Chapter 98: Japan (6)
At the sudden question thrown by Tom Cavill of Netflix Japan. PD Woo Han-suk, who had roughly grasped the situation regarding that question, turned his head toward Rojun. He whispered quietly.
"Well, I think it's okay to be honest about this part."
Honestly, Kang Rojun scratched his chin lightly.
'I'll just say it as it is.'
He answered Tom Cavill, the Executive Director, in fluent Japanese.
"As of now, that is my plan. Although my main job is being an idol, I don't intend to neglect side jobs like writing or acting."
Tom Cavill slowly nodded his head.
"I see. Honestly, I was surprised. No, I was shocked. Writer Rojun’s capability as a singer that I saw on the fourth evaluation of the ‘Produce That 100!’ in Korea was remarkable, and yet, you’re also working as a writer and actor, and I even heard talk about songwriting. It was astonishing to see how you're managing all that, even though the schedule for ‘Produce That 100!’ must be quite busy."
It was true that he was busy, but Kang Rojun was in a happy state.
"I like being insanely busy." "Haha, is that so? Hmm- so you did intend to continue acting after ‘Rental Lover'. Well, Writer Rojun’s visuals are too good to be seen only in Korea. You should be widely known overseas, both as an idol, your main job, and as an actor, your side job."
Tom Cavill paused for a moment.
'Even one outstanding skill is enough to go global, but this guy, everything he has, starting from his face, is connected, and all of it shines.'
Tom Cavill, though currently in Japan, was once a fairly well-known producer in Hollywood. Even from his perspective, this young Korean man in front of him was a type he had never encountered before.
'He's an unbelievable existence. If he grows just a bit more, he won’t just stir up the ecosystem, he’ll be a monster that shatters it.'
He then turned his gaze to PD Woo Han-suk.
"The things PD-nim mentioned, we’ve also been properly aware of them. We don’t consider Writer Rojun as merely a rookie writer, and we plan to make our proposal after a thorough assessment of everything."
PD Woo Han-suk nodded.
"Thank you. Still, since I've been with Writer Rojun for quite a while, I was concerned, so I decided to mention it."
"I understand."
As the atmosphere eased a little, Tom Cavill asked Kang Rojun.
"Writer-nim, did you happen to bring the script?"
"Yes."
Rojun, who had the two scripts on his lap, placed them on the table. The moment Tom Cavill saw the thick scripts, his eyes sparkled, and Kang Rojun pushed the scripts toward him. Unable to resist, Executive Director Tom Cavill opened his mouth.
"I’ll take a moment to check."
As he opened the script, his eyes suddenly widened. He looked across at Rojun in that state.
"Could it be, did you translate these scripts into Japanese?"
Kang Rojun chuckled inwardly.
'How's that for sincerity? Huh? How is it?'
Outwardly, he responded calmly.
"Yes, it's not yet confirmed whether we’ll be working with Netflix Japan, but I translated them as a courtesy."
"Thank... you."
In truth, it wouldn’t have mattered if the scripts were in Korean. Translating into Japanese would’ve been Netflix Japan’s job. The fact that Kang Rojun had done it in advance deeply moved Tom Cavill. For several minutes, they discussed the scripts, and then Tom Cavill wrapped up.
"We’ll review it thoroughly and carefully before getting back to you."
PD Woo Han-suk recalled PD Jung Soo-ryeong. There was a specific line she had insisted on delivering.
"By the way, these scripts weren’t given only to Netflix Japan."
It was a tactic to make Netflix Japan more eager.
Meanwhile.
Just as the meeting between Kang Rojun and Netflix Japan was wrapping up, news about ‘Produce That 100!’ was pouring out in both Korea and Japan.
《[Issue Talk] ‘Produce That 100!’ team finishes small concert in Tokyo》
《Japanese fans also fell for ‘Produce That 100!’, interview with concert attendees... “I almost fainted!”》
In Korea especially, the new theme song ‘Survival 100’ was the main topic.
《‘Produce That 100!’ theme song ‘Survival 100’, tops the charts upon release!》
《‘Survival 100’ sweeps various music platforms / photo》
《Lyrics by Rojun, composition by Si-hoo, ‘Survival 100’ goes straight to No.1 on Melon》
The viewership rating for episode 13 of ‘Produce That 100!’, which aired yesterday, was also announced.
《[Issue Pick] ‘Produce That 100!’ hits another viewership peak! Episode 13 ratings at 32.1%》
《‘Produce That 100!’ reaches 32.1%, how high can the viewership go?》
Around noon, while both Korea and Japan were still buzzing, Kang Rojun and the 'Produce That 100!' team boarded their return flight to Korea.
《Participants of ‘Produce That 100!’ return after finishing mini concert in Japan, all smiles / Photo》
Just like in Japan, hundreds of reporters and fans swarmed Gimpo Airport. Compared to their departure, the attention was several times greater. Unlike their departure, the return schedule could be roughly tracked by the media and public.
Regardless, the 'Produce That 100!' team managed to leave the airport with some difficulty and headed straight to the campus.
They arrived around 2 p.m.
PD Woo Han-suk announced rest for the participants who had worked hard.
"Rest well today and tomorrow, you'll get sick if you overwork yourselves."
The participants cheered, and naturally, PD Woo Han-suk had to return immediately to the broadcasting station. He had to edit episode 14 and select footage from the recent mini concert in Japan. It was just as PD Woo Han-suk reached the station, his base of operations, when it happened.
-Bzzzz, bzzzz.
His phone vibrated for a long time. It was a call from PD Jung Soo-ryeong.
"Yes, PD Jung."
"Is this a good time to talk? I was just curious about the Japan story."
"Haha, it ended well."
PD Woo Han-suk briefly explained the meeting between Rojun and Netflix Japan. PD Jung sounded relieved, with a smile in her voice.
"Once Netflix Japan sees those scripts, they’ll drool even more."
"The scripts are that good?"
"They’re amazing. All three of them, including the one given to Netflix Japan."
"Now I’m curious-"
"Oh! By the way, in the past few days, a few writer management agencies contacted me. But I thought it’d be smoother if they reached out to you instead, so I passed them on. You’ll probably start getting calls soon, so please explain things to Writer Rojun."
"I figured interest would start bubbling up, but it came earlier than expected. I’ve already explained to Rojun-nim that idol and writer agencies need to be separate."
"As expected. Then, all that’s left is to set up meetings between the managers and Writer-nim. Once those are confirmed, just let me know which agencies they are. I’ll explain the management part to the writer myself."
About an hour after the call, PD Woo Han-suk began receiving calls from writer management agencies. They ranged from small to mid-sized, and the message was simple, they really wanted to meet Writer Rojun. However, as PD Jung had already briefed him.
‘With someone going overseas as a writer, an inexperienced or weak management company just doesn’t make sense.’
He cut off the small ones on his own.
In the entertainment industry, the influence of a management company can’t be ignored. Most of the top-tier idols today were under major entertainment companies. Ultimately, it comes down to financial power.
Therefore, the minimum requirement to meet Kang Rojun would be a mid-sized agency.
As PD Woo Han-suk took calls from several mid-sized agencies and finally arrived at the editing room.
-Bzzzz, bzzzz.
His phone rang again. Another unregistered number, likely Rojun-related. As he put the phone to his ear, PD Woo Han-suk’s eyes suddenly widened.
"...Where? ‘Culture Drawer’??"
At the same time, back at the ‘Produce That 100!’ campus.
While the other participants were sleeping or resting, Kang Rojun, who had just showered and whose black hair was still slightly damp, was sitting in the lounge and not resting.
-Tadadadadak!
He was typing rapidly on his laptop. He was in the middle of writing a movie scenario. In fact, as soon as he arrived at the campus, Rojun had also completed the daily mission he had missed in Japan.
-[Coins Owned: 777]
The reason he jumped straight into writing the scenario was.
‘I can probably finish it today.’
Because the script’s completion was right around the corner. Thanks to that, even as a few participants glanced in disbelief, Kang Rojun stayed laser-focused.
After a few hours, he finally closed all his devices.
“Whew- done.”
He scratched his chin while looking at the completed script on his laptop.
‘This time, I had a lot going on, so it took longer. Still, it doesn’t feel bad.’
He had written it, but the evaluation of this scenario would be done by others, not Rojun. Soon, Kang Rojun, who was loosening his head from side to side, was about to move on to the next task.
This time, studying composition and lyrics writing.
Just then.
"Ah."
As if something had come to mind, he pulled out his phone and accessed the ‘AI Simulation’ app. He recalled the item waiting for him in his inventory.
-[Inventory]
-[1] 10-Point Stat Enhancement Coupon
It was an item he had received when the title 'Recognition Monster' was enhanced to +4, and with a faint smile, Kang Rojun used the item immediately.
‘I already hit 40 in Singing Ability, let’s go with Dance.’
Along with a tingling sensation in his wrist, a few messages appeared on his phone screen, and then the updated stats were displayed.
-[Appearance (100/100)│Singing Ability (40.1/100)│Rap (44/100)│Dance (36.3/100)│Eloquence (17.5/100)│Acting (20.1/100)│Lyrics Writing (100/100)│Composition (19.8/100)│Arrangement (0/100)]
Rojun, whose satisfaction deepened, immediately.
-Swish.
Dove into studying lyrics writing and composition.
The next morning, Sunday.
The ‘Produce That 100!’ team had a day off until today. However, Kang Rojun could be found in a recording studio from the morning. Wearing a hat pulled low, his dazzling visuals were still impossible to hide as he sat on a sofa. He had visited this recording studio before.
And today.
‘OST recording- It’s my first time doing an OST, but I guess the process is the same?’
It was the day to record 'Lovers', the OST for 'Rental Lover', for which Kang Rojun had written the lyrics and would be doing the vocals. It was already October 18, and with the first broadcast of 'Rental Lover' set for November 6, time was tight.
After wrapping up a short meeting with the audio staff, PD Jung Soo-ryeong approached Rojun.
“Writer-nim.”
She looked in pretty rough shape. She had lost weight, had deep dark circles under her eyes, and her already messy hair looked even more disheveled. Rojun couldn’t help but worry.
“PD-nim, are you okay? You don’t look far from collapsing.”
“Me? Pfft- If I collapsed from something like this, I couldn’t be a drama director. This is common, common.”
That’s common? Just how merciless is the drama scene? Rojun felt a bit of a chill as PD Jung Soo-ryeong posed a question.
“You haven’t done an OST recording before, right?”
“No.”
“There’s not much difference from what you did on ‘Produce That 100!’, so don’t feel pressured at all. Just take it easy.”
“I feel fine, for now. A bit nervous, though.”
“Yeah, yeah. Oh, and the fact that you’re handling the OST… We’ll probably announce it around the time the first teaser for ‘Rental Lover’ is released. If people hear that Writer-nim wrote the script, acted, and even did the OST, the reporters will be drooling again.”
Writing, acting, and OST, achieving a triple crown. For a buzz-heavy drama like 'Rental Lover', it was the perfect final hook. PD Jung then continued explaining about the OST recording, and toward the end, Rojun brought up another topic.
"I understand. Ah- by the way, PD-nim. I finished writing that movie scenario I mentioned before.”
“…Do you have a motor in your hands? How did you finish that already?”
“I thought it took me longer than usual.”
Shaking her head as if overwhelmed, PD Jung turned serious.
“Hmm… Writer-nim, I heard you received information about writer management from PD Woo Han-suk?"
“Yes, I heard.”
“Have you set up any meetings?”
"Around tomorrow."
If a meeting with a writer management agency was imminent, then there was no need for PD Jung to personally handle anything related to the movie scenario Rojun had completed.
'I can wait a bit and when he contracts with management, they can handle it.'
But PD Jung Soo-ryeong had three things on her mind. First was the promise she made to personally push Rojun’s movie scenario.
Second.
‘This monster writer’s movie scenario, I’m honestly dying to know what it’s like.’
Pure curiosity as a director.
Lastly, the management issue.
‘Usually, works initiated by a writer before they sign with a manager are handled by the agency without taking commission, right?’
Works handled independently by a writer before signing are typically passed over to the management agency as a free service. The writer already did the work, so it makes sense for the agency to just handle the rest.
In short.
“If I move on it now, I can push that movie scenario without paying any fee.”
“…Huh?”
“It’s nothing.”
With a small chuckle, PD Jung Soo-ryeong waved her phone at Kang Rojun.
“Okay, send the scenario to my phone.”