91. Dojun & Hae-joo Epilogue (5)

“I never dreamed a moment like this would come. Thank you so much.”

Hae-joo, who had suffered more than anyone, finally shed tears. In response, the audience applauded and cheered. Behind her, Director Kwak and Yunji came up one by one, embracing Hae-joo before leaving. Gathering herself, she continued her speech.

“No one could break our will to complete this film. I want to thank Director Kwak for his passion, the actors and staff who believed in me without wavering, and especially our Park Dojun, who steadfastly stood by my side.”

“Specifically, what are you most grateful for?”

“For waiting for such a flawed me...”

When filming was halted, Hae-joo had blamed herself. She was able to overcome it thanks to those who endured and waited during those agonizing days.

“I wondered if I was worthy of such immense love.”

“I see.”

“I believe this film is the fruit of all our efforts.”

The film premiere was a success. That night, critics who watched the film rushed to publish their reviews. Across various media, it received unanimous praise, making distributors enthusiastic about marketing it. In particular, the actors’ captivating performances drew continuous admiration. With Director Kwak’s artistic direction, the actors generously showcased their talents. Afterward, the film was submitted to a prestigious American film festival. A giant of the film industry, who saw Director Kwak’s film, expressed his heartfelt impressions in an interview.

-Lee Hae-joo, who played Sohee, seemed to be born for this film. Every scene of the movie sent shivers down my spine because of her.

Dojun was busy every morning collecting articles about Hae-joo. He even personally found and showed her the interview given by the American master, grinning incessantly.

“At this rate, won’t it be hard to even see your face later?”

“Don’t say that.”

“Why? It’s entirely possible.”

“Director Kwak’s reputation is so high that I just got to tag along.”

“Aren’t you being too humble?”

“It’s true.”

Dojun was also satisfied as the film brought good news every day. It was true that the prolonged delay in filming had incurred more expenses than anticipated. If he were to calculate it now, it seemed it would far exceed the worth of the wait.

“I’m excited.”

“About what?”

“I believe the day will come when you stand on a bigger stage, not just here in Korea.”

“Don’t keep saying that. It’s putting pressure on me.”

She said that, but Hae-joo was trembling inside. There were subtle predictions circulating that Hae-joo might be nominated not only for Best Picture but also for Best Actress. She hated the thought of getting her hopes up only to be disappointed. Having only appeared in two films, she reassured herself that this was enough. Then, she received unexpected news. Hae-joo had been nominated for Best Actress at a prestigious American film festival. Director Kwak was nominated for Best Director and several other awards. It was truly a festival in Korea.

“I never thought I’d live to see something like this.”

Hae-joo was dumbfounded. She was cautious, wondering if it was really true, but her heart was full. Her life, which had once been so insignificant that she had wished for death, felt particularly meaningful. No one could malign Hae-joo. She had now established herself as a unique presence, not just a talented new actress, but Lee Hae-joo.

“I wish you even greater success.”

“Thank you.”

“The only regrettable thing is that you’ve become so famous that you can’t easily go out?”

“No matter what, I can’t give up dating with you holding my hand, Dojun.”

Hae-joo somewhat set aside her award expectations and lived as usual. She handled only the minimum schedule and spent time with Dojun, which she hadn’t been able to do due to her busy schedule. Then, the decisive moment approached. She was excited to leave for the United States to attend the film festival.

“It would be great if you could come too, Dojun.”

“Indeed. Of all times for a business trip to come up.”

As an investor in this film, Dojun had also received an invitation to the film festival. However, his schedule was tight due to recently expanding his businesses. It was too much for him to attend the film festival in many ways, so he couldn’t give Hae-joo a definite answer.

“I’ll try my best to go.”

A few days before the film festival, Dojun boarded a flight to New York. After an affectionate farewell, Hae-joo also entrusted Hyun to the nanny and headed to Los Angeles, USA.

________________________________________

The place Dojun went for his business trip was completely opposite to where the film festival was located. For this business trip, company executives and practical staff also accompanied him, making it difficult to act independently.

“It will be incredibly difficult to match the schedule.”

There was no guarantee that Hae-joo would win an award. Even so, he wanted to be by her side on the red carpet. While feeling dejected, an American CEO with whom he had a meeting canceled due to health reasons. And it was just half a day before the meeting. With his schedule suddenly open, Dojun felt a sense of urgency.

“He should have told me earlier!”

“CEO, what would you like to do?”

“Are there any flights to LA?”

While he was struggling, Hae-joo entered Hollywood. For this film festival, her agency put all its effort into Hae-joo and Yunji. From dress selection to hair and makeup, they prepared everything to the highest standard.

“Hae-joo, don’t be too nervous.”

“Yes, Director Jinhan.”

“There’s an interpreter, so speak confidently in Korean during interviews.”

“Understood.”

“Don’t tremble at all.”

“Excuse me, but I think you’re the only one who needs to calm down, Director Jinhan.”

“Ah, right.”

Jinhan had rarely made public appearances until now. However, for this film festival, two actors from his agency were attending, so he had to come along.

“Ugh, I’m dying. Hyunseong, do you have any heart-calming medicine?”

He considered the possibility of Hae-joo winning Best Actress. As an actress, she now had only bright days ahead. With multiple good tidings, GN Entertainment, which had been struggling, was also ready to soar. But Hae-joo couldn’t smile. Dojun hadn’t replied to her messages, perhaps because he was busy. She put down her phone, thinking that calling him might disturb his work.

“It would have been good if he came with me.”

If she won an award, it would all be thanks to Dojun. Hae-joo imprinted in her heart that she was who she was now because of him. Today, she missed Dojun more than ever. Knowing it was an unavoidable situation, she sent one last message before leaving the hotel.

[Dojun, please cheer for me. I’ll cheer for you.]

The actors and Director Kwak successively boarded the official car. Just as her trembling heart was barely calming down, they arrived at the Dolby Theatre, where the awards ceremony was held. The place was bustling with crowds and media. Hae-joo marveled at the magnificent spectacle unfolding around the splendid red carpet.

“What a sight!”

Even more astonishing were the world-renowned actors attending the film festival. Hollywood actors, whom she had only seen in movies, had already arrived and were walking the red carpet. They casually gave interviews, signed autographs for fans, and playfully took pictures. Hae-joo resolved to do the same and finally made her appearance.

“Haah!”

Today, Hae-joo wore an elegant black dress. The graceful line of the shirring descending from one shoulder fully revealed her beauty. Exclamations erupted from all directions. The interviewer directed the microphone to Hae-joo and Director Kwak, who were the most anticipated figures at this awards ceremony.

“You’ve already been nominated for five awards. What do you think of the results?”

Director Kwak answered fluently in English. Hae-joo, though a bit awkward, had studied and composed herself. When it was finally her turn for the interview, she replied:

“There’s something I’m looking forward to more than winning an award.”

“What is that?”

“My husband.”

Her true feelings had spilled out unintentionally. The interviewer, momentarily flustered by her unexpected answer, cleverly moved on. Hae-joo mentally chastised herself for giving such a reply. But only for a moment. To everyone’s congratulations, the awards ceremony finally began. Cameras intermittently focused on Director Kwak and Hae-joo. It was fulfilling in itself to know that the ceremony was being watched live in Korea.

“Now it’s your turn, Hae-joo.”

Finally, the Best Actress award was about to be presented. As last year’s winner came out, grand music filled the stage. Just then, Yunji, who was sitting next to her, quietly got up and disappeared. As she wondered about it, a substantial weight filled the seat next to Hae-joo. A nervous Hae-joo only looked straight ahead. The time to introduce the award nominees was approaching. Just as she held her breath, someone warmly covered her tense hand.

“Dojun?”

“Shh, just look forward.”

“When on earth did you...”

The large LCD screen on the stage introduced the award nominees. Hae-joo was happier that Dojun had come despite his busy schedule than she was about being a nominee. Behind them, Jinhan and Yunji sat side by side. They held their breath, focusing on the introductory videos of the nominees. After the videos, the previous year’s award winner, an actress, explained the meaning of this film festival. Meanwhile, Hae-joo let go of her expectations. It was already an honor just to be there, and there was a separate strong contender for the award this time.

“Now, I will announce the winner of Best Actress.”

A heart-pounding sound filled the venue. For Hae-joo, just having Dojun by her side felt like receiving a great award already. A brief silence passed. Then, the name of the lead actress from a competing film, who was nominated, was called out through the microphone.

“Haah!”

Hae-joo could finally let go of all the pressure. She stood up from her seat and congratulated the winner more joyfully than anyone else. Dojun also applauded his congratulations. As the ecstatic winner went up to the stage, he whispered in Hae-joo’s ear.

“In my heart, the winner is Lee Hae-joo.”

“I know.”

“How?”

“Because tonight, we’re going to enjoy a proper party.”

“I’m looking forward to it.”

Director Kwak’s film was Hae-joo’s second. Even looking at her seniors, it was an honor to have such a rare experience as an actress. This would have been impossible if not for Dojun. After this film festival, Hae-joo decided to live as Dojun’s wife for a while.

“Dojun, I’ll do well from now on.”

“Do well even more? You’re enough as you are.”

On this day, none of the actors won an award. However, Director Kwak received the Best Director and Best Picture awards, achieving great honor. The film’s completeness was incomparable to any other nominee. It was truly acclaimed as a masterpiece, combining unparalleled direction with perfect acting from the cast. The moment Director Kwak’s film was called for Best Picture, he, along with the cast, went up on stage to share the glory of the award. Hae-joo, in particular, couldn’t control her emotions due to her feelings of remorse.

“This film, in particular, had many twists and turns. Yet, it was able to be completed thanks to one actress who bravely stood against an unreasonable world. Everyone, it’s Lee Hae-joo.”

During his acceptance speech, Director Kwak yielded the microphone to Hae-joo. After crying in a daze and then being surprised for a moment, Hae-joo calmly stood at the front of the stage.

“I have a hero whose name I didn’t even know. Just a moment ago, that hero rushed from the East Coast of the United States to LA. He is Park Dojun, the investor of this film and my husband.”

The camera focused on Dojun, who was sitting in his seat. People cheered with vigorous applause.

“He was my God, my family, sometimes my father, and sometimes my good friend.”

Hae-joo’s tears did not stop. She struggled to compose herself, reliving the past pains that flashed through her mind.

“There is only one thing I want to say here.”