Chapter 1141: The Warmest Season, Winter (13)

The audience gave a standing ovation.

"WHOOOOAAAAAAAH!"

It was truly fitting for America, the country of big reactions.

Anyone watching would have thought this was a film receiving an award at the Cannes Film Festival.

I leaned toward Director Kim Bora and whispered,

"The reaction is incredible."

"Yes……."

The director answered in a choked voice.

Perhaps because it was applause from audiences in the country where she lived, it seemed to hold even greater meaning for her.

I exchanged smiles with the actors before turning my gaze forward.

Sun Myung Joo's fans were shedding tears.

The audience members were clapping with similarly overwhelmed expressions.

And….

"……?"

I saw an old man walking toward me with a cane.

He was a musician who had clashed with Dad when they were active, but had always supported him.

His wrinkled face was filled with emotion.

「I……」

He slowly began speaking.

「I love your music.」

A smile naturally formed on my lips.

I understood what he meant.

Hearing praise from a musician who loved both my father's music and mine made me smile.

Because it was something I had truly been waiting to hear.

「It's not bad.」

Master Winston Ross stood up and clapped as he spoke.

「I wouldn't say I completely love it. But it is good enough that I want to listen to it again when I get home today.」

「Just say you like it, old friend! I even saw you crying.」

「Be quiet.」

As the saxophonist wiped his tears while pretending to wipe away sweat with his handkerchief, I reached out my hand.

But instead of a handshake, I received a light embrace.

As I felt his warm breath, Winston Ross's voice reached my ear.

「You've worked hard, child.」

It was a surprisingly warm voice.

The way he said it felt as if he was telling me he knew how much effort I had put into preserving my father's music.

The other musicians felt the same.

「I don't know about anything else, but I am going to watch this film with my family one more time. The melodies are still lingering in my ears.」

「If I get the chance someday, I would like to see a performance of .」

「They were wonderful songs.」

At the flood of praise, the corners of my younger brothers' mouths stretched wide.

They looked happy as if they themselves had received the compliments.

I smiled and turned my head.

"WHOOOOAAAAAAAH!"

I met the eyes of the audience, who were still applauding.

The atmosphere was completely different from before.

Before the movie began, everyone had only been looking at me.

Now, they were looking at the supporting and leading actors with warm expressions.

As if they had become captivated by the person who played Sun Myung Joo.

‘Oh……?’

I smiled at the actor who seemed flustered by the sudden overwhelming attention.

‘I told you.’

I said that after the movie ended, everyone would look at them.

The audience members I saw now had expressions as if they had hundreds of things they wanted to say.

If there had been no security guards, it felt like they would have rushed toward Senior Lee Gyeonwoo and shouted, "Your acting was incredible!"

"Sun! Sun! Sun!"

Someone began chanting my father's name, "Sun," and the cheers erupted like a soccer stadium.

I stepped forward.

「Thank you.」

Just as the musician Sun Myung Joo always did after finishing a performance.

After gently waving my hand in greeting, I smiled at the audience.

Then I asked,

「Would anyone like an encore?」

The enormous cheer startled Ri Hyuk beside me so much that he immediately hid behind Junghyun.

Looking at the audience filled with anticipation, I said,

「For all of you, we have prepared a special stage tonight.」

As I said that, I exchanged glances with my brothers.

"Ready?"

"I've been waiting for this moment for the past few months."

Seeing the members, including our main vocalist who had prepared everything perfectly, nod their heads, I smiled.

I was the same.

Because today, I planned to pour out everything we had prepared over the past few months.

While everyone was becoming captivated by .

There were people inside the theater carefully observing the situation.

They were the reporters.

"Hmm……."

Media representatives gathered in the back seats watched the excited audience and exchanged opinions.

"What do you think?"

"Exactly what it looks like. The reaction is very good."

Perhaps it was because watching movies was their profession.

Since they were people whose job was to analyze the countless films released every day, their emotional reactions were somewhat muted.

Unless a movie could truly be called a film of a lifetime, they analyzed and reviewed films almost mechanically.

"I would give it around 93 out of 100."

"That's high."

"I think I would give it around 89. It's an excellent film."

Overall, it was an excellent movie.

A film that allowed Deborah Kim, who had already built a reputation as an independent film director, to make a huge breakthrough.

"The staff lineup was incredible. Emmy Awards, Golden Globes, Academy Awards…… there wasn't a single person involved who hadn't won major industry awards."

The best Korean American staff members in Hollywood had gathered together.

The best casting director.

The best cinematographer.

The best writer.

"And we can't leave out the music. Every number was excellent. Who knew jazz and pop could blend together so beautifully?"

Everyone agreed.

After all, didn't the success of a musical film ultimately depend on the music?

The music of was outstanding.

First, it took the music of a musician who had performed on a global stage and had his son—someone who also traveled the world—arrange it.

"Even after watching it again, was incredible. I think I gave that section at least 20 points."

While discussing such things, the industry professionals rated the film.

[4.7/5.0]

When you realize that music from the past was never truly gone.

[★★★★★]

If you want to know what immortal music is, watch Sound of the Sun. This is not merely the story of one person, nor is it simply the story of a great musician. It is the story of the brilliantly shining sun.

[9.0/10.0]

Regardless of anything else, there is no doubt that Sound of the Sun is one of the best films of the year.

While those thinking of the phrases they would use in their reviews smiled inwardly, thinking ‘My writing is incredible,’ someone asked,

"But what do you think will happen with the box office?"

"Hmm……."

Everyone hesitated.

‘Hard to say.’

Because a film's quality and its commercial success did not always match.

Of course, not only them, but even from the expressions of the audience cheering over there, everyone knew the movie was well-made.

However….

"We don't know how many people will actually watch it. Who expected to perform so poorly last year? It had Alec West, for heaven's sake. It was a blockbuster."

"There's no way to know."

After all, this was not the kind of movie Americans would hear about and immediately say, "Oh! That sounds fun!" before going to theaters.

—The story of a Korean jazz pianist who was active in America during the 1990s.

Because of that, the film's commercial performance remained uncertain.

But there was one thing they knew for certain.

"The box office score is something nobody can predict. But if this film succeeds, a lot of things will change."

It was a thought everyone held privately.

‘If……’

If, by some chance, became a major hit?

This film would create enormous waves.

‘It would sweep awards ceremonies.’

A film about America's brilliant 1990s and the darkness hidden beneath that era.

A film directly addressing discrimination that still existed despite mainstream white society claiming such issues had disappeared.

It was not only about discrimination against the Asian musician Sun Myung Joo.

It was about discrimination against Black Americans and other minorities, as well as the struggles of musicians fighting against it.

More importantly, it was not a film that ended with resistance.

It was a film about different people coming together and standing united.

"In a time like this, it has even more meaning."

With America's political landscape becoming increasingly divided and social conflicts worsening, this was the kind of film people could not help but support.

On top of that, it addressed discrimination against Asian filmmakers that had long existed.

It was a tribute to jazz, one of America's most representative forms of music.

It was filled with so many elements that award organizations would have difficulty saying, "This doesn't deserve recognition."

"It's not just the film. Things will shake in many places. Especially music."

The reporters nodded.

Perhaps the greatest storm would come from the music industry.

They all remembered.

When the ending credits of the biographical film appeared.

[The awards received by Sun Myung Joo for his contributions to jazz were……]

The one word that struck audiences' hearts more than anything.

[None.]

The moment when the theater had filled with murmurs.

"What…?"

The moment people reacted in disbelief.

Even those who watched the movie thinking, ‘This is exaggerated. Surely he wasn't discriminated against that much,’ would have been unable to say anything after seeing that title

# Nоvеlight #

card.

"Of course, it's all hypothetical. That only applies if the movie succeeds."

"Right."

The popular culture industry, which appeared more progressive than anyone else, was actually one of the most rigid.

Who held the highest positions in award ceremonies and the current entertainment industry?

The very people who had rejected Sun Myung Joo back then.

Therefore, only one thing could change the situation.

‘If the movie becomes a hit……’

If the movie succeeded and the wave of public opinion began crashing into their walls.

If a current so large that it could not be ignored arrived, those living inside their high castles would hurriedly begin opening their doors.

Some of the reporters imagining that smiled.

Perhaps because, after watching the film, they had grown fond of Sun Myung Joo's underdog story.

‘That wouldn't be a bad thing.’

The ultimate victor.

For some reason, the laughter of the protagonist from the film seemed to echo in their ears.

After sunset.

"Haah. Haah."

"Haah……."

The Souffle gathered in Times Square Plaza still had not dispersed.

They were waiting for someone.

The red carpet event was over, but the night was not finished yet.

‘We're seeing the stage. We absolutely are.’

‘I'll make up for the regret of not being able to go to Alaska with this.’

They had already been standing in the same place for several hours, yet there was no sign of exhaustion on their faces.

No.

Even if they were tired, everyone's eyes were still shining.

‘Today's stage is definitely going to become legendary.’

There would obviously be various performances, including with Wooju and the cast members.

As the Souffle waited.

"WHOOOOAAAAAAAH!"

A cheer erupted from somewhere, and the Souffle turned their heads.

Then they cheered as well.

"WHOOOOAAAAAAAAAH!"

The NewBlack members and the film cast were walking out together.

Wooju waved to the audience before approaching the grand piano set up on the Times Square Plaza red carpet.

A gentle melody immediately began flowing.

[Good evening, New York.]

Everyone answered Wooju's greeting loudly in their own way.

A jazz melody brushed against their ears.

[Thank you for waiting for so long. I believe many of the fans gathered here have been waiting for this moment. And I think most of the people here are our fans.]

His gentle voice continued, as if saying that was not the only reason.

[Today, I want to introduce a film to everyone gathered here, and to those watching on television or online. A film about my father, Sun Myung Joo.]

The cast members stepped onto the stage.

[If I were to introduce this film, I would say it is a story about the growth of a musician, love, friendship, and struggle. Some people may like this film, and some may not, but……]

As Wooju smiled toward the camera, his stunning face shone brightly on the giant screen.

[If anyone here is wondering whether they should watch this film or not, please judge it based on the stage we are about to show you.]

Wooju began playing the piano accompaniment.

A handsome man stepped forward.

It was Lee Gyeonwoo, who had played the protagonist in the film.

I have waited for this day

The day I could stand before you

Then the actress who played Sun Myung Joo's wife stepped forward.

I have waited for so long

Only for this moment

It was the musical number where the man and woman arriving in New York sang about their excitement and dreams.

At first, the audience watched with curious expressions.

But with every passing note, cheers began rising without needing any explanation.

‘Wow…….’

Even the Souffle who had been desperately waiting only for Wooju's stage felt themselves getting drawn in.

‘This is my favorite's father's music.’

‘It's really good.’

Most of all, the stage production was excellent.

Every time the actors sang a musical number, the scene naturally appeared in people's minds.

A man and woman filled with excitement and dreams.

A young couple arrives in New York to chase their dreams.

But the city is brutally cold.

They embrace each other and cry in the pouring rain.

They dance happily while holding a single flower thrown by an audience member.

Life may look

like a solo dance

Yeo Eunseon, who played Lee Myeong Eun, sang with a bright smile.

But if you keep dancing,

you will realize

Ronnie Lucas and the other actors joined in harmony.

There are other people

dancing beside you

Beside the couple dancing in front of the walls blocking their path, good people gather and dance together.

The atmosphere becomes lively, like a street parade or a ball.

The police officers maintaining order, along with everyone watching the stage, tapped their heads along with the rhythm.

As the performance continued like a scene from the film.

The music slowly faded, and the stage lights gradually dimmed.

"……?"

As part of Times Square Plaza became dark.

A scene from the film appeared on the giant screen.

[You're nothing but a worthless musician.]

[You weren't nominated again this year.]

[You are no longer my child. Leave my house immediately.]

The various barriers that had blocked Sun Myung Joo and his crew appeared through film clips.

On the darkened plaza, harsh words poured down.

Just as the atmosphere that had been heated moments ago began to settle.

[……]

A spotlight shone down on Wooju playing the piano.

A calm monologue flowed.

[Even so, we will shine brilliantly.]

A smile appeared on the handsome man's face as he looked at the camera.

[Like the sun.]

At that moment, an enormous cheer erupted.

The very music everyone had been waiting for.

Wooju tilted his head back and began playing the piano passionately.

When I opened my eyes,

all I saw was darkness.

Floating in empty space,

I was nothing more than a tiny speck of dust.

It was certainly , the song every Souffle knew.

A song they could now recite line by line from memory.

But….

‘Something is different today.’

It was not the fierce determination he had shown when he first performed .

Nor was it the joyful feeling from other stages.

It felt as if he wanted to deliver this song to someone.

He sang softly yet powerfully, as if trying to make his voice reach all the way to the sky.

"……"

"……"

There was no need to guess who the people he wanted to deliver this song to were.

So the Souffle simply sang along.

One by one.

One by one.

Their voices grew louder, enough to cover the piano accompaniment and strengthen Wooju's voice.

And finally, when their voices became loud enough to shake all of Manhattan with only the Souffle's voices.

Sparkle.

As they sang the line about everyone shining brightly like the sun, a brilliant sunlight shone down on them.

No.

At first, they thought it was sunlight.

‘But it's night……?’

Everyone looked confused.

The orange lighting surrounding them was there, but it was not enough to create this feeling.

Wooju quietly listened to the Souffle singing while playing the piano.

Behind him, the giant screen sparkled.

"……!!"

The night view of New York City appeared.

The tops of buildings, including the Empire State Building, lit up with orange lights.

Brilliantly.

Like a symbol of a man who had lived a life like the sun.

Magnificently.

So it could be seen even from high above the sky.

Their singer, who had smiled while watching the Souffle sing together, brought his lips to the microphone and smiled brilliantly.

We are like the sun—

The Souffle shouted.

"Look!"

At your sun that still shines—

The singer answered.

It was a stage in Times Square where everyone was shining together.

And.

Below the stage, Rebecca Cassidy, the senior marketing executive from the film company who was checking the situation, asked the person in charge of the broadcast with a shocked expression.

"How many live viewers did you say we have?"

"17 million."

"……Oh my God."

It was more than enough to put aside concerns about the global box office performance of .