Translator: Dreamscribe
PD Woo Han-suk's declaration echoed throughout the vast hall. It was businesslike yet clear. The cameras zoomed in on No. 10, whose eyes had widened.
His flushed face stiffened in real-time.
From denial to shock, and from shock to realization.
The somberness soon seeped into No. 10's hardened expression, and PD Woo Han-suk's words kept replaying in his head.
'No. 10, you are 'eliminated'. Please leave 'Produce That 100!' immediately.'
No. 10 exhaled lightly and brushed his hair back.
'It's over, whew-'
How could he possibly describe this feeling? A whirlwind of emotions was surging within No. 10. There was some relief, sure, but the regret was far greater. If he had been eliminated from the beginning, maybe it would have been different. But to come this far and then be cut? No. 10 bit his lower lip and glanced at No. 1 standing next to him. No, at Kang Rojun.
'...If I hadn't gone up against this guy, I'd still be in it. Damn it.'
Indeed, if No. 10 hadn't competed against Rojun, his chances of survival this round would have been high. It was like meeting an overwhelmingly strong opponent mid-game.
But what could he do?
In this industry, 'luck' is not something you can ever ignore.
Veterans of the entertainment world even say that luck is everything. So, No. 10 had no reason to feel resentful. He averted his gaze from Rojun and looked straight ahead at PD Woo Han-suk.
"...Thank you for your guidance."
PD Woo Han-suk gave a slight bow in a calm tone.
"Thank you for your hard work, No. 10."
No. 10 stepped down from the stage. His steps were slow. His reluctance to leave was palpable. Now, No. 10 would stop by the dorm to pack his belongings and depart from 'Produce That 100!' The other contestants, watching his back as he walked away, felt a chill run down their spines. The elimination of No. 10 had been so simple and final.
'Wow- out just like that??'
'This is scary, ha, please! I don't want to be eliminated yet!'
Because they saw themselves in his place.
At that moment.
-Slide.
PD Woo Han-suk picked up his tablet and continued the briefing.
"For your information, over 50% of the total votes for the 'Dance Team' went to No. 1."
The contestants murmured.
It was understandable. That meant Kang Rojun alone had taken more than half of all the total votes. While participants could vote for all ten dance teams, they could also choose to vote for just one if they didn't feel satisfied. In other words, votes had poured in for Kang Rojun. This reflected several factors, Rojun's current popularity, his impact, and more. It would not be an exaggeration to say that Rojun had crushed the second evaluation round.
Though he didn't show it, even Kang Rojun was surprised inside.
'More than 50%?? That's insane.'
On the other hand, PD Woo Han-suk had more or less anticipated this outcome.
'That god-tier appearance must be one of the major reasons, but No. 1's villain character with his unexpected skill twist must've helped too.'
This is why so many variety shows assign characters to their participants and slowly build up their stories. Stories draw people in, and if the story is entertaining, the audience gets sucked in instantly.
That was exactly the case with Kang Rojun right now.
At that moment.
-Buzzzz.
Rojun felt a short vibration from his wrist. It was likely a notification from the 'AI Simulation', but now wasn't the time to check it.
"Now, we'll continue with the announcements."
Because PD Woo Han-suk was still handing down verdicts.
"No. 21, you are eliminated. Please leave 'Produce That 100!' immediately."
The eliminated contestants wore expressions not unlike No. 10's. Some even had tears welling up in their eyes. The atmosphere turned somber, like a funeral. Yet, PD Woo Han-suk coolly continued to name all seven contestants who would be leaving 'Produce That 100!'
Soon after.
"That's all."
All seven eliminations had been announced.
"The 13 contestants remaining on stage have all passed. Congratulations."
It was the moment they should have celebrated, but for some reason, the contestants looked around cautiously. Sure, it was partly because of the eliminated contestants, but more importantly, acting overly excited in this situation could make them seem unlikable to viewers. PD Woo Han-suk, aware of this, lowered his tablet.
"Now I will announce the contestant who survived through the Revival Round."
Three contestants who had miraculously survived at the edge of the cliff were called. The reason for explicitly announcing this was simple. It was to instill a sense of urgency. It meant that they had come back from the brink, so they should work even harder.
After finishing the announcement, PD Woo Han-suk changed the subject.
"The 13 surviving members of the 'Dance Team' are now Team 1. Remember your team members and your group."
With a glance at the staff, the doors of the hall opened again within minutes, and the remaining contestants who had been waiting near the dormitory flooded in. The original 70 had now become 63. Once the voting for the Vocal and Rap Teams was over, the number would decrease even more.
Looking at the dozens of contestants now on stage, PD Woo Han-suk began to speak.
"We've just finished announcing the surviving members of the 'Dance Team'. Thirteen survived. Similarly, 13 will survive from the 'Vocal Team', and 12 from the 'Rap Team'. In the end, 38 will make it through. The survivors will be divided into Teams 1, 2, and 3."
In short, there would be a total of 38 survivors from the second evaluation. Nearly half of the original 70 would be gone. The contestants were busy murmuring in tension. Regardless, PD Woo Han-suk moved on to the next topic.
"There are a few things I need to inform you of. First, our 'Produce That 100!' will be launching on Netflix."
Dozens of contestants' eyes widened in shock. Kang Rojun was no exception.
"Wow- Netflix!"
"If it launches on Netflix too, the attention will be insane??"
"Th-then, does that mean people overseas can also watch 'Produce That 100!'??"
In response to the thrown questions, PD Woo Han-suk shook his head.
"No, for now it will launch on Netflix Korea first. Of course, a launch overseas is being discussed. However, Netflix Japan release has already been confirmed."
It would first be uploaded to Netflix Korea, and then one to two weeks later, it would be Japan's turn.
"It won't take too long. I'll share more details as the schedule gets closer. For reference, it seems word has already spread in Japan because we're getting reactions. We've been continuously monitoring their social media, and there's a lot of talk about 'Produce That 100!'"
Expressions of interest and excitement began to appear on the contestants' faces. It was no surprise. None of them had expected an expansion into Japan. Then, a few contestants glanced at No. 1 standing in front.
'If it's going on Japanese Netflix too- isn't No. 1 going to make it super big??'
'He's already dominating in Korea, and now Japan too. So jealous... seriously, I'm freaking jealous.'
'Damn, didn't someone say No. 1 is also good at Japanese? Was that intentional??'
While briefing on the Netflix news, PD Woo Han-suk moved on to the next item.
"The first official theme song for 'Produce That 100!' has been completed. And this won't be the only theme song. Using the upcoming theme songs, we've also finalized plans for surprise performances both in Korea and Japan."
He added that it wouldn't be a massive concert-scale event, but literally a surprise performance. Still, the contestants couldn't help but gape in shock.
"E-even in Japan too??!!"
PD Woo Han-suk continued briefing the members of the 'Vocal Team' and 'Rap Team'. He covered topics like Episode 4 of 'Produce That 100!' airing tomorrow night, and next week's voting schedule, among other things. Meanwhile, the 13 members of Team 1, who had already passed, including Kang Rojun, left the hall. The 12 members, excluding Rojun, chattered excitedly about everything they had just heard from PD Woo Han-suk.
The Netflix launches in Korea and Japan, the theme song, and the surprise performances using the theme song.
Kang Rojun's heart was also pounding wildly.
'Netflix was surprising enough, but now we are doing performances too?? I'm already getting nervous.'
Of course, it would be an amateur performance, not a professional one, but still, for Rojun, who had never imagined anything like performing onstage in his lifetime, the thrill was overwhelming. It was only natural that he was bursting with nerves. Kang Rojun followed the direction indicated by the writers, including Kim Se-hee. Naturally, a few cameras were also attached to them. Team 1 arrived at a studio that, with multiple monitors attached, resembled a recording room overall.
Writer Kim Se-hee, who resembled a hamster, cheerfully shouted to the contestants.
"From now on, we're going to play the completed 'Produce That 100!' theme song! Only Team 1 is hearing it first, so if possible, please keep it secret from the other contestants! Before I explain anything, let's just listen first!"
Kim Se-hee gave a signal to the staff member sitting in front of the control panel. As the staff pressed a button, music immediately filled the studio.
-♬♪
It began with a powerful drumbeat. Then a lively rhythm joined in. It was a dance track that made one nod their head involuntarily. Rojun's impression of the 'Produce That 100!' theme song was simple.
'It's exciting, a good song to listen to while driving.'
It seemed most of the other contestants felt similarly, as nearly everyone was nodding their heads. The song lasted about three minutes. When the music stopped, Kim Se-hee spoke again.
"Team 1, you will be practicing choreography for this theme song! The choreography video will be sent to Team 1 all at once next Monday after Episode 4 airs. You'll get some help through choreography training, and you can also practice diligently on your own!"
Kim Se-hee, who mentioned that the practice period would be about one week starting from next Monday, went on to talk about the third evaluation.
"After the practice, the 13 members of Team 1 will perform a surprise show in Korea, and that performance will serve as the third evaluation. Of course, the performance will be aired, and the judges' evaluations and viewer voting will follow the same format as the second evaluation."
One contestant asked a question.
"Is it just us performing?"
"Yes! Team 1, which has already been finalized, will perform first, and then Teams 2 and 3 will follow in sequence."
The teams for the 'Vocal Team' and the 'Rap Team', whose fates were still undecided, would become Teams 2 and 3. According to the explanation, all remaining contestants would perform dance to the 'Produce That 100!' theme song as the third evaluation. While still carrying the survival aspect, unlike the second evaluation, this time it would require group practice as well.
It felt like syncing as a team and being evaluated per group.
They were both teammates and rivals.
Writer Kim Se-hee added with heightened excitement.
"For the third evaluation, only 8 members of Team 1 will survive!"
Which meant 5 out of 13 would be eliminated.
Later.
After several hours of filming, it was around lunchtime, and Kang Rojun along with dozens of contestants all returned to the dorm. Fortunately, the occupants of Room 105 remained unchanged.
However, some rooms might now have fewer people.
Tension ran high throughout the dorm, and PD Woo Han-suk immediately left the 'Produce That 100!' campus.
Because editing for the day's footage had to begin right away.
Today's filmed results from the 'Dance Team' voting had to be included in the episode airing tomorrow. A hellish schedule.
'Whew- looks like I'm pulling another all-nighter.'
As PD Woo Han-suk, whose dark circles were several shades deeper, headed to the editing room, Kang Rojun, likely due to the vibration he had felt earlier, was checking his phone under the pretense of taking a walk.
'As expected, it was a message from the 'AI Simulation'. Nice reward!'
The vibration had been due to bonus coins.
-[You have completed the Hidden Mission 'Unrivaled Momentum!'. You have been rewarded with 20 coins.]
It was probably because he had received over 50% of the vote.
Thus, Thursday came to a close, and Friday, the broadcast day of Episode 4 of 'Produce That 100!', dawned. While Rojun was putting on his workout clothes in preparation for the mission, a call came from PD Jung Soo-ryeong.
"Writer-nim, I'm sorry, but I think we'll need to reschedule today's meeting. A sudden production meeting came up. How about Sunday?"
"Yes. That's fine."
Her voice carried a sense of urgency, showing just how busy she was. No matter what happened, Friday would pass quickly. And of course, since it was the airing day for 'Produce That 100!', the media and public reaction was at a frenzy.
"[Issue Talk] 'Produce That 100!' aiming for 20% viewership, Episode 4 airs tonight"
"The Whirlwind of 'Produce That 100!'… What to look out for in Episode 4?"
For reference, the scene of Kang Rojun's first appearance in Episode 1 of the 'Produce That 100!' YouTube video had surpassed 10 million views.
"No. 1, the villain and star of 'Produce That 100!', his debut scene video surpasses 10 million views!"
Rojun's other videos easily surpassed 1 million views as well, and his recent 'brake' performance had exceeded 8 million views, quickly approaching 10 million. While other contestants like No. 58 had impressive view counts too, Rojun's numbers were unrivaled.
Before long, Friday night had arrived.
"It's starting, it's starting!"
"Whew- I hope I get lots of screen time in Episode 4!!"
Dozens of contestants on campus focused intently as Episode 4 of 'Produce That 100!' began airing. As previewed, Episode 4 opened with the 'Vocal Team' performances. Since there were so many performances, no other extra cuts were inserted. Once the very long 'Vocal Team' segment ended, the story of the 'Rap Team' took over the screen.
Room 105, where Kang Rojun resided, was in a frenzy.
"Oh! Oh!! That's me!"
"Why am I nervous even though it's not my turn?!"
In today's episode, it was hard to find any footage of Kang Rojun. Only a few brief interview cuts were shown. That was expected, since the focus was on the 'Vocal Team' and the 'Rap Team'. In contrast, his fellow Room 105 members, No. 19, No. 37, No. 58, and No. 88, had quite a bit of screen time. Rojun watched Episode 4 with a more relaxed mindset than he had with Episode 3.
'I hadn't really seen their full skills before, but everyone's really good.'
Once the 'Rap Team' performances ended, over an hour had passed. The screen displayed information about how to vote and the voting period. Then suddenly, Kang Rojun's face appeared. The camera zoomed in on him, then slowly pulled back. When the shot changed to a full view, 20 contestants were shown on stage.
It was the 'Dance Team.'
-["The 'Dance Team' votes have ended. Your survival will be determined right here."]
PD Woo Han-suk's briefing continued. He explained who passed, who failed, and that those eliminated would immediately leave 'Produce That 100!'
-["The first group performed the song 'brake'."]
By this point, the real-time open chat had exploded past 200,000 participants and was in a frenzy.
-No. 1!! No. 1's definitely surviving!!!
-I'm not really worried... but if No. 1 gets eliminated, I'm not watching this show again...
-ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ if No. 1 gets eliminated as a twist, there'll be riots tomorrow ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ
-Watching No. 1's face today again, my eyes are blessed....
-In terms of visuals, No. 1 is honestly the top idol in Korea.
-I kinda wanna see No. 10 survive and No. 1 fall ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ how will it turn out
On-screen, PD Woo Han-suk recited calmly.
-["No. 1, with an overwhelming first place in voting, you 'pass'."]
The open chat exploded even more violently.
Just then.
-Buzzzz.
A short vibration. As Rojun scanned his fellow contestants who were focused on the tablet screen, he subtly raised his wrist and glanced at his smartwatch. Sure enough, a notification had arrived.
-[You have completed the Hidden Mission 'One Step Closer to Idol with Overwhelming Dominance!'. You have been rewarded with 'Stats +5 Enhancement Coupon' item.]
It included a phrase he had never seen before.
"Item?? It give out items too?"