SCT-Novel Chapter 212: Advance (1)
Chapter 212: Advance (1)
Even while writing ‘Tale of the Strange Moon’, even during concept meetings, Kang Rojun had often imagined or seen the appearance of the Joseon era. During those dark days in the past, he had even watched historical dramas on TV from his room. Sometimes, he had thoughts like, “What if I looked like that?”The answer back then was always the same.
With this face, playing a yokai would be the best fit.
But now, he was dressed as a king. And not just any king, his face radiated light, a king with stunning visuals. Still, it was embarrassing. Especially the topknot. During ‘Vanguard’ activities, he had tried hairstyles where his hair was completely slicked back, but actually wearing a topknot felt very uncomfortable.
‘How did people live back then? It’s so tight and itchy... Gosh, I really respect the actors who filmed historical dramas.’
Although his current appearance wasn’t all that comfortable, the reaction of many people seeing Rojun transformed into a king was sheer amazement. Starting with PD Jung Soo-ryeong, the director of ‘Tale of the Strange Moon’.
“No way... How can a king's face look like that? He's way too handsome.”
Even though she had directed historical dramas before, Rojun’s current look was exceptional.
“And it really suits him.”
The royal robe had been stylishly modernized instead of being replicated 100% traditionally. However, looking at Rojun, it gave off such a strong historical drama vibe that it was almost laughable.
‘Sometimes, being too handsome can throw the visuals off... but Writer Rojun’s face has a subtly cold edge to it, so it’s a perfect match.’
As expected, PD Jung Soo-ryeong couldn’t help but think about ‘Tale of the Strange Moon’ as she looked at Kang Rojun. The world of ‘Tale of the Strange Moon’ was filling her mind completely. On the other hand, CEO Heo Ki-tae and Executive Director Lim Hyun-jin, who were just as stunned by Rojun’s radiant face as Jung Soo-ryeong, had different thoughts.
‘......I can hear 'Royal Procession'.’
They were under the illusion that they were hearing the song ‘Royal Procession’, which they had already heard before. The two of them were associating Rojun’s look more with ‘Royal Procession’ than ‘Tale of the Strange Moon’. They were thinking of Kang Rojun of ‘Vanguard’, performing and owning ‘Royal Procession’ in that stylish king’s look.
And as the rest of the ‘Vanguard’ members entered one after another behind Kang Rojun, their feelings only intensified.
-Swoosh.
Si-hoo appeared dressed as a Joseon-era merchant, Kang-min as a aristocrat wearing a gat (traditional hat), and Do-kyung in a tattered and worn outfit. Do-kyung looked over the costumes of Rojun and his hyungs one by one, then lowered his gaze to his own rags.
“......”
He muttered dryly.
“My hyungs look luxurious... why am I the only one who looks shabby?”
Si-hoo laughed and patted Do-kyung on the shoulder.
“Remember they said in the concept meeting that rough moments suit your image well."
“I know. But it feels lonely when I’m the only one like this.”
Kang-min placed a hand on Do-kyung’s remaining shoulder.
“Do-kyung, what are you doing? The floor’s dirty. Hurry up and grab a broom to sweep it.”
“I’m a commoner, not a servant.”
Last came King Kang Rojun.
“How disrespectful. Why aren’t you all bowing? Your king has arrived.”
At Kang Rojun’s solemn remark, Si-hoo pretended to bow.
“Such boundless grace, Your Majesty.”
Kang-min followed up.
“Your Majesty, may I ask, what are those shoes you’re wearing?”
“These are called sneakers.”
Even Do-kyung in his rags joined in the skit with his hyungs.
“I wish to be king as well.”
Kang Rojun shook his head slightly and drew a sharp line.
“What is this peasant saying?”
“Ah, hyung.”
“Someone remove this peasant.”
“Ah, come on, hyung.”
Do-kyung tried to cling to Rojun, but Si-hoo and Kang-min held him back. Seeing ‘Vanguard’ enjoying this roleplay, PD Jung Soo-ryeong’s smile deepened, and Manager Kim Ki-baek approached them for a briefing.
“Your Majesty, if you’re done, let’s start preparing for the shoot.”
“Shooting? That’s right.”
King Kang Rojun looked around at the members and smiled.
“I shall return.”
As his tattered outfit fluttered, Do-kyung asked Manager Kim Ki-baek,
“Manager-nim, when do I get to wear the king’s outfit?”
Manager Kim Ki-baek glanced sideways at the clingy Do-kyung and gave a wry smile.
“Hmm- what is this lowly peasant doing here.”
A short while later.
‘Vanguard’s first concept shoot for ‘Royal Procession’ began. Starting with Kang Rojun. Transformed into a king, Kang Rojun posed and changed expressions according to the storyboard and the photographer’s directions.
“Nice! Rojun-ssi, now give me a look of supreme authority! Ohh, nice! Even colder! Like you’re going to kill the camera!”
This first concept shoot was primarily about photographing the members and checking the overall vibe. Based on the results, revisions could be made on the spot, and similar shoots were expected to be repeated several times until the final version was confirmed.
The finalized concept design would then be released to the public as promotional material.
The flow was similar to the debut album of ‘Vanguard,’ but since ‘Royal Procession’ was a collaboration with ‘Tale of the Strange Moon’, the promotion and marketing might differ slightly. What mattered was how Netflix Korea would run it.
Regardless, the shoot proceeded swiftly.
-Click! Beep beep beep.
It took just over two hours to move through Rojun, Si-hoo, Kang-min, and Do-kyung. Now it was time for the costume change that Do-kyung had long desired. Following that, not only GN Entertainment, including Manager Kim Ki-baek, but also PD Jung Soo-ryeong, CEO Heo Ki-tae, and Executive Director Lim Hyun-jin, major members of ‘Tale of the Strange Moon’, checked out Vanguard’s results.
Overall, the blend of Joseon era and modern elements was considered a great match with ‘Vanguard’.
“I’m not sure how the music video storyboard will turn out, but just looking at the concept photos right now, it’s killer.”
“Seriously. Thinking about the song ‘Royal Procession’ while watching this gave me chills.”
“Ah, Manager Ki-baek, is there anything prepared for ‘Royal Procession’?”
“The official recording is in the final stages, but we have the guide version. Would you like to listen while watching?”
“Please.”
Soon, the guide version of ‘Royal Procession’, completed with Kang Rojun’s vocals, resonated throughout the set. Listening to the song while reviewing the shoot seemed to raise the excitement even more.
"It would be better to proceed with filming while playing 'Royal Procession' throughout."
“Understood.”
After that, the shoot continued with ‘Royal Procession’ blasting through the set.
The overall shoot wrapped up around 2 p.m., shortly after noon. At that point, Kang Rojun’s final costume was as a aristocrat. He wore a gat and a modernized hanbok tailored to fit the concept.
As Rojun stood there, PD Jung Soo-ryeong silently observed him for a moment.
“......”
Then she approached Rojun, who was gathered with the members reviewing the photos on the monitor.
“Rojun.”
Kang Rojun responded to her call.
“Yes, PD-nim.”
Si-hoo, Kang-min, and Do-kyung also looked toward Jung Soo-ryeong, and she made a request to the current Rojun.
“Could you deliver a random line from ‘Kim Si-baek’ like that, just as you are?”
Apparently, in her eyes, Rojun was overlapping with the character ‘Kim Si-baek’ from ‘Tale of the Strange Moon’. It was the kind of sudden request that might fluster someone, but Kang Rojun nodded casually.
“Sure.”
The members and even Manager Kim Ki-baek were slightly surprised. But Rojun, already learned and currently practicing the role of Kim Si-baek, immediately brought up the emotion. His facial expression changed in an instant. He was still smiling, just as before, but the nature of that smile had subtly shifted.
The innocence was gone. Instead, it carried the sly air of a serpent, a mischievous rogue.
It seemed Kang Rojun had chosen PD Jung Soo-ryeong as his scene partner, as he stared straight at her.
-Swoosh.
He adjusted his gat. Then, after a brief pause, he opened his mouth.
“You commanded this lowly one to stop the plague, did you not.”
His tone was remarkably calm.
“But those are not plagued, my liege. They are possessed by yokai.”
It was only a few lines of dialogue, but Kang Rojun instantly radiated actor presence. Starting with Executive Director Lim Hyun-jin.
‘Whoa, what- he just became Kim Si-baek?? And that historical tone diction... it's exquisite.’
CEO Heo Ki-tae’s eyes sharpened. Meanwhile, PD Jung Soo-ryeong was practically itching with excitement.
‘Damn, I want to shoot this now.'
Afterward.
Starting from the next day, the 20th, ‘Vanguard’ threw themselves back into a wave of schedules. From ‘GreenBee’ to ‘Flying Bell’, and ‘Windveil’. With Vanguard’s activity period set to end in late July, Rojun and the members pushed themselves to give a strong finish.
And just like that, a week melted away.
《[StarTalk] ‘Vanguard’ Nears End of Promotions, Final Moments Will Be Spent with Fans... Fan Sign Event & Fan Meeting Teased!》
By the 25th, after the members had finished their recording, the mastering and final touches for ‘Royal Procession’ were completed. In other words, the song ‘Royal Procession’ was now officially finished. During that time, GN Entertainment’s in-house choreography team was also at work.
"Okay, let's decide on this movement as the point choreography for the first verse."
The choreography for ‘Royal Procession’ was about 80% complete. The pace was quicker than expected, and at this rate, the members would likely receive the finalized version before Vanguard’s promotions wrapped at the end of July.
And soon, the last week of July arrived.
From the start, Kang Rojun and the members welcomed the fans.
“Hello.”
“Oh my god! Rojun oppa is seriously super handsome.”
“Thank you so much. That headband, are you giving it to me??”
“Yes! I brought it for you, oppa! I think it’ll really suit you!”
“Thank you, should I try it on? How is it?”
“It totally looks like it was made for you, oppa! Can I take a photo??”
“Of course.”
‘Vanguard’ began with a fan signing event, and a few days later, the long-announced fan meeting took place. However, the scale of this domestic fan meeting was quite large.
《[Issue Pick] ‘Vanguard’ Holds Concert-Like Fan Meeting… Will Meet 20,000 Fans Over Two Days!》
They had rented a sizable performance venue and were holding the fan meeting over two days. Each day, more than ten thousand fans were expected, meaning they would perform for a total audience of over 20,000.
The overall scale was similar to their debut show-con.
Naturally, the two-day ‘Vanguard’ fan meeting was.
《‘Vanguard’ Fan Meeting, as expected, All Tickets Sold Out! Explosive Firepower Proven / Photo》
《‘Vanguard’ Ends Promotions with Fan Meeting, All Seats Gone in an Instant… 20,000 Now Feels Easy!》
Tickets sold out in a flash.
As a result, social media and various online communities were flooded with the disappointment of fans who failed to get tickets and the excitement of those who succeeded. The much-anticipated fan meeting of the red-hot ‘Vanguard’ quickly arrived on the 28th.
“One, two, three!”
“Hello! We are ‘Vanguard’!!”
Kang Rojun, Si-hoo, Kang-min, and Do-kyung greeted the ten thousand gathered fans with booming voices and moved on stage like fish in water. They already had concert experience, after all.
'As expected! Being on stage makes my dopamine explode to the max!'
Just as Rojun shouted this inside while dancing, ‘Vanguard’ now felt more comfortable on stage than in their dorm. With dopamine and adrenaline bursting, it was the best of the best.
Enjoying the stage with fans, the two-day fan meeting flew by in the blink of an eye.
And with a final message delivered to the fans by Rojun and the members on stage.
“Our promotions end here, but there’s some news we’ll be sharing with you soon. We can’t tell you yet, but please look forward to it!”
Vanguard’s latest round of promotions was.
“Thank you! Really, thank you so much!”
Officially declared over.
The next day, the media quickly spread news of Vanguard’s completed promotions.
《Vanguard Ends Promotions After Racking Up Multiple No. 1s》
《Even After Promotions, ‘Vanguard Syndrome’ Persists - Still Dominates Digital Charts!》
《“Are They Really Done Promoting?” Still Holding No.1 in Charts in Korea and Japan》
《‘Monster Rookies’ Vanguard Wraps Up Promotions - Is There Anyone Who Can Beat the ‘Firsts’ They Set?》
The whirlwind created by ‘Vanguard’ didn’t seem likely to calm down anytime soon. On top of that, although their group activities had ended, individual activities for each member, including Kang Rojun, continued, further fueling the momentum.
Then, on the afternoon of July 30th.
Various places associated with or familiar with ‘Vanguard’ tuned into channel ‘CVN’. This included GN Entertainment, Culture Drawer, Netflix Korea, JTVM where PD Woo Han-suk was based, various broadcasters, many entertainment agencies, media outlets, the ‘Blood Hunt’ team, film company BG Pictures, marketing teams of companies that had sponsored ‘Vanguard’, and many more.
Naturally, ‘Vanguard’ fans, as well as the general public enjoying their time at bars and cafes, also tuned in.
And the ‘Vanguard’ members themselves had gathered closely in front of the dorm TV for the first time in a while.
“Manager-nim, hurry up!”
Si-hoo called out to Manager Kim Ki-baek, who had joined along with the management team. Kang Rojun and Kang-min were more focused on the fried chicken and beer on the table than the TV. Do-kyung fidgeted with a beer can in one hand, mumbling in a dry tone.
“Why am I so nervous?”
When Manager Kim Ki-baek and the team sat on the couch behind the members, the most excited of them all, Si-hoo, suddenly shouted.
"Ah! It's starting!!"
Just then, the commercial ended and the program they were waiting for was about to begin. As Kang Rojun, holding a piece of fried chicken, lifted his gaze to the TV.
‘This is such a strange feeling. Watching this variety show I used to enjoy back in the day, now surrounded with people like this, and I even appeared on it.’
With upbeat background music, the variety show's title appeared on screen. It was the premiere of ‘A Tranquil Day’, featuring Kang Rojun and Do-kyung as the first guests.
-‘A Tranquil Day’
It was broadcast nationwide.
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TL Note: Check out the new novels I've picked up!
https://woopread.com/series/the-idol-who-hides-her-military-service
https://woopread.com/series/i-got-an-omnipotent-brain
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