The Call of Cannes

As the committee representative finished informing Jihoon and left the hotel, Jihoon and Jongbin turned to look at each other with blank faces.

Just moments ago, they had been talking about this very possibility, and now the news of Jihoon's invitation had arrived so unexpectedly that they were left momentarily speechless.

Nevertheless, Jongbin, who had already planned to join Jihoon's company upon returning to Korea, decided to congratulate his future boss first. "Congrats, Jihoon!" he said with a smile.

Though he felt a hint of jealousy, he believed that one day he, too, would receive such an invitation.

Jihoon, finally snapping back to reality, responded, "Thank you, hyung! I believe you will win an award yourself one day."

Both of them knew what this invitation meant—on the day of the awards ceremony, Jihoon was guaranteed to receive an award in one of the seven main competition categories, among the 23 films competing.

"Hyung, I have to inform my crew and make some preparations for tomorrow," Jihoon said.

Jongbin nodded in understanding. "Yup, you should. Don't worry, go get busy."

With that, Jihoon parted ways with Jongbin, eager to share the news with his film crew and Aunt Mikyeong.

Although he had experienced such invitations countless times in his past life, this was his first in this life, and he couldn't help but feel excited.

The first person who came to mind was Taeyeon.

Without hesitation, he reached for his phone to call her, but as he checked the time, he realized there was an eight-hour time difference between Cannes and Seoul.

It was already close to midnight in Seoul, and knowing that Taeyeon was likely asleep, he decided to send her a text instead: 'I got invited to the awards ceremony tomorrow! There's a high chance I'll be receiving an award.'

With that done, Jihoon went to find his film crew.

When he finally gathered them, he made the announcement.

As soon as the words left his mouth, the entire crew erupted in cheers.

The realization that they were part of an internationally recognized film filled everyone with excitement, especially the main cast—Hyunbin and Son Yejin—who hugged each other in celebration.

They understood the gravity of this moment; not only would they be the first Korean actors to be part of an internationally awarded film, but their reputations, networks, and commercial value in the industry would skyrocket.

The significance of this achievement for the Korean film industry was immense.

Mikyeong, who was present when Jihoon made the announcement, silently shed tears of joy.

She alone knew how much effort she had put into elevating the Korean film industry to a global stage.

She had ventured into the unknown, starting in the film industry alone by importing overseas films in the '90s.

Over the years, she had watched the Korean film industry grow, but local directors had struggled to meet international standards.

She had invested in many directors, yet none had truly broken through—until Jihoon.

Initially, she had dismissed him as just another promising director after hearing praise from Kim Minsoo.

But after watching his films, she realized that his talent was already at a level that could appeal to global audiences.

That was why she had fought tirelessly to get his film recognized at Cannes—it was a milestone that no Korean director had ever reached.

Jihoon, noticing Mikyeong's tearful reaction, understood her emotions well.

In his past life, after winning the Academy Award with the film 'Parasite', media news outlets had reported on Mikyeong's long journey in the film industry, ultimately earning her the title of "the most influential woman in Korea."

Patting her gently on the shoulder, Jihoon said with a smile, "It's okay, Imo. We did it. More of these moments will come. You should get used to it."

Mikyeong, still sentimental, couldn't help but laugh. "Ya! You brat! I'm your aunt, not your friend!"

She knew Jihoon was just joking to lighten the mood, and she appreciated the gesture.

As they continued chatting, they failed to notice Hyunbin and Son Yejin standing nearby, their mouths slightly open in shock.

It wasn't about Jihoon's casual interaction with Mikyeong that surprised them—it was the fact that he called her 'Imo'.

Everyone in the room knew who Mikyeong was: the director of CJ Entertainment, a giant in the Korean entertainment industry. If Jihoon was addressing her as "Imo," that meant they were related in some way.

With this realization, everything suddenly made sense to Hyunbin and Yejin.

They now understood why Jihoon's film production had been so smooth and why financing had never been an issue.

Filmmaking in Korea was notoriously difficult due to financial constraints and bureaucratic red tape.

Directors often spent years trying to complete a film, struggling with approvals and funding, which were typically controlled by 'chaebols' or major entertainment companies.

And these investors often demanded a large cut of the profits or imposed 'additional' conditions—such as selecting actresses based on their personal interests rather than talent.

Many actors, no matter how famous, faced these unspoken rules and couldn't refuse certain 'invitations' without risking their careers.

Despite their shock at Jihoon's background, Hyunbin and Yejin understood that if Jihoon and Mikyeong weren't publicly acknowledging their relationship, it wasn't their place to mention it.

Exchanging glances, they silently agreed to act as if they had heard nothing.

The day of the ceremony arrived.

On May 26, 2006, Cannes was buzzing with excitement.

Those who had not received invitations had already left the city, but some, like Jongbin, stayed behind to experience the prestigious event.

Since Jongbin was set to join Jihoon's company after returning to Korea, Jihoon personally invited him to walk the red carpet with his crew.

Everyone was dressed impeccably.

Leading the group was Jihoon, looking dashing in a black tuxedo with a modern two-block haircut—a style from 2020 that no one else had adopted yet, making him stand out even more. Holding onto his arm was Mikyeong, who looked elegant in a black gown.

Behind them were Hyunbin, Son Yejin, and Lee Yeonhee, with the ladies gracefully holding onto Hyunbin's arms, maintaining the image of their on-screen love triangle.

The rest of the crew followed closely behind.

As they walked up to the interview area, they were greeted by the ceremony's host.

"Welcome, Director Lee and the 'Secret: Untold Melody' crew!"

"Jihoon, as a first-year student in Korea, majoring in modern film art."

"This is your first film, and you've already been nominated in the main competition category."

"Do you have confidence in tonight's awards?"

Jihoon took the microphone and replied in fluent English, "I came to Cannes with an open mind, eager to learn."

"Winning isn't the objective, but I'm grateful to the committee for this opportunity."

"Great! Well, I wish you good luck tonight," the host responded with a smile.

After wrapping up the interviews, Jihoon and his team entered the ceremony hall and found their seats.

The event began with a classical orchestra performance, followed by the host's opening speech and the distribution of various awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award, the Bresson Award, and the Digital Film Award. One by one, these awards are presented, each recipient stepping up to accept their accolade with gratitude and a heartfelt speech.

Finally, the moment shifts towards the main competition category—the heart of the festival.

There are seven major awards, beginning with the Prix du Jury, an award dedicated to honoring originality and storytelling that challenges conventions.

This year, the award is presented to 'Red Road', directed by Andrea Arnold, a deserving film that captivates audiences with its raw and immersive narrative.

Following that, the Best Actor and Actress award is announced.

Jihoon glances at Hyunbin and immediately notices the intensity in his eyes—a flame of unspoken desire burning within them.

It makes sense.

No actor can truly resist the yearning for international recognition.

Even though Jihoon knows that, at this stage, Hyunbin's acting skills may not yet be refined enough to meet such high standards, he still believes in his potential.

In his past life, he had observed Hyunbin's personality and conduct—both of which were impeccable. If there's someone worth investing in, it's him.

With a calm smile, Jihoon leans slightly toward Hyunbin and speaks in a low voice.

"Hyung, don't worry too much."

"My first film was more focused on the story rather than the character performances."

"But for my third film, I plan to shift towards a more character-driven narrative."

"If your schedule is open, you should give it a shot. I can't guarantee a win, but I can promise you'll at least secure a nomination for Best Actor."

Jihoon's words are casual, but the underlying promise is undeniable.

Hyunbin, on the other hand, is momentarily stunned.

He hadn't expected such an opportunity to be handed to him so suddenly.

Just yesterday, while eavesdropping on Jihoon and Mikyeong's conversation, he had already knew that Jihoon's background was something extraordinary—something he is worth keeping a close relationship with.

But now, to receive an offer for a film that could elevate his career to an entirely new level? That was beyond anything he had imagined.

If Jihoon's film indeed gets him nominated for Best Actor, it wouldn't just be about the nomination—it would be about recognition.

The kind that could propel him to the global stage.

And, more importantly, it would mean that Jihoon was willing to support and uplift him, shaping his acting career into something far greater than he could achieve alone.

Understanding the weight of the offer, Hyunbin doesn't hesitate.

His response is immediate, his voice filled with sincerity.

"Jihoon, thank you. I don't have much to offer in return, but if you ever need anything—anything at all—just give me a call."

As they exchange words, the ceremony continues.

The Best Director Award is announced, followed by Best Screenplay, each recipient stepping up to accept their honor.

Finally, the moment everyone has been waiting for arrives—the crowning jewel of the evening: the Palme d'Or.

Now, only two films remain in contention for the festival's most prestigious award—Jihoon's 'Secret: Untold Melody' and Ken Loah's 'The Wind That Shakes the Barley'.

Jihoon shifts his focus back to the stage, his eyes narrowing slightly as he analyzes his competition.

Loah's film is undoubtedly a strong contender—a deeply political narrative based on a novel by James Bake, exploring the Irish independence movement against British rule.

The film is masterfully shot, with stunning cinematography and emotionally charged scenes.

But it is also heavily embedded with political ideology.

Jihoon, both in his past life and present, has always steered clear of films that intertwine too closely with politics.

Political narratives can be lucrative when they align with the prevailing sentiments of the time, but the moment they fall out of favor, the backlash is catastrophic.

A director's credibility can crumble overnight, and the film itself may suffer massive losses at the box office. And Jihoon has no interest in profiting at that dangerous path.

Perhaps the Cannes committee shares his sentiment.

Or maybe Mikyeong's 'networking' is playing its part.

Either way, when the host steps forward for the final announcement, Jihoon listens intently.

"The winner of the Palme d'Or goes to the youngest director ever to receive this honor in the history of the Cannes Film Festival."

"A filmmaker who has taken a simple yet profound theme—love and time—and transformed it into a story that reminds us to cherish those around us."

"I had the privilege of watching this film during the screening, and I can say, without a doubt, that tears were the only response it could evoke."

"Now, let us welcome the director of the film 'Secret: Untold Melody'—Lee Jihoon!"

As his name is announced, the entire hall erupts into applause.

Jihoon exhales slowly, a small, knowing smile playing at the corners of his lips.

This is just the beginning.

[Author's Note: Heartfelt thanks to Wandererlithe for bestowing the power stone!]