Peninsula: I'm the Top Streamer

Chapter 661 Azure Dragon TV, the Best Actor Arrives!
Seoul's nights remain scorching hot, with the city breaking its record for the highest summer temperature ever recorded this year, and the nights are no exception.

But the Incheon area was ignited by a boiling heat wave.

The inaugural Blue Dragon Series Awards, one of the highest honors for Korean dramas, will soon be held at Paradise City in Jung-gu, Incheon.

Yes, although the Blue Dragon TV Awards are being held for the first time, they are already a top-tier awards ceremony.

In the VIP lounge where Kwon Seonhyuk was, he was wearing a custom-made Louis Vuitton haute couture suit. The perfectly tailored black tweed coat was paired with a silk shirt, and a small but dazzling diamond brooch adorned the lapel. The simple and elegant style revealed the aura of a top actor.

The hairstylist carefully tidied the stray hairs on his forehead, and the makeup artist did the final touch-up to ensure he could withstand any harsh scrutiny on camera.

Assistant Jing quietly reminded everyone of the upcoming procedures, while manager Park Jung-jung confirmed the entry time and interview arrangements.
"The media area will be located in the middle of the red carpet, and the main camera will focus on capturing it," Park Jung-jung instructed.

"You just need to stay calm and focused; we are very familiar with all the procedures."

Quan Xuanhe hummed in agreement.

He went to the Blue Dragon Film Awards with a completely relaxed attitude, treating it as an opportunity to meet people and make friends, without any pressure to win an award.

He's already won Best Actor; he can't be greedy anymore.

"Time's up, Xuanhe." Park Jung-jung's voice pulled him back to reality.

Quan Xuanhe stood up, slightly adjusted his cuffs, and straightened his back.

The moment he pushed open the door to the lounge, a wave of bustling voices from the corridor outside rushed in.

Staff, agents, and security personnel were busy moving about, creating a lively yet tense atmosphere.

As I stepped into the exclusive passage leading to the red carpet, the flashing of camera lights intensified.

South Korean award ceremonies are very simple; most of the red carpet events are just formalities and not treated as grand occasions.

This time was no exception; the red carpet set up inside the venue wasn't open to the public much, mainly used by media outlets for filming.

Led by staff, he arrived at the entrance to the red carpet.

"Next to enter are—Quan! Xuan! He!"

The host, Jaejae, had her voice amplified through the microphone, making it incredibly captivating.

He nodded slightly, a perfectly polite and reserved smile befitting a public figure, and strode onto the red carpet.

The lights and cameras were all focused on him, and the sound of camera shutters clicking incessantly.

The air was filled with the unique scent of cosmetics and the slight warmth of electronic devices from backstage. Even with the venue's powerful air conditioning, that invisible heat still lingered.

"Annyeonghaseyo, Mr. Kwon Hyunhyuk!" Jaejae's voice rose with excitement as she held the microphone closer to the camera.

Welcome to the first Blue Dragon TV Drama Awards!

Jaejae is a South Korean female host, best known for her YouTube variety show "Civilization Express," which many people have heard of.

In fact, this variety show also contributed to the shift of the South Korean entertainment industry towards YouTube.

The highest number of views for a single video was 945 million, and the total number of views for the channel was 6.3497 million, setting a new record as the first person in the new media industry.

It clearly set a precedent, and Korean variety shows completely entered the YouTube short variety show trend, almost all of which were monotonous interview-style shows.

There are no more diverse and vibrant variety shows on cable TV.

Or perhaps they still exist, but they've been replaced by streaming platforms.

Netflix, Disney, and other streaming services have launched a variety of variety shows that are just as good, with high production quality and larger investments than cable TV.

Cable TV has been squeezed out of much room and has lost its former dominant position. Naturally, it lacks the courage to innovate and can only cling to a few signature programs.

Otherwise, Running Man would really be canceled. Although there are factors such as its popularity overseas, it is also because SBS is not capable of creating new and good shows.

Running Man is really a burden, and it's time for it to be taken off the air. Even longtime fans are starting to think that the show might as well take a break.

"Annyeonghaseyo." Kwon Seonhyuk nodded slightly, his face displaying a perfectly timed and practiced smile.

Under the bright light, the diamond brooch on his chest reflected tiny, cold points of light, which complemented his calm eyes.

"Wow... Kwon Hyun-hyuk's look today is absolutely sculpted to the level of a handsome man!" Jaejae exclaimed sincerely before getting to the point.

"As one of this year's hottest nominees, and the recently crowned Best Actor at the Baeksang Arts Awards, how are you feeling right now? Are you looking forward to tonight?"

The question was routine, and Kwon Heonhyuk handled it with ease.

He looked straight ahead at the dense array of cameras, his voice clear and steady: "I am very grateful for the invitation and recognition from the Blue Dragon Television Awards. Being nominated is already a tremendous encouragement for an actor. As for my feelings," he paused slightly.

"Like all my colleagues who came here with high expectations, I hope to witness good works and good actors receive the applause they deserve."

Instead of directly addressing his expectations, he subtly shifted the focus to the ceremony itself.

"So, what would you like to say to the viewers who have been supporting you all this time?" Jaejae continued to ask.

"DP is a sincere work that embodies the hard work of all the main creators."

Kwon Hyun-hyuk's tone was both formal and sincere: "We are very grateful to be loved and discussed by the audience. Regardless of the outcome tonight, this sentiment is the most precious gift for actors. Thank you everyone."

It was brief and appropriate, without any exaggerated declarations or excessive modesty.

"Kamsangmidhi! Have a wonderful evening, and we look forward to more wonderful performances from you!" Jaejae ended the interview at the right time, turning to the side to make a guiding gesture.

Kwon Hyun-hyuk nodded again, then turned and walked steadily and confidently down the red carpet.

At the end of the red carpet, at the entrance to the main awards hall, the lights dimmed slightly, and the crowd gradually thickened.

He clearly heard several excited but suppressed whispers coming from behind the crowd control barrier: "Kwon Hyun-hyuk! It's Kwon Hyun-hyuk!" Interspersed with a few ambiguous exclamations of praise.

Clearly, even with a small audience, his appearance still ignited the star power that belongs to top actors.

He didn't turn his head, nor did he stop walking. His assistant and Park Jung-jung stood half a step away from him, protecting him from the crowd that was too close and from a few reporters who tried to rush forward.

Upon entering the main hall, the view opens up.

The vast space was meticulously arranged; the venue had no audience seating and resembled a performance hall more like a high-class banquet hall.

Even though it wasn't officially time for the show to start, the venue was already glittering with stars.

Actors, directors, and producers dressed in glamorous attire gathered in small groups, chatting quietly, exchanging pleasantries, and taking photos. The air was filled with the scent of perfume, a unique atmosphere of tension and anticipation characteristic of the world of fame and fortune.

Quan Xuanhe's arrival was like a pebble thrown into a calm lake with undercurrents.

Wherever he went, he could clearly feel the previously scattered gazes suddenly focusing on him like searchlights, carrying surprise, inquiry, admiration, and an indescribable sense of distance brought about by his "status." Some familiar faces nodded to him—a director he had worked with, a senior executive of a TV station—and he returned their greetings with polite but distant smiles.

Kwon Hyun-hyuk walked steadily through the dense web of sights woven in the main hall, heading straight for the familiar group of people gathered there. The cast and crew of "DP"—Koo Kyo-hwan and several other core actors—were chatting and laughing casually together.

Koo Kyo-hwan's signature booming voice pierced through the crowd first: "Oh? Our protagonist has arrived!"

A smile immediately spread across his face, and he casually patted Kwon Hyun-hyuk on the shoulder and back: "Hey, our Baeksang Arts Awards Best Actor! We were just talking about you. Your Louis Vuitton outfit is absolutely stunning! You look like you just stepped off the runway at Paris Fashion Week."

Koo Gyo-hwan's tone was full of pride.

He's been riding high lately, and he's got his hands on so many great projects to choose from.

He is a rising star in Chungmuro ​​(the Korean film and television industry). After achieving success, he will naturally have no shortage of film offers after playing supporting roles brilliantly.

Koo Kyo-hwan strode forward and gave Kwon Seon-hyuk a firm hug, as enthusiastic as ever: "We just won the Baeksang Arts Awards, our DP really made us proud!"

He patted Kwon Hyun-hyuk hard on the back, his voice booming. "The cameras will definitely be following you later, so stay focused!"

Koo Kyo-hwan himself won the Baeksang Arts Award for Best New Actor for "DP," an honor that made him extremely excited.

"You're too kind, hyung. It's all thanks to everyone's help." Kwon Hyun-hyuk smiled and hugged Koo Kyo-hwan back.

He turned to the other crew members around him and greeted them one by one.

They stood slightly to the side of the center of the hall, chatting casually, exchanging updates and predictions for tonight's ceremony. Koo Kyo-hwan casually analyzed the possible winners of each award, with Kwon Hyun-hyuk occasionally adding a comment or two.

The atmosphere is one of tacit understanding and harmony unique to the DP team.

Kwon Hyun-hyuk then went to exchange a few pleasantries with Lee Jung-jae.

"Congratulations in advance on winning Best Actor today, bro," Kwon Hyun-hyuk said with a smile.

"Oh, that's easy to say. If you don't get it, it'll all be your fault." Lee Jung-jae patted him with a smile.

"Brother, have you forgotten my nickname?"

"If I say I can get it, I definitely can," Quan Xuanhe said with a smile.

The scene gradually quieted down, and the soft, soothing background music stopped at the appropriate time.

The hushed conversations among the crowd quickly subsided, and all eyes instinctively turned toward the main stage, where the lights were focused.

The dynamic logo and promotional video for the Blue Dragon TV Awards began to scroll across the large screen, with dazzling blue light and shadow flowing across the screen, symbolizing the official launch of this new but highly anticipated streaming event.

A clear announcement was broadcast over the loudspeaker, delivered with a strong and resonant voice.

"Distinguished guests, the first Blue Dragon TV Drama Awards ceremony is about to begin. Please return to your designated seats."

"Brother, I'm going back now."

After saying goodbye to Lee Jung-jae, Kwon Heon-hyuk returned to his position on the DP set.

As the lights in the venue dimmed softly, leaving only the bright beam of light focused on the main stage, the awards ceremony officially began.

The audience was bathed in dim yellow light, and faces were barely visible in the distance.

That's why it's described as a banquet hall; even the seating consists of long benches that connect several people, arranged in a staggered and orderly fashion.

After a vibrant opening video, two elegantly dressed hosts gracefully ascended to the center of the stage. Under the spotlight, they began to introduce the evening's festivities and the distinguished guests in attendance.

"...And this year's television drama scene has been truly star-studded, with a plethora of excellent works." Host Jeon Hyun-moo's gaze swept over the glittering stars in the audience.

"In particular, a strong and remarkable new generation of talent has emerged, bringing not only breakthroughs in acting skills but also injecting new vitality into the industry."

Before she could finish speaking, Yoona chimed in, her tone perfectly balanced with enthusiasm and anticipation: "Speaking of 'new blood,' I think what the camera should be capturing right now is our—"

Yoona's voice rose slightly as she looked precisely at the area where the "DP" crew was located. Almost simultaneously, the large screen above the stage and the camera lenses inside the venue captured that spot.

Although Lim Yoona had seen Kwon Heonhyuk backstage at Baeksang Arts Awards before, she didn't greet him and they weren't familiar with each other. However, at this moment, she demonstrated her professionalism as a host.

"—Mr. Kwon Hyun-hyuk, welcome to the Blue Dragon Television Awards!"

As the host, Jun Hyun-moo, gave a loud introduction, Kwon Hyun-hyuk's face was clearly displayed on the big screen.

The spotlight shone on him, instantly making him the most dazzling focus of the entire banquet hall.

Under the bright light, Kwon Hyun-hyuk's custom-made black Louis Vuitton tweed coat looked even more luxurious, with the diamond brooch on the lapel reflecting tiny starlight.

He just won the Baeksang Arts Awards Best Actor title for his role in "DP" and is currently riding high, representing the most sought-after young actor in the Korean entertainment industry.

Faced with the sudden "siege" from the cameras and being called out by the host, Kwon Heonhyuk remained completely calm.

He turned slightly to face the stage and the camera, his face bearing the composed smile of a professional actor that he had practiced countless times on the red carpet.

Neither overly flamboyant nor impolite, he perfectly embodies the demeanor of a newly crowned TV King.

Quan Xuanhe simply raised his hand, palm facing inward, and waved it twice, as if to say "I don't deserve it" or "Thank you for your attention."

At the same time, he bowed slightly to greet the host and all the guests on stage, his posture humble and composed.

In that brief moment of focused camera attention, scattered chuckles and whispers of admiration emanated from the surrounding guest seats.

The crew members of "DP" around him, especially Koo Kyo-hwan, unsurprisingly showed a smug smile that said, "As expected, it's you." He subconsciously wanted to reach out and pat the crew's pride on the shoulder again.

All eyes in the hall followed the camera and focused on him.

This attention stems not only from his awards, but also from his current meteoric rise to fame and the confident radiance of a young king.

The future looks so bright, it's almost blinding.

He is the newly crowned Best Actor at the Baeksang Arts Awards, the highest honor in television. He is the focus of the media and the future that the industry is looking forward to. In the eyes of the public, his name and appearance alone represent the "hottest" moment of the night.

After a polite smile and a simple greeting, Quan Xuanhe naturally withdrew his gaze and movements, sat up straight again, and did not say anything more.

They're already enjoying enough success, so there's nothing wrong with being humble. Being too flamboyant makes them easy targets.

When Kwon Heonhyuk first debuted, he was very eager to show off, but now his mindset has changed and he's not like he used to be.

However, people only get mentioned when they're famous; otherwise, why wouldn't they pay attention to those minor actors?

The camera lingered for a few brief seconds before moving away with satisfaction, but the fervor surrounding "youthful energy" sparked by him had already spread throughout the venue.

(End of this chapter)