While Geon was having an interview with Hwani Singdongtai in China, chaos erupted in Korea.
It was because Geon's sung OST had topped all the music charts in China. Holding the data confirmed by the Chinese side and waving it in his hand, Seokjin, the PD of SBS's "Popular Music Show," loudly scolded the assistant PDs.
"Hey! That Geon Kim kid, hasn't he appeared on our broadcast yet? His drama OST is 11th in Korea, but it's 1st in China. And it's an overall chart-topper. Quickly find out about Kim Geon's agency and get him for our show! If we're slower in casting than MBC's Music Core again, we'll lose our pride, got it?"
A PD wearing a hat among the assistant PDs raised his hand and spoke, "PD-nim. Actually, I checked a while ago, and Geon doesn't have an agency. But there's a place that specializes in OST production, 'Studio Experience.' Practically, the only connection to broadcasting companies is TVN's PD Kim Yeongseok."
"Really? Give me the phone. Um... Yeongseok's number... It's here."
Seokjin grabbed the phone and dialed Yeongseok's number.
"Hello? Yeongseok? It's Seokjin. Yeah, you seem to be doing well in your new job. Heard some good news. Anyway, are you on a business trip to China right now? Is that right? Pass him over. What? In the middle of an event? Then I'll call you later to ask if he can appear on our program. Put in a good word for me. You owe me for the times I covered for you at SBS, remember? Huh? Yeah, yeah. Got it. Then let's ask for a call later. Sure, let's grab a drink when you arrive in Seoul. Okay."
Seokjin hung up and turned to the assistant PDs. "Alright, let's move! You, go to Studio Experience or whatever it is, get your face stamped, and you, don't you have a friend at MBC? Keep checking if there's any chance to cast Geon. Come on, move!"
The Korean broadcasting industry moved swiftly due to Geon's trip to China. Not just the broadcasting sphere, but also entertainment agencies swiftly moved upon confirming that Geon had no affiliated company. Not only major agencies but also smaller ones stationed themselves outside Geon's school, home, Studio Experience, and in front of the TVN Broadcasting Station. Some impatient managers even boarded flights to China.
Unaware of these developments, Geon was onstage for greetings with the actors.
The MC was an obscure comedian capable of translation, but despite being obscure, his smooth hosting garnered immense applause. Here, fans were enthusiastic about Geon's fluent Chinese, naturally directing most questions to him. Occasionally, when the host made jokes without translation, the actors collectively turned to Geon with expressions asking for the meaning, creating a scene. After about 20 minutes of the interview, the actors moved to the signing event, while Geon continued his performance. As the prelude of "Stigma" began, fans erupted in excitement. However, it was a mood of quiet contemplation rather than excitement, shedding tears rather than being thrilled by the slow, sorrowful song.
Although Geon couldn't concentrate as much as during recordings, he sang his best, moving many fans. Most were recording videos on their smartphones, likely to spread them through YouTube soon.
After singing "Stigma," Geon looked at the crowded hall and spoke, "For our Chinese fans, I've prepared one more song. It's not a Korean song, but it's a great one from China. I'll sing Jang Goon Yeong's 'Love of the Past.'"
As Geon finished speaking, the harmonica notes of "Love of the Past" echoed, thrilling the fans. As it was a well-known song, a chorus ensued. Although not his song, Geon was touched by the experience of singing the same song with thousands of fans, creating an unforgettable first performance.
As they all finished singing "Love of the Past" together, Geon politely thanked them, leading to thousands standing and applauding. Despite multiple acknowledgments, the applause didn't cease, leading to a perplexed look from Geon towards the host. Seeing this, the host, amidst laughter with the fans, took the mic from Geon.
"Now, we'll conclude Kim Geon's stage here. There's an autograph session set up outside, and Mr. Geon and the actors will also hold a signing event. Please cooperate and swiftly move due to the following schedule."
As the host finished speaking, thousands of fans rushed out to the exit in an intense manner. If they couldn't get autographs within an hour, they'd have to follow the event to the Tianjin venue, leaving many fans anxious. Of course, even if not, orderliness might not match well with China.
As Geon moved to the signing area, Daehae greeted him warmly. Hyuk and Ji-ho were also smiling as they signed, and Daehae, looking at the line forming in front of her, diligently signed and said, "Geon's here? You sang so well, I heard it from outside. The applause was thunderous, wasn't it?"
Hyuk and Ji-ho, signing and facing Geon, said, "Wow, your singing skills are incredible. Even when I heard the OST for the first time, I was amazed."
"Yeah, you're so lucky. I want to sing well too, but I'm tone-deaf."
Geon smiled at their comments.
"Well, then, I'll share with my sister and the staff, but it might be hard to finish all of it today. Haha."
Hyuk chuckled and said, "Oh boy, envy is an understatement. I've been in the acting business for over ten years and haven't received that level of popularity. I'm envious."
Ji-ho chimed in, "That's right. At least we're more popular in Korea, right? Let's console ourselves with that."
As they were talking, Yeongseok approached them.
"Who said that? You guys are more popular in Korea? Hey, my phone almost exploded with calls. Chaos ensued when it was known that Geon, this guy, topped the Chinese music charts, you know?"
Daehae, surprised, asked, "What? Topped the Chinese charts? Geon, the singer?"
Glancing at Geon, Yeongseok said, "Seems like this guy didn't say anything. He swept through Baidu, Ciami, Kugou, you name it, since yesterday."
Hyuk and Ji-ho exchanged looks and smiled wryly.
"It's not a bluff... Maybe I should visit the famous mountain to seek enlightenment and live in seclusion," Hyuk joked.
The group that moved from Beijing to Tianjin in the evening successfully concluded the event in Senghwangri. The event in Tianjin took place on the cafe streets, allowing them to meet more people. After a simple dinner, they rested at the hotel and gathered the next day in the conference room on the 10th floor of The Westin Tianjin hotel for the event briefing.
Yeongseok stood in the center of the round conference room that could accommodate around 100 people, surveying the staff and actors around him. The crew included two main camera directors, five VJs, two audio directors, two lighting directors, an assistant director, himself, and three actors alongside a single singer, totaling 17 individuals. Though it might seem like a considerable number, for Yeongseok, who often led teams of 80 to 100 people during overseas location shoots, it was a smaller group.
As Yeongseok was about to start the briefing, cameras set up continued rolling, primarily capturing actors' rooms with installed cameras for some specific shots.
"Well, today's schedule wraps up here. It's been a day with much chatter and many challenges. After finishing the Qingdao event tomorrow, our schedule in China concludes, and we'll head straight to Japan. It'll likely be another tiring day tomorrow, so I recommend an early rest. The Qingdao event should be more relaxed compared to today. It's in a relatively less populated area, and the Qingdao Grand Theater is a small hall with a capacity of 1,600 seats. Think of it as a quarter of the scale of the Beijing event. Wake up at 9 a.m., finish breakfast by 9:40 a.m. The hotel's second-floor restaurant offers a breakfast buffet. Show your hotel key at the buffet and make sure to bring the breakfast coupon from your room; it's required for entry. Gather in the lobby by 10:10 a.m. It's about a 20-minute drive from here to Tianjin Binhai International Airport, but our flight is at 11:30 a.m., so we have a tight schedule. Please don't be late."
As Yeongseok's words prompted the staff to rise one by one, he made eye contact with the actors before continuing, "Please turn off the briefing room cameras now and only keep the room cameras running. The rest of the staff can rest in their respective accommodations, and actors, please head back to your rooms to relax. Geon, stay for a moment. There's something else I need to discuss."
After a while, when all the staff had left and only Geon and Yeongseok remained, Yeongseok, sitting opposite Geon, spoke.
"Geon, tough day, huh? It's probably your first time experiencing something like this, but from what the VJ recorded, your interviews were calm and well-handled, right?"
Geon replied with a slight smile, "Oh, everyone was kind, so it wasn't that difficult, except for feeling a bit tired, Hyung."
Resting his chin on his hand placed on the table, Yeongseok continued, "That's good to hear. What I have to tell you isn't about anything for you to handle. It's regarding someone else's concern. Remember Son Lin from Beijing, the CCTV person?"
"Yes, Hyung. I met him a few hours ago."
"He's here in Tianjin. He mentioned he has something to say to you directly."
"Where is he?"
"He'll be here soon."
As Geon and Yeongseok discussed today's events, after about ten minutes, Son Lin entered through the back door of the conference room. Dressed in a dark suit, different from earlier in the day, she held a file in her hand and smiled slightly upon seeing Geon and Yeongseok.
"Geon. PD Yeongseok. Nice to see you after half a day."
Yeongseok stood up and greeted, "Yes, Lin. It's quite a distance from Beijing to Tianjin. What brings you here?"
As if to deny it's a big deal, Lin slightly shook her head, "Oh, it's nothing. Just part of my work."
Looking at both Geon and Lin, Yeongseok said, "Well, since you requested to meet him directly, I'll take my leave. Have your conversation, and Geon, you know your room number, right? After you're done, head straight there. The security isn't bad here, but there might be overzealous fans in the hotel lobby. Got it?"
Geon stood up and replied, "Yes, Hyung. Thank you for today. Rest well, and see you tomorrow."
After Yeongseok completely left the conference room, leaving Geon and Lin alone, Lin took the seat next to Geon.
"Geon, how was your first day in China?"
"It was really good. Everyone was welcoming and friendly."
"Really? That's great to hear. Let me tell you why I came all the way to Tianjin to meet you."
Lin placed the file she brought on the table, saying, "I'll be straightforward, Geon. When you first came here, the terms of your contract were set based on the pay of an unknown rookie singer. However, something changed two days ago, precisely after the teaser was released. According to our analysis at CCTV, you possess popularity equivalent to an S-grade Hallyu star."
Geon hesitated, not fully understanding what Lin was getting at.
Seeing his confusion, Lin opened the file and pointed to the payment section, explaining, "CCTV is not a small broadcasting company. It's a major one even in a huge country like China. Due to concerns that a proper payment might hinder the active visits of Hallyu stars if disclosed, the decision from the higher-ups is to adjust your pay effective immediately. Take a look at the revised contract."
Lin pointed out the figure in the contract with her hand, saying, "Nothing else has changed. Your schedule remains the same, both today and tomorrow. Only the payment has been altered. Look at the part in Yuan and the final total."
Geon widened his eyes upon seeing the amount in the contract. "What? 12 million? You're giving me this much? I agreed to receive 10 million for both China and Japan events."
Seeing Geon's surprise, Lin chuckled lightly, "Geon, take another look. It's 12 million 'Yuan.'"
Perplexed, Geon asked, "Oh? In Chinese currency? I'm not familiar with the exchange rate. How much is this?"
Lin handed him a pen from her breast pocket, saying, "Sign here, and I'll let you know. Don't worry; it's more than what you originally agreed upon. No need to doubt signing this."
After Geon signed the document with a bewildered expression, he handed it back. Lin confirmed the signature and smiled, "Geon, 12 million Yuan is roughly 1.9988 billion Korean Won."