Superstar 821
by CristaeThe Academy Awards ceremony ended with the announcement of Best Picture.
But for the Saessak fandom and Koreans, this was only the beginning.
“Get the articles up now!”
“Where’s the photo of Seo-jun from 11 years ago!?”
Reporters’ fingers flew across their keyboards, their mice moving at speeds barely visible to the eye.
“We should’ve pre-written some winning versions just in case!”
Because they had absolutely nothing prepared.
Not just the basic articles with headlines like [Actor Seo-jun Lee, Wins Best Actor at the Oscars!] with a couple of photos. What they needed now were high-quality features—comparisons between now and 11 years ago, Seo-jun’s filmography over the years, and deep dives into why this win was so meaningful. Articles readers (especially fans) would find truly engaging.
“Well, we all assumed he wouldn’t win.”
A senior reporter typed rapidly without even looking up. The junior reporter sighed and nodded.
“True.”
In Korea, and overseas—including those closest to the Academy—no one truly believed Seo-jun Lee would win. Everyone agreed that just being nominated was already an astonishing achievement.
So the journalists had only prepared headlines like [Seo-jun Lee Fails to Win], [Genre Limitations Too Much to Overcome], and similar.
“But to think he actually won… this is crazy…!”
The junior muttered in awe—probably for the tenth time. The senior felt the same, but now wasn’t the time to dwell on it.
“Just get something published. Today’s traffic will be massive.”
“Yes, sir!”
The moment “traffic” was mentioned, the junior reporter’s eyes gleamed.
[First Korean Actor to Win a Second Oscar!]
[Seo-jun Lee Makes History Again in Global Cinema!]
[Superhero Films Take a Giant Leap Forward!]
[All Korean Oscar Winners—A Complete List]
[Actor Seo-jun Lee Begins Speech in Korean!]
As soon as Seo-jun’s win was announced, the internet exploded with headlines.
Even channels not broadcasting the ceremony scrambled to push Breaking News: Actor Seo-jun Lee Wins Best Actor! banners. Radio DJs poured in their congratulations too.
- Congratulations, Seo-jun Lee!
=22 Seriously, congrats!!
- So glad I watched live.
=22 It really was a historical moment.
=33 When they said “Seo-jun Lee!” I got chills!
=44 Winning one Oscar is amazing, but two?! Insane.
- If a superhero movie can win like this, maybe future ones can too.
=And Seo-jun’s going to be in a lot of hero movies, hehe.
=Seo-jun: “I have 12 more projects, Your Honor.”
=? Wait, 12?
=Well, 10 Knight Jin films. The rest are Irregulars.
=Bruh, are we just accepting 10 Knight Jin movies as canon now?
=Director Jonathan: Pls… let me live…
- The Seo-jun Squad is unreal. Seo-jun (12), Kim Jong-ho, Seo-jun (23)—three Oscar winners.
=Two of them are the same person, lmao.
=And the squad leader is… himself 😂
=Seo-jun: (gazing at two Oscars) “Hmm. Was that hard?”
Kim Jong-ho: (polishing Oscar) “Exactly.”
Lee Ji-seok: (visibly trembling)
=LOL
- But honestly, the articles are surprisingly well-written? They even included details from his first Oscar win at 12.
=Right? I thought they’d just slap a title and be done.
=Some even analyzed what likely appealed to the voters.
=Are these really Korean journalists…?
=22 When did they start writing such good pieces…?
=It’s because of Saessak.
=Report them if the writing is bad?
=Nope. Good articles get posted in the fan cafe. Then passing fans (both Koreans and Korean-speaking foreigners) click them a ton. It’s basically free views.
=Ah. Traffic bait. Classic.
=Traffic is the best bait for reporters.
- OMG! Seo-jun’s doing a post-award party livestream!!
=I’m watching it right now!
The star-studded celebration clearly wasn’t over yet.
“Jun! Congratulations!”
“Thanks, Vanessa.”
Seo-jun chatted with Survivors co-star Vanessa Olson, then moved on to Davis Garrett and Milan Challen, who were calling him over.
“Congrats!”
“Didn’t think you’d win twice!”
“Haha. Thank you.”
He was like the star of the night, constantly being congratulated as he mingled.
After making a round through the party, Seo-jun headed toward Richelle Hill, Evan Block, Jonathan Will, and Kirk Lawrence.
“I knew Jun would win!”
“Really?”
Richelle beamed, clearly more excited than even Seo-jun. He blinked in surprise at her claim. Her hesitation made her conscience twitch.
“…Of course!”
“Doesn’t sound like it,” Evan teased, catching the beat too late. They all burst into laughter.
“I did think he’d get a lot of votes, though. I voted for Jun too!”
“Same here.”
With Richelle and Evan both saying they voted for him, Seo-jun smiled brightly. It meant they truly thought his performance was the best.
“If I had a vote, I would’ve voted too!”
“You might get one now.”
Given the success of Shadow & Night, Director Jonathan would likely become an Academy member soon.
“Probably, yeah.”
Jonathan laughed sheepishly.
Then, the party buzzed.
Everyone turned to see what caused the stir.
“Huh?”
Familiar faces.
Sure, this was an after-party where confirmed actors and film industry guests could come and go freely, but these two were an unexpected surprise.
“Richard Bowen?”
“Phaelan Park?”
The CEO and Head of Film Division at “Marine,” a massive entertainment conglomerate with ties to both broadcasting and film. It was no wonder people were murmuring.
“Jun! Congratulations!”
Bowen and Park approached Seo-jun first to offer their congratulations.
Seo-jun, surprised at first, smiled and shook their hands.
“Thank you. I owe it all to you.”
“Oh no, not at all…”
As Phaelan tried to downplay it, Seo-jun shook his head earnestly.
“If you hadn’t put me on the nomination list, I wouldn’t have even had the chance. I’m really grateful.”
Seo-jun was genuinely thankful. The directors and actors watching this exchange nodded—acknowledging how true that was.
Bowen and Park only laughed, though.
…They had only wanted a bit of promotion. Neither had expected a win. That secret would stay buried forever.
Still, as fans, they had to say it.
“We just gave you the opportunity. You earned the nomination and the win, Jun.”
As Richard Bowen nodded in agreement, Seo-jun smiled.
“Director Jonathan, congratulations to you as well.”
“Th-thank you.”
With laughter and cheerful chatter, the atmosphere warmed. Even actors from non-Marine films like Survivors joined in.
The buzz among these sensitive stars was unmistakable:
At the center of it all stood Seo-jun Lee.
Eyes around the room sparkled with realization once again.
“I’d like to do a quick livestream, if that’s okay?”
Seo-jun, aware of the fans who’d be delighted, asked politely.
“Of course!”
“Can we join in too?”
Richelle Hill and Vanessa Olson chimed in enthusiastically.
“Of course. I think the fans will love it.”
Other actors nodded eagerly.
As Seo-jun pulled out his phone and opened a YouTube live, Richard Bowen and Phaelan Park stepped aside.
No need for non-actors to appear on camera.
“Just like Over the Rainbow 1… you never know what Jun’s going to do.”
“Haha. True.”
Watching Seo-jun and the actors waving into a phone camera, Bowen recalled that day 11 years ago.
They hadn’t expected a win for Over the Rainbow 1, yet Seo-jun brought home the Oscar. Now, another win—this time for a superhero film.
Truly, Seo-jun Lee was a one-of-a-kind, unpredictable actor.
Bowen muttered thoughtfully.
“…How far are we on the Knight Jin contract?”
11 years ago, only one Shadowman 3 contract had remained.
Back then, they were worried about a spike in actor fees after the Oscar win. Now, it was different.
A future with Seo-jun Lee—and guaranteed box office success—mattered more.
That’s why they came to this party, to offer congratulations and secure goodwill.
“We’ve got it covered. The terms are generous.”
Though Seo-jun’s fee would be set per project, he would always bring in more than he cost.
“No issues with Irregulars either?”
“Same there.”
“Hmm. Well done.”
Bowen smiled, satisfied. No need to worry about Season 2 now.
“Come to think of it, New Age must be going crazy too.”
Seo-jun’s next film, New Eclipse, was being produced by New Age.
They were likely the happiest studio in the world today.
Phaelan Park nodded.
“I expect promotion will begin soon.”
-ㅠㅠ That post-award party livestreamㅠㅠ It was short but so goodㅠ
=22 Loved seeing stars acting natural and relaxed.
=33 Everyone seemed really close with Seo-jun.
=Memo: To get close to Seo-jun, become a Hollywood actor.
=LOL
-Seo-junㅠㅠ Congratsㅠㅠㅠ
=He’s so cool, pretty, adorable even in livestreamsㅠ
=Please stream more often!
-What phone does Seo-jun use? That front cam looked amazing.
=That’s just because everyone in the frame is model-tier, lol.
=22 It was Seo-jun and Hollywood stars—come on.
-Now that Seo-jun’s got 2 Oscars, what’s his next project?
=Whatever he wants to do, haha.
=He really gets to choose?
=You still don’t know? 😲
=Look at his filmography! Hollywood blockbuster → directs/adapts a stage play → short drama → indie film → experimental new director project.
=22 Absolutely wild. Who knows what he’ll do next.
=33 If Seo-jun says he’s making a fairy tale into a movie, I’m watching it.
=A fairy tale?! LOL
-!! Seo-jun’s next project just announced! It’s a Eclipse remake!!
=Seo-jun Lee, Best Actor Winner, Cast in Eclipse Remake!
=?? Excuse me, what??
=…Pardon me????