Raising a Neglected Singer-Songwriter - Chapter 63



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Raising a Neglected Singer-Songwriter Episode 63

63. What is rude to your senior?

[I alone am immortal].

Abbreviated as [Nahonbul].

A talentless hunter returns upon death.

The story is about obtaining the ability of ‘immortality’ through the second awakening, taking revenge on those who betrayed him, and going further to reach the top of the Hunters.

The protagonist’s stone-faced, straightforward, and refreshing personality is in line with the current trend among the younger generation, and has become very popular.

It is one of the few Korean webtoons that has been successfully adapted into an anime after entering the Japanese market.

According to Jo Jae-joong, the anime has become a huge hit in Japan and is scheduled to go into production for its third season in the first half of next year.

In the production of such a super popular anime-

“What does it mean for me to participate…?”

When Cha Seong-jun asked, Jo Jae-joong responded as if he had forgotten.

“Oh, I was in a hurry so I forgot the most important part. What I asked you to participate in was the ‘opening song’. The production company, ‘Muportable’, is currently recruiting opening song candidates.”

‘Muportable’.

Among Japanese animation production companies, this is the hottest production company these days, gaining attention for its outstanding action scene directing.

Works that are popular on Korea’s Flexnet, such as [Ghost Blade] and [Fatal Knight], are all animations created by Mu Portable.

“This third season of [Nahonbul] will include many of the highlights that readers were most excited about in the original story···. It’s a little embarrassing to say this myself, but I’m confident that it will produce the best results ever.”

At those words, Cha Seong-jun’s head spins quickly.

The Japanese music market is the second largest in the world after the United States.

The genres they digest are also more diverse than in Korea.

In particular, the proportion of animation music in it is so large that it can be compared to idol music called J-pop or rock.

It was also common for successful anime opening/ending songs to rise to the top of the Japanese Oricon charts.

So, you’re in charge of the opening song for an anime like [Nahonbul]?

This meant that there was a high probability of entering the chart.

“Originally, ‘Muportable’ was only going to receive demos from Japanese singers, but I, the original author, insisted and persuaded them to receive demos from at least one team in Korea. It’s based on a Korean webtoon, and to hear that the voice actors are Japanese and the song is in Japanese, I honestly couldn’t stand it. Anyway, while I was thinking about who I should contact…”

The story is that I happened to see my fellow writer Bihyung’s [Cheonma Hwansaeng] MV.

After hearing the song ‘Aengyeonmu’, which fits the narrative of the characters in the work so well, he decided that he would definitely give top priority to the singer who sang the OST.

“This is my contact information. Please think about it and contact me. As I said, I hope that our Korean singer will sing for the third season of [Nahonbul].”

“I’ll think about it.”

I took the business card that Jo Jae-joong handed me.

At that time, the host called out the lucky draw winning numbers.

“The winning number this time is 49! Where is number 49?”

“Huh? It’s me! Number 49 is here!”

As I quickly raised my hand, the host raised his voice as if he was excited.

“Yes, congratulations! You have won the most luxurious prize in this lucky draw! The prize is… a round-trip plane ticket to Tokyo, Japan!”

“Wow!”

Exclamations of envy burst out from the room.

In the meantime, Cha Seong-jun thought.

‘I, who had almost zero luck in my life, won a round-trip ticket to Tokyo…’

Is this… a revelation telling me to participate in the [Nahonbul] opening song?

*

It’s Friday.

I arrived at the set where the music video was being filmed in a van with Director Baek Seok, the temporary manager, and the temporary stylist.

When I got off the van, the staff was already busy everywhere.

“Wow···.”

Cha Seong-jun opened his mouth and looked around the set in amazement.

Just like the music video background in the scenario, the interior of the cafe was recreated exactly as is.

Coffee beans of various types, coffee cups, and cupboards in the roaster.

The hall even has tables and chairs.

It really feels like I’m in a cafe.

However, it was only when I faced the truth behind the set that I realized that it was just a set.

“What is this? Chroma key cloth?”

As we headed to the back of the fancy cafe, there was a green chroma key cloth covering the walls and floor. Why, that’s the one used for CG.

To maximize space efficiency, the set was placed on one side, and another set was placed behind it.

“Here, they will probably film a scene where Seongjun plays the guitar.”

Baek Seok said after seeing the chroma key cloth.

Yuna also filmed in a similar manner.

Anyway, I was looking around the set like that,

“Hmm~”

Someone was walking towards me, humming a tune.

He was a middle-aged man, looking like a rascal, wearing brown sunglasses and an Aloha shirt.

And the man’s identity was revealed through Baek-seok’s polite greeting.

“Hello, Director Choi.”

Wow, is that YOLO style old man really the master director Choi Seok-yong?

Cha Seong-jun swallows a small sigh of surprise.

In fact, Baek-seok had already said something while riding in the van.

What kind of clothes does Director Choi Seok-yong wear?

When I just heard about it, I thought it was just okay, but when I saw it in person, it had a different kind of force.

Meanwhile, Choi Seok-yong also conveyed similar sentiments.

“Oh, you look much better in real life.”

Of course, I raised my [Appearance] stat to level 8 before coming to the filming set.

Whether it was during the last profile photo shoot or today, when he had to show off his visuals, Cha Sung-jun was slowly investing in his [appearance].

Choi Seok-yong smiled and offered to shake my hand.

“This is Choi Seok-yong. The song is good.”

“We are honored that Director Choi Wolkal was in charge of the music video.”

“What’s a moonk? Haha.”

Choi Seok-yong laughs at the socially conscious compliment.

“The greeting is fine. As I said, have you familiarized yourself with the scenario?”

“Yes, for now.”

“Oh, by ‘for now’, does that mean there are also heresies and third heresies?”

“Three-stage? What is that···”

The moment when Cha Seong-jun was embarrassed,

“hello.”

Suddenly, from somewhere, a woman’s greeting was heard for the first time.

When I turned my head in the direction of the voice, someone with a celebrity vibe was walking towards me.

Former main vocalist of girl group ‘Pink Rose’.

An actor whose popularity is reaching new heights every day with the current drama ‘Your House’.

It was a preliminary round.

“Hello, senior! I’m a new singer, Sungjun!”

Cha Seong-jun, who met his senior, instinctively bowed deeply and greeted him politely.

however,

bean-

Something like a bean hit my head.

As I was rubbing my scalp and lifting my waist, I could hear a sound of pain from the other side, saying, “Ouch.”

The preliminary round is also rubbing the crown of the head.

‘Huh? Then they also bowed and greeted at the same time?’

The reason for this folder greeting from a senior colleague was quickly revealed.

“Congratulations on your debut, Devoice-nim, no, Seongjun-nim. I wanted to thank you for the OST last time, but it’s too late.”

As I heard from the A&R team, it was a thank you message for the drama’s huge hit (or rather, Mijin’s huge hit) that resulted from the OST’s huge hit.

Then he whispered,

“Oh, don’t worry, I’m the only one who knows that Seongjun is a devise, and I haven’t told anyone around me. Even our manager doesn’t know.”

However, when he directly told MXM Entertainment about his intention to appear in the music video, he added that he made the fact public since he was an insider anyway.

Meanwhile, he was not the only one who came to the preliminary round.

It was accompanied by a coffee truck sent by her fan club.

The menu consists of three types: Americano, Latte, and Chamomile Tea.

“Hey~ Did you send a ‘coffee truck’ because you were filming the ‘Coffee Song’ music video? If it was the ‘Green Tea Song’, you would have sent a ‘Green Tea Truck’! Chahahahahaha.”

“Director, your laugh-out-loud humor is still there. Please teach me a trick.”

When Choi Seok-yong threw out a boring old man joke, Baek Seok received it like a machine.

······He is truly a scary person.

Afterwards, we had a brief meeting with all the male actors and other extras as they arrived.

There, the news of Cha Sung-jun’s double casting was announced.

“In order to produce diverse scenes, Sungjun will also film the same scenes as the male actors.”

Cha Seong-jun looks slightly embarrassed.

That’s why I told you to memorize the scenario.

And then the music video filming began.

“Hi~ Action!”

Aloha Shirt Man Choi Seok-yong became a completely different person when he picked up the megaphone.

He gives directing with eyes like a beast, and he is full of charisma.

Cha Seong-jun watched the filming while quickly reviewing the script.

A male actor making coffee in a cafe.

At this moment, the door opens and the female protagonist, Ye-seon Ha, comes in.

The moment he saw her, the male actor’s pupils dilated and he made a surprised expression saying ‘Oh.’

It’s love at first sight.

And Ye-seon-ha sits at the table and looks at the menu.

There are several different flavors of coffee written on it.

When one of the dogs was selected, he pointed to it with his finger.

“Cut!”

Choi Seok-yong shouted cut.

For now, the filming of the introduction of the music video ends here.

According to the scenario, what happened next was as follows.

As Ye-seon-ha touches each item on the menu, the male actor’s and Ye-seon-ha’s costumes and expressions change as if they are cosplaying.

Iced Americano has an urban yet sophisticated look.

Cafe latte is warm and mild.

Caramel Macchiato is sweet and lovely.

Espresso has an intellectual look with glasses.

This production is based on DMLC’s lyrics, “Like the various flavors of coffee in the world, I will show you all the charms you desire.”

And from here, Cha Seong-jun is brought in.

Among the two actors, Nam and Cha Sung-jun, who were wearing the same costume, the male actor demonstrated first and Cha Sung-jun filmed the scene afterwards.

“I… this is my first time acting since I was born, will it be okay…? If it’s worse than smoking…”

“Don’t worry and just give it a try, I’ll cut it all cleanly then. Who knows? You might find a talent you didn’t even know you had. Hahaha.”

Choi Seok-yong pats Cha Seong-jun on the shoulder and tells him to be at ease.

In reality, contrary to concerns, Cha Seong-jun continued filming quite smoothly.

[Hopi Pattern Panties] X [Face-Thickening BB Cream]

Thanks to being armed with two items that have the ‘Confidence X Shamelessness’ effect.

After finishing the cosplay gods safely like that.

The time has come to film the final part of the scenario.

“Next up is the ‘Kkakji Shin’!”

As a god who slowly brings his face closer while holding his hands together,

It’s not a kissing scene, but a concept that explodes with excitement as they get close enough to touch noses.

And this time, Nam Bae-woo and Cha Sung-jun took turns filming.

Originally, I was only planning to film the cosplay scene…

“Seongjun, you’re good at acting, right? Have you ever practiced or learned acting separately?”

Choi Seok-yong made an impromptu suggestion after seeing Cha Seong-jun acting surprisingly cleverly.

“Yes? Then it would be rude to the senior, Ye-seon-ha…”

“Did you get the okay from Seon-ha?”

What? Ye-seon-ha responded?

I couldn’t figure out what was going on.

‘Whew, anyway, let’s calm down. Grrrrrr.’

Cha Seong-jun calmed his nerves by gargling.

Then, the skill [Clear Mirror Index] is activated, the trembling subsides, and peace comes to your mind.

Cha Seong-jun looks back on the current situation with the mindset of a wise man.

Yes, it is the idea of ​​Choi Seok-yong, a master of the music video industry.

There must be a reason for everything.

The opponent, Ye-seon Ha, is also a veteran with a long history in the entertainment industry.

If I thought it was unreasonable, I would have rejected it outright.

In a way, it would be absurd to pour cold water on the efforts of the director and actress, who are the two key figures in this music video, to strive for better quality.

It’s also annoying to reject an offer out of embarrassment, or to delay filming because you’re flustered and stuttering.

So, even though I’m a rookie here, I’m acting like a professional.

When I made up my mind, my name was called.

“It’s Seongjun’s turn next.”

As we entered the set, Ye-seon Ha greeted us.

“Don’t be too nervous. I’ll take the lead.”

“I will only trust you, senior.”

And then the camera rolled.

Two people slowly approach each other with their hands linked.

I try to focus so that I don’t make any mistakes and I try not to avoid eye contact unnecessarily.

Thanks to that, when the tip of my nose touched it, I heard a cut sound.

“Okay! Wow, Sungjun-ssi is really something. Even actress Ye-seon-ha is looking at him so lovingly, and he can endure it without looking away? Do you have incredible mental strength or are you a stone Buddha or something?”

“I··· might have lost a little confidence as an actress···.”

“No. I was so nervous that I sang the fourth verse of the national anthem in my head.”

Choi Seok-yong and Ye Seon-ha were playing pranks.

Anyway, it meant that the acting was good.

After that, only Cha Sung-jun’s solo filming remained.

This is a scene inserted in the middle of the music video, where the character sings while playing the guitar.

Cha Seong-jun, who had changed his clothes, took his guitar out of the case.

There, the lettering ‘D.Voice’, ’49’, and ‘LOVE’ that were written in CG on the album jacket were attached as actual stickers.

I plan to customize each album by adding related stickers as they come out in the future.

“Okay~ This time, it’s Sungjun’s major. Just sing while playing the guitar naturally like you usually do.”

I strummed the guitar to the beat of Choi Seok-yong’s action sounds.

As the saying goes, playing and singing are like eating cold porridge compared to acting.

“Drink me like coffee~”

When Cha Sung-jun sings, all eyes on the set become focused.

Including the lead actors, extras, and staff.

Before we knew it, people had gathered one by one to watch Cha Sung-jun filming.

“Wow, what is this? This wasn’t a recorded song, this was a live performance? This is so cool.”

“With that face, you say he’s talented? Isn’t he a fraud?”

Onlookers gasp in admiration.

Such sentiments were also shared by Yeseon Ha, the main vocalist of ‘Pink Rose’ and a senior in the music industry.

‘The live performance is much better than the recorded one. As expected, he is a live singer.’

I knew from the beginning about the ‘one take, one angle’ style of cover song recording.

But when you hear it live, you can tell that the charm of live performance is no joke.

And more than anything, for Yeseon Ha, a fan, aholic, and devotee of Devoice, just being able to hear his live performance in person was thrilling.

“Good expression, cut!”

Choi Seok-yong, who was looking at the monitor screen, also shouted “Cut” in a good mood.

The filming that started in the morning finally ended at night.

It was honestly the longest day I’ve ever had preparing for my debut.

“Thank you for your hard work, Director.”

“I just sat in front of the monitor, and the staff and actors did all the hard work. Anyway, Sungjun, it must have been your first time, but you did much better than I expected, so thank you and thank you for your hard work. I think you can act too.”

Choi Seok-yong said he would send the edited version as soon as possible.

I guess it’s because the debut is really just around the corner.

I also said goodbye to Ye-seon-ha.

“When the official album comes out later, can you sign it and give me a copy?”

“How can it be? Since you helped me like this, and even without any guarantees, I will definitely help you in the future when you need it.”

“Oh, really? Then it would be much more advantageous for me. In any case, I need to know the number to do that.”

After exchanging contact information, we left.

Anyway, Cha Seong-jun finished everything and got into the van.

[Stamina] Thanks to the stat, I wasn’t completely exhausted, but it was natural to feel tired.

Tonight is a night of deep sleep.

“You worked hard today. Get some sleep on the way there.”

“Well, excuse me, sir.”

At Baek Seok’s words, he reclined his seat 120 degrees and rested his head on it.

Soon my eyes closed.

*

And the next day.

Brrrrrr-

I opened my eyes to the sound of my cell phone vibrating.

I answered the phone half-asleep due to fatigue from the previous day.

“hello···?”

Then,

– Oh, I guess you’re still asleep. I thought you’d be up at 11 o’clock…

The other person revealed himself with a brief apology.

– It’s been a while since I called you, ‘Haengin-nim’. I’m BJ Changhyuk.