PD Jung Soo-ryeong did not let Kang Rojun’s three scripts gather dust and proposed spreading them through various channels. If a script was good or interesting, drama PDs and production PDs typically monopolized it and aimed to produce it step by step.

The more prominent or renowned the writer, the more this applied.

If possible, sign them exclusively. If that was not feasible, then secure as many scripts from that writer as possible. It’s hard to know which work will be a hit until it is revealed, and it’s a way to competitively gain the upper hand against other broadcasting stations or production companies. Of course, in doing so, some scripts may never see the light of day and get buried.

Therefore, prominent or star writers do not rely on just one channel.

《Superstar writer Han Seo-ryeong, who worked with MBS on her previous work, has now joined hands with KBC this time》

Writers who write quickly may sign contracts with several broadcasting stations or production companies, and sometimes multiple works by the same writer are released around the same time. Films, dramas, plays, and so on. Naturally, this did not apply to rookie writers, and Kang Rojun, who had only one one-act drama produced, was no different from a baby writer taking his first steps.

However, PD Jung Soo-ryeong thought that writer Rojun was different from ordinary writers, and recommended octopus-style movements based on her judgment that the route taken by star writers would be helpful.

Rojun is also fast with his hands.

He managed to write a movie script even amid his busy schedule. That alone proved he had plenty of talent not only as an idol but also as a writer. Moreover, every piece he produced was full of freshness, familiar yet clever cliches, and loads of entertainment.

The destination that such Kang Rojun brought up was.

“How about Netflix Japan?”

It was Netflix Japan, which had recently come to Korea. At the unexpected question, PD Jung Soo-ryeong was a bit surprised.

'Netflix Japan?? That’s quite sudden. I thought he would be focused solely on domestic routes.'

There is a world of difference between creating a project domestically and airing it overseas afterward, and producing it overseas from the start. If done right, not only can one dominate domestically, but also gain a title for promoting national prestige abroad. But it’s not easy. There are linguistic issues, territorial tendencies in the overseas market, and so on.

That’s why it’s hard to find precedent.

The reason Kang Rojun had such a thought was quite simple.

It started with lyrics writing.

'Writing lyrics in English and Japanese? Totally possible.'

There was also PD Woo Han-suk's comment.

'You might be able to work as a writer, lyricist, and even an actor in Japanese.'

Currently, Kang Rojun’s English and Japanese skills were at a native speaker level. Including lyrics writing, there was no problem for him to handle overseas activities as a singer, writer, or actor. In fact, Rojun had already experimented with various things in English and Japanese, and the results were very positive. His English and Japanese were no different from his Korean.

At this level, it was only natural for curiosity to be piqued.

Would the pieces I wrote work in other countries?

'Even if they don’t, there’s nothing to lose. You can only figure out the problems and what needs to be fixed through experience.'

You have to fail to truly see what comes next.

Having a hideous past, Kang Rojun understood this better than anyone. Now, including his face, all his conditions were absurdly advantageous. Then of course, even if reckless, he had to try.

'Simultaneous challenges in both domestic and international markets are possible. It’d be different if I had only one script, but I have three.'

Then Kang Rojun looked at Jung Soo-ryeong and opened his mouth.

“I heard that the Netflix Japan team attended the fourth round of evaluation for ‘Produce That 100!’ recently. I found it fascinating. The idea that a team from Netflix in another country watched our perfromance.”

“Oh- during the meeting with me, they couldn’t stop praising you.”

“Really? I didn’t know that. Anyway, after seeing them in person, I realized they weren’t as far away as I thought. Also, ‘Produce That 100!’ is already airing in Japan, and ‘Rental Lover’ is launching there soon, so it caught my interest.”

“In Netflix Japan.”

“Yes.”

“......”

PD Jung Soo-ryeong, after hearing the story, scratched her disheveled hair. Her eyes were full of interest.

'When I first heard it, I thought it was somewhat unexpected......but at this timing, there's nothing better than Netflix Japan.'

Japan too is heavily immersed in 'Produce That 100!' and Kang Rojun’s popularity is high. Netflix Japan’s interest in 'Rental Lover' was also thanks to Rojun.

'There are barely any writers who debut in Japan through a route like this. No, actually, there’s no way such a writer exists. If he pulls it off, that would become another one-of-a-kind entry in ‘Writer Rojun’s’ filmography.'

The first step to becoming a unique existence both as an idol and as a writer.

'It’s not far-fetched either. When we had that meeting with Netflix Japan, Executive Director Tom Cavill showed great interest in Writer Rojun.'

They might not jump on it right away, but if this matter is brought up, Tom Cavill will certainly show a considerable reaction. Soon, Jung Soo-ryeong slightly curled her lips.

“This sounds interesting, doesn’t it? Idol and writer. If those two line up properly, the synergy would be tremendous. Whether in Korea or Japan.”

“Idol is still my main job.”

“Of course, you said writing is your side job, right?”

“Yes.”

“No matter how you look at it, a drama written by your favorite idol, that’s hard to resist. And if a drama you enjoyed turns out to have been written by an idol? That’s irresistible too.”

As the image became more vivid, PD Jung Soo-ryeong’s smile deepened and she asked.

“Japanese won’t be a problem. If we go ahead with this Netflix Japan challenge, which of the three scripts are you thinking of?”

“Hmm- I’m still thinking about it, could you recommend one, PD-nim?”

PD Jung Soo-ryeong pointed to one of the three scripts.

“I think this one would be good. It has an omnibus vibe. So I feel like it might suit Japanese sensibilities?”

Kang Rojun had no objection.

Afterward.

Perhaps excited about the Netflix Japan prospect, PD Jung Soo-ryeong’s voice tone went up.

"I'll subtly bring up this matter to Netflix Japan once. I have to have a video meeting with them soon anyway."

“A video meeting??”

“Yes, regarding ‘Rental Lover'. We’ve got to start putting out the news that ‘Rental Lover’ is launching in Japan too, and we need to finalize the Netflix Japan launch date.”

Kang Rojun expressed his thanks, and with heightened energy, Jung Soo-ryeong changed the subject.

“‘Rental Lover’s’ domestic premiere will be on November 6.”

“Oh- that’s a lot sooner than I expected?”

“It’s a one-act. The editing speed is different from a 16-episode series. Why? Feeling nervous?”

“Yes. A bit.”

“I’ve been directing for over a decade, and I still get jittery every time a project releases. I get nervous.”

“You too, PD-nim? That’s hard to imagine.”

“This time it’s even more intense. In many ways, ‘Rental Lover’ is beyond ordinary, right? It’s not just about ratings, I’m also wondering whether my editing will land well, and if you and Choi Star’s fans will be satisfied.”

It seemed PD Jung Soo-ryeong, who was usually quite upbeat, was quietly feeling the pressure. It wasn’t strange. She had intended to scale things up, but they had grown even bigger than expected. But she quickly regained her composure and spoke again.

“And I have a proposal for you related to the OST.”

A proposal? Rojun tilted his head.

“What kind?”

“‘Rental Lover’ will of course include an official OST, and I want you to take charge of the lyrics and vocals for one of the songs. The track already exists. Actually, I changed something that was decided during the early OST planning. Back then, I didn’t realize you had this kind of momentum. So, can you do it? Of course, if it’s too much, you don’t have to. Just answer comfortably.”

“Ah-”

“I’m just saying, since ‘Rental Lover’ is a piece you wrote and you’re also appearing in it as an actor, if you participate in the OST too, it’ll feel complete. And it’ll generate buzz. But you must be really busy, right?”

“Yes. I am busy, but”

“Hmm… true. ‘Produce That 100!’ is heading towards its end, and you’ve got writing work too. It must be tight, then I’ll just handle the OST myself.”

“I am busy, but it’s okay if I get busier.”

“Eh?”

“Actually, things were way crazier during the shoot for ‘Lover No. 4'. Having a lot to do is the given, but now it’s better than back then. I’ll give the OST a try.”

At Kang Rojun’s smiling eyes, PD Jung Soo-ryeong blanked out for a moment.

The next day, Tuesday the 6th.

Just as Kang Rojun had finished his daily mission and was about to join the group practice for 'Survival 100', a staff member called out to him. It was a summons from PD Woo Han-suk. Kang Rojun entered the meeting room inside the staff dormitory, where he found Woo Han-suk with dark circles under his eyes, along with 58Si-hoo, already seated.

Rojun gave a small greeting, which PD Woo Han-suk acknowledged warmly.

“Oh, oh, have a seat.”

As Kang Rojun sat down, his eyes caught something placed next to 58Si-hoo.

'Guitar?'

It was an acoustic guitar. Then Rojun remembered 58Si-hoo mentioning that he would bring his guitar from home.

'Ah- is that the guitar? It looks cool.'

At that moment, PD Woo Han-suk sat in front of the two and began to speak.

"The acoustic version of 'Survival 100' is complete."

The acoustic version of 'Survival 100'. This was something Rojun already knew about. A few weeks earlier, on the day of the guide recording for 'Survival 100', PD Woo Han-suk had mentioned the acoustic version to Rojun and 58Si-hoo. He said it would be great if the two could perform it as a special performance at the small concert.

Of course, both Kang Rojun and 58Si-hoo had accepted the idea.

The acoustic version special performance was something only lyricist Rojun and composer 58Si-hoo could do. Unlike the other contestants, they were very familiar with 'Survival 100'. Anyway, PD Woo Han-suk continued with the briefing.

“The original ‘Survival 100’ comes in Korean and Japanese versions, but the acoustic version will only go with the Korean one. It’ll be shown as a special performance at both Korean and Japanese mini concerts.”

With a soft smile, PD Woo Han-suk looked at Rojun, then turned his gaze to 58Si-hoo.

"First, shall we listen to it once?"

“Yes.”

It seemed 58Si-hoo was in charge of the arrangement. But instead of playing a track on his phone, he picked up the guitar beside him. At the unfamiliar sight, Kang Rojun’s eyes widened slightly.

'No way, is hyung playing it live?'

As if he had read Rojun’s mind, 58Si-hoo casually held the guitar close to his chest. After some simple tuning, he gripped the guitar pick and began to play.

-♬♪

Rojun nearly blurted out that he was good. 58Si-hoo’s guitar playing was quite impressive, and the acoustic rendition of 'Survival 100' felt far more serene than the original. A bit like a whispering tone? Kang Rojun attentively listened to the acoustic version of 'Survival 100' that 58Si-hoo was performing. After singing up to the first verse, 58Si-hoo glanced at PD Woo Han-suk and Kang Rojun for feedback.

"Uh, it's awkward. It's been a while since I held a guitar."

The first to respond was Kang Rojun.

“Hyung, that was awesome??”

"What's with you suddenly."

“No, seriously.”

It wasn’t empty flattery. Rojun genuinely saw 58Si-hoo as an artist. PD Woo Han-suk also chimed in as if to agree.

“Definitely, with the guitar, the visual is really strong. As expected, it would be good to have a guitar for the acoustic special performance."

“Right?”

“Yup, let’s go with the guitar for the special performance. Si-hoo, how about it?”

The special performance would be watched by thousands of domestic and Japanese fans and broadcast through 'Produce That 100!' With such an enormous audience, 58Si-hoo’s heart pounded, but he had made up his mind and replied confidently.

“Yes. I’ll do it.”

“Rojun, for the acoustic version vocal-”

“I can do it.”

“Okay, then the special performance is confirmed.”

PD Woo Han-suk glanced at 58Si-hoo’s guitar and then met eyes with Kang Rojun, speaking with a slightly regretful tone.

“If both of you went up with guitars, the impact would be even stronger, but having one on guitar and one on vocals is solid too.”

At that, 58Si-hoo turned to Rojun.

“Didn’t you say you didn’t know how to play??”

“......”

“That’s too bad. If you both played guitars, it’d feel so much richer.”

Is that so? Kang Rojun didn’t give a clear answer and muttered internally.

'Guitar-'

It wasn't that he hadn't thought about it. Even when 58Si-hoo first brought up guitars, he’d thought about it, and seeing singers on TV play guitar made him feel envious too.

'If I could play guitar too, it would help as an idol, and for composition and lyrics writing too.'

It would enhance his depth as a singer and idol. Any instrument would surely be of great use in the future. However, learning an instrument might be as costly as learning a new language. At that moment, something flashed in Kang Rojun’s mind, an item in his inventory.

-[Inventory]

-[1] 50% Discount Coupon for AI Automation

It was a discount item.

'Ah, I had a 50% discount coupon, didn’t I??'

Kang Rojun, whose spirits lifted instantly, suddenly said to PD Woo Han-suk and 58Si-hoo,

"Then should I pick up the guitar too?"