All cameras turned toward Kang Woojin at once. Countless actors, broadcasters, comedians, directors, and staff also stared at him as he rose from his seat, their faces filled with surprise.
Then—
Clap clap clap clap clap!
Clap clap clap clap clap clap!
Applause spread across the vast hall. In the end, everyone present was clapping for Kang Woojin. It was astonishing, but there was no choice but to congratulate him. Amid the applause, murmurs began to swell throughout the audience.
"Wow, it was already surprising that Kang Woojin was even nominated for Best Supporting Actor, and he actually won it??"
"Right? Honestly, even being nominated in his first year at Baeksang was already a hot topic, but he actually took the award."
"Man… I'm jealous, but seriously, what kind of divine backing does he even have? Everything he does blows up."
"To be honest, I never expected him to win Best Supporting Actor at all."
From last year to this year, nearly every famous and popular figure in the Korean entertainment industry was present. Even to them, Kang Woojin felt like something entirely different.
He stood out.
"Last year he swept rookie awards across every film festival and award ceremony, and now he's winning both Rookie of the Year and Best Supporting Actor at the same time? Has that ever happened before? That's insane."
"There have been cases where people were nominated for both."
"But this isn't just nominations. Has anyone ever swept rookie awards and then taken Best Supporting Actor in their second year?"
"I think senior Moon Sobin won both at the Blue Dragon Awards back in 2002, but at Baeksang, Kang Woojin is the first."
"…This is the first time in nearly a decade. And Kang Woojin just made history at Baeksang."
It was unbelievable.
To rise like this in just two years after debut.
Kang Woojin had already achieved an unprecedented eight-award sweep early in his career, collecting rookie awards and more. And now, by winning both Rookie of the Year and Best Supporting Actor simultaneously, he had written a new chapter in Korean entertainment history.
It wasn't entirely unheard of across all time, but it was rare enough to count on one hand over decades.
"His trajectory is so unique that most aspiring actors are using him as their role model. Even our trainees only talk about Kang Woojin."
"It's ridiculous. He's only one or two years older than us, and he's already landing major roles and winning Best Supporting Actor."
No one's reaction at the ceremony was strange.
If anything, the abnormal thing was Kang Woojin himself.
He was like a natural disaster sweeping through the industry.
Then—
Clap clap clap clap clap clap!
Amid thunderous applause, Kang Woojin stood up.
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As he walked toward the stage, actors including Hong Hyeyeon and Ryu Jungmin called out to congratulate him.
"That's incredible! Woojin, you've really caused a scene! Congratulations!"
"Haha, Woojin! Congrats. You've turned everything upside down again."
Even broadcasters and directors seeing him in person for the first time reacted the same way. Everywhere Kang Woojin passed, people spoke to him.
And so, he moved through the crowd.
…
The path toward the brightly lit center stage opened before him. Woojin walked forward calmly. A camera moved backward in front of him, filming as he advanced. On the massive screens, his front, side, and back were shown in sequence.
His firm, imposing face stood out.
It left a powerful impression—but that was only the surface.
Inside, he was a complete mess.
His heart began pounding violently for the first time in a while.
'What—! Oh my god, is this real?! Wait. Don't trip. Stay calm. Kang Woojin, calm down!'
He was fighting a war on his own.
And it was fierce.
But no one knew.
So he focused even harder on walking. The only thing in his mind was the stage ahead. The actors applauding around him didn't even register. The cameras? He had forgotten them long ago.
'Hoo— okay, I'm shaking. Why do I feel like I'm going to throw up just because the award changed? I really won Best Supporting Actor, right?!'
On the outside, he looked almost arrogant.
Inside, he was unbelievably fragile.
Even hearing he was nominated had shocked him—but when Hwarin called his name, he had nearly jumped to his feet in genuine disbelief.
What was interesting was that, at this very moment, a misunderstanding was spreading throughout the hall.
Hong Hyeyeon and Ryu Jungmin were genuinely impressed.
"Look at how calm he is. He must know exactly what kind of mark he's making on the industry right now."
"Of course he does. That's why he's so composed. Look at his face—it's basically saying, 'I expected this much.'"
"…He doesn't look satisfied."
"Do you remember what he declared at the Blue Dragon Awards? He said he'd win Best Actor. So to him, Best Supporting Actor is probably just another step."
"Wow… that's ridiculous. That character of his is unbelievable."
Director Ahn Gabok and Director Kwon Gitaek, seated side by side, quietly applauded.
"Heh… what he said at Blue Dragon is slowly becoming reality."
"You mean the part about winning Best Actor next year?"
"Yes. Imagine how the other actors watching this must feel. Look at Woojin's confidence. He just made history at Baeksang, yet he's completely calm. Anyone seeing that would feel shaken."
Despite his exhaustion from constant overnight shoots, Director Kwon Gitaek smiled faintly as he watched Woojin approach the stage.
"…I don't know why, but I feel like he'll win Best Actor somewhere outside Korea."
Director Ahn Gabok glanced at him, then slowly nodded.
"I agree. If he doesn't, I'd be disappointed."
At that moment—
──────────
Kang Woojin stepped onto the wide Baeksang stage once again.
But this time felt completely different from when he received the rookie award.
His state of mind was different too.
'Almost there. Just a little more.'
He was pouring everything into maintaining his composure under overwhelming tension.
Approaching the two presenters holding the bouquet and trophy, he received the flowers from the male actor.
"Congratulations, Kang Woojin."
"Thank you."
The golden trophy rested in Hwarin's hands. With a faint smile, she handed it to him.
"Woojin, congratulations. Truly."
"Thank you, Hwarin."
But inside, both of them were nothing like their outward expressions.
Especially Hwarin—
She looked calm, but inside, she was practically jumping, clapping, and wanting to break into a celebratory dance.
'Ahhh!! Is this real?! Really?? This is insane! Woojin is the best!! Why am I so happy?! No—of course I should be happy!!'
Suppressing the urge to hug him, Hwarin and the male actor stepped back.
Now it was Woojin's turn.
"Mm—"
But he didn't speak right away.
He looked down at the trophy in his hands.
'What is this? Did I really just win this?'
It didn't feel real.
Well… whatever.
Let's just say something.
Kang Woojin lifted his head, expression blank.
But what should he say?
He had already given acceptance speeches several times. This award was different, but to him, it didn't feel that different.
He didn't have much to say.
"Mm—"
This was bad.
No matter how much he thought, his mind was completely blank.
But this was Best Supporting Actor—he couldn't be too boring.
Then—
a scene came to mind.
Ah.
That'll do.
Making up his mind, Kang Woojin spoke in a low voice.
"Thank you. I believe I've already expressed my gratitude enough, so I'll convey my feelings with a simple gesture."
Immediately, Hwarin and many actors seated in the front rows tilted their heads in confusion.
But Woojin remained completely calm.
Thud.
He set down the trophy and bouquet.
Then—
Sss.
Suddenly, he raised both hands and struck a trending pose.
At that moment, Hwarin burst into laughter without realizing it.
Because the pose—
was exactly the same as the one on the lid of the Kimjaban Makguksu cup noodles.
'Ahaha—double thumbs up! That's so cute!!'
A dignified double thumbs-up.
Kang Woojin proudly revealed something he had always mocked.
He held the pose for about five seconds.
And in that instant—
the entire hall fell silent.
…
…
…
So what?
Ignoring the embarrassment rising inside him, Woojin confidently held up both thumbs toward the cameras and the nearly thousand people watching, then gave a slight bow.
'Ha… oh my god.'
Embarrassment washed over him.
But his usual bold composure smoothed it over.
By not showing any shame, everything worked out.
Then, holding the bouquet and trophy, Kang Woojin quietly stepped down from the stage.
At the same time—
"Pfft!"
"Haha, that guy really has a unique personality."
"Hahaha! Why the double thumbs-up?!"
The Baeksang Arts Awards filled with laughter.
──────────
Later.
Both Part 1 and Part 2 of the Baeksang Arts Awards, where Kang Woojin had dominated the spotlight, came to an end.
For reference, Best Drama went to Profiler Hanryang, and Best Film went to Drug Dealer. Actors close to Woojin, including Ryu Jungmin and Hong Hyeyeon, also took home trophies.
And Kang Woojin—
became the first and only actor to win both Rookie of the Year and Best Supporting Actor at the same time.
After the ceremony, the large crowd began exiting in stages.
Woojin, seated in the middle, had to wait for a while as broadcast cameras continued to flash around him.
At the entrance, Choi Sunggeon, with his ponytail, watched with tears in his eyes.
"You crazy alien… I knew you'd win. Who else could've? You're incredible. In all my years in this industry, I've never seen anyone like you."
Several dozen minutes later—
it was finally time for Kang Woojin and the surrounding actors to leave.
As expected, hundreds of reporters had gathered at the entrance, nearly in a frenzy.
Flash! Flash! Flash!
All of it—for the man walking calmly through.
"Kang Woojin is here!!"
"Ah!! Woojin!! How does it feel to win both Rookie of the Year and Best Supporting Actor?!"
"Don't push!! Woojin!! Please pose with the trophy!!"
The questions sounded less like shouts and more like screams.
Among them, one voice stood out.
"Woojin!! Did you know this is the first time in Baeksang history someone has won both awards at once?! Did you expect it at all?!"
Kang Woojin answered indifferently.
"I didn't know. And it's not particularly important."
──────────
The next morning.
Friday the 19th.
A little past 10 AM.
The location was a high-rise building in Yangjae.
A large rented studio spanning the 4th and 5th floors was bustling with activity—especially the 4th floor.
Dozens of staff and production crew moved busily.
"Thirty minutes! Thirty minutes left!"
"I don't think there are enough chairs in the waiting room!"
"The PD is here!!"
"I'll guide you to the audition room!"
Right after getting off the elevator, three offices lined the hallway.
All were open, with signs on the glass doors.
Waiting Room 1, Waiting Room 2, Waiting Room 3.
Each room looked similar—filled with dozens of chairs, minimal decoration, clearly designed to hold as many people as possible.
At the end of the hallway—
the main space of the studio appeared.
A sign on the door read:
– Audition Room
Inside was simple.
A long table at the front with a single water bottle on top.
Small cameras placed at the front, middle, and back.
And an empty space in front of the table.
──────────
A familiar bearded man entered.
It was PD Song Manwoo, wearing a khaki jacket.
He looked around and nodded.
"Yeah, this should do."
Behind him, assistant directors and staff let out quiet sighs of relief.
Soon, he sat at the center of the table and exhaled deeply.
"I'm exhausted."
The aftereffects of last night's Baeksang after-party.
And the fatigue from preparing the drama Beneficial Evil.
At that moment, about ten people entered and greeted him.
"Hello, PD."
"Ah, you're here already."
They were from Netflix Korea's production team.
The reason was simple—
In about an hour, the first large-scale audition for Beneficial Evil would begin.
Announcements had already gone out nationwide to agencies and acting academies. The industry was buzzing. Communities and SNS for aspiring actors were exploding.
A large-scale audition for a blockbuster project like this—
was rare.
For aspiring actors—
it was a huge opportunity.
So today—
hundreds of unknown and rookie actors were expected.
And in fact—
they were already arriving.
Ding!
People continued stepping out of the elevator.
About thirty had already arrived.
The five who just got off were from different acting academies, each with distinct looks.
Tall, cute, handsome, muscular, unique—
all kinds.
One well-built man looked visibly nervous at the sight of so many staff.
"Man, I'm screwed. My heart's about to explode."
A tall guy patted his back.
"Want to hit the bathroom? Let's go throw up together."
"Yeah… let's go."
"By the way, because of what Kang Woojin did at Baeksang yesterday, there are way more participants than usual."
"Yeah… winning both awards. I couldn't believe it."
"Right. It was insane. But he's my goal, so I guess it makes sense."
"I prepared Kang Woojin's role for today's audition. Assistant Manager Park."
"What? Are you crazy? That's way too hard!"
The audition format—
free acting.
At that moment, among the five, a short-haired woman with a cute appearance quietly muttered—
"Kang Woojin is fake."
"…What?"
She looked sweet and adorable.
But her tone—
was chilling.
"He's fake. I can tell."
The tall man sighed.
"There she goes again. Don't say weird things about my role model."
"My mom said the same thing. She said Kang Woojin is possessed. I agree."
"What does your mom do?"
"She's a shaman."
Right then—
"Everyone who has arrived, don't just stand there—please take a seat! We're handing out numbers!"
And just like that—
the first large-scale audition for Beneficial Evil officially began.