boyutpedia Chapter 152: Acceleration (1)
Chapter 152: Acceleration (1)
Wednesday morning, February 3rd, Japan.The news of Vanguard’s debut showcase concert was so hot that it was not only a trending topic on Japan’s No. 1 SNS platform but also covered in detail by Japanese media.
《‘Vanguard’ to debut at Korea’s Gocheok Dome》
《SNS heats up over Produce That 100!’s ‘Vanguard’ debut news》
There were already plenty of fans of ‘Vanguard’ in Japan. The official Japanese fan club was even clamoring to be officially recognized. Since their fandom had been building up since ‘Produce That 100!’, it was no surprise. Their popularity was clearly evident on the Japanese music charts.
In Korea, the songs from ‘Produce That 100!’ had lost a bit of steam, but in Japan, they were still ranking high.
The same went for Netflix Japan rankings.
Although it was already the second month of the new year, both ‘Produce That 100!’ and ‘Rental Lover’ were still holding spots in the top 10 on Netflix Japan.
But Netflix Japan wasn’t content with resting on its laurels.
This was due to a major project they were currently pushing forward. To be precise, it was about ‘Like a Kaleidoscope’ written by Kang Rojun. It had already been announced with great fanfare as a Netflix Japan original series, and production had kicked off around the end of November last year, so they were already entering the third month.
Thus, the progress was taking a clear shape.
The production company and PD in charge of ‘Like a Kaleidoscope’ had already completed the storyboard work and were in the midst of set construction and location scouting.
That was also nearing its final stages.
Since it was a total of 10 episodes, the pace was relatively fast.
For reference, among Rojun’s works, ‘Blood Hunt’, which started about a month later than ‘Like a Kaleidoscope’, was currently in the middle of storyboard work and actor casting. Therefore, while the writer and lead actor of ‘Like a Kaleidoscope’ had already been revealed as Rojun, that wasn’t the case yet for ‘Blood Hunt’.
In any case, both projects seemed to be moving along smoothly.
《Netflix Japan ‘Like a Kaleidoscope’ completes casting of top actors one after another》
The casting process for actors in ‘Like a Kaleidoscope’ was going very smoothly. No, it was explosive, even. The details could be heard in the meeting with Tom Cavill, Executive Director of Netflix Japan, and the production company in charge of ‘Like a Kaleidoscope’. Given the production structure of Netflix, Netflix Japan, after investing funds, typically lubricated the process and received reports accordingly.
Handling was done by the directing PD and the production company staff.
“The main roles are about 80% cast at this point. There are a few small roles left, but those will be quick.”
“I think we can start coordinating actor schedules soon and set a date for the first script reading.”
Tom Cavill, Executive Director of Netflix Japan, while receiving the report from the production company, kept his blue eyes fixed on the screen lit by the projector.
‘Somehow, the lineup turned out to be quite glamorous.’
Indeed, the screen he was watching was lined with top actors from Japan.
‘The public interest pouring into ‘Like a Kaleidoscope’, and the fact that we at Netflix Japan have gone all in on preparing this series, spread the word quickly and made the process relatively easy to finish.’
Then, Tom Cavill’s gaze stopped squarely on one male actor whose appearance particularly stood out. Among the lineup of Japan’s top actors, the only Korean actor was Kang Rojun. Executive Director Tom Cavill gave his honest thoughts internally.
‘Just visually, he’s completely overwhelming.’
While the Japanese top actors were each stars in their own right here, having Kang Rojun among them made the others look like squids. This wasn’t just Tom Cavill’s personal opinion; all the executives at Netflix Japan felt the same way.
At this point, the directing PD, who had bloodshot eyes and a generally gloomy aura, spoke in Japanese.
“I think it would be best to split the script reading into two sessions, a first and second.”
“Split into two?”
“Yes. For one, ‘Like a Kaleidoscope’ is an omnibus format, and there are so many actors involved. It’s too large-scale, and matching everyone’s schedules at once is impossible.”
“Hmm. That makes sense. Go ahead with that plan.”
“The first script reading should be around February 22nd.”
That was about three weeks away. Seemingly satisfied, Executive Director Tom Cavill nodded and brought up Rojun.
“Let Rojun participate only in the first script reading as the writer and actor.”
“What about the second script reading?”
“That will be difficult.”
Tom Cavill, who was continuously monitoring the Korean side, gave a faint smile.
“Even just getting him for the first script reading is a blessing.”
At the same time, in Korea.
The ‘Vanguard’ members arrived at the company early in the morning. Just like yesterday, Rojun, Si-hoo, Kang-min, and Do-kyung split up and went their separate ways. For now, it was still individual practice, but starting next week, they would begin their first group practices, meaning they’d be sticking together almost all the time.
While the members were pouring their hearts into mastering the choreography, Kang Rojun first stopped by the gym.
‘Whew- today, I should lift some weights.’
Having completed his daily mission, as well as his body-building and stamina training, Rojun didn’t immediately jump into the shower.
-Swish.
He headed straight to the empty practice room. Now that various aspects of the debut tracks had been finalized, Rojun’s daily schedule became even more tightly packed.
‘I need to divide my time more precisely than before.’
Rojun started with vocals. Either he sang with pure skill or reviewed what he had previously learned. Naturally, the debut songs, ‘GreenBee’, ‘Windveil’, and ‘Flying Bell’, took up the longest practice time. The same went for rap and choreography that followed.
Even if vocals or dance had already been learned, he repeated them again and again.
The session wrapped up with acting practice.
That concluded his morning.
After eating lunch and returning, Kang Rojun settled into his familiar workspace. Having just taken a shower, his skin looked fresh and soft as he twisted his neck from side to side and muttered,
“Let’s finish the Japanese lyrics for the debut songs first.”
Meanwhile.
While Kang Rojun and the ‘Vanguard’ members were busy with their individual schedules, Manager Kim Ki-baek, draped in a long padded coat, dropped by the recording studio where work on Vanguard’s debut songs was actively underway.
Inside, the producing team that had taken part in the vocal recordings was busily moving around. Since Manager Kim Ki-baek had a naturally low presence and music was constantly playing, no one noticed his arrival.
-Swish.
It was only after Manager Kim Ki-baek put down the condition drinks he had brought that.
“Ah! You scared me!”
The producer in a cap and the rest of the producing team finally noticed Kim Ki-baek’s presence. With a deflated smile, Manager Kim Ki-baek asked the producer,
“Hmm- how much progress have you made?”
The producer glanced at Kim Ki-baek’s rough stubble before responding.
“Are you here to pressure us?”
“No, I just need to report the situation upstairs in my own way.”
“We’re currently mixing ‘GreenBee’. It’ll move into mastering soon.”
“That’s fast.”
Mixing is the process of balancing vocals and instruments, while mastering is the final inspection. In other words, ‘GreenBee’ was in its final stages. Still, there were two more songs to go. As Kim Ki-baek scanned the recording studio, he asked another question.
“How was Rojun’s work on the producing side?”
“You saw it, didn’t you? He did well.”
“Well, from a layman’s point of view, yes. But pros see things differently.”
The producer, now without his cap, cleared his throat awkwardly, the unexpected compliment hitting its mark.
“Rather than actually producing, he was more mimicking it, but he is naturally talented. I mean, just look at the quality of the song. It’s clear his ears are good and that he has sight-reading ability. It’s instinctive.”
Sight-reading, in the music field, refers to singing or playing music accurately upon first seeing a score without prior practice. It’s considered a matter of talent.
“Hmm- doesn’t Si-hoo have a similar trait?”
“He does. But how should I put it? Si-hoo has more of a professional vibe, while Rojun is a bit raw. It’s like comparing a college kid on an elite track to a genius high school graduate.”
Manager Kim Ki-baek slowly nodded, grasping the general point, then asked again.
“If you had to give advice to both of them right now?”
“…Well, you probably know this already, but Si-hoo lacks a bit of confidence. Rojun, on the other hand, has too much. Oh, but Rojun’s continuing with composition and lyrics, right?”
“He said he would.”
“Hmm, then he’ll be touching arrangement or producing too.”
The producer, arms crossed, paused for a moment before opening his mouth.
“It’s fine for now, but Rojun might find it tough as time goes on.”
“Why?”
“Well, Si-hoo seems to know how to handle most instruments, but Rojun seems to know only guitar. I noticed during the last recording session that he didn’t even touch the keyboard when giving directions.”
“Ah-”
“Composition, lyrics writing, arrangement, producing, whichever it is, if you want to last in this field, the more instruments you understand, the broader your musical range. The quality changes dramatically. Sure, some composers can’t play many instruments, but kids who are just starting out don’t need to take the thorny path.”
Keyboard, huh- Kim Ki-baek muttered to himself.
‘In other words, piano.’
At that moment, the producer scratched his chin.
“Just my personal opinion, but saying you can compose without a keyboard is bullshit. Sure, it’s possible, but only if it’s a hobby. We’re professionals. For any decent composer or arranger, it’s a basic skill.”
Already aware of most of it, Manager Kim Ki-baek confirmed once again.
“If we compare it to a chef, instruments are the ingredients, right? The more you have, the more diverse the flavors. So, the fact that Rojun composed ‘GreenBee’ without a keyboard is pretty amazing.”
“Exactly. Rojun already has an insane spec, but if he learns piano, it’ll be even nicer.”
“Thank you for your opinion.”
“But no matter how much of a genius Rojun is, the timing’s tight right now. Keyboard isn’t something you can learn in a day or two. Let’s ask him after ‘Vanguard’ debuts. In my opinion, Rojun’s going to hit a wall in composing after a while. He won’t be satisfied with just guitar.”
Saying his thanks, Manager Kim Ki-baek recalled Kang Rojun’s face.
‘Maybe the company can at least help with keyboard (piano) training?’
A few hours later.
Kang Rojun, who had been too busy until now, pushed ahead to complete the Japanese lyrics for ‘GreenBee’, ‘Windveil’, and ‘Flying Bell’. Since he had already worked on them to some extent, it didn’t take long. After about two hours, Rojun finished writing the Japanese versions and stretched out.
“That should do it.”
With that, the Korean and Japanese lyrics for all of Vanguard’s debut songs were complete. After sending an appropriate message to Manager Kim Ki-baek, Rojun immediately moved on to the next task.
This time, composing.
He had already completed the stored ballad ‘No. 1’ and ‘GreenBee’. Now, it was time to work on the in-progress ‘No. 3’ track. Just like the others, the third track, also a dance song, had already been developed to a certain extent.
Here, Kang Rojun stroked his chin.
“Hmm-”
His gaze moved from the laptop in front of him to the left side of the studio equipment. The keyboard. Since it was a music workspace, of course there was a keyboard, but Rojun had never touched it until now.
But he was slowly getting curious.
“It’s necessary, for composing. If I can use a keyboard, my spectrum will widen significantly.”
Well, to be fair, Rojun had already learned guitar and was at a high level. Also, it’s possible to compose even without playing guitar or keyboard. There are composers who can’t play any instruments. However, the more he composed, the more he felt the need for a keyboard, piano, to be exact.
‘Even when I was producing this time, I felt it.’
There had been a guitar in the recording studio, but the producing team mostly used the keyboard. Same when giving directions.
‘Composing with a guitar gives you that unique rhythm and groove, but it doesn’t spark broader musical ideas.’
As he thought, learning the keyboard came with many advantages for a composer, lyricist, or arranger. From delicate chord progressions to melody work, and when combined with guitar, even more so.
“Hmm, composing and lyric writing are a given, but trying producing was fun too.”
Currently, Kang Rojun had completed two songs. It was time to move beyond the basics.
“I’m still lacking, but let’s just go for it.”
Moving his body, Rojun stepped up to the keyboard and muttered,
“Let’s go. Piano learning.”
He took out his phone from his pocket. Quickly, Rojun accessed the ‘AI Simulation’ app. However, instead of going straight to ‘AI Automation’, he tapped the ‘Inventory’ button.
The reason was simple.
-[Inventory]
-[1] AI Automation One-time Free Ticket
Because he had kept a special item.
‘Learning piano is obviously going to cost a lot. I’ve gotta use this sweet item.’
When he tapped the item, the text changed. Familiar ‘AI Automation’ messages popped up. Rojun carefully typed his piano learning objective into the blank space, and after the loading circle spun, results appeared on the phone screen.
-[Analyzing with AI…… Analysis Complete!]
-[To obtain the desired result, 370 Coins are required.]
-[Would you like to use the item ‘AI Automation One-time Free Ticket’?]
Without a moment’s hesitation, Kang Rojun tapped ‘Accept’.
Meanwhile, someone was making their way toward the studio where Rojun was. It was Manager Kim Ki-baek, who had received a message from Kang Rojun.
“He already finished the Japanese lyrics for the debut songs?”
“Yes. I just got the message too.”
“Geez, Rojun is seriously fast with his hands.”
The A&R team staff were with him as well.