SCT-Novel Chapter 164: Show Con (1)
Chapter 164: Show Con (1)
“A, a historical drama?”CEO Heo Ki-tae asked back, seemingly surprised. Despite his large build, his face had a surprisingly gentle expression, which made Kang Rojun puzzled. Why is he surprised? Is it strange that I would write a historical drama?
Well, it was understandable.
‘Writing a historical drama isn’t easy. Still, the reaction is so big it’s making me feel competitive.’
What Kang Rojun had decided on before wasn’t a traditional historical drama. It was more of a fusion historical drama with a fantasy element. Of course, he had only thought of a simple concept, and nothing was clearly decided yet. Anyway, even if it’s just a fusion drama that only has a whiff of historical tone with fantasy added to lighten the mood, the genre of historical drama itself tends to be difficult.
There was a lot to research.
Still, Rojun didn’t think he couldn’t do it.
‘Research and that stuff might take a bit, but I’m fast with my hands, so I’ll manage somehow. Once I start writing, something will come out anyway.’
Then Kang Rojun gave CEO Heo Ki-tae a small smile with his eyes.
“Yes. A historical drama. But you seem too surprised. It’s my first time writing one, so I’m not confident yet.”
CEO Heo Ki-tae quickly shook his head. Maybe because of his large frame or big head, Rojun could feel the gust of wind.
“No! No no no, that’s not what I meant at all!”
“Yes? Then what did you mean?”
“It just gave me chills, I guess? I never expected the word ‘historical drama’ to come out of your mouth, Writer Rojun.”
As Kang Rojun looked at him with clear eyes full of question marks, Heo Ki-tae explained the whole story.
“Actually, I had a meeting with Netflix Korea. I heard that Netflix Korea is preparing a large-scale project…”
Receiving the story about the meeting with Netflix Korea, Kang Rojun nodded as if he now understood.
‘Ah, so Netflix Korea was looking for something in the historical genre, and I mentioned something similar, which surprised him. It’s a coincidence, but I guess it’s chill-inducing.’
Still, the fact that Netflix Korea was aiming for a global launch with a historical drama, that definitely conveyed the scale of the project to Rojun.
‘Even when they took over ‘Like a Kaleidoscope’ in Japan, I thought it was amazing, but worldwide?? That’s insane.’
At that moment.
‘Wait a sec?’
Kang Rojun, while looking at CEO Heo Ki-tae, realized something.
“Oh? CEO-nim, the reason you came to me after meeting with Netflix… don’t tell me, you thought of me as the writer for that project?”
CEO Heo Ki-tae immediately gave a thumbs-up.
“That’s right, Writer-nim. As soon as the meeting with Netflix Korea ended, your face came to mind. And then, the moment we met, you brought up the historical drama yourself, so I was startled, hahaha.”
“Ah- are you sure I’m suitable?”
This question wasn’t from Kang Rojun doubting himself, but more in the sense of wondering if he was being considered when there were so many renowned writers in Culture Drawer. Right? Culture Drawer had many big-name writers, including Writer Han Seo-ryeong. Rojun may be hot right now, but he was still a newly debuted writer.
But CEO Heo Ki-tae answered immediately as if there was no problem at all.
“Of course. Honestly, I think you’re the most suitable.”
The excited bear quickly briefed him on why it had to be Kang Rojun. Mostly high praise.
“We have many writers at Culture Drawer with great careers and impressive reputations. They’re amazing. But you, Writer Rojun, have unique skills, things that the other writers don’t have.”
Among them, CEO Heo Ki-tae especially emphasized the flexibility of Kang Rojun’s writing.
“Writer Rojun, you were the first Korean writer to successfully launch an original series with Netflix Japan. That alone is proof that your creations are very flexible. Writing that works in any country. Perhaps your outstanding language ability also plays a role.”
“Uh- thank you.”
With compliments pouring in, Kang Rojun chuckled inwardly but suppressed his emotions as much as he could, while CEO Heo Ki-tae’s expression turned somewhat serious.
“That’s why I believe you’re the perfect fit for this project. However, there are also quite a few drawbacks. So I can’t push it too hard.”
“What kind of drawbacks?”
“Even if you complete the project synopsis, there’s no guarantee Netflix Korea will pick it. And even if they do, if the project flops… the media and public opinion will tear it apart. It won’t severely damage your main profession, but it will definitely leave some scratches.”
Heo Ki-tae continued listing various drawbacks. It was a project with clear pros and cons.
“Also, considering the timing, you’re just about to debut, so it’s obvious you’ll be pressed for time. Even as I’m offering this, I keep thinking it might be too hard. After your debut, you’ll be even busier, and not just as an idol or writer, you have other side jobs too…”
Well, what CEO Heo said was a fair point. Even as Rojun listened to the briefing, the thought of the future made him feel slightly overwhelmed. But for some reason, what Kang Rojun felt deep down was.
‘It’s not like I’m not worried, but I think the excitement is bigger than the fear. Isn’t this actually a good thing? I was planning to write something historical anyway, and now the stage is set.’
Rather than negative thoughts, the positive ones were stronger. Sure, there would be thorns and hills along the way, but no matter what it is, nothing happens unless you try, right?
‘If it fails, it fails. And as I keep going, opportunities will come again.’
Kang Rojun was already in a whirlwind, but even if things got busier, he didn’t mind. His happiness level just kept rising. He casually shared his thoughts with CEO Heo Ki-tae, who was forcing an awkward smile.
“Honestly, I don’t really know the pros and cons. That’s how I’ve been so far, and I think I’ll keep being that way.”
“Huh?”
He made a decision on the spot.
“If it’s something I can do, I’ll do it.”
After that.
CEO Heo Ki-tae laughed heartily and praised Kang Rojun multiple times. At the same time, he told him to draft the synopsis without feeling pressured.
“Let me know when the synopsis is ready. I’ll set up a meeting with Netflix Korea right away.”
Additionally, he gave him an update about PD Jung Soo-ryeong.
“I was told that PD Jung Soo-ryeong just returned from her vacation. Looks like you’ll be meeting with her soon. I’ll make sure your work is coordinated properly!”
After parting ways with Heo Ki-tae, Kang Rojun briefly informed Manager Kim Ki-baek about the meeting. Of course, CEO Heo had asked to keep things confidential for now, but since GN Entertainment was his agency, they had to be kept in the loop.
Manager Kim Ki-baek had a rather intrigued expression.
“Hmm- a historical drama. Things are moving in a pretty interesting direction. For now, I’ll report this only to the CEO. But will you even have time to make a synopsis?”
“I’ll try. I’ll be counting on you, Manager-nim.”
“Come on, don’t say it like that. I’ll support you as much as I can. It’s fun handling your and Vanguard’s schedules.”
After that, Rojun returned to the practice room where the other members were.
-♬♪
He immediately joined in on the dance practice. After about an hour of syncing up, during a short break, Do-kyung came over to Kang Rojun.
“Hyung. Your combat power seems like it leveled up.”
Rojun gave a sly smile with his eyes.
“Hmph, you’re right. Something’s overflowing!”
“…Si-hoo hyung. Rojun hyung is acting weird.”
Si-hoo, drenched in sweat and brushing back his baby perm hair while lifting a water bottle from his mouth, walked over.
“It’s because of ‘Blood Hunt’. Things are going crazy right now.”
Then Kang-min, with a towel around his neck, joined in.
“Oh right. Rojun hyung, there’s a flood of articles about ‘Blood Hunt’.”
“Director Yoo Ji-heon himself dropped the bomb, didn’t he??”
Soon, even GN Entertainment’s in-house choreography team chimed in, and the topic of ‘Blood Hunt’ filled the room.
“Rojun! How are you writing at all when you’re practicing everything and training nonstop??”
“It’s seriously amazing. This time, you even wrote a movie script, right? And that legendary Director Yoo Ji-heon personally picked it.”
“I’ve seen almost all of Director Yoo Ji-heon’s films, you know? What kind of scenario did you write to catch his eye??”
Questions poured out.
“You’re going to be in Yoo Ji-heon’s next film as an actor too… this is insane. And you didn’t even audition, right?”
“That Japanese Netflix one, what was it again? Oh! ‘Like a Kaleidoscope’. That’s still going strong? And now this pops off too. Rojun, are you actually a monster?”
“What the hell are you guys saying? You should be bowing to Rojun nonstop! Thanks to him, ‘Vanguard’ is getting a big promo boost too!!”
Kang Rojun didn’t mind the noisy chatter. He actually liked it. There was no reason to dislike the fact that the internal choreography team he’d grown close to, and the members he would work with in the future, were genuinely happy for him.
Then, Kang Rojun.
-swish.
Picked up his phone and opened a portal site. There was no need to search.
《‘I chose the script written by Rojun’ – Director Yoo Ji-heon acknowledges the talent of ‘Writer Rojun’》
《[Star Talk] Director Yoo Ji-heon’s next film ‘Blood Hunt’, written and acted in by Rojun!》
《From idol to writer to actor, ‘Rojun’ finds success in every side job / photo》
The articles he wanted to see were already on the main page.
《The script for ‘Blood Hunt’ chosen by a top director, fans of ‘Vanguard’ already bursting with excitement / photo》
And the comments.
-RojunㅠㅠㅜㅠㅠCongrats!!!
-He’s already walking the flower path! I hope it only gets better!!
-Why am I so happyㅠㅜㅠ
-Rojun really is a disruptorㅋㅋㅋㅋno wonder even non-fans like him
Even fans were busy celebrating.
A few days later, in the early hours of the 22nd.
The location was Vanguard’s dorm. The time was around 4 a.m. While the other ‘Vanguard’ members were completely knocked out, Kang Rojun was the only one to rise, shuffling around like a zombie.
‘Ugh, I’m dying.’
Even last night, he couldn’t fall asleep until close to midnight. He got maybe four hours of sleep at best. But Rojun quietly got ready without waking the members and stepped out of the dorm. After getting into his car parked in the garage, Kang Rojun muttered,
“Having my own car definitely makes things easier.”
He let out a wide yawn and started the engine. His destination was GN Entertainment. The company building was quiet, but Rojun headed straight to the gym like it was second nature.
‘Short and intense!’
He started with a workout to complete his Daily Mission. Today, he didn’t go over an hour. Gasping for breath, Kang Rojun checked the time. It was already 5:30 a.m.
“Roughly three hours left?”
At 9 a.m., Kang Rojun had to head to Gocheok Dome. Soon, he walked down the empty hallways, quickly checking his Coins and enhancing his Stats, then headed straight for the workspace.
He sat in his familiar seat and opened his laptop.
“Whew-”
Kang Rojun twisted his neck side to side, forcing himself to shake off the fatigue.
“Now that I’ve gotten moving, it’s not so bad… but doesn’t ‘AI Simulation’ have anything like that? Something that keeps you energetic even without sleep. That’d be insanely useful.”
Murmuring to himself, Rojun placed both hands on the keyboard. He typed a little while also deepening his thoughts.
‘Historical drama-style, fusion historical drama, fantasy.’
He was mulling over the proposal from CEO Heo Ki-tae. What should he write? From what he’d heard, a strictly traditional historical drama wasn’t ideal. Rojun agreed. He never intended to write something overly heavy to begin with.
‘Fusion historical drama. Since it’s for Netflix Korea, the worldbuilding can be large-scale. Rather than something political… let’s go with a fantasy with historical flavor. Some adventure, some battles.’
The outline was starting to take shape.
‘A secret royal inspector? But he’s a Taoist priest. It’d be fun if he had powers too. Maybe there are monsters. Since it’s the Joseon era, should I go with yokai? It needs to feel light but have depth in key moments. Occult themes. But if I go this route, the production cost’s going to be insane. Whatever, let’s just go for it.’
Soon, Kang Rojun dove into character development.
While immersed in writing, Rojun suddenly became aware of the time.
-swish.
The door to the workspace opened abruptly.
“Rojun-”
It was Manager Kim Ki-baek, wearing a faint, tired smile.
“It’s time. Let’s go.”
“Ah! Sorry. It’s already past 8.”
Realizing how much time had passed, Kang Rojun stopped what he was doing and sprang to his feet. Kim Ki-baek led him to the practice room, where Si-hoo, Kang-min, Do-kyung, and the choreography team were already waiting. Rojun quickly merged in with the welcoming ‘Vanguard’ members.
“Everyone ready? Then let’s go-”
The ‘Vanguard’ team and over a dozen GN Entertainment staff members moved all at once. They arrived at Gocheok Dome, where dozens of staff were already in place, stage construction and equipment tests complete.
The reason was simple.
Today was the day of Vanguard’s first stage rehearsal for their debut showcase concert.
Once again, Kang Rojun and the members stood on the grand stage.
“……”
“……”
They weren’t as awestruck as they were when they first came here. Now, they wore firm expressions like generals preparing for battle. After about an hour of prep, the four members of ‘Vanguard’ and the dozen-plus choreography team stood on the massive stage, and the first track began to play.
-♬♪
It was ‘GreenBee.’