Life is Easier If You're Handsome-Chapter 196

Early December.

With True Hero set to remain in theaters for about three more weeks—

『A Historic Achievement: True Hero Hits 18 Million Viewers!』

『A Successor Too Soon? The Highest-Grossing Korean Film Changes Hands After Just Three Years!』

『Can It Reach 19 Million? A Deep Dive into True Hero’s Box Office Trajectory!』

『The Youngest Triple-Ten-Million Actor Ever—A First in Korean Film History! Exclusive Interview with Kim Donghu!』

『Not a Franchise, But a Phenomenon—Kim Donghu’s Success Across Three Distinct Films!』

『Could True Hero Inspire Copycats? Experts Say: "Absolutely Not. No One Can Be Kim Donghu."』

『The First Requirement to Becoming a Hero? Heavyweight Boxing Gold Medalist—A Feat Only One Man in Korea Can Claim.』

『A New Possibility? Kim Donghu’s Pitching Precision Draws Rave Reviews—Pro Baseball Teams Eyeing Him for Ceremonial First Pitch!』

Having surpassed 18 million admissions, True Hero officially claimed the highest audience record in Korean cinema history.

With its current pace, projections estimated a final tally of around 19 million by the end of December.

"We won’t hit 20 million, which is a bit of a shame! But honestly, even saying that feels greedy—this doesn’t even feel real."

"But it is real."

Director Lee Seong-deok couldn’t stop staring at the numbers, practically bouncing in {N•o•v•e•l•i•g•h•t} his seat like a fish in water.

"I still can’t believe we made this."

"Haha, come on. You can puff your chest out a little more."

Clink.

Choi Seokho handed him a cup of coffee, trying to rein him in.

"But why did he come here instead of the production company’s office?"

Choi Seokho discreetly studied the director’s expression.

It made sense for him to be thrilled, given the film’s explosive success.

But why was the final stop of that excitement Veritas’s office instead of his own studio?

And on top of that, without even setting up an appointment.

The silence stretched for a moment.

Realizing the unspoken question, Lee Seong-deok hastily spoke up.

"Oh, the reason I dropped by—it's about a short film proposal."

"A short film?"

"Yes."

A short film?

Right after directing the highest-grossing commercial film in history?

And while the movie was still actively screening?

"I work in entertainment too, but I’ll never fully understand the minds of creators."

Choi Seokho gave him a puzzled look.

"You came to discuss this because you want Kim Donghu as the lead?"

"Yes, exactly. More like... I wanted to take a number and get in line."

"...I feel like I’m missing something. Can you explain in detail?"

"Ah, I’ve been rambling too much—sorry about that."

"No worries. Want sugar in your coffee?"

"Oh... five sugar cubes, please."

"Got it."

As the sugar cubes dropped in one by one,

Choi Seokho waited patiently for Lee Seong-deok to gather his thoughts.

"In simple terms—I’ve received a funding proposal from Netflix."

"...What?"

Lee Seong-deok dropped the bombshell without hesitation.

"Netflix?"

"Yes. With OTT services expanding aggressively, Netflix has been keeping a close eye on Korea."

"And now that the highest-grossing Korean film has changed hands... they see you and Donghu as the next major players?"

"Exactly."

Netflix.

The global streaming giant had been rapidly expanding through original content.

But for them to move this quickly—

"So they’re willing to pay Donghu’s fee?"

"Yes. That’s why it’s a short film—it's their way of testing the waters first."

What he originally thought would be just a casual coffee chat

had suddenly turned into a major career decision.

"How the hell do I even schedule this in?"

As Choi Seokho’s mind raced,

"We don’t have a script or scenario yet, but... if the opportunity is there, I really want to do this. So I wanted to bring it up in advance."

Lee Seong-deok was wrapping things up.

Technically, he could’ve waited until things were more concrete to make an official proposal.

But knowing how packed Kim Donghu’s schedule would be,

he wanted to stake his claim first.

"Next year, things will get insanely busy—so ideally, I’d like to shoot in January."

"January?"

"Yes. If schedules align... Since Donghu is competing in the Asian Games next year."

"Right. That’s true. Okay... Got it. I’ll pass this along."

Netflix, huh.

"Is this the real beginning of his global career?"

The thought of Kim Donghu stepping onto the world stage

was no longer a hypothetical.

"I like where this is going."

Choi Seokho grinned.

***

Mid-December.

The end of the year meant one thing: awards season.

And the first of these grand ceremonies? The Blue Dragon Film Awards.

"Wah! It’s Kim Donghu!"

A film festival wouldn’t be complete without its signature red carpet event.

Even though I had already made an appearance at the Grand Bell Awards last month—

People are still just as excited.

I could see the crowds cheering as I walked down the carpet.

"He’s literally a work of art."

"Just looking at him is therapeutic. And he’s so good with fan service."

"Man... youth is amazing. No, maybe it’s just Kim Donghu that’s amazing. How many achievements does this guy have at 21?"

"If he competes in the Asian Games next year, he’s winning gold too. He’s the only real contender."

I heard the occasional murmurs from reporters as I walked past.

The rapid flashes of cameras surrounded me.

After a brief stop at the photo zone—

"Hello. Thank you very much."

—I adjusted my suit and made my way to my assigned seat.

"Donghu, you’re a little late today."

A familiar voice greeted me the moment I sat down.

I thought I’d arrived early.

"Taegun, you got here way too early."

"I had to. Apparently, if I want to have a long conversation with you, I need to come early."

"Huh? Who told you that?"

"Jinwoo."

Taegun gave me a look—one that told me he had a lot to say.

Then, lowering his voice, he said—

"I’m transferring to Veritas. What do you think?"

"...What?"

Did I hear that right?

I had sensed something like this before, but—

So that wasn’t just a joke?

No actor would joke about switching agencies.

But still, I couldn’t quite wrap my head around it.

"Why all of a sudden?"

"Because of you."

"...Huh?"

"If I stick close to you, I’ll succeed. Look at Jinwoo—he starred in a ten-million-viewer movie last year. And you were the one who picked that project for him, weren’t you?"

He wasn’t wrong.

Jinwoo’s Veritas contract had one special clause:

I got to pick his projects.

I still didn’t know why they trusted my judgment so much.

But after that, Jinwoo’s career had skyrocketed.

But he wasn’t the type to go around telling people that.

So did Taegun figure it out on his own?

I gave him a questioning look.

And just like that, he answered—

"You and I have done two movies together, right?"

"Yeah."

"And both of them were insanely successful. To the point where they completely changed my filmography."

And every time that happened—

"Who was always there?"

"...Me?"

"Exactly."

That made it too easy to figure out.

His logic was simple—

If I stay next to Kim Donghu, I’ll go even further.

I’ll improve as an actor and land even better roles.

"Besides, Veritas guarantees that I can bring my team with me, right? So there’s no downside."

"Uh... I’m not entirely sure about that..."

"Jinwoo kept his team. I checked."

🎶 Drumroll...! 🎶

As the Blue Dragon Film Awards prepared to start,

Taegun continued his monologue like he had a whole script prepared.

"But why is he telling me all this?"

To be honest, this wasn’t something he needed to tell me.

Normally, this would be discussed between agencies or directly with the CEO.

So why was he—

"Because you’re the real head of Veritas."

"Huh?"

"I saw that look on your face, so I answered the question for you."

"...."

"Not a bad idea, right?"

Whether I liked it or not, Veritas had become a small but elite agency.

Even though the original plan was to expand the roster—

Right now, there were only two actors.

Me and Jinwoo.

And now, Han Taegun was about to join?

"The average face value and filmography of this agency is gonna be insane."

Wouldn’t this make Veritas feel too exclusive?

Well, that was Seokho’s problem to figure out.

"As long as you’re happy, I’m happy."

I gave a casual nod.

🎶 DUUN! DU-DU-DUUN! 🎶

Right on cue, the Blue Dragon Film Awards began.

As always, the opening was flawless, with the MCs smoothly setting the tone.

And just like that—

"Best Cinematography! True Hero!

"Best Editing! True Hero!

"Best Technical Award! True Hero!

True Hero had started sweeping the awards again.

***

The Best New Actor and Technical Awards had been handed out.

The first half of the ceremony, which was all about setting the atmosphere, had ended.

Now, it was time for the celebratory performance.

— "This year's award season will basically be the same until Baeksang next year."

— "Anyone up for a round of Yapkia or Bout? Got a private server open."

— "Are people gonna watch the performance all stiff-faced again?"

— "Why do actors always act so serious at these things? I don’t get it."

The live chat of a streaming channel broadcasting the Blue Dragon Film Awards was buzzing.

As always, the same debate resurfaced—

Why do actors always look so stiff at these award shows?

— "Who’s performing this year?"

— "BloomBell. It’s just them."

— "Wait, so that means Kim Donghu’s wife is performing?"

— "LMAO, his wife is doing the celebratory performance???"

— "It’s starting!"

Would the actors watch with the usual blank expressions?

That was the question in everyone’s minds as BloomBell took the stage.

And the moment the music filled the venue—

— "KIM DONGHU YOU MADMAN LMAO"

— "Of course, this is Big Donghu Love at its finest."

— "Agh, Donghu, you again?!!"

The camera caught Kim Donghu in a perfect solo shot—hands over his head, forming a heart.

— "Han Taegun went full  for a second before fixing his expression."

— "Wait, is he getting ready to dance???"

— "Damn, Taegun used to have that ‘mood killer’ face last year, but now he’s kinda likable."

— "That’s what happens when you sit next to Donghu. You absorb young energy."

With Taegun caught in the moment too, his public image took a noticeable boost.

— "This is why he’s Big Donghu, Age 21."

— "Despite being insanely successful, he knows how to have fun. The legend of Big Donghu continues."

— "Dong Gallery bastards, you’re here again, aren’t you?"

— "BREAKING NEWS: ‘The guy with the long-ass title’ just got ‘Knows How to Have Fun’ added to his accolades."

— "LMAO."

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With the performance successfully wrapped up, the second half of the awards ceremony resumed.

Despite the lively mood, one thing remained the same—

If True Hero was eligible, True Hero won.

And once again, when Kim Donghu took home Best Actor, his acceptance speech went viral.

"I am truly honored to receive this award. I won’t settle for just this—I will take the strength of the Blue Dragon and use it to soar higher and farther."

His beaming, genuine smile stood in contrast to his speech at the Grand Bell Awards.

With this shift in tone, articles flooded the news cycle.

And with that, the Blue Dragon Film Awards came to a successful close.

Late December.

"...I will win the Best Couple Award. No matter what."

Someone was burning with fiery determination to claim the title.