SCT-Novel Chapter 230: World (2)
Chapter 230: World (2)
CEO Ha Seo-hwan’s sudden declaration. He wanted them to draft the blueprint for Vanguard’s world tour. There had been some talk of it for a few weeks, but the employees had thought it wasn’t the right time yet."...Huh? This soon?"
They were a little taken aback. It wasn’t strange, just much sooner than expected. However, there was a firm conviction behind CEO Ha Seo-hwan’s smile.
"Yeah, world tour. I don’t think it’s all that early though?"
Not early? No, from a reasonable standpoint, it definitely was early. 'Vanguard' was just about to release their next single album, and they were heading into their second year since debut. Still, none of the GN Entertainment employees tried to oppose CEO Ha Seo-hwan.
No, they couldn’t.
Because when CEO Ha Seo-hwan decided to do something, it was going to happen.
Even so, they quietly predicted a negative outcome.
‘W-World tours don’t cost just a few pennies... It might be fine in Asia like Japan, but the U.S. is still going to be tough, right??’
‘If it flops, Vanguard’s image that we’ve built up until now could be ruined too.’
If the world tour failed, the image damage to 'Vanguard' would be one thing, but the money poured into it would go up in smoke. GN Entertainment was now firmly established as the undisputed number one entertainment company, so it wouldn’t go bankrupt, but the losses would be significant.
Either way, not an easy path.
But regardless, CEO Ha Seo-hwan remained calm.
"It’s okay even if we fail. What matters is the vibe of being the ‘first'. 'Vanguard' has set many records so far, and I believe a proper overseas expansion has to be done this way."
In line with the group’s concept, the message was that they had to keep taking a unique and unparalleled path. CEO Ha Seo-hwan had no intention of following in the footsteps of other groups.
A challenge. 'Vanguard' had always taken on challenges since debut.
And they would continue to do so.
‘Failure is just part of the process. As long as we use that process as fuel and charge forward again, that’s enough.’
On the flip side, if this world tour, unprecedented for a group in its second year, succeeded, 'Vanguard' would solidify their status as untouchable global stars.
That didn’t mean CEO Ha Seo-hwan was blindly leaping in.
It was a conclusion drawn with 'Tale of the Strange Moon', 'Royal Procession', and others in mind. Plus, the advice of Manager Kim Ki-baek also played a part.
‘Mm- rather than something lukewarm, something bold is better, even if it fails.’
Because making the media and public gasp was part of Vanguard’s brand.
"Next year, 'Vanguard' will begin their world tour. That’s final."
This decision from CEO Ha Seo-hwan was quickly conveyed to the members of 'Vanguard'. Kang Rojun, Si-hoo, Kang-min, and Do-kyung were initially flustered when they heard about the world tour from Manager Kim Ki-baek.
"World tour... Us??!"
"Are you joking?"
"Sounds like he’s serious though."
Not long after, their adrenaline started surging. To the members too, a world tour was nothing short of a dream. And hearing that they’d be going on that dream schedule in their second year since debut? Of course, they were ecstatic.
Kang Rojun felt the same.
‘World tour??! We’re going to perform all over the world? That’s crazy. This is going to be epic!’
Excitement took over, and a flood of imagination followed, to the point his fingertips and toes were tingling. And as thoughts of the future tour popped up, he also remembered something he wanted to do.
‘I’m going to learn every language of the countries we perform in!’
A resolution to study all the languages of the countries 'Vanguard' would visit. For that, he’d need to earn even more coins, though he already had a decent amount.
Then, perhaps finding the members’ reactions cute, Manager Kim Ki-baek let out a chuckle and changed the subject.
"And, your single activity schedule is out."
'Vanguard' reviewed their upcoming single album schedule, then each moved on to handle their individual commitments. Kang Rojun was busy as always. After finishing up interviews and variety show shoots related to the ongoing buzz around 'Like a Kaleidoscope' and 'Blood Hunt', he had to rush straight to the filming set of 'Tale of the Strange Moon'.
The chaotic days had begun again.
'Blood Hunt' maintained its No. 1 booking rate both on weekdays and weekends, and 'Vanguard', while juggling their packed schedules, wrapped up practice for their single 'zephyr'. The music video shoot was next.
"Nice! That expression just now was great, Rojun-nim, and Si-hoo-nim, could you please go a bit brighter!!"
Although it was a music video shoot for their new activities, the members of 'Vanguard' were highly skilled. Especially Kang Rojun. The repeated shoots had helped him grow through experience.
A few days later, news of Vanguard’s comeback spread through the world.
《[Star Issue] 'Vanguard' Returns with a Single Album!》
《Already Ending Their Break? 'Vanguard' Announces Comeback with a Single… Fans Say “Overwhelming Welcome!”》
'Blood Hunt' was on a wild rampage.
《[Chart IS] ‘Blood Hunt’ Surpasses 4 Million Viewers in Just 5 Days Since Release》
《‘Blood Hunt’ Dominating Theaters Nationwide! Reaches 4 Million Viewers in Under a Week!》
《[Box Office Guarantee] Rojun Delivers Again – ‘Blood Hunt’ Surpasses 4 Million Viewers Amidst Rave Reviews / Photo》
It was a blockbuster success. 'Blood Hunt', like an out-of-control locomotive, showed no signs of stopping.
《[Movie Talk] ‘Blood Hunt’ Surpasses 4 Million in Just 5 Days – Could This Be the Next 10-Million Viewer Film?》
The atmosphere was already heating up to the point where talk of 10 million viewers was circulating. It started to become less of a projection and more of a reality a few days later.
-Hoooooly crap, ‘Blood Hunt’ surpasses 6 million viewers in just 9 days of release
-At this rate, 10 million is basically guaranteed, right??
-At this speed, it’s totally doable
-Rojun is insane ㅋㅋㅋㅋhitting back-to-back home runs with 'Like a Kaleidoscope' and 'Blood Hunt' ㄷㄷㄷㄷ
-'Tale of the Strange Moon' is gonna be fucking epic....
Before even reaching the tenth day of release, 'Blood Hunt' hit 6 million viewers, and the possibility of 10 million skyrocketed.
'Vanguard' began their promotions for their single 'zephyr' from this point.
“One, two, three! Hello, we’re 'Vanguard'!”
From then on.
As single album promotions began, Vanguard’s schedule once again became packed. The overlap of individual and group activities was intense, and with Kang Rojun filming 'Tale of the Strange Moon' on top of that, he was several times busier than the other members.
But Rojun, in his own way, felt at ease.
‘Am I getting used to this?? I feel like I could handle even more work.’
In terms of time, he barely had a moment to eat, but mentally, he was fine. At any rate, Rojun handled Vanguard’s activities and filming for 'Tale of the Strange Moon' without issue, and.
“Rojun hyung, come eat!”
“Yeah! Just let me finish this.”
“What are you doing? Writing?”
“No, composing.”
He meticulously managed his side job projects, too. Sure, he had to split his day into minute-by-minute plans, but a smile never left Kang Rojun’s lips.
The thrill of seeing massive results. He had already tasted it.
In some ways, this had become a kind of addiction.
Then, in mid-December, around the time the first snow of the season began to fall, massive cheers erupted at 'BG Pictures'.
“Waaaaah!!”
“Finally!!”
“Director! We’ve hit 10 million! 10 million!!”
“Congratulations!!”
“Hahaha! 10 million! It’s been so long since we’ve seen a 10 million film!!”
'Blood Hunt' had surpassed 10 million viewers in its third week after release. It was the first 10-million-viewer film in a long time, and since 'Blood Hunt' had drawn massive buzz around Kang Rojun and others, the media and public were in an absolute frenzy.
《Rojun Becomes a Screenwriter of a ‘10 Million Viewer’ Film! 'Blood Hunt' Hits 10 Million in Its Third Week!》
《'Blood Hunt' Joins the 10-Million Club! Director Yoo Ji-heon: “A Miracle Created by Rojun and the Audience”》
《[Star Talk] Rojun’s Talent Proven with 10 Million Viewers / Photo》
The protagonist, Kang Rojun, at first asked himself, “Am I seeing this right?” but soon after, he was jumping around, hugging the members who were congratulating him.
“10 million?!! Who cares! We’re having a team dinner tonight no matter what!! Manager-nim! Dinner! Dinner!!”
How often does a debut film surpass 10 million viewers? Rojun had set multiple records through 'Blood Hunt' as both a screenwriter and an actor.
And 'Vanguard' was also breaking records.
-Vanguard ‘Royal Procession’ Official MV
-58,944,129 views
The official music video for 'Royal Procession' had surpassed 50 million views and was heading toward 60 million. It was number one among Vanguard’s YouTube videos and ranked at the top even among domestic view counts. Considering Vanguard’s career stage and the fact that they hadn’t officially expanded overseas yet, it was a remarkably bold record.
It was a joyous time. No, an end-of-year filled with explosive news like nuclear bombs going off.
However, unfortunately, Kang Rojun and the members didn’t have time to fully enjoy the moment or feel catharsis in their skin. The end of the year in the entertainment industry is busier than any other time. Especially for 'Vanguard', who had an insane year.
Everyone wanted 'Vanguard', and their appearance fees were whatever they named.
Among them, the one that wanted 'Vanguard'... no, to be precise, Kang Rojun, the most desperately was the 'Blue Dragon Film Awards'. The 'Blue Dragon Film Awards' had actually been chasing Rojun for an appearance since 'Blood Hunt' was released in November, and fortunately, it had been arranged.
《[Film Festival] This Year’s Blue Dragon Film Awards: Rojun Confirmed to Attend! Will He Sweep Awards Like at the K-POP Awards? / Photo》
The 'Blue Dragon Film Awards' took place in late December. By then, 'Blood Hunt' had surpassed 11 million viewers, and on the red carpet crowded with hundreds of reporters and onlookers.
-Swish.
Kang Rojun appeared.
A barrage of camera flashed, almost blinding.
-Pababababak!
Screams.
Wearing a white-toned tuxedo with neatly styled black hair, Rojun responded with a composed smile.
‘Award shows don’t make me nervous anymore.’
He was different from the Kang Rojun of the past. He had grown to the point that he could enjoy award shows with ease. The overflowing attention and cheers from the public were no longer burdensome but simply enjoyable. That’s why his steps down the red carpet were confident, and inside the hall of the 'Blue Dragon Film Awards' filled with top stars, Kang Rojun took his seat.
Naturally, he sat with the 'Blood Hunt' team.
Director Yoo Ji-heon, Jung Tae-soo, and others greeted Rojun warmly, and Rojun was busy returning their greetings with deep bows. At that moment, Jung Tae-soo gave him a thumbs-up.
“Rojun, look at the actors sneaking glances at you. They all want to say hi.”
“I’m planning to run away as soon as the ceremony ends.”
“Run away? Hahaha, okay, let’s run away together.”
He’d grown close enough with Jung Tae-soo to joke around like that. Soon after, Director Yoo Ji-heon whispered to Rojun.
“Rojun-ssi, I’m planning a historical drama as my next project. Can I send you the script once it’s ready?”
Rojun responded with a smiling eye.
“Yes, of course, Director-nim.”
And then, the 'Blue Dragon Film Awards' began.
-Ssssh.
As the lights dimmed, a famous comedian who was hosting appeared. The atmosphere quickly thickened. In the vast hall filled with top actors, Kang Rojun’s name was called within minutes.
“Best New Actor Award, congratulations to Rojun-nim!”
The Best New Actor Award went to Kang Rojun. It was the first award he received in the film industry. However, Rojun calmly delivered his acceptance speech without a hint of nervousness.
“Thank you. I’m happy to be recognized as an actor as well.”
Watching him, Director Yoo Ji-heon, top actor Jung Tae-soo, and the 'Blood Hunt' team had expressions that said he absolutely deserved it.
And also.
“There’s no way that’ll be the end.”
They predicted that the busiest person at today’s 'Blue Dragon Film Awards' would be Kang Rojun. That prediction turned out to be dead accurate.
“Best Supporting Actor Award! Wow! Rojun-nim!! Congratulations!!”
Following the Best New Actor Award, he also won the Best Supporting Actor Award, making him a double award winner. What was even more interesting was that Kang Rojun wasn’t only called up as an actor.
“2021 Blue Dragon Film Awards Best Screenplay! Congratulations! 'Blood Hunt'!!!”
Rojun went up on stage as a writer too and raised the trophy. He was the first person in the history of the award show to receive awards as both an actor and a screenwriter. And it made sense, there had never been someone who stood out with such impact in both fields.
In other words, he was now carving a bold stroke in the film industry.
Ultimately, at this year’s 'Blue Dragon Film Awards', 'Blood Hunt' won.
“Grand Prize!! 'Blood Hunt'!”
In terms of presence and award count, it was a monstrous force. At the center of it, of course, was.
“Rojun!! Rojun-ssi!! You’ve won three awards as an actor and a writer, how do you feel?!”
“I-I feel amazing!”
Kang Rojun.
The very next day, GN Entertainment dropped a bombshell teaser about Vanguard's world tour to the public.
《[Issue Pick] GN Entertainment Says: “Vanguard Likely to Start World Tour Next Year”》
The next day.