Baeksang Nominations Drop
The Baeksang Arts Awards nomination date was out. May 2nd. The grand spring festival at Samsung Coex.
The invitation that arrived at Big Win Entertainment contained an unexpected proposal.
"As presenters? Me and Yuna?"
Ha Moo-young asked in surprise. He and Yuna had been invited as presenters for the Icon Award in the Music category. It was an award given to diverse stylists within a work, similar to a popularity award.
Go Kyung-min muttered as he checked the details.
"Looks like it's because there's no Best Couple Award at Baeksang. The reactions to Louis and Jenny were pretty good, after all. Especially overseas. They probably want some two-shots."
Wasn't the standout chemistry between the two one of the highlights of Plague? Louis's death scene, hailed as the director's best in his career, owed its legendary status to his story with Jenny.
"Sounds good to me. It's an honor."
"Yuna's side will probably accept unless there's an issue. We have to attend the ceremony anyway. But the real problem is—"
Two nomination notices had flown in for Ha Moo-young. A happy dilemma, to be sure.
"Which table do I sit at—Plague or You Are a Star, I Am a Star? If it were the same category, I'd just go with the bigger hit, but..."
The film was his debut, but the drama was a lead role. And both had him up for Rookie of the Year.
"Just sit at the one more likely to win, but how would we know?"
It could get awkward. Sitting elsewhere while another work wins could make for strange shots in the celebration paths and camera backgrounds.
Ha Moo-young clutched his head, nursing a hangover, and asked, "But they really won't tell us?"
"They usually hint if they really want you there, but yours is ambiguous right now."
Headlines were buzzing about a unprecedented double Rookie sweep.
The organizers were probably tearing their hair out too.
"Is there really a chance of winning both?"
"Usually not. Usually."
But Ha Moo-young's case wasn't usual, hence the headache.
Louis from Plague, which director Jin Kyung-moon called the best death of his life. Do-ha from You Are a Star, I Am a Star, which shattered ratings records. Both were powerhouse contenders.
"Can't we ask them to seat our tables together?"
"I'll request it, but no guarantees."
Na Geum-dong was deep in thought too. He glanced at Ha Moo-young, who sat blankly, and chuckled.
"Why the long face?"
"Me? Maybe I drank too much."
"Double Rookie nominations in two categories! No one's done that. You should be jumping for joy, not moping."
He'd clocked the bad mood. Can't fool the boss!
Ha Moo-young scratched his chin sheepishly.
"No, it's a real honor. If they give it to me, I'll accept gladly. But it's the Rookie Award, so it feels off."
Seeing the other nominees made it worse. There was a mid-career actor finally shining, and from the drama, Ro Min was up too since it was his acting debut.
"It's a once-in-a-lifetime thing in an actor's career. Do I really need two? That's the thought."
"Whoa, they haven't given it yet?"
"I know! That's why I kept quiet. You asked first!"
Ha Moo-young hugged a cushion, face red. He'd been biting his tongue to avoid jinxing it.
Go Kyung-min pondered and said, "I think Plague table makes sense."
He ticked off on his fingers.
"No other rookies in Plague but you. But the drama has Song A and Ro Min. They'll likely give you the film one and them the drama."
The drama cast could reunite at the network's own awards, aiming higher than Rookie if ratings held the top spot.
"Plus, with the presenter invite and Yuna, let's go Plague. I'll pass it to PD Lee Yu-jin and the organizers."
"Got it."
Go Kyung-min handled it efficiently, then patted Ha Moo-young's back with a grin.
"No one knows till they announce, but—"
For instance, an actor once nominated for Lead and Grand Prize in a powerhouse role. All talk, no trophy.
"Just your name in two Rookie categories is a stellar debut. This year and last were Ha Moo-young's era."
"Whoa, hyung, what's with the sudden pep talk?"
"Don't stress, don't overhype—just enjoy it as it comes."
Winning would be great. But crashing from high hopes? Worst letdown ever.
Ha Moo-young smiled reassuringly. "I'm already honored."
"Good, then. Anyway, what the hell did you do at that MT?"
"Nothing much?"
"Nothing much, and this pops up?"
He showed photos from department mates and juniors' SNS: Ha Moo-young drunk, writing names with his butt, suffering every drinking game penalty.
"Oh, that."
Ha Moo-young turned serious. "Didn't realize, but I'm really bad at games."
"Not that! You killed it with Melrilkelin members. How bad are these guys?"
So many shots, all kinds of posts. Public reaction? Refreshingly novel. Celebs don't cut loose like this behind the scenes. Blowing up like legendary friendship trip pics from A-listers.
"Next time, I'll win every game—no drinks for me."
"...You're hopeless. I'm done!"
Go Kyung-min threw up his hands in surrender. Ha Moo-young grinned, scrolling his gallery. Photos were all that remained, but the fun flooded back.
"Good call going back to school. Loving the studying lately, and the kids are a blast."
No tuition worries? Felt like studying for knowledge, not grades. Pure, carefree pursuit!
"Prep for finals. Schedule overlaps with Streets' Sunlight reading right after Baeksang."
"Yep! On it!"
"Alright, time to scout suit sponsors..."
No dress, but tux was mandatory. Plus presenter outfit!
Ha Moo-young waved it off. "Jun-ho already hit me up. New drop from Bonturi."
"You're basically their muse?"
"Not quite—exclusive model level."
First awards show. Heart pounding, he showed the pic: deep gray suit with bowtie accent.
"Time to transform into Louis again."
* * *
Coex entrance. Red carpet flanked by fences, fans swarming. Flashing press, broadcast cams everywhere.
"Ugh, nervous."
Yuna fidgeted in her red mini-dress, tight ponytail adorable.
"Nervous? You've done years of these."
"Uncle Hi-jun, first time for Plague."
"Yeah, firsts are always thrilling."
Van held Yuna, Yi Hi-jun, Ha Moo-young, director Jin Kyung-moon. Hye-jun and Hyeo-jeong entering separately for dresses; the four together.
"Ooh, van's moving. Our turn?"
Waiting in sequence. Ha Moo-young's waved hair amped the boyish charm with gray suit and bowtie.
"Yuna, that dress slays."
"Oppa looks killer today."
Trading compliments. Yi Hi-jun eyed Ha Moo-young flatly. Damn, youth's a perk.
"Ha Moo-young, blowing up lately?"
"Me? All thanks to the team."
Van halted; security knocked. Time to exit.
Door opened—flash storm. Click-click!
"Heading out."
"Yes."
Jin Kyung-moon and Yi Hi-jun first. Ha Moo-young paused descending the high van.
"Yuna, hand."
"Heehee! Thanks!"
Flats or not, short legs. She gripped and hopped onto the carpet.
"Wanna hold hands going in?"
"Omona, can we?"
"Arm-in-arm won't work with your height."
"I'm the tallest in my class!"
Playful banter. Hand-in-hand, they faced the press. Blinding flashes. Click! Click!
"Over here!"
"Right side! Right!"
"Wave!"
Behind the fence, fans roared.
"Ha Moo-young!"
"Yoo Yuna—Jenny!"
"Hi-jun oppa! Oppa!"
Plague team snapped pics at the photo wall, entered the hall. Round tables with nameplates. Hyeo-jeong and Hye-jun not yet.
Tap-tap from behind.
"Ro Min!"
"Hyung, you're here?"
Right behind: You Are a Star, I Am a Star table with Ro Min and Song A. Chairs nearly touching.
"Whoa, they seated us together. Huge thanks."
"Hello, director. Sunbae."
"Nice to meet you. Wow, even better in person."
"PD-nim! Over here!"
Teams exchanged greetings. Ha Moo-young scanned for others.
"Ah, Pyo Rai's got a celebration performance today."
"For real?"
"Opening first half, so late arrival."
A bit guilty, but adjacent tables eased it. Celebs trickled in—star-studded chaos. TV faces alive before him!
"Ha Moo-young-ssi, hello?"
"Gasp! Seo Yul sunbaenim."
"Loved the work. Congrats on double Rookie noms."
"Thank you!"
Stars buzzed about him. Endless greetings.
Then lights sparkled; MCs entered: actor Hae-su and comedian Jun-ui. Slick duo!
"Ha Moo-young-ssi, Yoo Yuna-ssi."
Staff whispered low.
"After congrats stage and VCR, MC cues it. Follow me at Male Popularity call."
"Got it."
VCR heralded awards; Ha Moo-young tensed. It's really starting.
Tap-tap. Yuna tapped his hand—like he once did for her at reading.
"Oppa, I'm winning mine this time."
Youngest Best Actress nominee. Heavy competition, but she meant it—unlike the 'nom is win' vibe.
"Yeah. Rooting for you."
Her eyes sparkled up at the stage. Kid had fire.
Yuna winked, whispering, "So you grab a trophy too. Got it?"
Ha Moo-young squeezed her hand, smiling. Once-in-a-lifetime shot. He nodded.