Suddenly, I Became Crazy Handsome, and the World Became Easy
Chapter 67: Audience (1)

Putting together an idol team requires attention to many things, but more than anything, it costs a lot of money. Even before selecting trainees, money is invested from the planning stage, and once trainees are picked through auditions and such, the real spending begins in earnest.

Lodging, food expenses, various lessons including vocal and dance, and foreign language study, among many others.

There is no end to where money needs to go.

《[Feature] Idols, the War with Money from Trainee to Debut》

Even if the trainee period is roughly estimated at 2 to 3 years, it normally costs hundreds of millions of won, sometimes even several billion. But that’s just the basics of the basics. It's purely an investment with no returns. Therefore, entertainment companies these days tend to select kids who already have talent in order to shorten the trainee period from the beginning.

Later on, when the trainees are set for debut, they must pour in more than double the funds.

From album production to their first debut, even just breathing costs money.

Another several billion easily vanishes in this stage. And yet, only a few teams succeed. If it fails, all the invested money disappears like smoke. Idols are extremely inefficient. Truly high risk. But if luck or skill brings even the tiniest bit of recognition, and if by chance a fandom is formed, then a snowball effect can begin from there.

If it rolls well, recovering the investment is not that difficult.

Idols who achieve good results by expanding into Japan or overseas earn a monstrous amount of money.

That’s how huge the idol market is, high risk, high return. This is why entertainment companies endure losses of tens of billions, hundreds of billions and continue challenging the idol industry.

Therefore, at PD Woo Han-suk's.

“Ultimately, the companies gathered here are not in the position to choose.”

Even with this sudden statement.

“You have to be chosen. Chosen by the ‘Produce That 100!’ kids.”

The leading domestic entertainment companies did not show their pride was hurt, nor did they storm out of the conference room. Rather,

‘A survival among entertainment companies? What’s the big deal?’

Entertainment companies looking at the ‘Produce That 100!’ participants could not help but drool.

No, the correct expression would be, they were anxious.

The place is overflowing with unpolished gems ready to become jewels. What’s more, ‘Produce That 100!’ is doing the refining. Without them spending a single penny.

‘The participants are only called by numbers, but in terms of recognition, influence, and fandom, they’re already on the same level as top idols.’

Riding the wave of 25% viewership ratings, they have an image of leading trends and fashion, and their brand power cannot be ignored either.

‘Even a major headline star like No. 1 has already emerged. The rest are already well-known enough.’

Soon, seriousness appeared on the faces of dozens of entertainment company representatives. Some began to observe each other carefully. A survival among entertainment companies? Perhaps it had already begun. The conference room was quiet, but the atmosphere became subtly tense due to everyone busy churning thoughts in their heads. The atmosphere was heavy.

In the midst of that, PD Woo Han-suk pushed up his glasses.

“Fortunately, there’s no major unrest about the fact that you need to be chosen by the ‘Produce That 100!’ kids and that a survival among entertainment companies is unfolding. If you find it hard to accept, you are welcome to leave this conference room now.”

His tone was exactly the same as when announcing a elimination results to the participants. When a contestant was eliminated, they had to leave ‘Produce That 100!’, but the entertainment companies gathered in this large conference room.

“......”

“......”

Remained seated in silence. They were all prepared to fulfill the position of being the receiving party rather than the giving party. PD Woo Han-suk, smiling faintly, touched his tablet.

“As you all probably know, I’ve already laid the groundwork in Japan. From the weekly monitoring, ‘Produce That 100!’ is gaining more and more explosive power in the Japanese market.”

At that moment, the desire of the entertainment companies intensified.

‘That’s right, the fact that the Japanese market has already been tapped into is a huge merit.’

No matter which entertainment company it was, if they won in this survival, they wouldn’t need to do anything more than walk the paved road, not just domestically, but in Japan too. It was truly a fully set table. Of course, the entertainment companies would probably present it as an even grander feast.

‘Even just doing the math up to this point, how much is being saved???’

At this point, one of the entertainment company representatives raised their hand.

“We fully understand the immense power of ‘Produce That 100!’, but the survival among entertainment companies you mentioned, PD-nim. How exactly do you plan to run that?”

Everyone turned their attention to PD Woo Han-suk, all seemingly of the same mind. Eyes filled with yearning for an answer. In contrast, PD Woo Han-suk’s expression changed as if saying it would be no fun if he gave away too much in advance.

“Hmm- when the broadcast ends, for now, the final winning group of four participants will have to handle some schedules under ‘Produce That 100!’. Maybe for two or three months. This part hasn’t been finalized yet. But before that, you’ll probably appear on ‘Produce That 100!’ and do something. Introductions, boasting, future planning, possibilities, advantages, disadvantages, etc."

Self-promotion or resumes , those are basic everywhere.

“I don’t think it matters what you choose to highlight. Even trying to entice with money is fine. Maybe there’ll even be simple games. Anyway, the core is that you must appeal to the ‘Produce That 100!’ kids and be selected by them.”

The atmosphere suddenly heated up.

The entertainment company representatives swiftly pulled out their phones and began messaging somewhere, while others diligently jotted down PD Woo Han-suk’s words into their diaries. As he glanced over the busy representatives, PD Woo Han-suk wrapped things up.

“For now, come attend the fourth evaluation as audience and check out the kids’ form first.”

After that.

By the time the entertainment companies summoned by PD Woo Han-suk disbanded, various search sites were plastered with 'Produce That 100!' news.

《Another Record-Breaking Viewership! ‘Produce That 100!’ Hits 25.8%! 30% Is Within Reach!》

‘Produce That 100!’ had broken its own viewership record once again.

《‘Produce That 100!’ Fourth Evaluation Task is Rap, Excitement Builds Over Audience Event》

Yesterday’s broadcast of episode 9 was full of entertaining moments. From the number of contestants being reduced from 100 to 24, to the fourth evaluation task being rap. The 2-on-2 team battle format also attracted media attention.

《[Hot Issue] ‘Produce That 100!’ Tries 2-on-2 Team Battles for the First Time- Netizens Say “Is No. 1 Good at Rap Too?”》

By Saturday afternoon, episode 9 was uploaded on Netflix Korea, making it even hotter. Above all, with the audience event included in the fourth evaluation, public opinion was abuzz.

-The remaining in episode 9 feel like it’s nothing but the best of the best ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-Agree agree, No. 58 and No. 26 are my faves....

-No. 71 is super cute ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ and No. 37 is kind of quirky and fun to watch

-Ah... I really want to get picked for the audience!!! I seriously want to see them all in person.....

-But why is there no talk about No. 1 ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ?

-No. 1 is like... in the realm of gods

-Exactly ㅋㅋㅋㅋ No. 1 is on such another level it’s like an untouchable territory

-Still, I bet No. 1’s fansites will flood the audience seats this time

At that time, the participants of ‘Produce That 100!’ were devoting themselves even more to the fourth evaluation practice. Excluding today, only Sunday and Monday remained for practice. So the 12 teams of two participants each were rehearsing everywhere, and Kang Rojun and No. 26 were also repeatedly practicing the rap piece ‘Small Fry’ in the studio.

“No. 1, the more I hear your tone, the more insane it sounds.”

"You're the same."

"I have experience, so I can't not do well. But you… I don’t know. Just looking at you sets something on fire inside me.”

“What’s on fire?”

“Fighting spirit? Competitive spirit? Something like that. You don’t seem to lack anything. You feel so far ahead, but I want to surpass you.”

Though he spoke lifelessly, No. 26 was sincere. Given Kang Rojun’s foundation, he may have already lost in the looks department, but he felt like he could at least compete when it came to rap skills.

“I may be teamed up with you, No. 1, but I’m going to think of it as a competition with you too.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah. That actually fires me up more.”

As long as the quality improves, does it matter what mindset he has? With a small laugh, Kang Rojun nodded casually.

“Whatever works for you.”

Then, the next day, early Sunday morning.

Before it even turned 7 a.m., Kang Rojun quietly slipped out of Room 105. First came the completion of the daily mission and the stat enhancement. After that, he packed up his laptop and other essentials and moved to the lounge.

‘Since there’s a lot to do, I have no choice but to split time as much as possible.’

He immediately began working on lyrics. The obvious target was 'Survival 100'. But it wasn’t just the Korean version this time, he had also added Japanese lyrics, so the workload had increased. Still, he couldn’t compromise the practice and teamwork sessions with No. 26 for the fourth evaluation.

No matter what.

-Swish.

With 'Survival 100' playing, Kang Rojun’s fingers began to move. Since he had started on Friday, today marked the third day. Countless words swirled in Rojun’s mind, and he selected the ones he liked to complete a story. Every now and then, he sang parts of the lyrics like he was talking to himself.

His speed was fast.

Compared to when he wrote for 'Witch', the movement of his fingers was twice as fast. Even Kang Rojun was aware of this.

‘Feels like the answers are coming to me instantly.’

Was it because his senses were stimulated? Or maybe he had slowly gained some experience. Perhaps it was talent riding a wave of flow, or maybe it was because his ‘Lyrics Writing’ stat had increased. All of it combined gave Kang Rojun extraordinary power.

Like speeding down an unblocked highway, Rojun continued his lyrics work without interruption.

He was so focused he skipped breakfast.

When the clock finally pointed to noon, Kang Rojun stretched wide and murmured,

“Whew- Korean version complete for now.”

Monday morning, May 14th. Gimpo Airport.

Even though it was Monday morning, the airport lobby was quite bustling. Just then, the doors to the arrivals hall opened, and a group pulling suitcases appeared. Among the group of about five, four were Asian, but the one leading them was a blue-eyed foreigner.

It was none other than Tom Cavill, the executive director of Netflix Japan.

In short, this group was the Netflix Japan team.

Soon, Tom Cavill asked the female staff member next to him in Japanese.

“Are the meeting schedules confirmed?”

The woman nodded.

“Yes. First, we’ll meet with the ‘Produce That 100!’ team around noon today, and the meeting with the ‘Rental Lover’ team is scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday afternoon.”

“So the schedule spans about three days.”

“That’s correct.”

Tom Cavill smiled as he exited the airport.

“Let’s create a good outcome.”

The Netflix Japan team had arrived in Korea.

Meanwhile, at the ‘Produce That 100!’ Campus in Paju.

PD Woo Han-suk could be found near the hall with the stage. He was in the middle of overseeing the final touches, mixed among dozens of staff members.

“PD-nim!! Please check the stage area!”

“Just a moment!!”

“You need to check the lighting too!”

“On my way!”

The interior of the hall, which was pure chaos, had changed quite a bit. First, the stage had become bigger and more glamorous, decorated with numerous structures and monitors. Monitors were also installed on the ceiling equipped with lighting, and standing areas were set up around the stage. There was a main path leading to the stage, with settings arranged on both sides.

On the right side of the stage, a few hundred seats had been set up.

Seats for the already-invited guests.

From dozens of entertainment companies to the 'Rental Lover' team, etc.

They had properly created audience seating that surrounded the stage. Thousands of audience members would gather here, and in front of them, the 'Produce That 100!' participants would carry out their fourth evaluation. Due to the massive scale, not just the set but PD Woo Han-suk himself was pouring his energy into the inspection.

About an hour passed like that.

“Whew- done.”

Standing atop the stage, PD Woo Han-suk swept his eyes across the hall. It signaled that checks and preparations were complete. Now it was time to receive the rap songs from Group 1 and Group 2 and begin rehearsals.

"We can start right after lunch."

While the participants would need to put their all into rehearsal, PD Woo Han-suk and the entire 'Produce That 100!' staff had to give everything they had for the fourth evaluation taking place Tuesday. Thousands of guests were expected to attend. If even a small incident happened, it would be a disaster. Thanks to this, they even received support from about a hundred reinforcements from the broadcasting center.

Just then.

“PD-nim.”

Someone called out to PD Woo Han-suk who was on the stage. Looking down, he saw Kang Rojun standing there. PD Woo Han-suk was slightly surprised. It wasn’t because Rojun suddenly appeared. It was because, under the coincidental sweep of stage lighting, Kang Rojun’s face lit up brilliantly.

'It's nothing new, but his visuals are really terrifying.'

What kind of reaction would the audience have when they see that absurdly handsome face up close? With the corners of his lips rising, PD Woo Han-suk stepped down from the stage and approached Rojun.

“Oh, you’re here? What do you want to say?”

It seemed like Rojun had contacted him in advance, as he got straight to the point without any small talk.

“I’ve finished writing the lyrics for ‘Survival 100’.”

PD Woo Han-suk let out a short laugh.

“The lyrics... already?”

“Yes.”

“You’ve been busy practicing, haven’t you? When on earth did you find time?”

“Just in between.”

“Haha, I don’t know if I should be impressed or scared.”

As PD Woo Han-suk shook his head in disbelief, Kang Rojun added another comment.

“I’ve also finished the Japanese lyrics.”

"Huh?"

PD Woo Han-suk furrowed his brow and suddenly looked bewildered.

“...You finished what?”

*****

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