SCT-Novel Chapter 192: Activities (5)
Chapter 192: Activities (5)
The title of the ending main theme OST for 'Like a Kaleidoscope', which was composed and written by Kang Rojun, was 'Dreamlike'. Of course, the title was also decided by Rojun. That 'Dreamlike' song spread throughout the entire studio. It began with the sound of a music box.A medium-tempo music box that was neither slow nor fast.
It sounded somewhat sorrowful, and a slightly chilly atmosphere was mixed in as well. The music box sound brought out a strange or dreamy feeling, and then as the piano came in, the intro gained strength.
The piano was faster and heavier than the music box.
As the two instruments merged, the OST 'Dreamlike' made listeners feel even more melancholic. It felt like, how should one put it, walking alone in a forest with no end in sight. The surroundings were dusky and mysterious.
Following the piano came Kang Rojun’s vocals.
Rojun’s voice blended with the atmosphere built up slowly, matching the strange rhythm. Low and calm, but his voice itself captivated people. Gently spoken Japanese lyrics. With his eyes closed, Kang Rojun focused as he drew out the tone, and after he had sung a certain portion of the verse.
-♬♪
The mysterious rhythm changed abruptly. The tempo suddenly quickened slightly, and strength was added to the piano melody. A kitschy melody. The tempo that was once calm quickened, and it felt like the once-quiet forest had transformed into the feeling of being chased by someone.
Matching the flow, Rojun’s vocals also sped up.
Naturally, he transitioned into the chorus.
Kang Rojun nodded his head as he sang. Watching him inside the booth, PD Noguchi Ken was already captivated. Whether it was the quality of the OST 'Dreamlike' or Rojun’s vocals.
'It sticks right in ears. Amazing. Anyone can tell this song is the OST for 'Like a Kaleidoscope'. The melody is exactly the feeling I wanted. This… is a level only the writer of 'Like a Kaleidoscope' could reach.'
It was a quality that could only come from someone who, as a writer, could also compose, write lyrics, and sing as a vocalist.
'As expected, entrusting Rojun was the right answer.'
PD Noguchi Ken quietly lifted the corners of his mouth and looked to Executive Director Tom Cavill, who stood beside him, staring at Kang Rojun without so much as a blink. Sensing the gaze, Executive Director Tom Cavill already had his eyes widened to the fullest.
-Swoosh.
He expressed his current feelings with a small gesture. A firm thumbs-up directed at PD Noguchi Ken. He had expected it, but he didn’t anticipate a song this fantastic. Internally muttering to himself, Executive Director Tom Cavill once again focused on Kang Rojun inside the booth.
'The song itself is one thing... but Rojun’s tone is breathtaking.'
Including that, the key staff members of 'Like a Kaleidoscope' were completely captivated by the idol Kang Rojun. They had become quite familiar with Rojun as a writer or actor, but this was the first time they had seen a moment of the idol Kang Rojun so directly. Being mesmerized was not a strange response, and it wasn’t much different for Endo Takuto and the other Japanese actors.
No, in fact, they were even more shocked.
At that moment.
-♬♪
As soon as Kang Rojun entered the second verse, he unleashed a high note like a horse breaking free from its reins. But soon after, as if it hadn’t happened, he released a chilly tone again. The control of tempo and intensity was so exquisite that you couldn’t take your ears off it. Endo Takuto’s mouth slowly fell open.
'...He’s incredible.'
Setting aside the fact that 'Dreamlike' was sensational from the intro that melted the ears, just by his expression it looked like he was singing effortlessly, yet Kang Rojun had completely seized everyone present.
The energy was overwhelming.
If the word "overwhelm" were to be visualized, would it be a moment like this?
Without realizing it, Endo Takuto let out a faint “Ha-” of awe. Truthfully, until this moment arrived, he had harbored a bit of doubt. He wasn’t exactly sure what kind of presence Kang Rojun had in Korea, but he was still a rookie who had debuted just over a month ago.
And yet they had entrusted him with the ending main theme OST? Not only as a vocalist but for the composition and lyrics too?
He wasn’t pleased.
Even though he had seen how 'Produce That 100!' had been hot even in Japan in the past, and how songs from that time or 'Vanguard' were now dominating Japanese charts, Endo Takuto hadn’t really felt it personally, as he had little interest in the idol market to begin with.
However, Endo Takuto’s thoughts shattered easily now. Completely broke apart.
'Should I say he’s glowing... or miraculous.'
Just by listening quietly, the world of 'Like a Kaleidoscope' unfolded before his eyes. Every time Rojun’s tone brushed past his ears, goosebumps rose on Endo Takuto’s neck and forearms.
'How... how long has it been? Since I last felt this kind of emotion from someone’s skill?'
Was it back when he was just a rookie? The last time Endo Takuto had gotten goosebumps from someone’s acting was when he saw a performance by a veteran senior. That had been the first time in over ten years. Watching Rojun now, who was singing passionately, Endo Takuto gave a faint smile.
‘As expected, his presence soars the most when he’s doing his main job.’
Other actors, including Suzuki Rie, were so absorbed in Kang Rojun’s song that they couldn’t even give any reaction. Manager Kim Ki-baek, who scanned them all, leaned his shoulder against the wall with a weary smile.
‘Even in Korea, it’s hard to find an idol who can compete with Rojun, so of course they’re all shocked out of their minds.’
By now.
-Sss.
As the melody of 'Dreamlike' ended, Kang Rojun in the booth took off his headphones. When he looked ahead, every person beyond the glass was making a strange expression. Those faces were ones Rojun had seen quite often.
‘Looks like it went well. Honestly, I was confident.’
Filled with satisfaction, Kang Rojun asked everyone quietly in Japanese.
“How was it?”
Among the frozen group, PD Noguchi Ken reacted the fastest. Instead of answering, he expressed the overwhelming emotion he felt through his hands.
-Clap clap clap clap clap clap!
Soon after, Executive Director Tom Cavill, the key staff, and the Japanese actors joined in the applause. Endo Takuto also clapped sincerely.
-Clap clap clap clap clap clap!
Kang Rojun felt a wave of catharsis and shouted inwardly.
‘Yes! That reaction hits the spot, so good!’
Later.
Having completed the demonstration of 'Dreamlike', Kang Rojun boarded a flight back to Korea. For reference, the next filming of 'Like a Kaleidoscope' was scheduled two days later. While Rojun, during the flight, opened his laptop to work on other projects.
《‘Vanguard’, No. 1 on this week’s ‘Music Beat’! Sweeping music show trophies for three consecutive weeks》
News about 'Vanguard' was blowing up in Korea.
《‘No. 1 again’, Vanguard achieves three consecutive weeks of music show wins and earns a triple crown!》
《Breaking another record? Since debut, ‘Vanguard’ has held first place on music shows nonstop... their popularity keeps skyrocketing》
News was out that 'Vanguard' had been sweeping first place on various music shows for nearly a month. Though 'Vanguard' was already running with unstoppable momentum, this was only the beginning. There were still promotion songs like 'Windveil' and 'Flying Bell' remaining.
Then, on May 1st, one day later.
Lim Hyun-jin, Executive Director of Netflix Korea, conveyed a decision regarding 'Tale of the Strange Moon' to the senior staff.
“'Tale of the Strange Moon' will be structured with six episodes per season.”
At the same time, Kang Rojun received a call from CEO Heo Ki-tae while on the move between schedules.
“Writer Rojun, I’ve conveyed what you mentioned to Executive Director Lim Hyun-jin. It’s been decided that Season 1 will consist of six episodes.”
As soon as he heard it, Rojun’s mind kicked into high gear.
“Really? Got it! Then I’ll reconfigure it from twelve to six episodes.”
Since the structure per season would affect everything from the pacing to individual episodes, the faster pacing meant more would change. Whatever the case, Kang Rojun, along with Si-hoo, Kang-min, and Do-kyung, was once again plunged into the swamp of schedules. From radio guest appearances to variety show tapings, event participation, and live broadcasts for fan interaction, today was going to be hectic from the morning.
In between schedules, Si-hoo, Kang-min, and Do-kyung bombarded Kang Rojun with questions.
“Rojun, how was the filming in Japan?”
“Filming? It was just so-so. Nothing particularly different from Korea.”
“Hyung. But still, you acted with Japan’s top stars. That reaction’s kind of dry.”
“I don’t know. Even if they’re top actors in Japan, to me they just looked like Japanese Person 1, Japanese Person 2. Ah right- I did land a job because of my looks.”
“Liar.”
“Liar hyung.”
Then the next morning, before Rojun headed to the airport for the second round of 'Like a Kaleidoscope' filming, Kang Rojun and the 'Vanguard' members gathered in a conference room. Manager Kim Ki-baek and other staff from the management team were present too, and not long after, CEO Ha Seo-hwan entered the room.
-Swish.
As soon as he sat down, he nodded at Manager Kim Ki-baek. It felt like something had already been communicated, and Manager Kim Ki-baek looked at the 'Vanguard' members and spoke in a bland tone.
“Mm- there’s something I need to inform you all about.”
Soon, Kim Ki-baek’s gaze landed on Kang Rojun.
“Currently, Rojun is working on a project as a writer with Netflix Korea.”
He explained about 'Tale of the Strange Moon' to the members, what kind of work it was, how big the project was, and so on. When they heard that it would be launched not only in Korea but globally, Si-hoo, Kang-min, and Do-kyung’s eyes widened. Then, all attention turned to Kang Rojun.
“Wow- Rojun, that’s insane!”
“Hyung, are you becoming a world-class writer now?”
The members didn’t feel upset about why it had been kept secret. They simply expressed congratulations and surprise. Kang Rojun felt unnecessarily embarrassed. At that moment, Manager Kim Ki-baek continued speaking.
“Regarding 'Tale of the Strange Moon', Netflix Korea made a proposal to us, to GN, and to 'Vanguard'.”
A proposal? This was something even Rojun was hearing for the first time.
‘When did this discussion happen? Was it while I was in Japan??’
Thanks to that, Kang Rojun’s curiosity also exploded, and as Kim Ki-baek glanced at CEO Ha Seo-hwan, he tapped on a tablet he handed to the members.
“I’ll explain as you look over this summary.”
He briefed the 'Vanguard' members on the conversations and information shared between CEO Ha Seo-hwan and Executive Director Lim Hyun-jin. What Netflix Korea wanted, what kind of end product was expected, and so on.
“To summarize, Netflix Korea wants a collaboration between 'Vanguard' and 'Tale of the Strange Moon', and they’re proposing that we take charge of the main theme song, its concept, lyrics, composition, choreography, music video, and more.”
GN Entertainment didn’t necessarily need to inform or get permission from 'Vanguard' members about this proposal. However, CEO Ha Seo-hwan wanted to inform Rojun and the members in advance and hear their thoughts. One of the reasons was explained by Manager Kim Ki-baek.
“For reference, if you accept this, the final product will be used not only in Korea but in many countries overseas. It’s clearly a large-scale proposal, and if we decide to move forward, you’ll all need to participate in various aspects of production.”
In other words, 'Vanguard' wouldn’t just perform the collaboration, but would also take part in songwriting, composing, and choreography production. For example, Rojun and Si-hoo might take the lead on the composition.
Soon, CEO Ha Seo-hwan slowly crossed his legs and joined in.
“It’s a proposal worth wanting. Will you do it?”
Although Kang Rojun was already the writer of 'Tale of the Strange Moon', having his agency GN Entertainment and the members participate would be like gaining an army of allies. Either way, to Kang Rojun, being a writer or anything else was a side job, 'Vanguard' was his main job.
Soon, as the leader, Rojun shared his honest thoughts with the members.
“I’m in. It’s not like stuff like this happens every day, right?”
Next was eldest hyung, Si-hoo.
“It’s totally unique! I want to try it too, especially since it’s a project you wrote.”
The younger members, Kang-min and Do-kyung, quickly nodded.
“Rojun hyung wrote it and 'Vanguard' is doing a collab? We can’t miss this.”
“This is crazy. It sounds awesome.”
After talking briefly with the members, Kang Rojun looked at CEO Ha Seo-hwan.
“We want to do it.”
A few days later. The 6th.
The location was Netflix Korea. While Executive Director Lim Hyun-jin was preparing for a meeting, a ringtone went off nearby. Her phone was ringing. She checked the caller and smiled.
“Have they decided?”
The caller was CEO Ha Seo-hwan of GN Entertainment. Soon, she put the phone to her ear, and CEO Ha Seo-hwan’s deep voice came through.
“Hello, Executive Director-nim.”
“Yes, CEO-nim. Good morning.”
Through the phone, CEO Ha Seo-hwan delivered the final decision.
“Regarding the proposal you mentioned, our 'Vanguard' will take it on.”
Meanwhile, GN Entertainment made a major announcement online.
《[Official] ‘Vanguard’, Japan concert confirmed for Saturday, June 12!》
《‘Vanguard’, currently sweeping Japanese charts, finally announces Japan concert date: Officially announced for June 12 / Photo》
《‘Vanguard’, official Japan concert date revealed...Sets record for shortest time among domestic idols / Photo》
The date for Vanguard's Japan concert was confirmed.