get-shopping Chapter 121: Twist (1)
Chapter 121: Twist (1)
The fact that Rojun was the lyricist for veteran singer Park Hyun-jung's new album title track was something that not only the 'Produce That 100!' staff not knew.“Huh?? Wh-what is this??! Rojun’s name is credited as the lyricist for Park Hyun-jung’s new song?!”
“Oh!! You’re right?! What the hell? Is it an impersonation??”
“PD Woo!! Do you know anything about this?!”
Even the 'Rental Lover' team quickly caught on.
“Is this lyricist Rojun our writer?”
“Seems like it... doesn’t it? I haven’t heard a thing though.”
PD Jung Soo-ryeong let out a snort of laughter.
“This has to be our writer. Hah- But how did he end up working with Park Hyun-jung??”
Very few people knew that Kang Rojun had written the title song for Park Hyun-jung, the queen of the music industry. The project had been carried out in top secret from the beginning. At most, only Rojun, Si-hoo, Song Min-geun, and PD Woo Han-suk were aware of it.
Of course, the person involved, Park Hyun-jung, was also included.
“Wow- Look at this, look at this! Doesn’t it look cool having Rojun credited as the lyricist?”
“......Noona. Rather than that, shouldn’t you be checking the public response to our song?”
“We just released it! We can check the response later!!”
Because it was such an unexpected situation, the news about Park Hyun-jung’s new song.
-Did you see Park Hyun-jung’s new song?? Rojun wrote the lyrics??!
-What?? Seriously?!
Spread in the blink of an eye.
《Lyricist ‘Rojun’ credited on the new Park Hyun-jung song released today?/ Photo》
This came right after the announcement of the final winner of 'Produce That 100!' and the vote results from the 10 entertainment agencies.
《‘Rojun’ is truly popping up everywhere, now credited as lyricist for Park Hyun-jung’s new song ‘Black and White Sound’》
《This time he’s a lyricist, ‘Rojun’ participates in the new track of music queen Park Hyun-jung》
Park Hyun-jung’s new album was like pouring gasoline on a blazing fire, and even Kang-min and Do-kyung, excluding Rojun or Si-hoo, stood stunned with jaws dropped.
“No way, Rojun hyung. When did you even do this??”
“That’s what I’m saying! Wow- I was so shocked I almost jumped up. You wrote the lyrics for Park Hyun-jung sunbae’s new song??! That’s insane.”
On the other hand, Kang Rojun explained it nonchalantly.
"Well, it just happened to turn out that way."
It had started with Si-hoo’s 'Witch', which led to Song Min-geun and eventually Park Hyun-jung. But Rojun, seemingly annoyed, brushed it off casually.
Whatever the case, the media got excited and began making their own speculations.
To the public, the combination of Kang Rojun and Park Hyun-jung felt random, and so a variety of tabloid-style articles began to circulate. Park Hyun-jung released an official statement only a few hours after the song’s release.
《[Official] Post from Park Hyun-jung on SNS: ‘I really like the lyrics Rojun gave me’》
Later that afternoon, Park Hyun-jung’s new song ranked on the hellish digital music charts, filled with tracks from 'Produce That 100!' and 'Rental Lover'.
[1(↑1)] Lovers (Rental Lover OST Part 1)/Rojun
[2(new!)] Black and White Sound /Park Hyun-jung
[3(↓1)] Survival 100 (Acoustic ver.)/Produce That 100! (Theme Song)
.
.
.
.
It ranked immediately at No. 2.
Meanwhile.
While Park Hyun-jung’s new song was the talk of the town, entertainment agencies throughout the country were at a loss for words over Kang Rojun.
"Wow- that kid Rojun even wrote lyrics for Park Hyun-jung? He’s just on fire.”
“So now his presence as a lyricist is going to blow up too, right? It’s not just any singer, it’s Park Hyun-jung.”
“Right. From the ‘Produce That 100!’ theme songs to Park Hyun-jung’s new track, everything’s ranking high on the charts. Even on Japanese charts, too.”
“He hit a home run as a writer, and now immediately as a lyricist?? He’s a monster, a total monster.”
“If this guy even knows how to compose... then what the hell is he going to become??”
The ten entertainment agencies that had joined 'Produce That 100!' for self-promotion each had different vibes. That morning, the viewer vote results had been released.
Naturally, EY Entertainment, which took first place, was in a celebratory mood.
From employees to team leaders and upper management.
“Hahaha! As expected, the viewers know. They know EY is at the top of its game right now!!”
“Our self-promotion segment was the longest, and we got first place in the vote, so the final winners are likely to choose us!”
“Likely to? No way, it’s practically confirmed! There’s no reason to pick any other company, right? Don’t you agree?”
“That’s right! No one’s going to make the stupid mistake of passing over the No. 1 agency for another one!”
Executives at the director level and even the CEO.
“Haha, looks like we should start preparing to receive the four finalists from ‘Produce That 100!’”
“Congratulations, CEO-nim.”
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. The final results haven’t been released yet.”
“Isn’t it just a matter of time? GN got pushed down to 5th place in the vote, and Big Star is a bit of a concern, but come on, would Rojun or the others pick second place?”
“Hmm- well, no harm in getting ready. Let’s start putting together the dedicated team for the ‘Produce That 100!’ kids.”
Big Star Entertainment, which ranked 2nd, felt similarly.
“We still have a real shot at getting the kids! The difference between 1st and 2nd place is paper-thin!”
“That’s right! EY’s probably feeling on top of the world right now, but nothing’s been decided yet!”
Harmony and KRO Entertainment, who came in 3rd and 4th respectively, were also in fighting spirits. Their rankings weren’t at the level where they had to give up.
However, GN Entertainment, despite being one of the big three, had been pushed to 5th place and was like a funeral home.
From executives to the middle-aged CEO, the atmosphere was quite depressed.
“......5th place?”
“Couldn’t there be a mistake in the tally? Shouldn’t we check again with the ‘Produce That 100!’ team?”
“We already checked. 5th place is confirmed.”
“Damn.”
“We thought we’d at least be in the Big 3, never imagined we’d fall to 5th.”
“Sigh- what pisses me off the most is that EY and Big Star ended up 1st and 2nd.”
“But still, wasn’t this just a vote conducted by ‘Produce That 100!’? This kind of thing is basically just a popularity contest.”
The CEO of GN Entertainment, his expression hardened, spoke in a low voice.
“Precisely because of results like these, we need to take things more seriously.”
“......”
“If we just keep avoiding reality, we’ll only be left behind.”
Still, for the GN Entertainment CEO, facing the final winners of 'Produce That 100!' directly.
“Feel the crisis. Don’t just sit and watch.”
Felt like it was going to be tough.
A few days later, Friday the 20th.
The third week of November, a week packed with exploding headlines, passed by in a flash, with each day shooting by like a bullet. Before anyone realized, it was Friday again, and the current time was around 8 p.m.
Episode 3 of 'Rental Lover' was currently airing.
《Final episode of ‘Rental Lover’ airs today, viewers ask ‘Can’t we see Lover No. 4 Rojun anymore?’》
It was the final episode of 'Rental Lover'.
Maybe that’s why the main members of the 'Rental Lover' team had gathered in a mid-sized conference room at SBC’s Drama Department. PD Jung Soo-ryeong was there, of course, along with several key staff members. They had all come together to watch the last episode. They were watching 'Rental Lover' as it played on a monitor installed at the front of the conference room.
The key staff members gasped as Rojun filled the screen.
“Wow- no matter how many times I see it, Writer Rojun’s visuals are seriously......”
“I just want to live one day with that face!”
They also burst into laughter at S-Class top actress Choi Rina’s comic acting.
“Hahaha, even when I saw that cut on set, I almost died laughing.”
“Rina really nailed the performance by breaking her image this time.”
The room was noisy and bustling. A dozen or so key staff members were chattering non-stop while watching 'Rental Lover', but PD Jung Soo-ryeong, sitting close to the monitor.
“......”
Watched quietly without reacting much. Of course, she was watching 'Rental Lover', but her mind was elsewhere.
‘When should I start the next one-’
Regarding the next project, she already had scripts in hand. Two works submitted by Kang Rojun. Honestly, PD Jung Soo-ryeong wanted to start right away.
‘But I should give it a little time. There’s the Netflix Japan launch for ‘Rental Lover’, and Writer Rojun has the end of ‘Produce That 100!’ too.’
Realistically, she couldn’t move in haste. Around 40 minutes later.
-♬♪
The OST 'Lovers', sung by Kang Rojun, played as Episode 3 of 'Rental Lover' came to a close. The key staff broke into wild applause.
-Clap clap clap clap clap clap!
-Clap clap clap clap clap clap clap!
They shared their congratulations and feelings of regret.
“Ah-It’s really over now.”
“No, not yet! We still have ‘Rental Lover’ launching in Japan!”
“Ahhh! That’s right??”
“What kind of viewership rating will the finale get?”
“It’s already made history, so it’d be nice if it hits a number no one can ever beat, right?”
“PD-nim! How do you feel!”
All eyes in the conference room turned to PD Jung Soo-ryeong, who shrugged her shoulders.
“Do you think dramas are made in a day or two? And ‘Rental Lover’ isn’t the end, it’s the beginning. Everyone, just keep your game up. I’ll be calling you again soon.”
She then turned her gaze back to the monitor and smiled.
“By the way, unfortunately, today’s main event isn’t ‘Rental Lover', is it? Put on ‘Produce That 100!’”
“Huh? You’re going to watch the ‘JTVM’ channel here at SBC??”
"What's wrong with that. If we get caught, we can move then."
Before long, 'Produce That 100!' began playing on the monitor, tuned to the ‘JTVM’ channel. It was around 9 p.m. Today’s episode was episode 18, and like 'Rental Lover', it was the final episode.
-‘Produce That 100!’
With its logo displayed, 'Produce That 100!' didn’t immediately show the live broadcast stage. It started with the final winner, Kang Rojun.
-[“Did I think I would win? Yes. I thought I would.”]
Then came interview clips of Si-hoo, Kang-min, and Do-kyung, followed by a montage of their journey from the start of 'Produce That 100!' to now. From when all 100 contestants first appeared, to the 1st through 4th evaluations, to the grueling training sessions, even the time when Rojun went running with others, etc.
Roughly 30 minutes were dedicated to this.
Then 'Produce That 100!' suddenly cut to the stage. The four final winners were preparing for the performance: Rojun, Si-hoo, Kang-min, and Do-kyung. From here, it was live. 'Produce That 100!' followed a mixed format, blending pre-recorded segments with live broadcasts, much like a music show. A familiar song began playing.
-♬♪
With colorful lights flashing, the first song was 'Produce'.
Rojun, Si-hoo, Kang-min, and Do-kyung started a powerful choreography in sync with the track.
-ㅠㅠㅜㅠㅜㅠI personally liked this track when they used it as a surprise performance....
-It feels completely different with just the four of them ㅋㅋㅋㅋ love it
-They’re killing it ㅋㅋㅋㅋ must’ve practiced like crazy in a short time
-Super handsome... guys, please debut soon....
The final winners delivered this performance as a tribute to the viewers, continuing with 'Survival 100' and 'Bold'. The four, burning with passion, didn’t stop until about 15 minutes had passed.
As the dark stage lit up with stark white lights, the scene was illuminated.
Rojun and the others stood in a line, panting in their street-style outfits. After staring into the camera for a moment, Kang Rojun glanced at his members.
-[“Two, three.”]
They bowed deeply to the many viewers.
-[“Thank you!!”]
Soon after, something appeared on the massive screen at the back of the stage. It showed the logos of the ten entertainment companies that participated in this season of 'Produce That 100!', from EY Entertainment, who ranked 1st in the viewer vote, to Big Star, GN Entertainment, and others. The chat window exploded thanks to the overwhelming number of viewers, and naturally, all ten entertainment companies were watching the live broadcast of 'Produce That 100!' at this very moment.
Including EY Entertainment.
“Wow- look at the kids’ performance. The more I see, the more I want them!”
“Right? You think we can get them??”
And Big Star Entertainment.
“Please! Please, guys, choose us!!”
Even GN Entertainment, who unexpectedly ranked 5th in the viewer vote.
“Sigh- I was trying to suppress my greed somehow... but now that I’ve seen their performance, it’s driving me crazy.”
“Damn it, are we really going to let them go to someone else without doing a thing??!”
Of course, Harmony, KRO, and the remaining agencies were also watching 'Produce That 100!' with eyes burning.
Then.
-[“Now it’s time for the final winners to make their selection.”]
Came the voice of PD Woo Han-suk spreading through the TV.
-[“The final winners will each choose one entertainment company.”]
Of the four on stage, only Kang Rojun was handed a handheld mic. Soon, Rojun and the others were seen looking at the screen behind them. After scanning the logos of the ten entertainment companies, the four turned their eyes back to the camera.
Kang Rojun slowly raised the microphone. It seemed he would be announcing on behalf of the final winners.
-[“The choice of the four of us is...”]
At that moment, countless speculations were flooding into the open chat.
-It’s gotta be EY ㅋㅋㅋㅋ
-Yeah, they were No. 1 in the viewer vote too
-It’ll be one of EY, Big Star, or Harmony, for sure ㅋㅋㅋㅋ
-What about GN?
-GN came in 5th in the viewer vote this time ㅋㅋㅋㅋ public opinion totally tanked
-Info: Viewer vote results were EY 1st, Big Star 2nd, Harmony 3rd
-ㅋㅋㅋㅋ EY Entertainment is probably setting off party poppers right now ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ
-If they land the ‘Produce That 100!’ kids too, EY becomes the uncontested No. 1
-If you’re taking Rojun, Si-hoo, Kang-min, and Do-kyung, EY, you better treat them right!!
GN Entertainment, watching this unfold in real time, was utterly despondent. From the GN Entertainment CEO watching 'Produce That 100!' to the entire executive team, the atmosphere was heavy and grim.
“......The situation’s looking really bad.”
“Even the viewers overwhelmingly expect EY.”
“Sigh- what a shame.”
“CEO-nim, what are your thoughts?”
“What can we do? Whatever the outcome, it’s the kids’ decision.”
On the other hand, EY Entertainment felt like a festival.
“Over 80% of viewers are predicting us!!”
“Everyone’s calling EY!”
“Hahaha, with momentum like this, we can basically call it confirmed, right??”
"Right! We should prepare to go to the 'Produce That 100!' campus right away?? Haha!"
“Congratulations, CEO-nim!”
At that moment, from the large TV they were watching, Kang Rojun’s low voice came through the handheld mic.
-[“The choice of the four of us is GN Entertainment.”]
One of the EY Entertainment executives burst into laughter.
“Hahaha! As expected! GN Entert... huh? Wait, what did he just say?”
He froze, and the smile vanished from his face instantly.
“Did he just say GN... not EY?”
*****
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