First Rookie Award (2)
The day before the awards ceremony. Director Lee Sungdeok was doing his utmost to steady his trembling hands.
I have to contact him. I really should.
The reason for his shakes? None other than the sheer nerves of reaching out to actor Kim Donghu. He should've called ages ago, but the tension had dragged it out until the eve of the Blue Dragon Film Awards.
There's a real shot at winning. I can't not tell him.
Typically, short films need advance submissions for festivals—docs and footage reviewed, then you wait. But Hero had boldly landed a nomination for Best Short Film. It felt inevitable, really. A film with four mise-en-scène awards snubbed? Absurd.
That very success weighed heavier on Director Lee Sungdeok.
My little short next to a ten-million-ticket blockbuster.
In any other scenario, no pressure. But the lead actor in his short was starring in that blockbuster. It gnawed at him.
If I were him, I'd blow off the short for the big film. Should I even bother asking?
His fragile nerves spun endless worries, but his fingers dutifully tapped out a message to Kim Donghu: something about a shot at Best Short Film—could he join for the red carpet?
Expecting rejection, he was floored by the swift reply.
I'm going with Hero no question.
Kim Donghu's crisp response hit like lightning. Director Lee Sungdeok yelped in shock.
++++++
That's how it happened—our steps on the Hero red carpet felt light and bouncy.
Director's so nervous for me, I'm actually chill.
My first red carpet as an actor. Flashes exploding, crowds' stares pouring in. Normally overwhelming, but with someone more wrecked beside me, it was fine.
"K-K-Kim Donghu... it's not too late, ditch me for Endless Frontline..!"
"What're you saying? I'd get pelted with stones."
I teased back, swiftly supporting the director. More folks were coming—time to hit the photo zone.
"Yes! Just arriving now, Director Lee Sungdeok and actor Kim Donghu of the short film Hero!"
The MC greeted us with a dazzling smile. Seeing it, the director's burden doubled—he ducked his head.
As expected. I beamed brightly, bowing deeply.
"Thank you for the warm welcome."
"Th-thank you... uh, hello!"
"Director seems super tense—makes Kim Donghu look totally relaxed by comparison."
"All thanks to your kind eyes."
"Now, we have to ask: any award speech ready?"
Award acceptance speech.
What to say to keep it light and smooth?
Before I could ponder...
"I believe without a doubt we'll win. Kim Donghu is the best."
Director Lee Sungdeok, who could barely speak moments ago, unleashed a fluent torrent. He'd been hunched and mumbling seconds prior?
Past forgotten, his eyes sharp, he doubled down.
"We'll deliver for the fans' expectations. Thank you."
Since when's he this eloquent?
++++++
Red carpet wrapped, the Blue Dragon Film Awards kicked off properly with opening declarations and performances.
The MCs' witty banter led into a refined, dignified show fitting the event.
Or so they said. It's boring as hell.
Just like on TV—draggingly loose. Sans awards, pure tedium. No big performances, so I focused on stifling yawns.
"That face desperately hiding mega boredom?"
Han Taekon popped up like he'd been waiting.
"H-H-Han... Taekon..."
Director Lee Sungdeok tensed like he'd seen a ghost.
Used to it, Han Taekon slid naturally beside me.
"Senior, you can sit here?"
"Seats are assigned, but Hero and Endless Frontline are one team originally—no issue, right Director?"
"Y-Y-Yes, exactly."
"Good. Then I'll sit."
Not me—Director Kang Sanghun of Endless Frontline, with his Guan Yu beard, plopped down by Lee Sungdeok. Table had plenty of chairs for the whole team.
But this herd migration? Surprise!
I blinked in shock; Han Taekon joked lightly.
"Our maknae ditching us for a short... boo hoo."
"Haha, right? Smart choice—can't ditch his lead role."
Kang Sanghun glanced at Lee Sungdeok.
"Wondered who'd debut our Donghu on screen first."
Great work. You'll be a fine director.
"...G-Gasp."
The industry vet's praise hit Lee Sungdeok like a truck—hands shaking anew.
And right then.
"Next up: Best Short Film."
"Announcing the presenter..."
Blue Dragon's Best Short Film time arrived abruptly.
Presenters built tension, then straight to winner—no frills.
And naturally...
"The hottest short lately, right?"
"Best Short Film goes to... Hero! Congratulations!"
It was Hero, as if scripted.
Acceptance speech followed. Director Lee Sungdeok stood mic-struck, dazed on how he'd gotten there.
Wh-what do I say?
Lying if I said I never expected it, but certain? No. Life's unpredictable. Big hopes, big flops—so no prep speech. Regret now.
"Th-thank you so much. To everyone who helped..."
But words flowed once he started: key helpers, family, friends, and finally.
"My greatest benefactor, who put me here—actor Kim Donghu. Deep thanks."
Finishing that, tears cascaded.
Should've been touching closure. But his bawling—full wail—drew laughs.
Full-grown man snot-n-tears, supported by his lead offstage: thawed the frosty ceremony with looseness.
"Sniff... h-hic... thanks to Kim Donghu, I really... ugh... so grateful."
"We all did it. How could I take sole credit?"
"Hearing that... thank you."
Cameras zoomed for ratings, but the pair comforted like alone.
Anyway, post-Hero win, ceremony barreled on.
Passed popularity vote, into Part 2 lead-up.
One hotly anticipated award loomed.
"Now, Best New Actor/Actress."
"Presenting: last year's winners..."
Blue Dragon Rookie Award. Who'd claim it?
Murmurs rose; presenters bantered lightly.
"Let's meet the nominees."
Clips rolled: impressive rookies, one by one.
Male nominees' standout acts flashed.
-Is there really someone like this in men?
Last clip: all gulped. Near-perfect acting—no newbie vibes, pro mastery. Unimaginable debut.
Especially...
-Sister... that finale tear drop.
Worlds apart from others—shocking prowess.
We knew he was good, but...
Side-by-side? The gap's glaring.
No 'fierce competition' spin—this is another level.
Awe only. Thus, drums thudding tension fell flat.
Winner obvious.
"Endless Frontline, actor Kim Donghu! Congratulations!"
"Congrats!"
Applause erupted on cue.
"Frankly, weird if our baby didn't win."
Han Taekon yanked me up amid cheers.
I climbed onstage, mic in hand, basking in applause.
Speech began.
"Hello. I'm Kim Donghu, student soldier in Endless Frontline."
Kyaaaaa!
Bow sparked screams—gauging my hype.
"Truly honored for my first Rookie Award."
Question marks hovered over heads.
First? He said first?
Speech slip?
Nah, that vibe's no slip—declaration!
He's hunting Rookies, right?
Plans for second, third—hence first.
Bombshell dropped.
Me? Live TV's nerve-wracking AF. Brain blank from jitters.