Chapter 97: Japan (5)
Nine contestants clustered closely in front of PD Woo Han-suk. To be exact, they had rushed in to see the phone Woo Han-suk was holding. Whether it was 58Si-hoo or 46Kang Min, everyone reacted quickly.
The first to exclaim in admiration was 26Do-kyung.
Even on his usually expressionless face, a huge shock was visible.
“Whoa- ‘Survival 100’ is No. 1......”
The rest of the contestants followed immediately.
“This is crazy!! No. 1!!”
“Wasn’t the theme song supposed to be released at 2? It’s not even 4 yet?!”
“That’s what I’m saying!! Then it hit No. 1 in just an hour?!!”
“Wow!! This gives me goosebumps!"
They grew increasingly frenzied. It was only natural. The new theme song had reached No. 1 on the music charts. [1(new!)] Survival 100 / Produce That 100! (Theme Song)
Kang Rojun, who joined in late, also looked at Woo Han-suk’s phone screen from the very back of the frenzied group.
‘Wow-’
At that point, PD Woo Han-suk, smiling broadly, spoke to the contestants.
“Don’t look at mine, check on your own phones. By the way, it’s not just Melon, it’s No. 1 on other platforms too.”
Only then did the contestants, who had been hugging and jumping around, begin pulling out their phones. After checking Melon, the top domestic music platform, they gradually finished checking the others. One by one, they shouted.
“R-really, it’s No. 1 on Bucks and other platforms too!! Amazing!”
“Then we’ve swept the Big Three platforms?!”
“This is insane, seriously!!”
PD Woo Han-suk and the staff looked on with satisfaction at the jumping contestants. Though ‘Survival 100’ was the theme song for ‘Produce That 100!’.
‘It’s only natural they’re happy, since the song with their voices hit No. 1 on a major platform.’
For contestants dreaming of becoming idols, it was nothing short of a dream coming true. Even if more than half of them would eventually be eliminated, and the team itself was temporary, the contestants shared this thrilling first experience with huge smiles.
Meanwhile, Baby Perm 58Si-hoo, for some reason was
“......”
Staring blankly at his phone. Rojun, noticing this, gave Si-hoo a light jab to the side.
“Hyung. You’re having an out-of-body experience in real time. Want me to grab your soul for you?”
“N-no. I just can’t believe it......”
“Same here. It doesn’t quite feel real.”
“Pinch my arm a bit.”
“You sure you won’t regret it?”
“...This is real, right?”
"I think so."
In particular, Kang Rojun and 58Si-hoo were far more moved than the other contestants. They were the ones who wrote and composed the song. Soon, Si-hoo confidently tapped the song info for ‘Survival 100’, now proudly at No. 1. The results displayed instantly.
[Song Info]
[Survival 100]
[Produce That 100! (Theme Song)]
[Lyrics: Rojun / Composition: Si-hoo]
Contestants quickly gathered around Si-hoo and Kang Rojun and began shaking them for no reason.
“Oooooh- Lyricist-nim, Composer-nim!”
“Damn......Honestly, this is so badass, right?”
“It totally is. You guys wrote and composed a theme song that outperformed all the hit songs!”
“Si-hoo hyung, you’re not crying, are you? Your eyes look a little red.”
“Ah, I’m not crying!”
“Shouldn’t Rojun hyung be a little more excited??”
Suddenly, Kang Rojun stood up and started dancing wildly. He was expressing his feelings through movement. Without using ‘AI Simulation’, this was pure skill from Rojun. The contestants laughed and gave him thumbs up.
“This hyung’s definitely high on something!”
“But why does Rojun hyung’s dancing still look good even when he’s flailing??”
“What are you talking about, it’s a total mess.”
“What did you say?”
“Ah ah ah, hyung, it’s a joke, a joke!”
With the atmosphere heating up, 26Do-kyung made a request to Si-hoo.
“Hyung. Check the comments, the comments.”
Si-hoo nodded and tapped his phone screen. The reactions of those who had just listened to ‘Survival 100’ were quickly displayed.
-ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ this is fucking awesome ㅋㅋㅋ currently playing on repeat
-GOAT status, instant thumbs up ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ
-Lyrics by Rojun, music by Si-hoo ㅋㅋㅋㅋ This is insane
-No sir, the beat is insane
-This year, no matter what anyone says, Produce That 100 has devoured everything ㅠㅜㅠㅜㅠ
-So good....Can’t they just debut all 10 like this.....
-It feels like listening to the explosive power of youth
-Went No. 1 as soon as it droppedㅠㅠㅠㅠsong is fire, love the show too!!!
-Captured the overwhelming emotion perfectly haha Rojun’s lyrics are a perfect match
-What the hell can’t Rojun do ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ
-Si-hoo is sneakily a talented dude too
-Everyoneㅠㅜㅠthe acoustic version of this song is amazing too....please release it fast, Produce That 100!!!
.
.
.
.
The reactions were intense even at a glance. Comments were still pouring in nonstop. Kang Rojun and the contestants were thoroughly enjoying watching the fans’ reactions, and PD Woo Han-suk, with a satisfied expression, added his thoughts.
“As you can see, judging by the mood, ‘Survival 100’ will probably stay at No. 1 for quite a while- You’ve all seen it before, right? Chart domination.”
In simpler terms, it meant when one artist sweeps the top ranks of the music charts. Whether solo or idol, a strong fanbase was essential for such a feat.
“Our ‘Produce That 100!’ is aiming for chart domination. This is just the beginning, and it’s entirely possible.”
Recalling the follow-up songs to be released, PD Woo Han-suk tapped the floor with his index finger.
“Even here, in Japan.”
Dominating ranks 1 through 5 on music platforms in both Korea and Japan? Just imagining it sent chills down their spines. The contestants’ excitement hit its peak, and PD Woo Han-suk, as if to calm them down, listed the remaining schedule.
“Tonight, get a good rest back at the dorm. We’re returning to Korea on tomorrow morning’s flight. Again, great work everyone.”
“PD-nim! Aren’t we having a team dinner?? Team dinner!”
“Haha, of course we are. Leader? What should we eat for the team dinner?”
All eyes turned to the visual powerhouse Kang Rojun, who stroked his chin quite seriously.
“Hmm.”
Then, he answered with strong determination.
“Chicken.”
The contestants grumbled heavily.
"Select again again again!!"
“Chicken is the classic, sure! But this hyung seems to have gone crazy for chicken."
“I mean, coming all the way to Japan and choosing chicken? That’s madness, seriously.”
But Kang Rojun stood firm, unbothered.
“It’s the leader’s decision. Chicken, fried.”
The grumbling turned into intense booing.
Later.
When the ‘Produce That 100!’ team, having finished cleaning up after the mini-concert, returned to the dorm, both Korea and Japan were already being flooded with nonstop articles about them.
Several hours passed like that.
As the buzz surrounding ‘Produce That 100!’ continued to grow in both Korea and Japan, Kang Rojun and the contestants were enjoying their team dinner at the dorm. Just as the leader had decided, the menu was chicken and a few other items. Plus, a bit of alcohol.
Thanks to the alcohol, the contestants were even more energized.
“Back when I messed up during the very first ‘Produce’ performance, I seriously freaked out. My vision literally went black.”
"You did look flustered."
“Sorry, really, I’m sorry!”
“But you finished it well. Cheers.”
At that moment in Korea, countless people gathered in front of their TVs. It was Friday, and the time was 9 p.m. In other words, they were tuning in for episode 13 of ‘Produce That 100!’
Soon, the title of ‘Produce That 100!’ appeared on ‘JTVM’.
-‘Produce That 100!’
Episode 13 began with a continuation of the final cut from episode 12, starting with Kang Rojun’s appearance. The ‘Survival 100’ choreography that had been skipped last episode was finally aired. The flawless dance by Kang Rojun left PD Woo Han-suk and the contestants dumbfounded. And it ended with a line from Lee Han-na.
-[“Wait, Rojun. You’re not using some kind of superpower, right??”]
Viewers, who had already heard the chart-topping ‘Survival 100', began spamming the live chat like crazy. The rest of episode 13 then showed the contestants’ grueling efforts in preparation for the mini concert.
Practice, practice, and more practice.
Then, the camera panned to a busily moving PD Woo Han-suk, checking both domestic and Japanese concert venues.
-ㅠㅜㅠㅠㅜI really wanted to go this time!!
-Me too.... Missed it again...
-I heard this mini concert was insaneㅜㅜㅜ
-I’ve read so many fan accounts, it almost feels like I went
At this point, the screen transitioned to PD Woo Han-suk looking at Kang Rojun and 58Si-hoo. Specifically, it was about the special performance for the mini-concert. That is, the acoustic version of ‘Survival 100'. Then came the scene where Rojun and Si-hoo picked up their guitars.
That took us roughly to the middle of episode 13, and the rest of the time was.
-Mini concert!!! I’ve been waiting!!!!
Filled with footage of the domestic concert featuring the ‘Produce That 100!’ contestants. Starting with ‘Produce', then individual performances by each contestant, followed by ‘Survival 100', and ending with Kang Rojun and Si-hoo. Viewers reacted fiercely, especially to the acoustic version enhanced with guitars.
-It’s kind of obvious now ㅋㅋㅋㅋ but Rojun is seriously super handsome
-I mean!!!!!!! It’s just so good, right??!!!!
-Wow.......Rojun again??
-Somehow I figured Si-hoo would play guitar ㅋㅋㅋㅋ but Rojun really seems like there’s nothing he can’t do
-Guitar with that face? That’s cheating, honestly. I wanna curse
-When are they dropping the acoustic version as an official release!!
-I guess I’ll just have to listen to it on YouTube again and again......
-The harmonies between Rojun and Si-hoo were insane
The end of episode 13, which featured the mini concert, concluded with the screams of people swarming the airport.
-["Kyaaaaaaaaaa!!!!"]
It ended with a cut of Rojun and the nine contestants departing for Japan.
The next day, Saturday the 17th, in Japan.
Around 9 a.m., the contestants, who had partied late into the night, were busy packing their things. Their return flight to Korea was scheduled around 11:30 a.m. However, Kang Rojun was nowhere to be seen among them.
Noticing this, 26Do-kyung, with his hair sticking out in all directions, asked expressionlessly,
“By the way, where’s Rojun hyung?”
Some contestants answered.
“He went somewhere with PD Woo earlier.”
“Probably to meet the Netflix Japan team? ‘Rental Lover’ is launching in Japan too.”
“Whoa- Writer Rojun is seriously badass.”
In fact, Kang Rojun could be found in the room used by the staff, together with PD Woo Han-suk. He was seated at a five-person table that doubled as a dining area. Next to him was PD Woo Han-suk. Across from them sat Executive Director Tom Cavill and two team leaders from Netflix Japan. There was no interpreter, because Kang Rojun could handle it himself.
The meeting had started ten minutes ago, and just after they finished talking about the successful mini concert.
“Writer Rojun.”
Tom Cavill, with his curly blond hair, got to the point in Japanese.
“As you may have heard from PD Jung Soo-ryeong, we at Netflix Japan are very interested in your other works.”
Tom Cavill showed his tablet as he briefed them on Kang Rojun’s popularity in Japan, the reasons they were eager for his works, and issues within the Japanese drama market.
“We plan to launch many works similar to ‘Rental Lover'. That’s why we are very keen on your other pieces. With ‘Produce That 100!’ and now ‘Rental Lover’ both being launched on our side, working together on more of your works could create tremendous synergy.”
Kang Rojun, quietly listening, understood about half of it, while the rest flowed out the other ear. It all felt surreal.
‘Am I really in a meeting with the Netflix Japan director right now?? This is insane.’
It had felt so distant. No, he had never even imagined such a scene. Now it was unfolding right in front of him. Kang Rojun felt like he was floating, and PD Woo Han-suk, sitting beside him, picked up on it.
‘This setting’s probably a bit heavy for him to digest. I better step in.’
He lightly tapped Rojun’s shoulder and whispered,
“Just translate exactly what I say.”
Then he flashed a sly smile at Tom Cavill across the table.
“Executive Director. As I’m sure you know, if Writer Rojun and Netflix Japan work together, the synergy will be considerable. The impact will be felt not only in promotion but also in marketing. The fact that Japanese fans clamored for ‘Rental Lover’ just from being mentioned in ‘Produce That 100!’ is proof.”
“Indeed.”
“However, Writer Rojun’s standing is currently higher in Korea than in Japan. Not only as an idol, but also as a writer and actor in ‘Rental Lover', he’s gained significant popularity.”
“......”
“Whether or not ‘Rental Lover’ airs, many production companies in Korea are already showing intense interest in Writer Rojun. So for Writer Rojun to commit to Netflix Japan would be a risk. Compared to Korea, the merit isn’t that great yet.”
This was both factual and a veiled warning from PD Woo Han-suk. Though polite, to rephrase it more bluntly: ‘This guy’s already killing it in Korea, so you’d better come begging.’
“Once he builds a solid base in Korea, there’ll be no issue expanding to Japan or elsewhere. Of course, Writer Rojun is still a rookie. But he’s unique. Executive Director, have you ever seen a writer with this kind of journey, or this kind of visual?”
“...Not at all.”
“Writers are usually not seen by the public. But in this case, Writer Rojun’s face alone is a guaranteed ticket. And what you’re seeing now is just the beginning of his rise. His influence will only grow from here, and with that momentum, any of his works will surely draw massive attention just by being announced.”
He only had one one-act drama, and even that hadn’t aired yet, but his current influence already outshined many mid-level writers.
“Writer Rojun has a star quality that other writers simply don’t.”
In short.
‘So don’t lowball us. Show some real commitment and offer a proper fee, you punks.’
A call to demonstrate genuine sincerity.
Then, as PD Woo Han-suk’s veiled warning settled in the air, Executive Director Tom Cavill silently.
“......”
Turned his gaze to the face genius sitting across from him, Kang Rojun. And then, he asked an unexpected question.
“Writer Rojun, do you intend to continue your activities as an actor as well?”
An actor? Out of nowhere? Kang Rojun blinked at Tom Cavill’s question. It made sense. They had been talking about his work as a writer, and suddenly, Tom Cavill was asking whether he planned to keep acting.
Even PD Woo Han-suk briefly twitched his brow in puzzlement.
‘Why is he suddenly swerving into acting talk at this moment? Hmm- Tom Cavill, this guy...’
However, as a veteran, he picked up on it quickly enough.
‘Looks like he’s not viewing Rojun just as a writer?’