I’m an Unknown Actress, But Everyone Knows Me - Chapter 78

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Episode 78

“Just call me Jjang Director, and I’d appreciate it. Don’t doubt me thinking ‘That old guy is doing a web novel-based drama?’ I’ve read quite a lot of web novels too. So please trust me and follow along~.”

It was exactly the same introduction I heard during the script reading. Jjang Director had taken on as his next project. Writer Pi seemed to already know, and Ju Junseo and Chu Gaeul looked at me.

“Jjang Director…”

“We agreed to work together on our next project too.”

It was a statement that reminded me of a phone call from some time ago. From 10 minutes to an hour, from a web drama uploaded to InTube to a drama broadcast on television, from an 8-episode short series to a 16-episode mini-series.

“Ah-. The next lead here must be feeling left out, right? Director, you’re being way too discriminatory.”

“At least the writer is the same.”

It was dazzling growth. Chu Gaeul grumbled but seemed inwardly pleased that the people around her were doing well.

“Who’s the male lead? You must have at least some image in mind.”

When Ju Junseo asked, Jjang Director pondered for a moment.

“This time too, the male lead will have to be someone with a certain level of recognition. Did you all hear? JC ENM is taking on solo production. It’s their second adventure after …”

At least could cover production costs because PPL was possible.

But this time, was truly a dangerous adventure where no profit could be expected.

“Since we’re targeting overseas markets, I think it’ll be an idol.”

It was roughly what I had expected. Right now, at this time, just before the great transformation of the new media market. It was when idols were most actively jumping into the acting scene.

“Our lead, does anyone have someone specific in mind? Just mention a few people you think could create the best chemistry with you. I’ll go and talk to them.”

Jjang Director asked me, and I pretended to think for a moment before answering.

“Anyone is fine. They’re all good.”

Playful jeers came from around, asking what kind of answer that was.

‘But it’s true.’

But really, anyone could play the male lead role. There was nothing to worry about.

Because…

I drew this skill last time.

* * *

Ryu Lisa’s eyes sparkled as she watched the Seoul Drama Awards broadcasting live. It was to appreciate her own work that would appear shortly.

“Why is it so hard for me to see the finished product like this!”

Due to the nature of being a stylist, when it was event attendance rather than a photo shoot, it was difficult to see the perfectly set look on the day of.

The coordinator would bring clothes in advance the night before or at dawn, then head straight to the shop.

“This kind of thing? Of course I should see it first.”

Grumbling to her assistant beside her, Ryu Lisa stared intently at the screen.

‘She must really like it…’

This kind of behavior only came out very occasionally. Unless it was legendary styling that would make anyone gasp in admiration, Ryu Lisa would moderately enjoy her work.

She loved fashion, but was definitely not the type to love a single person.

‘Tomorrow is Do Gyeoul’s script reading, will she be like this tomorrow too?’

The assistant suddenly became curious. In the corner of the office sat a blue box.

A box containing several outfits that Do Gyeoul would wear and appear in front of cameras tomorrow.

Ryu Lisa didn’t even glance at it, only caring about when Han Yeoreum would appear.

“She’s out!”

Han Yeoreum walking on the red carpet naturally showed the touch of Ryu Lisa and Dokgo Gyeol. A pale pink dress with layers of chiffon, neatly tied hair, and small sparkling accessories.

“As expected-! A Ryu Lisa creation!”

Ryu Lisa covered her mouth as she looked at Han Yeoreum as if savoring the sight. Then she looked up at the ceiling and sighed.

“But why does Han Yeoreum keep taking on weird next projects, tying my hands and feet!”

It was understandable that she’d be frustrated. Her next project, the spinoff, still had her in a student role. And only for a few minutes in episode 1.

At most she could care about sneakers and bags, at best a scarf.

If she made a mistake and it became too much, it might be consumed as a meme by the cold high school subscribers of K-high teen content.

‘And one is a period drama…’

Period dramas have separate hanbok designers. Having her work taken by the costume team and hanbok designer, Ryu Lisa whined to her assistant that all the really fun stuff was stolen by others.

‘Normally, she should be working harder on Do Gyeoul’s side…’

Ryu Lisa became the stylist in charge for Do Gyeoul’s first romance work, .

Personal feelings were feelings, and work was work. Ryu Lisa was professional as always.

She analyzed everything from references to the atmosphere of the work with dedication, but that was all.

“Look at this. I knew she’d be right next to the Best Dresser title. Does Han Yeoreum know? That this is all thanks to Ryu Lisa’s sharp and brilliant eye.”

Currently, Han Yeoreum was the only one that Ryu Lisa found this entertaining. Even though Han Yeoreum wasn’t the only one among the actresses attending the Seoul Drama Awards who had Ryu Lisa’s touch.

“Ah, I’ve seen it all. Let’s work now!”

“Why don’t you leave it on, aren’t you curious if she’ll win an award?”

Ryu Lisa, who had already turned off the screen, picked up her pad again. Then she chuckled at her assistant’s question as if asking why she’d ask such a thing.

“Why watch something obvious? How boring.”

* * *

Ah, I’m nervous. Nervous. So nervous I could die. I don’t even know what state of mind I walked the red carpet in. Seeing me trembling with small shakes, Director So panicked.

“Should I give you some Cheongshimhwan?”

“No… I’m fine.”

It felt like Cheongshimhwan wouldn’t be enough to calm me down. I kept feeling like my whole body was stiffening up. My heart kept pounding even until I was guided to sit in my chair.

‘This is different from the Ruel Awards…’

It wasn’t simply an award given to trendy and iconic celebrities.

This was a time to compete and be recognized for acting and works in a place where real actors gathered.

‘…I want to receive one.’

I want to win an award. Whatever it is, I’d like my name to be on a sparkling trophy.

An overwhelming sense of anticipation swelled up. No matter how rationally I tried to think, my heart wouldn’t settle down.

‘Is it because Do Gyeoul is today’s MC?’

I knew from before the broadcast. Do Gyeoul and Myeong Jeha would be the MCs for part 1.

Perhaps because it was in front of Do Gyeoul, the desire to show that I too was an actor boiled up. I knew it was pointless, but still. Still, I wanted to receive one.

‘…But the competition is too fierce.’

To reduce my nervousness, I pulled out the list of awards in my head.

‘One grand prize. Three work awards: Best Short Drama, Best Mini-series, Best Full-length. Four individual awards: Best Director, Best Writer, Best Male Actor, Best Female Actor. Best Hallyu Drama, Outstanding Hallyu Drama Work, Hallyu Drama Best Male Actor, Best Female Actor, Best Theme Song. Five from Hallyu…’

But the more I thought about it, the further I got from the probability of winning. It couldn’t be helped.

“To come to such a glorious occasion, I knew our work would be recognized.”

“It’s troublesome if you get excited already, Simona.”

Foreign languages could be heard from all directions. Though it was the Seoul Drama Awards, it was also a place where overseas works were evaluated together. Not just China and Japan, but Thailand, Taiwan, Czech Republic, Canada, and the United States.

‘Ah, that actor… I know that actor.’

A middle-aged actor from a representative seasonal healing drama that comes to mind when thinking of Japan was also attending, and I could see an actor who would make a mark in Taiwanese youth films a few years later.

Was that all? Even actors who were currently maintaining top positions in Korea and bringing Hallyu from overseas.

Separate from wanting to win an award, my head coldly felt that there was no probability of winning.

‘Well, just the nominated works alone…’

There were two works that would be considered Korean well-made dramas for the next 10 years, actors who would receive acting grand prizes this year, and works that swept overseas award ceremonies.

“Yeoreum.”

“…Yes.”

“Even if you don’t win an award, it’s enough if the public recognizes you…”

As if knowing my heart, Director So said.

One by one, seats began to fill up, and the cameras started lighting up. Staff members holding radios moved busily around, and soon there were no empty seats to be seen.

Seoul International Drama Awards

White letters appeared on the black screen above the stage.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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