pappabearbooks Chapter 221: Fruit (2)
Chapter 221: Fruit (2)
On the morning of October 1st, over a dozen staff members and the members of ‘Vanguard’ were gathered at a set. Among them, Kang Rojun, who had just finished his makeup, was in the middle of checking his phone. A flood of comments was showing on the screen.-Today, 'Like a Kaleidoscope' releases in Japan!!
-Ha... do I have to go to Japan...
-Ahhhhhhhh please launch 'Like a Kaleidoscope' in Korea soon too!!!
-When does it release in Korea?
-↑They said Korea gets it a week after Japan, so next week?
-Noㅠㅠㅠ I can’t wait...!
-Even if I watch 'Like a Kaleidoscope' next weekㅋㅋㅋㅋ I want to hear the OST right away
-Rojun wrote, composed, and sang the 'Like a Kaleidoscope' OST, right??
-Yeah, I heard it’s the ending theme song
-Even if it’s not the official release, the OST will probably show up on YouTube?
-Somehow I feel like 'Like a Kaleidoscope' might not be funㅋㅋㅋ I’ve been burned by J-dramas too many times...
-Since it’s the next one after ‘Rental Lover’, I’m looking forward to it but... I’m also a bit worried since it’s a J-dramaㅎㅎ
-True... even if the script is perfect, the directing could totally ruin it....
-It’s okay if it’s not fun!! Rojun wrote it and Rojun appears in it!!
Today is the official launch day of ‘Like a Kaleidoscope’. Of course, it was starting with Netflix Japan, and Rojun had checked the reactions from Japan first, and now was checking the domestic public’s response. Whether in Japan or Korea, the pattern wasn’t much different. Most were filled with anticipation, and only a few were expressing negative views about ‘Like a Kaleidoscope’.
The same went for the Korean and Japanese press.
‘There are more people curious about the OST than I expected? Anyway, checking the public’s reaction definitely makes me more nervous.’
At that moment.
-Bzzzz.
A short vibration came from the phone. A notification popped up on Rojun’s screen. The ‘AI Simulation’ app had sent a reward related to the launch of ‘Like a Kaleidoscope’. Just as the corner of Kang Rojun’s mouth started to curl up, Si-hoo and the other members, now ready, came over to him.
“Rojun! How are people reacting??”
Si-hoo, Kang-min, and Do-kyung had eyes full of curiosity. Naturally so, since this was Rojun’s first venture into Japan as both a writer and actor. With the members approaching, Kang Rojun quickly lowered his phone and replied.
“It’s the reaction I expected, most people are saying they can’t wait to see it.”
“Rojun, you usually don’t give a damn about hate comments anyway! But seriously, don’t mind them!”
“Of course I ignore them. I can barely see them to begin with.”
Soon the members started chattering about various things related to ‘Like a Kaleidoscope’. While mingling in that group, Rojun was also lost in other thoughts. He recalled the test screening session with the main production staff, including Executive Director Tom Cavill and PD Noguchi Ken, after editing on 'Like a Kaleidoscope' had been completed.
‘I enjoyed it, but how will the audience see it?’
Everyone sees things differently. And this isn’t even Korea, it’s Japan. Whether it was with ‘Rental Lover’ or now, revealing a work to the public always brought strange feelings.
How to describe it - maybe kind of a tingling in the heart?
That’s when Manager Kim Ki-baek slowly appeared.
“It’ll go well.”
It was a short but firm encouragement. His voice sounded weary, but for some reason, Kang Rojun felt quite at ease.
“Yes, it’ll go well. But even if it doesn’t, I’m okay with it.”
It was an expression of acceptance.
Same day, noon, Japan.
Team leaders and executive-level staff had gathered in a conference room, along with Executive Director Tom Cavill. Netflix Japan was currently in a state of high tension. They had gathered to monitor the release, and every face was serious. Soon, a female employee spoke up.
“It was released without any issues, Executive Director.”
All the executives, including Tom Cavill with his blue eyes, fixed their gaze on the tablets in front of them. The Netflix Japan main screen was displayed. As soon as the clock struck noon, the main screen prominently showed the poster of ‘Like a Kaleidoscope’. Along with the title was the face of male lead Endo Takuto.
With a meaningful expression.
Tom Cavill ran a hand through his hair and let out a tense breath.
“Phew - we’ve done everything we could. Now we just watch.”
At the same time, at an agency in Tokyo.
Inside a meeting room where several people were seated, a familiar face among them - a Japanese actress. It was Suzuki Rie, who appeared in 'Like a Kaleidoscope' and had shown a particular interest in Kang Rojun during the script reading. Still with a blush on her cheeks, she and those around her were all staring at the front monitor in the meeting room.
The monitor was playing the just-released ‘Like a Kaleidoscope’.
-♬♪
A strange, chilling sound effect flowed out, followed by the title landing in the center of the monitor. Then came the subtitle of Episode 1.
-‘Like a Kaleidoscope’ / Episode 1 ‘The Vanished Women’
Soon, the angle captured Endo Takuto, or ‘Detective Nagai Shiro'. 'Like a Kaleidoscope' began through the male lead’s perspective, and Suzuki Rie,
“......”
Kept her large eyes fixed on the monitor, deeply focused. Though she had experienced filming part of ‘Like a Kaleidoscope’, she hadn’t been able to attend the test screening. Meaning, it was her first time seeing the finished product after filming had ended.
Her episode would be Episode 3. Still, Suzuki Rie wanted to start from Episode 1.
She had once passionately watched ‘Produce That 100!’ and had been present at the script reading, and even on set when Rojun’s visuals were so intense that he began filming without any makeup.
‘What will Rojun look like in the final cut?’
She was overwhelmed with curiosity, unable to resist wondering how Kang Rojun would appear in the actual footage. At any rate, just like Suzuki Rie, the team members with her were completely immersed in Episode 1 of ‘Like a Kaleidoscope’. As they watched the eerie atmosphere in the show or Endo Takuto’s acting on screen,
“Oh-”
They murmured with surprised admiration in Japanese.
"Endo Takuto's acting tone has changed a bit?"
“I thought the same. It’s calm, and he conveys emotion through his eyes and expressions?”
“Just looking at his previous work, he used to shout his emotions in a high-pitched tone.”
“But now he’s acting really well without clashing with the creepy atmosphere of the work. Has he evolved?”
Though it was still the beginning, as they said, 'Like a Kaleidoscope' opened with a tone devoid of exaggeration. That typical Japanese drama flaw of ‘I’m acting!’ tone was nowhere to be seen. Suzuki Rie, who had been on set for ‘Like a Kaleidoscope’, knew the reason why.
‘The directing tips Rojun gave as the writer were huge. And the PD kept emphasizing it throughout the shoot.’
Suzuki Rie recalled the filming for a brief moment.
‘Because of that flow, the acting bar got a lot higher... I struggled quite a bit too.’
Not just her, every actor in 'Like a Kaleidoscope' had a hard time adapting. Unaware of this, her surrounding team members continued to comment.
“Up to now, it’s good.”
“No, not just good... it’s really well-made. The actors’ calm diction helps maintain tension, and the directing and camera movement are subtle but incredible.”
“So far, it’s fantastic.”
“Seriously... making it with Netflix involved really raises the quality.”
Soon, the background on the monitor changed. Kabukicho, lined with dazzling neon signs. The back of Detective Nagai. His destination was a host club. Clicking his tongue briefly,
-["Tsk, I can smell the disgusting odor from here."]
He said, entering a rather large host club and calling someone. Suzuki Rie, whose concentration had peaked, whispered quietly.
“Here it is. He’s coming out now.”
The team members around her widened their eyes slightly. Then appeared the legendary host ‘Murata Sho'. No, Kang Rojun. Calm black hair and a loose white shirt. At first, he was shown in a full shot, standing at the open room’s doorway, and then right before his line, the angle zoomed in to fill the screen with Rojun’s face.
‘Murata Sho’ with a faint smile.
-["Detective-nim? I heard you requested me."]
A mechanical smile, tone, and intonation.
As Kang Rojun appeared, Suzuki Rie unconsciously opened her mouth slightly.
“......”
She had already seen it on set, but with directing, editing, art, and sound effects added, another kind of impact spread throughout her body.
And on top of that.
‘That visual power is just... unbelievable.’
Kang Rojun’s ridiculously good looks, filling the monitor, were beyond description. The fact that her team members were left speechless proved it.
“...Wow, whoa-”
“That- that face, is that even a real person??”
“He’s a monster, in a different sense. A visual monster. If a host looked like that... the entire market would collapse.”
“How can a face look like that? Rather than saying he’s handsome, ‘awe-inspiring’ feels more accurate.”
“As soon as Rojun shows up, Endo Takuto just becomes the actor who’s good at acting.”
“I feel like Rojun’s acting is several times better.”
“Even with already high concentration, once Rojun appears, it multiplies by tens.”
Within just a few seconds of his appearance, Kang Rojun had captivated everyone, including Suzuki Rie. It was obvious that 100% of the viewers currently watching 'Like a Kaleidoscope' were also under his spell. In fact, social media was on fire.
Regardless, Endo Takuto in the monitor delivered his line.
-["Disgusting. I didn't request you, I just called you."]
Kang Rojun responded.
-["Yes. As much as you want. But I'm a bit expensive."]
Already tightly entangled with Rojun, Suzuki Rie replied honestly.
“......Almost spent my entire fortune.”
Everyone was so absorbed in 'Like a Kaleidoscope' that they didn’t notice time passing, when suddenly, the ending theme song began to play.
The ending OST deliciously wrapped up with Kang Rojun's vocals.
-♬♪
“Dreamlike” echoed throughout all of Japan.
The next day, morning of the 2nd, at GN Entertainment.
Kang Rojun, Si-hoo, Kang-min, and Do-kyung could be found in the spacious practice room. They had gathered for group practice, and standing before them was Manager Kim Ki-baek, who had begun a briefing. He spoke about things like the upcoming single album and the schedule, then switched topics.
“And, this year’s ‘K-POP Awards’ will most likely be held around mid-November. Of course, ‘Vanguard’ will be invited.”
As soon as they heard that, Si-hoo, Kang-min, and Do-kyung got excited.
“‘K-POP Awards’! I’ve been waiting for it!”
“Me too. Where is it being held this year??”
“Probably in Korea.”
The ‘K-POP Awards’ is the largest awards ceremony in the music scene. It has the longest history, nearly 20 years, and is highly recognized among the public. From legendary singers who left a mark on Korean music to today’s idols, it’s a broad-reaching event. K-POP fans overseas also watch with great interest.
The format is like a concert, as expected of a music award show.
Tens of thousands of spectators, along with idols and all the top-tier singers, gather in one place.
Though not as enthusiastic as the others, Kang Rojun had also seen ‘K-POP Awards’ videos in the past.
‘Was it on TV or YouTube a few times? It was fascinating to see all those famous singers and idols gathered.’
Being invited to such a ‘K-POP Awards’ meant Rojun would be taking the stage too. Kang Rojun had already experienced an awards ceremony at the end of last year. However, this ‘K-POP Awards’ was different from that.
It was an awards ceremony for his main job, not a side job.
‘And... it’s our first since Vanguard’s debut.’
Just as Kang Rojun’s heart began to race, Manager Kim Ki-baek continued.
“There are over ten awards, but the ones considered the grand prizes are Album of the Year, Song of the Year, and Artist of the Year. No group has won all three in recent years. And none have ever taken all three right after debut. But-”
Manager Kim Ki-baek smiled faintly as he looked over Rojun and the members.
“Vanguard was amazing this year, so I have high hopes.”
If what he said came true, ‘Vanguard’ might set another ‘first-ever’ record.
“Anyway, we’re going to begin preparing for the ‘K-POP Awards’ performace starting next week, so just keep that in mind.”
At that moment.
-Bzzzz, bzzzzzz.
A long vibration came from inside Kang Rojun’s pants pocket. It was a call. Rojun pulled out his phone to check the caller. It was CEO Heo Ki-tae of Culture Drawer. Manager Kim Ki-baek gestured that he could take it comfortably, and Rojun nodded, bringing the phone to his ear.
"Hello, CEO-nim."
CEO Heo Ki-tae on the other end of the phone immediately shouted like a roaring bear.
"Writer-nim!! 'Like a Kaleidoscope' hit number 1 on Netflix Japan as soon as it was released! The Japanese reaction is explosive right now!"
It meant a nuclear bomb had gone off in Japan. But that wasn’t all.
“‘Dreamlike’ also swept the No. 1 spots on all the major music charts in Japan!!”