Become a Star

After the Academy Awards ceremony ended, several afterparties were held all over LA. Among them, the Vanity Fair Oscar Party was known for having the highest attendance rate of celebrities, including today’s Oscar winners. Woo-Jin attended the party with Director Yoon Seon after the awards ceremony was over.

Even though the Academy Awards received attention from all over the world and was trending online, ultimately, all that remained in the public’s minds was the Best Actor and Best Picture awards. The awards given to the staff and supporting actors were meaningful and of great honor to both the individuals themselves, as well as the key figures in the industry. However, they were forgotten by the public a few hours later, leaving only the recorded events behind.

What captured the attention of the public was the fancy clothes worn by the actors and celebrities, as well as the behind-the-scenes anecdotes of the afterparties. Regardless of whether they were nominees or winners, it was a celebratory party where members of the film industry could enjoy themselves. However, only people who weren’t involved in this year’s award ceremony could enjoy the joyous side of the party.

Aside from the award winners, it was a day where filmmakers and actors went on a hiatus, and those who were participating in films that were scheduled long after the ceremony could feel at ease, as they weren’t nominated this time around.

The people whose movies were released recently but failed to make the cut, or those who stood a high chance of winning an award but ultimately failed, felt bitter while experiencing an influx of thoughts and emotions. Because of their ego, some smiled brighter than usual, acting as though nothing had happened; some displayed flamboyant behavior, while others set the tone for the evening in one corner, criticizing the Academy committee for being closed-minded, and pointed out their flaws.

On the other hand, Woo-Jin didn’t belong to any of the aforementioned categories. He was able to enjoy the party with Director Yoon Seon with ease. It was an undeniable fact that Director Yoon Seon contributed the most to The Red winning the Best International Feature Film award. He had won awards at various international film festivals, and surprisingly had many close friends within the film industry in Hollywood.

Just like how it felt as though Chae Woo-Jin himself was the one receiving an award at the Oscars in Korea, in LA, it seemed as though Director Yoon Seon was the recipient of the award. Even though being a box office hit in the U.S. was a major factor behind The Red winning the award, Director Yoon Seon’s fame and reputation helped as well. Even if people didn’t know much about Director Yoon Seon, most of them would respond with an ‘Ah~!’ when others mentioned the name of his productions.

Woo-Jin accompanied Director Yoon Seon to the party and the latter introduced him to the Hollywood celebrities he didn’t know. Just like how the movie was a big hit, Woo-Jin was equally popular. Woo-Jin received a lot of attention from others, especially since he was shooting a movie directed by Rayford this time around. So even though it was Woo-Jin’s first time meeting these people, their conversations were endless.

{Rayford is a great director to work with.}

{That’s because you had Hugh to keep him in check. If you had to deal with that knucklehead in a one-on-one setting, it would have been a different story.}

{Excuse me??}

The producer that made a remark about Rayford had prior experience working with him. As soon as he shook his head while recalling the past, the person standing behind him exuded a gloomy aura. However, the producer either had a lot he wanted to get off his chest, or maybe he was simply an impolite person as he stared straight at Rayford’s face and continued badmouthing him.

{Touch your heart and think about it! Hugh had a difficult time mediating when you picked a fight with the sound supervisor back then!}

{That’s only because that incompetent fella was about to ruin our movie!}

The producer simply shook his head in response to Rayford’s angry reaction. The movie in question was LL Studio’s first film. As such, they were very prudent, and the production process was very intense. Thus, the slightest difference of opinion had always led to fierce arguments.

{And he won the award for Best Sound Editing today. On that note, this conversation ends here.}

Rayford pouted at Hugh for teasing him.

{Jerk!}

Their first film was ultimately a success, but every single day throughout the production period had been akin to being at war. Rayford and Hugh were in a state of heightened anxiety back then because of the anticipation of their first film as well as the uneasiness caused by the uncertainties.

When the veteran sound producer disregarded Rayford’s opinion, the ticking time bomb within him exploded. Fortunately, the rational Hugh intervened and managed to appease both parties. If he hadn’t done that, it might have turned into a criminal case that would go down in the history of the film industry.

In any case, they became a well-known enemy duo in Hollywood because of that incident.

{Genie, can we talk for a moment?}

Woo-Jin had been quiet the entire time because he found these behind-the-scenes anecdotes interesting. While he was listening, Hugh snuck up to him and whispered in his ear. He was so careful and subtle that no one else noticed him doing that. Woo-Jin shot Director Yoon Seon a glance and slipped out, following behind Hugh.

It was hard to find a place to have a secret conversation at a noisy party. In fact, the act of them going somewhere quiet together could have led to misunderstandings instead. Hugh sat down in an area where there was a moderate amount of people present, but was not so quiet that people around them could overhear their conversation. He waited for Woo-Jin.

{By any chance, are you free two days later?}

Hugh immediately asked the question as soon as Woo-Jin approached him. Currently, Woo-Jin still had a couple of additional individual scenes left to shoot, as well as a photo shoot. When Woo-Jin replied that he wouldn’t be free that day, Hugh seemed nervous and asked if he had time three days from now instead.

This time around, Woo-Jin nodded instead of replying to him. As soon as he nodded, Hugh finally looked at ease and smiled.

{But is there a reason why I have to set aside some time that day?}

After hearing Woo-Jin’s question, Hugh realized he had only been focused on asking Woo-Jin if he was free without giving him any details. He blushed and answered bashfully.

{To be honest, there’s someone who wants to meet you.}

{Me?}

{That’s right! Oh my goodness, they became a fan after watching your movie, and contacted me, saying that they have to meet you no matter what. Thanks to you, I got to talk to them directly on the phone!}

Judging by how Hugh was so excited over a mere phone call, Woo-Jin could guess the other party was no ordinary person. Unfortunately, Woo-Jin knew from experience that he had to be especially cautious in such situations.

{I’m grateful towards them for thinking so highly of me, but do I really have to meet them?}

{Of course! One of their works has been made into a movie as well, so it wouldn’t hurt to meet them. In fact, it would irrefutably be the greatest honor of your life to meet them.}

Initially, Hugh had a look on his face that seemed to suggest he couldn’t understand why Woo-Jin was reacting like that. But soon, he realized Woo-Jin didn't know who ‘they’ were. In that case, it would’ve been easier to persuade him by revealing the identity of the person, but Hugh didn’t do so.

{Since you speak so highly of them, they must be a significant figure. Who exactly could they be?}

{About that…you’ll know when you meet them. I’m sure you know them too.}

Hugh was about to answer Woo-Jin’s question, but he stopped himself in time and gave a vague answer. It seemed as though he had promised the person to keep it a secret from Woo-Jin. Instead of giving a direct answer, Hugh responded in a way that implied the person in question was so famous that everybody knew the mysterious person. He then explained to Woo-Jin that they were so famous, if people were to spread rumors about it or if the media publicized it prior to their meeting, it wouldn’t do either party any good.

Even though Woo-Jin believed in Hugh, he didn’t know how his agency would react. The news of him meeting with a famous person spreading to the media could worsen their relationship from the get go.

However, the more cautious Hugh acted, the more wary Woo-Jin became. Perhaps, Woo-Jin’s concern could be seen all over his face; Hugh sighed and vouched for that person.

{I guarantee you that there’s absolutely nothing weird or sketchy about this meeting. I swear upon my name.}

Seeing as Woo-Jin still had his reservations and was hesitant to give an answer, Hugh was frustrated. He whispered in desperation.

{I’m not asking you to meet them just so I can get an autograph. I already have their autograph! I’m not as desperate as I appear to be. I’m just doing this because I feel sorry for you, since you don’t have their autograph.}

{Autograph?}

{Their autograph is so valuable that I’m not ashamed to pass it down as a family heirloom!}

{Since you’re praising them so much, it’s making me more and more curious about who they are.}

{If you’re curious, you have to satisfy your curiosity!}

After looking at Hugh’s desperate eyes, which were comparable to Puss in Boots’ sad eyes, Woo-Jin suddenly became even more curious. Judging by how much Hugh respected that person, and had even mentioned their work being made into a movie, Woo-Jin guessed that the person was either a famous screenwriter in the film industry, or a critically-acclaimed novelist. Thus he had high expectations.

Woo-Jin wondered if ‘that person’ wanted to make contact first because they were thinking of casting him in their next movie. Hence, he agreed to meet them three days from now. Hugh told him he would take care of the time and location of the meeting and was pleased, despite the cumbersome process.

{Genie, I spent a long time looking for you. You’ve been with Hugh the entire time, huh?}

As soon as Dustin arrived at the party, he got dragged around by others. He barely managed to slip away and ran around looking for Woo-Jin. While Woo-Jin was hanging out with the producers and veteran actors, the other young celebrities grabbed Dustin and tried to get him to drink, but he rejected them and kept thinking of excuses to get out of drinking with them.

Nevertheless, Dustin didn’t actively look for Woo-Jin because the latter seemed to be enveloped within a stuffy atmosphere at first glance, as he was the only young man there. Dustin wasn’t patient enough to listen to boring conversations on a day like this. However, Woo-Jin suddenly disappeared. Dustin was surprised and went around looking for him.

{Hugh, I’ll be borrowing Genie for a bit.}

{We’re done talking, so go hang out with the other young people. You youngins…}

Hugh was shocked at himself for calling Woo-Jin and Dustin ‘youngins’; he shuddered and sat down on the closest chair. The shock of realizing he was now at the age where he called people in their twenties ‘youngins’ tormented him.

Leaving the middle-aged Hugh who was in anguish behind, Dustin dragged Woo-Jin along as he spoke cheerfully. The vitality of the young man, who had a fun life ahead of him, was contrasted with the depressed Hugh, making the former seem even more radiant.

{Let’s take a picture! I’m waiting for Mac right now.}

Mac Smith was the professional photographer at the photobooth who took the pictures of the people at the photobooth. Now that most of the attendees had their pictures taken, he wanted to take a break, but Dustin told him to wait for a moment as he would be bringing Woo-Jin over, so Dustin picked up his pace as he walked.

{I’ve already taken a photo with Director Yoon Seon earlier, though?}

Woo-Jin had already taken a commemorative picture with Director Yoon-Seon. Although there wasn’t a rule that forbade a person from taking multiple photos, Woo-Jin gave an unenthusiastic response.

{You didn’t take one with me, though. There’s nothing more important than that!}

Dustin was as lively as a young boy. After hearing his response, Woo-Jin grinned and followed him. The word used by Hugh, ‘youngin’, was better suited for the young Dustin than Woo-JIn. Aside from the fact that he liked drinking and was popular among women, Dustin was the perfect man for his great granddaughter.

***

An antique chair was placed in the middle of the photobooth; the backdrop of the photobooth was a panel with an arabesque pattern reminiscent of the Middle Ages. The background went very well with Mac Smith’s unique dark and gloomy style.

{I call dibs on the chair!}

Dustin sat down on the chair first. As soon as he sat down, he elegantly crossed his legs and pointed to his right with his chin.

{You stand here and assist me. Today, I’ll make a special exception and allow you to stand on my right.}

Dustin sat with his elbows resting on the armrests, with his hands clasped together. He looked just like an emperor during the age of monarchy. It seemed like he wanted to take a photo with Woo-Jin that was based on a random concept he came up with on the fly. Since they were posing as two characters of different social classes in the photo, it was possible for the other party to be offended if they weren’t close friends. They could have fun and take such a photo without putting much thought into it only if they viewed each other as equals.

Just like Dustin had thought, Woo-Jin’s ego wasn’t bruised by his suggestion. Woo-Jin thought it was fun as well, so he positioned himself in a way that made Dustin the focus of the photo.

In the picture he had taken with Director Yoon Seon, the director sat on the chair, while Woo-Jin sat on the armrest. They were posing just like a father and son pair. It was one of those photos that could be found in every local photo studio

Since Woo-Jin had already taken a pre-planned photo earlier, it wasn’t a bad idea to try a new concept this time around. Instead, the concept Dustin had in mind was slightly modified. Dustin wanted to be a king, but Woo-Jin had something else in mind.

Instead of standing next to Dustin, Woo-Jin stood behind the chair. While keeping his friend’s wishes in mind, he positioned himself. And then, he bent down slightly and covered Dustin’s eyes with his hands.

{Oh?}

Dustin was taken by surprise; Woo-Jin brought his face closer to his ear and looked into the camera, with a wicked smile on his face. This scene prompted anyone looking at it to imagine a schemer whispering deceitful sweet talk into the lord’s ears, while covering his eyes. Woo-Jin had a smirk on his face as he stared straight into the camera, as though he was giving a warning to an unwitting accomplice who had discovered his secret. The manipulator standing behind the person who believed himself to be a strong and powerful king was another king in the shadows.

Mac pressed the shutter button very naturally, capturing the photo that was based on the concept that the two actors had come up with. Even Dustin’s contorted eyebrows were perfect. He was startled after Woo-Jin covered his eyes out of the blue.

The photo was too good to be used as just a commemorative photo of the afterparty. Mac was convinced that the photo would most likely become one of the most iconic photos of this year’s Oscars, if it was uploaded to the internet.