Chapter 422: Guest of Honor (1)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 422: Guest of Honor (1)
Spark’s official broadcast schedule concluded with the year-end stage tours across various networks.
However, I had one more task remaining. I had been invited to the Drama Awards for my role in Exclusive Report.
Unlike when I worked as an idol, I had to find a suit specifically for an awards ceremony. Fortunately, I managed to get a sponsorship, allowing me to attend looking quite sharp. Since it had been a while since I’d stepped into "Cheon Yun-seong mode," my biggest concern lately had been how to carry myself.
I also struggled deeply with whether or not to dye over my hair color. Since it was a drama-related event, I considered re-dyeing it to match the character, but fearing it might interfere if I needed bright hair for next year’s activities, I settled for a compromise: toning it down.
“Anyway, you’re definitely going to stand out the most, I-wol.”
“Should I have just dyed it completely black…?”
“If you go black, you have to assume bleaching that hair again will be impossible. Let’s be satisfied with this.”
There was nothing I could do in the face of such a firm judgment. I just had to hope the viewers wouldn't focus too much on 'Cherry Yun-seong.'
Standing on the red carpet with Spark in the past had been awkward, but not difficult. To be precise, I had been too on edge back then, worried about which member might randomly close their eyes during a photo, to feel much else.
Walking the red carpet alone, however, was truly uncomfortable. I felt exactly how one might feel if they were wearing ill-fitting clothes and sitting in someone else’s seat at work. My hair, which was as vibrant as some of the actresses' dresses, drew gazes from every direction.
The solo interview was no easy feat either. I felt like every ounce of public attention was focused solely on me.
“I-wol, I heard this is your first time at the Drama Awards?”
“That’s right. I’m very nervous because my members aren't by my side.”
“You don't look nervous at all! How do you think Exclusive Report’s luck will be with the awards today?”
How could I not be nervous when you ask a question like that! Are you trying to bury me socially?!
Only after passing through the hellish interview and the merciless barrage of flashes was I finally able to step inside the venue. If it weren't for the fans who had come all the way to the photo line to support me, I might have slumped down and wiped away tears before even making it inside.
The Exclusive Report team, whom I hadn't seen in a while, was as harmonious as ever. As soon as they saw me, everyone started mimicking Spark’s ending pose from the Music Grand Festival.
“Young Master, how could you quit management and jump into the idol market like this!”
“Division Chief Go lost his job because he had no place to return to, Young Master!”
“Please, stop it…!”
It was a struggle to suppress the urge to run back to the dorm immediately. Half of my pre-stocked social battery evaporated before I even sat down.
It might sound materialistic, but my first impression of the Drama Awards was simple.
It’s warm.
After shivering in massive concert halls in the dead of winter, being indoors was heaven. Which is better: opening a venue to more fans or providing a comfortable environment for a smaller audience? I believe it’s time for industry insiders to give this some serious thought.
If an idol’s year-end stage felt like a year-end party, the actors' Drama Awards felt more like a year-end tax settlement.
Unlike the singer sections where everyone had to sit in rows, the round tables at the front were perfect for conversation. Even before the live broadcast began, people were busy exchanging greetings.
“Our PD needs to take home an award.”
“Do I even have enough seniority for that?”
Jeon PD waved off the comment. Even though no other drama had pulled ratings as high as Exclusive Report, there was a palpable sense that no one knew how the influence of high-ranking officials might play out.
Still, a different energy began to flow once the cameras started rolling. On the electronic display, the broadcast title appeared alongside a visual effect of red curtains—the symbol of the awards ceremony—opening.
“…As this marks the 40th anniversary, this event feels even more meaningful.”
The broadcast officially began with the introduction of the hosts and some small talk. The celebratory performances, Rookie Award, Popularity Award, and Best Couple Award were announced in order.
The Ham I-seo and Gong Ji-chan couple ended up as mere nominees for the Best Couple Award. It seemed to be because the drama emphasized comradeship over a romantic narrative.
Well, in life, there’s this kind of love and that kind of love. I wish the broadcasting station would pay more attention to the narratives of 'united-in-purpose' couples.
Next was the Excellence Award. This was the reason I had been invited today.
I’m a nominee for the Excellence Award?
Since I had ended up as a nominee for an award I never expected in my life, I couldn't avoid attending. I had intended to refrain from attending events not related to the group as much as possible, but I had to come, if only out of respect for the other nominees.
“Let’s take a look at the VCR for Exclusive Report’s Cheon Yun-seong.”
My face filled the massive screen. The funeral of the (former) Chairman Cheon, the filming scenes at Haneulchae, and Cheon Yun-seong’s final moments passed by like a movie film.
While the videos for the other nominees played, I checked where they were sitting. I was fully prepared to give the loudest applause no matter whose name was called. Since we were fellow nominees, I felt it would be rude not to know what works they had done, so even if I couldn't watch them in full, I had binged the clips. Now, I was confident I could recite the lines for whatever meme-worthy scene might pop up.
“The winner of the Excellence Award at the 40th Drama Awards is…”
“Kim I-wol for the role of Cheon Yun-seong in Exclusive Report! Congratulations!”
Reflexively, I started looking for Kim I-wol’s seat before freezing. Me?
“I-wol, congratulations!”
“What are you doing? Get out there!”
Before I could even ask if my name had really been called, someone plucked me from my chair like a radish being pulled from the ground. The only person capable of this was the Division Chief… no, I mean, my senior, Woo Yun-jae.
As I ascended the stage to thunderous applause, the background displayed a massive photo of Cheon Yun-seong and my name in giant letters.
After shaking hands, the trophy was handed to me. My name was clearly engraved on the crystal trophy as well. When I came to my senses, a microphone for the acceptance speech was right in front of me.
“…Hello, I am Kim I-wol of Spark, who played Cheon Yun-seong in Exclusive Report.”
It was a huge relief that I had experience giving acceptance speeches as an idol. Otherwise, I would have had to navigate this crisis using only my experience with OJT and business status reports.
It also helped immensely that the people at the Exclusive Report table right in front of me were cheering with both hands, even if they weren't making a sound. A smile quickly returned to my face.
“I’ve received such a precious award so unexpectedly that I’m struggling to find the right words.”
A request appeared on the prompter installed below the stage: ‘Please take your time with the speech.’ I was now receiving as much attention as the extra time I’d been given.
In times like this, there are usually two things to say: make a comment that fans of the work can enjoy, and express necessary gratitude.
“I am happy to finally see the world without Cheonju Group, something I wanted to achieve until the very end. It makes coming back to life feel worthwhile.”
I spoke from a dual perspective—both the ending of the work and reality—and thankfully, everyone understood immediately. I almost became that person who has to explain a failed joke in detail.
“I would like to thank the writer and PD for giving me this great opportunity, the production staff and seniors who took such good care of me on set, and especially Senior Woo Yun-jae, who spent the most time with me.”
Woo Yun-jae made a finger heart. And here he was, saying he was too shy to even appear on variety shows. He keeps touching my heart in the most unexpected ways.
“Above all, I want to thank my members and the fans who supported me to the end so that I wouldn't be afraid of a new challenge. Spark, Sparklers! I love you and thank you.”
Familiar lightsticks waved frantically in the audience. Since my hands were occupied with the bouquet and the trophy, I did my best to respond with a smile.
Even after returning to my seat, congratulations poured in. I felt like I was sitting on pins and needles. I did nothing but bow repeatedly and say thank you.
The actor who played Gong Ji-chan was nominated for the Top Excellence Award—it seemed they selected nominees to avoid overlapping since So Sae-young was a candidate for the Grand Prize—but he didn't win. It appeared that while the chemistry between the leads was well-received, the male lead’s solo scenes hadn't been as big a hit.
Exclusive Report was also mentioned as a nominee for the Best Drama Award. The camera panned to our table once more. A close-up of So Sae-young, her hands tightly clasped, appeared on screen.
“Best Drama! Exclusive Report!”
A fanfare erupted along with cheers so loud they made my ears ring. Jeon PD took to the stage as the representative.
“I used to think that just creating a work was a happy enough life… but receiving this award makes me realize how narrow-minded I was. If I had known it would be this overwhelming, I should have lived with a bit more ambition.”
Laughter broke out at his honest sentiment. But soon, the PD’s eyes welled up with tears.
“This is the result of the writer, the actors, and the staff all doing their best with one heart. I was happy to run as one team with colleagues I respect. I dedicate this award to everyone who participated. Thank you!”
As someone who had received more than enough consideration and help from the PD, I gave him my heartiest applause.
Seeing the success of someone who knows how to credit those around them made me as happy as if it were my own. His artistic merit and directing skills were proven by his talent, and his reputation among the production crew was excellent, so the PD’s directing career would surely be a smooth road ahead.
And finally, the long-awaited Grand Prize…
“To the viewers who supported and loved Ham I-seo’s journey, thank you. I will not forget the love I’ve received and will repay it as an actress through my acting! Thank you for subscribing to Exclusive Report!”
…It went to So Sae-young, who had successfully exposed the corruption of a conglomerate through her 'exclusive report' and ultimately realized social justice.
The camera also caught the tears of her partner who had performed alongside her. I clapped until my palms hurt for Ham I-seo, who had fulfilled Cheon Yun-seong’s dream in a fair and square manner, and even took a group photo thanks to the glory of the Grand Prize winner.
“What should we do? Shouldn't our team get together separately for a dinner later?”
“Another wrap party?”
“Let’s do it, let’s do it. It’s on me.”
With So Sae-young’s generous words, a 'Wrap Party Again~ Long Live Exclusive Report~' was scheduled in an instant. The PD said he would cover the second round, and the date and restaurant were decided with lightning speed.
After promising to meet before the year ended, I was leaving the venue to join my manager when I heard a familiar voice.
“I-wol.”
“Yes, Senior.”
“Let’s head down together.”
…It was Gu Ja-han.