Translator: Dreamscribe
As soon as 'Produce That 100!' launched, it hit No. 1 on Netflix Japan. In fact, the current No. 1 in the Netflix Japan rankings was indeed 'Produce That 100!'.
[Japan's Real-Time TOP 10 Content]
1. Produce That 100!
2. Strange Restaurant
3. Spy Amy
4. Squid Money
5. Late-Night Diner
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The Korean variety show 'Produce That 100!' took the top spot, overtaking Japan's popular content in an instant. A few domestic reporters who confirmed this achievement were quick to report it back in Korea.
"'At this rate, we're going to lose everything to Korea', 'Produce That 100!' takes No. 1 instantly... Japan's content market in shock"
However, the reaction wasn't as strong in Korea as it was locally in Japan. Over there, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call it the 'Produce That 100!' craze. It had already been gaining word-of-mouth buzz on Japanese social media and online communities, and once it launched on Netflix, its recognition ballooned by several times in no time.
Japan was now in a situation similar to when 'Produce That 100!' first aired in Korea.
The Japanese public was pouring massive interest into the 100 contestants. The central focus, of course, was 'No. 1'.
[@rRruUu_55412]
[Have you seen Produce That 100! that just launched on Netflix?? Why can't Japan make shows like this! And contestant No. 1 doesn't even look human!! His handsomeness is unreal!]
A flood of screenshots images of Kang Rojun were spreading like wildfire on popular Japanese social media platforms. However, Korean media did not focus much on the show's Japanese success.
Even though 'Produce That 100!' and 'No. 1' were the central topics, Korea had something far more explosive going on.
"Communities are buzzing about 'No. 1' and 'Rental Lover'... When will 'Produce That 100!' make an official statement?"
The rumor about 'No. 1' being the writer of 'Rental Lover' that broke a few days ago was tremendously powerful. Even though some time had passed, articles were still being published, and wild rumors were spreading uncontrollably across online communities.
The media always follows what sells best.
Therefore, while 'Produce That 100!' taking the No. 1 spot on Netflix Japan caused a frenzy over there, in Korea, it merely served as a side boost to Kang Rojun's fame. Either way, it was certainly something to be celebrated, and it could be seen as the perfect launching point for PD Woo Han-suk's ambitions of international expansion.
Meanwhile, PD Jung Soo-ryeong, who had briefly stopped by the broadcasting station after starting full-scale filming, was quickly surrounded by other PDs.
"Hey! PD Jung!! Is it true that No. 1 is the writer of 'Rental Lover'?!!"
"Even the director is going crazy! Just tell us a little bit!!"
"No way, right?? That No. 1 wrote 'Rental Lover'??"
PD Jung Soo-ryeong gave a small smile and shrugged her shoulders.
"I don't know?"
"What! Seriously, does it make sense that the production company doesn't know the truth??"
"Why not?"
Just then, the director of the Drama Department arrived at work in a hurry and shouted as soon as he saw PD Jung Soo-ryeong.
"Hey!! Jung Soo-ryeong!"
The director was in no different a state than the other PDs.
"You kid! What the hell is going on! You're not even answering your phone!!"
"Didn't you know filming started?"
"Of course I know!! But more importantly, tell me. The chaos happening everywhere! Is No. 1 really writer Kang Chul-soo??"
"Who knows?"
As too many cooks spoil the broth, so PD Jung Soo-ryeong had stuck to the original plan by not informing the broadcasting station of anything. The station had been grinning over the fact that none other than Choi Rina was starring as the lead in a one-act drama, only to be blindsided by the shocking news that Produce That 100!'s iconic No. 1 was allegedly the writer of 'Rental Lover'.
"Won't you give me a straight answer?? The higher-ups are breathing down my neck and I'm stuck in the middle! I need to know for sure so I can report it!"
"Just dodge them for now."
"Whew- so it's true, huh? That No. 1 is the writer. Why are you hiding it from your own headquarters, you brat."
PD Jung Soo-ryeong leaned in close to the bald director and whispered.
"I told you I don't know. Let's not jump the gun unnecessarily."
"What?"
"The 'Produce That 100!' side will handle it appropriately. By then, we'll know for sure. If the station gets involved now, it'll just pour cold water on a blazing issue. Look at the media and public opinion. Compared to a few days ago, 'Rental Lover' is being mentioned dozens of times more."
"You think I don't know that? Even a one-act is noisier now than the mini-series packed with top stars."
With a deepening smile, PD Jung Soo-ryeong brushed past the director and gave her closing remark.
"So just leave it to me for now, and try to hold back your curiosity a little."
With that, PD Jung Soo-ryeong moved to the set, busy with filming preparations. Unlike before, the 'Rental Lover' staff appeared fully focused on the shoot.
"Come on, let's pick up the pace!"
With the addition of PD Jung Soo-ryeong, who was overseeing the set, the atmosphere intensified. About 40 minutes later, around 10 AM.
"Writer-nim's here!!"
"Hello everyone-"
Kang Rojun appeared at the filming site, removing his mask and hat that had been covering his face. It was for the second filming session following his first shoot. Soon, PD Jung Soo-ryeong and the key staff gathered around him. Greetings and questions poured in, and Rojun answered them casually.
-Swish.
He moved over for makeup. Becoming somewhat familiar with the set on his second time, Kang Rojun murmured to himself.
'Today I feel more excited than nervous. It's definitely better to move around like this than being stuck at the campus. It's refreshing.'
Currently, no other actors had arrived besides Rojun. Today's filming schedule started with 'Lover No. 4' solo cuts, after all. The other actors would arrive while Kang Rojun was in the middle of filming.
And so.
"'Lover No. 4', ready?"
"Yes."
For Kang Rojun.
"Action."
Second filming began.
At the same time.
Team 1's voting in 'Produce That 100!' had intensified. Today, Tuesday, the voting would close in the afternoon. On top of that, Kang Rojun had dropped a nuclear bomb in between, making it even more heated.
PD Woo Han-suk was at the 'Produce That 100!' campus.
More precisely, in the hall with the stage.
-♬♪
With 'Produce' blasting loudly, the production team busily filming, the flashing stage lights, Lee Han-na standing in front of the stage, and Team 2 performing dance like crazy on stage.
Like Team 1, Team 2 was in rehearsal for the upcoming surprise performance.
Not only Team 2, Team 3 was also waiting beside the stage.
That's because the surprise performance for Teams 2 and 3 was scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday morning. Fortunately, this time there were no contestants left out of the performance from Teams 2 or 3. Their skills might have lacked, but their passion burned brighter than anyone else's.
Soon, PD Woo Han-suk, surveying the Team 2 and 3 contestants around the stage, crossed his arms.
'Episode 8 will air in a few days, so we're already past the halfway mark. Once this round of evaluations ends, the number of contestants will drop noticeably. The entertainment agencies have been drooling over them since way back.'
There were currently 38 contestants left. After the third evaluation, it would likely be trimmed down to around 20.
'...Time to start approaching the entertainment companies too.'
PD Woo Han-suk showed a vaguely ominous smile, but Team 2 and 3, unaware of it, simply focused on their rehearsal stage. It was the same for the production crew. They played the song, danced, made corrections if there were mistakes, and played the song again when finished. They repeated this endlessly.
Time flew by quickly with all this.
Rehearsals had started in the morning, but before anyone noticed, it was already late afternoon. Although the staff rotated shifts, Lee Han-na and Teams 2 and 3 around the stage were still drenched in sweat.
Rehearsals finally ended after 8 p.m.
At the same time, voting for Team 1 also concluded.
PD Woo Han-suk and the 'Produce That 100!' production crew gathered again in the hall on Wednesday morning.
One thing had changed from the day before.
"..."
"..."
Both the staff and PD Woo Han-suk had become quieter, with serious looks on their faces. Soon, the filming setup was complete, and about a dozen contestants entered the hall. Among them was Kang Rojun.
'The atmosphere is heavy. Well, it's understandable.'
It was Team 1. PD Woo Han-suk, in a low voice, addressed the 13 members of Team 1.
"Everyone, please go up on stage."
Team 1 swallowed nervously and climbed onto the stage, lining up in number order with Rojun standing first. The camera lights had already turned on. Filming had started. Soon, PD Woo Han-suk stood before Team 1 and raised his tablet as he began to speak.
"Voting for 'Team 1' has concluded. In my hand, I hold your survival results."
The man scanned the thirteen contestants with a serious gaze for a moment before continuing the briefing.
"Out of the 13, five will be eliminated, and this time there will be no survivors from the revival round."
From this point on, no contestant would be brought back through a revival.
"Those who pass may stay where you are. If you're eliminated, please leave 'Produce That 100!' immediately."
Though they had heard similar words multiple times before, the contestants' hearts pounded violently. If they had been eliminated in the early rounds, it would have been one thing, but having come this far, the desire to survive was only natural. Regardless, PD Woo Han-suk slowly opened his mouth.
"No. 94, you are eliminated. Thank you for your efforts."
The first to be called was No. 94. With his slightly pointed chin, No. 94 widened his eyes in disbelief.
"M-me?? I'm eliminated?!"
"Yes."
"Ah... ah..."
His eyes turned red. But no amount of sadness could change an elimination into a pass. In the end, No. 94 gave a quick goodbye to the other contestants and the production staff before leaving the hall. PD Woo Han-suk then proceeded to announce the remaining eliminated contestants.
A total of five people stepped down from the stage.
Soon, on stage.
"Congratulations on surviving."
Only eight contestants remained, including Kang Rojun.
About an hour later.
Though the filming of Team 1's third evaluation results had ended, Kang Rojun remained in the vast hall. Of the eight survivors, he was the only one still there, and PD Woo Han-suk approached him.
"Ready? It won't take long. Just a brief greeting to the viewers and say the line you prepared, and that's it."
"Yes, I understand."
The reason Kang Rojun had stayed behind? Simple. It was to film the official statement for the viewers that he was indeed the writer of 'Rental Lover'. Just as discussed earlier. After finalizing the line with PD Woo Han-suk, he stepped back behind the camera, and once he signaled that filming had started, Rojun gave a polite bow to the front-facing camera.
"Hello, this is No. 1."
What came next made PD Woo Han-suk and the writers blink in disbelief.
"That-that's it?"
Later that day, around 2 p.m., a basketball court in Goyang drew a huge crowd, and an announcement echoed before the game began.
"There will be a celebratory performance!!"
The lights dimmed completely and then brightened again. In the center of the basketball court stood around a dozen 'Produce That 100!' contestants. Team 2 had begun their surprise performance. Since Team 1 had already stirred up media and public buzz, the audience caught on quickly.
"Kyaaaaa!!"
"It's 'Produce That 100!' It's them!!!"
Screams erupted. The song 'Produce' echoed throughout the court. But this time, as soon as Team 2's performance ended, Team 3 took over immediately. Thanks to the short and powerful surprise performances, the thousands in the audience were fired up to an extreme.
This news hit the internet instantly.
"'Produce That 100!' Teams 2 and 3! This time they appear in Goyang!"
Meanwhile, the buzz surrounding Kang Rojun was still boiling over. However, since a few days had passed, the issue gained more traction, but the tone had begun to shift slightly.
-Stop with the media play already ㅋㅋㅋㅋ stop churning out trash articles
-Looking at how quiet No. 1 and the Rental Lover side are, it's probably fake ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ
-Reporters these days, seriously, pushing articles without fact-checking anything is a problem
-Huh?? Did No. 1 say he's not the writer of Rental Lover??
-↑Nah, not that, but it's turning into one of those typical unfounded rumors
-It was never believable anyway ㅋㅋㅋㅋ like how is No. 1 a drama writer ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ
A tone of skepticism had crept in. This sentiment held through Thursday, and as public opinion began to shift, the media followed with similar headlines.
"[Star Pick] The drama 'Rental Lover' said to be written by No. 1 of 'Produce That 100!' starring Choi Rina, turns out it wasn't him?"
By Friday, things were even more heated.
As this state continued, night fell, and Episode 8 of 'Produce That 100!' was broadcast.
-Produce That 100!
After the title screen, Episode 8 continued to feature a lot of Teams 2 and 3 following Episode 7. Viewers saw Team 2 and 3's first evaluation related to 'Produce', their first group dance practice, rehearsals in the practice room, and stage rehearsals, among other things.
-Oh, No. 48 dances really well hahaha
-No. 48 got an A+? Isn't this the first time since No. 1 that Lee Han-na watched the second verse dance?
-The only ones who copied the choreography perfectly are No. 1 and No. 48, right?
-But No. 1 is just on another level ㅋㅋㅋㅋ though 48 has strong facial features and is super handsome too
Just as the number of open chat viewers approached 400,000 and the excitement was peaking, the screen switched to the basketball court.
Teams 2 and 3's surprise performance.
-ㅠㅜㅠㅜㅠㅠ No. 58 is so cute
-Teams 2 and 3 are as good as Team 1!!
-Nah ㅋㅋㅋ honestly Team 1 did it best
-No no no Team 2 is better, Team 1 relies too much on No. 1
-But if you look at No. 58, he seem like a low-key all-rounder ㅋㅋㅋㅋ good at rap and vocals and even decent at dancing
-Am I the only one who thinks Team 3 did best??
-Yep, just you~
After the surprise performance ended, there were a few interview cuts from Team 2 and 3 participants. Then the camera angle changed again.
-["Voting for 'Team 1' has concluded. In my hand, I hold your survival results."]
PD Woo Han-suk appeared. After Team 1's members, all wearing stiff expressions, appeared on screen, the elimination notice came down.
-["No. 94, you are eliminated. Thank you for your efforts."]
Viewers in the open chat began buzzing loudly.
-Goodbye No. 94... ㅠㅠ
-Honestly, I thought he'd get eliminated
-He's crying, he's crying ㅋㅋㅋㅋ
-It must be disappointing to be eliminated after coming this far
Soon, five contestants left 'Produce That 100!' and the surviving members were shown starting with Kang Rojun.
-But No. 1 barely had any screen time in Episode 8
-The media and public are going crazy!! No. 1! Say something already!!
-What? That No. 1 is the writer of 'Rental Lover'?? I heard that was total BS ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ
-Yeah, it's fake
-It did seem off... Like suddenly No. 1 writes a drama?
Then it happened.
Suddenly, the stage cleared out and only Kang Rojun was standing alone in the shot.
-??? What is this??
-Why are they suddenly only showing No. 1?
-What's going on! What is this!!
-WTF... My mom just saw No. 1 and gasped ㅋㅋㅋㅋ she said he's ridiculously handsome
Kang Rojun- no, No. 1 faced the viewers and greeted them.
-["Hello, I'm No. 1."]
Rojun's next line, delivered calmly, was extremely brief.
-["I wrote 'Rental Lover.'"]
The open live chat exploded instantly.