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.
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