Chapter 77

77. Who is the winner?

"If only I could travel back in time to meet you."

The first line of Serin's song. A voice that matched her appearance, like that of a pure white angel.

"Wow."

A beauty that elicited an unconscious sigh of admiration.

"If only I could find you, even after so long…."

Serin's genius vocal, showing why she topped the charts right after her debut.

In everyone's heart, the faint memories left behind somewhere in the time they had lived.

Serin's song, which brought those memories to the forefront, vividly.

"……"

Jinhyuk watched Serin's performance with a more emotional expression than anyone else sitting there.

The same sense of awe he felt at Serin's debut performance was once again vividly conveyed.

The emotion he felt when he heard her song amidst the bombardment of the battlefield, and the emotion he felt when he saw her on the brilliantly lit stage.

'I can't sing…'

Jinhyuk smiled, recalling Serin from their first meeting.

His star, now finally in her rightful place, radiating the brilliance she was meant to have.

Jinhyuk watched Serin, overwhelmed with emotion.

And, lost in such thoughts, he completely failed to notice that the camera was focused on him, not Serin.

– Gasp! Was I the only one who felt my heart skip a beat when Jinhyuk smiled?

– Jinhyuk… Why are you looking at her with such a wistful expression? 😭

– Wow… Just sitting there and watching the stage, he looks like a commercial.

Leaning back in his chair, Jinhyuk propped his chin on his arm resting on the armrest, a picture-perfect moment.

Outside the TV, chaos erupted once when Serin's performance began, and again when Jinhyuk's reaction to it was shown.

***

"Next, we have the Best New Actor category. This category is also very competitive, isn't it?"

"Yes, many new actors have shown excellent performances this year. Let's meet the six nominees who have been honored."

On the event screen, scenes from the dramas featuring the six nominees were introduced, along with their names.

Jinhyuk's mother, Kim Sun-hwa, tightly held her husband Woo Bong-soo's hand.

"Ah…."

Do Min-woo also let out a low moan, clearly nervous, while Kim Min-young clasped her hands together. Next to her, Lee Young-jun adjusted his posture.

Swallow.

Yeon Sung-hoon also straightened up and swallowed. It had been one and a half years since he met Jinhyuk and began teaching him acting.

The genius who had made his eyes widen was already proving himself in such a short time, becoming a key figure in this grand event.

"The sixth nominee. Woo Jinhyuk from 'High School 2.'"

As the host introduced Jinhyuk, and he appeared in the 'High School 2' video,

"Ah!"

"Wow!"

The audience erupted with screams and cheers, louder than ever. Scenes from 'High School 2' flashed across the screen.

"Move a bit."

"What do you want me to do? I'm alive, aren't I?"

"I'll stop. Glasses don't suit me, my friends say."

Great scenes, even when watched again. Screams kept bursting from the audience.

"Yes, the atmosphere is really heated up."

"Isn't it really?"

"Now, we've seen all six nominees. They are all very strong, aren't they?"

"Yes, any of them could win. Now, let's have last year's winner, actor Park Eui-soo, announce the winner."

The camera focused on the actor on the stage.

"Yes, I will announce the winner. The 2011 KBC Drama Grand Prize for Best New Actor!"

The hall was filled with tension.

"Congratulations! Woo Jinhyuk!"

The moment Jinhyuk's name was announced,

"Wow!"

"Ah!"

Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap!

The hall was filled with loud cheers and applause.

Jinhyuk, now the focus of the cameras, stood up. His 'High School 2' co-stars smiled and clapped to congratulate him.

In the VIP seats, at the moment Jinhyuk's name was announced,

"Wow!"

Three people clenched their fists and jumped up.

Jinhyuk's father, Woo Bong-soo, his friend Do Min-woo, and his teacher, Yeon Sung-hoon.

For a moment, the three looked embarrassed, but Yeon Sung-hoon greeted Woo Bong-soo with a joyful expression.

"Congratulations, sir."

"I also congratulate you!"

Do Min-woo also greeted him, and Woo Bong-soo smiled widely in response.

"Thank you, Director. Thank you, Min-woo."

"Congratulations, Mother."

"Congratulations."

The people sitting around them also congratulated each other. Meanwhile, Jinhyuk ascended the stage.

"Thank you very much for this great award."

Jinhyuk looked around the audience, feeling a lump in his throat.

A renewed sense of gratitude for the things he had gained in his new life welled up inside him.

Though they were far away, he could see his precious people at a glance.

"Father, Mother, thank you and I love you."

At Jinhyuk's words, his mother, Kim Sun-hwa, was already in tears, and his father, Woo Bong-soo, blinked repeatedly to hold back his tears.

"To my acting teacher, actor Yeon Sung-hoon, and to the company members, including President Lee Seung-soo, I am grateful."

Yeon Sung-hoon, who was on the verge of tears, cleared his throat.

"To PD Jung Doo-il, writer Han Yoo-kyung, and the production team, who brought us this wonderful work, I am grateful."

PD Jung Doo-il and writer Han Yoo-kyung waved and smiled.

"Um, especially… I have special friends who learned acting with me and debuted together. Thank you, Seo-yeon and Serin."

Unexpectedly hearing their names, Seo-yeon's eyes widened, and Serin was already on the verge of tears.

As Jinhyuk continued to express his gratitude, he delivered his final words.

"Friends from Myungseong High School 2nd grade 3rd class and SH Acting Academy, are you watching? Thank you!"

Jinhyuk smiled.

At that moment, the school and academy friends watching TV were in chaos, but the scene was also buzzing.

Everyone had forgotten that this great actor was still a high school sophomore.

"Haha. Is this the first time a high school name has been mentioned at an acting award ceremony?"

"Probably. The school should give him an award."

The MCs laughed cheerfully.

"Now, let's announce the nominees for the Best New Actress category."

"Yes, the Best New Actress category is also very competitive. Seven nominees are vying for the award. Let's see the nominees."

The names and drama scenes of the seven Best New Actress nominees were shown in sequence.

Among them, Min Seo-yeon and Serin, strong contenders, were confidently shining.

Yeon Sung-hoon, Serin's father, and the VIP supporters clenched their fists in tension again.

The audience's attention was drawn to Seo-yeon and Serin, who were sitting side by side.

"The 2011 KBC Drama Grand Prize, Best New Actress, goes to!"

The announcer opened the envelope with the winner's name and pulled out the card.

"Congratulations…."

***

"You must be tired. Why don't you lie down?"

"No, I'm fine. I don't have anything to do, so why would I be tired?"

The old man, who was sitting up in bed, waved his hand.

Veteran actor Won Sang-gi, who played the first Hong Gil-dong in KBC's drama 'The Story of Hong Gil-dong.'

"Oh, dear. You're the patient."

Won Sang-gi's wife scolded him. It was his third recurrence of cancer, and the prognosis was not good.

He was already mentally preparing for his end.

"Maybe this 'The Story of Hong Gil-dong' will be my last."

"Oh, why do you say such things?"

Won Sang-gi's wife frowned at his words. Seeing her, Won Sang-gi seemed to want to say something but closed his mouth.

– Congratulations! Woo Jinhyuk!

The voice announcing the winner on TV echoed loudly.

"Hee hee. That boy won."

"You were right."

Won Sang-gi smiled as he watched Woo Jinhyuk ascend the stage.

The 9th Hong Gil-dong, Woo Jinhyuk.

In his nearly 60-year acting career, he had starred in countless works, but 'The Story of Hong Gil-dong' held a special place in his heart.

While attending a night high school and entering the film industry, he had a long 10-year period of anonymity.

Finally, in his late 20s, he became known as a supporting actor with a significant role, and his first leading role was in 'The Story of Hong Gil-dong.'

It was the early days of KBC, and the era when TV dramas were just beginning.

As a niche market, it was difficult for the broadcasting station to recruit major film actors.

Thanks to his taekwondo black belt and stuntman experience, he was able to take on the role.

At the time, 'The Story of Hong Gil-dong' was produced as a lively action drama, heavily influenced by Hong Kong martial arts films.

This drama catapulted Won Sang-gi to stardom, and he went on to dominate the drama scene, sweeping through the broadcasting world.

"Why did you say that boy would win?"

Won Sang-gi smiled, and his wife, whom he had met on the drama 'The Story of Hong Gil-dong,' nodded.

"I have high hopes for this 'The Story of Hong Gil-dong.'"

Won Sang-gi nodded in agreement with his wife.

His love for 'The Story of Hong Gil-dong' was so deep that he had never missed a single episode during the eight series.

And, while battling cancer and contemplating his remaining life, he had a fervent wish.

To see the true revival of 'The Story of Hong Gil-dong' as a genuine action drama.

The series had been declining for some time, especially the last one.

"I feel sorry for Hyun-woo, who worked hard, but it would be too disappointing if it turned out like the last one."

He was disappointed not only by the fusion period drama, which almost erased the period drama's characteristics, but also by the action.

The action drama 'The Story of Hong Gil-dong' had disappeared, and the screen was filled with romance.

Moreover, the young actor, who had a good appearance and acting skills, used a stunt double for the limited action scenes.

He had a deep regret that he couldn't fully express to his friend, No Hyun-woo.

"Still, I shouldn't be too greedy…."

But he really wanted to see it before he died.

A real Hong Gil-dong, with action that came alive, flying across the screen!

And to see the audience cheering for Hong Gil-dong's exploits, not romance.

He was willing to be called a stubborn old man clinging to the past.

He eagerly awaited the true revival of 'The Story of Hong Gil-dong' in this series, which might be his last viewing.

However.

'I know this is an impolite call, Director Lee, but I just couldn't stay silent.'

Upon hearing about Woo Jinhyuk's casting, he called KBC Drama Department Director Lee Sang-soo to protest.

'Sir, I understand your feelings, but please hear me out…'

The director's sincere words.

And upon confirming that the director shared his thoughts about 'The Story of Hong Gil-dong,' Won Sang-gi discarded his preconceptions and began to binge-watch 'High School 2.'

Thus, the veteran actor's anger and concerns turned into hope.

Unbelievable appearance, eyes that were hard to fathom, and acting skills that seemed too mature for an 18-year-old.

Moreover, the action scenes, which were unexpectedly impressive.

To the veteran actor, who had not watched a youth drama in a long time, Jinhyuk was a fresh shock.

So… maybe this boy…

It was the moment when he confirmed that Director Lee's judgment, which he knew well, was not wrong.

– Friends from Myungseong High School 2nd grade 3rd class and SH Acting Academy, are you watching? Thank you.

Won Sang-gi smiled as he listened to Jinhyuk's acceptance speech.

His smile had a different meaning from the others, who smiled at Jinhyuk's unexpected mention of his school.

Won Sang-gi's smile was purely due to his expectations for Jinhyuk as the 9th Hong Gil-dong.

"I hope that girl wins the Best New Actress award too…."

His wife, looking at Min Seo-yeon on the screen, said.

Both of them already knew about Min Seo-yeon's action scenes in 'High School 2' and the news of her casting in 'The Story of Hong Gil-dong.'

– The 2011 KBC Drama Grand Prize, Best New Actress, goes to! Congratulations! Jung Seung-hee!

Won Sang-gi grumbled.

"That, that, they do it again. Sometimes KBC does this. I bet they said it wouldn't be the same drama giving both the Best New Actor and Best New Actress awards."

Perhaps because of favoritism, Won Sang-gi genuinely hoped that Min Seo-yeon, who appeared in 'The Story of Hong Gil-dong,' would win.

– Ding!

Won Sang-gi picked up his ringing phone. It was a text from his granddaughter, who turned out to be a fan of Woo Jinhyuk.

– Grandpa, Woo Jinhyuk won the Best New Actor award!

A belated congratulations. And the attached video clip.

Woo Jinhyuk and Min Seo-yeon's "Let's all watch it together" clip.

In the video clip, fans had edited Jinhyuk's hair to crudely resemble Hong Gil-dong's, and the subtitle read:

– Let's all watch 'The Story of Hong Gil-dong' together.

Won Sang-gi smiled contentedly.

"Sure, sure, let's all watch it together."

***

– Grand historical drama MBS "Great Nation" starring Kang Jung-won, in fierce competition with KBC "2012 The Story of Hong Gil-dong" at the same time slot.

– From the beginning of the year, an exciting period drama showdown: MBS "Great Nation" vs KBC "2012 The Story of Hong Gil-dong." Who will be the winner?

– New Year period drama showdown. Will it be the 200 billion won production "Great Nation" or the boldly cast "2012 The Story of Hong Gil-dong"?

– A showdown of scale and tradition. Two period dramas to grace the beginning of the year: "Great Nation" and "2012 The Story of Hong Gil-dong" analyzed.

With top actor Kang Jung-won in "Great Nation" and issue-maker Woo Jinhyuk in "2012 The Story of Hong Gil-dong,"

Entertainment news articles predicting the broadcast of the two works, which will clash in the first week of January, are flooding in.

2012.

A new morning dawned.