Legendary Superstar-Chapter 175: Drama Festival (1)

As the cast descended the stage, the atmosphere in the hall became warmer and more enthusiastic. The excitement from their appearance, especially Minjae's appearance was palpable in the air.

The admiration and curiosity in the people's eyes became evident as they watched the cast returning to their table.

The cast's table was placed near the center. They were positioned among other notable figures in the industry, especially the table of Chasing Dreams.

As they walked to their table, multiple praises and compliments were heard from the other new actors. Some even expressed that they were a fan of Minjae.

For Minjae, it was good to hear those things.

As they sat, Minjae, who was calm as ever, held a champagne glass lightly in his fingers. He raised it a little while, offering a few polite bows to those seated nearby who kept glancing in his direction.

After a while, when there was a short break, he was approached by a group of younger actors—his fellow new actors, who seemed to think of him as a senior already even though he can't consider himself like that currently.

"Sunbae, your speech was amazing," one of them said, his eyes wide and sincere.

"Thank you. I hope your debut project goes well. Don't forget to take care of yourself, too." Minjae gave a small, appreciative smile. He found it odd to be at the center of attention all of a sudden.

Nearby, Yura had also become a magnet of attention. Several stylists and younger actresses compliment her look for the evening. There was also some male actors who wished to get her number, though they concealed their real intention by saying they just wanted to be friends with her.

Across the table, Jihoon was also starting to become comfortable being surrounded by new people. Since the speeches for the night were done, he was already relaxed, without any signs of stage fright.

Jihoon was now joking with a few rookie actors, who were now comfortable around him as if they had known each other for ages. Jihoon really had a way to lighten the atmosphere.

"Jihoon hyung, I was also really nervous earlier. I thought I was going to pass out up there," one joked.

Jihoon laughed, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Me too. I almost did. I swear, my knees were about to give up. But hey, we survived so that's good for us."

"Yes, hyung. I know right." Another man laughed.

Seojin and Haejin, who were more reserved in nature, were also pulled into conversations by new actors and actresses. They talked about their experience with filming and also exchanged compliments with each other.

Occasionally, the cast would glance over at each other, exchanging knowing looks about how surreal the night still felt.

Eventually, the table was gradually filled with business cards, wine glasses, and laughter.

As the night deepened, soft music played across the venue, and the clinking of glasses and easy chatter filled the air. There were also performances from famous K-pop idols in today's time.

The new actresses and actors were gladdened by it. They sang alone and clapped their hands. However, they can't appear to be too crazy since they were supposed to keep their image in check.

However, the fans, who were watching from the back, were screaming out loud. Some dancing, some jumping, but everyone was singing.

As the livestream continued, more people got hooked on watching how the new generation of actors had fun.

At one point, Minjae leaned back slightly in his chair, observing the scene. His co-stars were laughing, smiling, and making new acquaintances. He was happy for them.

Yura caught Minjae's gaze from across the table and smiled.

"It's a good night, isn't it?" she said softly, almost more to herself than to him.

Minjae nodded once, his expression thoughtful.

"Yeah. It really is."

And with that, the night continued with more performances, talk, and drinking,

- - -

Finally, three days after the grand opening night, the long-awaited moment arrived for everyone.

The airing of the first batch of dramas under the Korean Drama Festival Project would finally push through.

Twelve highly anticipated dramas were selected for this special event, and to accommodate the tight schedule and maximize exposure for everyone, the airing schedule was different from the traditional two episodes-a-week system.

Instead, each drama would air three episodes per week. That means the drama festival would go on for more than a month. This would allow audience to stay engage without losing momentum.

The entire lineup of dramas was split into three starting days, with four dramas launching each day. On their respective start dates, each drama would immediately drop two episodes—Episodes 1 and 2.

These 2 episodes will allow the audience to immerse themselves right away to see if they like a drama or not. From there, a consistent update schedule would follow.

The first day was filled with hype and anticipation, showcasing the premieres of the first four dramas.

1st Day Schedule:

Golden Days – 4 pm

Hotel Forever – 6 pm

Battle of the Smart – 8pm

Friendship Over – 10pm

As the clock struck 4 pm, viewers across the country tuned in. Their cellphones, television, and computers flickered to life with the opening scenes of Golden Days.

Within minutes, online communities erupted in real-time reactions.

"I didn't expect to like this drama this soon. That ending scene with the umbrella was so sweet."

"I don't really like school dramas, but Golden Days were off to a good start."

"Woah! I'm telling you, this is going to be one of the best new drama this season. I initially had doubts about it, but the actor was nice."

"The cast is incredible. The pacing? Also, Perfect."

"The two leads looked cute in their school uniform. It really takes you back to university days."

The Next to show was Hotel Forever. It was a drama with sleek visuals and a mysterious plot set in a supernatural hotel, wherein the owner of it could see ghosts.

"Okay wait… that twist at the end of Episode 2? Chills. Literal chills."

"Hotel Forever is so pretty to look at. The cinematography and lighting?? That red hallway where the ghosts walk in to enter the hotel was a scene of art."

"I didn't think I'd be into ghost stuff tonight, but this drama's just classy spooky. It's not scary since they include some comedy. For a weak person like me, I liked it."

"It's giving Hotel Del Luna vibes, but with a lighter tone. The male lead is totally carrying this."

"That scene where the guest vanished mid-sentence on episode 1?? Tell me why I'm watching this with the lights on now."

"They better not mess up this ghost lore. So far, though, it's REALLY good. I'm staying."

Hotel Forever quickly garnered its own loyal fanbase, especially among viewers who loved fantasy, mystery, and gothic aesthetics.

By the time the clock approached 8 p.m., viewers were already comparing what they have watched so fat, choosing their favorites. However, of course, they still prepared to watch the 3rd lineup for the, Battle of the Smart.

Battle of the Smart was a fast-paced youth drama centered on high school rivals competing in national academic competitions. It attracted younger viewers, however the messy acting of the actors left some speechless.

"Okay but… is it just me or is the acting looked super forced?"

"I wanted to root for the main character, but his delivery is so flat 😭 I felt secondhand embarrassment in the science competition scene."

"I like the nerdy romance subplot, but the script feels all over the place. I'm not sure if it's the writing or the acting. Also the leads are supposed to be smart, but their actions looks dumb."

"They're trying to make every moment dramatic and intense but it's giving me a headache. The camera angle changes every 3 seconds."

"Look, I'm staying for the plot. The idea is cool. But they need acting coaches on set ASAP."

"Okay the chemistry between the second lead and the debate captain? That's the only thing holding me. The main leads were a disaster. "

As the clock ticked toward 10 p.m. many viewers expressed hope that the final drama for the night would be better than the last three.

Friendship Over, the fourth and final drama of the evening, was a slice-of-life youth drama about a group of old friends reunited in their thirties, appealed to older audiences with its nostalgia and emotional depth.

"I didn't expect to cry on a Tuesday night. Also, how come it's only episode 2 and I'm already crying? That voicemail from the friend who passed away?? Instant tears."

"This hit way too close to home. It makes you think about the friends you've lost touch with. I wasn't ready for these emotions." frёewebηovel.cѳm

"It's slow-paced but in a nice way. It feels like watching real life unfold. it's just so sad."

"I love that the characters aren't perfect. They're messy, awkward, but it felt. It's refreshing to see adults dealing with unresolved issues instead of high school crushes for once."

"The plot is really good, but the acting needs to be fixed too. A lot of emotions were wasted because some of the actors can't act."

"I'm in my late 20s and this is the first drama tonight that made me feel seen. But yeah, I agree with the acting. It needs improvement. But the story is really written well."