Chapter 202
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 202
Chapter Title: The Blue Dragon Film Awards
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0-Year-Old Superstar Chapter 202
Tomorrow was the day of the Blue Dragon Film Awards.
Although the term "Blue Dragon Film Festival" rolled off the tongue more easily, "Blue Dragon Film Awards" was the correct name since it was an awards ceremony, not a festival.
"Oops. I wrote 'Film Festival' again."
A junior reporter, who had just corrected "Film Festival" to "Film Award" in his article's headline before re-uploading it, chuckled at the other articles popping up.
"It's Lee Seojun here, Lee Seojun there."
"Well, *Yeok* surpassed ten million viewers by a long shot and did quite well overseas. It even sparked interest in the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty. Besides, both lead actors are vying for the Best Actor award. It would be weirder if it were quiet."
The vast majority of entertainment reporters in Korea were likely using Lee Seojun's name in their headlines. The comment section's reactions were positive, too. It was rare to find an article that got so many views and had such mild comments.
The junior reporter's hand paused as he surfed the internet before writing his next piece.
"...Huh?"
His hand stopped. There was a witness account. He read the post and then the comments. There was a link. He clicked it, and there was another witness account. He read the comments. There was a link. He clicked it, and there was another witness...
After freezing for a moment, the junior reporter quickly searched for Lee Seojun's name on a large online forum. He had only taken a few breaths and blinked a few times, but posts flooded in like a massive wave.
Moreover, all the posts were different. It meant that many people had seen Lee Seojun, which meant it was likely true.
The sound of typing from the side stopped, and the senior reporter checked on his junior. Seeing him staring intently at the monitor, as if its screen were reflected in his eyes, the senior reporter tilted his head and glanced at the junior's screen.
In the meantime, it seemed another reporter had seen the posts first. An article with an "Exclusive" tag appeared, followed by many others.
"Hey, hey, hey! Lee Seojun! Write an article on Lee Seojun!"
The senior reporter shouted.
"They're saying Lee Seojun is filming a movie!"
* * *
[Actor Lee Seojun, Filming His Next Project?]
[Lee Seojun Spotted on the Set of Escape!]
[Hollywood Special Effects Makeup Team! They Really Came to Korea!]
[Let's Find Out About Escape!]
[The Stars of Escape, Kim Jongho, Lee Dajin, and... Lee Seojun?]
The downpour became a stream, the stream became a river, and the river became the sea.
He had expected things to change overnight, but he hadn't known it would be this effective.
The staff of Cocoa Entertainment's Team 2, who had come to work prepared, were, as expected, fielding a flood of calls. The situation was the same for Movie Dream, the production company for *Escape*.
To inquiries about whether they could still invest, Lee Hansol politely declined. Unnecessary investors would only create a division of opinions. As soon as he hung up, his phone rang again, and Lee Hansol smiled.
"I wonder if the Blue Dragon Film Awards will be okay?"
The organizers of the Blue Dragon Film Awards were fine. SBC, which would be broadcasting the ceremony live, was also delighted.
Even though it was a once-a-year event, it tended to have a dedicated viewership; those who watched, watched, and those who didn't, didn't. This was even more true now, with VOD services, edited clips uploaded separately, and articles announcing the winners within minutes.
But this year was a little different. Lee Seojun, who had made a name for himself worldwide as a Hollywood star, was nominated, as was Lee Jiseok, who had delivered a passionate performance in the same film. More people than usual would be paying attention, and now, this topic had emerged.
"I can hear the ratings going up... Hey! Check the stage meticulously! It'll be a disaster if someone falls!"
If that someone were Lee Seojun or Lee Jiseok, it would create an even bigger storm. The staff and officials, more on edge than usual, diligently prepared the stage.
* * *
[Tonight at 8 PM, the Blue Dragon Film Awards Live on SBC!]
[Let's Look at the Blue Dragon Film Awards Nominees!]
[Actor Lee Seojun to Attend the Blue Dragon Film Awards!]
[Actor Lee Seojun's Next Project? Is It Real? Is It Fake?]
- 8 PM! I'm waiting!
- Seojun only ever focuses on his projects! This is the only place we can see his face ㅠ
= Agreed. I'm planning to watch from the red carpet onwards haha
= I hope SBC knows its audience and shows a lot of Seojun!!
- So, who do you think will win, Lee Jiseok or Lee Seojun?
= Lee Seojun, obviously.
= +1 Lee Seojun. Even now, when I watch *Yeok*, I feel sad, sympathetic, proud... and scared haha
- If Lee Seojun wins, wouldn't this be his first Korean award?
= It's his first for a Korean movie. For dramas, he won the KBC Rookie Award for *Naeuiwon*.
= His first Best Actor award was an Oscar, though ㅎㅎ
= Is Seojun living his life in reverse? Isn't it usually Blue Dragon -> Overseas?
= Winning a Blue Dragon for Best Actor doesn't guarantee you an Oscar lol
= ...He's amazing. Lee Seojun.
- Any news on his next project?
= Cocoa Entertainment hasn't said much. So people are on the fence.
= +1 He could just be making a cameo.
[A Snapshot on the Red Carpet! Lee Seojun, Lee Jiseok, Park Unyeol, and Director Woo Jeonghan!]
[End of Part 1 of the Blue Dragon Film Awards! The film *Yeok (Reverse)* wins Best Cinematography and Lighting, Best Music, Best Screenplay, Best Editing, Best Art Direction, and Technical Award!]
[The film *Yeok (Reverse)* has won in a total of 6 categories so far!]
- Seojun looks great in a suit! He's grown so much! He looks a bit taller than during *Yeok*.
= Isn't it because he's going through a growth spurt?
= Grow big and strong!
- As expected of *Yeok*. It won everything it was nominated for.
= But it deserved it haha
- Who's performing for the Part 2 celebration?
Part 1 of the Blue Dragon Film Awards ended, and Part 2 began. Even into the second part, the ratings, far from dropping, continued to rise, bringing wide smiles to the faces at SBC.
The production crew, knowing the reason for the high ratings, followed the viewers' wishes and frequently had the camera on the *Yeok* team, especially Lee Seojun and Lee Jiseok. Whenever the camera was on them, Seojun and Jiseok would smile brightly and wave.
Mr. Park Unyeol, who won Best Supporting Actor, stood on the stage, and then it was time to announce the award for Best Director.
"This year's winner for Best Director is!"
Seojun quickly raised his hands, ready to clap.
So far, including Mr. Park Unyeol's Best Supporting Actor award, *Yeok (Reverse)* had won in a total of seven categories. All that remained were Best Film, Best Director, and Best Actor.
Seojun looked at the man sitting next to him. Director Woo Jeonghan was nervously rubbing his hands.
"Director Woo Jeonghan for *Yeok*!"
Applause erupted. Seojun and Lee Jiseok clapped loudly. Director Woo Jeonghan's face, which had turned pale with tension, slowly flushed red.
"Director, hurry up and go!"
"You have to get your trophy!"
Urged on by his two lead actors, Director Woo Jeonghan awkwardly rose and headed to the stage.
This wasn't Director Woo Jeonghan's first time winning Best Director at the Blue Dragon Film Awards. But he looked as nervous as if it were his first time—no, even more so. Seojun, Lee Jiseok, and Park Unyeol didn't find his awkwardness strange.
Ten years.
It was a story he had cherished in his heart for a full decade. Without an actor like Lee Seojun, it was a work that might have remained buried for several more years.
Considering that, it was no wonder he was so nervous.
As he walked onto the stage, Director Woo Jeonghan clenched and unclenched his fists.
He had been happy since the day *Yeok* was released—no, since the day he started filming with the actor Lee Seojun. Truly, because the dream he had held for ten years had come true.
'So I thought I would be fine...'
His hands and feet trembled as if he were a rookie director receiving his first award. With shaking hands, he barely managed to accept the trophy and stood before the microphone.
Director Woo Jeonghan's eyes fell on the actors and crew of *Yeok (Reverse)*, who were applauding enthusiastically. The sight eased his tension slightly.
"I am truly happy to be able to stand here. *Yeok* is a film I've cherished for ten years, like my own child, so it feels as if my child is receiving an award. Perhaps that's why I'm even more nervous. To the staff of *Yeok*, the actors, and everyone who joined us, I sincerely thank you. Especially... actor Lee Seojun."
Director Woo Jeonghan's eyes met Seojun's, who was sitting in the audience. Seojun, who had been preparing to clap hard once the speech was over, blinked.
"Without actor Lee Seojun, this film might have taken much longer, or it might have never been brought to light at all."
Director Woo Jeonghan smiled gently and opened his mouth.
"Thank you so much for playing King Danjong for your practical exam. Seojun."
Laughter broke out here and there at Director Woo Jeonghan's words. Seojun and Lee Jiseok also laughed heartily.
The beginning of *Yeok (Reverse)*—a film that had drawn over ten million viewers, achieved success overseas, and spread the story of the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty and King Danjong—was a child's arts middle school practical exam. Those who knew this fact, along with the viewers at home, burst into laughter.
- That's right lol The Yeoul Arts Middle School practical exam lol
- People were clamoring for it to be made into a movie.
- I was one of them haha I even remember the working title.
- Danjong lol
After the laughter-filled Best Director award presentation, it was time for the Best Actor award.
"We will now introduce the nominees for Best Actor!"
Five boxes appeared on the large screen.
After introducing three other actors, only Seojun and Lee Jiseok remained. First, Lee Jiseok's face appeared on the screen. Immediately after, Seojun's face appeared. Since they were sitting right next to each other, the two boxes looked connected, making everyone laugh.
It seemed that if the camera tilted just a little, Seojun would appear in Lee Jiseok's shot, and Lee Jiseok in Seojun's.
"The winner of the Blue Dragon Film Award for Best Actor is!"
The MC shouted loudly.
- Lee Seojun, Lee Seojun!
- Danjong, Danjong!!
The viewers watching the Blue Dragon Film Awards also waited for the announcement with faces full of anticipation. A hush fell over the ceremony hall, and after a brief pause, the MC opened his mouth.
"Actor Lee Seojun from *Yeok*!"
A torrent of applause poured down.
Reporters began typing their articles, and Seojun, after receiving congratulations from Lee Jiseok, Park Unyeol, and Director Woo Jeonghan, rose from his seat. The camera lens captured Seojun as he headed to the stage with a bright smile.
Holding the trophy and a bouquet, Seojun stood at the microphone.
"Hello. I'm Lee Seojun. I also had no idea that practical exam video would lead to something this big."
Laughter erupted. Seojun continued with a smile.
"I may have been the start, but without the help of many people, we couldn't have created a wonderful film like *Yeok*. I sincerely thank everyone who worked so hard for *Yeok*!"
As Seojun bowed deeply, applause thundered.
* * *
[Actor Lee Seojun Wins Best Actor at the Blue Dragon Film Awards!]
[Actor Lee Seojun Wins His First Best Actor Award in Korea!]
[Film *Yeok (Reverse)* Wins Best Film! 'The Best Film of the Year!']
[Film *Yeok (Reverse)* Wins in a Total of 10 Categories, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Cinematography and Lighting, Best Music, Best Screenplay, Best Editing, Best Art Direction, and Technical Award!]
- Congratulations on your first Korean Best Actor award!
- Seojun! Congratulations!
- As expected of *Yeok*! Amazing. Winning all 10!!
An hour later, Cocoa Entertainment sent out a press release. The entertainment reporters, who had been anxiously waiting after being told the news would come after the Blue Dragon Film Awards, quickly received the press release and began writing their articles.
[Cocoa Entertainment Reveals, 'Actor Lee Seojun to Star in Escape'!]
[Actor Lee Seojun's Next Project Confirmed!]
[Escape, starring Kim Jongho, Lee Dajin, and Lee Seojun!!]
[Lee Seojun's Next Film! Let's Find Out About Escape!]
- So he's really doing another project.
- I was going to skip it because it seemed cheesy, but with Lee Seojun in it, the immersion will be top-notch.
- If Lee Seojun comes out as a zombie, won't we not be able to recognize him?
= But in his other works, he feels more like the 'character' than 'Lee Seojun'... so I don't know if you could call that not recognizing him... or recognizing him haha
= +1 His acting is just too good haha
- Still, it's hard to act well as a zombie, so I think we'll be able to recognize him?
= True. What does good zombie acting even look like? Brutal? Gross?
= I don't know... but I bet Seojun will do it well.
= +1 Lee Seojun can do anything well.
- Whoa. Evan Block and Richel Hill posted congratulatory messages.
= He won an award at a Korean ceremony, and Hollywood actors are congratulating him ;;;
= As expected of Lee Seojun...!
[Evan Block]
[Jun! Congratulations on winning Best Actor at the Blue Dragon Film Awards!]
[Richel Hill]
[Couldn't watch it live, but I'm watching the clips now! Congratulations on your award!]
The SNS posts from the two Hollywood stars spread the news of Seojun's win overseas. Soon, articles about his award were being translated by Seojun's international fans.
- Blue Dragon Film Awards? What's that?
= A Korean film awards ceremony. He won for *Yeok*.
- Oh. Congrats, Jun! :)
- I looked it up, and it says Jun is filming his next project. It was written in the same article as the awards news.
= If it's a Korean movie... is it a historical drama?
= Nope. It's a zombie movie