PD Jeong Suryeong stared intently at Kang Rojun, who sat across from her—a man with visuals that could effortlessly chew up even fairly established actors.
"······"
Then, a cup of water. After lightly setting down the cup, she crossed her arms.
"An appearance—hmm, of course it's possible. But it depends on what you have in mind, Writer-nim. Dramas involve a lot of people. In one scene, there are leads, supporting actors, minor supporting roles, not to mention bit parts and extras. Have you heard of an 'image bit part'?"
"Yes, I think I've seen it."
"Yeah. Simply put, no lines, but your face gets a cut. Depending on the situation, you might capture a surprised expression or something; it's similar to an insert shot. There are roles like that, so which one were you thinking of when you asked? Leads or supporting roles? Or something light like being an extra?"
To the counter-question, Kang Rojun answered immediately.
"I don't think it matters which one. I also know well that this isn't a market where I can say I want to appear and get a light okay."
In truth, Rojun hadn't blurted out the question of whether he could appear to PD Jeong Suryeong recklessly. He had already been thinking about it for a while and had finished various calculations.
Actor? Would that be easy?
It would certainly take a long time, and there would be much to study just like with the idol side. However, it was Kang Rojun who could shorten that time. Because he had the 'AI Simulation.'
'Lead? Supporting? Those are too heavy. Even being an extra is fine for now; I'm just aiming for it because acting is also a side job.'
The title bestowed upon him, 'Side Job Tycoon.' That title had manifested while he was working as a writer, and it was said to strengthen up to +5. Thinking simply, the way to strengthen 'Side Job Tycoon' was to increase his side jobs.
'Plus, there's acting in my status stats. If I'm going to be an idol, it means I'll have to do acting someday anyway.'
Around yesterday, Kang Rojun had experimented with this and that in the 'AI Automation.' Similar to vocals and choreography, he had written down that he wanted to perfectly learn the acting for roles related to 'Rental Lover.'
The result?
'All totally possible.'
The 'AI Automation,' having completed its analysis, demanded coins from Rojun. If he just pressed decline on the coin usage here, he could experiment as much as he wanted.
'As I suspected, the coins differed depending on the difficulty of the role.'
It was the 'AI Automation' that perfectly taught songs or choreography in mere seconds. Would acting be difficult? Whatever the case, Kang Rojun had asked PD Jeong Suryeong after accounting for everything. Well, of course, he was also curious and interested. Right now, everything was new and enjoyable to Kang Rojun. Fear and worry existed too, but his anticipation was greater than those things.
"I don't mind even being an extra, PD-nim."
This was Kang Rojun's sincere feeling. No, rather, being an extra might be just right for now. He was aiming to start by reading the atmosphere and climb up bit by bit from the bottom.
Could you call it speed control?
On the other hand, PD Jeong Suryeong.
"······An extra—"
Still with her arms crossed, she silently gauged Kang Rojun across from her. An extra? It would be easy to cast him as an extra.
'Looking at his eyes, it doesn't seem like a lie, and his serious expression makes it seem like he's thought about it quite a bit.'
But PD Jeong Suryeong thought it was too much of a waste.
'But that face is a waste to use only as an extra.'
An average-looking actor would naturally start as an extra or an image bit part. An acting field so scarce that one would beg for even that. But Kang Rojun's face was, in PD Jeong Suryeong's eyes, undoubtedly top-tier.
'No, it's god-tier.'
Here, PD Jeong Suryeong's instincts as a director flashed. Keywords like writer, actor, and idol floated up in her mind.
'My gut says his value will shoot up soon. Whether as an idol or whatever.'
Since the one-act drama was planned to run mainly on newcomers anyway, expecting acting skills from a newcomer was foolish. The circumstances of one-act dramas demanded gaining the maximum with the minimum. Then, having made a decision, PD Jeong Suryeong uncrossed her arms and opened her mouth.
"Writer-nim Gang Cheolsu, have you perhaps done any acting before?"
As if it were obvious, Rojun immediately shook his head.
"No. I haven't."
"Right? I didn't really expect much in terms of acting."
As expected, he was a complete novice. Still, PD Jeong Suryeong took out her phone with a look that said she had anticipated this.
"May I film you for a moment? I want to see how you look on screen."
"Yes."
She filmed the seated Kang Rojun on video. About 10 seconds. Then she played it back. Soon, PD Jeong Suryeong smiled.
'What is this quality?? It's absurd. The screen can't capture even half of his real-life looks, but at this level, he captures attention just by staying still.'
PD Jeong Suryeong, whose interest had skyrocketed, answered Rojun.
"Hmm— Writer-nim, how about a role like an image bit part instead of an extra?"
A role like an image bit part? Was there such a role in 'Rental Lover'? Writer Kang Rojun recalled the characters he had written in 'Rental Lover' and asked back.
"As far as I know, there isn't a role like an image bit part."
"There isn't, not yet."
PD Jeong Suryeong suddenly lifted the 'Rental Lover' script she had brought with her.
"But we can create one. In the content of 'Rental Lover,' rental lovers arrive for the female lead, right? But they all have some kind of flaw."
"Yes."
"In the script, rental lovers appear up to number 3, so we add a fourth lover."
PD Jeong Suryeong intoned, pointing her index finger at Kang Rojun.
"Lover number 4. A face that's insanely handsome, but beyond taciturn—someone who doesn't talk at all."
"Ah—"
"We're supplementing by adding one lover. The script will be modified anyway; such things are common. How is it? With that setting, it feels like an image bit part while also properly giving off a supporting/bit role vibe."
In other words, PD Jeong Suryeong was trying to create a supporting or bit role and bestow it upon Kang Rojun. Soon, Kang Rojun thought inwardly that it wasn't bad, but also:
'At that level— could I try doing it without using 'AI Automation'?'
He nodded his head.
"I'll try it."
Afterward.
Kang Rojun received various pieces of advice from PD Jeong Suryeong. How to modify the script, how things would proceed after the modification, and so on. Additionally, she added these words.
"Let's say your appearance is confirmed based on how the revised script turns out, but even if it doesn't work out well, an extra role is possible. Okay?"
Additionally, while Kang Rojun was working on the script revision, PD Jeong Suryeong planned to smoothly roll out the pre-production stage as originally planned. First, assembling the staff team was the most urgent task, but for PD Jeong Suryeong, already in her 15th year, it wasn't that difficult.
Having spent quite a long time with PD Jeong Suryeong, Rojun returned to 'The 100%' campus around the afternoon.
Kang Rojun, having informed the staff that he was back, entered Room 105.
-Swish.
'Everyone's out.'
His colleagues were nowhere to be seen, probably out for training, and Rojun, who grabbed his laptop without much fuss, immediately headed for the lounge. At the same time, something came to mind.
'Ah, are Number 10 and Hayeong-nim practicing their chemistry right now??'
He wondered if he should peek out of curiosity, but quickly dismissed the thought and settled at a desk in the lounge. First, he opened a notepad and jotted down everything PD Jeong Suryeong had told him.
Once he finished writing, there was quite a lot.
Then, Rojun opened the 'Rental Lover' script and crossed his arms.
'Hmm. Doesn't talk, but his face is insanely handsome. The fourth lover.'
Since it was a non-existent character, he had to create the story.
'It's crazy embarrassing to be told to create the role I'll play.'
His thoughts grew slightly complicated, but Kang Rojun soon simplified them. Whatever, just write it thinking it's word trash like I've done until now. No need to overdo it. Just concise and simple.
Before long, Rojun began tapping away at his laptop.
How much time had passed?
Kang Rojun, who had been hammering away at his laptop in a trance, checked the time. Already two hours had passed. Just then, an announcement came on.
"Ahh, hello everyone of 'The 100%.' This is PD Woo Hanseok."
The relay from PD Woo Hanseok continued.
"As you all know, the second evaluation filming will proceed from the morning of tomorrow, July 24th, until the 26th. On the first day, the 24th, it's the 'Dance Team,' on the 25th the 'Vocal Team,' and on the 26th the 'Rap Team,' in that order."
Kang Rojun, who had briefly stopped his fingers, was slightly nervous.
'It's already tomorrow. Time flies so fast.'
Regardless, PD Woo Hanseok's briefing continued.
"There will be separate guidance from the staff tomorrow morning, but I'm informing you in advance. Including the dance team that will be evaluated, all remaining teams will gather in the designated waiting rooms. Then, see you tomorrow. Ahh, and finally, tomorrow night is the first broadcast of our 'The 100%'!"
Kang Rojun exclaimed once more.
"Ah— right, the first broadcast is tomorrow."
With the first broadcast approaching right after the second evaluation.
The next day, the morning of the 24th.
The production crew of 'The 100%' had been hectic since early morning. The massive hall with the stage set up prior to the second evaluation filming, the various waiting rooms, and so on. Over a hundred staff members were positioned everywhere, and the cameras were the same.
The interesting point was that the stage set for the survival evaluation had changed.
"Let's test the stage lights!!"
"Okay!"
"The set has no problems!!!"
"They say the PD went to check!"
Aside from various star-shaped structures and the 'The 100%' logo, some things were similar, but the lighting and stage colors were more splendid and there was more to see. Especially, the 'The 100%' logo embedded massively on the stage floor was quite a sight.
"Next, sound check!!"
At this point, five people arrived at the judges' seats, which had become wider and larger and were very close to the stage. The judges. The existing Yun Seungwon, Gong Jumi, Song Mingeun, and Lee Dami were the same, but one person had been added. It was the currently active famous choreographer, Lee Hanna. Her stage name was Jessica. Lee Hanna, whose firm lean muscles stood out, admired the evaluation stage.
"Great— the stage quality is so good I'd believe it if you said it was a concert!"
All the judges, including the surprised Lee Hanna, praised the changed stage, and PD Woo Hanseok approached them. Today too, he looked utterly exhausted.
"Hahaha, since viewer voting starts from the second round, we put in some effort."
"You can tell from the stage alone how determined you were, PD Woo. The kids being evaluated there are blessed, truly blessed. Even if they get eliminated, just having performed on that stage is enough experience."
"When does the main filming start??"
"In 30 minutes. First, we'll do a simple sound rehearsal and then go straight into it."
Lee Dami, who was from a girl group, placed her hand on her chest.
"I'm already looking forward to it. You said it starts with the dance team, right? Since it's mixed-gender duet choreography, there'll be a lot to see."
Soon, PD Woo Hanseok smiled meaningfully at the judges.
"Please take good care of today's evaluation. Do as you wish as much as you want."
Meanwhile, in the waiting room lined with several sofas.
The sight of two men and one woman sitting on a sofa. Twenty contestants and ten girl group members. Thirty in total. This was the 'Dance Team' waiting room. A large screen at the front, small cameras visible here and there, cameras and staff standing near the entrance. The atmosphere was similar to the first round.
If there was a difference, it was quite noisy.
The numbered contestants and girl group members seemed to have gotten quite friendly by team, chatting in twos and threes. However, the girls kept sneaking glances toward the first sofa.
The reason was simple.
'What's with his side profile? His visuals are insane.'
'Last time I was a bit far so it was a shame, but seeing him up close, he's seriously handsome, isn't he?!'
The target was Kang Rojun.
On the sofa where he sat were Rojun and Number 10, with Hayeong between them. Number 10, with his red hair, was busy chattering away to Hayeong, perhaps because he was nervous or because he was originally like that, and Hayeong gave a half-hearted reaction while smiling awkwardly. As for Kang Rojun?
"······"
Currently taciturn. It might have looked like he was reading the room, but it wasn't. It was hard to get his scattered mind under control because a pleasant scent had been coming from Hayeong since earlier.
'Hayeong-nim is totally different from when we practiced, today.'
The contestants only had basic makeup on, but the invited girl group members were in full makeup. Soon, Hayeong, who had been subtly checking the atmosphere, quietly asked Rojun.
"Number 1, did you practice a lot?"
Kang Rojun turned his head and answered simply.
"Enough to be able to do it."
At that moment, Number 10, narrowing his brows, cut in.
"But Number 1, when do you practice? I don't think anyone's seen you."
"Around morning."
"Ah— you do it when everyone's training. Since we didn't see you, I thought you weren't practicing at all."
At that moment.
"Number 1, Number 10! Move to the stage!!"
Gang Rojun was called up. At that, the other team participants began murmuring or tossing out words of encouragement, and No. 10, Hayeong, and Rojun walked down the corridor following the staff’s guidance. In the meantime, Hayeong, in a tight short-sleeved shirt, felt her heart pounding like mad.
‘Hoo— I’m not even the one being judged, so why am I this nervous???’
Looking at No. 10, he, too, was easing his nerves with deep breaths. Gang Rojun, however, wore the same calm expression as before.
‘What? He’s the only one who’s composed??’
And so, after the three of them heard a few things from the staff behind the stage, they moved onto it. Bright lights were currently shining down. The judges seated at the front were already in place. Hayeong’s heart began pounding even harder.
Soon.
-♬♪
The song “brake” played several times across the entire stage. It was for rehearsal, and after confirming there were no issues, the staff left the stage. Before anyone knew it, around a hundred staff members had positioned themselves behind the judges, and numerous cameras and lights were aimed at the stage.
It was then that PD U Hanseok gave the signal.
“Standby— we’re starting.”
Naturally, filming for the second round of judging began in earnest, and the host, Jang Daehan, dressed in a suit, continued explaining the second round. Then he gestured to the three standing at center stage and spoke.
“This is the first choreography team. No. 1, No. 10! And Hayeong.”
Once introduced, starting with Rojun, then Hayeong in the middle, and No. 10 at the end, they bowed at ninety degrees. The judges chuckled and applauded. As if he had been waiting, the plump Song Mingeun lifted his hand mic.
“The choreography song is ‘brake,’ right? I’m looking forward to it, but before we begin, shall we hear each contestant’s resolution? No. 10, uh— you showed us some good choreography in the first round. How are you feeling today?”
No. 10 shouted with spirit.
“My condition is great!”
No. 10, with his reddish hair, glanced at Gang Rojun standing to Hayeong’s right.
“No. 1 is good at vocals, but when it comes to choreography, I think I can beat him! No, I will beat him!”
“Hahaha, nice. You need at least that much fighting spirit. Then No. 1— wow, today as well, you’re just devouring everyone with your face alone. But I heard you skipped the training. Will you be okay?”
Gang Rojun, who received the mic, glanced at No. 10 once as well, then answered plainly.
“It’s not much of an obstacle. Neither the training nor No. 10.”
His tone was calm, yet thoroughly villain-like. At that, the judges laughed as if they were fed up and shook their heads. Most of them wore expressions that seemed to say, Fine, let’s see what you can do. The judges then gave the OK sign, and host Jang Daehan, understanding it, left the stage.
A moment later.
-Paht!
The lights shining on the stage went out. Darkness quickly settled over the entire stage.
-♬♪
The beat of “brake” began to play.