Assistant Manager Kim Hates Idols Chapter 422 - The Guest Seats (1)

Spark’s official broadcast schedule concluded with the year-end stage tours for each network.

 

However, I had one task remaining. I had been invited to the Drama Awards because of my role in Exclusive Report.

 

Unlike working as an idol, I had to find a suit specifically for attending an award ceremony. Luckily, I secured a sponsorship, allowing me to show up looking quite dapper. Going as the ‘Cheon Yoonsung’ version of myself for the first time in a while made me worry about how to carry myself; it had been the biggest concern on my mind lately.

 

I also agonized over whether to cover my hair color. Since this was for a drama event, I considered redyeing it to match the character, but I figured it might interfere with Spark’s activities next year if we decided on a light hair color, so I compromised by simply toning it down.

 

“Anyway, Iwol, you’re definitely going to stand out the most.”

 

“Should I have just covered it all with black…?”

 

“If you go full black now, bleaching it again becomes nearly impossible. Let’s be satisfied with this.”

 

Faced with that firm judgment, there was nothing I could do. I just hoped the viewers wouldn’t focus too much on Cherry Yoonsung.

 

The days I stood on red carpets with Spark were awkward, but never difficult. To be precise, I was usually just on edge, wondering which member might accidentally close their eyes at the wrong moment.

 

Walking the red carpet alone, however, was truly uncomfortable. It felt exactly like I was doing a job I didn’t belong in while wearing clothes that didn’t fit. With my hair as flashy as some of the actresses’ dresses, I could feel eyes turning toward me from all directions.

 

The solo interview was no walk in the park, either. I felt like I was absorbing every ounce of public attention in existence.

 

“Mr. Iwol, I hear this is your first time at the Drama Awards?”

 

“That’s correct. Since my members aren’t by my side, I’m very nervous.”

 

“You don’t seem nervous at all! How do you think ‘Exclusive Report’ will fare tonight?”

 

How can I not be nervous when you ask a question like that! Are you trying to socially bury me?!

 

Only after passing through the hellish interview and a merciless barrage of flashes was I finally able to enter the venue. If it hadn’t been for the fans who came all the way to the photo line to cheer for me, I might have sat down and wiped away a tear before even getting inside.

 

The Exclusive Report team, whom I hadn’t seen in a while, was as harmonious as ever. The moment they saw me, everyone mimicked Spark’s ending pose from the Music Festival.

 

“Young Master, how could you quit management and jump into the idol market!”

 

“Chief Ko lost his job because there was no place to return to, Young Master!”

 

“Please, stop…!”

 

It took everything in me not to run straight back to the dorm. Half of my stocked-up social batteries had drained before I even sat down.

 

It might sound materialistic, but my impression of my first Drama Awards was simple.

 

‘It’s warm.’

 

After shivering in a massive concert hall in the middle of winter, coming indoors felt like heaven. Which is better: opening a venue to more fans, or providing a comfortable environment for a smaller audience? It felt like something industry professionals should seriously think about.

 

If idol year-end stages felt like a year-end party, actors’ award ceremonies felt more like a year-end settlement.

 

Unlike the idol seating, which required sitting in rows, the circular tables at the front were great for conversation. Even before the live broadcast began, people were busy greeting one another.

 

“Our PD-nim really needs to take home an award.”

 

“Do I even have enough seniority for that?”

 

PD Jeon waved his hand dismissively. Even though no dramas had higher rating than Exclusive Report, it was clear that the influence of higher-ups could affect the outcome.

 

However, once the cameras started rolling, the vibe shifted. On the big screen, the symbolic red curtain effect of the ceremony unfolded, and the broadcast title appeared.

 

“…As this marks the 40th anniversary, it feels even more meaningful.”

 

With the MC introductions and small talk, the show began in earnest. Congratulatory stages, rookie awards, popularity awards, and best couple awards were announced in order.

 

The Ham Yiseo and Gong Jichan couple only made it as nominees for Best Couple. Probably because their story emphasized camaraderie more than romance. 

 

Well, in life, there is this kind of love and that kind of love. It’d be nice if broadcasters paid more attention to partnership-based relationships too.

 

Next was the turn to present the Excellence Award. This was the reason I had been invited today.

 

‘I’m a nominee for the Excellence Award?’

 

By being nominated for an award I never expected in my life, I couldn’t avoid attending. I had planned to skip events not related to the group, but out of respect for the other nominees, I had to come.

 

“Let’s watch the VCR for Exclusive Report’s Cheon Yoonsung.”

 

My face filled the giant screen. The funeral of the former Chairman Cheon, the filming scene at Haneulchae, and the end of Cheon Yoonsung passed by like a film reel.

 

While the videos for the other nominees played, I checked where they were sitting. I was ready to give the loudest applause to whoever was called. Since I felt it was impolite to come without knowing what works the other nominees had done, I had marathoned the clip highlights, even if I couldn’t watch the full versions. At this point, I could probably recite lines from any scene shown.

 

“The winner of the Excellence Award at the 40th Drama Awards is…”

 

“Kim Iwol of Exclusive Report! Congratulations!”

 

I reflexively started looking for Kim Iwol’s seat, then paused. Me?

 

“Mr. Iwol, congratulations!”

 

“What are you doing? Hurry up and go out there!”

 

Before I could even ask if my name had truly been called, someone plucked me out of my chair like a radish. The only person capable of this was Chief Ko… no, my senior, Woo Yoonjae.

 

I walked up to the podium amidst thunderous applause, where a photo of Cheon Yoonsung and my name were plastered in massive letters.

 

After shaking hands, the trophy was handed to me. My name was clearly engraved on the crystal trophy. Before I knew it, the acceptance speech microphone was in front of me.

 

“…Hello, I am Kim Iwol of Spark, who played Cheon Yoonsung in Exclusive Report.”

 

It was a godsend that I had experience giving acceptance speeches as an idol. Otherwise, I would have had to navigate this crisis solely with my experience from OJT and corporate status reports.

 

It also helped immensely that the people at the Exclusive Report table right in front of me were cheering for me with both hands, even though they weren’t making a sound. My smile returned quickly.

 

“I wasn’t expecting to receive such a meaningful award, so I’m not sure what to say.”

 

From the prompt below the stage, a message appeared: ‘Please take your time with your speech.’ With more time came more attention given to me.

 

In times like this, there were usually two things to say: give a comment fans can enjoy, and express the necessary gratitude.

 

“I am happy to see a world without the Cheonju Group, which I wanted to achieve until the very end. I feel that living and coming back was worth it.”

 

Because I spoke from a dual perspective—the ending of the work and reality—everyone thankfully understood immediately. I almost became the person who had to explain a failed joke at length.

 

“I would like to express my gratitude to the writer and PD who gave me this wonderful opportunity, the production crew and seniors who looked after me generously on site, and especially to Woo Yoonjae sunbaenim, who spent the most time with me.”

 

Woo Yoonjae made a finger heart. For someone who said he was too shy for variety shows, he really knew how to move people at unexpected moments.

 

“Above all, I want to say thank you to the members and fans who cheered for me until the end so that I wouldn’t be afraid of new challenges. Spark, Sparklers! Thank you, and I love you.”

 

Familiar lightsticks waved frantically in the audience. Since my hands were occupied by the bouquet and the trophy, I did my best to respond with a smile.

 

Even after returning to my seat, congratulations poured in. I felt like I was sitting on needles. I could only keep bowing my head and saying thank you.

 

The actor who played Gong Jichan was nominated for the Top Excellence Award—though it seemed they selected the nominees so as not to overlap with So Saeyoung, who was a Grand Prize nominee—but he didn’t end up winning. It seemed to be the effect of the leads’ chemistry being praised while the male lead’s solo scenes didn’t gain as much traction.

 

Exclusive Report was also mentioned for the Best Drama Award. The camera panned to our table once again. A close-up of So Saeyoung clutching her hands tight appeared.

 

“Drama of the Year! Exclusive Report!”

 

Along with a fanfare, a roar of cheers erupted, loud enough to make my ears ring. PD Jeon went up to the stage as the representative.

 

“I used to think that just creating a work like this was already a happy life… but receiving this award makes me realize my thinking was short-sighted. If I had known it would be this heart-pounding, I would have lived with a bit more ambition.”

 

Laughter broke out at his honest sentiment. But soon, the PD’s eyes welled up with tears.

 

“This is the result of the writer, the actors, and the staff all doing their best with one heart. I was happy to run as one team with my respected colleagues. I dedicate this award to everyone who participated. Thank you!”

 

As someone who also received an overflowing amount of consideration and help from the PD, I gave him my unreserved applause.

 

The success of someone who acknowledges others’ contributions felt like my own. His artistry and directing skills were certified by his talent, and his reputation among the crew was excellent, so the PD’s directing career would surely be smooth sailing from here on out.

 

And finally, the long-awaited Grand Prize went to…

 

“Thank you to all the viewers who supported and loved Ham Yiseo’s journey. I will not forget the love I’ve received and will become an actress who repays it through my acting! Thank you for watching ‘Exclusive Report’!”

 

…It was won by So Saeyoung, who succeeded in uncovering the corruption of a large corporation through her exclusive report and ultimately realizing social justice.

 

The camera also caught the tears of her partner, who had acted alongside her. I clapped until my palms ached for Ham Yiseo, who had fulfilled Cheon Yoonsung’s dream in a fair and just manner, and we even took a group photo riding the glory of the Grand Prize winner.

 

“What should we do? Shouldn’t our team get together for dinner later?”

 

“Another wrap party?”

 

“Let’s do it, come on. It’s on me.”

 

With So Saeyoung’s generous declaration, a ‘Wrap Party Again ~ Long Live Exclusive Report’ was scheduled in an instant. PD Jeon said he would pay for the second round, and the date and restaurant were decided with lightning speed.

 

After making a promise to gather before the year turned over, I was leaving the venue to join my manager when I heard a familiar voice.

 

“Mr. Iwol.”

 

“Yes, sunbaenim.”

 

“Let’s head down together.”

 

…It was Gu Jahan.