SCT-Novel Chapter 201: Summer (4)
Chapter 201: Summer (4)
GN Entertainment. No, CEO Ha Seo-hwan, had entrusted the composition for the 'Tale of the Strange Moon' collaboration to several famous composers, but the ones he was most looking forward to were Kang Rojun and Si-hoo. The radiant talents they had shown since 'Produce That 100!' Especially, Kang Rojun’s presence was immense.That didn’t mean the abilities of Si-hoo, Kang-min, and Do-kyung were lacking. Those three were also kids who were beyond the ordinary range.
'It's just that Rojun is beyond the norm.'
More than anything, when it comes to idols, everything doesn’t work out just because one person is exceptionally talented. There’s a reason why clearly defined positions are set. Each person must do their best in their own role. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. An idol group is a team. The fact that even the popular 'Neos' sank because of just Jae-chan is proof of that.
‘Si-hoo also did well as the eldest, playing the role of a pillar.’
Though Si-hoo appeared to be the most fragile, in terms of practice hours, he was unmatched. Not only that, but by being the first to show a determined run toward Rojun, he became a suitable role model for his younger teammates, Kang-min and Do-kyung.
‘And in terms of composition experience, Si-hoo has been doing it longer.’
Si-hoo also composed 'Windveil', one of Vanguard's debut songs, and several of Produce That 100!’s theme tracks were also his work. In terms of composition alone, Si-hoo was the veteran and Kang Rojun the rookie. The song 'Royal Procession', created while the two juggled their packed schedules and cut down on sleep.
How could CEO Ha Seo-hwan not have high expectations?
Of course, the other songs that had filled the meeting room earlier from other composers were also excellent. However, the moment CEO Ha Seo-hwan heard 'Royal Procession', all the other songs were wiped from his mind.
The executives and employees at GN Entertainment who were now listening to 'Royal Procession' felt the same.
-♬♪
Their facial expressions varied, but their thoughts were unified.
‘This track is killer.’
Some might say this was a case of favoritism. But CEO Ha Seo-hwan wasn’t someone who made such loose judgments. If he had run GN so halfheartedly, it wouldn’t have lasted this long. If 'Royal Procession' had been inferior to the others, Ha Seo-hwan would’ve cut it without hesitation.
The song was important, yes, but even more crucial was the fact that 'Vanguard' was the main.
The moment CEO Ha Seo-hwan heard the gayageum melody of Royal Procession’s intro, he felt goosebumps.
Sometimes it happens like that.
The moment you hear it, you just know, this is the one!
The more he listened to 'Royal Procession', the more the corners of CEO Ha Seo-hwan’s mouth lifted.
‘The song is rich and savoury. Those two really cranked out a solid piece.’
From the intro onward, traditional Korean instruments like the gayageum take the lead, and just as the atmosphere rises, modern beats are layered in. It captures the historical drama vibe perfectly while also blending Vanguard's concept seamlessly. With this one track alone, you could sense how trendy of a historical drama 'Tale of the Strange Moon' is.
High-level staff members nodding to the beat were internally raving.
‘Familiar, yet shocking.’
‘To place traditional Korean instruments so brilliantly... and still capture the idol feel so well.’
‘A hip historical drama. With this, anyone could enjoy it, even international audiences.’
The chorus of 'Royal Procession' had now begun.
As he naturally imagined 'Vanguard' members running wild to the beat, CEO Ha Seo-hwan quietly opened his mouth.
“A true royal procession.”
The first to stand at the forefront of the world: 'Vanguard'. The king’s procession was also the unparalleled procession of 'Vanguard'. Eventually, 'Royal Procession' stopped playing. For a moment, the meeting room was silent, and the first to speak was CEO Ha Seo-hwan.
“Does anyone have an opinion?”
Neither executives nor employees offered any particular comment. Not because 'Royal Procession' was lacking, but because the chills still hadn’t fully worn off from their bodies.
Soon, CEO Ha Seo-hwan chuckled and continued speaking.
“Let’s go with 'Royal Procession'.”
Just like that, the main theme song of 'Tale of the Strange Moon' was confirmed to be 'Royal Procession'. From now on, the pace had to pick up. Choreography had to be arranged, a music video team had to be recruited, and more. But before that, one thing needed to be done first.
“Send 'Royal Procession' to Netflix Korea right away.”
Since even Netflix Korea had to fall for 'Royal Procession' for everything to officially begin, CEO Ha Seo-hwan gave an additional instruction.
“Whether it works out or not, we should start the lyrics for 'Royal Procession'. Ask Rojun first if he’s thinking of writing the lyrics. If he says it’s too difficult, prepare another lyricist.”
Even as he said this, CEO Ha Seo-hwan muttered to himself inwardly.
‘Rojun saying it’s hard? Probably... no, almost certainly he’ll say he’ll do it himself.’
Later.
The news that 'Royal Procession' had been selected was quickly delivered to Kang Rojun and Si-hoo, who were in the middle of their schedules. Si-hoo jumped up and hugged Rojun, bouncing with excitement.
“Wow! I was a bit worried, but this is great! Right, Rojun?!”
Kang Rojun smiled as he watched his eldest hyung jumping around in front of him.
"Yeah, it worked out well."
Kang-min and Do-kyung also sent their congratulations to their hyungs. Then, after watching Si-hoo and Rojun's moment of joy for a bit, Manager Kim Ki-baek asked something else to Kang Rojun.
“Um- Rojun. About the lyrics for 'Royal Procession', there’s something I need to confirm. Are you thinking of writing the lyrics? Please don’t feel pressured. Feel free to, feel free to think about it.”
From Manager Kim Ki-baek to Si-hoo, Kang-min, and Do-kyung, all eyes were on Kang Rojun. On the other hand, Kang Rojun simply responded as if wondering why they were even asking something like that.
“I’ve already started writing the lyrics for 'Royal Procession'.”
The lyrics for 'Royal Procession' this time had to be similar to Vanguard's other songs. Since it had to be written with the members’ parts in mind, it was by no means an easy task, but Kang Rojun reacted like it was nothing special, and Kim Ki-baek shook his head like he had given up.
“Got it. I’ll report it to the company. Let me know when the lyrics are done.”
“Yes, Manager-nim.”
Manager Kim Ki-baek wrote something down in his planner and added another point.
“And Rojun. Tomorrow morning, before we fly to Japan, we need to visit Netflix Korea.”
Kang Rojun nodded, as if he had already been informed.
“Yes, I’m aware.”
It was obvious that the fate of 'Royal Procession' would be decided tomorrow.
The next day, the morning of June 5.
The location was Netflix Korea. Kang Rojun stepped out of the van that had just arrived at the parking lot. Then came Manager Kim Ki-baek. Si-hoo, Kang-min, and Do-kyung were waiting back at GN Entertainment. For reference, today, Manager Kim Ki-baek was here both to take care of Rojun and also as a representative of GN Entertainment.
In any case, Kang Rojun’s outfit was neatly put together. A white shirt and jeans.
‘It’s been a while since I dressed like this, it feels a bit awkward.’
After finishing a conversation with the staff waiting in the car, Manager Kim Ki-baek joined Kang Rojun.
“Shall we go?”
“Yes, Manager-nim.”
The GN Entertainment team consisted of four people including Rojun. Although they didn’t come together, Culture Drawer was also scheduled to attend today’s meeting. Whatever the case, Kang Rojun, Kim Ki-baek, and the others got into the elevator, and before long, they arrived at an entrance marked with the Netflix logo.
A Netflix Korea staff member who had come out in advance greeted Kang Rojun.
“Please come this way.”
Following the employee’s guidance, they arrived at a spacious meeting room. Inside, many people were already waiting for Rojun.
First, the bear of Culture Drawer. No, CEO Heo Ki-tae.
“Hahaha, Writer Rojun! Hello!”
Along with him were Culture Drawer staff, Executive Director Lim Hyun-jin, Netflix Korea staff, the production company side of 'Tale of the Strange Moon', and.
“Welcome, Writer-nim.”
PD Jung Soo-ryeong, with her still messy brown hair, stood out. Truly, it was everyone involved in 'Tale of the Strange Moon' gathered together. All of them swarmed toward Writer Rojun, and Kang Rojun was busy greeting everyone.
“Hello, hello!”
There were familiar faces, and he especially wanted to talk with PD Jung Soo-ryeong, but knowing Rojun’s schedule wasn’t spacious, Executive Director Lim Hyun-jin spoke up right away.
“We don’t have much time, so I think we need to start right away.”
Thanks to that, Rojun and those who had gathered around him took their seats. Next was self-introductions. Then PD Jung Soo-ryeong and the production company side shared the progress of 'Tale of the Strange Moon'. It was both for checking in and briefing Kang Rojun on the current situation.
“The staff team is mostly assembled. Once we finish up the core VFX team, we’re practically done.”
“The VFX team will be finalized in a few days too, right?”
“That’s right. As early as tomorrow?”
As expected, with Netflix Korea funding generously and PD Jung Soo-ryeong and the production company fully committed, the production was moving at a remarkable pace. About 40 minutes had passed when the topic of casting actors came up. Apparently, offers had already gone out to many actors, starting with top stars, and then PD Jung Soo-ryeong suddenly and straightforwardly asked Kang Rojun,
“Rojun, I’d like to put your name on the casting board. What do you think?”
Kang Rojun hadn’t exactly ruled it out. No, more honestly put.
‘Of course I want to. Absolutely.’
If no one had asked him first, Kang Rojun had planned to bring it up himself. What writer doesn’t dream of walking through the world they created? But it usually remains just a dream, because reality is tough. Acting ability becomes a hurdle, and then there’s age, visuals, too many factors get in the way.
But among all the writers, only Kang Rojun was free from all that, whether in acting, visuals, or anything else.
Rojun felt a strong desire to appear in 'Tale of the Strange Moon' as an actor.
After all, he had written 'Tale of the Strange Moon', and 'Vanguard' was also involved in this project. On top of that.
‘It’s launching not just in Korea but worldwide. I don’t know the details, but an opportunity like this isn’t common.’
It was a huge-scale project. Immensely so. Of course, if Kang Rojun kept up his current momentum, another opportunity would surely come sooner or later, but there’s always timing and flow to consider. Rojun judged that now was the right moment.
At that moment, PD Jung Soo-ryeong added an explanation.
“The role I’d like you to take is ‘Choi Si-baek'. Since he’s your character, you know him better than anyone, right?”
Of course. No one in this room understood him better than Rojun. The role of Choi Si-baek.
‘One of the two male leads, who eventually transforms into a villain and shocks the viewers.’
That’s why he ranked as the most important character in 'Tale of the Strange Moon'. In the early episodes, Choi Si-baek comes off as a laid-back, comedic, and witty figure. At the same time, he slowly earns trust, while dropping subtle lines and expressions that hint at underlying tension. He was also one of the characters Kang Rojun was most fond of.
By this point, Kang Rojun was already picturing himself as Choi Si-baek in his mind.
Everyone around him, PD Jung Soo-ryeong and many others, watched him.
“......”
“......”
Some swallowed quietly, and others wore expressions of tension or curiosity. What would Kang Rojun’s answer be? While there was a high chance he’d take the role, with Vanguard's schedule and other factors to consider, he could also decline.
Then.
-Swish.
Manager Kim Ki-baek lightly tapped Kang Rojun’s thigh a couple of times. When Rojun turned his head, Kim Ki-baek was speaking with his eyes.
‘Do you want to do it?’
His face remained neutral, probably to avoid showing signs to those around. Rojun answered back with his own eyes.
‘I want to do it.’
Seeing that desire reflected in Rojun’s eyes, Manager Kim Ki-baek let a faint smile appear for just a moment.
‘Okay. From here on, it’s my turn.’
He immediately switched to an indifferent tone and shifted his gaze to everyone watching.
“It would be best to discuss that matter with us at GN Entertainment. Things are a little different than they were before. For now, Rojun is viewing it positively.”
This wasn’t just stalling. PD Jung Soo-ryeong instantly understood Kim Ki-baek’s true intent.
‘He’s saying Rojun’s market value has gone up, so let’s measure things properly. That guy’s always seemed soft, but when it comes down to it, Kim Ki-baek is sharp as a blade.’
Soon, she made eye contact with Executive Director Lim Hyun-jin. Lim, also understanding, gave a small nod.
“Of course. We’ll finalize the conditions and send them to you by the end of the day.”
“Thank you.”
As expected, Kim Ki-baek was solid support for Rojun. As the conversation about the acting role wrapped up, Kang Rojun pulled out a stack of papers he had brought.
“I finished Episode 3.”
PD Jung Soo-ryeong’s eyes widened and she jumped up.
“Already?”
Executive Director Lim Hyun-jin, CEO Heo Ki-tae, and others had similar reactions. Meanwhile, Kang Rojun casually handed the script to PD Jung Soo-ryeong, who had approached.
“Yes, I’m working on Episode 4 now.”
“You’re so fast.”
In no time, everyone’s eyes were on the Episode 3 script for 'Tale of the Strange Moon', and the flow of the meeting shifted again when Manager Kim Ki-baek stepped in.
“Would you like to listen now to the main theme song for 'Tale of the Strange Moon' that we mentioned in advance?”
Executive Director Lim Hyun-jin put on a business smile.
“Of course.”
About an hour later.
It seemed the meeting had ended, as Kang Rojun was still deep in conversation with PD Jung Soo-ryeong and others in the meeting room. In the meantime, Manager Kim Ki-baek stepped into the hallway and pulled out his phone.
He dialed somewhere.
The call connected quickly, and Manager Kim Ki-baek greeted the person on the other end.
“CEO-nim.”
He said flatly,
“Let's start the engines for Royal Procession.”