Award ceremonies are usually broadcast live.

Because of that—

ㄴWhat did Kim Donghu just say? ㄴDid he really say he’s happy to receive his first New Actor Award? ㄴNot “the first time he’s received it,” but “first,” as in there will be more? Was that on purpose?

It didn’t take long for Kim Donghu’s acceptance speech to spread across the internet.

ㄴWhat kind of confidence is this? Did he just declare all the New Actor Awards are his? ㄴHe could win at the Blue Dragon, Daejong, KBC, and SKS awards. Damn. ㄴIs he really going to get four New Actor Awards? This is crazy. ㄴHis drama had at least 30% viewership, his short film won four awards at Mise-en-scène, and his first commercial film had over ten million viewers. ㄴAt this point, if he doesn’t win the New Actor Awards, it’s rigged. It’s either him, or it’s corrupt.

Soon enough, his name was trending at the top of the real-time search rankings. The second half of the ceremony barely mattered after that, as the impact of his “first” comment overshadowed everything else.

The public, always hungry for fresh faces, found the boldness of this young actor incredibly refreshing.

So much so that headlines like these quickly followed:

"Kim Donghu’s Confidence on New Actor Award: 'Thankful for My First One'" "Is It Confidence or Arrogance? The Results Await" "Flawless Manners! Kim Donghu’s Humble Acceptance Speech – He Even Memorized All the Endless Frontline Staff Names"

Typically, rookies don’t get this much attention, but Donghu was an exception. His rise far surpassed the norm, making it possible.

Then, something happened to add fuel to the fire.

“The Blue Dragon Award for Best Picture goes to Endless Frontline! Congratulations!”

The highlight of the Blue Dragon Awards—the Best Picture. And the winner? Endless Frontline. The announcement further intensified the buzz around Kim Donghu.

ㄴHow many awards is Endless Frontline going to take home tonight? ㄴCounting Best Picture, what’s the total now? ㄴWith Best Director, Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Actor, and the New Actor Award, that’s five, right? Or is it six with the New Actor? ㄴThis is insane.

It was as if Endless Frontline was intent on showing the power of a blockbuster, sweeping six awards at the Blue Dragon Film Awards.

For Kim Donghu, including the Best Short Film award, he alone was a seven-time winner that night. His name was now firmly etched into the public’s memory.

ㄴHow much is his fee going to skyrocket? ㄴAnd he wasn’t even the lead in anything but the short film. Just wait until he’s an adult. ㄴSeriously, no other child actor has had this kind of presence. ㄴThis guy’s gonna blow up; he’s a fighter jet pilot in the making. ㄴAs long as he doesn’t get caught up in some bullying scandal, he’s going to dominate.

A new star was being born as the year came to a close.

Busy. So busy.

If I had to sum up the end of the year, that word fit perfectly.

It was a cycle of giving acceptance speeches, resting for a few days, and attending more award ceremonies. As a result, four New Actor Awards now sat proudly on one side of my agency’s wall.

Thankfully, the busy period was finally over. I had no more commitments ahead.

“You’ve worked hard, Donghu. Especially with how you managed to give a different acceptance speech every time. That’s impressive.” “I prepared them ahead of time, just in case. You know, to avoid repeating myself.” “Well-prepared.”

Seokho hyung looked proudly at the wall filled with my trophies.

“I’m sure this wall is going to fill up quickly.” “Isn’t having an entire wall a bit much?” “It’ll happen in no time.”

He seemed to genuinely believe that as he cast a few meaningful glances my way before checking the calendar.

“Lunar New Year is coming up soon.” “Yeah, it is.”

The long year of 2011 had finally come to an end, and 2012 began much more peacefully than last year.

It was probably because I didn’t have any projects lined up.

“So, you’re focusing on training this year?” “Yes, I’m going to rest up and recharge my stamina properly.” “Donghu, but…” “I know, I’ll be careful not to get injured.” “Right, I trust that you’ll handle it well. You’re not seven anymore.”

Injuries, whether minor or major, could be critical, so I understood why Seokho hyung was worried.

“Alright, understood. So, aside from Golden Bell and the boxing tournament this year, there’s nothing else, right?” “Yeah, I think so. But if a good project comes along… I might take it.”

Hearing that, Seokho hyung shook his head, as if I were impossible.

“You really don’t know how to take a break, do you?” “Seems like that’s just my personality.” “Oh, and you know Ilshik’s first episode airs next week, right? People are really excited after seeing the trailer.” “Yeah, I know. I’m actually watching it with Sujin.” “Just the two of you?!” “Huh? No, at Sujin’s house with her family.” “Oh, okay, right. Got it.”

Why was he so surprised?

‘Well, whatever.’

It didn’t seem important.

With the year’s schedule roughly set, I left the office after saying my goodbyes.

‘I’m sixteen now, huh.’

The future had changed quite a bit.

I had grown immensely thanks to several advantages, and I could now confidently call myself an actor.

Yet, some worries still lingered.

‘My parents die when I’m 19.’

How will that future change? Could Sims: The Real Life alter even that?

‘Is that why they placed me in this small one-person agency? Is it all connected?’

I didn’t know yet. What kind of future awaited me was still a mystery.

But one thing was certain.

Ding! Ding! Ding!

-[We confirm that you will pause your acting career temporarily to focus on boxing.] -[You will adjust your path toward “boxing” for the time being.] -[The application “Float Like a Butterfly, Sting Like a Bee” is downloading.]

‘What?’

Was that really a quote from the person I think it was?

The cheerful sound of music filled the room.

“Five, six, seven, eight!”

Clap, clap, clap.

To the rhythm of the applause and the count, the girls moved in perfect sync, executing their dance flawlessly. It was clear they had practiced intensely for this moment.

Despite the strenuous choreography, none of them seemed out of breath.

Among them was one girl who stood out the most.

“Jaerin, you’re improving even more!” “Th-thank you.”

That girl was Ryu Jaerin, who was destined to become a top idol in the future.

She was a standout, like a crane among chickens, with talent that was on a completely different level.

No one could even feel jealous.

Not only that, but Jaerin stayed late every day to practice the longest, earning her group’s respect and admiration naturally.

‘She’s full of determination.’

The producer knew exactly why Ryu Jaerin was working so hard.

‘It must be because of the person she likes.’

There was no need to spell out who it was.

‘Kim Donghu.’

The producer didn’t know what kind of relationship they had, but it was clear they knew each other from a long time ago. Why else would she have a poster of him as a school uniform model in her dorm room?

‘Well, there’s no problem with a one-sided crush.’

The producer wasn’t too worried about it.

Why?

Because the person she liked was Kim Donghu.

At this point, disliking Kim Donghu among teenage girls was practically impossible. He was so popular that girl idols debated whether to name him as their ideal type. That’s how universally adored his face was.

Of course, the producer’s easygoing attitude was in stark contrast to Ryu Jaerin’s burning emotions.

‘Kim Sujin… Where did this girl even come from?’

Ryu Jaerin had known about Kim Sujin for a while, but she hadn’t always paid her much attention.

That changed recently.

The moment Ryu Jaerin saw Kim Sujin’s performance in Ilshik, she sensed something.

‘This girl likes Kim Donghu too.’

While others marveled at Kim Sujin’s acting, calling it perfect, mature, and incredibly convincing in her romantic scenes, Ryu Jaerin knew better.

‘That’s not acting.’

Those were the expressions and looks of someone truly in love.

“Why is she going after someone else’s man? Isn’t that basically adultery?” “Huh?”

The other group members looked confused at Ryu Jaerin’s sudden comment. But she was already lost in her own world.

“Seducing someone who’s already taken… that’s a real problem.”

Muttering to herself, Ryu Jaerin clutched a pamphlet for Daehan Arts High School in her hand.

Watching the first episode of Ilshik with Sujin passed without any significant event. The feelings I had felt were fleeting, and we simply watched the drama and shared a meal.

Afterward, we parted ways without any issues, and as I headed home, I couldn’t help but think about how quickly time passed.

‘Even when things are slow, time still moves.’

Soon enough, I’d be heading off to film Golden Bell.

When you come to my school next year, I’ll be your senior, won’t I? You’ll have to call me either sunbae or noona!

Sujin’s message made me smile. That’s right—we’d be attending the same school next year.

‘That’s going to be fun.’

Just imagining our school days together brought a smile to my face.

Ding! Ding! Ding!

A message from Sims: The Real Life arrived.

-[We confirm that you have a boxing tournament this year.] -[We have prepared a way to utilize Cheonmu Body Technique.] -[Downloading the application “Float Like a Butterfly, Sting Like a Bee.”]

‘What?’

Wasn’t that a famous quote from a certain legendary figure?