Secret Weapon at the Endless Frontline Premiere

No wonder Mom and Dad have been getting along so well lately.

The Mise-en-Scène Short Film Festival never really drew much public attention. Sure, it had recognition in film circles, but it lacked mass appeal.

But then...

The story changed completely once Kim Donghu got involved. With his fame from Hide Dream and as the face of Brilliant uniforms, he had all the popular appeal—and then he swept four awards? People couldn't ignore it if they tried.

Especially this one.

Since the films posed subtle questions to society, the ripple effect was huge. A short film hitting 9th on real-time search trends? That said it all.

Communities were buzzing with every kind of rumor that evening. Then, people caught a movie ad on TV.

"...Endless Frontline?"

The scenes screamed Korean War inspiration.

"Do you know how many times this frontline shifted?"

"How many died just to take that one hill!"

Han Taekon flaunted his striking looks confidently. Fierce battles over a single hill. The realism hit hard.

Then...

"...Is it true they have rice and beef soup back home?"

A black screen closed with that short narration. Normally, viewers would guess the voice for fun. But everyone had heard it just days ago.

"No way, is that our Donghu oppa in a movie?!"

He'd already proven his acting chops in shorts. And now, right on cue, he popped up in a commercial blockbuster ad that evening?

Chyararararak!

Riding the Mise-en-Scène four-award momentum, real-time search rankings flipped in an instant. Within ten minutes of the ad airing:

+++++

The Endless Frontline press screening was set for next week, giving me a free week. And I knew exactly how to spend it—the most perfect everyday life.

'Go to school.'

I had to show some effort by meeting middle school attendance requirements.

The moment I got to school, Yerim greeted me like she'd been waiting.

"Donghu! It's been forever since we saw you at school, right?"

"Yeah, this is bad."

I put on a serious face at her words and headed to Gangshik.

"H-Hi, D-Donghu."

"Gangshik, how's the game? How far'd Minhyuk get?"

"Uh, th-that... Minhyuk conquered it right away 'cause of long-term disconnection..."

"...!"

Kim Minhyuk, you bastard. How dare you?

'How many times did I let him off during lunch police-and-thief games?'

Repaying that kindness like this? I pushed aside the shock and chilled at school. Ate cafeteria food for old times' sake, hid in the library during tag when I was about to get caught...

I got the usual texts from Principal Edward Park, who was always around.

Middle school second year, second semester approaching. Time to seriously consider high school.

'Arts high schools need planning now to not be late.'

Not that there was much to think about. The best place for managing celebrity attendance was obvious.

The follow-up KakaoTalk was too much—I shoved my phone in my pocket without reading. Principal Edward Park's golden praise was overwhelming.

'So high school's basically set?'

Does that mean next year with Sujin at the same school?

'She's a fast birthday baby, so a year ahead. I'd be the senior if I go.'

Sujin as my junior. While thinking that...

What? Felt like she was watching. Short reply, and nothing more.

'Oh right, Brilliant uniform event next-next week?'

We'll see each other there after a while. Maybe that's why she didn't say more.

'But you're awfully quiet lately?'

In my leisure time, I checked texts from [Sims - The Real Life].

Usually it'd toss something my way by now, but it'd been dead silent lately.

And as if it noticed late...

Ding! Ding! Ding!

Long-overdue texts from [Sims - The Real Life].

"..."

Sudden sibling announcement. I chuckled hollowly, thinking of Mom and Dad glued together lately.

'Yeah, no wonder they've been so lovey-dovey.'

Getting the news via text? Shocking on multiple levels.

++++++

Time flew to the Endless Frontline press screening day.

Endless Frontline went with a VIP press format. Better for promotion, they figured.

Especially since...

'The public’s already hyped for Endless Frontline.'

With Kim Donghu's four awards boosting buzz, adding critic praise was the strategy.

Click-click-click.

Celebrities posed at the photo wall, flashes exploding. Blinding, but they waved lightly.

"Whoa, he's insanely handsome up close."

"Just looking feels good."

Regulars came for the celebs, content without seeing the film.

Then...

"Kyaaah!"

Heat surged as Han Taekon, Kim Suhwa, arrived. Not just him—Seo Jinu, Go Changshik, the leads gathered for interviews and greetings.

"What should we watch for in this film?"

The MC asked for key points. Han Taekon smiled faintly and ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠answered right away.

"Pay attention to the nameless role actor."

Nameless role? Who? As questions buzzed...

Murmurs rose. Someone approached, drawing a stir.

"Here comes our secret weapon."

The boy bowed to Han Taekon's waving hand.

The mystery figure from the teaser—known but labeled "secret."

"Kim Donghu's really in Endless Frontline?!"

Kim Donghu appeared at the VIP screening. Knowing and confirming were different—shock hit, chaos ensued. How'd he enter? What now?

The surprise left minds wandering.

Then...

Thud!

Lights out, film starts. Invited guests snapped back.

Halfway through Endless Frontline.

'Where is he? Why hasn't he shown?'

'Is Kim Donghu even in this?'

Doubts grew. He was on stage, but no appearance yet.

Then...

"What the hell is revolution that we're dying for?"

Screen shifts fast.

Puk! Puk!

Voice says nothing's there. Only stabbing sounds.

Tok tok.

Something pops. Dirt clears from lens—scene reveals.

First, a cold corpse clutching rations.

"Yeah, I ate it. But is that a problem?"

Next, a blood-splattered boy. No explanation needed.

He stomps the corpse's throat—for food, he killed his comrade.

"Gonna die anyway, so survivors eat more."

Kikigik, kwajik!

Bone snaps. Overwhelming entrance.

'...This is Kim Donghu?'

Otherworldly intensity—goosebumps. Fear crawled like worms.

"For others."

Hoo.

Kim Donghu—no, the student soldier—exhales, breath visible then gone.

"Sister, do others really have it?"

Yearning eyes flash—humanity amid evil.

Audience gaped blankly.

Kwaaak!

Someone gripped armrests like ripping them—Gwanu Beard Kang Sanghun director.

'Kim Donghu...!'

Regaining awe at the acting, he thought.

'Endless Frontline break-even at 4 million...'

But this momentum...

'It's in sight.'

Endless Frontline, 10 million.

Then Kim Donghu: four awards in shorts.

First commercial debut...

'Becomes a 10-million actor?'

How high would he climb? Unimaginable.