Time flowed like passing water.
As time went by, the Busan International Short Film Festival naturally found its rhythm. Now, most of the audiences had already seen many of the films.
It meant they had already decided what they liked and what they didn’t.
Naturally, the tone of the articles being published also followed this trend.
[This year, the Busan International Short Film Festival completely transformed. Surprising top stars made an appearance!]
[Seo Yeon-joo and Kim Sun-il’s short yet powerful presence in ‘Sword.’]
[Will the newcomer Yang Ha-rin win the award?]
[What is ‘Sword’? Viewers rushing to watch it multiple times.]
Naturally, the attention towards Seo Yeon-joo and Kim Sun-il was immense. To the audience expecting to only see newcomers, the presence of familiar top actors felt like a breath of fresh air.
Of course, Yang Ha-rin was not completely ignored.
… But in the eyes of the public, all of that was just noise.
[Kim Sun-il decided to make a special appearance because of ‘this’.]
[Seo Yeon-joo, showing her modest charm in a fusion period costume.]
Although the entertainment company CT Entertainment prepared many promotional articles beforehand, ultimately, journalists are those who ride the wave and report it.
And it was clear which wave was the dominant one.
The interest in Seo Yeon-joo and Kim Sun-il was the wave, and it was one that couldn’t be resisted. It was the same case even when CT Entertainment tried to draw attention to Yang Ha-rin.
[Was Yang Ha-rin the original main lead in ‘Sword’?]
The articles suggesting that Yang Ha-rin was the original lead for ‘Sword’ didn’t go over well. This was because Sua’s performance had been flawless. The reception was naturally difficult.
[Who is the new actor taking the lead role in ‘Sword’?]
[An obscure actor who matched skills with Seo Yeon-joo and Kim Sun-il.]
Interestingly, some articles about Sua performed quite well. It was only natural, as those who were interested in Seo Yeon-joo and Kim Sun-il also grew curious about “the other actor beside them.”
Thanks to the promotion from Mystic, audience’s posts on social media after watching the film, and various entertainment news, the notoriety of ‘Sword’ quickly rose. The community discussions became very active as well.
[Title: Is it trendy to watch short films these days?]
[Is there a new trend or what? Everyone I know watched short films and is making a fuss on SNS. It’s all so pretentious.]
– You should also try to enjoy cultural life.
– There was publicity for it this time.
– Starting to care about something is important.
– You should watch them, it doesn’t take long at all.
[Title: I find it too troublesome to watch everything.]
[Anyone can recommend just one film?]
– Watch the one with Seo Yeon-joo.
– Is that where Seo Yeon-joo appears?
– Indeed, even the content is good.
– Watch ‘Sword’. It’s not bad.
[Title: The surprising fact about ‘Sword’.]
[When I went to watch ‘Sword’ because of Seo Yeon-joo, another hidden star turned out to be the main star. Kim Sun-il had a guest appearance. I wasn’t disappointed, just surprised. The unknown actor acted well.]
– Is this viral or authentic?
– Those who comment sarcastically should just watch it.
– Kim Sun-il did have a minor role.
Given this trend, it was inevitable that attention towards Sua would increase. The more frequently ‘unknown actor’ was mentioned without a name, the more curious people became about who this person was.
[Title: Isn’t the unknown actor’s name Sua?]
[Title: Top 3 recommended short films.]
[Title: Searching Sua online doesn’t yield much.]
[Title: Where can you find Sua’s exclusive gallery?]
[Title: Why is there suddenly buzz about an unknown actor?]
As a result, a previously obscure gallery suddenly gained attention.
“…”
Monkeying, who was casually browsing several communities, was startled when he opened his eyes wide. Of course, he was surprised. It was the gallery he had set up as a joke and neglected to manage.
A gallery he never thought would gain any traction.
[The Sua Gallery]
[Title: Is this the gallery for Wi Ji-hye?]
[Title: Do you know Sua’s SNS address?]
[Title: Enjoyed watching ‘Sword’.]
[Title: Please, someone knows about Sua.]
Sua’s gallery had been awarded a badge.
[Real-time Hot Topic Gallery!]
That was the title of the badge.
Finally, Sua’s visibility entered an upward trend.
◈◈◈◈◈
One week later. Seoul Convention Center.
Actors who were invited, industry personnel, famed directors, and influencers who helped promote the event gradually gathered.
Today at the Seoul Convention Center, short films would only be screened for these distinguished guests. It could be called an exclusive screening for VIPs.
But it wasn’t created merely for casual mingling and rest. Here, the films and actors to receive awards from the Busan International Short Film Festival would be chosen.
As everyone gathered, there were about fifty in total.
Virtual YouTubers from NeoLive only sent their gratitude for the invitation but wouldn’t be making physical appearances. Keeping their identity private was beneficial.
So, at this moment, with one hour left before the screening,
Long-time celebrities began exchanging greetings after a long absence.
“Ah, at last, Director Ko became the lead director?”
“It happened somehow. It’s quite the honor.”
Director Ko Tae-min smiled calmly. Being a prominent director, he naturally attracted many people.
“Honor? Please! It’s because of Director Ko that everyone gathered here. If someone random had been put in charge, no one would have come. I still shiver thinking about that Kim Jun-ki incident!”
“Thank you.”
“So, Director Ko, how’s your upcoming project going? I heard that you’re making something related to music? I’m looking forward to it.”
“You can definitely look forward to it. The main lead is an actor who fits perfectly with my vision. I’ll keep the name a secret for now.”
Meanwhile, there was also noticeable tension amidst the conviviality, a matter related to one of the entertainment guests.
Two people who wouldn’t greet each other under any circumstance,
the CT Entertainment CEO and Kim I-seo from Mystic.
Precisely, Kim I-seo didn’t even look at the CT Entertainment representative. While the CT Entertainment CEO wanted to start some drama and glared at Kim I-seo, it meant nothing.
Kim I-seo refused to interact.
Thanks to this, the CEO of CT Entertainment grinded his teeth in anger.
“That haughty thing.”
But eventually, he decided to hold back.
“Ultimately, she’ll have no choice but to come and greet me first, right? After all, the award will go to Harin’s piece.”
He hurriedly walked off, smiling.
But his steps were unusually heavy, as if seized by an ominous premonition.
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Finally, it was time to screen the films for the guests.
The committee members of the Busan International Short Film Festival were inevitably filled with tension. If their movies were the food, they were the ones presenting it to the toughest food critics.
People who were exchanging pleasantries at the convention center’s entrance swiftly moved towards the screening room, which had been arranged exclusively for VIP attendees, like a wedding reception.
It only took a moment for everyone to sit in their designated seats.
The round table where the distinguished directors sat broke the silence. High Director Ko Tae-min started by speaking.
“We have finally reached the moment where we must evaluate someone’s film; it’s not my favorite.”
“Heh, Director Ko, if someone like you feels that way, then what are we? Let’s relax and enjoy it. I’ll try to keep an open mind too.”
“I want two things.”
“Two things?”
“A piece so brilliant that we all unanimously agree, making judging easy, or one where every film is so great that we face the delightful dilemma of choosing among them. That would suffice.”
“Isn’t that right? If only things go that way.”
Compared to other tables, the atmosphere was especially stern where the directors sat, as they had to choose the winners.
As Director Ko Tae-min took a sip of water placed in front of him,
Shooosh—
The lighting gradually dimmed, and the room set a comfortable brightness for screen watching, indicating that the short films would be played without rest.
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The screenings of the short films proceeded.
Works varied in length from extremely short to ones that filled a full 30 minutes. Among the influencers, a few started propping their heads up or even dozed off.
In contrast, directors and personnel analyzed each film meticulously. Applause followed each film’s conclusion.
Clap clap clap—!
In the five-minute breaks between movies,
“Friends, the film I just watched…”
“There you see the actors? An outstanding actor invited here…”
During these pauses, influencers rushed to create and film clips for their videos while directors voiced their opinions.
“This year, there really seems to be an abundance of well-funded films.”
“Given the scale of this festival and the enormous number of submissions.”
“They put effort into it, and it’s satisfying.”
Naturally, there were good films, and there were bad ones as well.
“This camera angle is all wrong.”
“Right, it’s unfortunate. Good acting, but technical problems arose instead.”
Then, at some point,
“!”
Influencers were snapping out of their slumber, and why? Because the title ‘Sword’ came on screen.
Based on the current trend of articles and community buzz, ‘Sword’ was a guaranteed hit. Simply put, there were many people interested in this particular film.
Naturally, the conversation picked up.
“Friends on MuteBr! Now I’ll also watch ‘Sword’!”
“Will the celebrities’ reactions to ‘Sword’ be interesting? In the latter part of the video, there will be a brief interview!”
When the screening began,
“…”
The fatigue on the influencers’ faces, as well as those struggling with this unusual gathering, dissipated entirely. Excitement replaced their expressions.
“Not overwhelmed by standing next to Seo Yeon-joo? Who’s that?”
“Acting like that and still regarded as unknown?”
“Her face is memorable. Once you’ve seen it, it stays in your mind.”
Initially, attention was on Seo Yeon-joo, but slowly, it began to shift to Sua.
The CEO of CT Entertainment felt quite disconcerted.
“That… that kind of ability? This was completely unexpected…”
He couldn’t help but admit that, however unwilling, subconsciously, he acknowledged that even disregarding Yang Ha-rin, using Sua could have been a wise move.
Soon, an incredible thing happened.
All eyes were drawn to one actor.
“Director Park has really found his stride.”
“Her presence is overwhelming. She absolutely dominates the screen.”
“Wow… Is she really such a discovery?”
The one and only focus was, naturally, Sua.
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Meanwhile, just before ‘Sword’ was about to start,
In contrast to tables seating a minimum of six, there existed a lavish table where only two individuals were seated—the seat invitation of legendary director Yusaku from Japan.
The assistant spoke first.
“Director, how do you feel so far?”
“Hm?”
“The question is whether you’ve found anything worth learning from Korean films.”
“Ahh.”
“Frankly, I think they’re just typical. Yes, the short films are of high quality, but Japan can easily produce works of this level. Nothing more.”
“Hmm, you’re probably right.”
Director Yusaku stroked his goatee.
“But the reason I’m also interested in short films has to do with talent mining. Raw gems are typically buried within dirt, of course. Just in case, we might discover a promising newcomer.”
“Ah, you mean finding new actors? Like that one you mentioned?”
“That’s right.”
“But to cast a Yakuza role, aren’t they too rebellious and non-conformist? Japan has more faces like that to begin with. That’s why what I need is…”
“…Someone who doesn’t stop at a fierce glare but would break your nose first with a punch and say, ‘How dare you talk to me, you insolent fool?”
“Exactly. We need facial expressions that intense to move beyond traditional noir films. A face like that is necessary.”
“I think that’s something only Anime could offer.”
“Anime, meaning 2D animation.”
Just then, the screening began.
“!”
Yusaku and his assistant were startled simultaneously.
They had immediately found the very type of face they were looking for.
Surprisingly, it wasn’t that of a male actor but a female.
Both of them envisioned the same image in their heads at that instant.
The woman in a tailored karate uniform, upper body wrapped in bandages and tattoos covering from her collarbone to her arms, cigarette dangling between her lips…
…
“Terrifying.”
“!”
Yusaku and the assistant turned their heads towards one another.
“Is this the Korean goblin?”
“Who would have thought Korean goblins actually exist!”
In their minds, they thought about Japan’s demon, ‘Oni’.
