From the beginning of its broadcast, The Sun Hidden by the Moon garnered attention, concluding successfully with a staggering 45% viewership for its final episode. In contrast, Action King, which was anticipated to be a rival to The Sun Hidden by the Moon, ended with a final episode rating of just 4.5% due to a school violence scandal involving an idol star that surfaced in the middle of the series.

“Ah, are you talking about Seoyeon on the set?”

In an interview conducted after the drama concluded, actress Shin Yeon-mi, who played the role of Princess Yeonhwa's nanny, spoke about a particular child actor:

“She was a diligent child. People call her a prodigy, but she was an actor who worked harder than anyone.”

She shared about Seoyeon’s efforts, especially regarding the much-discussed episodes 2 and 3.

“We shot those scenes earlier than planned. She had remarkable stamina for a child actor and handled it all. Honestly, I felt like I was the one going to collapse.”

Shin Yeon-mi’s joking tone drew laughter from those around her, who assumed she was kidding.

“It was the toughest shoot of my life.”

Ha Ye-seo, who played the grown-up Lee Hae-wol, commented with a smile.

“When the ratings dropped sharply after episode 4, I was really worried. But I worked hard to fully portray 'Princess Yeonhwa' until the end. Thankfully, I'm relieved the highest ratings weren’t capped at episode 3. It was a valuable opportunity to learn that sometimes having a child actor who is too talented can be a challenge.”

Initially, Ha Ye-seo appeared slightly shaken due to the pressure, but she delivered excellent performances in the subsequent episodes, proving her reputation as a talented, pure actor wasn’t undeserved, demonstrating her power in the final episode.

Following Ha Ye-seo, Ha Tae-oh, the producer of The Sun Hidden by the Moon, was the last to speak.

“Seoyeon isn’t retiring. As Shin Yeon-mi mentioned earlier, she is a very ambitious child.”

Ha Tae-oh continued, looking directly at the camera.

“She expressed a desire to learn many things. She said that while filming this drama, she discovered many areas where she felt she was lacking.”

Although method acting and emotional performance were significant factors, Ha Tae-oh deliberately avoided mentioning them because they were challenging areas to comprehend anyway.

“Seoyeon will definitely be back.”

Producer Ha Tae-oh spoke firmly and confidently.

“That child was born to be an actor.”

Although she planned to take a break, it wasn’t something that could happen immediately. She had to remain as the child actor Joo Seoyeon at least until the end of the year, when The Sun Hidden by the Moon aired. The reason? The year-end award ceremony.

“Wow, you look incredibly pretty.”

Seoyeon’s makeup artist couldn’t help but comment on how beautiful she looked. Seeing her reflection in the mirror, Seoyeon herself was quietly amazed.

‘I think I look prettier than I did in the drama.’

This was only natural since award ceremony makeup could be more varied than that of a historical drama.

“Your eyelashes are so long for someone so young…”

They were too long to be a child's eyelashes.

‘How beautiful will this child become when she grows up?’

As a makeup artist who had worked with many child actors, she had never met a child as pretty as Seoyeon.

‘It’s such a pity she’s taking a break.’

Especially for her, who had enjoyed watching The Sun Hidden by the Moon, it was even more regretful. The performance this child had delivered was still vivid in her mind.

“Are you ready?”

Just then, someone came to check on Seoyeon. It was a man dressed in a neat suit who played the lead role of the grown-up Yoon Seo-il in The Sun Hidden by the Moon.

“Oh, Seoyeon, you look really beautiful.”

Actor Kang Seong-chan said with a smile. He was assigned to look after Seoyeon in place of Sua, who couldn’t attend the award ceremony. Since the cast members of The Sun Hidden by the Moon would all be sitting together, it was no trouble at all.

“Have you arrived?”

When they slowly reached the venue, Park Jung-woo, who had arrived earlier, spoke to her. It was awkward since he hadn’t acknowledged her before but changed his attitude after episode 3 of The Sun Hidden by the Moon.

“Yes, sunbae.”

“......”

Not knowing what else to call him, Seoyeon addressed him as “sunbae” (senior). Park Jung-woo was dissatisfied with Seoyeon's stiff tone, but there wasn’t much to criticize.

After all, Seoyeon was younger and a junior to Park Jung-woo.

“Alright, Seoyeon, you sit next to Ha Ye-seo over there… Have you thought of what you’re going to say today?”

“What I’m going to say?”

Seoyeon was puzzled by Kang Seong-chan’s sudden question. Was there something she needed to say today?

“Oh, didn’t you get the notice? Normally, nominees are informed in advance, though.”

“No?”

“I received it.”

Park Jung-woo answered on Seoyeon’s behalf. As a result, Seoyeon looked at him, and he laughed lightly.

“I’m talking about the Youth Actor Award.”

“……?”

Seoyeon almost asked what that was. But just from the name, she could tell it was an award for young actors.

“Since The Sun Hidden by the Moon dominated this year, it’s almost certain.”

Kang Seong-chan also seemed excited as he spoke. With The Sun Hidden by the Moon finishing with a whopping 45% viewership, it would have been strange if the lead actor Kang Seong-chan wasn’t excited.

Even Ha Ye-seo had a look of anticipation on her face.

“You will definitely win it.”

At that moment, Park Jung-woo spoke.

“Whether it’s based on popularity or acting.”

Was that a compliment? Seoyeon was confused and tilted her head. Park Jung-woo clicked his tongue and turned his head.

To Seoyeon, he was truly a perplexing fellow.

“Tonight, the stars shine brightly again. I feel like I’m about to go blind just standing here.”

While they were conversing, the lights in the ceremony hall dimmed slightly, highlighting the podium. The two actors who came out as hosts exchanged words as they scanned the audience.

It was a place filled with stars. Seoyeon realized anew that she was among them.

“Now, we’ll begin the KMB Drama Awards.”

With a loud announcement, the KMB Drama Awards began. Sitting there without much thought, Seoyeon suddenly felt as if she were in a realm of stars.

Until now, she hadn’t felt the lack of reality. Looking around, there were actors everywhere. People she had only seen on TV were gathered.

“First, we have the Popularity Award.”

Looking forward, the screen displayed the dramas aired this year. Numerous dramas aired by KMB over the past year.

The Sun Hidden by the Moon was undoubtedly the most eye-catching among them. The number of actors listed with the nominees was staggering.

Only a handful of actors held trophies and gave acceptance speeches. Some even shed tears over small awards.

As the ceremony continued,

“And next is this category.”

Formerly known as the Child Actor Award.

“It’s time for the Youth Actor Award!”

With the host’s announcement, the screen displayed the nominees for both male and female Youth Actor Awards. A child who gained attention from a daily drama. A child whose line became the year’s top catchphrase.

Most of them started acting a year or two earlier than Seoyeon. At seven years old, Seoyeon was exceptionally young, even in this setting.

‘Have you thought of what you’re going to say today?’

Suddenly, she recalled Kang Seong-chan’s words. Words she hadn’t taken seriously now lingered in her mind.

‘This is...’

Typically, Seoyeon wasn’t afraid. It was likely due to her previous life’s influence.

Not knowing where to feel fear or nervousness, that influence remained even now, making her rarely startled by things.

‘Nervousness.’

Seoyeon clutched her chest. Her hands trembled uncontrollably.

“Seoyeon.”

Someone clasped Seoyeon’s hands.

“Take a deep breath.”

It was actress Jeong Eun-sun, who played the role of Queen Dowager Eun-hye. Today, too, she gazed at Seoyeon with sharp eyes.

Was she about to say something again? As Seoyeon looked at her, Jeong Eun-sun spoke.

“Honestly.”

After hesitating briefly, she said,

“Previously, I would have said Seoyeon’s decision was right.”

“Yes?”

“Of course, even now, I don’t think Seoyeon’s choice was wrong. I just harbor a regret that there might have been another way.”

Jeong Eun-sun paused, pondering her words.

As if considering how to express herself.

“Previously, I thought Seoyeon found it difficult to manage her emotions.”

So she had advised against emotional acting, receiving a warning from Director Gong Jung-tae. At the time, she believed it was necessary.

“But I changed while watching.”

Jeong Eun-sun realized much from The Sun Hidden by the Moon. Child actors weren’t just to be pampered.

They were to be regarded as actors.

“Seoyeon is a strong child.”

Twice, she poured her emotions into acting. Once, in front of Jeong Eun-sun.

And once more, watching from a distance. The effort Seoyeon put in for her acting was palpable.

Having performed method acting for a long time, she couldn’t help but understand.

“An old actress couldn’t see that because of her own worries.”

“Ah, no.”

“So.”

Interrupting Seoyeon’s flustered response, Jeong Eun-sun continued.

“There’s no need to be nervous.”

With those words, Seoyeon’s familiar face appeared on the screen. It was Joo Seoyeon. Herself.

The Youth Actor Award. In the male category, Park Jung-woo. And in the female category, Seoyeon’s face appeared.

Applause resounded. Thunderous applause echoed.

Light shone on Seoyeon. Jeong Eun-sun gently nudged Seoyeon’s back.

“Go confidently as an actor.”

Until the last departure. Only then could Seoyeon step forward. Her previously trembling heart had already calmed.

As usual, she felt her serene heart and took a step forward.

“Seoyeon.”

From behind, as she headed to the podium, she heard Jeong Eun-sun’s voice.

“I’m sorry for before.”

Turning her back on those words, Seoyeon ascended the podium. Just like Jeong Eun-sun said. As an actor.

“Hello, I’m Joo Seoyeon, who played the young Princess Yeonhwa in The Sun Hidden by the Moon.”

She performed her usual respectful bow to everyone. She looked at the numerous stars before her.

It was dazzling.

Seoyeon didn’t even know what she was saying now. Though she tried to express her thoughts, she wasn’t sure if she was doing well.

“Seoyeon, are you crying?”

The host spoke, a bit flustered. Seoyeon wiped her eyes with her fingers. Tears.

Ah, emotions can overwhelm me. I can cry even when I’m happy. It was different from crying in acting before. She still didn’t understand it well.

Her past self didn’t know many things.

“Finally.”

Back then, it was sadness; now, it was more complex. Seoyeon took a deep breath and spoke calmly.

“I’ll work hard to stand here again. So...”

She exhaled and smiled brightly.

“I’ll definitely come back.”

That was Seoyeon’s final statement. Seven-year-old Joo Seoyeon.

And the end of a young child actor. The end of her childhood.

And so, time passed.

A few springs. And a few winters.

And spring came again.

Spring, heralding a new beginning.

“Joo Seoyeon.”

In school uniform, Lee Ji-yeon frowned and turned her gaze. There stood a girl staring blankly at the sky.

“What are you doing? If you don’t hurry, we’ll be late!”

The girl with long black hair in the same school uniform. Seventeen-year-old Joo Seoyeon.

“Yeah.”

With the same calm face as in the past.

“I’m coming.”

She wore a small smile.