Facing Ahn Jong-hoon at the Awards Ceremony
Meeting Ahn Jong-hoon at the awards ceremony stirred fresh emotions in Baek Woojin. His appearance after so long was unchanged, but Woojin's vantage point had shifted dramatically.
“After winning Rookie of the Year, Jong-hoon-ssi, what's the biggest change you've noticed?”
At MC Ban Ji-min's question, Ahn Jong-hoon replied with a bright smile.
“Well, I have a bit more leeway in choosing projects now compared to before. It's something I'm truly grateful for.”
To Woojin—the very man who had widened that leeway—it sounded utterly ridiculous.
“I heard Ji-min-ssi, you've started a new project.”
Formal pleasantries bounced between the presenters, light banter to build anticipation before the main awards. Woojin watched Ahn Jong-hoon's expression closely. He already knew the truth: the man had zero interest in Ban Ji-min's words. All he cared about was whether Woojin would take home the award or not.
“Now, who will carry away this great energy this year? Let's meet the nominees first.”
The lights dimmed, and the screen lit up with the candidates. It started with Best Rookie Actress in Television.
“We had such fierce competition—who will it be? Let's announce the winner.”
The winner was Kwon Min-ji from Tomorrow is Spielberg. Tears streaming down her face, she savored the joy of victory.
“I'll work even harder. Thank you.”
With Best Rookie Actress wrapped up, Best Rookie Actor followed right away. Among the five nominees, Woojin's clip played first.
“Wanted – Baek Woojin.”
The scene from episode 10's explosive finale rolled, the one that had sparked massive buzz. Cheers erupted from the audience, and Seong-cheol and Ye-chan watched Woojin with proud smiles.
The other nominees followed, and the moment of truth arrived.
“And the winner for Best Rookie Actor is...”
Ahn Jong-hoon opened the paper with the winner's name. His brow furrowed ever so slightly—an infinitesimal flicker, but Woojin caught it clearly. And he knew exactly whose name would be called.
“Baek Woojin-ssi. Congratulations.”
Those words sent electricity surging through Woojin's body. Seeing Ahn Jong-hoon force them out, swallowing his reluctance, doubled the thrill...
“Woojin! Knew you'd nail it!”
“Congrats!”
The entire Wanted table leaped to their feet, celebrating as Woojin's name rang out. Sharing the joy with his colleagues, Woojin strode toward the stage. Confident, powerful steps drawing him closer to Ahn Jong-hoon.
“......”
Ahn Jong-hoon's face was rigid as he handed over the trophy. Woojin accepted it with a faint smile. Their eyes met, and Ahn Jong-hoon's expression hardened further.
“Thank you.”
Leaving him behind, Woojin stepped to the mic and delivered his acceptance speech.
“Standing here on the stage I've always dreamed of, holding this trophy—my mind's gone blank. Nothing comes to mind.”
Suppressing his overwhelming emotion, Woojin continued slowly.
“To PD Park Min-jae and writer Seo Min-kyeong, and all the staff: you cast a nobody like me and believed in me. Thank you so much. I wouldn't be here without you, and it feels wrong to enjoy this honor alone.”
He gave the first shoutout to the crew who'd toiled the hardest.
“And to Kim Ye-chan, Park Soo-hyun, and veteran Oh Seong-cheol sunbaenim, who gave me endless advice—my deepest thanks. It was a happiness to act alongside the best.”
Gratitude to his co-stars who'd created the perfect ensemble on screen.
“To my family watching from home, thank you, and I love you. And...”
He didn't forget his mother and sister, who must have believed in him more than anyone.
But in this moment, even more than family, one figure rose vividly:
“Meeting the character Choi Kyu-bo was true happiness.”
His first life-changing role, the forensic pathologist Choi Kyu-bo.
“I offer my greatest thanks to Choi Kyu-bo, who gave me new life as an actor. The drama may be over, but I wish his life out there is filled with luck.”
Woojin's speech brimmed with sincerity, his wish for Choi Kyu-bo carrying through the mic.
“Finally...”
Woojin took a deep breath.
“I won't be the one who steals someone's dream. I'll be the actor who becomes someone's dream. I'll show you better acting. Thank you.”
A dagger to the bone. His final words struck true.
Wondering what Ahn Jong-hoon's face looked like behind him—but regretting only that he couldn't see it.
As Woojin bowed 90 degrees to the audience, applause filled the hall.
And amid the clapping crowd, one woman watched his speech.
A familiar hunched figure in a bucket hat.
Sheeik.
As Woojin descended to backstage, she flashed a meaningful smile.
“This time, I hope it's different.”
Murmuring words of unclear meaning, she removed her bucket hat. Deep wrinkles etched her face.
“I want to escape this cycle soon.”
Coughing lightly, she turned—
And vanished without a trace.
Like a mirage.
“Hyung. Hold on a sec.”
Just as Woojin reached backstage, Ahn Jong-hoon called out.
“That last line just now—was that aimed at me?”
His lips trembled.
“Why? Does it hit home?”
Woojin countered with casual ease.
“I don't get why you're suddenly acting like this, hyung.”
“Yeah, keep up that shameless act—that's the Ahn Jong-hoon I know. Come to think of it, there's no way you didn't know, right?”
“Know what?”
“That you stole my role.”
Ahn Jong-hoon forced a smile, trying to deflect.
“Hyung, it's been a while—you've really changed. One hit drama and you think you're untouchable?”
“Jong-hoon-ah. Seems like you're missing something big...”
Woojin leaned close, whispering each word deliberately, like carving into stone.
“The one acting without a clue... is.n’t.me. It’s.you.”
“What?”
“Stealing someone else's talent to climb up—what's so bold about that?”
“What? Say that again.”
“Watch your mouth. I'm not the Baek Woojin who just took it lying down anymore. From now on, fight with your own skills—stop eyeing others' stuff.”
Ahn Jong-hoon grabbed Woojin's collar, rearing back as if to strike.
“You bastard!”
“Actor Baek Woojin!”
Just then, people called Woojin's name from afar, approaching with bouquets.
Ahn Jong-hoon hastily released his grip. Thank God they hadn't seen.
“Hello?”
Agency staff, directors—familiar faces. Ahn Jong-hoon smiled and stepped forward to greet them.
“Hey, Jong-hoon-ssi.”
“How've you been?”
“Sorry, let's talk later. Woojin-ssi!”
But they ignored him completely, crowding around Woojin with congratulations.
Watching Woojin surrounded by admirers, Ahn Jong-hoon's face filled with emptiness.
Last year when I won Rookie, it wasn't like this...>
His clenched fist shook violently. Biting his lip, Ahn Jong-hoon stormed out of backstage.
Woojin smiled at his retreating back.
Was there ever a moment as satisfying as this? It felt like a massive weight had lifted from his chest.
Yeah. This is how it should have always been.
Woojin's Rookie win was the opening salvo signaling who would dominate the 51st Daehan Arts Awards.
“For Best TV Screenplay, the winner is writer Seo Min-kyeong.”
“Directing Award goes to director Park Min-jae. Congratulations.”
“Best Supporting Actor in Television: Oh Seong-cheol. Congratulations.”
“Best Actor in Television: Kim Ye-chan from Wanted.”
“Best Actress in Television: Park Soo-hyun.”
Wanted swept major categories: Best Actor/Actress, Supporting Actor, Screenplay, Directing.
“Congrats!”
“Whoa!”
Cheers exploded from the Wanted table with every name called.
Ahn Jong-hoon watched from no great distance. Or rather, he kept stealing glances—until their eyes met, and Woojin flashed him a relaxed smile. Ahn Jong-hoon's distorting face was still somewhat entertaining.
“Drama of the Year: Tomorrow is Spielberg.”
At least the drama starring Ahn Jong-hoon snagged Best Drama, saving minimal face.
“Now, announcing the Grand Prize in Television!”
The next category was the ceremony's crown jewel: the Daesang, the highest honor from Korea's most prestigious awards.
“Television Grand Prize!”
Silence blanketed Peace Hall.
“The Grand Prize goes to...”
All eyes fixed on the presenter slowly opening the envelope.
“tvKR's Wanted! Congratulations!”
“Wooo!”
The roar was louder than ever. Woojin, hugging colleagues in shared ecstasy, glanced over.
At Ahn Jong-hoon. His face was a spectacle of humiliation, defeat, and shame—all laid bare.
“......”
By tradition, the Daesang winner forgoes Best Drama. Excluding that one impossible category for Wanted, Tomorrow is Spielberg walked away empty-handed.
In their head-to-head, Ahn Jong-hoon had lost utterly.
A devastating blow to his pride.
“That concludes the 51st Daehan Arts Awards. Thank you.”
With the closing remarks, Ahn Jong-hoon bolted without a backward glance.
Woojin watched his back, smiling in victory.
The ceremony ended in splendor, and real-time news flooded in.
One drama monopolizing awards wasn't ideal optics. But this time was different.
A cable-record 21% ratings milestone. Flawless acting ensemble, airtight storytelling, masterful direction, stunning visuals.
No one disputed the masterpiece's sweep.
“Winners, group photo time.”
The victors gathered for a commemorative shot—a record of personal triumphs and collective glory. Woojin beamed, trophy in hand.
“Great work, everyone!”
The pinnacle moment, the launch of a shining career.