After hearing PD Woo Han-suk's briefing, the ten surviving participants including Kang Rojun were overwhelmed. Several announcements had come all at once. First of all, this week’s 'Produce That 100!' would be replaced by a special episode, and episode 12 would air the week after next.
Rojun made his own guess.
'PD-nim said he was giving us time to catch our breath, but it seems more like... he's trying to make us anxious??'
It was roughly correct. Episode 11, which aired two days ago, had plenty of provocative and mouth-watering teasers for viewers. The participants of 'Produce That 100!' who had been referred to by numbers so far had their names revealed, the ten survivors were selected, and in the final scene, there was even mention of a theme song related to Rojun and 58Si-hoo.
It was obvious that viewers would be eagerly awaiting episode 12.
To change the episode to a special one at this timing was part of PD Woo Han-suk’s strategy and design. Like a push-and-pull that would make viewers think only about 'Produce That 100!'. He might receive some criticism, but the effect was certain. The evidence was in PD Woo Han-suk’s experience producing numerous audition programs.
Next came the newly selected theme song, 'Survival 100'.
'Survival 100' would be a gift for viewers, and according to PD Woo Han-suk’s explanation, it was no different from those by professional idols. Vocal parts would be divided, and the dance would likely follow suit.
As nine participants whispered among themselves, Kang Rojun recalled the idols he had seen on TV.
'Are we finally going to imitate idols?'
It was about time. Now only ten remained, and there wasn’t much time left until the end. Whatever it was, Rojun was much more excited than afraid. He recalled the thrilling sensation he had felt during the group dance of 'Produce'.
Finally, the small-scale concert that would be held like a fan meeting.
Even more surprising.
'Going abroad to Japan??'
Kang Rojun and the remaining nine participants were all confirmed to debut in Japan. Naturally, unlike active idols, it would be a beginner’s first step, but the participants’ tension levels rose.
They might manage within Korea, but Japan was something else.
Although PD Woo Han-suk had already hinted at this in the past, now that it was just around the corner, the weight of facing a foreign country felt much heavier for the participants. Rojun also felt a bit of worry. But compared to the other participants, he was more relaxed.
'Aside from the language difference, it’ll be the same. Let’s think of it that way.'
Kang Rojun was also perfect in Japanese. That helped reduce the burden.
Then PD Woo Han-suk, who had been scanning the participants, continued.
“This will be ‘Produce That 100!’ and your first advancement into Japan, and the schedule will be a joint effort with Netflix Japan. The format will be the same as the small concert with a fan meeting vibe held domestically.”
The first question was asked by the expressionless 26Do-kyung.
“Will thousands of people attend the small concert in Japan too?”
PD Woo Han-suk gave a simple nod.
“That’s right. We’ll match the scale to be the same as in Korea.”
In other words, the ten survivors of 'Produce That 100!' would have to hold two small concerts, one in Korea and one in Japan, each attracting thousands. The participants showed various expressions, and PD Woo Han-suk wrapped up.
“To summarize the key points. First, prepare your passports. Then focus on practicing for the small concerts in Korea and Japan. We’ll start with the domestic small concert. The schedule is very tight, but since you’ve already experienced it with ‘Produce’, I believe you can handle it.”
After reciting the schedule and other details regarding the small concerts in Korea and Japan, PD Woo Han-suk changed the subject.
“Then let me play the guide version of ‘Survival 100’, which has already been recorded.”
As he signaled the staff at the back, 'Survival 100' began to resonate throughout the hall. A fast-tempo guitar sound. As it sped up, drums kicked in. And then, the familiar vocal.
As soon as they heard the guide, the participants all had similar thoughts.
'This is seriously good?? Si-hoo hyung composed this?'
'What’s with the quality of this song. Insane.'
'Yeah, it’s nice. But– I feel like I’ve heard the guide vocals somewhere before...'
Within seconds, everyone turned their eyes to Kang Rojun. They had figured out who the vocalist was. Noticing their looks, PD Woo Han-suk nodded.
“Yes, Rojun-nim did the guide.”
At the same time, 26Do-kyung whispered to Kang Rojun.
"Hyung. It's just a guide, but the bar is set too high-"
As soon as the briefing ended, the guide for 'Survival 100' was distributed, and the participants who received the guide song began adapting to it in their own ways. They listened, listened again, and then listened some more. For Kang Rojun and 58Si-hoo, the song would feel relatively more familiar, but at PD Woo Han-suk’s request, they had to show the same level of energy.
Meanwhile, the internet was flooded with content about 'Produce That 100!'.
《Online communities right now are filled with the names of ‘Produce That 100!’ survivors / Photo》
It wouldn’t be wrong to say the weekend began and ended with 'Produce That 100!'.
《News of the new theme song for ‘Produce That 100!’ created by Rojun and Si-hoo attracts great attention even from entertainment agencies》
This tremendous boom that had swept across Korea landed in Japan on Monday the 28th, a day later. Episode 11 had been uploaded to Netflix Japan. The Japanese public was already deeply immersed in 'Produce That 100!', and this time, the teasers crafted by PD Woo Han-suk exploded there as well.
What showed the power of the typhoon was.
《It blew up in Japan too! Produce That 100! 10 survivors dominate famous Japanese SNS rankings》
The keyword rankings on famous Japanese social media were all taken over by 'Produce That 100!' related topics. Especially many of the participants’ names. Taking first place was Rojun.
At that moment, Kang Rojun was not on campus, but somewhere outside.
As he headed somewhere, his face hidden under a hat and mask, his worries deepened.
'Passport... can I get it reissued?'
It might be a crisis. Thanks to the 'AI Simulation', Kang Rojun’s face no, his entire life, had changed. Because of that, it was almost impossible to reissue his existing passport.
'Even if I go, it’s definitely not going to work.'
Would he be arrested? Numerous thoughts crossed Kang Rojun’s mind. Still, he decided to just go for it and charged ahead.
There was no issue at all with the reissue. On top of that, the process was simple. Contrary to his severe worries, Rojun received his passport in an instant and came to one conclusion.
'As expected, it can only be AI Simulation.'
That 'AI Simulation' must have done something. He didn’t know exactly what, but there was no other explanation besides the 'AI Simulation'. Kang Rojun recalled the message that had popped up the first time he activated the 'AI Simulation'.
-[A character will be automatically generated based on user analysis.]
Automatic character generation.
'Maybe... the moment I got the ‘AI Simulation’, the ‘AI Automation’ activated on its own.'
Though he had been seriously concerned, Rojun soon shifted to a “so what?” kind of mindset.
'I got the passport, didn’t I?'
If another problem came up, he’d deal with it then. No point worrying about a future that might never arrive.
'Enjoying the present is a hundred times more beneficial.'
Wearing a smile, he turned his steps back toward the campus.