"Bobby Park! Short film Handshake!"
Roooar! Amid roaring applause, Bobby bounded onstage.
"Oh my God!"
True to comedian form, hoisting the trophy high sparked laughter.
"I can't believe this!"
Even knowing the results, Bobby beamed with uncontainable joy.
To the public, just a mere comedian,
"Thank you. Truly, thank you!"
he poured overwhelming gratitude into his voice—never dreamed he'd win an actual film award.
"I share this honor with Handshake's star and greatest actor, Yi-han!"
Bobby's elation had Shin Yi-han grinning ear to ear.
He clapped, celebrating his accelerated future.
Talent that would've surfaced eventually,
but sooner than in his past life.
Shin Yi-han smiled wider, savoring the secret only he knew.
Bobby milked the win post-ceremony too, grinning nonstop at the afterparty.
"Already gotta go?!"
Sadly, Shin Yi-han couldn't stay long.
"Such a bummer...!"
"Can't exactly hold him back."
He'd come purely to celebrate the contest awards.
His real U.S. goal was elsewhere.
"Hope it goes great!"
"Good luck, Yi-han!"
The Hellbound audition in two days.
Jet lag to shake off, condition to peak.
Shin Yi-han headed back to the hotel early.
The next morning, bright and early,
another surprise encounter unfolded.
While jogging laps in a nearby park,
"Sup."
A tall blond guy passed by, tossing it out.
"...?"
Shin Yi-han nodded anyway,
and the guy sped up, overtaking him.
Like it was beneath him or something.