nycdaug Chapter 189: Activities (2)
Chapter 189: Activities (2)
Having finished the OST for 'Like a Kaleidoscope', Kang Rojun stretched his arms out with a sense of relief."Ahh!"
He was even more pleased because the result was satisfactory.
“There’s something rewarding about completing things one by one like this.”
Whether it was ‘Vanguard’ or Kang Rojun himself, their schedules were unimaginably packed, but eventually, if he tackled things one at a time, results would come. Addicted to that sense of satisfaction, Kang Rojun closed his eyes for a moment in his studio chair.
-Sss.
It wasn’t because he was tired, but rather a decision to rest in advance since the filming of 'Like a Kaleidoscope' and another tight schedule would begin tomorrow. Still, he didn’t sleep long. Rojun opened his eyes after roughly 40 minutes. Feeling a surge of strength, he left the studio.
Next destination: the practice room.
Si-hoo, Kang-min, and Do-kyung were collapsed on the floor like wet paper. However, the moment Kang Rojun entered.
“What is this? Are you all dead??”
The members gritted their teeth and got up again. Honestly, as the leader, he wanted to tell them to take it easy, but there were so many confirmed schedules that even that wasn’t possible for Kang Rojun.
“Let’s run through the group choreography just a few more times and call it a day.”
Do-kyung, dripping with sweat, gave a thumbs-up first.
“Possible. Totally possible.”
The oldest, Si-hoo and Kang-min, followed behind.
“Not just a few times, we should do it ten times before we go.”
“Ten times, roger!”
In the end, the ‘Vanguard’ members left work past midnight, at 1 a.m. But even after sending off Si-hoo, Kang-min, and Do-kyung, Kang Rojun headed straight to the gym as usual.
‘I probably won’t have time to complete missions tomorrow.’
As always, after completing his missions, Rojun took a moment to check his coins.
-[User: Kang Rojun / Age: 24 / Height: 187 / Desired Occupation: World-Class Idol / Coins Owned: 1,937]
-[Passive: Overwhelm / Limit Break / Vitality Booster]
.
.
.
He continued with stat enhancement. He had just surpassed 100 points in ‘Dance’ stat, and a sharp tingling sensation shot through his wrist.
-[Appearance (150/150)│Singing Ability (103.3/150)│Rap (100.4/150)│Dance (100.2/150)│Eloquence (60.8/150)│Acting (74.5/150)│Lyrics Writing (150/150)│Composition (83.2/150)│Arrangement (0/150)]
After briefly looking at his stats, Rojun focused on ‘Arrangement’.
‘Composition will hit the 100-point range soon, but when will Arrangement be unlocked?’
Well, Rojun was already studying ‘Arrangement'. When composing, you naturally start learning it. But it was obvious that raising it alongside the stats would drastically speed up the process.
‘If I master Arrangement too, I’ll be able to control everything even more freely.’
Although it was a bit frustrating, for now, he could only wait. Then, after gathering his scripts from the studio, Kang Rojun moved back to the practice room. This was to practice acting in preparation for the first filming of 'Like a Kaleidoscope'. Rojun’s flight to Japan was just a few hours away, at 11 a.m. in the late morning.
‘I’ll practice thoroughly before departure, and if there’s time left, I’ll work on writing 'Tale of the Strange Moon'.’
With his plan set, Kang Rojun jumped right into acting practice. Strictly speaking, it was closer to an inspection than practice. This time, he had to think about not just the lines, but the character’s movements, blocking, and so on. He used his reflection in the mirror as his camera.
Morning came like that.
Rojun reunited with the ‘Vanguard’ members he had parted from earlier, and Manager Kim Ki-baek along with a few others were ramping up preparations for the filming of 'Like a Kaleidoscope'.
The key was smooth schedule management.
According to the information from Netflix Japan, the filming for Kang Rojun’s scenes in 'Like a Kaleidoscope' would take at least three days, or more than five if things got delayed. They even had to prepare for up to a week depending on the on-site situation. However, Rojun was not in a position to focus solely on 'Like a Kaleidoscope'. ‘Vanguard’ was simply too busy.
“Mm- Let’s make sure we prepare everything we possibly can. They said Netflix Japan will handle vehicle transport, and we’ve secured full cooperation from the airport too.”
“Yes, Manager.”
“More than anything, miscommunication leads to accidents, so stay alert.”
Therefore, Kang Rojun had to take a route where he filmed 'Like a Kaleidoscope' in Japan, returned to Korea to handle ‘Vanguard’ schedules, then flew back to Japan again.
Meanwhile.
Kang Rojun was briefly meeting with Culture Drawer CEO Heo Ki-tae, who had visited GN Entertainment. It was a short meeting before Rojun’s departure to Japan. Of course, it was related to 'Tale of the Strange Moon'.
“Writer-nim, when are you leaving for the ‘Like a Kaleidoscope’ filming?”
“As soon as Manager Ki-baek calls, I have to go. I think I have about 20 minutes.”
“Already filming your scenes, Writer-nim? Time’s really flying. Ah! Anyway, if we have 20 minutes, we’d better start right away.”
For reference, Culture Drawer would not be accompanying this filming of 'Like a Kaleidoscope'. That’s because Rojun was going as an actor, not a writer. In any case, CEO Heo Ki-tae unpacked the materials he had brought. These included notes from the meeting with Netflix Korea, resources that could help with writing 'Tale of the Strange Moon', and so on.
As CEO Heo Ki-tae quickly began explaining, Kang Rojun spoke up.
“For now, I’ve outlined the storyline for Episode 2 of ‘Tale of the Strange Moon', and I plan to take it in this direction.”
Kang Rojun began sharing the upcoming storyline starting from Episode 2 of 'Tale of the Strange Moon'. It was a fairly in-depth conversation, and CEO Heo Ki-tae, who was jotting down important points, realized coming in person instead of calling was the right choice.
“That’s killer. Just listening makes it sound fun already. Hahaha, I can’t wait to read the script.”
“I’m writing whenever I get the chance. I think Episode 2 will come out faster than Episode 1.”
“Ah! I didn’t mean to pressure you! I was just being honest… wait, you think it’ll come out faster than Episode 1?? Is that even possible?”
“Maybe?”
“Huh-”
As the surprised bear-like figure looked on, Kang Rojun shared another thought he’d had while writing.
“And this is just something that came to mind while I was writing. Netflix Korea wants ‘Tale of the Strange Moon’ to be a seasonal series, right?”
“That’s right.”
“So that means it’d be about 12 episodes per season, and Season 2 would also be 12 episodes.”
“That’s usually how it’s done.”
“But how about we do it as 6 episodes per season, Season 1 with 6 episodes, Season 2 with 6, Season 3 with 6, and Season 4 with 6? I think deciding how to divide the seasons from the start will help set a clear direction for the writing.”
“...You’re saying instead of 24 episodes over 2 seasons, we divide it into 4 seasons?”
“Yes. That way, production can move faster, and we’ll be able to pace the script more smoothly.”
CEO Heo Ki-tae, stroking his chin, nodded seriously.
“Dividing it into 6-episode seasons- yeah, that’s actually pretty good. Netflix Korea would probably welcome faster production too.”
“Let me know once it’s decided.”
At that moment.
-Knock knock.
There was a knock at the meeting room door. Peeking in was Manager Kim Ki-baek, wearing a tired smile.
“Um- sorry, but it’s time for Rojun to depart now.”
The bear-like CEO Heo Ki-tae quickly got up and waved him off.
“Yes, yes, Writer-nim! Good luck out there!”
Kang Rojun and Manager Kim Ki-baek gave a polite bow and left the meeting room, and CEO Heo Ki-tae added what he’d just heard from Rojun into his diary before picking up his phone. Naturally, it was to call Netflix Korea. Soon, the voice of Executive Director Lim Hyun-jin came through the receiver.
“Executive Director-nim, would you be available for lunch? I have something to propose.”
CEO Heo Ki-tae, who heard the answer from the other end of the phone, was slightly surprised.
"What? You have a meeting with GN Entertainment around lunchtime??"
Around 10 a.m. at the airport.
Because the departure time hadn’t been shared in advance, there weren’t many reporters, but a massive crowd quickly swarmed around one person.
“Kyaaaa!!”
“Oh my god! Rojun? Is that really Rojun?!”
“This is insane! It’s actually Rojun!!”
“Wow- shit, seriously, he’s a total super handsome!!”
“Ahhhh!!”
It was because Kang Rojun had appeared at the airport. The gathered crowd let out screams, and everyone was busy snapping photos of Rojun as he bowed to greet his fans. Just before things could descend into chaos, the team heading to Japan with Kang Rojun quickly finished check-in procedures and boarded the plane.
The plane took off into the sky. The time was a little past 11 a.m.
‘It’s been a while, Japan.’
More excited than nervous or anxious, Kang Rojun stared out the window at the buildings shrinking to the size of grains of rice.
-Slide.
He opened his laptop.
Meanwhile, in both Korea and Japan, news articles about Kang Rojun were pouring out.
《[Star Photo] Rojun departs for Japan, greeting fans! / Photo》
《Busy, busy- Rojun departs for Japan to film ‘Like a Kaleidoscope’》
《Rojun heads to Japan for ‘Like a Kaleidoscope’ filming right after ‘Blood Hunt’ script reading, it’s amazing how he handles everything / Photo》
One hour later.
Just as the plane carrying Kang Rojun landed in Japan, Executive Director Lim Hyun-jin and several Netflix Korea executives appeared in the parking lot of GN Entertainment. One of the team leaders clicked his tongue upon spotting a blue Lamborghini parked there.
“Wow… as expected of a place like GN, a car worth several hundred million won is just casually parked here.”
“Several hundred million? It looks expensive, but how much is it?”
“Yeah. Probably… around 500 million won.”
“What?! 500 million?! Whose car is that?”
“Well, this is GN, full of top-tier stars, after all.”
Executive Director Lim Hyun-jin, with her smart and composed demeanor, glanced briefly at the Lamborghini before turning her gaze toward the elevator.
“Let’s stay focused.”
Her posture was sharp and disciplined. At her words, the team leaders snapped back to attention. Soon, a GN Entertainment employee arrived to guide Netflix Korea’s group into the spacious lobby. The place they were led to was a large conference room. No one was there yet, and Executive Director Lim Hyun-jin pulled out a chair near the window and sat down.
The staff accompanying her began taking out clear files and tablets they had brought along.
But why had Netflix Korea come all the way to GN Entertainment? Judging by how prepared they were for the meeting, it seemed to be a more important matter than expected.
Just then.
-Slide.
The glass door at the front of the conference room opened, and someone entered. Reflexively, Executive Director Lim and the employees stood up, and the moment they saw who had come in, Lim Hyun-jin’s eyes widened.
And for good reason.
‘Huh? CEO Ha Seo-hwan?’
The person who entered was none other than the head of GN Entertainment, CEO Ha Seo-hwan. An entirely unexpected appearance from the top executive. On the other hand, CEO Ha Seo-hwan, wearing a full suit and flanked by secretaries, seemed to recognize Executive Director Lim.
“It’s been a while.”
With his deep voice, he reached out his hand in a surprisingly friendly gesture. Lim Hyun-jin took his hand with a businesslike smile.
“Yes, CEO-nim. It’s been a while.”
Internally, she thought CEO Ha Seo-hwan hadn’t changed.
‘His charisma feels even stronger, though.’
Though he was smiling, a certain ferocity lurked beneath. Just as in the past, he still exuded the presence befitting the head of GN Entertainment. Because of this, the Netflix Korea employees were clearly flustered, and instead of taking the head seat of the ㅁ-shaped table, CEO Ha Seo-hwan sat across from Lim Hyun-jin.
Executive Director Lim spoke first.
“I didn’t expect you to attend this meeting personally.”
CEO Ha Seo-hwan calmly took off his suit jacket.
“There are lots of external meetings and business trips these days. Everyone’s too busy. I’m the least busy, so I came.”
“I see.”
Of course, Lim Hyun-jin knew full well that wasn’t true. He wouldn’t have shown up unless he was personally interested. CEO Ha Seo-hwan continued.
“I’ve heard you’ve started a project with Rojun. Please take good care of him.”
“The pleasure is mine.”
Although the project 'Tale of the Strange Moon' was still top secret, it seemed Manager Kim Ki-baek had reported to CEO Ha Seo-hwan as well. With a composed smile, Ha Seo-hwan shifted the topic.
“So then, what’s the reason Netflix Korea wanted a meeting with GN Entertainment?”
“The project you mentioned with Rojun. You know the title, right?”
“‘Tale of the Strange Moon’?”
“That’s correct. And I assume you’re already aware that it’s a project aimed at the global market. Netflix Korea is putting a great deal of effort into it.”
“I’d expect so. You’re probably planning every detail of production, filming, art, sound, and so on, with meticulous care.”
Lim Hyun-jin nodded and got straight to the point.
“We’d like to propose that GN Entertainment produce the main theme song for ‘Tale of the Strange Moon’.”
CEO Ha Seo-hwan stared at her face for a few seconds, then tilted his head slightly.
“The main theme song. You’re referring to the OST?”
“We’re thinking of something with a different flavor than your typical OST.”
“A different flavor.”
“For one, it’s going to be used not just in Korea, but worldwide.”
It seemed Lim Hyun-jin had more to present in her briefing, but recalling Kang Rojun, CEO Ha Seo-hwan asked what he was most curious about first.
“...Is the main theme song proposal based on Rojun, the writer of ‘Tale of the Strange Moon’?”
“No. To be clear, it’s in the form of a collaboration.”
Executive Director Lim quickly clarified with a serious tone.
“It’s a proposal for ‘Vanguard’.”