Legendary Superstar-Chapter 172: Grand Party (1)

Three days before the official start of the highly anticipated January Drama Festival, a grand party was held at the luxurious Luna Hall, a renowned venue in the heart of Seoul often used for high-profile industry events.

The exclusive gathering was hosted by one of the major broadcasting channels in South Korea, LJ ENM. It was meant to celebrate the upcoming releases and create noise for the drama lined up to premiere that month.

Every main cast and participant from the twelve dramas—actors, directors, writers, and producers—were invited to it.

Inside the venue, Luna Hall was nothing but breathtaking.

That night, it was transformed into a glamorous celebration ground. It shimmered under the soft glow of hundreds of warm lights all around.

At the center of the venue lies a grand stage framed by LED panels and velvet curtains to hide the backstage. It was decorated well with an arrangement of flowers. There were also two sets of microphones in the middle.

In front of the stage was dozens of elegantly dressed round tables, each covered with white and black tablecloths. The middle of the table was adorned with white orchids and flickering candles, setting the mood.

Matching cushioned chairs were spaced evenly around the tables.

The staff of the company moved around in a hurry. They made sure that everything was settled and in perfection while cameras all around continued to be set up.

30 minutes left, and the ceremony was about to begin.

Waiting for everyone was the crowd who bought tickets to join the event. They were stationed at the back of the hall, sitting with light sticks in their hands.

LJ ENM opened tickets for the celebration of the new dramas. They wanted people to support everyone. It was also a way to gain publicity and profit from it.

Multiple camera stands and tripods were positioned around the perimeter, manned by professional crews and network staff. These weren't just for documentation.

Instead, the entire event will be live broadcast on selected platforms, complete with a running comment section filled with fans reacting in real-time.

Just outside the main hall, a barricaded section held a crowd of waiting fans. Some had gathered hours in advance, hoping to catch a glimpse of their favorite rising stars. There was also a red carpet and a photo stand on the side.

To add to the event, two popular idol group members had been asigned as the official hosts of the night. They brought with them not just charm and star power, but also a built-in fandom that helped boost the event's publicity.

The moment they walked outside the hall, cheers erupted from the fans.

"Welcome to the 2025 January Drama Festival Preview Night!" one of them called out enthusiastically, waving her hand in the camera.

She was Jang Wongjin, a popular female member from the idol group 'Five'. She debuted at a young age and had a good following in the industry. She also hosted a lot of events, so she was a good choice for tonight.

"Tonight, we celebrate twelve incredible stories, dozens of talented artists, and the passion that brings it all to life!" the other host, Kim Daniel uttered, as he smiled to the camera.

Kim Daniel was also an idol who had hosted a lot of events with Wongjin. Their chemistry as a host was undeniable.

The two of them waved to the fans all around. They patiently stood outside in their formal outfits despite the cold of winter.

They were waiting for people to arrive for the red carpet as the official program started.

The soft hum of excitement swelled the moment the first car rolled to a slow stop at the edge of the red carpet, just minutes after.

Security stepped forward, opening the door with careful precision, revealing who was the first person to arrive at the night.

A tall, young and unknown actor from the youth romance drama 'Even After Us' stepped out. He was wearing a fitted navy suit, styled neatly to match him. He smiled widely, though the nervousness on his eyes were showing.

His name wasn't widely known, but the people outside cheered all the same as if it was meant to give some support to the young man.

"Let's give a warm welcome to Park Hyunjae!" Wongjin announced from her post near the photo stand, her voice was bright and practiced.

They were given cue cards containing the pictures of the cast and their names beforehand for them to be familiar with everyone.

Hyungjae gave a shy smile, bowing respectfully to the fans and cameras as flashes of the camera shone under the early evening sky. He posed briefly in front of the photo wall that was decorated with the LJ ENM logo before making his way inside.

Moments later, another car pulled up.

This time, it was a glossy black van. Three cast members from the family drama 'Our Circle' stepped out, laughing among themselves to reduce their nervousness.

Despite coming from a small agency, the actors were met with cheers and shouts. Everyone was equally supportive despite not knowing the names of the actors arriving.

At the side, Kim Daniel leaned slightly toward his mic.

"It's heartwarming, isn't it? No matter the name, everyone's getting love tonight."

Wongjin grinned and nodded, her pouty lips showing.

"That's right, Daniel Oppa. This is what our January Drama Festival is all about. Celebrating and supporting our dear rookies who wanted to succeed in the acting industry."

A string of arrivals followed as the two hosts talked among themselves after introducing everyone. Each unknown appearance drew growing waves of excitement.

After a whole lineup of people, the next vehicle to pull in was a sleek, dark sedan.

Gasps rose from the back as soon as the figure stepped out of the car.

Finally, it was a known face.

It was Minjae.

Minjae was dressed in a deep charcoal double-breasted suit. It looked elegant and expensive as the fabric subtly shimmered under the lights.

Minjae's hair was styled perfectly, loose strands falling just enough to frame his face. He wore no tie, just a black dress shirt with the top button casually undone.

"Wow…" Daniel muttered on the mic, forgetting he was live for a split second.

Wongjin recovered first, flashing a smile to the camera.

"Everyone, please welcome The Star's Secret lead—Nam Minjae!"

Fans exploded. His name was chanted rhythmically as he gave a low, elegant bow before walking the carpet.

Almost everyone knows Minjae. The cheers were loud earlier, but it had become drastically louder when Minjae showed up. Banners of his name rose at the corner from his personal fans.

'I didn't expect to see some fans,' Minjae silently thought to himself.

Minjae waved briefly at the camera and the people, but his posture remained calm and composed, his eyes subtly scanning the crowd.

People were speechless as they continued to watch Minjae. Some had their mouth open, some had their eyes sparkling.

Each step that Minjae took looked confident and measured. He knew exactly what to do as if he were already used to red carpet events.

Cameras followed his every step as he stopped at the photo wall. He gave a relaxed smile and waved at everyone. The cameras continued to shoot, with bright flashes continue to flash everyone.

Yet despite the bright flashes, Minjae didn't even blink.

"Minjae looked effortlessly handsome in his outfit," Daniel said against his mic that the crowd agreed on.

"I agree, Oppa. Minjae knows that he is the moment," Wongjin added, nodding in agreement.

A few minutes later, the atmosphere shifted again.

Another luxury vehicle pulled up, just following Minjae's.

The crowd already knew what was coming as they recognize the familiar vehicle. They have already seen it from numerous music awards.

The cheers doubled, almost deafening as the car door opened and Kwon Jihyun stepped out.

He wore a tailored winter white suit paired with a black turtleneck, silver accessories gleamed under the flashes. His signature idol smile appeared as soon as his foot touched the carpet, one hand raised in a playful wave.

He soaked up the spotlight like it was only meant for him.

Jihyun knew that he was popular and it was showing at the way he confidently moved. He greeted the fans and greeted the camera.

"And here comes the face everyone's been waiting for… Kwon Jihyun of Chasing Dream!" Wongjin's voice rose again, a genuine smile showing on her lips. She has known Jihyun since they met a few times when promoting songs.

If Minjae's entrance already screams confidence, then Jihyun's was full-on star presence. He turned toward the crowd with practiced grace, throwing them a wink that sent fans into a frenzy.

Some even screamed his group's fanchant rhythmically.

Jihyun posed confidently at the photo wall before strolling toward the hall, waving all the way.

After Jihyun, more people continued to arrive.

Outside was filled with excitement, but it was different inside. Inside, the tension had started to build, not just in the fanbase but among the attendees.

While the arrivals of new actors continued, many eyes were already on the two most anticipated leads of the season.

The party hadn't even officially started yet, but the competition?

It was very much alive.