PD Jeong Su-ryeong suggested that instead of letting Kang Rojun’s three scripts sit, they should spread them out in various directions. If a script was decent or interesting, the usual behavior of drama PDs and production PDs was to monopolize it and produce it step by step.
The more heavyweight or impressive the writer who wrote the script was, the more that was the case.
If possible, they signed them exclusively; if that was difficult, they secured as many of that writer’s scripts as they could. It was hard to know which work would blow up before the lid was opened, and it was also to gain a competitive edge over other broadcasting stations or production companies. Of course, in the process, scripts sometimes never saw the light of day and ended up buried.
Therefore, heavyweight, star writers did not cling to just one route.
《Super heavyweight writer Han Seo-ryeong, who worked with MBS on her previous project, joins hands with KBC this time》
Writers who wrote quickly sometimes signed multiple contracts with broadcasting stations and production companies, and occasionally, several works by the same writer would open around the same time. Films, dramas, plays, and so on. Naturally, this was not something that applied to rookie writers, and Kang Rojun, at present, was no different from a toddling baby writer who had only gotten one one-act drama produced.
However, PD Jeong Su-ryeong thought Writer Rojun was different from ordinary writers, and judging that the route taken by heavyweight writers would help him, she recommended a many-pronged approach.
Rojun was fast with his hands, too.
Even amid that hectic schedule, he was whipping up a film scenario. Proof that he had plenty of talent not only as an idol, but also as a writer. On top of that, every work he wrote was packed full of freshness, familiar-flavored clichés, and fun.
The destination Kang Rojun brought up was.
“What about Netflex Japan?”
It was Netflex Japan, which had recently entered Korea. At the unexpected question, PD Jeong Su-ryeong was slightly surprised.
‘Netflex Japan?? This is sudden. I thought he’d definitely be thinking domestic.’
Producing something in Korea, airing it, and then sending it overseas was worlds apart from having it made overseas from the start. If it went well, he could earn the title of promoting national prestige by devouring not only the domestic market but overseas too, but it would not be easy. There were language issues, territoriality in foreign markets, and so on.
That was why it was hard to find precedents.
The reason Kang Rojun had this thought was fairly simple.
The starting point had been “lyric writing.”
‘Writing lyrics in English and Japanese? Totally possible.’
There had also been PD Woo Han-seok’s words.
“You could even write, write lyrics, and act in Japanese, couldn’t you?”
For Kang Rojun, whose English and Japanese were currently at native-speaker level, there was no problem at all with handling overseas activities related to being a singer, including lyric writing, as well as writing and acting. In fact, Rojun had experimented in various ways with English and Japanese, and the results had been very positive. His English and Japanese were at a level no different from his Korean.
At this point, it was only natural for his curiosity to be piqued.
Would the things I write work in other countries too?
‘Even if they don’t, it’s not a bad thing. I need to experience it to figure out the problems and see what needs to be fixed.’
Only after failing could the next step finally come into view.
Kang Rojun, whose past had been hideous, knew that better than anyone. Right now, every condition he had, including his face, was absurdly overpowered. Then, of course, even if it was reckless, he had to try, didn’t he?
‘I can challenge both domestic and overseas markets simultaneously. It’d be one thing if I only had one script, but I have three.’
Then Kang Rojun looked at Jeong Su-ryeong and opened his mouth.
“I heard that the Netflex Japan team came to the fourth evaluation of ‘Geubaekpeu’ recently. I thought it was fascinating. That a Netflex team from another country would watch our stage.”
“Ah—when they had a meeting with me, they were praising Writer Rojun nonstop.”
“They were? I didn’t know. Anyway, seeing it in person made me think it wasn’t as far away as I’d imagined. Also—‘Geubaekpeu’ is already airing in Japan, and I heard ‘Rental Lover’ is launching in Japan soon too, so I became interested.”
“In Netflex Japan.”
“Yes.”
“······”
After hearing him out, PD Jeong Su-ryeong ran a hand through her dry, frizzy hair. Her eyes were full of interest.
‘When I first heard it, I thought it was a little unexpected······ but at this timing, there’s nothing quite like Netflex Japan.’
Japan, too, was deeply soaked in “Geubaekpeu,” and Kang Rojun’s popularity there was high. The reason Netflex Japan had shown interest in “Rental Lover” was also thanks to Rojun.
‘There are very few writers who enter Japan through a route like this. No, there’s no way any exist. If this kid pulls it off, that too will become a unique filmography only “Writer Rojun” has.’
The first step toward becoming a one-of-a-kind existence both as an idol and as a writer.
‘It’s not absurd either. Thinking back to the meeting with Netflex Japan, General Director Tom Cavill had a lot of interest in Writer Rojun.’
She did not know whether he would openly bite at it, but if she conveyed this matter, Tom Cavill would certainly show no small reaction. Soon, Jeong Su-ryeong raised the corners of her mouth.
“This could be interesting. Idol, writer. If those two mesh properly, the synergy between them will be considerable. Whether in Korea or Japan.”
“Being an idol is the main thing, though.”
“I suppose so. You said writing was a side job, didn’t you?”
“Yes.”
“Whatever it is, a drama written by the idol you love. That would be hard to resist. Conversely, the person who wrote a work you enjoyed turns out to be an idol? That side won’t be able to resist either.”
As if the more she imagined it, the more chills ran through her, PD Jeong Su-ryeong’s smile deepened as she asked.
“Japanese won’t be a problem. If you were to challenge Netflex Japan, which of the three scripts are you thinking of?”
“Mm—I’m thinking about it, but could you recommend one, PD?”
PD Jeong Su-ryeong picked one of the three scripts.
“I think this one would be good. It has an omnibus feel too. So I’d say it fits Japanese sensibilities a bit.”
Kang Rojun did not object either.
Afterward.
Perhaps excited by the matter of Rojun entering Netflex Japan, PD Jeong Su-ryeong’s tone of voice rose.
“I’ll casually bring this up with Netflex Japan. I have to have a video meeting with them soon anyway.”
“A video meeting?”
“Yeah, regarding ‘Rental Lover.’ We need to start letting the public know that ‘Rental Lover’ will be launching in Japan soon, and we also have to confirm the Netflex Japan launch date.”
Kang Rojun expressed his thanks, and Jeong Su-ryeong, her energy raised, changed the subject.
“The domestic first broadcast date for ‘Rental Lover’ will be November 6.”
“Uh—that’s much sooner than I expected.”
“It’s a one-act, after all. The editing speed is different from a 16-episode miniseries. Why? Are you a little nervous?”
“Yes. More than I expected.”
“I’ve been directing for over a decade too, but every time a work opens, I still feel restless. And nervous.”
“You too, PD? I can’t really imagine it.”
“It’s worse this time. In many ways, ‘Rental Lover’ goes beyond ordinary, doesn’t it? Ratings are one thing, but I also wonder whether my editing will land well—and whether you and Star Choi’s fans will be satisfied.”
Seeing her, PD Jeong Su-ryeong was usually on the hearty side, but she seemed to be feeling a subtle burden. It was not strange. She had intended to expand the board, but it had grown far too large. However, PD Jeong Su-ryeong, who quickly finished controlling her mindset, spoke again.
“And I have a proposal for you regarding the OST.”
A proposal? Rojun tilted his head.
“What kind?”
“We’re naturally going to insert an official OST into ‘Rental Lover’ as well, and I’d like to entrust the lyrics and vocals for one of the songs to you. The song already exists. To be honest, I changed something that had been decided early on in the OST planning. Back then, I didn’t know you would have this much momentum. Anyway, can you do it? Of course, if you think it’s too much, you don’t have to. Answer comfortably.”
“Ah—”
“I’m only bringing it up because ‘Rental Lover’ is a work you wrote, and you appeared in it as an actor too, so I thought it would feel complete if you participated in the OST as well. It could also bring in buzz. But you’re very busy, right?”
“Yes. I am busy, but.”
“Hmm······ Right. ‘Geubaekpeu’ is racing toward the end too, and you’re doing writing work on top of that. It must be pretty tight. Then I’ll handle the OST on my own.”
“I am busy, but I don’t mind getting busier.”
“Huh?”
“When we were filming ‘Lover No. 4,’ it was actually more hectic. Having a lot to do is the default, but right now it’s better than back then. I’ll try doing the OST.”
At Kang Rojun’s smiling eyes, Jeong Su-ryeong went blank for a moment.
Then, on Tuesday the 6th, a day later.
It was just as Kang Rojun had finished his daily mission and was about to join the group practice for “Survival 100.” One of the staff called Rojun. PD Woo Han-seok had summoned him. Kang Rojun entered the meeting room inside the staff accommodations, and inside, along with PD Woo Han-seok, who had dark circles under his eyes, 58 Sihu was also sitting there.
Woo Han-seok welcomed Rojun, who greeted them quietly.
“Yeah, yeah, have a seat.”
After sitting down, Kang Rojun noticed what was placed beside 58 Sihu, who had a baby perm.
‘A guitar?’
It was an acoustic guitar. Then Kang Rojun remembered that 58 Sihu had previously said he would bring his guitar from home.
‘Ah—is that the guitar? It’s stylish.’
Around then, PD Woo Han-seok sat down in front of the two and opened his mouth.
“The acoustic version of ‘Survival 100’ is complete.”
The acoustic version of “Survival 100.” This was a matter Kang Rojun already knew about. A few weeks earlier, on the day they had recorded the guide for “Survival 100,” Woo Han-seok had brought up the acoustic version to Rojun and 58 Sihu. He had said it would be nice if the two of them showed it as a special stage at the small concert.
Of course, both Kang Rojun and 58 Sihu had accepted it.
The special acoustic stage was something only Rojun, who had written the lyrics, and 58 Sihu, who had composed the song, could do. Unlike the other contestants, they were very familiar with “Survival 100.” In any case, PD Woo Han-seok continued the briefing.
“The original ‘Survival 100’ has a Korean version and a Japanese version, but for the acoustic version, we’re only planning to go with the Korean version. Of course, we’ll show that as the special stage for the small concerts in Korea and Japan.”
With a smile, PD Woo Han-seok looked at Rojun, then shifted his gaze to 58 Sihu.
“First, shall we listen to it?”
“Yes.”
It seemed 58 Sihu had handled the arrangement. Instead of turning on the arranged song on his phone, he picked up the guitar standing beside him. At the unfamiliar sight, Kang Rojun’s eyes widened slightly.
‘Don’t tell me hyung is going to play it himself?’
As if he had heard Rojun’s inner thoughts, 58 Sihu casually held the guitar against his chest. After that, he tuned it briefly. Then, gripping a guitar pick, 58 Sihu played the guitar.
-♬♪
Rojun nearly blurted out that he was good. 58 Sihu’s guitar skills were quite astonishing, and “Survival 100” played on the guitar was much calmer than the original song. A slightly whispering feeling? Kang Rojun listened closely to the acoustic version of “Survival 100” that 58 Sihu showed, and after singing up to the first verse, 58 Sihu checked Woo Han-seok and Kang Rojun’s reactions.
“Uh, this feels awkward. It’s been a while since I held a guitar.”
The one who answered the quickest was Kang Rojun.
“Hyung. That was freaking cool.”
“What’s with you all of a sudden?”
“No, seriously.”
It was not empty praise. Rojun sincerely thought 58 Sihu looked like an artist. As if agreeing, Woo Han-seok joined in too.
“Definitely—holding the guitar gives it quite a picture. As expected, the acoustic special stage would be better with a guitar.”
“Then.”
“Yeah, let’s stand on the special stage with a guitar. What do you think, Sihu?”
Thousands of Korean and Japanese fans would be watching the special stage, and both sides were scheduled to be aired on “Geubaekpeu.” An enormous number of people would see it, so 58 Sihu’s heart pounded, but having made up his mind, he answered quite confidently.
“Yes. I’ll try.”
“Rojun, the vocals for the acoustic version.”
“I can do it.”
“Okay, then the special stage is confirmed.”
Soon, PD Woo Han-seok glanced at 58 Sihu’s guitar, then met Kang Rojun’s eyes and opened his mouth. His tone carried a hint of regret.
“It does seem like it would have more destructive impact if both of you went up holding guitars—but one person on guitar and one person on vocals is a sufficient picture too.”
Here, 58 Sihu turned his head toward Rojun.
“Did you say you didn’t know how to play guitar, Rojun?”
“······”
“That’s a shame. If we both held guitars, it would be much richer.”
Would it? Kang Rojun, who did not give a clear answer, muttered inwardly.
‘A guitar, huh—’
It was not as if he had never thought about it. It had been the same when 58 Sihu brought up the guitar, and he had also felt envious when he saw singers playing guitar on TV and the like.
‘If I can play guitar too, it’ll help me as an idol. With composing and lyric writing too.’
As a singer, as an idol, his density would grow higher. Whatever the instrument, it would surely be of great use in the future. However, learning an instrument would likely be as expensive as learning a language. At that moment, something suddenly flashed through Kang Rojun’s mind. An item in his inventory.
-[Inventory]
-[1] AI Automation 50% Discount Coupon
It was a discount coupon item.
‘Ah, I had a 50% discount coupon, didn’t I??’
Kang Rojun, whose mind tilted in an instant, suddenly said to PD Woo Han-seok and 58 Sihu.
“Then should I hold a guitar too?”