Rookie Talent Agent Knows It All-Chapter 524: MBS Acting Awards (2)

-The Morning Takes Off with Miss Jung Yoo-Jin! The Sun Hidden by Clouds with Ms. Bae Hye-Jung! And Our Mom with Mrs. Do Hyun-Min! Congratulations.

It was a fierce competition, but fortunately, these three ended up sharing the Rookie of the Year award.

I let out a sigh of relief without realizing it. Bae Hye-Jung and Do Hyun-Min were major supporting roles in The Sun Hidden by Clouds and Our Mom, having appeared in more than thirty episodes. In contrast, Yoo-Jin had only appeared in six episodes, from episode 21 to 26, in The Morning Takes Off.

However, thanks to the impact of her acting in her first appearance, Yoo-Jin was able to win the Rookie of the Year award alongside them.

At that moment, Do Ran-Hee, Lee Yung-Jin, and the talent agents in the waiting room clapped and cheered in unison.

"Mr. Jung! Congratulations on Yoo-Jin's win on Rookie of the Year!"

"You worked hard, Mr. Jung."

"Mr. Jung, congratulations."

When an actor won a rookie award, it was customary to congratulate not just the actor but also the talent agent who had nurtured them. After all, the effort talent agents put into transforming an ordinary person into an actor was immense.

I bowed my head in gratitude as applause poured in. "Thank you."

Then Lee Yung-Jin playfully spoke up. "Mr. Jung, you have to treat us!"

"Of course."

At that moment, cheers erupted once again.

"Alright, alright, let's settle down and watch TV."

"Yes, sir~"

Meanwhile, Yoo-Jin finished greeting those around her and headed toward the stage. The small embellishments on her dress reflecting the lights shimmered as if she was draped in a cluster of stars.

'You worked so hard this year, Jung Yoo-Jin!'

***

After Bae Hye-Jung and Do Hyun-Min gave their acceptance speeches, Yoo-Jin lifted her Rookie of the Year trophy and began to speak.

-Thank you for this Rookie of the Year award... There are so many people I want to thank. First of all, the owner of Happy Supermarket, who always gave me homemade kimchi. Thanks to you, Miso and I enjoyed every meal.

-And to the director of Miso Kindergarten, whom I haven't seen in a while—I'll visit soon. I really miss your coffee.

-And to the owner of the food stall at the intersection, who always gave me an extra boiled egg when I bought tteokbokki. Even through my tough schedule, your tteokbokki gave me the strength to keep acting. I really love you~

Laughter spread through the audience every time Yoo-Jin mentioned the names of her neighborhood acquaintances.

-And to our viewers who loved our drama, and my fan club, You&Me. You gave me the strength to push through difficult shoots. I will continue to work even harder. Lastly, I want to thank my talent agent, Jung Yoon-Ho oppa, and everyone at the company, who always struggle because of me!

Hearing Yoo-Jin's heartfelt words, the talent agents in the waiting room all looked deeply touched. With that, the Rookie of the Year awards concluded.

Then the next category, Best Child Actor, was announced. Among the nominees was Miso from In the Name of God along with four other child actors.

However, I noticed Do Ran-Hee looking dissatisfied.

"Ran-Hee, what's wrong?"

"Mr. Jung, don't you think Miso should have won the Rookie of the Year award too? She acted so well in In the Name of God!"

To be honest, I felt the same way. However, three years ago, when the year-end award shows were criticized for handing out too many trophies, the three major broadcasting stations started selecting nominees more conservatively. Now, only middle schoolers and older could qualify for Rookie of the Year while younger actors were limited to the Best Child Actor category.

I said, "Should we stage a protest?"

Do Ran-Hee's eyes sparkled as she nodded eagerly. "How about we storm the stage right now and demand they give Miso the Rookie award too?"

The other talent agents joined in.

"Should we at least leave a comment on the MBS bulletin board? Telling them to give Miso the Rookie Award now?"

"Should we post some hate comments, Mr. Jung?"

"Or call the MBS President and demand an explanation!"

I felt the same way as the talent agents, whose eyes were practically burning with determination. But if we did that, we might not have a future next year.

I said, "Whoa, whoa, calm down, everyone. Instead, let's aim for next year. Miso will be in a movie too, right? The Hwangryong Film Association doesn't have an age restriction, so let's target the Rookie Award there."

At that moment, everyone spoke in unison.

"And Yoo-Jin too!"

Because of the drama awards, my team of talent agents had never been more united.

"Alright. Let's make that happen next year."

"Yes, Mr. Jung!"

As we firmly made our resolution, the Best Child Actor award was being announced. Last year's winner, Han Bo-Ram, took the microphone and enthusiastically declared.

-The Best Child Actor award goes to... In the Name of God's Jung Miso!

The camera zoomed in on Miso seated at her table. Covering her mouth with both hands, she gasped in amazement.

-Wowww~!

Watching the TV, Do Ran-Hee cheered. "See? Of course, Miso was going to win this all by herself~~"

On screen, Miso beamed with joy and took Yoo-Jin's hand to head up to the stage. A moment later, Miso stood proudly on stage and began her acceptance speech.

-Hello! I'm Jung Miso!

Miso clasped her hands together and bowed deeply, making everyone smile like proud parents watching a school play. She then held up all ten fingers and handed the microphone to Yoo-Jin.

Yoo-Jin smiled and took the microphone.

-Hello, I'm Miso's mom. My daughter's speech might be a little long, so please bear with us.

She wasn't speaking as actress Jung Yoo-Jin but as Miso's mom. And she looked even happier than when she won the Rookie Award herself. Because now, she could proudly call herself 'Miso's mom' in front of the cameras.

When Yoo-Jin held the mic up to Miso's mouth, she folded her fingers one by one as she spoke.

-First of all, thank you to the You&Me fan club's big sisters, big brothers, uncles, aunts, grandmas, and grandpas! And thank you, Mrs. Lee Ji-Yeon! Thank you, Mr. Tae-Kwon! And also, thank you to Mrs. Lee Yung-Ah for dressing me up so prettily today! And...

As Miso continued folding her fingers while listing names, the audience couldn't stop laughing. Then, she paused with one finger still up.

-Uh, uh. Who did I forget?

Miso checked her fingers again, making the audience burst into laughter.

Kim Jung-Ju held back his laughter and asked.

-Miss Miso, did you forget someone? Maybe Mr. Jung Yoon-Ho?

At his teasing question, Miso firmly shook her head.

-Nope! Uncle Yoon-Ho isn't on my fingers!

-Oh? Really? Why not?

I was curious too. Yet Miso didn't answer. Instead, she suddenly shouted.

-Ah! I remember now!

Beaming, she folded her last finger.

-And Mr. Kang Gam-Chan! Thank you for making me a celebrity!

The audience roared with laughter again.

-Miso really knows how to handle social situations.

-Wow~ Miso even remembered the president.

-Haha, even my daughter doesn't think of me, but Miso is different!

Miso clenched her ten fingers together and looked incredibly proud of herself. It seemed like her speech was over. But then, she clasped both hands together and turned her attention to someone she didn't need ten fingers to remember—me.

-Uncle Yoon-Ho! Thanks to you, I was able to receive this amazing award! Thank you for saving me and for helping me become an actress! I'll work even harder from now on! Love you, Uncle Yoon-Ho!

When Miso made a heart with her fingers toward the camera, my chest tightened and my eyes grew misty.

'Thank you, Miso.'

I had saved Miso from a life-threatening situation, but I never imagined she would go on to become an actress and win an award. Yet, here she was, alive and well, savoring the best moment of her life.

As she finished her speech, Miso took Yoo-Jin's hand and walked off the stage with a bright smile. The fans erupted into cheers at the sight of the two of them in their beautiful dresses.

Feeling the same way as the fans, I also clapped along with all my heart. "Well done, Miso!"

At my shout, the waiting room erupted in another round of loud commotion.

"Best of the universe, Jung Miso!"

"We love you, Jung Miso!"

I really made the right choice after the regression. And among everything I did, saving Miso was undoubtedly the best decision of all.

***

Part 2 of MBS Actor Awards began.

Yoo-Jin had changed into her second dress for the night, a blue gown named Cheongmyung symbolizing a clear sky, and took her seat at the actors' table. Meanwhile, Miso had changed into a pure white dress called Pure, meaning innocence, and sat beside Yoo-Jin.

The moment the two appeared in their new dresses, news about them exploded all over social media, and they instantly became the center of attention.

Forty minutes passed, and it was time to announce the Best Actor and Actress Award. There were a total of seven nominees. Among them was Cheongmyung, the role of the college shaman from In the Name of God, as well as Jin Yoo-Jung, the fictional character Yoo-Jin had portrayed while in disguise.

Everyone knew that Jin Yoo-Jung was actually Yoo-Jin in disguise, but MBS had still registered the character as a nominee because the character had left a significant mark on the network's drama history despite being a fictional persona. Additionally, since Yoo-Jin's name was notably absent from the Grand Prize nominee list, this was MBS's way of offering an unspoken apology.

Even so, Do Ran-Hee couldn't hold back her frustration and huffed angrily. "Ugh. Just three years ago, if an actor performed well, they would be given both the Best Actor Award and even the Grand Prize. This is just ridiculous!"

Three years ago, supporting actors had won the Grand Prize at the three major networks' drama awards. Back then, public opinion had clashed with the networks' decisions and the backlash had led to calls for the drama awards to be abolished altogether.

To avoid further controversy, the three networks had since restricted the Grand Prize to lead actors only. This was also when the Best Child Actor category was adjusted to include an age restriction.

Even the usually calm Yeon So-Hee was grumbling. "This year's Grand Prize winner is going to be hounded by the public for a long time. How could they not nominate Miss Yoo-Jin when she delivered such an incredible performance in In the Name of God? It just doesn't make sense."

Lee Yung-Jin nodded in agreement. "I bet this is going to reignite the debate about scrapping drama awards altogether."

I felt the same way, but I wasn't too concerned. After all, Grand Prizes would be endless in the future for Yoo-Jin.

I calmed down Do Ran-Hee, Yeon So-Hee, and the rest of the team. "Relax, relax. The real judges aren't the broadcasting stations; it's the audience. Just look at the commercial deals Yoo-Jin has secured this year. Isn't it obvious? She's already at the top!"

This year alone, Yoo-Jin had secured over seven billion won in advertising contracts, making her the highest-grossing actress in the industry. In other words, she had already been crowned by the public. It was just the slow-moving networks that hadn't caught up yet.

And even if she didn't win the Grand Prize, Yoo-Jin had always been Korea's greatest actress to me both in my past life and in this one.

Do Ran-Hee, slightly calmer now, looked at me and suggested, "Mr. Jung. Since it's come to this, why don't we go all out next year and aim for all three network Grand Prizes?"

'As expected of Do Ran-Hee, always dreaming big.'

Strangely enough, I didn't dislike the idea at all.

'Yeah, I came back in time. There was no reason we couldn't make it happen.'

"Okay! Next year, let's sweep all three networks' Grand Prizes!"

Only then did the talent agents set aside their disappointment and steeled themselves for the coming year. They vowed we would make the networks regret their choices next year.

And with that, it was time to announce the Best Actor and Actress Award.

Kim Jung-Ju took the microphone.

-Now, it's time for the Best Actor and Actress Award! Presenting the award are Mrs. Lee Sa-Rang and Mr. Jang Joon-Hyuk!

Wearing a red dress, Lee Sa-Rang took the stage, escorted by Jang Joon-Hyuk in a tuxedo. They each took a microphone and began announcing the nominees.

As expected, the strongest contenders were from The Sun Hidden by Clouds, which had reached a peak viewership rating of 22%, and Our Mom, which had an average viewership rating of 24%. Veteran actress Kim Soo-Hee, who had also delivered a stellar performance in In the Name of God, was among the nominees as well.

As each nominee's name and performance were introduced, the audience grew increasingly restless with excitement.

-And now, the winner of the Best Actor and Actress Award is...

A drumroll filled the hall. Then, Lee Sa-Rang and Jang Joon-Hyuk announced in unison,

-For her outstanding performance as the college shaman Cheongmyung—Miss Jung Yoo-Jin!

The camera instantly zoomed in on Yoo-Jin. Wearing the Cheongmyung dress symbolizing a clear blue sky, she covered her mouth in shock. Tears welled up in Yoo-Jin's eyes as she wore an expression of deep gratitude.

With this, she had won both the Rookie Award and the Best Actress Award, making her a double award winner.

Watching from the waiting room, Lee Yung-Jin jumped to his feet and clapped enthusiastically. "Yes! This is how it should be!"

"Whoo! Jung Yoo-Jin, you really worked hard!"

The entire waiting room erupted in cheers with Lee Yung-Jin, Do Ran-Hee, Yeon So-Hee, and the other talent agents clapping until their hands turned red and whistling in celebration.

On stage, the overwhelmed Yoo-Jin prepared herself to receive her award. But just then, Lee Sa-Rang took the microphone with a playful smile.

-And we have one more recipient for the Best Actress Award!

Another drumroll sounded and heightened the suspense. As the audience and actors fell silent, Lee Sa-Rang announced in a powerful voice,

-For her outstanding performance as Manshin Wol-Ah—Mrs. Jin Yoo-Jung!

Do Ran-Hee let out an ear-piercing shriek from the waiting room. "Oh my gosh!!! Mr. Jung! Does this mean Yoo-Jin is a triple-award winner now? Or is it still just a double?"

Lee Yung-Jin shook his head. "No way. It's definitely three since they're all the same person!"

I nodded in agreement. "Yeah, this is a triple win for sure."

But while we were celebrating, a different kind of commotion arose at the awards venue as the MCs couldn't present the award to Jin Yoo-Jung while Yoo-Jin was already on stage.

Kim Jung-Ju smoothly took the microphone and joked.

-Mrs. Jin Yoo-Jung? Aren't you coming up?

At that moment, Yoo-Jin grabbed the mic and bowed slightly before speaking in Jin Yoo-Jung's distinct voice.

-I am already here, Mr. Kim Jung-Ju.

The audience and actors burst into laughter.

-Oh~ So you're here together. Just a moment, then.

With a mischievous smile, Kim Jung-Ju handed her a second microphone. Now, Yoo-Jin stood holding two mics with one in her right hand as herself and one in her left for Jin Yoo-Jung.

Yoo-Jin straightened her posture, took a breath, and spoke into the right mic.

-I'll let Mrs. Jin Yoo-Jung speak first.

Clearing her throat, Yoo-Jin lowered her posture slightly and switched to the left mic. Then she spoke in Jin Yoo-Jung's elegant voice.

-First of all, I am deeply grateful for this tremendous honor. I do not know if I will ever stand before you again, but I will cherish this award forever. And I will never forget the love you have shown me. Thank you.

For a brief moment, Yoo-Jin completely became Jin Yoo-Jung. When she did, the audience both in the hall and at home felt the weight of her presence. Then, the actors and audience members rose to their feet to give her a standing ovation. After all, Jin Yoo-Jung's portrayal of Manshin Wol-Ah had been nothing short of legendary.

-We loved your performance as Manshin Wol-Ah!

-Mrs. Jin Yoo-Jung! Please return in another role!

-You were absolutely incredible!

The thunderous cheers sounded more like a Grand Prize moment than just a Best Actress award. After basking in the spotlight as Jin Yoo-Jung, it was now time for Yoo-Jin's own acceptance speech.

She transformed once again, this time into her lively and bright self. Gone was the raspy voice of Jin Yoo-Jung. Instead, she spoke in a clear and cheerful tone as she stood tall with a smile.

-Hello, everyone! I'm Jung Yoo-Jin who played the role of Cheongmyung~

Yoo-Jin's bright voice reignited the excitement in the room once again.

***

With Yoo-Jin's awards ceremony concluded, it was now time for the Grand Prize announcement.

-And this year's Grand Prize winner is... Miss Ju Yung-In from In the Name of God! Congratulations!

The LCD screen zoomed in on Ju Yung-In's face. Applause filled the room as actors cheered for Ju Yung-In, who had received the highest recognition of the year.

Looking overwhelmed, Ju Yung-In rose from her seat and bowed to the congratulating actors before making her way toward the stage. But instead of heading straight to the podium, she first walked toward Yoo-Jin.

With an apologetic smile, Ju Yung-In extended her hand for a handshake. It was as if she was acknowledging that, had the Grand Prize not been limited to lead actors, Yoo-Jin would have been a strong contender for the award.

After Ju Yung-In delivered her acceptance speech, silver confetti rained down from above to mark the conclusion of this year's MBS Drama Awards.

I glanced around and spoke up. "Alright, time to get ready for the backstage interviews."

The on-stage event was over, but we still had to handle the press behind the scenes.

***

Ju Yung-In and Yoo-Jin were swarmed by reporters backstage, enduring a relentless barrage of questions.

After finishing her interview, Ju Yung-In approached my direction for a bottle of water. Now left alone, Yoo-Jin continued answering questions from the reporters.

As I waited for Yoo-Jin to finish, I turned to Ju Yung-In and offered my congratulations. "Congrats on winning the Grand Prize."

"Thanks, oppa. But honestly, if Yoo-Jin had been a nominee, it would have been a really close call."

I smiled. "A close call? If she had been nominated, she would have won. Didn't you see the atmosphere during her award ceremony?"

Since the Best Actress segment had overshadowed even the Grand Prize, Ju Yung-In pouted. "Tch. Who knows? If we had gone head-to-head, maybe I would have won."

Nevertheless, Ju Yung-In's voice lacked conviction even as she said it. I smirked and turned my gaze back to Yoo-Jin, who was still handling her interview.

At that moment, Ju Yung-In hesitated before lowering her voice and cautiously speaking as Yoo-Jin's interview dragged on longer than expected.

"By the way, oppa... have you heard anything about Chief Kim Dong-Soo?"

I raised an eyebrow. "Kim Dong-Soo? What about him?"

Ju Yung-In glanced around as if checking for eavesdroppers before finally saying,

"Well, what I heard was..."