The Face Genius Actor

Episode 075

While I sat there in a daze, Bae Ji-su’s introduction poured out.

“Lee Si-joon has been busier than anyone this past year, receiving love from viewers. He portrayed love that transcends age and social status in , and through …”

I heard applause from around me and belatedly came to my senses.

“Si-joon! You need to go up to the stage!”

If Park Jun hadn’t shouted like this, I might have just sat there for quite a while.

So I got up from my seat and slowly moved towards the stage.

At the same time, my heart started to swell.

I could feel the reality of becoming the winner of the Best New Actor award.

‘Why…’

This thought came to mind first.

But the thought couldn’t continue for long.

Because Ahn Ju-sung and Kim Da-hee handed me the trophy and flower bouquet respectively.

I stood in front of the microphone holding them in both hands.

As a new actor award winner, I couldn’t hold the microphone for too long.

But the problem was that I hadn’t prepared an acceptance speech.

‘If I had known this would happen, I would have practiced an acceptance speech with the method mask…’

I didn’t know if I could practice an acceptance speech with the method mask.

I hadn’t tried it.

But because I had no prepared remarks, I felt regretful belatedly.

As I stood there silently for a moment, having lost words, there were faces that came to mind first.

“Father… and brother.”

The two people who supported me even when I was lost and wandering.

When the faces of these two people, more precious than anyone, came to mind, I found words to say.

“First of all, I want to express my gratitude to these two people. Without them, I wouldn’t have realized why I wanted to become an actor. I love you, Dad. Thank you, brother.”

Once I started speaking, other words flowed out smoothly.

“Next, I want to thank the teacher who made me an actor, Seo Myung-hee. If it weren’t for the teacher who suggested specific solutions to specific concerns, I wouldn’t be here.”

As my heart eased, I began to see things I hadn’t noticed before, being overwhelmed with emotion.

The people involved with and .

“I also thank the writers, directors, actors, and all staff of and . Thank you for believing in my inadequate self.

I can’t forget the Festa Entertainment family. Team Leader Kim Jun-man, Team Leader Kim Bo-mi. Manager Yeo Kyung-chan who always sticks with me and works hard, Stylist Song Jin-ah, thank you all.

And most importantly, Syrup. Are you watching the awards ceremony now? Let’s meet again soon! I’ll say thank you once more then!”

After finishing most of my remarks, I thought for a moment if I had forgotten anyone.

I briefly considered mentioning but shook my head.

I wasn’t sure if it was appropriate to promote it at the Baeksang Arts Awards.

“I think I might have forgotten someone because I didn’t expect to win the New Actor award. If there is anyone, please don’t feel hurt. Then finally…”

I looked up at the ceiling of the awards hall for a moment.

The ceiling was just dark, nothing visible.

But in that darkness, I remembered someone I should never forget.

“My mother who has become a star in the sky. I don’t remember your face, but I haven’t forgotten your name. Thank you. I’ll become happier and surely come to see you. Please greet me warmly then.”

Tears welled up in my eyes for a moment.

But I barely held them back and finished my acceptance speech.

“I will become an actor who works harder. Thank you.”

So I received the unexpected honor of winning the New Actor award.

* * *

After my New Actor award acceptance,

Several names were called.

The Best New Actress award in the TV category was followed by the Best New Actor and Actress awards in the film category.

For the film category, there was also a Best New Director award.

There were also artistic awards for each field that could be called the flower of the staff, such as cinematography, art direction, music, costume, VFX, etc.

Continuous announcements and acceptance speeches.

And tears.

The repetitive situation could have been boring, but I didn’t feel that way.

Partly because I had received the New Actor award and could understand the winners’ feelings.

But also because many of the winners were related to me.

It was natural considering how much attention and received last year.

‘Now that they’ve awarded the Best Screenplay and Best Director… received 2 awards, and received 3?’

Of course, there were times when awards went to other excellent works.

But people involved with these two works were nominated in almost every TV category.

It wasn’t a situation where I could relax.

Especially when Director Kang Han-sung won the Best Director award in the TV category, I was as happy as if I had received the award myself.

Director Kang Han-sung was recognized for his achievement in successfully directing both and .

‘The director certainly worked hard. Both works had reshoots.’

By the way, the Best Screenplay award in the TV category went to writer Kim Hee-soo, who wrote .

However, writer Kim Hee-soo chose to have someone accept on her behalf, perhaps feeling burdened by attending the ceremony.

As the award ceremony order flowed on, it approached its climax.

Now the Best Actor and Actress awards, Best Drama award, and Grand Prize in the TV category were indirectly related to me.

‘I hope the people involved with and sweep the remaining awards…’

At that moment, the nominees for Best Actor in the TV category were revealed.

Simultaneously, I couldn’t help but look towards Park Jun sitting next to me and Ji Jung-hyun sitting behind.

Although there were other nominees, these two were undoubtedly the most likely winners.

‘I wonder who will receive the award?’

Both were formidable.

Both and , where they played the main leads, achieved notable success.

The fact that they were taking almost all the awards in the TV category was proof of this.

So in fact, it wouldn’t be strange no matter who received the Best Actor award.

‘But if asked who has the advantage between the two…’

It would be Park Jun.

This was because Park Jun had appeared in in addition to .

Ultimately, looking at just the past year, Park Jun’s achievements were greater.

It wasn’t easy to succeed with two works in a row.

That’s why Director Kang Han-sung won the Best Director award in the TV category.

But the result was unexpected.

“The winner of the Best Actor award in the TV category is… Congratulations! Ji Jung-hyun!”

As Ji Jung-hyun’s name was called, I applauded while observing Park Jun’s expression.

Should I say fortunately?

Park Jun’s expression wasn’t as bad as I thought.

Whether he was trying hard to hide his disappointment,

Or thinking this brought him closer to the Grand Prize in the TV category, I couldn’t tell.

Either way, Park Jun was managing his expression quite well.

‘Anyway, now is the time to congratulate Senior Ji Jung-hyun.’

Thinking this, I approached Ji Jung-hyun as he was walking towards the stage.

“Senior, congratulations on winning the Best Actor award.”

Ji Jung-hyun, seemingly more at ease, replied with a bright smile.

“It’s nothing, I’ve won the Grand Prize before. Still, I’m happy to receive an award for the same role as you.”

After shaking hands with me once, Ji Jung-hyun continued walking.

I returned to my seat, anticipating what kind of acceptance speech he would give.

Ji Jung-hyun’s acceptance speech wasn’t much different from what I expected.

“Thank you. I’m glad to have proof that received a lot of love last year.”

Ji Jung-hyun thanked all the writers, directors, actors, and staff of .

He also didn’t forget to greet his agency and fans.

Finally, his parents’ names were mentioned, and I thought that would be the end of Ji Jung-hyun’s acceptance speech.

But it wasn’t.

“…Lastly, there’s one thing I really want to say here.”

Suddenly, Ji Jung-hyun looked in my direction.

Making eye contact with Ji Jung-hyun like this, I couldn’t help but be flustered.

Then my name burst from Ji Jung-hyun’s lips.

“Si-joon. I really hope we can work together on the next project. That’s all.”

To mention my name in his acceptance speech.

I was so surprised by this fact that I was momentarily speechless.

But Ji Jung-hyun calmly came down from the stage and returned to his seat.

During this process, he didn’t look at me even once.

‘It’s true that I’m thinking positively about appearing in … but why on earth here…’

I couldn’t understand this situation at all.

But I couldn’t think for long.

Because Park Jun asked a question from the seat next to me.

“Si-joon.”

“Yes? Hyung?”

“Do you have any project you’re planning to do with Senior Jung-hyun?”

“Ah. I received an offer to appear in a movie called , but nothing’s been confirmed yet.”

“…I see. You’ll consider appearing in positively after ends?”

“Well… After he said something like that, wouldn’t something happen if I refused? Haha.”

I laughed awkwardly, unable to hide my embarrassment.

But Park Jun’s expression suddenly turned serious for some reason.

‘What’s this? Is he worried about not receiving the Grand Prize?’

I opened my mouth so Park Jun wouldn’t be too nervous.

“Don’t worry, hyung.”

“Huh?”

“You’ll win the Grand Prize.”

“…Ah. Right. There’s still the Grand Prize.”

“What?”

“Nothing. Yeah. I’ll stay positive. Thanks.”

The conversation felt slightly off, but since he said it was fine, I didn’t worry too much.

Park Jun really did seem okay.

* * *

“The Grand Prize in the TV category!”

“Congratulations! Park Jun!”

Sure enough, Park Jun’s name was called as the winner of the Grand Prize in the TV category.

After receiving my congratulations, Park Jun stood in front of the stage with a determined expression and gave his acceptance speech.

“Until this morning, I didn’t think I’d receive such a big award… It’s truly an honor.”

Park Jun, seemingly overcome with emotion, couldn’t hold back his tears.

It was natural since it was his first time receiving a Grand Prize in his life.

Especially for the Baeksang Arts Awards, the meaning was bound to be special.

‘He’s cool.’

Watching Park Jun, I thought I’d like to stand in the same place someday.

It was still a distant dream, but if I keep working hard, couldn’t I reach it?

While I was thinking this,

Park Jun’s acceptance speech was nearing its end.

“…Lastly, I really want to thank the person who helped me when I was lost and wandering in .”

No way.

Just as this word popped into my head, Park Jun’s gaze turned towards me.

“Thank you, Si-joon. Without you, our drama couldn’t have succeeded. Let’s work together on a project too.”

Ah.

Why is everyone doing this to me.

A few minutes later,

Ji Jung-hyun and Park Jun’s acceptance speeches dominated the internet news articles.