pappabearbooks Chapter 224: Fruit (5)
Chapter 224: Fruit (5)
While the editing of 'Blood Hunt' was completed and the first filming day for 'Tale of the Strange Moon' was being set, noon arrived.The time when 'Like a Kaleidoscope' would officially release on Netflix Korea. As a result, the moment the time came, countless people turned on Netflix. Actors who knew Kang Rojun or had worked with him, idols who had experienced the power of 'Vanguard', people from broadcasting stations or various entertainment companies, and more.
Each watched 'Like a Kaleidoscope' with their own purpose, whether to satisfy their curiosity or for monitoring.
Fans and the media, of course, rushed in as well.
The one-week delay had only fueled the anticipation even more.
Around that time, Kang Rojun and the members, after sweating it out in the practice room, gathered together during a short break. Naturally, to watch 'Like a Kaleidoscope' during the downtime. Surrounding the members were over a dozen people from the choreography team.
-Swish.
Rojun quickly turned on the tablet and, feeling the many eyes watching, forcibly suppressed the embarrassment that surged up.
'Ugh- Watching this with the members and the choreography team? This is unexpectedly nerve-wracking. Why did I even suggest this?'
Even watching a project he appeared in alone felt a bit awkward, but watching it together made the feeling twice as strong. Still, Rojun played 'Like a Kaleidoscope', which was featured on the Netflix Korea main page. The beginning of 'Like a Kaleidoscope' soon appeared on the tablet screen.
As some Japanese actors including Endo Takuto showed up, Do-kyung asked dryly.
“When does Rojun-hyung appear?”
As several choreography team members nodded as if agreeing, Kang Rojun replied.
“It just started.”
Si-hoo, keeping his eyes on the tablet, added.
“Didn’t Rojun play as a host?”
“Yeah.”
Kang-min gave a small laugh.
“Hyung playing a host - I bet after 'Like a Kaleidoscope' aired, all the real Japanese hosts quit.”
“What are you talking about now?”
“You raised the bar for their host standard sky high, hyung.”
The other members quickly agreed.
“Of all people, Rojun-hyung playing a host? If I were a Japanese host, I’d have felt insane inferiority.”
At that moment, Si-hoo tapped the tablet screen with his index finger.
“There he is, Rojun!”
And sure enough, Kang Rojun appeared on the screen. The members and the choreography team erupted with loud “Ooooohs", and Rojun, overwhelmed with embarrassment, scratched his chin. Then the leader of the choreography team, who placed a hand on Rojun's shoulder, spoke up.
“Wow- Rojun's really got that actor vibe now. I felt it during 'Rental Lover' too, but when he acts, it’s like there’s not even a trace of idol left.”
Meanwhile, Kang-min, who had pulled out his phone at some point and was scrolling through it, chimed in casually.
“Rojun-hyung, our Instagram is blowing up.”
Just as he said, the moment 'Like a Kaleidoscope' was released in Korea, fans flooded Vanguard’s social media.
About two hours later.
The public poured out all kinds of reviews of 'Like a Kaleidoscope' from various places.
-'Like a Kaleidoscope' is crazy fun…..insanely fun…..
-The quality of the ending song is insane
-ㅇㅈㅈ I’m still looping 'Dreamlike' nonstop
-No wayㅋㅋㅋㅋwhatㅋㅋㅋㅋ what’s going on with Rojun’s visuals in 'Like a Kaleidoscope'?? The decadent vibe is unreal!!
-Episode 1 was seriously Rojun’s show
-Am I the only one who didn’t find it fun?
-↑Here comes another hater
-To be honest, 'Like a Kaleidoscope' is the most fun drama I’ve seen recently ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋeven just looking at Rojun’s face is entertaining ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ
-It’s a shame Rojun only appears in episode 1….but since he really ramped up the tension and mood in ep 1, I’ll probably watch the rest too
-Wow... Rojun’s acting ㄷㄷㄷㄷ
-I’m on episode 3 right now and it’s good ㅇㅇ
-Trustworthy Rojun ㅋㅋㅋ if Rojun does the script, acting, and OST, it's always good
.
.
.
Domestic audience reactions were overwhelmingly positive. Comments mainly highlighted how fun 'Like a Kaleidoscope' was, or how Rojun’s visuals and acting were incredible. The same went for the OST 'Dreamlike'.
Regardless, around the time 'Like a Kaleidoscope' was released, 'Dreamlike' also dropped on domestic music platforms.
The result could be seen by the morning of the 16th, one day later.
《'Like a Kaleidoscope' hits No. 1 in Korea following Netflix Japan!/ Photo》
《Viewers of Rojun’s 'Like a Kaleidoscope' say “It was so good I binged the whole thing in a day!” Praise everywhere》
《“Rojun did it again” - story, acting, OST captivated the public… 'Like a Kaleidoscope' debuts at No. 1》
Netflix Korea quickly hit No. 1 as well. Considering Japan was still holding the No. 1 spot, Korea’s top ranking may have been inevitable. Along with that, 'Dreamlike' was also sweeping the charts. In short, everything Kang Rojun touched was blowing up in both Korea and Japan.
In a situation where he was No. 1 everywhere, it was only natural that Kang Rojun couldn’t stop smiling.
‘It felt good hitting No. 1 in Japan, but blowing up in Korea too? This gives me chills!’
Soon, congratulatory messages poured in for him. The more they came, the more excited Rojun became. In the midst of it all, Netflix Japan, GN Entertainment, and Culture Drawer were firing celebratory flares non-stop. Among them, Culture Drawer was the most ecstatic.
And understandably so.
'Like a Kaleidoscope' was the first project launched after Culture Drawer brought in writer Rojun. With his very first work becoming a huge hit in both Korea and Japan, how could they possibly contain themselves?
《[Issue Pick] Culture Drawer beaming over the back-to-back success of 'Like a Kaleidoscope'... No. 1 writer agency status becomes even more solidified》
Just like that, the explosive impact of 'Like a Kaleidoscope', released in Korea, held strong through the weekend and into Monday. As a result, CEO Heo Ki-tae of Culture Drawer was in a frenzy.
“No. 1 in both Korea and Japan! The OST 'Dreamlike' is topping charts too! Hahaha, judging by the momentum, this could go on for a while??”
Writer Han Seo-ryeong was no different.
“I binged 'Like a Kaleidoscope' all in one sitting. With that level of directing and fun, of course it’s going to stay at No. 1 for a while.”
“Right? I’ve already watched it twice and I’m watching it a third time now, it’s still great! Hahaha!”
“You’ve watched it that many times already?”
“I’m going to watch it ten times!”
Writer Han Seo-ryeong shook her head as if exasperated.
“Alright, 'Like a Kaleidoscope' has made its debut, so what's up next?”
"It's 'Blood Hunt'."
She smiled knowingly, as if she was already aware.
“The carefully nurtured fruits are starting to ripen one after another.”
It was the season of harvest.
Meanwhile.
Just as Korea was abuzz with 'Like a Kaleidoscope', various updates were delivered to Kang Rojun. About 'Blood Hunt' and even 'Tale of the Strange Moon'.
“Hmm- Rojun, looks like the pre-production for 'Tale of the Strange Moon' is complete and the first filming date has been set.”
"Ah! Really??"
“Yes. The first shoot is scheduled for November 1st.”
Manager Kim Ki-baek, who revealed the filming location and more, glanced down at his diary and let out a tired sigh.
“Hmph. You’re in the middle of preparing your single album and rehearsing for the 'K-POP Awards' stage, and now the first shoot for 'Tale of the Strange Moon' overlaps. On top of that, 'Blood Hunt' promotional schedules too. It’s going to be hectic.”
“I’m fine. I actually love when everything piles up at once, it’s more better that way.”
“You know that’s not how it normally is, right?”
He had a bit of breathing room on his schedule at one point, but it quickly became jam-packed. Still, Kang Rojun welcomed it.
‘Finally, the first filming for 'Tale of the Strange Moon'! And 'Blood Hunt' is about to be released too!’
With both his main job as an idol and his side jobs firing on all cylinders, there was no reason to be unhappy. Kim Ki-baek then closed his diary and continued the briefing.
“Oh, and you probably saw the article, but the 'K-POP Awards' venue and date have been confirmed. It’s officially set for November 20th.”
Just as he said, the 'K-POP Awards' team had finalized the venue and schedule and were pouring efforts into as much promotion as possible. No matter how big the music award show was, interest and viewership ratings were still the most crucial factors.
“The 'K-POP Awards' team keeps pushing to get 'Vanguard', but we’re going to stall a bit and only accept when the conditions are optimal.”
“Can we really do that?”
“Normally no. But 'Vanguard' isn’t normal right now.”
“Ah-.”
“Haha, not bad, right?”
For a first-year rookie idol, just being invited to the 'K-POP Awards' would be a huge honor. But because of Vanguard’s massive influence, the situation had completely flipped. GN Entertainment was well aware of this and planned to leverage their position as much as possible for Vanguard’s benefit.
And so time melted away once again.
In the meantime, articles about 'Blood Hunt' and 'Tale of the Strange Moon' were pouring out, while Netflix Korea and 'BG Pictures' became overwhelmingly busy. Around then, 'BG Pictures', having wrapped up the final touches for 'Blood Hunt', sent out notices to the cast.
It was a message saying something along the lines of: there will be a screening test for 'Blood Hunt', so attend if you can.
The lead actor Jung Tae-soo and others participated in the screening test, but Kang Rojun did not. The reason was simple.
‘I’d rather watch it at the premiere than at a screening test.’
He intended to enjoy the film not through a test screening, but at the official premiere in a theater. He wanted to feel the emotional experience of watching a movie with many others in a cinema. As a result, Blood Hunt's test screening proceeded without Rojun.
–Clap clap clap clap clap clap clap clap!
The actors, key staff, and many others seemed highly satisfied and gave Director Yoo Ji-heon a generous round of applause. Following this, the last week of October arrived. The first to make a move was 'Blood Hunt'.
《'Blood Hunt' kicks off its premiere schedule immediately! Aiming for a year-end release?》
As planned, they launched into multiple premiere screenings at a fast pace. In terms of timing, it felt slightly early. There wasn’t much time for promotion or marketing. However, the 'Blood Hunt' team, seemingly confident, pressed on with the schedule without hesitation. The first premiere screening to open was a public one.
A public premiere for general audiences.
Hundreds of people, who had won various event invitations, gathered. Of course, this public premiere was just the beginning, with many more planned, marking the start of the film’s promotional schedule. Invited viewers would meet the director and cast before the screening and be introduced to the film.
The first public premiere of 'Blood Hunt' was on the morning of October 26.
The venue was a large multiplex cinema in Seoul.
As expected of a premiere screening, the faces of the attendees were full of anticipation, and many were taking photos in front of posters and life-size standees around the theater. In particular, the poster featuring Kang Rojun was drawing heated attention.
Before long, the large theater was filled with spectators.
There were barely any empty seats visible.
Even in that moment, more than half of the hundreds of attendees were busy taking pictures of the theater’s atmosphere.
“Ha- It’s my first premiere. I’m kind of nervous.”
“Same, it’s been so long for me!”
“Are the actors entering from up front?”
“Yeah, they come in one after another and greet the audience.”
“Can we take pictures?”
“I think so? I heard they give some time for that or something.”
There were quite a few people chatting with rising anticipation over the chance to see the actors.
“I can’t believe the day has come where I get to see actors this close...”
“Do you think Rojun will come??”
“Don’t know. They didn’t say which actors would show up. But since Jung Tae-soo is the lead, he’s definitely coming.”
“I want to see Rojun more than Jung Tae-soo…”
“Honestly, same. I just want to see that legendary beauty in real life once!”
Kang Rojun’s name came up often in conversations. Understandably so. He clearly had many fans. For them, being the first to see Kang Rojun’s debut film meant a lot.
Just then.
–Swish.
The host entered the packed theater. Holding a handheld mic, he drew enthusiastic reactions from the audience and warmed up the mood. About five minutes later, the host said softly,
“Shall we invite the actors in now?”
Screams erupted in the theater. One by one, the actors entered from the front. At the front of the line was top actor Jung Tae-soo, followed by well-dressed actors who waved and greeted the seated audience. The audience became rapidly more excited at the appearance of the cast, and that excitement reached its peak when.
–Swish.
The last actor in the lineup stepped forward and revealed his face.
“Kyaaaaaaah!!”
“Kyaaaaaaaaaaa!!”
It was Kang Rojun. Screams and shrieks so intense it felt like the theater would collapse. It was so loud that even the host was visibly flustered. Then, in front of the giant screen, the actors lined up from Jung Tae-soo to Kang Rojun in a row. The audience, frantically snapping pictures with their phones, had their attention almost entirely fixed on Rojun.
“No way... Wow- Rojun is insane.”
One of them muttered in awe.
“He just made Jung Tae-soo look like an ordinary guy.”