Chapter 34

Time passed.

The drama *The Moon That Hid the Sun*, which had been a hot topic even before its premiere, successfully concluded with a remarkable final episode viewership rating of 45%.

On the other hand, *Action King*, which had been considered a rival to *The Moon That Hid the Sun*…

ended with a final episode rating of just 4.5% due to an idol’s bullying scandal that broke midway through its run.

“Ah, you’re talking about Miss Seoyeon at the filming set?”

An interview conducted after the drama’s conclusion featured actress Shin Yeon-mi, who played the nursemaid to Princess Yeonhwa. She spoke of a child actress this way:

“She was an industrious child. Some call her a child prodigy, but she worked harder than anyone else.”

She remarked:

“To film the scenes of Episodes 2 and 3, which garnered a lot of attention, Seoyeon made quite an effort. To accomplish that scene, we had to reshoot it earlier than planned. Despite being young, she had the stamina to handle it all. Honestly, I thought I was the one who would collapse.”

Shin Yeon-mi joked, and laughter erupted from those around her. It seemed they mistook her comment for a joke.

“It was the most challenging filming I’ve faced in my career.”

Ha Ye-seo, who played the grown-up Princess Yeonhwa, Lee Hye-wol, smiled and said:

“To be honest, I was worried when the ratings dropped significantly in Episode 4. Nevertheless, I tried my best to faithfully portray Princess Yeonhwa until the last moment. Thankfully, the third episode didn’t become the peak rating, which was a relief. This opportunity taught me how demanding it can be when child actors perform too well.”

Although Ha Ye-seo had shown some wavering at the start due to the pressure, her performance improved in the following episodes, proving that the reputation of a talented actress wasn’t unfounded. In the final episode, she demonstrated her true talent.

Following Ha Ye-seo, the last person to speak was Ha Tae-oh, the producer of *The Moon That Hid the Sun*.

“Miss Seoyeon isn’t retiring. Earlier, actress Shin Yeon-mi made the point that the child is quite ambitious.”

Looking into the camera, Ha Tae-oh continued:

“The child expressed a desire to learn many things and realized how much she lacks during the filming of this drama.”

Although method acting and emotional performance were significant factors, Ha Tae-oh refrained from elaborating further on them. It was, after all, a concept that could be challenging to understand.

“Miss Seoyeon will undoubtedly return.”

Ha Tae-oh stated with certainty and conviction.

“She was born to be an actress.”

***

Though it was announced that she would take a break for the time being, taking actual rest wasn’t possible immediately. At least not until the end-of-year award ceremony this year, during which she still needed to represent herself as child actor Joo Seoyeon.

Why?

Because of the year-end award ceremonies.

“Wow, you’re truly beautiful.”

The makeup artist who was beautifying Seoyeon couldn’t help but exclaim. Seoyeon was exceptionally cute.

Even Seoyeon, seeing her own reflection, was taken aback.

‘If anything, I look more beautiful than I did during the drama period.’

In truth, her comment made sense. Typically, compared to historical dramas, these types of award shows provided a more vibrant scope for makeup.

“Even though you’re young, your lashes are incredibly long…”

They were definitely not those of a child.

‘How incredibly beautiful will this child become when she grows up?’

Having worked with many young actors as a makeup artist, Seoyeon stood out as the most beautiful child she’d ever encountered.

“It’s such a pity that this child will step away for a while…”

The makeup artist felt truly regretful. Especially since she had genuinely enjoyed watching *The Moon That Hid the Sun*.

Seoyeon’s performances were still vivid in her memory.

“Are you all set?”

At that moment, someone came to check on Seoyeon after her preparation was complete.

A man in a sleek suit, the leading actor of *The Moon That Hid the Sun*, who portrayed the grown-up Yoon Seoil.

“Wow, Miss Seoyeon, you’re dressed so beautifully.”

Actor Kang Sung-chan smiled while saying this. Taking the place of Sua, who couldn’t attend the event, Kang Sung-chan came to accompany Seoyeon. Since all the family members who worked together on *The Moon That Hid the Sun* would be sitting together, there was no inconvenience.

“Have you arrived?”

Upon arriving at the ceremony, Seoyeon was addressed by Park Jung-woo, who had already been waiting. Before, he had shown no recognition of her presence, but since Episode 3 of *The Moon That Hid the Sun*, he had acted differently, making her uncomfortable.

“Yes, senior.”

Though Seoyeon addressed Jung-woo as “senior,” she found it hard to call him anything else. Park Jung-woo wasn’t satisfied with this rigid tone but decided not to comment, as Seoyeon was indeed younger and his junior.

“Miss Seoyeon, please sit next to actress Ha Ye-seo… By the way, have you thought about what to say today?”

“What to say?”

Unexpectedly, actor Kang Sung-chan’s comment confused Seoyeon. Was there something she was supposed to say today?

“Ah, didn’t someone tell you? Usually, the nominees are informed beforehand.”

“Yes?”

Park Jung-woo responded for Seoyeon, who was confused, turning her attention to him. Jung-woo smirked.

“The Youth Acting Award.”

“…”

Seoyeon was about to ask what it was, but it was clear that this award was meant for child actors from its name alone.

“Since *The Moon That Hid the Sun* dominated this year, it’s almost certain.”

Even Kang Sung-chan spoke with excitement. The drama had concluded with ratings of 45%. As one of its main cast, he naturally expected this.

Even actress Ha Ye-seo appeared flushed.

“You are definitely going to win.”

At that moment, Park Jung-woo made this statement.

“Both in terms of popularity and acting.”

Was it praise? Still confused, Seoyeon tilted her head. Seeing this, Park Jung-woo clicked his tongue and looked away.

He was truly an unpredictable person.

“It’s a dazzling night today, filled with luminous stars. I feel like I might go blind.”

While they were conversing, the lights of the ceremony hall dimmed partially, illuminating the podium. The male and female actors acting as the MCs began their dialogue, scanning the audience.

A grand gathering filled with countless stars. Seoyeon realized anew that she was in such a place.

“Let’s begin the KMB Acting Awards now.”

The KMB Acting Awards began with a big announcement. Sitting idly, Seoyeon only belatedly felt that this place was an entirely different world.

She hadn’t fully felt the reality until now. Looking around, actors were everywhere. Many familiar faces she had only seen on TV were there.

“First is the Popularity Award.”

Looking ahead, the large screen showed clips of the dramas that aired this year. Among the numerous KMB dramas of the past year…

*The Moon That Hid the Sun* was unmistakably the most prominent. The list of nominees was vast, but only a small number of actors walked up to accept awards and deliver speeches. Even for small awards, some actors shed tears.

As the ceremony continued…

“And the next category is this one.”

The award originally called the “Child Actor Award…”

“It’s the Youth Acting Award!”

At the MC’s call, the nominees for the male and female youth acting awards appeared on the screen.

Children who gained attention for their roles in daily serial dramas. Children whose lines became the most popular catchphrases of the year.

Most of them began their acting careers earlier than Seoyeon, who at seven years old, was one of the youngest in this very place.

“Did you think about what you’re going to say today?”

Kang Sung-chan’s earlier words suddenly came back to her. What had seemed unimportant now circled in her mind.

‘This…’

Seoyeon was generally unafraid. It was probably due to the influence of her past life.

She didn’t know how or when to feel fear or tension, a trait that carried over even after her reincarnation, leaving her relatively unfazed by most things.

‘Tension.’

Seoyeon gripped her chest tightly. When her trembling hands became uncontrollable…

“Miss Seoyeon.”

Someone took hold of her hand.

“Take a deep breath.”

It was actress Jeong Eun-seon, who portrayed Queen Dowager Eun-hye. She looked at Seoyeon with sharp eyes that day too.

Is she about to criticize me again?

But Jeong Eun-seon didn’t. Instead, she said softly:

“To tell you the truth…”

She hesitated for a moment.

“Previously, I would have thought Miss Seoyeon’s decision was the right one.”

“Huh?”

“Of course, even now… I don’t think her choice was wrong. I just feel that there might have been other ways, and I regret not realizing that sooner.”

Having said that, Jeong Eun-seon paused to reflect.

“In the past, I believed Miss Seoyeon had difficulty managing her emotions.”

And because of that, she had suggested that Seoyeon stop emotional acting. As a result, she received a warning from Director Gong Jung-tae, but back then, she believed it was the necessary step.

“But, I was proven wrong.”

Watching *The Moon That Hid the Sun*, Jeong Eun-seon learned a lot. That a child actor is not someone to be coddled and protected.

That they are a full-fledged actor.

“Miss Seoyeon is a strong child.”

Twice.

She demonstrated her ability to pour out every emotion in her performance.

Once, right in front of Jeong Eun-seon.

And another time, slightly further away.

The effort Seoyeon put into her acting was almost tangible.

Jeong Eun-seon had been involved in method acting for a long time, so she understood.

“I, an old actress, failed to see that due to my overbearing care.”

“Aah, no.”

“Don’t misunderstand.”

Interrupting Seoyeon’s flustered response, Jeong Eun-seon continued.

“You don’t need to be nervous.”

With those words, the screen displayed a familiar face.

None other than Joo Seoyeon, herself.

The Youth Acting Award.

The male category was awarded to Park Jung-woo.

And in the female category, Seoyeon’s face appeared.

Applause erupted.

The thunderous applause seemed to deafen the ears.

A spotlight shone on Seoyeon.

Jeong Eun-seon gently pushed her back as if to send her off.

“Go confidently. As an actor.”

And it wasn’t until she was almost there that Seoyeon was finally able to take the first step. Her trembling heart had calmed.

As usual, she felt her heart serene and took a step forward.

“Miss Seoyeon.”

Behind her, as she walked toward the stage, Jeong Eun-seon’s voice echoed.

“I’m sorry for before.”

Turning away from her words, Seoyeon ascended the stage.

As Jeong Eun-seon had said…

As a full-fledged actor.

“Hello, I’m Joo Seoyeon who played the young Princess Yeonhwa in *The Moon That Hid the Sun*.”

She greeted everyone with her usual humble bow, gazing at the countless stars before her.

It was so dazzling that…

Seoyeon couldn’t even tell what she was saying. She tried to rattle off something she had prepared but wasn’t sure if it was coming across well.

“Is Miss Seoyeon crying?”

Then, the host asked, slightly startled. Only then did Seoyeon realize tears streaming down as she wiped them with her finger.

Tears.

Ah, emotions that stir and bring joy can also bring tears.

It was different from the times she cried during acting. She didn’t know this either.

There had been too many things her past self didn’t know.

“Lastly…”

At that moment, the emotion was not sadness but rather something more complex.

Taking a deep breath, Seoyeon calmly opened her mouth.

“I’ll strive to stand here again someday. So…”

Exhaling and smiling brightly,

“I’ll definitely be back.”

That was Seoyeon’s final statement.

Seven-year-old Joo Seoyeon.

And the end of the child actor.

The final act of her childhood.

And yet,

Time flowed.

Through several springs.

Through several winters.

And again, spring arrived.

Spring heralding a new beginning.

“Joo Seoyeon.”

Seventeen-year-old Jiyeon in a school uniform furrowed her brows and turned her gaze.

There, a girl was absentmindedly staring at the sky.

“What are you doing? If we don’t hurry, we’ll be late.”

A girl in the same uniform, with long black hair,

Seventeen-year-old Joo Seoyeon.

“Uh-huh.”

With the same calm expression as in the past,

“I’m coming.”

She smiled slightly.

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