Chapter 93
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 93
Chapter Title: Awards Ceremony
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Dark stage.
Blue lights shone brilliantly in decoration.
Under the central lighting that read BLUE DRAGON FILM AWARDS, handsome men and women in glamorous dresses and tuxedos ascended.
Last year's award winners.
One of the male actors glanced at his cue card and spoke into the microphone.
"Then, we will announce the winner of the Best New Actor Award for the 42nd Blue Dragon Film Awards!"
At that moment, the giant screen began broadcasting the faces of the five Best New Actor nominees, split across the display.
- Huh?!
Short gasps echoed from various spots here and there.
A male actor looking up at the screen at a slight angle with an awkward smile, another clasping his hands with a tense expression, one who had been chatting with nearby actors but suddenly stared at the screen intently.
In the midst of them.
A man's face appeared on screen, calm with the faintest trace of a smile.
Compared to the other actors, his expression was so relaxed and serene...
And beautiful.
Even the actors invited to this Blue Dragon Film Awards—where only the true elite of actors gathered—couldn't help exhaling sharply upon seeing that face.
Especially those who hadn't yet seen him in person.
The male actor announcing the award from the stage dragged out his words a bit to build tension, but the suspense he intended showed no sign of forming.
"The Best New Actor Award goes to Jung Woo-jin of Just Friends. Congratulations!"
With his words, the camera broadcasting Jung Woo-jin's face expanded to the main feed, showing him seated on the screen.
Jung Woo-jin wore a simple tuxedo, yet it sparkled around him as if fairy dust had been sprinkled.
The small smile at the corner of his mouth spread across his entire face into a broad grin as he rose from his seat.
The faces of the attendees visible behind him were a sight to behold.
Their expressions varied individually, but all shared wide-eyed shock.
Im Eun-ha, seated beside Jung Woo-jin in her black dress, smiled and gave his back a gentle nudge. Only then did he begin strolling leisurely toward the stage.
It wasn't model walking.
But his legs moved at a metronome-steady pace, his upper body straight and poised, making his stride dignified and stylish.
After receiving the golden trophy from the actor who had announced the award on stage, Jung Woo-jin stood before the stand microphone.
The mic was positioned slightly low for his height, but he didn't awkwardly bend down—instead, he stood tall and began his acceptance speech.
"This is Jung Woo-jin, who played Ho-young in Just Friends. First, I want to thank Director Min Woo-jung, Im Eun-ha, and all the countless staff and crew who passionately worked alongside me through the shoot."
As he delivered his speech, Jung Woo-jin smiled and slowly scanned the room.
Expressing genuine joy as if truly savoring the moment, without losing his composure, he thanked various figures before sharing his final aspiration.
"I know many fans have felt frustrated by my limited media presence. But I'm in a good mood because I think I'll have good news soon. I'll be back before long with a great project. Thank you!"
Finishing his speech, Jung Woo-jin stepped back from the mic and bowed deeply.
He then waved as he descended the stage.
The camera panned to Director Min Woo-jung and Im Eun-ha waiting for him.
Director Min Woo-jung poked the dazed Im Eun-ha in the side. Only then did she look at the screen with an embarrassed smile.
The group dinner held in a rented hotel event hall.
Finger foods and drinks were prepared everywhere like a party, and actors and industry figures in fine attire gathered in small groups, chatting animatedly.
The Just Friends team was no exception.
Director Min Woo-jung, looking pleased as she sipped champagne, asked Jung Woo-jin,
"Good news? Woo-jin, have you locked in a project? I heard Park Min-jung is prepping a drama—maybe that?"
Im Eun-ha leaned in from beside the director.
"Wow! Oppa, really? I'm eyeing that Park Min-jung drama too...!"
"No. It's not domestic."
His bombshell declaration startled everyone.
"R-Really?"
Director Min Woo-jung, who had started loudly in surprise, lowered her voice and continued to Woo-jin.
"Not domestic... then maybe Japan? Woo-jin, you speak Japanese too? That doesn't make sense...?"
"O-Oppa. If it's Japanese study, want me to help?"
The two leaned toward Woo-jin like they'd landed a scoop.
It made sense—Korean actors occasionally appearing in Japanese dramas or films wasn't unheard of, though rare.
Especially for Im Eun-ha, who had been active in Japan and often received offers there, her eyes sparkled.
But Jung Woo-jin raised his cocktail glass to the two women and said,
"No. Not Japan either."
"Hm?"
"Eh?"
Puzzled murmurs escaped their lips.
"Not domestic, not Japan, not China... no way?"
Director Min Woo-jung stared at Jung Woo-jin with wide, surprised eyes, but he merely smiled quietly.
"O-Oppa, you're really going Hollywood?"
Only after Im Eun-ha shook his arm, questioning if it was truly Hollywood, did Jung Woo-jin reply.
"It's not officially announced by the production company yet, so it's hard to say, but yes, the contract is done."
"Wow! I always thought Actor Woo-jin would go global someday, but so soon! Congrats!"
"Oppa, congrats for real!"
They raised their champagne glasses in sincere celebration.
As they chatted amiably,
Director Min Woo-jung pretended to cover her mouth with her hand and said to Jung Woo-jin,
"Woo-jin, look over there. Everyone's glancing this way, waiting for you to show up. I've got directors to chat with, so don't worry—go mingle with the other actors, you and Eun-ha."
It was true.
In the vast hall buzzing with the afterparty, more people were mingling and snacking on finger foods than sitting for meals.
Groups of actors together, actors chatting with famous directors, even agency reps huddled in discussion—everywhere.
But amid all that, the subtle focus of attention.
Was the table where Jung Woo-jin sat with the Just Friends team.
The hottest topic at this Blue Dragon Film Awards was undoubtedly rookie actor Jung Woo-jin.
Not even Best Actor—just Best New Actor.
Though it was only Best New Actor this year, many agreed he could aim for Best Supporting Actor next year at least.
That brief scene from Inner Beauty, which drew ten million viewers.
Though only about five minutes of screen time, if you asked what was the hottest clip in Korea this year, nine out of ten would recall that one—its impact was that strong.
Numerous advertisers had sought Jung Woo-jin, but he was holding off for some reason—a open secret in the industry.
Rumors swirled that Stone Actors, his agency, was buried under scripts and scenarios from film and drama productions prepping projects.
Yet the man at the center of it all remained utterly silent.
Incomprehensible why someone so central to the buzz avoided media exposure.
Interest in his next move skyrocketed.
Especially after the hint at the end of his acceptance speech.
"Park Min-jung, maybe? Heard she's already locked in a big production company."
"She's a contender, but Director Kim Ho-jun's prepping a comeback too. Maybe he's already in that camp."
"Not sure, but there was that rumor about Jung Woo-jin heading overseas? Sounded like the US. He showed fluent English in Just Friends, so maybe a small role in a Hollywood flick?"
As industry insiders debated fervently,
Han Woo-hee was at the center among the actors, especially swarmed by female actresses.
"Sunbae, Inner Beauty was so fun! You'll sweep awards next year, right?"
"H-How was Woo-jin? You acted together. What was matching breaths with him like?"
"Ugh, when Woo-jin went up on stage, I thought my breath stopped. Wonder what it'd feel like breathing the same air up close...?"
Han Woo-hee crossed her arms and slightly closed her eyes.
As if recalling that moment.
"Hm. Well? He's pretty good for a rookie, sure. But still—"
Then a familiar voice reached the closed-eyed Han Woo-hee.
"Hello?"
Her eyes snapped open involuntarily, landing on one person.
He glanced around the female actors who had suddenly gone silent, mouths covered, greeted them, then turned back to Han Woo-hee.
"Nice to meet you, sunbaes. Sounds like an interesting conversation. Mind if we join?"