boyutpedia Chapter 217: Advance (6)
Chapter 217: Advance (6)
“Is the editing finished?”When Tom Cavill, the Executive Director, asked again with a slightly surprised expression, Japanese could be heard again from the other end of the phone. It was PD Noguchi Ken.
“Yes, Executive Director. We’ve completed the final inspection as well.”
The editing for the drama ‘Like a Kaleidoscope’, which had been written by Kang Rojun and in which he also starred as one of the main characters in Part 1, was complete. With filming and post-production finished, it meant everything was ready for launch.
A smile spread across Tom Cavill's lips before he even realized.
‘Much faster than I expected. I can already picture PD Noguchi Ken pushing through the editing without sleep.’
Tom Cavill had predicted that the editing for ‘Like a Kaleidoscope’ would be completed around next month. But with today being September 9, and the editing already finished, it meant PD Noguchi Ken had shortened the time by a whole month. Feeling a bit pressed, Tom Cavill opened his mouth again.
“Thank you for your hard work, PD-nim.”
“No, this much is just the usual for me. Will you be coming over?”
“I’ll head there right away.”
“I’ll be waiting.”
-Click.
As soon as the call ended, Executive Director Tom Cavill summoned a few staff members outside his office, gave them a brief explanation, and began preparing to head out. Even on the way, his heart was pounding.
‘It’s been a while since I’ve felt like this. It’s not my first time producing an original series, and yet- something about it makes my chest swell.’
The excitement and anticipation, or something similar, stimulated Tom Cavill’s dopamine.
Although he had produced original series works fairly often, ‘Like a Kaleidoscope’ was a particularly special project to him. From start to finish, not a single thing had gone untouched by Tom Cavill’s hands, and in a way, it was the project he had invested the most care into.
It also carried a highly ambitious message.
As the head of Netflix Japan, he had chosen not a Japanese writer, but a Korean one. And not just any Korean writer, but the just-debuted Kang Rojun. Moreover, ‘Like a Kaleidoscope’ served as a warning shot to the system that was currently eating away at the Japanese content market.
Roughly saying, “Don’t make that kind of trash. Make it like this.”
So it wasn’t strange that Tom Cavill felt a bit nervous, and after getting ready, he left Netflix Japan with a few staff members. It didn’t take long for them to arrive at the editing room where PD Noguchi Ken was.
“You’ve arrived, Executive Director.”
“Yes, PD-nim.”
PD Noguchi Ken and Tom Cavill exchanged brief greetings. Tom Cavill looked at PD Noguchi Ken’s face - no, maybe it should be called his state. Not just dark circles, but his skin was also rough and pale. He had lost weight and looked gaunt. Like his soul had evaporated. PD Noguchi Ken already had a somewhat eerie atmosphere about him, but now that aura had thickened several times over.
A dying plant? That was the image that briefly came to Tom Cavill’s mind, and after a moment of silence, he cautiously asked.
“......Are you alright?”
With a forced smile, PD Noguchi Ken slowly nodded.
“I’m still alive.”
“Whew- you should get a good rest today.”
“I was thinking that too. For now, this way.”
Soon they entered the editing room, filled with monitors and editing equipment. The other editors had probably been sent home, as there was no one else there. When Tom Cavill nodded, PD Noguchi Ken began operating the equipment.
Soon, footage began playing on the monitors.
It was ‘Like a Kaleidoscope’.
After staring at the monitor in silence for a while, the corners of Executive Director Tom Cavill’s mouth lifted.
About 30 minutes passed like that.
As he calculated a potential launch date for ‘Like a Kaleidoscope’ in his head, Executive Director Tom Cavill asked PD Noguchi Ken,
“PD-nim, are you planning to run a test screening?”
“Of course. We still need to check the final sound mix - and there could be errors I didn’t catch, which others might notice.”
“Then gather just the main cast, the production company, and a few key staff members.”
“Yes, that’s the plan. Also…”
Making eye contact with Tom Cavill, PD Noguchi Ken added,
“I’d like Writer Rojun to come as well, if he’s okay with it.”
About an hour later, in Korea.
The news that the editing for ‘Like a Kaleidoscope’ was complete quickly reached Kang Rojun. As soon as Manager Kim Ki-baek said that the editing had been completed, Rojun exclaimed,
“Wow, really?”
His eyes sparkled. Strictly speaking, it was his second adaptation into movie after ‘Rental Lover’. He already had experience, but it was only natural that adrenaline would be pumping. Manager Kim Ki-baek let out a soft chuckle and asked,
“Are you happy?”
Rojun gave a thumbs-up and nodded.
“Yes, of course. Same with ‘Rental Lover’, but seeing something I wrote turned into a movie is just... thrilling. Even more so when I see it myself.”
“Then you should definitely see it in person.”
“Huh?”
Kang Rojun tilted his head in curiosity, and Manager Kim Ki-baek shared what he had received from Netflix Japan.
“Mm- ‘Like a Kaleidoscope’ is getting a final test screening. Seems like key people such as the cast will gather, and it’s kind of like a blind screening for a movie.”
“Oh, I think I heard about that during ‘Rental Lover’.”
“Normally, dramas don’t have test screenings like movies, but ‘Like a Kaleidoscope’ is a bit of a unique case. Anyway, since you’re both a cast member and the writer, you’ve been invited too- so, what do you think? Want to go?”
Kang Rojun answered the thrown question with another question.
“When is it?? The test screening.”
Manager Kim Ki-baek quickly pulled out his phone.
“On the 13th. Next Monday.”
“I really want to go, but can I?”
He was asking about his schedule, and Manager Kim Ki-baek nodded slowly.
“Fortunately, you don’t have anything scheduled that day.”
“Then I want to go!”
“Okay, then since we’re going to Japan that day anyway, I’ll schedule a few things while we’re there. Like attending events. It’s good for content too, so Vanguard’s YouTube Team will come along as well.”
“Got it!”
And the next morning, the news about the launch preparations for ‘Like a Kaleidoscope’ broke in Japan first.
《“Post-production completed for ‘Like a Kaleidoscope’, Netflix Japan says ‘We’ll announce the launch date to fans as soon as possible’.”》
Then came Korea.
Two days later.
Thanks to the news of the completed editing for Kang Rojun’s ‘Like a Kaleidoscope’, fans in both Korea and Japan were wildly excited. Japanese fans, who had been eagerly waiting since the Japan concert, jumped around mostly on social media, and Korean fans were just as busy spreading the news across communities and more.
By this time, since his main job schedule with ‘Vanguard’ had lightened a bit aside from side jobs, Rojun was able to find some personal time.
And that’s how he arrived at a private party room.
The one who greeted Rojun was.
“Oh! Rojun!”
It was Jung Tae-soo, the top actor and male lead of ‘Blood Hunt’. Of course, this was a gathering of Jung Tae-soo’s private group. A slightly nervous Kang Rojun bowed politely.
“Hello, sunbae-nim.”
“Eyy- sunbae-nim again? I told you to just call me hyung.”
They had grown quite close during filming.
“Yes, hyung. Hello.”
“Haha, right. Your visuals are insane again today, huh?”
Rojun hadn’t come to this event unwillingly. He had been curious about the vibe and thought it might be fun. Soon after, Jung Tae-soo introduced Rojun to the rest of the group.
“Alright everyone, like I mentioned earlier! Not that he really needs an intro, right? This is Vanguard’s Rojun.”
Immediately, a wave of people entered Kang Rojun’s view. He hid his emotions as best he could, but inside, he was constantly letting out gasps of awe.
‘Woooow- insane.’
It was only natural. Jung Tae-soo alone was already a big deal, but the people now clapping and greeting Kang Rojun were even more incredible. Not just top actors, but singers, comedians, and even legendary sports stars from back in the day. All of them were top-tier.
‘People I only ever saw on TV or in the news are clapping for me... this is crazy.’
A world like this really does exist. While floating with excitement, Kang Rojun quickly pulled himself together. A piece of advice from Manager Kim Ki-baek came to mind.
‘Jung Tae-soo’s private group, you’ll be fine going. Connections are important. Just remember, no matter where you go or who you meet, always draw a clear line. If someone crosses that line, ignore them, no matter who they are.’
It was incredibly reassuring.
‘Also, if it’s Jung Tae-soo’s group, it’ll only be top people, but don’t get intimidated. Based on current influence, you’re the top dog, Rojun. They’ll definitely flock to you. If anyone bothers you, just tell me, and I’ll handle it.’
Whatever the case, Kang Rojun blended right into his first private gathering full of top stars.
“Hey, Rojun-ssi! Can I just poke your cheek once?”
“Why do you want to?”
“I just can’t believe what I’m seeing is real? Wow... Tae-soo was right. Seeing you in person is even more ridiculous.”
Even here, his visuals shone. Whether actors, singers, or anyone else, everyone was envious of Kang Rojun and, just as Manager Kim Ki-baek said, tried to get close.
“I seriously listen to ‘GreenBee’ every day!”
“I saw the concert video in Japan. That was amazing! I’ve got to attend a ‘Vanguard’ concert someday.”
“You’re good at cooking too, right? I know a chef- I should invite you both sometime.”
It wasn’t to the point of being uncomfortable, everything stayed within acceptable limits. Everyone kept their manners and was considerate to a fault.
Seeing this, Kang Rojun looked at Jung Tae-soo and the other top stars and understood.
‘They all seem close, but they still know how to maintain boundaries? Maybe that’s how they last so long in the industry??’
While Rojun’s network was steadily growing stronger, over at Netflix Korea, where the pre-production of ‘Tale of the Strange Moon’ was in full swing, the late-stage production meeting was underway. PD Jung Soo-ryeong was at the center of it all.
“Let’s see, how’s the set coming along?”
“It should be completed next week. You can go check it then.”
“Okay. The location scouting is mostly wrapped up too…”
Currently, ‘Tale of the Strange Moon’ was nearing the end of its pre-production stage. Casting for the actors was in its final phase, with most major roles already confirmed.
“Executive Director, I think we can start promoting the cast now.”
“Yes, we’re already getting that ready.”
PD Jung Soo-ryeong slowly nodded and ran her hand through her rough hair. As she calculated the dates for a moment, she muttered,
“We can probably schedule the script reading soon.”
Monday the 13th, early morning, GN Entertainment.
Today, Kang Rojun had a schedule to fly to Japan. It was for the ‘Like a Kaleidoscope’ test screening. The meeting was at 2 p.m., so he needed to catch a flight by noon. Until then, Rojun could be found in his usual workspace at GN Entertainment, surrounded by Manager Kim Ki-baek and the management team.
“……”
“……”
Si-hoo, Kang-min, and Do-kyung had gathered, looking quite serious. As a somewhat heavy atmosphere hung over the room, Rojun, who was seated in front of the laptop, finally spoke.
“Okay, I’ll play it now.”
As he manipulated the laptop a few times, a song began to fill the entire studio.
-♬♪
It was ‘Song No. 3’, one of the tracks personally composed by Kang Rojun. A dance song, but with a somewhat calm, medium tempo. Even so, the key sections had melodies that instantly stuck in your ears. The way Si-hoo, Kang-min, and Do-kyung were nodding along, and the growing smile on Manager Kim Ki-baek’s face, were all proof of that.
Then Rojun, who stopped the track, said,
“The lyrics are already finished, but it hasn’t been recorded yet, so I’ll just sing a rough version.”
He made eye contact with Manager Kim Ki-baek.
“Considering what you mentioned last time about overseas stuff, I increased the portion of English lyrics compared to the original. But I kept the rhythm and emphasis in Korean. I wanted a natural blend of Korean and English, something anyone can sing along with easily, no matter where they’re from.”
“Mm- yeah, I get what you mean. Let’s hear it.”
Soon, Kang Rojun played ‘Song No. 3’ again and moved to the keyboard. Placing his hands on the keys, he began to add keyboard melodies to the track while singing. It was a performance that included vocals, based on the completed lyrics.
-♬♪
As he listened to the song, Manager Kim Ki-baek rubbed his chin.
‘Ah- so in terms of lyrics, the English works like hooks. Kind of like... the English supports the Korean.’
At this level, it seemed like anyone, from Korea to Japan to broader international audiences, could sing along with ease. After finishing the vocals, Rojun turned to the members and asked first,
“What do you think?”
Si-hoo was the first to spring up and respond to Rojun.
“It’s good! Really good! The rhythm is super addictive??!”
Next were Kang-min and Do-kyung.
“Me too, me too! Play it again, hyung.”
“Yeah, I want to hear it again.”
At that point, Manager Kim Ki-baek, who had been quietly observing the members, picked up his phone.
“Hm, Rojun. I think it’d be best if the CEO hears this in person.”
He called Ha Seo-hwan, the CEO. The reason Manager Kim Ki-baek reached out to the head of GN Entertainment? Because the song Rojun had just shared might end up being the title track of Vanguard’s next single.
Whatever the case, CEO Ha Seo-hwan arrived at the company and came straight to Kang Rojun’s studio.
“Let’s hear it first.”
He listened intently to Rojun’s song and then, after a moment, broke into a faint smile. Then, leaning toward Manager Kim Ki-baek, he whispered,
“Let’s go with this song for Vanguard’s single.”
Kang Rojun boarded the flight to Japan after that.