Peninsula: I'm the Top Streamer

Chapter 687 Everything is ready, all we need is the east wind!
On the evening of October 5, the 10th Busan International Film Festival held its opening ceremony at the outdoor theater of the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae-gu, Busan.

Busan Film Hall.

The sea breeze, carrying the festive atmosphere, swept over them. Kwon Seonhyuk stood beside the van, bathed in the warm afternoon sunlight of late autumn.

He took a deep breath; the air was filled with the salty smell of the sea, the distant clamor of voices, and the unique restlessness of a film festival.

The lingering afterglow of Kim Yoo-jung's alluring contrast from last night still seems to be flowing, but that was last night; now it's time to walk the red carpet properly.

A well-tailored dark gray Louis Vuitton haute couture suit accentuated his tall and slender figure, while a Chaumet brooch adorned his chest and a Longines watch graced his wrist.

Quan Xuanhe looked down at his leather shoes.

How about another leather shoe endorsement?

"Xuanhe-xi, are you ready?" a film festival staff member whispered to confirm.

"Hmm." Quan Xuanhe nodded slightly, glancing at the crowded people in the distance, before getting into the vehicle prepared by the authorities.

It's sponsored by Bentley, and there's a uniform sponsor logo on the outside of the car.

As the vehicle slowly drove onto the red carpet and then came to a stop at the entrance, two staff members opened the car door.

The car door opened, and the roar of the noise instantly amplified several times over.

Kwon Hyun-hyuk stepped out of the car with a composed gait.

When he appeared at the starting point of the red carpet, the screams of the fans seemed to lift the roof off the movie theater.

"Quan Xuanhe!"

"OPPA!!!"

The shouts were deafening.

The film festival is held in South Korea, so it can't be considered part of his home turf, can it?

The film festival is open to the public, so the management isn't that strict, and plenty of fans can apply to get in through official channels.

He's the most popular person tonight, and he's very hot.

Kwon Hyun-hyuk smiled and waved to both sides, his gaze sweeping over the support banners with his name and "20th Century Girl" written on them. He even responded by nodding and pointing with a smile.

Kim Yoo-jung arrived just as the red carpet was about to begin.

Despite the intense experience last night, she seemed completely unaffected by the forceful blows and lashes, instead appearing radiant.

She wore a bright, pale yellow dress, her smile as radiant as the warm spring sun, perfectly matching the image of Luo Bora in the movie.

The two met in the middle of the red carpet and were naturally arranged by the media and the organizing committee to walk side by side.

"It's beautiful today."

Quan Xuanhe turned his head and spoke in a voice only the two of them could hear, his tone filled with familiar praise.

"Thank you oppa."

Kim Yoo-jung's smile instantly became even brighter, her cheeks flushed slightly, as if she had remembered something, her eyes filled with intimacy and a hint of passion.

She confidently linked arms with Kwon So-hyuk in front of the camera, and Kwon So-hyuk gentlemanly complied.

They instantly became the absolute focus of the red carpet. Countless cameras were pointed at this on-screen couple who were about to appear on the big screen.

The two stood together, one fresh and handsome, the other sweet and charming. Without any effort, their naturally flowing youthful energy and subtle, ambiguous tension were enough to capture countless photos.

The reporters bombarded him with questions:

"Xuanhe-xi! How does it feel to attend the Busan International Film Festival opening ceremony for the first time with a film in which you play the lead role?"

“It’s a great honor, and I’m really looking forward to witnessing the first official debut of ‘20th Century Girl’ with the audience tonight. The enthusiasm in Busan is impressive.” Kwon Heonhyuk answered conventionally, without saying anything out of the ordinary.

In its original trajectory, "20th Century Girl" can only be described as a mediocre film. It didn't make a big splash, and the response was decent, but it's not a work that can be meticulously listed as having outstanding achievements.

This time, Kwon Heon-hyuk came in to patch up the cast and boost popularity. The original Byun Woo-seok didn't have much popularity; he was just an ordinary second-tier actor, and needless to say, he was practically unknown in the Korean Wave before "Running Away from Sun Jae".

They intervened again, modified the plot, patched it, and corrected the main criticisms.

At the same time, his involvement has greatly improved the production quality.

What the final results will be, and how much better they will be than before, remains to be seen.

"Yu-jung-ssi! Working with Hyun-hyuk-ssi again, what's different this time?"

"Whether it's filming or promotion, Hyunhyuk oppa has given me a lot of help and encouragement," Kim Yoo-jung said, looking at Kwon Hyunhyuk with sparkling eyes.

"The atmosphere in the movie and our chemistry were both better, and the filming was very enjoyable."

Her answer cleverly steered the conversation back to the film itself.

"Your magazine covers were very well received. Are you also such good friends in private?"

Dispatch reporters asked more direct questions.

Kwon Hyun-hyuk chuckled softly, not answering directly, but patting the back of Kim Yoo-jung's hand that was holding his, and giving the camera a polite smile.

"Yoo-jung is a very lovely and hardworking girl, and it was a pleasure working with her. As for our chemistry, please look forward to the movie."

He successfully steered the conversation toward the work, and Kim Yoo-jung nodded in agreement without saying much, but her sweet smile and approaching posture had already conveyed enough information to the media.

Autographs, photos, brief interviews...

The two worked together seamlessly, lingering on the red carpet for a considerable time before being guided inside the cinema hall by staff.

In the evening, the opening ceremony officially began at the outdoor theater of the Cinema Center.

Kwon Heon-hyuk, along with director Bang Yoo-rik, Kim Yoo-jung, Noh Yoon-seo, and others from the "20th Century Girl" drama crew, sat together in the guest section with an excellent view.

He saw many familiar faces, such as Song Kang-ho.

When Song Kang-ho's eyes met his, he smiled and nodded in greeting, and Kwon Hyun-hyuk respectfully returned the gesture.

The opening ceremony was hosted by Ryu Jun-yeol and Jeon Yeo-bin.

The lights were dazzling, and the atmosphere was lively.

Kwon Hyun-hyuk sat there, relaxed yet focused, occasionally exchanging a few words in hushed tones with Kim Yoo-jung or the director beside him. Meanwhile, Hong Kong actor Tony Leung received the Asian Filmmaker of the Year award.

When "20th Century Girl" was introduced as one of the most anticipated films to be screened at this year's film festival, the camera panned across them again, and they received enthusiastic applause.

Kwon Heonhyuk smiled calmly at the camera, his eyes filled with confidence and anticipation for the film.

Following the opening ceremony, the opening film, "The Scent of the Wind," was screened. Kwon Hyun-hyuk watched the Iranian film with the cast and crew.

After the film ended, Kwon Heonhyuk followed the crowd out of the theater. The dazzling night view of Busan and the deep sea in the distance came into view, marking the official end of the first day of the film festival.

The film festival screened 354 films from 71 countries and regions in cinemas around Haeundae, including the Haeundae Cinema, Lotte Cinema, and CGV Cinema.

As a result, most of the cinemas in Busan were occupied. The CGV cinema in Haeundae-gu was packed with people.

There were South Korean media reporters with professional equipment, as well as industry professionals and invited film critics, ordinary viewers who were lucky enough to win a ticket, and loyal fans who came specifically for the occasion.

The air was filled with a mixture of the sweet smell of popcorn and whispers of anticipation.

Kwon Heon-hyuk and the creative team of "20th Century Girl" entered the screening room through the side door.

When their figures appeared in the aisle in front of the screen, enthusiastic applause erupted, and flashes of light from the cameras instantly filled the room with dazzling white light.

"Annyeonghaseyo." The team smiled and bowed to the audience. Kwon Hyun-hyuk walked beside director Bang Yoo-ri, looking at the packed audience.

The film also hopes to gain more attention at the Busan International Film Festival.

However, it's also possible that the movie will only be shown in theaters once, since it's a Netflix streaming film.

Streaming media and cinemas are mortal enemies.

After a brief introduction by the host and a speech by the director, the film was ready to begin screening.

The lights dimmed, and the screen lit up.

After the familiar Netflix intro, the story of 20th Century Girl officially unfolds before the audience in Busan.

The film's precise recreation of 90s scenes and details—old-fashioned videotapes, huge desktop computers, popular cassette tapes, bulky flip phones, and noisy arcades—instantly transports viewers back to that era filled with nostalgia.

Kim Yoo-jung's portrayal of Na Bo-ra is vivid and lively, showcasing her impulsive, passionate, and courageous character who is always ready to fight for her best friend's love. Her exaggerated expressions and body language frequently elicit good-natured laughter from the audience.

When Kwon Hyun-hyuk's character, Baek Hyun-jin, appeared, the audience's attention was completely drawn to him.

Kwon Heon-hyuk attracted 80% of the attention outside the theater during this movie.

This is the newly crowned TV King's first leading role in a movie, how can we not be excited?
A clean white shirt, fluffy black hair, clear and gentle eyes, carrying a hint of aloofness yet revealing tenderness unintentionally when looking at Paula.

He doesn't need to try to look cool; his refreshing youthful charm and unparalleled good looks are his most powerful weapons.

The film's emotional storyline is delicately and movingly crafted, enough to captivate the audience and immerse them in the viewing experience.

The biggest highlights of the movie are the unexpected twist of the unrequited love interest and the unconventional plot of the sisters not turning against each other, which is quite different from other melodramatic teen movies in terms of plot.

Of course, there was also Han Hyo-joo's surprise appearance at the end, and that confessional crying scene.

These are all highlights.

The screening ended, and the lights came back on.

After several seconds of silence, applause gradually swept through the entire screening room.

Some female audience members, who are easily moved to tears, spontaneously stood up and applauded, while others looked on with expressions of lingering satisfaction.

The feedback seems to be pretty good.

After the movie ended, the focus naturally shifted to the two lead actors.

The reporters' questions mostly revolved around interesting anecdotes from filming, understanding of the characters, and feelings about this trip to Busan.

The creators went on stage again to express their gratitude, and director Fang Youli excitedly thanked the audience and the Busan International Film Festival.

This is, after all, her first film, so it's hard not to be excited.

Kim Yoo-jung looked at the audience and smiled very politely: "Seeing everyone enjoy Bora and Hyun-jin's story so much, I am truly, truly touched. Thank you."

Kwon Hyun-hyuk stood beside her, listening and nodding. After she finished speaking, he picked up the microphone and said, "Thank you all for joining us tonight and for this precious response. What '20th Century Girl' wants to tell is not only about love in the 90s, but also about the courage, sincerity and clumsy original intention of youth that is invaluable in any era."

His words, which were meant to be elevated, once again won enthusiastic applause.

"Xuanhe-xi, this movie presents a very beautiful sense of youth in the 90s. How do you personally understand the pure love of that era, and how is it different from today?"

A veteran film critic asked the question.

This kind of pure love issue?

It has nothing to do with him.

Kwon Hyun-hyuk paused for a moment, feigning deep thought: "Contact was slower and more meaningful back then. There was no instant messaging; longing had to be conveyed through letters, public telephones, and repeated trips to each other. The anxiety of waiting, the joy of meeting, and the pure longing born of distance are especially precious in today's fast-paced world. Baek Hyun-jin in the movie, his feelings were clumsy but incredibly sincere; his actions expressed his entire heart."

He paused, looked at Kim Yoo-jung beside him, and added naturally.

"Working with Yu-jung perfectly recreated that innocent yet passionate emotional collision."

Kim Yoo-jung smiled sweetly at the right moment, her eyes sparkling as she looked back at Kwon Heon-hyuk, and said, "That's right, the sparks that fly between Bora's headstrong courage and Hyun-jin's reserved gentleness are one of the most touching parts of this movie. It's really a blessing to be able to share this feeling with everyone in Busan."

Her words were soft, yet carried a unique charm characteristic of young girls, making the atmosphere even warmer.

During the subsequent brief group interview with the media and audience interaction, the audience's enthusiasm remained high.

Requests for autographs and photos kept pouring in.

Kim Yoo-jung maintained a bright smile and actively responded to the fans. However, most of the fans' attention was on Kwon Heon-hyuk, and they probably only cheered and shouted loudly for Kim Yoo-jung after Kwon Heon-hyuk walked past.

As an exhibiting film, that's pretty much it.

Logically speaking, if it were a proper theatrical release, the audience would include film distributors from various countries, and if the film performed well, they could sell the rights again. However, since their films are distributed through streaming media, they are naturally excluded from this.

As the crowd gradually dispersed, cinema staff began cleaning up the area.

As the screening ended, the first batch of reviews from professional film critics and core audiences spread like ripples, quickly sparking a heated discussion on Korean websites and film enthusiast communities.

[20th Century Girl successfully recreates the unique atmosphere of the 90s, with meticulous details and genuine emotions, making it a delightful journey back in time.] Cine21 short review.

[Kwon Heon-hyuk imbued the character of Baek Hyun-jin with a charm far exceeding the script, creating a wonderful chemistry with Kim Yoo-jung's vibrant Roh Bo-ra, which is the film's biggest highlight.] —Screen Daily Film Critic Column

[Kim Yoo-jung displays a liveliness and impulsiveness different from her previous roles, and her scenes with Kwon Heon-hyuk are natural and fluid. The film, within the classic framework of 'checking out potential partners for her best friend,' incorporates plot twists and genuine portrayals of friendship, avoiding melodrama, and maintaining a warm and bright overall tone.] Naver Movie Featured Review

Anticipation is high on the eve of its release, and Kwon Hyun-hyuk is very busy.

After the film festival, Kwon Heonhyuk did not linger in Busan and immediately threw himself into the intense filming of "Breaking the Tomb".

Netflix Korea's official account released the final version of the official trailer. The trailer focuses on the sweet interactions between Kwon Heon-hyuk and Kim Yoo-jung, as well as key plot twists, and is accompanied by a light and retro background music. The number of views and discussions has quickly increased.

The official announcement also included a global launch countdown and the release of several character posters and animated posters featuring the two lead actors.

Despite being busy filming, Kwon Heonhyuk still cooperated with Netflix for online promotions.

He and Kim Yoo-jung tagged each other on Instagram, posted movie posters and behind-the-scenes photos, with Kim Yoo-jung captioning it, "October 21st, a date with Hyun-jin, see you on Netflix!"

Kwon Heonhyuk responded simply, "Coming Soon. #20thCenturyGirl".

Under the hashtag #20thCenturyGirlCountdown, fans around the world are counting down and flooding social media with messages of anticipation in various languages. Fans are also working very hard to spread the word, especially after receiving good media reviews at the Busan International Film Festival, they have been promoting it everywhere with posters.

His personal account and Netflix's official account were flooded with comments like "Ready!", "Already on Netflix!", and "Waiting for Baek Hyun-jin!"

All the groundwork and pre-release hype have been laid, and we're just waiting for the movie to officially launch on the 21st.

(End of this chapter)