The Asian Artistry Awards, otherwise known as the Triple-A awards, wasn’t like Celadon1.
Where Celadon was a homage solely to acting, the Triple-A was a chaotic, high-octane show with every type of celebrity imaginable thrown into one melting pot.
Actors walked alongside pop idols; viral influencers rubbed shoulders with seasoned directors; and even the occasional model made a cameo with an entourage of paparazzi behind them.
It was less of a celebration and more of a war zone. However, even then, it was one of the most anticipated award shows of the midyear, especially since they were able to invite such a variety of artists.
“It’s like a circus,” muttered Hyunbin into his collar, adjusting his tie as he dodged a reporter who tried to ask him for a ‘Would You Rather?’ question.
Due to the number of artists, of course, there was a division.
The actors walked like royalty. They were mostly clustered near the front, where the photographers gave extra time and where the floor was less scuffed from heels and boots.
They held themselves with quiet dignity, their designer fits perfectly tailored.
On the other hand, K-pop idols received the most cheers from those watching from the barricades. Their visuals were fresh and young amidst the refined looks of the actors.
Behind them, or some even interviewing them, were the influencers. They were a tornado of energy. TikTak challenges broke out every few meters on the carpet. A trio of beauty vloggers spun in sync, mouthing lyrics into the camera. A fitness guru lifted his date like a barbell. An ex-reality star lay down in the middle of the walkway just for a shot.
It was entertaining, sure—but not everyone was amused.
“They have no class,” whispered one well-known drama actress to her co-star, watching the chaos from a press tent.
“I heard one of them came in sponsored by a bubble tea chain,” her co-star replied dryly.
“They’re not even wearing real couture. One of them’s in streetwear.”
Because of this, there was an unspoken disdain that went with the ‘true’ artists to the supposedly ‘fake’ ones.
Tension buzzed beneath the laughter. There were different tiers here, and no one wanted to be seen on the lower end.
Yet one thing united them all—the battle for best dressed.
Every step down the carpet was a statement. Sequins glittered like armor. Collars were starched sharp enough to cut. Even the quietest actors had brought their A-game, draped in velvet, lace, or hand-stitched embroidery. The influencers didn’t back down either, showing up in color-shifting fabrics, holographic boots, and outfits that changed under camera flash.
It was a showdown—not of talent, not of fame, but of undeniable presence.
It was the only place where they could have such a competition.
Meanwhile, among the actors, Ian was being interviewed. He seemed oblivious to the tension (he always is, as if he doesn’t have a single thought in his brain).
“Do you have a favorite project from this year?” the interviewer asked, holding out the mic with a smile.
Ian Seo tilted his head thoughtfully, adjusting the cuffs of his navy suit.
“I’d say… Lucy’s Game,” he answered. “And The Forsaken Prince.”
“Oh? Two very different genres,” the interviewer remarked. “A mystery thriller and a fantasy drama.”
“But,” she continued, “they’re both carried by the same actor. Zeno Han, right?”
Ian’s smile widened, and he nodded enthusiastically. “Yes, I’m a fan!”
The interviewer was surprised by the unexpected confession. But Ian simply gave a half-nod as if it wasn’t something to fuss over. The camera caught his slight smile before he was pulled away by his manager, disappearing into the current of celebrities flowing toward the entrance.
Just a few steps down the carpet, Risa captured everyone’s attention as she descended in a silver dress that shimmered like moonlight. Cameras snapped wildly as she waved with one hand, posing effortlessly with the other.
As the flashes kept firing further down the line, Oska Baek Jr. stood stiffly in his pale gold blazer, unsure where to look. He didn’t dare approach an interviewer and even denied them because he believed they’d ask him questions he would be too flustered to answer.
With that, he forced his head down and kept walking forward. But then, he felt someone’s presence behind him.
Slowly, Oska turned his head and found himself face-to-face with Bacon PD—his father.
The legendary director stood quietly, his presence enough to part the crowd around them. Oska instinctively bowed, throat dry. It had been a while since they spoke to each other.
It was even before he started filming for The Forsaken Prince. Oska didn’t even know that he was going to be in Lucy’s Game.
He thought his father would walk past him without a word, but much to his surprise, he heard his voice.
“Come on,” Bacon PD said simply.
Oska hesitated. However, Bacon PD patted his back and gestured toward the entrance.
Oska clenched his jaw but followed. They walked side by side, unnoticed, the crowd too busy reacting to the next storm.
Because just then—Phoenix arrived.
He stepped out of a sleek black car in a perfectly tailored maroon-red suit, walking with the ease of someone who’d grown used to every spotlight bending toward him. He didn’t wave because he didn’t need to. People simply moved for him.
“It’s Phoenix!”
“Celadon’s golden boy!”
“He won Best Actor in Celadon this year!”
The cameras spun like satellites around him. Even the influencers paused their challenges to gawk.
Phoenix smiled and finally waved, taking his position in front of the camera. The cameras snapped like crazy, and the other actors bowed at him.
But then, a screech of tires broke through their attention.
An orange truck, in high contrast with the limousines around it, rolled into view at the edge of the carpet. That alone in itself made their heads turn.
Even Phoenix paused to look.
They wondered what kind of artist would be in such an unconventional vehicle.
Finally, the door creaked open.
The carpet went silent for one single, perfect second.
And then, they suddenly forget about Phoenix Hyun.
first award show mentioned in the story