LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 34
Time has passed.
Before it even aired, The Moon That Hid the Sun drew attention, and it wrapped up successfully with a staggering 45% viewership rating for its final episode.
On the other hand, its rival, ‘Action King,’ faced a downfall.
Due to a mid-show scandal concerning an idol, it ended with a mere 4.5% viewership for its final episode.
“Oh, you mean Seo-yeon at the filming set?”
This was during an interview that took place after the drama concluded. Actress Shin Yeon-mi, who played the role of Yeonhwa’s nurse, spoke about a child actor.
“She was a diligent child. They call her a genius child actor, but she worked harder than anyone else.”
She continued.
To film the scenes that became the talk of the town in episodes 2 and 3, Seo-yeon put in a remarkable amount of effort.
“We started filming early for that scene. Surprisingly, she had great stamina for a child, and managed to handle it all. Honestly, I thought I was the one who was going to collapse!”
Her playful remarks had the surrounding crew in stitches.
It seemed everyone thought she was joking.
“It was the hardest shoot of my life.”
Ha Ye-seo, who played the grown-up Yeonhwa, said with a smile.
“To be honest, viewership dropped sharply in episode 4 and my heart sank. But I still worked hard to portray ‘Yeonhwa’ until the end. Thankfully, episodes 3 didn’t end up with the highest viewership, so I’m really relieved. It was a valuable opportunity to realize that having a good child actor can be exhausting too.”
In the beginning, Ha Ye-seo showed some signs of nervousness, likely due to the pressure, but she delivered fantastic performances in subsequent episodes. Her reputation as a pure and capable actress was clearly not a lie, as she demonstrated that power in the final episode.
Following her, the last to speak was Ha Tae-oh, the producer of The Moon That Hid the Sun.
“Seo-yeon is not retiring. As Shin Yeon-mi just said, she’s a very ambitious child.”
Looking at the camera, Ha Tae-oh continued.
“She expressed her desire to learn a lot. While filming this drama, she realized there were many areas where she was lacking.”
While the biggest causes were method acting and emotional acting, he refrained from elaborating on that.
After all, it was an area difficult to comprehend.
“Seo-yeon will definitely return.”
Producer Ha Tae-oh spoke with a decisive, confident tone.
“That child was born to be an actress.”
*
Though she was supposedly entering a rest period, she couldn’t just relax immediately.
At least until The Moon That Hid the Sun aired this year, she had to remain a child actor, Joo Seo-yeon.
Why?
Because of the year-end awards ceremony.
“Wow, you look so beautiful!”
Even the makeup artist, applying finishing touches on Seo-yeon, couldn’t help but exclaim.
Seeing her reflection in the mirror, Seo-yeon also felt a rush of satisfaction.
‘Honestly, I think I look even prettier than during the drama.’
Indeed, it was no surprise that she felt this way.
Makeup at awards ceremonies allows for much more variety than in historical dramas.
“Even for a child, your eyelashes are incredibly long…”
It was hard to believe those lashes belonged to a kid.
‘Just imagine how gorgeous she’ll be when she grows up!’
As a makeup artist who had met many child actors, she’d never encountered a child as beautiful as Seo-yeon.
‘It’s such a shame she’s taking a break from work.’
Especially since she thoroughly enjoyed watching The Moon That Hid the Sun.
The performances Seo-yeon gave were still vividly in her mind.
“Are you all set?”
Just then, someone approached Seo-yeon, who was finished with her preparations.
A man dressed in a sleek suit.
The lead actor of The Moon That Hid the Sun, who played the grown-up Yoon Seoil.
“Oh, Seo-yeon! You look really beautiful!”
Actor Kang Sung-chan said with a grin.
He had decided to accompany Seo-yeon to the awards ceremony in place of her mother Suah, who couldn’t make it.
Since everyone from the filming of The Moon That Hid the Sun was gathering in one place, it wasn’t a difficult arrangement.
“Did you arrive?”
As they slowly entered the award venue, Park Jung-woo, who was already there, greeted her.
His attitude seemed different since episode 3 of The Moon That Hid the Sun, which made it a little awkward.
“Yes, senior.”
“……”
Seo-yeon, not able to address him differently, referred to Jung-woo respectfully as ‘senior.’
Of course, Park Jung-woo was slightly irritated by her stiff manner, but he didn’t want to bring it up.
After all, it was true that Seo-yeon was younger than him and his junior.
“Alright, Seo-yeon, you’ll be sitting next to Ha Ye-seo. By the way, have you thought about what you want to say today?”
“What do you mean?”
Seo-yeon was confused by Kang Sung-chan’s sudden question.
Did she have to say something today?
“Oh, did the message not get through? Usually, nominees are informed in advance…”
“Yes?”
“I’m here.”
In response to Seo-yeon’s confusion, Park Jung-woo replied, thanks to which Seo-yeon’s gaze shifted to him, causing Jung-woo to chuckle.
“I mean the Youth Actor Award.”
“……?”
For a moment, Seo-yeon almost asked what that was.
But hearing the name alone, it seemed it was indeed an award given to child actors.
“This year, since The Moon That Hid the Sun dominated everything, it’s almost certain you’ll win.”
Kang Sung-chan seemed excited as he said that.
After all, with The Moon That Hid the Sun concluding with a 45% rating, it would be strange for him not to be hopeful.
Ha Ye-seo also looked bright with anticipation.
“You’re definitely going to win.”
At that moment, Park Jung-woo chimed in.
“Looking at buzz and performance.”
Was it a compliment?
Seo-yeon tilted her head, feeling puzzled.
Then, Jung-woo clicked his tongue lightly and turned away.
To Seo-yeon, he remained quite a mysterious figure.
“It’s a brilliantly starry night tonight. I feel like I might go blind just by being here.”
As they chatted, the lights in the award venue dimmed slightly, spotlighting the stage.
The two actors serving as hosts exchanged words and scanned the audience.
A place filled with so many stars.
Seo-yeon suddenly realized that she was in such a splendid location.
“Now, we will begin the KMB Acting Awards.”
With a loud announcement, the KMB Acting Awards commenced.
Seo-yeon, who had previously been lost in thought, belatedly sensed the star-studded atmosphere.
She hadn’t realized it earlier, feeling too surreal.
Looking around, there were actors here and there.
All those she had only seen on TV were present.
“Now, the Popularity Award is up first.”
Ahead of her, a large screen revealed the dramas that aired this year.
Among the numerous KMB dramas aired this year, The Moon That Hid the Sun was undoubtedly the most noticeable.
As the nominees were called, a plethora of actors appeared on screen.
Only a handful of actors were allowed to walk away with trophies, and some moved to tears even over minor awards.
As the ceremony proceeded…
“And now, moving on to the next category.”
Originally known as the Child Actor Award.
“Here comes the Youth Actor Award!”
As the host announced it, the list of nominees for both male and female youth actors appeared on the screen.
There was an exciting kid who sparked buzz from appearing in daily dramas.
And another who became a trend with the best catchphrase from this year’s dramas.
Most of those nominated had started their acting careers a year or two before Seo-yeon.
At just 7 years old, Seo-yeon was notably younger than most of them at this event.
‘Have you thought about what you want to say today?’
Suddenly, Kang Sung-chan’s earlier question floated back into her mind.
She hadn’t taken it seriously back then, but it looped in her head now.
‘This is…’
Seo-yeon typically didn’t have much fear.
That must be due to influences from her past life.
Since she hadn’t known where to feel fear or anxiety, it lingered into this life, making her rarely startled by commonplace occurrences.
‘Nerves.’
Seo-yeon gripped her chest tightly.
When she struggled to steady her trembling hands…
“Seo-yeon.”
Someone squeezed her hand.
“Breathe deeply.”
It was Jeong Eun-seon, who played Queen Dowager Eun-hye.
Her sharp gaze locked onto Seo-yeon.
Was she about to say something again?
Thinking that, Seo-yeon looked at her, and Eun-seon spoke.
“…Honestly.”
She paused for a moment to gather her thoughts.
“If it were before, I would have said your decision was right.”
“Yes?”
“Of course, I still don’t think your choice was wrong. I just wonder if there might have been another way, which leaves me a bit disappointed.”
After saying that, Jeong Eun-seon seemed to mull over her words for a moment, as if pondering how to phrase it.
“I used to think Seo-yeon couldn’t handle her own emotions.”
That’s why she suggested stopping emotional acting, and that kind of thing.
As a result, Seo-yeon received a warning from director Gong Jung-tae back then, but she believed it was necessary at the time.
“However, I’ve changed my mind as I observed you.”
Watching The Moon That Hid the Sun, Jeong Eun-seon realized a lot.
Seo-yeon was no longer just a loved child actor.
She was a dedicated actress.
“Seo-yeon is a strong girl.”
Twice.
She poured all her emotions into her performances.
Once in front of Jeong Eun-seon.
And once from a bit farther away, yet still observed.
The effort Seo-yeon dedicated to that performance was palpable.
Having practiced method acting for a long time herself, Jeong Eun-seon knew this all too well.
“An old actress might have missed that out of concern.”
“Oh, no.”
“Thus.”
Interrupting Seo-yeon’s flustered response, Jeong Eun-seon continued.
“You don’t need to be nervous.”
With those words, a familiar face appeared on the screen.
It was none other than Joo Seo-yeon.
Herself.
For the Youth Actor Award.
Park Jung-woo was shown for the male side.
And for the female side, Seo-yeon’s face appeared.
Applause erupted.
Thunderous applause echoed that filled the room.
Lights shone on Seo-yeon.
Jeong Eun-seon cautiously nudged her from behind.
“Go boldly as a true actress.”
For the first time, Seo-yeon felt ready to take her first steps.
Her racing heart had finally calmed down.
Feeling her usual serene heartbeat, she took a step forward.
“Seo-yeon.”
Behind her, as she walked toward the stage, she heard Jeong Eun-seon’s voice.
“I’m sorry for how I acted before.”
Leaving those words behind, Seo-yeon stepped onto the stage.
Just as Jeong Eun-seon said.
As an actress.
“Hello, I’m Joo Seo-yeon, who played the young Princess Yeonhwa in The Moon That Hid the Sun.”
Performing the signature bow she always did, she looked at the multitude of stars in front of her.
It was dazzlingly bright.
Seo-yeon felt lost, unsure of what she was saying.
Trying to string together her thoughts, she couldn’t tell if she was making sense.
“Seo-yeon, are you crying?”
At that moment, the host said, slightly flustered.
Only then did Seo-yeon realize she was wiping her eyes with her fingers.
Tears.
Ah, even if emotions surge, it’s okay to cry when you feel happy.
This was a bit different from the tears shed during acting.
She still didn’t fully grasp it.
Her previous self had been oblivious to so much.
“At the end.”
Back in those days, if sadness was all she felt, now it was a more complicated emotion.
Taking a deep breath, Seo-yeon calmly began to speak.
“I will strive to return to this stage again in the future. So…”
Exhaling, she broke into a broad smile.
“I’ll surely be back.”
Those were Seo-yeon’s final words.
Seven-year-old Joo Seo-yeon.
And thus, the end of her childhood acting career.
The last moments of her early years.
And then.
Time passed.
After several springs had come and gone.
And winter’s chill had faded.
Spring returned once more.
A new beginning blooming.
“Joo Seo-yeon.”
Lee Ji-yeon, dressed in a school uniform, squinted her eyes and turned her gaze.
There stood a girl staring blankly at the sky.
“Are you daydreaming? If you don’t hurry, we’ll be late.”
A girl with long black hair, also in a school uniform.
Seventeen-year-old Joo Seo-yeon.
“Yeah.”
With a face as calm as in the past.
“I’m coming.”
She let out a small smile.