“Ah, ah. Mic test, one two three. One two three. One two three four. Three four. The mic is working well.”

The director, who stood under the stage lights, overreacted in front of the mic.

“You must all be wondering what a fat man is doing here, right? Over there, please don’t look at me like that. I know that my face isn’t the most pleasing to look at, but if you keep staring at an ugly man, they’ll get hurt.”

Laughter erupted from the audience. Maru also covered his mouth with his fist and laughed. The director, who came up to ease the mood before the ceremony, showed what leisure and experience were.

“Please allow me to boast a little. My speech should be something similar to the principal’s speech that everyone dreaded when they were in school. If I may introduce myself, I’m Choi Dongha, and I’ve been acting as the head of the Short Film Festival Committee for the past four years.”

Director Choi Dongha stepped aside and bowed. The audience applauded. The director raised his head and gestured to them to do more.

Maru raised his hands above his head to clap.

“I can’t quit this position because of this applause. Man, high positions are good. You get to feel proud around others. Where else would I get applauded by people like you, lovers of film,...