SCT-Novel Chapter 218: Advance (7)
Chapter 218: Advance (7)
In the main conference room of GN Entertainment, CEO Ha Seo-hwan was at the center, surrounded by executives and department heads. The room felt slightly cramped due to the large number of attendees.-♬♪
However, the refreshing song playing in the conference room helped to offset that stuffiness. Everyone, including the executives, was fully immersed in the listening. CEO Ha Seo-hwan, exuding a distinguished middle-aged charm, even had his eyes closed.
The song playing was Kang Rojun’s ‘Song No. 3’.
It was also the track CEO Ha Seo-hwan personally selected as Vanguard’s next single. Though the guide vocals had not been added yet, there was no issue in grasping the flow, mood, or atmosphere of the song.
-Sss.
As the second verse ended and the music stopped, CEO Ha Seo-hwan slowly opened his eyes. At the same time, the executives and staff members began offering high praise.
“This is good.”
“Right? It’s lively but not aggressive. The melody really sticks with you.”
“It’s a song that won’t divide opinions. It’s refreshing, but the points are well-emphasized, making it easy to listen to.”
"Slightly- it seems like there's a sweet sentiment mixed in too, right?"
At that moment, CEO Ha Seo-hwan spoke in a low voice.
“The title is ‘zephyr’.”
“Ohhh.”
Then, recalling Kang Rojun’s face, CEO Ha Seo-hwan continued.
“Rojun... he can definitely be considered an artist now, including composing and lyric-writing.”
The surrounding executives quickly agreed.
“Exactly. If he can keep producing tracks that are market-ready like this...”
“When did he make this one?”
“I heard he’s been consistently working on songs since ‘GreenBee’, so it must’ve been around that time.”
“Isn’t he also composing and writing lyrics for other singers lately?”
“He’s rapidly improving his skills as a producer too.”
No one within GN Entertainment currently viewed Kang Rojun merely as an idol. His status and position exceeded that of a composer, lyricist, and producer. CEO Ha Seo-hwan slowly crossed his legs.
‘Come to think of it... every song related to Vanguard has had Rojun involved.’
Kang Rojun was now an indispensable figure at GN Entertainment, not only as part of Vanguard but as an artist.
“Prepare Vanguard’s next single with this ‘zephyr’, and of course, the producer has to be Rojun.”
And he was a star.
Meanwhile.
Around noon, Kang Rojun had already arrived in Japan. The news of Rojun heading to Japan was already being covered by both Korean and Japanese media.
《[Star Photo] Rojun appears at the airport to go to Japan / Photo》
《Rojun greeting densely gathered fans, “Today I’m going to Japan as the writer of ‘Like a Kaleidoscope’” / Photo》
Rojun had met up with the ‘Like a Kaleidoscope’ team and Netflix Japan around 1 PM. It was a fairly large sound studio, and Tom Cavill, PD Noguchi Ken, Endo Takuto, and other key Japanese actors from ‘Like a Kaleidoscope’ were already present. As Kang Rojun entered the studio, everyone welcomed him warmly.
“Oh! Rojun-nim is here!!”
“Wow- your visuals are amazing today too!”
“Hello, Writer Rojun!”
In response, Kang Rojun greeted everyone with a series of respectful nods, his eyes smiling. At the same time, he muttered inwardly.
‘Everyone seems really excited? Maybe it’s because they’re in a good mood. Well, same for me, I guess.’
Then, Tom Cavill with his blue eyes exchanged greetings with Rojun and softly spoke in Japanese.
“It feels like just yesterday we had our first meeting with Writer Rojun, and now the day has finally come.”
PD Noguchi Ken, whose gloominess had doubled due to exhaustion, also chimed in.
“Seriously, the script reading day is still vivid... time really flies.”
Rojun strongly agreed with the sentiment that time melts away. It felt like summer had just begun, yet it was already September. Autumn had come in full stride.
“Thank you for your hard work, PD-nim.”
“Not at all. With the actors and staff pouring in so much passion, I need to push myself even harder.”
PD Noguchi Ken gave a weak smile. His vibe was somewhat similar to Manager Kim Ki-baek. Tom Cavill then guided Kang Rojun.
“Please have a seat here.”
"Yes, Executive Director-nim."
Inside the sound studio, many chairs were laid out. Kang Rojun took a seat near the medium-sized screen. Behind him, Japanese actors who continued to ask questions to Rojun also sat down, and PD Noguchi Ken, perhaps feeling a bit nervous, let out a small breath.
-Sss.
He sat down in front of the work equipment. Exchanging glances with the sound director who had been adjusting the equipment in advance. Soon, PD Noguchi Ken calmly addressed everyone.
“Then we will begin the ‘Like a Kaleidoscope’ screen test.”
The lights dimmed.
Soon, a video began playing on the medium-sized screen that everyone, including Kang Rojun, was watching. It was the beginning of ‘Like a Kaleidoscope’. The test screening featured Part 1, subtitled ‘The Vanished Women’. Without any opening BGM or title sequence, the scene jumped straight into a character. The male lead, Detective Nagai Shiro, played by Endo Takuto. Likely, once the official launch happens, the opening sequences will be added in the beginning.
Kang Rojun’s eyes sparkled as he thought to himself.
‘Oh- Ohhh!’
As expected, watching it directly gave a much stronger impact than just hearing about it. The characters of ‘Like a Kaleidoscope’, which he had written himself, were vividly coming to life. A surge of exhilaration swelled in Rojun’s heart.
‘It’s been a while since I felt this thrill!’
The Japanese actors in the back let out exclamations in their own way.
‘The mood is killer from the very beginning.’
‘The visuals are absolutely stunning.’
In fact, ‘Like a Kaleidoscope’ quickly built up tension with its mysterious flow and the detailed eye movements of the characters.
‘As expected of PD Noguchi Ken. When it comes to directing, he’s definitely one of Japan’s best.’
Kang Rojun and the Japanese actors were instantly drawn into ‘Like a Kaleidoscope’. Especially Rojun, his eyes sparkled more and more as time passed. Around that time, Kang Rojun appeared on screen. More precisely, the character he played: Murata Sho. Rojun’s internal excitement doubled.
How much time had passed like that?
Before anyone realized it, the ending OST of ‘Like a Kaleidoscope’ was booming through the wide sound studio.
-♬♪
It was ‘Dreamlike’, the ending main theme, composed, written, and sung by Kang Rojun. Along with it, the names of the cast members appeared on the screen. Among them, Rojun stood out both as a writer and an actor. Written in Korean, with the Japanese in parentheses.
That had been Kang Rojun’s request.
Anyway, as the lights came back on in the studio.
-Clap clap clap clap clap clap!
A loud round of applause erupted. The Japanese actors clapped the hardest. Even Endo Takuto, seemingly satisfied with his own appearance, clapped with extra strength. The atmosphere was practically festive. Kang Rojun also clapped without holding back, and many compliments about ‘Dreamlike’ poured in.
The impact of ‘Dreamlike’, layered over the completed ‘Like a Kaleidoscope’, had multiplied.
“No matter how many times I hear it, ‘Dreamlike’ is seriously a masterpiece!”
“When it played at the end- I got chills, seriously!”
“Me too!”
“Once ‘Like a Kaleidoscope’ launches, people are going to stream ‘Dreamlike’ like crazy!”
Really? Kang Rojun’s shoulders soared. Compliments that supposedly make even whales dance, Rojun was no exception.
‘Is it okay to expect another sweep of the Japanese charts?’
The congratulations soon shifted toward PD Noguchi Ken, and Executive Director Tom Cavill, who had been giving him a thumbs-up, turned his gaze to Kang Rojun. He wore a meaningful smile. Soon, he leaned in close to Rojun and whispered softly.
“Rojun, the official launch date for ‘Like a Kaleidoscope’ has been set.”
Surprised, Rojun replied in Japanese.
“Oh- really? When is it?”
"It's Friday, October 1st."
Since today was September 13th, that meant ‘Like a Kaleidoscope’ would be released to the world in about three weeks. With the launch imminent, a wave of anticipation and curiosity caused Rojun’s heart to beat faster. Then, Executive Director Tom Cavill shared one more related detail.
“The Korean launch is a week later, on October 8th.”
A few days later, on the 16th.
The location was GN Entertainment. The time was early morning. As expected, Kang Rojun was found in the studio. As always, he had pulled an all-nighter practicing and working.
Yet his face was full of energy.
He had already done a lot from dawn till morning. On top of practice, the recent ‘Song No. 3’ no, now officially chosen as Vanguard’s next single, ‘zephyr’, had added to his workload. Though the composing and writing were already done, he also had to oversee the production.
‘Let’s define the members’ parts more precisely. Right now, Si-hoo hyung’s part is a bit too long.’
It needed more refinement.
‘I should finish the guide recording as soon as possible too.’
Apparently, he was planning to do the guide himself this time as well. He preferred doing it himself rather than entrusting it to someone else, it put his mind at ease. Then, after stretching, he checked the time. It was already 7 o’clock.
“Time is melting away.”
Soon, Kang Rojun got up and stepped out of the studio. His next destination was the gym. Today, he had chosen to work first before doing his daily mission.
“Once I finish the mission, I’ll head straight to the practice room and meet the members.”
Before starting his workout in earnest, Kang Rojun went through his essential routine of checking his face and physical condition. In that short time, his physique had improved even more. With a slight smile, he finished exercising around 9 a.m.
Panting, he opened his locker and immediately checked his phone.
But then.
“Huh?”
Rojun’s eyes widened noticeably. The reason was simple.
Notifications from the ‘AI Simulation’ app were displayed on his phone screen. When had those come in? Come to think of it, he’d barely looked at his phone during his intense work sessions.
Whatever the case, Kang Rojun began reading through the notification messages.
What was interesting was.
“Oh- jackpot.”
The corners of his lips curled.
And for good reason.
-[Among your stat categories, ‘Arrangement’ has been unlocked. From now on, the ‘Arrangement’ stat can be raised or enhanced! Check your updated ‘Arrangement’ stat right now!]
The final stat, ‘Arrangement,’ had been unlocked.
At that moment.
A white van was driving down the road. Inside was a familiar woman. Even without makeup, top actress Choi Rina was stunning. The window was cracked open slightly, and her long, straight hair fluttered gently in the breeze.
As she looked over her script, she tilted her head from side to side.
“Did I sleep wrong? My shoulder feels a bit stiff.”
With her focus broken, she picked up her phone. Choi Rina’s morning routine started with secretly fangirling over Vanguard’s YouTube channel. She quietly put on her earbuds to check if any new videos had been uploaded.
‘I like the behind-the-scenes Vanguard videos the best.’
After watching a roughly 6-minute video, she replayed her favorite scenes a few times.
‘This is it. Morning Rojun’s face.’
Rojun’s smiling eyes and side profile in the video.
‘No matter how many times I see him, I never get tired of it. Seriously.’
Still wearing her earbuds, she played the song ‘GreenBee’ and moved her thumb again. Having finished her tour of the Vanguard YouTube channel, she now opened Instagram. She first checked her own profile and then moved to Vanguard’s.
But then.
"Huh."
Her eyes widened immediately, and her mouth slightly dropped open. And it was no wonder.
A new post had been uploaded to the Vanguard Instagram just about 10 minutes ago. And, almost reverently, just like with the YouTube channel, it was once again a solo photo of Kang Rojun.
But this fresh photo of Rojun wasn’t ordinary.
‘Whoa.’
The background was a traditional Joseon-era setting.
Kang Rojun had neatly tied his hair in a topknot, wore a traditional robe mixed with white and light purple, and held a gat in one hand. His expression was calm, but his eyes looking at the camera were deep and rich.
“......”
After staring at the photo for a few seconds, Choi Rina let out a pure exclamation of awe.
"This is crazy, what is this masterpiece."
She already had experience acting in historical dramas. But no male actor she had seen so far could beat the masterpiece or artistry she was witnessing now.
‘This goes beyond being just good-looking... wow-’
It was completely different vibe from Rojun’s usual self. Even this unique, traditional tone of a historical concept.
‘Rojun did it again.’
Kang Rojun had pulled it off perfectly. As Choi Rina was totally engrossed in admiring his historical-style photo, she suddenly came to a realization.
“But... why suddenly post a photo like this??”
The timing of this concept photo upload was random. It felt quite random. Even if it were a photoshoot, it was oddly well done. The Joseon-era backdrop was on point, too. Then, a title flashed across Choi Rina’s mind.
‘Oh? Right, ‘Tale of the Strange Moon’!’
‘Tale of the Strange Moon’, the series Netflix Korea had announced, written by Kang Rojun. It had drawn worldwide attention upon announcement, so she was well aware of it too.
“No way-”
Could this historical-style photo be related to ‘Tale of the Strange Moon’? After seeing the masterpiece Rojun had delivered, Choi Rina’s heart pounded even harder. Any true fan would react the same way she did.
She quickly checked the comments under the photo.
And of course.
-What’s with this sudden Rojun historical drama moment!! What is this!!!!
-ㅠㅠㅠㅜㅠㅜㅠㅜcrazy!!!!!!!!
-This historical drama visual is god-tierㅠㅠㅠ pure eye-purification
-Wear the hat, Rojun! Put the hat on!!!
-This suits him way too wellㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ historical outfit super handsome
-Oh!! Could it be ‘Tale of the Strange Moon’?!!!
-Rojun is the writer of ‘Tale of the Strange Moon’, but he’s not appearing as an actor too, right??
-It's nearly impossible for a topknot to look this perfect... damn, even Rojun’s head shape is beautiful
-With those sharp eyes and eyebrows, he looks insanely elegant and the vibe is intense.. his face makes the subtle hanbok colors pop even more
-That gaze is seriously sexy... but why is Rojuni suddenly in historical drama style??
Countless fans were going absolutely wild.