The nine participants crowded tightly around PD Woo Hanseok. More precisely, they had rushed over to see the phone in Woo Hanseok’s hand. 58 Sihu and 46 Gangmin alike moved with remarkable speed.
The first to voice his admiration was 26 Dokyeong.
Even his normally expressionless face was marked by considerable shock.
“Woah—‘Survival 100’ is number one······”
The rest of the participants followed after him.
“It’s insane!! Number one!!”
“Wasn’t the theme song supposed to be released at two? It isn’t even four yet?!”
“Exactly!! So it reached number one in just an hour?!!”
“Wow!! I’ve got goosebumps!”
They gradually became more and more frenzied. It was only natural. The new theme song had taken first place on the music platforms.
[1(new!)] Survival 100 / Produce the 100!(Theme Song)
Kang Rojun, who had joined them late, also looked at the screen of Woo Hanseok’s phone from the very back of the excited participants.
‘Wow—’
Woo Hanseok, wearing an even broader smile, spoke to the participants.
“Don’t look at it on my phone. Check your own phones. And for your information, it’s number one on other platforms too, not just Melon.”
Only then did the participants, who had been hugging one another and jumping up and down, begin taking out their own phones. After checking Melon, the number-one music platform in Korea, they searched the other platforms one by one before shouting out.
“It’s, it’s really number one on Bugs and the other platforms too!! This is incredible!”
“Then it’s conquered all three major platforms?!”
“This is seriously insane!!”
Woo Hanseok and the staff watched the jumping participants with pleased expressions. Although ‘Survival 100’ was the theme song of ‘Produce the 100!’
‘They have every right to be happy. A song containing their own voices has reached number one on a highly influential platform.’
For participants dreaming of becoming idols, it was no different from seeing their dreams become reality. Although more than half of them would be eliminated and their team was only temporary, the participants shared the thrill of their first experience with one another, grinning from ear to ear.
In the meantime, Baby Perm 58 Sihu was, for some reason—
“······”
He was staring blankly at his phone. Rojun noticed and lightly poked 58 Sihu in the side.
“Hyung. Your soul’s escaping in real time. Want me to catch it for you?”
“Ah, no. I just can’t believe it······”
“I’m the same. It doesn’t quite feel real.”
“Pinch my arm.”
“Are you sure you won’t regret it?”
“···This is real, right?”
“Seems like it.”
The emotions of Kang Rojun and 58 Sihu were several times more intense than those of the other participants. They were the people who had written and composed the song, after all. 58 Sihu soon tapped on the information for ‘Survival 100,’ which had proudly risen to number one. The result appeared immediately.
[Song Information]
[Survival 100]
[Produce the 100!(Theme Song)]
[Lyricist: Rojun / Composer: Sihu]
The participants, who had gathered around 58 Sihu and Kang Rojun before they knew it, grabbed the two and shook them for no reason.
“Whoa—Mr. Lyricist, Mr. Composer!”
“Damn······ Honestly, that’s so cool. You agree?”
“Absolutely. The lyricist and composer of the theme song that beat out every supposedly hot song out there!!”
“Hyung, you’re not crying, are you? Your eyes are a little red.”
“I-I’m not crying!”
“Rojun hyung, shouldn’t you be a little happier??”
Kang Rojun suddenly stood up and began doing a wild dance. He was expressing his current mood with his body. Without using ‘AI Simulation,’ it was either pure skill or something close to it. The participants laughed and gave him thumbs-up.
“This hyung’s on drugs!”
“But why does Rojun hyung still have such good lines even when he’s doing a wild dance??”
“What are you talking about? It’s a complete mess.”
“What’d you say?”
“Ah, ah, hyung, joke, joke!”
With the atmosphere heated up, 26 Dokyeong made a request of 58 Sihu.
“Hyung. Check the comments. The comments.”
58 Sihu nodded and tapped the phone screen. The reactions of those who had just listened to ‘Survival 100’ appeared moments later.
-LOL this is fucking good LOL been playing it on repeat
-If it’s GOAT, hit the upvote LOLLLLL
-Lyrics by Rojun, composition by Sihu LOLLL I came so hard
-No, sir, the beat is insane
-No matter what anyone says, ‘Produce the 100!’ devoured this yearㅠㅜㅠㅜㅠ
-It’s so good.... Can’t the ten of them just debut like this.....
-Feels like I’m listening to the explosive power of youth
-Number one right after releaseㅠㅠㅠㅠ The song’s so good, and I love ‘Produce the 100!’ too!!!
-It expresses that overwhelming emotion so wellㅎㅎ Rojun’s lyrics fit perfectly too
-What the hell can’t Rojun do LOLLLLL
-Sihu’s secretly talented too when you look at him
-Everyoneㅠㅜㅠ This song’s acoustic version is incredible.... Please release it digitally soon, ‘Produce the 100!’
·
·
·
·
Even a quick look showed that the reactions were tremendous. Comments were still pouring in without pause. Kang Rojun and the participants were engrossed in the fun of reading the fans’ reactions, and PD Woo Hanseok added with a pleased expression:
“As you can see, judging by the atmosphere, ‘Survival 100’ looks like it’ll stay at number one for quite a while. You’ve all seen something like this before, right? Taking over the chart in a row.”
Simply put, it referred to one singer occupying the upper ranks of the music charts one after another. Whether solo or idol, it was only possible with a powerful fandom.
“‘Produce the 100!’ is aiming to line up the entire chart. This is only the beginning, and it’s more than possible.”
Remembering the songs they would release as follow-up attacks, PD Woo Hanseok tapped the floor with his index finger.
“Even here, in Japan.”
To conquer places one through five on the music platforms of both Korea and Japan? The participants’ excitement reached its peak at the mere thought of it. As if to tell them to calm down, PD Woo Hanseok began reciting the remaining schedule.
“Tonight, go back to the lodgings and get a good—long—rest. We’ll return to Korea on a morning flight tomorrow. Once again, you’ve all worked very hard.”
“PD-nim! Aren’t we having a company dinner?? A company dinner!”
“Haha, of course we are. Leader? What should we eat for the company dinner?”
Everyone’s eyes turned to Kang Rojun, the visual heartthrob. Rojun stroked his chin quite seriously.
“Hmm.”
Then he gave his spirited answer.
“Chicken.”
The participants grumbled intensely.
“Again, again, again!!”
“Chicken may be the fundamental choice, but! This hyung is seriously obsessed with chicken.”
“No, coming all the way to Japan and eating chicken is genuinely insane.”
Regardless, Kang Rojun remained unwavering.
“It’s the leader’s decision. Chicken, fried.”
Their grumbling transformed into fierce booing.
Later.
By the time the ‘Produce the 100!’ team finished cleaning up after the mini-concert and returned to their lodgings, articles about them were being released nonstop in both Korea and Japan.
Several hours passed.
As the buzz surrounding ‘Produce the 100!’ continued to grow in both countries, Kang Rojun and the participants were enjoying their company dinner at the lodgings. The menu was chicken and various other dishes, just as the leader had decided. There was also a little alcohol.
Because they had had a bit to drink, the participants’ energy was even higher.
“I was seriously terrified when I messed up during the very first ‘Produce’ stage. Everything went dark in front of my eyes.”
“You could tell you were flustered.”
“I’m sorry, seriously, I’m sorry!”
“But it ended well, didn’t it? Have a drink.”
At that moment, countless people in Korea were gathering in front of their TVs. It was Friday, and the time was nine o’clock. In other words, it was time to watch episode 13 of ‘Produce the 100!’
Soon, the title of ‘Produce the 100!’ appeared on JTVM.
-‘Produce the 100!’
Episode 13 began with Kang Rojun, continuing from the final cut of episode 12. Rojun’s ‘Survival 100’ choreography, which had been skipped in the previous episode, was finally broadcast. At Kang Rojun’s perfect choreography, PD Woo Hanseok and the participants stared in stunned disbelief. Finally came Lee Hanna’s line.
-[“Rojun. You’re not using some kind of superpower, are you?”]
The viewers, who had already heard ‘Survival 100,’ which had taken number one on the charts, began furiously typing in the chat. After that, episode 13 of ‘Produce the 100!’ showed the participants’ grueling efforts in preparation for the mini-concert.
Practice, practice, practice.
Then the angle shifted to PD Woo Hanseok, who was rushing about. He was shown inspecting performance venues in Korea and Japan.
-ㅠㅜㅠㅠㅜ I really wanted to go this time!!
-Me too.... I couldn’t go again...
-I heard this mini-concert was amazingㅜㅜㅜ
-I read so many reviews that it kind of feels like I went
Around then, the screen crosscut to Woo Hanseok looking at Kang Rojun and 58 Sihu. More precisely, it showed the special stage related to the small concert—in other words, a discussion of the acoustic version of ‘Survival 100.’ Then came the moment Rojun and 58 Sihu picked up their guitars.
That was roughly the midpoint of episode 13, and the remaining time was filled with—
-The mini-concert!!! I’ve been waiting for this!!!!
Footage of the ‘Produce the 100!’ participants’ concert in Korea. Beginning with ‘Produce,’ it showed each participant’s stage, followed by ‘Survival 100,’ and finally Kang Rojun and 58 Sihu’s ending performance. The viewers, in particular, reacted explosively to the stage featuring the acoustic version with guitars.
-I mean, this isn’t exactly news LOL but Rojun is seriously insanely handsome
-No!!!!!!! This is way too good??!!!!
-Wow....... Rojun again??
-I kind of figured Sihu would play guitar LOL but Rojun really seems incapable of doing anything badly
-Guitar with that face is seriously cheating, isn’t it?? It’s making me swear
-When are you releasing the acoustic version digitally!!
-Guess I’ll have to wait while listening to it on YouTube again and again......
-Rojun and Sihu’s harmony is insane
Episode 13, which featured the mini-concert, ended with the screams of those gathered at the airport.
-[“Kyaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!!”]
The final cut showed Rojun and the nine participants departing for Japan.
The following day, Saturday the 17th, in Japan.
Around nine in the morning, the participants, who had carried their company dinner late into the night, were busy packing their bags. Their flight home was scheduled for around 11:30. However, Kang Rojun was nowhere to be seen among the participants.
Noticing this, 26 Dokyeong, his hair sticking out in every direction, asked dryly:
“But where’s Rojun hyung?”
Several participants answered.
“He went somewhere with PD Woo earlier.”
“Probably to meet the Netflix Japan team? ‘Rental Lover’ is launching in Japan too, after all.”
“Whoa—Rojun the writer is freaking cool.”
In fact, Kang Rojun could be found in the room the staff had been using, together with Woo Hanseok. He was seated at a five-person table that doubled as a dining table, with PD Woo Hanseok beside him. Across from them sat Tom Carville, the executive director, and two team leaders from Netflix Japan. There was no interpreter. Kang Rojun could handle that himself.
The meeting had begun ten minutes earlier, and as soon as they finished discussing the successfully completed mini-concert—
“Writer Rojun.”
Tom Carville, whose curly hair was yellow, got straight to the point in Japanese.
“You may have heard from PD Jeong Suryeong, but Netflix Japan is very interested in your other works, Writer Rojun.”
Showing them his tablet, Tom Carville briefed them on Kang Rojun’s popularity in Japan, why they were eager to acquire his works, the problems facing the Japanese drama market, and so on.
“We plan to launch many works similar to ‘Rental Lover.’ That is why we are particularly interested in your other works, Writer Rojun. Since we have launched both ‘Produce the 100!’ and ‘Rental Lover,’ if we were to work together on another one of your works, the synergy would be considerable.”
Kang Rojun listened quietly, understanding about half of what was being said while the rest streamed out through his opposite ear. It hardly felt real.
‘Am I seriously in a meeting with the head of Netflix Japan right now?? This is incredible.’
A scene that had always felt so far away—no, one he had never even imagined—was unfolding right before his eyes. Kang Rojun felt as if he were floating, and PD Woo Hanseok, seated beside him, noticed.
‘This position is a little too much for him to process. I should step in soon.’
He lightly tapped Rojun on the shoulder and whispered:
“Interpret exactly what I say.”
Then he gave Tom Carville across from them a smile laced with calculation.
“Executive Director. There is no doubt that Writer Rojun and Netflix Japan working together would produce considerable synergy. The impact would be evident in publicity and marketing as well. The fact that Japanese fans were already crying out for ‘Rental Lover’ simply because it was mentioned in ‘Produce the 100!’ is proof of that.”
“That’s right.”
“However, Writer Rojun’s standing is even greater in Korea than in Japan. Not only as an idol, but also as a writer and actor who participated in ‘Rental Lover,’ his popularity is remarkable.”
“······”
“Whether ‘Rental Lover’ airs or not, numerous production companies in Korea are already showing great interest in Writer Rojun. Under these circumstances, Writer Rojun challenging Netflix Japan would be a gamble, and compared to Korea, there is not yet much incentive.”
It was a fact, but it was also Woo Hanseok’s veiled threat. He maintained his courtesy, but put more crudely, he was saying, ‘He’s already a huge deal in Korea, so you’ll have to grovel and pay through the nose.’
“After building a sufficient foundation in Korea, there would be no problem with advancing into Japan or overseas. Of course, Writer Rojun is still a newcomer as a writer. But he is unique. Executive Director, have you ever seen a writer who has walked a path like this—or possesses visuals like his?”
“···Not at all.”
“Writers are usually not seen by the public. But at present, Writer Rojun’s face alone is a certified check. And his current influence is only the starting point. It is clear that his firepower will grow stronger and stronger. By that logic, simply putting Writer Rojun’s works forward would guarantee that they receive an enormous amount of attention.”
He had only one short-form work under his belt. Even that work had yet to air, making him a rookie writer, but his current influence alone overwhelmed that of most mid-level writers.
“Writer Rojun has a star quality that other writers can never possess.”
To put it briefly:
‘So don’t set his price at some bargain-bin figure. Pay him what he’s worth, you punks.’
He was telling them to show their sincerity properly.
Tom Carville, the executive director, quietly listened to Woo Hanseok’s threat for a while.
“······”
Then he met the eyes of Kang Rojun, the genius of visuals across the table. He proceeded to ask an unexpected question.
“Do you intend to continue working as an actor as well, Writer Rojun?”
An actor? All of a sudden? Kang Rojun blinked at Tom Carville’s question. It was understandable. They had been discussing his work as a writer, only for Tom Carville to suddenly ask whether he planned to continue acting.
PD Woo Hanseok also raised his brows briefly, as if wondering what was going on.
‘A sudden detour into acting at this point? Hmm—Tom Carville, you sly old man.’
However, as a veteran, he had a rough idea of what was happening.
‘It seems they aren’t looking at Rojun solely as a writer?’