boyutpedia Chapter 182: Opportunity (2)
Chapter 182: Opportunity (2)
Looking toward the window where the morning sun was shining, Writer Han Seo-ryeong quickly checked the time. It was already 8 a.m. She brushed her short hair back, laughing in disbelief.“I really only meant to read for one hour... and ended up staying up all night.”
Han Seo-ryeong originally planned to read for just a moment before getting back to her own writing. It didn’t even feel like much time had passed since she opened the first episode script of 'Tale of the Strange Moon', but it was already morning. Although Han Seo-ryeong, as a star writer, had pulled all-nighters writing her own scripts, this was the first time she had greeted the morning after staying up all night reading someone else’s script.
“Oh, seriously.”
Han Seo-ryeong lowered her gaze back to the script of 'Tale of the Strange Moon' she had been reading. Honestly, she had her doubts. Or more precisely, she had questions. How had Writer Rojun managed to produce a script while juggling so many schedules in such a short time?
Frankly speaking, she had expected the script's quality to be lacking.
Han Seo-ryeong had been a writer for a long time, and she possessed a writer’s instinctual sense of norms. No matter how much Kang Rojun, as a “disruptor of the ecosystem", broke those norms, experience and career built over a long time didn’t change easily.
“When you take one thing, you have to give up another.”
Rojun’s main job was as an idol, and writing was a side job. So she assumed he would have made some compromises. Even if the structure wasn’t as solid as 'Rental Lover', just the fact that he completed the first episode script was impressive.
But once Han Seo-ryeong actually read the first episode of 'Tale of the Strange Moon', her common sense was turned upside down.
“Structure? I don’t feel it’s lacking at all. The density of the writing is also incredible.”
She murmured to herself as she revisited the synopsis and character sheet.
“The characters feel alive. They’re three-dimensional and their personalities are vivid. Their paths are clearly defined.”
More than anything.
“...It’s fun.”
'Tale of the Strange Moon' was fun. It was fun, yet scary, fascinating, and maddeningly suspenseful. The fact that Han Seo-ryeong, who had written countless scripts, stayed up all night reading was proof of that.
'Tale of the Strange Moon' was full of surprises beyond just being entertaining.
“Historical dramas are tough even for writers with more than ten years of experience, and that kid managed to write something this fun?”
Even if it was a fusion historical drama rather than a traditional one, it still had the tone of a historical piece, which required a lot of research. On top of that, the flow of the story was very different from the norm. And the dialogue?
“Did he mix in a bit of historical tone with a modern vibe?”
He maintained enough of the historical tone while lowering the barrier to entry so anyone could enjoy it.
“More than anything, the occult atmosphere planted between the scenes is top-notch, it lets you relax, then startles you, balancing the pace.”
All in all, 'Tale of the Strange Moon' written by Kang Rojun was incredibly well-done. Writer Han Seo-ryeong checked the time again, full of endless admiration. She was now aware she had to start writing her own work. Internally, a voice was shouting at her to stop reading 'Tale of the Strange Moon' and get to work.
But Han Seo-ryeong.
“Ha... this is bad.”
-Swish.
In the end, she lowered her gaze back onto the first episode script of 'Tale of the Strange Moon'.
“I need to write...”
But she couldn’t stop reading.
After that.
Kang Rojun and the members were riding in a van while moving to their next destination. Manager Kim Ki-baek was giving them a concise briefing. He listed today’s schedule and outlined some key upcoming events.
“Today, the most important thing is the official first fan signing event. We’ve put a lot of effort into it, so all you have to do is enjoy meeting the fans. Also, regarding the Japan concert I mentioned before, not everything is finalized, but we’ve at least pinned down the venue.”
For reference, the members had already finished recording the Japanese version.
“So starting today, your practice time will increase to prepare for the Japan concert.”
Their schedule was already packed, and it was about to get even more grueling. From vocals to dance, they would need to practice together for at least two more hours. That basically meant a guaranteed post-midnight finish. However, rather than showing signs of fatigue, 'Vanguard', including Rojun, felt a mix of tension and excitement.
Soon, Kim Ki-baek made eye contact with Kang Rojun.
“Rojun, the filming date for 'Like a Kaleidoscope' has been set for April 30th. It’ll be hard to focus solely on filming, so you’ll probably be going back and forth. And this Sunday, there will be a script reading for 'Blood Hunt'.”
He revealed Rojun's personal schedule. Today was Monday the 19th, and within the next two weeks, he had to handle key schedules for both a drama and a movie. And of course, all of this while continuing everything with 'Vanguard'. On the other hand, in Kang Rojun’s mind, work came before any sense of being overwhelmed.
‘For the next few days, I’ll focus on acting practice, and I need to finish the OST for 'Like a Kaleidoscope' as soon as possible. Better to wrap it up before filming starts so I can be at ease.’
And so, 'Vanguard' once again plunged into a flood of schedules. They shot photoshoots, appeared at an invited event venue, and in the early afternoon held a fan signing event in a fairly large hall.
“Kyaaaaah!!”
A huge crowd of fans gathered. Kang Rojun, Si-hoo, Kang-min, and Do-kyung sat in a row, meeting the fans. They received gifts, gave autographs, chatted, took pictures, and made eye contact. At one point, a female fan standing in front of Rojun.
“Gasp!”
Froze completely and couldn’t say a word. Gradually, fans like that increased. And the more that happened, the more Rojun approached the fans warmly.
“What’s that headband? A gift?”
“...Huh? Ah! Y-yes yes!”
“Give it to me, I’ll try it on. Does it look good?”
“Yes... it looks crazy good on you.”
“Thank you.”
Before he knew it, Rojun had become quite smooth at signing autographs, and the moment itself felt astonishing. Though he had seen tens of thousands of fans before, it was the first time he had spoken this closely with them and made direct eye contact.
‘I want to do more for them, but it’s a shame we have to move quickly because there are so many fans.’
Around that time, the internet was flooded with articles about 'Neos' member ‘Jae-chan’.
《[Star Talk] ‘Neos’ Jae-chan under police investigation for drug charges / Photo》
《Big Star Entertainment: “Jae-chan will properly cooperate with the investigation. We apologize to the public.”》
《Jae-chan shocks the entertainment industry... banned from leaving the country due to drug charges》
The case shook the entertainment industry and the country at large. Because it was such a massive incident, the news about Jae-chan was being delivered to the public in near real-time.
《Jae-chan appears at police station with a gloomy expression / Photo》
《Jae-chan attends investigation, dyes gray hair black / Photo》
《Jae-chan’s drug case shocks ‘Neos’ fans overseas including Japan!》
With the investigation now fully underway, Jae-chan’s future was as good as over. There was simply too much evidence released to the public. On top of that, the broadcasting and advertising industries had already begun scrubbing Jae-chan and 'Neos' from existence.
At an alarmingly fast pace.
Companies and shows that had 'Neos' as models were now even preparing lawsuits against Big Star Entertainment.
《From idol star to criminal overnight, Jae-chan... what will happen to ‘Neos’ now?》
In effect, 'Neos' was now considered done for.
《[Issue Talk] Entertainment industry on high alert over Jae-chan’s drug scandal》
As a result, many idols and entertainment agencies were lying low. GN Entertainment was also staying quiet. But the already-hot, runaway train 'Vanguard' couldn’t be hidden even if they tried.
《[Hot Issue] 'Vanguard' wins four music show trophies right after debut, successfully holds first fan signing event / Photo》
In a depressed entertainment industry.
《‘Vanguard’ Rojun busier than ever, first filming of 'Like a Kaleidoscope' approaching!》
《Director Yoo Ji-heon mentions Rojun in interview: “'Blood Hunt' script reading soon, Rojun will attend. Expectations are high.”》
Only 'Vanguard' continued to shine brightly.
A few days later, late afternoon on Friday the 23rd.
In an office at 'Culture Drawer', CEO Heo Ki-tae was seated. On the desk lay the synopsis and first episode script of 'Tale of the Strange Moon', already completely read.
He soon picked up his phone.
“Let’s get this started.”
The bear-like man called someone. The ringtone didn’t last long, and a woman’s voice came through the phone.
“Hello, CEO Heo. I was waiting to hear from you.”
It was Lim Hyun-jin, Executive Director of Netflix Korea. Heo Ki-tae then burst into hearty laughter.
“Hahaha! My apologies, I finally got things sorted out.”
“Does that mean you have the synopsis from Writer Rojun you mentioned?”
“Yes, and I also have an unexpected gift.”
“A gift? What kind?”
“Haha, I’ll tell you in person. I think you’re going to fall out of your chair in shock.”
“I’m looking forward to it.”
After glancing at the calendar, CEO Heo Ki-tae asked,
“Hmm, I was planning to visit tomorrow, but it’s the weekend? How about scheduling the meeting for next Monday?”
From the other end of the phone, Executive Director Lim Hyun-jin responded immediately as if it didn’t matter.
“No, tomorrow is fine too.”
About two hours later.
Time was already rushing toward night, and the location was a bar near Hannam Station. It was styled like an outdoor pojangmacha, and with more than 40 tables, it was quite a large place.
Being a Friday night, every table was full.
The overall age group was young, giving off a strong sense of youth. Groups of men, women, or mixed-gender guests were all chatting loudly and clinking glasses. As a result, part-time staff were being called frequently.
Given the size of the bar and the full seating, there were many part-timers as well. About six in total.
Interestingly, all the part-timers wore black masks.
Since there were also side dishes served, most customers didn’t care that the part-timers had masks on.
In any case, for a while the bar had the typical vibe found anywhere. Music filled the venue, guests swayed endlessly to the beat, the sound of cheers echoed all around, part-timers rushed food and drinks to tables, and some customers entered only to leave when they saw there were no seats.
Then.
-♬♪
The music playing in the spacious bar changed. It was 'GreenBee' by 'Vanguard', currently maintaining the No. 1 spot across various music charts. Some customers, clearly 'Vanguard' fans, let out squeals, while others nodded along to the familiar rhythm.
As 'GreenBee' played among the crowd.
“Did you watch 'Music Beat'?”
“Of course. 'Vanguard' won 1st place two weeks in a row!”
“Their hair and makeup were insane this time.”
“Seriously. The sexiness, the decadence was seriously insane. In the midst of that Si-hoo was cute."
“'GreenBee' suits Do-kyung and Kang-min perfectly. And Rojun? No words needed.”
“Ugh, I just want to see them once in real life.”
In an instant, the conversation turned fully to 'Vanguard'.
“Aren’t 'Vanguard' insanely popular? My sister’s obsessed with them. Her room is plastered with their photos.”
“I like the songs. Worth listening to, I often play them while driving. Especially 'GreenBee' and 'Windveil'.”
“Girls seem to love 'Flying Bell' too. They’re going nuts over the school uniform concept.”
“Honestly, I’d love to live a day in Rojun’s face. It’d be insane, right?”
“Life would feel so easy. Anyway- hey, what do you think about those two girls near the entrance?”
“Walk over and we’ll probably get shut down instantly.”
Didn’t matter if they were in groups of guys, girls, or mixed.
“Rojun’s the real deal! You just get sucked in when you see that divine super handsome face.”
“I like Kang-min more than Rojun, though.”
“What are you saying? Sure, Si-hoo, Kang-min, and Do-kyung are all super handsome, but if we’re talking visuals alone, Rojun’s on a god level.”
“Whatever, he’s not my type.”
At that moment.
-♬♪
The music in the bar switched from 'GreenBee' to 'Flying Bell'. The energy level began rising even more. Amid that, a few guests wore puzzled expressions and pointed subtly at some of the masked part-timers.
But they were in the minority. Most were too busy enjoying themselves.
Just then, for some reason, there was a bit of commotion outside the bar. It looked like there were flashing lights. Some guests seated near the entrance glanced outside, sensing something odd.
-Tak.
A part-timer placed a bottle of alcohol on a table and removed his mask.
“Hello!”
It was Si-hoo. The customer facing him froze with their mouth wide open.
“Huh?”
The same reaction came from the next table over. A part-timer who had just replaced a broken glass took off his mask.
It was Kang-min.
The customers’ eyes widened.
“No way!”
Right behind them, another part-timer who had just handed over a water bottle removed his mask.
It was Do-kyung.
“Here you go, water full of ice.”
Female guests gasped, hands over their mouths in shock.
“Ah! D-Do-kyung?!”
The bar erupted in chaos in an instant. Finally, the part-timer who had just placed a dish of spicy chicken feet at a central table took off his mask and gave the guests a smiling glance.
“Please enjoy.”
It was Kang Rojun.
Thanks to that, the female guest who had just said Rojun was the least impressive froze the moment she saw him just two fists away.
Then, as if possessed, she murmured with Rojun right in front of her.
“Wow... he’s fucking handsome.”
Soon, cameramens entered the bar.