The public opinion of 'Produce That 100!', which had been slightly criticized due to the special episode schedule, flipped in an instant.

It was because of the news that, starting with a domestic small concert tease, the show would be expanding into Japan. The names of 10 participants had been revealed, and this came right after the attention drawn by the theme song related to Kang Rojun and 58Si-hoo, so rumors of the small concert quickly spread across the media.

《[Issue Pick] 'Produce That 100!' to hold small-scale concerts in Korea and Japan... Netizens say “For real?!”》

Public opinion jumped on board. Of course, the timing of the small concert news was.

'See, the atmosphere flips right away.'

It was a move deliberately planned by PD Woo Han-suk.

He threw firewood into the blazing fire of viewers’ excitement over the special episode. And not just any firewood, but logs soaked in gasoline. 'Produce That 100!' had mainly focused on evaluations so far, and the small concert was said to be held right after the 4th round of evaluations, which had recruited audience members. Although it was still likely to be just a rumor rather than fact.

-Concert!! Doesn’t matter if it’s small, are you saying we can shout the names of the Produce That 100 participants??!!!

The public, especially fans of 'Produce That 100!', were sky-high with excitement.

-OMG... if we go to the concert, can we hear the theme song that Rojun and Si-hoo made too??

-ㅜㅜㅠㅠㅜㅠㅠAhh... I seriously, really, REALLY want to go

-Rojun!! Rojun!!!!

-The last chance to see their fresh faces before debut!! This is unmissable

-I had quit fangirling but this just reactivated my fighting spiritㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋI’m going no matter what

-But isn’t this just speculation by reporters right now??

-If things flop in Korea, I’m still thinking of going to Japan

-Woo Han-suk!!! Even if nothing’s ready!! Even if it’s just a rumor by the reporters!! Start prepping for the small concert NOW!!!

.

.

.

.

This intense trend didn’t take long to cross over into Japan, and Japanese fans were just as fired up as Korean ones. The loud buzz that continued from morning into lunchtime persisted until the official stance was announced by the 'Produce That 100!' team in the early afternoon.

-[Hello, viewers who love 'Produce That 100!' We are planning to hold small-scale concerts soon in Korea and Japan. This concert will not be related to evaluations but purely for the fans……]

As soon as this was uploaded to the official website and SNS, the articles turned from speculation to official reports. Around this time, Netflix Japan, which had uploaded the special episode,

《Netflix Japan officially confirms ‘Produce That 100!’ small concert in Japan》

announced the small concert in collaboration with the 'Produce That 100!' team as a confirmed fact. Media and public response erupted even more violently than in the morning.

《‘Produce That 100!’ confirms small-scale concerts in Korea and Japan... Fans go wild on SNS / Photos》

It was the same in both Korea and Japan.

Meanwhile, at the SBC broadcasting station Drama Department.

On the five-person sofa in the director’s office sat PD Jung Soo-ryeong, whose hair had gotten even disheveled due to pouring everything into editing 'Rental Lover' lately. The bald department director sat on the head sofa and opened his mouth as he looked at Jung Soo-ryeong.

“PD Jung. That No. 1. I mean, Writer Rojun. Are you sure his acting is okay??”

“Why?”

The director gave an awkward smile.

“Of course, I trust your eye completely, PD Jung, but all these articles going on about Rojun’s acting controversy have me a little worried. Public opinion’s kind of noisy too.”

The fact that Kang Rojun was appearing as both the writer and an actor in 'Rental Lover' remained a hot topic, and although the reactions were mostly of shock or amazement, there was some negative sentiment mixed in. What came under fire was Rojun’s acting ability. There were people saying that maybe they cast someone who couldn’t act just for the buzz.

Well, it was certainly enough to stir controversy.

There had already been bad precedents set by other idols, and Kang Rojun’s declaration had been so abrupt. To the public, Rojun probably looked extremely busy right now. It wouldn’t seem like he had time for acting practice. PD Jung Soo-ryeong had said during the production presentation that Kang Rojun’s acting was killer, but of course, that alone wouldn’t be enough.

'Rental Lover' had drawn massive attention, and with that came a proportionate amount of concern from the department director.

The current greatness could easily turn into complete criticism if the results turn out poorly. On the other hand, PD Jung Soo-ryeong remained relaxed. She had anticipated this situation in advance.

“Don’t you know me?? Whether it’s a top star or whatever, if the acting’s no good, I don’t use them.”

“I know, I know. I know that better than anyone. Still, ugh- getting old just makes me worry about useless things.”

“Don’t be scared. Once ‘Rental Lover’ starts airing, all the noise from the media and public will quiet down.”

“Okay, if PD Jung says so, I can rest easy.”

“By the way, Director-nim, since when did you care so much about one-act dramas? You’ve changed.”

“Hey hey, do you think ‘Rental Lover’ is just some ordinary one-act drama?? Even the CEO is keeping a close eye on it. You know, right? This is the first one-act drama to get this much insane attention even before airing.”

PD Jung Soo-ryeong shrugged her shoulders and gave a rough response.

“Yes, yes.”

“And the OST stuff, is it confirmed?”

“Yes. We’ve already finished collecting songs, about two.”

“No no, didn’t you say you were going to entrust it to Rojun? For lyrics and vocals?”

“Just one song. I haven’t told Writer Rojun yet, but that’s my intention.”

“Hm- do you think he’ll be able to? He’s so busy.”

PD Jung Soo-ryeong crossed her arms.

“An idol who’s also a writer. And on top of that, he’s acting in the piece he wrote. There’s never been a case like this, and Writer Rojun is truly making his mark. If he adds an OST to the mix, it’ll leave behind an even stronger filmography.”

“Well, that’s true. A one-of-a-kind filmography that might never happen again, I agree. But Rojun is already doing so much. I saw an article just before that said the ‘Produce That 100!’ side is also preparing some kind of small concert.”

“I saw it.”

“No matter how talented someone is, if they overwork, they’ll break. If Writer Rojun says he’ll do it, that’s great, but if he collapses from overdoing it just as the premiere approaches, that would be a disaster, you know? And that kid’s still young. Lacks experience. If it seems like too much, use a different singer.”

It was a valid concern. But PD Jung Soo-ryeong, who recalled the relaxed, smiling eyes of Kang Rojun, who always pulled off everything like a monster, thought very differently.

“Writer Rojun, he’s not going to break that easily.”

At the same time, in Japan.

In a tall building near Tokyo Station, the headquarters of Netflix Japan. Thanks to 'Produce That 100!' still being ranked No. 1, Netflix Japan had gotten busier, and Executive Director Tom Cavill was sitting in a room watching something alone.

It was the translated script of 'Rental Lover'.

Since 'Rental Lover' had already been confirmed to launch on Netflix Japan, of course Executive Director Tom Cavill could review the script. He had received it about a week ago, and this was his second full reading after the first.

Soon, Tom Cavill closed the script and swept back his curly blonde hair. His face was filled with admiration.

'It's interesting, so engaging that it's hard to look away once you start.'

Compared to the Japanese scripts he had recently reviewed, it was on another level. Japanese scripts had become stagnant and dull, but 'Rental Lover' captured both freshness and fun.

“...Right. We need to keep increasing works like this. Only then will change come to the Japanese market, and Netflix Japan will grow. Sadly, Korea’s way ahead. Japan needs to learn.”

He muttered quietly in English and stroked his chin. Soon, he recalled Kang Rojun’s appearance during the 4th round evaluation of 'Produce That 100!' in Korea.

“It’s even more surprising that he’s the writer of this script. He had outstanding ability as a singer, but he’s no slouch as a writer either.”

In that instant, Tom Cavill’s mind began working quickly.

Japan was currently obsessed with 'Produce That 100!' The announcement that a small concert would be held even in Japan had made things several times more chaotic. The most popular figure, of course, was Rojun. Though nothing had been announced yet regarding 'Rental Lover', if he remembered the explosive response when it was revealed that No. 1 was the writer.

“‘Rental Lover’ will surely catch fire too.”

As Executive Director, Tom Cavill couldn’t help but be greedy. Not for idol Kang Rojun, but for writer Kang Rojun.

“If I ask him for a work... would he have the time to write?”

Rather than a second or third opening like with 'Produce That 100!' or 'Rental Lover', he had a desire for Netflix Japan to pour in production funds and make a drama directly. With a script written by writer Kang Rojun. But Executive Director Tom Cavill soon shook his head.

“For now, it’ll be difficult. Writing a script isn’t something you can do in just a few days. And if he writes his next work, he’ll surely do it in Korea first.”

He could only smack his lips in regret.

The next morning.

The location was a sound studio. Inside the booth, Kang Rojun could be seen wearing headphones. He was currently doing post-recording for 'Rental Lover', and the work for other actors like Choi Rina had already been completed long ago.

Only Rojun was doing it separately according to his schedule.

The recording session didn’t take long.

From the start, 'Lover No. 4' didn’t have many lines. As Rojun came out of the booth, PD Jung Soo-ryeong handed him an iced americano.

“Writer-nim, do you have a moment to talk?”

Rojun, who already had something he wanted to say to her, nodded.

“Yes, PD-nim.”

Seated on the sofa inside the sound studio, Jung Soo-ryeong asked,

“It must be hectic. I saw the article about the small concert.”

“I’m mostly just practicing.”

“...Is it intense?”

Indeed, it was hectic, but Rojun didn’t find it particularly hard.

“It’s fun, not intense.”

“So it’s manageable?”

“Yes. Same as usual.”

“Don’t you have a lot going on?”

“I like having a lot to do. I can still handle it.”

“Right. It’s hard to imagine you breaking down.”

“Breaking down?”

“No, never mind.”

PD Jung Soo-ryeong, who chuckled softly, shifted the subject.

“I’m in the middle of editing ‘Rental Lover’, and the footage is insane. Not just because I directed it, it’s seriously amazing. Your first appearance, Writer-nim, it’ll leave people with their jaws dropped.”

Rojun was just thinking he wanted to see it himself when he suddenly remembered what he wanted to say.

“PD-nim. I’m writing a movie script right now.”

“...You’re writing a script? You have time for that??”

“Yes. Even if it’s just a little, I’ve been writing.”

“Since when? How much have you written?”

“It’s been a few weeks, and I think I’ve written about 70%.”

“That’s crazy. You’re saying you’ve nearly finished a movie script in just a few weeks??”

Is that even possible with how busy he is? No, even famous directors and screenwriters take months to write a script.

'But in less than a month???'

Putting the content aside, PD Jung Soo-ryeong couldn’t hide her surprise and suddenly grabbed both of Rojun’s hands.

"Really, really be careful with these hands. Don't let them get hurt."

PD Jung Soo-ryeong had a flash of Rojun’s future cross her mind like lightning.

‘This kid can go global, by his looks, as an idol, and with his side jobs like writing.’

Rojun subtly pulled his hands away and spoke.

“If I finish the script, would I be able to ask for your help? I’ve been thinking about submitting it to contests or sending it out-”

“No, no. That kind of thing involves too many complications. I know some people in top-tier film companies, so once your script is done, give it to me. I’ll circulate it.”

“Thank you. But at first, I’d like to keep it anonymous.”

Understanding Rojun’s intention immediately, Jung Soo-ryeong smiled.

“If it’s noisy before you even get started, things that could work won’t. I get what you mean.”

As the two continued their conversation about the movie script, PD Jung Soo-ryeong crossed her legs and pulled out some scripts she had brought. They were the three scripts Rojun had given her.

“There are a few things I want to talk to you about first. I’ve read all three scripts you gave me.”

Rojun was slightly nervous. Unlike 'Rental Lover', he was worried they might be considered trash writing.

“How were they?”

But PD Jung Soo-ryeong responded by clapping enthusiastically and showering praise.

“Come on, they’re great. While shooting ‘Rental Lover', I was dying to read the next parts. I want to produce all three of them, but it’s frustrating that I only have one body.”

Rojun smiled with his eyes, feeling like a festival was going on inside him.

“All three?”

“Yeah. All three are fun. They absolutely need to go into production. You’ll do your next project with me too, right??”

If it weren’t for her, 'Rental Lover' would have never come out into the world. Without any hesitation, Kang Rojun answered immediately.

“Yes, PD-nim. Please take care of it.”

“Nice, good! But if I handle all three scripts, it’s not cost-effective. It’ll also take a long time. I can handle two without a problem, but for the remaining one, it’d be better to have it produced elsewhere.”

PD Jung Soo-ryeong proposed a faster route for him to grow as a writer without letting it sit idle. After a short thought, Kang Rojun answered calmly.

“What about Netflix Japan?”

PD Jung Soo-ryeong blinked and asked again.

“Netflix Japan??”