Devil’s Music

It's been a month since the drama started airing.

With a total of 24 episodes scheduled to broadcast for about three months, around 30% had already been aired.

The viewership ratings began at 20% for the first episode, rose to 23% for the second, and soared to an impressive 32% for yesterday's eighth episode.

While it could have surpassed the 40% mark if it had incorporated a love storyline tailored for the 40-50-year-old female audience, this drama leaned more towards a male-oriented, well-crafted storyline. The muscular male leads, stylish and fast-paced narrative, along with the vibrant and comical supporting cast, merged seamlessly with an overall poignant and melancholic theme, making it not just a top-rated drama in its time slot but also among the best in dramas airing concurrently.

Despite few knowing that Geon sang the OST for this drama aside from his family, his life hadn't changed significantly. He continued to diligently study at school and used the money from Taewoo's first real estate deal to practice playing the craft guitar Taewoo had gifted him. Though it was labeled as a practice guitar, priced at around 300,000 won, it was a quality instrument among the ones a student would typically possess.

The only quirk was his insufficient guitar skills, resulting in noise complaints from neighbors due to midnight practice sessions, which led him to practice on the rooftop of the apartment building.

Tonight, after dinner, Geon found himself on one corner of the rooftop, strumming away at his guitar, observing the darkening sky.

Strumming, strumming, plucking, plucking.

As Geon diligently practiced his strumming technique, he looked up at the sky.

"I've grasped the chords by now... and there's hardly any mainstream music I can't play. I read about other musicians online, saying they've developed their unique codes. Can I create something like that too?"

"Strum, strum, pluck, pluck."

While pondering this and that, trying to figure out some chords, his phone rang.

Geon answered, slightly surprised by the unfamiliar number displayed on the screen.

"Hello?"

"Ah, yes, is this Mr. Kim Geon's phone?"

"Yes, that's me. May I ask who's calling?"

"Hi, this is Kim Youngseok from TVN Broadcasting Station, the PD for the drama 'Chuno.'"

"Oh, yes? The PD for 'Chuno'? Um, what's the reason for..."

Startled, Geon found himself standing without realizing it.

"It's not a big deal, but Yongtae recommended you to me. You're the singer of 'Stamp,' right?"

"Oh, yes, that's me."

"Well, our drama has been sold to China and Japan. Both countries have aired up to episode 4, and the response has been quite positive. The actors are planning promotional fan meetings. However, the Chinese broadcasting company has requested the singer of 'Stamp' to join us. Since you don't have an agency yet, we're reaching out directly to you. Would you be interested?"

"China? Oh... alright."

"Yongtae mentioned you're still in high school and nearing vacation, right?"

"Oh, yes, I finished my finals last week, so I'll be on vacation soon..."

"That's perfect. We'd love for you to join this visit. It's what the Chinese fans want too. Are you available?"

"Yes? Chinese fans? You mean fans of the drama?"

"Haha, of course, fans of the drama, but I've heard you have quite a few personal fans too. You might not be aware because you don't have an agency, and your face isn't publicized much in the media."

Geon was momentarily speechless, staring blankly at the sky. When Geon didn't respond, Youngseok continued.

"We'll cover all expenses for your visits to both countries. They'll arrange first-class flights, and we've booked top-tier hotels. Apart from travel expenses, you'll also receive a participation fee. It's 500,000 won per day for travel expenses and 1 million won per event. We have around 3 events per day planned, with 6 sessions in China over 2 days and 3 sessions in Japan for a day, totaling 1,050 million won including travel expenses. Also, if requested by the authorities to sing, an additional 1 million won per performance will be paid. It might be a helpful sum for a high school student traveling abroad for three days. Would you be able to attend?"

"Excuse me? A... million won? Going abroad for three days and you're offering a million won?"

Youngseok hesitated upon hearing the amount Geon mentioned.

"Yes, that's correct. It might seem inadequate for China, but it's the largest broadcaster there, so you needn't worry. In case they don't pay as agreed, we'll provide a contract stating our responsibility for payment."

"Oh, um... you don't have to go to such lengths..."

Sensing Geon's hesitation, Youngseok hurriedly added.

"This isn't the right way. Since it's the weekend tomorrow, could you visit our station? Let's draft the contract I mentioned earlier. We'll have it ready by tomorrow."

"Tomorrow's the weekend, and you're working?"

"Haha, where does a PD go on the weekend? I might finish my work and take a break, but during the broadcast, I can't afford that luxury. Especially when I'm handling a successful drama like 'Chuno.' It's demanding but rewarding both in recognition and financially, so I enjoy working even on weekends or late nights."

"Oh, I see... Then, tomorrow..."

"Yes, please come by tomorrow! What time would be convenient for you?"

"Oh... well, around 1 or 2..."

"Yes, that's fine for me too! See you at 2 at the TVN building in Sangam-dong. Just give me a call when you're outside."

"Yes, I understand. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Great! Please do come tomorrow!"

"Yes, I'll definitely be there. Goodbye."

After hanging up, Geon remained dazed, still holding the phone receiver.

"A... million won? Chinese fans??"