Chapter 93: Japan (1)
At PD Jung Soo-ryeong’s words, the expression of Tom Cavill, the Executive Director on the screen, visibly changed. His eyes got bigger. It was obvious he had fallen for PD Jung Soo-ryeong’s scheme. Seeing Tom Cavill’s widened blue eyes, Jung Soo-ryeong quickly composed her expression.
‘Is it because he’s a foreigner? His reactions are big. If he were a friend, it would be fun to tease him.'
Tom Cavill, the Executive Director on the screen, asked again.
“You said there’s already a written script? By Writer Rojun?”
PD Jung Soo-ryeong nodded with a faint smile.
“Yes, I think I heard about it during the filming of ‘Rental Lover'. So I thought I’d ask him properly about it later, but I got so busy I forgot.”
Although she had already read through three other scripts by Kang Rojun, she feigned ignorance.
“Writer Rojun works fast. If you’ve seen ‘Produce That 100!', you’ll know he also writes lyrics.”
“I know that.”
“For you, Executive Director, having a script already written would be better than starting a new one, right?” “Of course. If the script is decent, it saves a lot of time.”
If the script is decent? PD Jung Soo-ryeong, already aware of the scripts’ quality, pointed to the ‘Rental Lover’ script in front of her.
“Did you read through the ‘Rental Lover’ script I sent?”
“I did.”
“You liked it, right?”
“It far exceeded my expectations. It was so entertaining I couldn’t take my eyes off it.”
“‘Rental Lover’ was the winning piece in our contest, and back then Writer Rojun responded pretty vaguely. Said writing was just a hobby or side job for him.”
“......”
“As for the other scripts, just my opinion, but I think they might be even fresher or denser than ‘Rental Lover'."
For a moment, greed appeared in Tom Cavill’s blue eyes. At that point, PD Jung Soo-ryeong slightly shifted the flow.
“But now, even in Korea, Writer Rojun’s reputation has risen quite a bit thanks to ‘Rental Lover’... Not just us, but a lot of other broadcasters and production companies are eyeing him.”
“I understand. His activity range isn’t typical, and to get this much attention with a debut work...”
“Others may have already approached him. If Netflix Japan is interested in Writer Rojun, you’ll need to go all in.”
In other words, don’t be stingy with the money.
“I don’t know exactly either, but he has a primary occupation elsewhere, and he’s not in a position where he lacks anything.”
Tom Cavill’s expression on the screen deepened in thought, and PD Jung Soo-ryeong, maintaining her composed face, pretended to check the time and wrapped things up.
"This is as much as I can tell you."
“Ah, thank you. That’s more than enough.”
“For anything further, it would be quicker to communicate with PD Woo Han-suk from ‘Produce That 100!', since he’s the closest director to Writer Rojun.”
“Yes, understood.”
Originally, PD Jung Soo-ryeong had planned to gauge Netflix Japan’s interest herself, but that was no longer necessary. It was clear Tom Cavill, the Executive Director, was already boiling over with interest in Writer Rojun.
‘You could say he’s obsessed. In this case, it’s better for Writer Rojun to handle it directly than for me to stay involved.’
During the delay, writer-nim’s value would rise, an added bonus. Of course, PD Jung Soo-ryeong’s contract negotiation skills were factored in as well.
‘As far as I know, Writer Rojun is heading to Japan soon. That’s when the real showdown will happen.’
‘Produce That 100!’ was also holding small-scale concerts in Japan, in addition to Korea, and the Japanese concerts were co-hosted with Netflix Japan. In other words, it was certain Tom Cavill would bring up the script with Kang Rojun then. Remembering the upcoming future, PD Jung Soo-ryeong smiled and gave a final farewell, and as soon as the video call ended, she pulled out her phone and stepped into the hallway.
-Swish.
The person she called was PD Woo Han-suk.
The call tone rang for quite a while, but soon PD Woo Han-suk’s voice came through the phone.
“Yes, PD Jung.”
PD Jung Soo-ryeong spoke.
“PD Woo, is now a good time to talk?”
“Make it quick, please. I’m in the middle of the small concert.”
“Ah! I’m sorry. Right, it must have already started. Then I’ll just get to the point.”
PD Jung Soo-ryeong quickly explained everything, from the other scripts Rojun had, to the promises made with him, to the recent conversation with Netflix Japan.
“Please let Writer Rojun know about all of this.”
Meanwhile.
The venue where the ‘Produce That 100!’ small concert was taking place was filled with the screams of thousands of fans.
“KYAAAAAAAHHH!!!”
Since the opening poerformance, ‘Produce’, had just ended. Including Kang Rojun, the ten members moved as one, showing off dazzling choreography. Not just Rojun, but the other participants as well had clearly improved their skills. Watching them from close to the stage, Lee Han-na clapped with deep satisfaction.
Soon, the ten participants, panting for breath, bowed deeply to the thousands of spectators.
-Ssss.
The stage lights dimmed. Though it signaled that the next performance was coming, the frenzied screams and howls from the audience showed no signs of calming down. PD Woo Han-suk, the writers, and the staff were all smiling brightly.
“Wow- this is several times crazier than during the 4th evaluation taping??”
“This is legendary.”
“Of course, a taping and a concert feel completely different.”
“The kids are so good, if someone didn’t know better, they’d think this was just an idol concert.”
With arms crossed, PD Woo Han-suk scanned the faces of the hundreds of people bouncing in the standing section. He was completely enchanted by the concert. A quiet smile spread across PD Woo Han-suk’s face like a father’s pride.
‘For amateurs to have this much impact. Once they debut as professionals, it’ll be something else. I don’t know why I’m feeling nervous.’
He had planned many audition programs before, but nothing like this. Around that time, the stage lights came on again, and 26Do-kyung, now in a changed outfit, appeared and hyped up the crowd.
A rap beat immediately played.
It was 26Do-kyung’s self-written rap from the first evaluation. From here, a few participants began their solo performances. After 26Do-kyung raised the energy with his rap, it was 58Si-hoo’s turn next.
Once 58Si-hoo’s turn ended, the lights went out again. In the darkness, a familiar song began to echo through the venue.
-♬♪
Piano notes, followed by a heartbreaking melody. Though no one had appeared on stage yet, the thousands of audience members quickly recognized the song.
“Farewell!”
“It’s ‘Farewell', it’s ‘Farewell’!!”
“Wow......I really wanted to hear this.”
“If it’s ‘Farewell', then it’s definitely Rojun, right?”
“Yeah, a hundred percent.”
The song was ‘Farewell’, and as the audience had guessed, the person who appeared on the dark stage was.
“......”
Kang Rojun, with a solemn expression. He was wearing a white shirt. His arms were covered in goosebumps.
‘I felt it earlier too, this is really spectacular.’
Thousands of spectators watching only him, their eyes full of anticipation, the countless light sticks swaying like stars in the sky, the lights on him warm like sunlight.
If he had to sum up this feeling in one phrase.
‘This thrill is insane.’
It was pure ecstasy. A surge of adrenaline. At that moment, strangely enough, all of Kang Rojun’s nervousness vanished.
-[Your fragrance lingers still, your scent keeps me here]
[Though seasons changed their colors, I remain right here]
[Everything stays in place, all memories remain]
Kang Rojun’s powerful, emotional vocals swept through the concert hall. The audience, quickly drawn in, began to wave their light sticks slowly from side to side.
“His vocals... he’s clearly the standout among the participants.”
"His voice tone is completely good."
“He’s more than good enough to be the main vocal. Honestly, he could crush some of those so-called skilled idols out there.”
Just as the audience was falling into an emotional trance with Rojun, the concert atmosphere flipped 180 degrees. After the solo performances, it was time for groups of two or three participants to take over the stage with their high-energy performances.
A parade of familiar songs heard during evaluations, now evolved and polished.
-Whoooosh!!
With effects like exploding fireworks, the audience lost themselves in the moment. How much time had passed? Kang Rojun and the other nine participants all came back on stage and took their positions.
Then.
-♬♪
An unfamiliar song played for the audience. The intro had a rapid guitar sound, like a heartbeat. It was 'Survival 100', the new theme song of 'Produce That 100!'
Realizing this, the thousands of audience members.
“AAAAAAAHHH!!!”
“KYAAAAAA!!!”
“This is crazy!! It’s so good!!!”
Nearly lost their minds.
Afterward.
When the mini-concert ended, the ten participants stood on the ㅜ-shaped stage. The closing remarks were made by Kang Rojun, who stood at the center.
“Two-three! Thank you!”
“Thank you!!”
When the ten of them bowed at a 90-degree angle, an explosive wave of applause and cheers erupted. Among the celebrating participants, something caught Kang Rojun’s ear.
‘Oh?’
He heard a shout from the standing area near the stage. Smiling slightly with his eyes, he walked toward the female fans. As they became flustered by the sudden attention, Rojun crouched down.
“I heard you. Say things like that louder, please- louder.”
He brought the mic to one of the women’s mouths, and soon her shout echoed throughout the concert hall.
“Rojun!!! You’re so handsome!! Really, really!! Super handsome!!!”
Kang Rojun clapped as if satisfied. The audience was captivated by that smile. PD Woo Han-suk and the production crew burst into laughter. The other nine participants smiled as if in agreement. Then, as Rojun turned to walk back to the group, he twisted his ankle. Though he quickly regained his balance, he ended up in an awkward posture.
-Slip.
Pretending it was nothing, he casually bent down as if to tie his shoelace.
"What's that!! He’s so freaking cute!!”
“Ha- I'm switching to Rojun for real!”
“His charm is insane!!”
All of this was captured vividly on the 'Produce That 100!' cameras.
The next day, Wednesday morning, October 14.
Since the afternoon before, one topic had taken over the main pages of multiple search portals.
《‘Produce That 100!’ finishes its first domestic mini concert, what kind of performances were showcased?》
《[Issue Talk] Long lines just to see the 'Produce That 100!' concert / Photos》
The 'Produce That 100!' mini concert had ended without a hitch, and to great success.
《Thousands gathered at the ‘Produce That 100!’ concert, audience reviews say: “It was the best!”》
On top of that, posts and reviews from those who had attended the concert poured in from night through dawn.
[‘Produce That 100!’ Mini Concert Review (long post)]
They appeared in various online communities, continuously adding fuel to the fire.
[Rojun looks unreal in person]
[They performed the new theme song at the mini concert and it was insanely good]
[Produce That 100! concert from start to finish (feat. how they looked irl)]
[ㅋㅋㅋㅋ I'm so jealous of the people who went to the concert]
The response was hotter than that of any famous idol concert.
As the media and public opinion buzzed at its peak, Gimpo Airport was packed despite it being a weekday morning, filled with people either departing for or returning from trips. Friends, couples, families, all of them dragging large suitcases and bustling around.
Amid the crowd, a group of women chatting with phones in hand talked excitedly about 'Produce That 100!'
“I guess the ‘Produce That 100!’ mini concert ended yesterday?”
“Yeah. Ha- I really wanted to go.”
“Who’s your favorite?”
“Definitely Rojun for sure and I like Do-kyung too. He’s got that cold handsome guy vibe.”
“I’m into Si-hoo and Jung-woo. Jung-woo’s like a golden retriever. Rojun is just the default pick.”
“But seriously… I want to see Rojun in person. People who saw him say he’s insane in real life.”
Just then.
“......Kyaaa!”
“No way... Oh my god!!”
The airport entrance suddenly became chaotic. As a result, everyone in the lobby turned their attention toward the commotion. Even at a glance, dozens of people seemed to be crowding around something, bouncing up and down as they slowly moved.
Something was definitely going on.
“What is it?? Over there??”
“A celebrity??? Looks like a celebrity showed up.”
“What is it! Let’s go check it out!”
No wonder, everyone surrounding the center was frantically taking photos with their phones. Getting closer, they could see large security guards holding back the swelling crowd. Like a snowball gaining mass, the initial dozens quickly grew to hundreds.
The airport lobby was filled with shrieks and screams as the decibels rose.
At the same time.
“Rojun!! Rojun!!!”
“Whoa!! It’s really them?! Si-hoo!! Please look this way!!”
“Cheek heart! Just one cheek heart!!”
“Rojun!! Kang Min!!!”
Somehow, the screams included the names of the 'Produce That 100!' participants. It was no surprise.
“What’s happening??! Who’s over there?!”
“It’s ‘Produce That 100!’!!”
“Seriously??!!”
Because the ones causing the airport mayhem were the ten participants from 'Produce That 100!' along with the production staff. Hundreds of people shoved their phones forward in a chaotic frenzy. In the midst of it all, Kang Rojun, wearing a deeply pulled-down cap, was completely overwhelmed by the situation he was experiencing for the first time.
‘W-Wait! I want to run away??!’
From the start, the Japan advance was rough, and Kang Rojun, a few hours later.
‘Am I even gonna make it onto this plane!!’
Was scheduled to set foot on Japanese soil.