That Rojun was the lyricist for top singer Bak Hyeonjeong's new album title track came as a shock not only to the *Geubaekpeu* staff.
“Huh?? Wh-wha??! Rojun’s name is stamped as the lyricist on Bak Hyeonjeong’s new?!”
“Oh!! Really?! What is this? An impersonation??”
“Producer U!! Do you know anything?!”
The *Rental Lover* team noticed just as quickly.
“The lyricist Rojun here, is that our writer?”
“It seems... right? Or not? I didn’t hear anything about it.”
Producer Jeong Suryeong let out a wry laugh as well.
“This must be our writer. Ha— but how did he end up connected to Bak Hyeonjeong??”
Not many people knew that Gang Rojun had written lyrics for the title track of Bak Hyeonjeong, the queen of the music industry. It had been carried out under strict secrecy from the start, and at most, only Rojun, Sihu, Song Mingeun, and Producer U Hanseok knew about it.
Of course, this included Bak Hyeonjeong herself.
“Keu— look at this, look! Isn’t it somehow cool seeing Rojun written there as the lyricist?”
“...Noona. Rather than that, you should check the reactions to our song.”
“We just released it, so we can check later!!”
Because it was such an unexpected situation, news related to Bak Hyeonjeong’s new song—
—Did you see Bak Hyeonjeong’s new song?? Rojun wrote the lyrics??!
—Heol? For real?!
—spread in the blink of an eye.
《Lyricist ‘Rojun’ on Bak Hyeonjeong’s New Song Released Today? / Photo》
This came right after the final winners of *Geubaekpeu* and the voting results for the 10 agencies were announced.
《‘Rojun’ Truly Everywhere—This Time as Lyricist for Bak Hyeonjeong’s New Song ‘Heukbaek Sori’》
《This Time as a Lyricist, ‘Rojun’ Participates in the Lyrics for None Other than Music Industry Queen Bak Hyeonjeong’s New Song》
Bak Hyeonjeong’s new album was like pouring gasoline onto a raging inferno, and even Gang Min and Do Gyeong—excluding Rojun and Sihu—gaped with their mouths hanging open.
“Hyung, no way. When did you even do this??”
“Right?! Wah— I nearly threw up from the shock. Lyrics for senior Bak Hyeonjeong’s new song??! That’s insane.”
On the other hand, Gang Rojun explained it as no big deal.
“Well, it just happened somehow.”
It had started with Sihu’s “Witch,” and because of that, it had led to Song Mingeun and Bak Hyeonjeong. But Rojun, perhaps finding it annoying, brushed it off roughly.
Regardless, the press was excited and put forth their own speculations. To the public, the collaboration between Gang Rojun and Bak Hyeonjeong came out of nowhere, so various tabloid rumors floated around as articles, and Bak Hyeonjeong only released an official statement a few hours after the song’s release.
《[Official] Bak Hyeonjeong Posts on SNS: “I Really Like the Lyrics Rojun Gave Me”》
Then, around that same afternoon, Bak Hyeonjeong’s new song on the hellish music charts filled with *Geubaekpeu* and *Rental Lover* tracks—
[1 (↑1)] Lovers (*Rental Lover* OST Part 1) / Rojun
[2 (New!)] Heukbaek Sori / Bak Hyeonjeong
[3 (↓1)] Survival 100 (Acoustic ver.) / Produce the 100! (Theme song)
·
·
·
·
—shot straight to number two.
Following behind.
Around the time Bak Hyeonjeong’s new song was trending, various domestic agencies clicked their tongues in awe toward Gang Rojun.
“Wow— this kid Rojun even wrote lyrics for Bak Hyeonjeong’s song? His momentum is just insane.”
“With this, his standing as a lyricist expands massively, doesn’t it? And it’s not just any singer, it’s Bak Hyeonjeong.”
“Right. From the *Geubaekpeu* theme songs to Bak Hyeonjeong’s new song, they’re all in the upper ranks of the charts. Even the Japanese charts.”
“He hit a home run as a writer just the other day, and now as a lyricist?? He’s a monster, a monster.”
“If this guy knows how to compose too... what the hell would happen??”
The 10 agencies that had participated in the *Geubaekpeu* filming for self-promotion were each in their own unique atmosphere. The viewer voting results had come out that morning, after all.
Naturally, EY Entertainment, which had taken first place, was like a house of celebration.
From employees to team leader-level executives.
“Hahaha! The viewers know too, of course—they know our EY is in the best form these days!!”
“Our self-promo was the longest, and we took first in the voting results, so the final winner kids are highly likely to pick us!”
“Highly likely?? No, it’s practically confirmed, confirmed! There’s no reason for them to pick another agency, right? Isn’t that right?”
“That’s right! They won’t do something stupid like going to another company when the number one agency is right there!”
From director-level executives all the way to the CEO.
“Hehe, then we should gradually start preparing to welcome the four from *Geubaekpeu*, shouldn’t we?”
“Congratulations, CEO.”
“The final results aren’t out yet, so let’s not get ahead of ourselves.”
“Isn’t it just a matter of time? GN was pushed to 5th in the voting results, and while Big Star is somewhat of a contender, surely Rojun and the others wouldn’t pick second place, would they?”
“Mmm— well, it doesn’t hurt to be prepared. Let’s start forming that dedicated team for the *Geubaekpeu* kids as decided.”
Big Star Entertainment, which had placed second, was similar.
“We can totally get the kids too! What’s the difference between first and second place, right?!”
“That’s right! EY must be riding high right now, but they don’t know yet!”
Eoullim and KRO Entertainment, which had placed third and fourth, also had high fighting spirits. Because it wasn’t a ranking worth giving up on.
But GN Entertainment, one of the Big Three yet pushed down to 5th place, was like a funeral parlor. From the executives to the distinguished middle-aged CEO, the atmosphere was quite depressed.
“...5th place.”
“Could there be some kind of error? Shouldn’t we ask the *Geubaekpeu* side to check again?”
“We already checked. 5th place is certain.”
“Damn it.”
“I was thinking at least 3rd place, but I never imagined 5th.”
“Hugh— more than anything, it’s infuriating that EY and Big Star took 1st and 2nd side by side.”
“At the end of the day, it’s just a vote held by *Geubaekpeu*. This is nothing more than a popularity poll.”
The GN Entertainment CEO, face stiff, spoke in a low voice.
“The more the result is like this, the more heavily we must take it.”
“...”
“If we only avoid reality like that, we’ll only be weeded out.”
However, even for the GN Entertainment CEO, seeing the final winners of *Geubaekpeu* in person—
“Feel the sense of crisis. Don’t just sit back.”
—was something that felt like it would be difficult.
A few days later, Friday the 20th.
The third week of November, where nuclear bombs had been dropping in succession, passed by like bullets with each day so full of issues. Before anyone knew it, Friday had arrived again, and the current time was around 8 PM.
*Rental Lover* episode 3 was in the middle of airing.
《Short Drama *Rental Lover* Concludes with Episode 3 Today, Viewers: “We Won’t Get to See ‘Lover No. 4’ Rojun Anymore?”》
It was also the final episode of *Rental Lover*.
Perhaps thanks to that, key members of *Rental Lover* had gathered in a medium-sized conference room in the Drama Department of SBC Broadcasting Station. Producer Jeong Suryeong, of course, and various key staff as well. They had all gathered to watch the final episode. In reality, they were watching *Rental Lover* being output on the monitor installed at the front of the conference room.
The key staff would exclaim while looking at Rojun filling the screen.
“Wow— no matter how many times I see him, Writer Rojun’s visuals are really...”
“I want to live with that face for just one day!”
They also burst into laughter at top actress Choe Rina’s comedic acting.
“Hahaha, I thought I was going to die laughing when I saw that cut on set too.”
“This time, Rina really nailed it by going all out and ruining her image.”
It was noisy and boisterous. The dozen or so key staff chattered incessantly while watching *Rental Lover*, but Producer Jeong Suryeong, sitting close to the monitor—
“...”
—was quietly taking it in without much reaction. She was watching *Rental Lover*, but she had a lot on her mind right now.
*When should I start the next one—*
Regarding her next project, the scripts were already there, of course. Two works that Gang Rojun had handed over. Producer Jeong Suryeong wanted to start right away if she could help it, but—
*I should wait a bit— there’s the Netflix Japan launch for Rental Lover, and Writer Rojun is finishing up with Geubaekpeu too.*
Realistically, she couldn’t rush things.
Around when roughly 40 minutes had passed like that—
—♬♪
With the OST “Lovers” sung by Gang Rojun playing, episode 3 of *Rental Lover* drew its curtains. The key staff clapped enthusiastically.
—Clap clap clap clap clap clap!
—Clap clap clap clap clap clap clap!
They also expressed congratulations or regret.
“Ah— it’s really over now.”
“No, not yet! Our *Rental Lover* still has its advance into Japan!”
“Aaah! Right??”
“What will the finale ratings be?”
“We already made legend, but if possible, it’d be nice to get a number no one can surpass, right??”
“PD! How do you feel!”
With all eyes in the meeting room on her, Producer Jeong Suryeong shrugged her shoulders.
“We make dramas in a day or two. And *Rental Lover* isn’t the end, it’s the beginning. All of you, maintain your form. I’ll call you all again soon.”
Then she turned her gaze back to the monitor and smiled.
“By the way, unfortunately, today’s protagonist isn’t *Rental Lover*, is it? Turn on *Geubaekpeu*.”
“Huh? You want to watch the JTVM channel on SBC??”
“So what? If we get caught, we’ll move then.”
Before long, *Geubaekpeu* began on the JTVM channel on the monitor. The time was around 9 PM. Today, *Geubaekpeu* was on episode 18 and, like *Rental Lover*, it was the final episode.
—‘Produce the 100!’
*Geubaekpeu*, having shown its logo, didn’t immediately show the live site. Starting with the final winner, Gang Rojun—
—[“Did I think I would make it? Yes. I had a feeling I would.”]
Interview clips of Sihu, Gang Min, and Do Gyeong appeared, followed by behind-the-scenes cuts from the start of *Geubaekpeu* until now. The days when all 100 had first met, from the first evaluation to the fourth, times spent practicing like crazy, the time Rojun went running, and so on.
Roughly 30 minutes were allocated to this.
Then, *Geubaekpeu* suddenly revealed the stage. The four final winners preparing on stage were Rojun, Sihu, Gang Min, and Do Gyeong. From here, it was live broadcast. In *Geubaekpeu*, which proceeded with a mix of pre-recordings and live broadcast like a music show, a familiar song began to play.
—♬♪
The first song that rang out with colorful lights was “Produce.” Rojun, Sihu, Gang Min, and Do Gyeong began powerful choreography matching the song.
—T_T T_T I personally really liked this song when they used it for the surprise stage....
—It hits different with four people lollll love it
—They’re so good loooL they must’ve practiced like crazy in such a short time
—So damn cool... guys please debut soon....
The stage the final winners presented to the viewers as the children of *Geubaekpeu* continued into “Survival 100” and “Daedamhan.” The four who had been passionately performing stopped about 15 minutes later.
In the dark atmosphere, white lights snapped on, illuminating the stage. Rojun and the members, panting for breath in street-style outfits, stood in a straight line. Gang Rojun, who had been staring at the camera for a moment, gave the members a look.
—[“One, two, three.”]
They bowed deeply to the countless viewers.
—[“Thank you!!”]
Soon, something appeared on the giant screen behind the stage. The logos of the 10 agencies that had participated in this *Geubaekpeu* filming. Diverse logos, from EY Entertainment in 1st place via viewer votes to Big Star, GN Entertainment, and others. Thanks to countless viewers, the chat window was in an uproar, and of course, at this moment, the 10 agencies were also watching the *Geubaekpeu* live broadcast.
EY Entertainment too.
“Keu— look at the kids’ stage, the stage. The more I see it, the more I want them!”
“Right? We’ll be able to get them, won’t we??”
And Big Star Entertainment.
“Please! Please, kids, choose us!!”
And GN Entertainment, which unexpectedly placed 5th in the viewer vote.
“Hugh— I tried to somehow hide my greed... but watching the four of them on stage, I’m going crazy.”
“Damn it, are we just going to send them somewhere else without doing anything??!”
Of course, from Eoullim to KRO Entertainment, the remaining agencies were also watching *Geubaekpeu* with fiery eyes.
Here—
—[“Now it is the final winners’ selection time.”]
Producer U Hanseok’s voice spread from the TV.
—[“The final winners will choose one entertainment company.”]
A handheld mic was handed only to Gang Rojun among the four on stage. Soon, the sight of Rojun and the members turning to look at the screen behind them. The four, who had been looking at the 10 agencies, turned their gazes back to the camera. Gang Rojun slowly raised the mic. He seemed to be making the announcement as the representative of the final winners.
—[“Our choice of four is.”]
Around this time, countless speculations were flooding the open chat.
—Probably EY lollll
—Yeah EY was first in viewer votes too
—It’ll be one of EY, Big Star, or Eoullim lollll
—What about GN?
—GN was 5th in viewer votes this time lollll public opinion crashed
—Info: Viewer vote results were EY 1st, Big Star 2nd, Eoullim 3rd
—Lmaooo EY Entertainment is probably celebrating with fanfare right now lolllll
—If they get the Geubaekpeu kids too, EY would just become the sole number one, right?
—EY, do better once you take Rojun, Sihu, Gang Min, and Do Gyeong!!
GN Entertainment watching this in real-time was utterly gloomy. The atmosphere had completely sunken from the CEO watching *Geubaekpeu* down to all the executives.
“...The situation is very bad.”
“The viewers are betting heavily on EY too.”
“Hugh— it’s a shame.”
“CEO, what do you think?”
“What can we do? Whatever the result, it’s those children’s choice.”
On the other hand, EY Entertainment had an atmosphere no different from a festival.
“More than 80% of the viewer sentiment has shifted to us!!”
“They’re all betting on EY!”
“Hahaha, with this flow, isn’t it safe to say it’s practically confirmed??”
“Right! We should prepare to go to the *Geubaekpeu* campus right away?? Haha!”
“Congratulations, CEO!”
At that moment, Gang Rojun’s low voice came through the handheld mic on the large TV they were watching.
—[“Our choice of four is GN Entertainment.”]
One of the EY Entertainment executives laughed heartily.
“Hahaha! As expected!! GN Enter... huh? Wait, what did he say?”
He faltered, and the smile vanished from his face immediately.
“Did that kid just say GN... instead of our EY?”