小火星

With the appearance of Kang Woojin, ‘Exorcism’, which had captivated the eyes of many heavyweights, reached its climax as the background changed to a villa.

-Sigh.

The realistic sound quality was impressive. When the scenes and sounds merged, the villa on screen appeared chillingly eerie. Kim Ryu-jin’s anxious expression that appeared in that cut intensified the chill. It was enough to make dozens of directors watching this swallow their saliva.

At this time.

[“Oops.”]

In the tense atmosphere, Kim Ryu-jin on the screen stumbled clumsily. His meticulous movements alleviated the fatigue of the elite audience. In fact, about half of them chuckled. Of course, some were also impressed by Kang Woojin’s acting.

That’s how ‘Exorcism’ gradually led the audience into the horror of sound.

At the forefront was Kim Ryu-jin of ‘Exorcism’, trapped in a confined space. The rustling noises from somewhere, the breath of a hidden woman, the footsteps of a robust man approaching, and so on. The movie rapidly progressed, but the expressions of Kim Ryu-jin captured on screen were simply exquisite.

Tension, urgency, relief, surprise, tension again, fear, relief again.

There weren’t many lines. But Kim Ryu-jin’s expressions and movements alone conveyed everything. Eyes filled with constant anxiety and shaky breaths. His performance was detailed yet precarious.

Everyone was captivated by Kim Ryu-jin.

‘Exorcism’ used an editing style that made it impossible to look away. From the moment Kim Ryu-jin entered the villa, there was no pause. It stood out in terms of quality compared to other short films shown. The judges, seated to the left, couldn’t help but exclaim in awe.

“······Where did that actor come from?”

“That’s what I’m saying, look at the twitch under his eyes. The skill gap with other actors is too big.”

“But has anyone seen that actor before? He looks unfamiliar to me.”

Then,

“He’s not well-known here. He’s been abroad.”

Director Kwon Ki-taek, a contagious source of misunderstandings, spoke up among the judges.

“I heard he stayed abroad for quite some time.”

Hearing this, the judges’ eyes widened in surprise.

“Oh? Director Kwon, do you know him?”

“An actor you know?”

“Abroad? Where?”

To the barrage of questions, Director Kwon Ki-taek softly replied.

“I don’t know the details, just heard about it because of a minor connection.”

Following the drama industry, the number of people infected by the misunderstandings also surged in the film industry. When ‘Exorcism’ finally ended, the sound of applause was,

-Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap!!

It was definitely more intense than any other work.

Two days later, May 7th.

The screening schedule of the ‘Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival’, which had been intense up until yesterday, had all concluded. Now only one event remained: the upcoming closing and awards ceremony. Currently, it was just past 2 pm, with the event set to start at 3 pm. The venue for the closing and awards ceremony was inside the office building of the new ‘Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival’ sponsor.

To be precise, inside the event hall of the building.

It was a medium-sized hall used for various events. It had seating for about 500 people and a fairly large stage at the front. The interior of the hall and the entrance were bustling.

“Oh my- Writer Park! Long time no see, hahaha.”

“Oh, Director Kim. How have you been?”

“Good. Haha, looking forward to your new drama!”

Including the Writer Park Eun-mi, who was invited to the closing and award ceremony, more than half of the seats inside the hall were already filled. Although there were assigned seats, everyone was busy moving around and greeting necessary acquaintances.

“Ah, Soo-jung! Did you enjoy the movie this time? You should work with us on your next project!”

“Your film company has been quiet lately, hasn’t it?”

“Oh- I didn’t have anything for the first half of the year, I thought I’d put some effort into the second half?”

About 50 people were inside, and the entrance was also quite busy. At least 30 people were mingling, making it chaotic. Greeting figures, reporters with cameras, and guests entering.

Reporters were busy flashing their cameras from their designated spots.

-Flash, flash, flash, flash, flash!

-Flash, flash, flash, flash, flash, flash, flash!

And at the photo zone with the ‘Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival’ and sponsor logos, actors and famous directors posed. Anyway, as of now, at least 100 people have gathered for the closing and award ceremony.

In such a place.

-Swoosh.

The ‘Exorcism’ team just arrived. It was director Shin Dong-chun, Hong Hye-yeon, and Kang Woojin dressed in a suit. Woojin’s suit fit perfectly as it was custom-made. His lightly styled hair and makeup were also perfect. Clearly, the stylist Han Ye-jung did a great job.

Today, he was truly radiating the aura of an actor, with his stern expression adding to the effect.

However.

‘······Crazy. What is this? There are a lot of people. Ah- my legs are shaking.’

Contrary to his composed appearance, Kang Woojin’s legs were slightly trembling. It was a sight he had never seen before. Famous actors, whom he only saw on TV, were everywhere, and blinding flashes were going off everywhere. Is this really the world I live in? It wouldn’t have been strange if it were another world.

‘I feel nauseous.’

Then.

“Woojin.”

Hong Hye-yeon standing next to him called out to Kang Woojin. By the way, she was also in a suit, but the pants she wore were wide, giving off a strong stylish vibe.

“Have you been to a film festival before?”

“···No.”

“But you don’t seem to react at all. Well, even though it’s a modest short film festival, it’s still the ‘Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival’.”

Modest? Here? To Kang Woojin, even a major film festival, which he might attend someday, seemed very distant. In the midst of this, Director Shin Dong-chun stroked his chest.

“Ah- I’ve often attended SBS Drama Awards, but coming here as a director makes me nervous.”

Hong Hye-yeon quickly responded.

“You’re leading the way, Director. You shouldn’t be like that. Straighten your shoulders.”

“Like, like this?”

“More.”

“This much?”

“More, more.”

As expected from a top actress. Hong Hye-yeon was overflowing with confidence. Of course. She must have been to this kind of place so many times that she couldn’t count on her fingers. At this moment, several people around the entrance of the hall noticed the ‘Exorcism’ team.

“Oh- Hye-yeon!”

Someone called out to Hong Hye-yeon, and that became the catalyst for almost all eyes, including reporters, to focus on them. A barrage of camera flashes ensued, all because of Hong Hye-yeon.

“Hye-yeon! Is there a reason why you suddenly filmed a short film?”

“The short film you shot was highly praised! Hye-yeon! How do you feel?!”

“Hong Hye-yeon! Over here, over here! Please pose for us!”

A cacophony of voices erupted. Naturally, it only felt that way in Kang Woojin’s ears. However, Hong Hye-yeon, who had been smiling smoothly.

-Swoosh.

looked towards the dozen or so reporters and grabbed Kang Woojin’s arm. He flinched for a moment. What? Why hold my arm? When Woojin looked at her with a blank face, Hong Hye-yeon whispered.

“I know you don’t like this kind of thing, but you usually take a friendly pose in front of reporters. Please bear with it a little.”

Of course. Kang Woojin tried to hide his smirk and faced the reporters with their flashing cameras, thinking, ‘I have another story to brag to my buddies.’

For several minutes, the ‘Exorcism’ team had to meet many people.

“Ha ha, Hye-yeon. Did you shoot a short film while you were doing a drama? Amazing, really.”

“No big deal. The shooting only took a few days.”

“Do you know how surprised I was to see you in a movie?”

Unsurprisingly, everyone, actors, directors, staff, etc., spoke only to Hong Hye-yeon. Occasionally, to Director Shin Dong-chun. No one said a word to Kang Woojin. That was actually a relief for Woojin.

Interestingly enough,

-Swish.

whoever it was, after their conversation, they would always stare intently at Kang Woojin as if evaluating his face and overall physique.

In response, Kang Woojin internally shrugged it off,

‘Well, they’re probably just curious because my face is unfamiliar.’

He brushed it off. Right then,

“Hello! You’re the ‘Exorcism’ team, right? You can enter the hall directly!”

A film festival staff member ran over and gestured towards the inside of the hall. The ‘Exorcism’ team entered the hall as is. At the same time, the curious glances of about 50 people already inside intensified. They didn’t approach them as they did outside, but they openly or subtly watched the ‘Exorcism’ team.

Of course.

‘Ah, it’s Writer Park.’

Writer Park Eun-mi, who was dressed impressively, and Director Kwon Ki-taek, who was seated at the front judges’ panel, waved to Kang Woojin. A few minutes later, as everyone was seated, a festival staff member who was hosting the event announced from the stage:

“Now, we will begin the awards ceremony.”

For reference, Kang Woojin and the ‘Exorcism’ team were seated in the center of the entire audience. Woojin rolled his eyes in disbelief. Probably because the actors sitting around him were curious.

Anyway.

“Short Film Honorable Mention.”

The award ceremony officially began. The top actors or master directors who were invited to the ceremony handed over the awards. Five works were selected for entry, and one work was nominated for each award from bronze to gold. Each time a rookie director went up on stage to receive a plaque and a bouquet, applause poured out.

The rookie directors all had overwhelmed expressions.

Then the host changed the subject into the microphone.

“Now, we have a new award for actors introduced this year. We will be giving out the Best and Grand Prizes. First, let’s proceed with the Best Actor award.”

As soon as the host finished speaking,

– Swish.

Director Kwon Ki-taek from the judge’s seat went up to the stage, likely to present the award. Soon, Director Kwon, standing in the center of the stage, said:

“I was here last year as well, but this year’s ‘Mise-en-scène Film Festival’ was especially fruitful. I’ve learned a lot. Now, let’s announce the winner.”

Without delay, he looked down at his cue card, and then announced the actor’s name to the audience:

“Best Actor Award. Hong Hye-yeon from ‘Exorcism’. Congratulations.”

The best award went to Hong Hye-yeon. As soon as her name was called, she immediately stood up. However, the applause was slightly subdued. Instead, there was more murmuring from the invited actors and guests.

“What? Hong Hye-yeon got Best Actor?”

“Ah- does that mean Park Jung-hyuk might win the acting grand prize?”

“Did you see Park Jung-hyuk today? I don’t think I saw him.”

“But Hong Hye-yeon was outperform by Park Jung-hyuk?”

Regardless, Hong Hye-yeon, with a faint smile, went up to the stage looking composed. She seemed to have no dissatisfaction with winning the Best Award. Soon after, she then brushed her long hair and stood in front of Director Kwon Ki-taek, and received her trophy.

“Congratulations.”

“Thank you, Director.”

The trophy she received had a camera shape and the ‘Mise-en-scène Film Festival’ logo on it. Next was Hong Hye-yeon’s turn to speak. Next was time for Hong Hye-yeon’s acceptance speech. However, she just looked at her trophy and didn’t say anything for about 10 seconds.

Only after that did Hong Hye-yeon address the audience of about a hundred people:

“First of all, thank you. I came here with no expectations because the other actors performed so well. So, I was a bit surprised.”

She continued smoothly with her speech.

“I also want to thank Director Shin Dong-chun, who made ‘Exorcism’ incredible, the staff who worked hard with us in a short period, and the actors I worked with.”

Just as Hong Hye-yeon was about to finish her speech, she suddenly added:

“Just one more thing.”

She looked at Kang Woojin, who was seated in the middle, and added:

“Congratulations in advance.”

Thanks to her, many people tilted their heads, wondering what she was congratulating him for. However, without further explanation, Hong Hye-yeon greeted everyone and returned to her seat.

At the same time,

“Congratulations. Next up is the Acting Grand Prize.”

The host announced the next award.

“Director Kyotaro Tanoguchi, who accepted our invitation, will present this award.”

The Acting Grand Prize. In other words, it signified the best among the actors who appeared in the ‘Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival’ this year. Most of the guests who hadn’t seen the short films guessed Park Jung-hyuk since Hong Hye-yeon received the Best Award.

Soon.

– Shh.

Director Kyotaro Tanoguchi, with his short hair full of gray, stepped onto the stage. He’s a renowned director from Japan, famous for his works, and was specially invited to grace the ‘Mise-en-scène Film Festival’. He wore a pleasant smile and said:

“光栄です. (It’s an honor.)”

He expressed his feelings briefly to the audience.

“Thank you for giving me the opportunity to stand at such a precious stage. Regardless of nationality, I will serve as a director who loves art and short films.”

The man standing next to him, a translator, quickly interpreted his words into Korean for everyone. As soon as the interpretation was finished, Director Kyotaro looked down at the cue card handed to him.

“Acting Grand Prize…”

Soon after, Director Kyotaro shouted into the standing microphone.

“Congratulations, Actor Kang Woojin of ‘Exorcism’!”

Kang Woojin. At the ‘Mise-en-scène Film Festival’, the virtually unknown Kang Woojin was named the Acting Grand Prize winner. He even swept the Actor’s Award for ‘Exorcism’. What was odd was that unlike before, applause didn’t immediately follow from the dozens of invited guests.

“Kang… who?”

“Huh? Kang Woojin?”

“Eh? Isn’t it Park Jung-hyuk?”

“Who is Kang… Woojin? I’ve never heard of him.”

“Then, did this actor Kang Woojin beat Hong Hye-yeon?”

“Is he an unknown? Where is he from?”

Various actors, staff members, etc. If they hadn’t watched ‘Exorcism’ or didn’t know Kang Woojin, it was a natural reaction. Therefore, they all looked around with unfamiliar faces. Who is he? Who is that? Then, applause finally came.

-Clap clap clap clap clap.

Kang Woojin, sitting around the middle of the seating area with a calm expression, stood up. Only then did everyone’s faces change to expressions like ‘Oh, it’s him?’

“Isn’t he happy?His expression is very cold.”

“Isn’t it because he’s too nervous?”

“He looks too fine for that.”

“Who is he? Does anyone know him?”

“He won the acting grand prize award, but he’s too unknown? Wow- an unknown pushed the top.”

Ignoring the soft murmurs, Woojin with a cynical expression walked steadily towards the stage. There was no hesitation, no trembling. He was just calm. However, there was a very subtle misstep in his stride, although it wasn’t noticeable.

And so.

“······”

In a full suit, the stoic Kang Woojin climbed up to the stage where Director Kyotaro stood. Director Kyotaro, with a head full of gray hair, beamed as soon as Woojin stood in front of him. It was as if he had laid eyes on a treasure he had desired. The translator standing next to Director Kyotaro then spoke to Kang Woojin.

“You’re standing too far back.”

“Could you step forward?”

“Yes, yes.”

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay.”

Then Director Kyotaro received a trophy and a bouquet from the staff next to him and handed them to Kang Woojin, uttering words of joy in Japanese.

“Congratulations. Your work was really great.”

Although it was a short sentence in Japanese, just as the translator was about to interpret,

“ありがとうございます, 監督. (Thank you, Director.)”

Kang Woojin, with a poker face, replied first in fluent Japanese.

“It’s an honor that you appreciated ‘Exorcism’.”

For a moment, the translator next to him blinked his eyes in surprise, looking at the indifferent Kang Woojin.

‘What, what the… Hey! Why is your pronunciation better than mine??’

*****