Suddenly, I Became Crazy Handsome, and the World Became Easy

No training at all? The smile quickly disappeared from PD Woo Han-suk’s face.

“…What?? What did you just say?”

Kang Rojun repeated the same words with an indifferent expression.

“I will not receive training.”

“……?”

A completely unexpected answer. What the hell is he talking about? PD Woo Han-suk, momentarily stunned, barely managed to ask again.

“T-Training… You really won’t take it? Are you serious?”

“Yes, PD-nim.”

Once again, a plain and straightforward answer. PD Woo Han-suk couldn't help but feel like he was malfunctioning. He had directed many programs and met countless contestants before. But this was the first time he had encountered someone like Kang Rojun.

Survival audition variety shows are fundamentally about refining raw talent into gems. Training is a crucial element in this process and also provides essential footage for the broadcast. The conflicts that arise, the personalities of the contestants, all of it contributes to the show.

Therefore, for PD Woo Han-suk, someone as naturally outstanding as Kang Rojun was someone he absolutely had to use.

But Rojun had gone off-script.

‘What is this? Is he just overly confident? Or is he simply trying to stir up attention?? Even if he acts recklessly, getting screen time means he’ll leave a strong impression.’

If that happened, numerous entertainment companies in Korea would definitely take an interest in Kang Rojun.

‘Or is he trying to hide the fact that, aside from his vocals, he’s lacking in everything else?’

PD Woo Han-suk’s mind was flooded with countless speculations. At this point, the staff of 'Produce That 100!' and the other contestants who had passed began whispering excessively.

“He’s really saying he won’t participate in any of the training?”

“That’s what it sounds like.”

“Huh, what is he thinking?”

The reactions from the other successful contestants were especially strong. Every single one of them was staring at Kang Rojun. Though they didn’t say it out loud, they were spewing quite harsh words inside.

‘He’s just acting cocky because of his face.’

'He's definitely trying to get screen time, looking at him, he's clearly going for the villain concept.'

‘Sure, he can sing a little, but he’s probably trash at everything else. Otherwise, why would he refuse training?’

‘He’s making an effort to antagonize the production team right from the start? What a lunatic, seriously.’

While the atmosphere grew increasingly intense, Kang Rojun remained remarkably calm. In truth, there was a reason behind his explosive statement. Of course, all of PD Woo Han-suk’s and the contestants’ guesses were wrong.

‘It’s not like taking training is a bad thing. They’re offering it for free, so why refuse?’

But for Rojun, undergoing training was essentially putting a noose around his own neck.

‘If- no, when I participate in training, it’ll be revealed that I’m tone-deaf and have zero dance skills.’

Training revolves around repetitive practice, meaning he would inevitably have to showcase his singing, dancing, and rapping. Right now, aside from "Farewell" song, all of his skills were at rock bottom. To put it bluntly, they were trash. Getting exposed was a problem in itself, but singing on one song exceptionally well while everything else was garbage? That would look even more suspicious.

‘Instead of my visuals or as a skilled prodigy, I might actually be treated like some kind of freak.’

Technically, he could still participate in training. If he used 'AI Automation', he could automate everything, practicing songs, dancing, rap, all of it. However

‘That would be a waste of coins.’

The chances of wasting his precious coins for no real gain were too high. After thinking it through, Kang Rojun decided that even if he had to be seen as a villain, saving his coins was more important.

‘It’s better not to take training. Besides, if I think about it, I already have a trainer, 'AI Simulation'.’

Whether it was attracting attention or being labeled as a villain, the opinions of others didn’t matter to him. Rojun’s decision was firm, and if they refused his request, he was prepared to leave 'Produce That 100!' entirely.

There was nothing for him to cling to.

Even if he abandoned 'Produce That 100!', another opportunity would come.

Looking at PD Woo Han-suk, Kang Rojun asked in a low voice,

“Is the training mandatory?”

PD Woo Han-suk, whose head was still spinning, answered internally.

‘Mandatory? No- technically, it’s not mandatory. It’s up to the contestants. There just wasn’t a single contestant who ever refused it before.’

Then, Rojun spoke again.

“If training is a compulsory system, then I’m sorry, but I’ll have to drop out here.”

“!!!”

PD Woo Han-suk’s already widened eyes looked like they were about to burst. Naturally, the staff and all the other contestants wore similar expressions.

‘What the hell, all of a sudden??!! This guy is really crazy!! A proper villain!’

When a controlled situation or environment is shattered, people freeze. The one who causes it is usually labeled an oddball. And in 'Produce That 100!', that oddball was Kang Rojun.

Nothing about him was ordinary.

Everything was going completely off track.

For the first time in years, PD Woo Han-suk was truly flustered. Kang Rojun leaving? By his own choice? That was out of the question from a production standpoint. Rojun was a rare asset who would undoubtedly boost Produce That 100!’s viewership ratings.

‘This isn’t just empty bravado… Now that I think about it, this guy never really seemed all that interested in the entertainment industry from the start.’

It was a strange sight. In this setting, PD Woo Han-suk was obviously the one in control, the alpha. But right now, the dynamic had flipped, he was the beta, and Kang Rojun was the one in charge.

But what choice did he have? He couldn’t afford to let go of Kang Rojun.

“…A one-of-a-kind contestant who refuses training. Not a bad angle.”

PD Woo Han-suk forced a smile.

‘Yeah, actually, this might make for even better footage. I was planning to create at least one villain character anyway. But that wasn’t supposed to be you-’

He barely managed to keep up his smile.

“However, if you reject training now, that’s it. Even if you change your mind later, it will be difficult to rejoin. Are you sure you’re okay with that?”

Kang Rojun answered without a second of hesitation.

“Yes, I’m fine with it.”

“…Alright then. Contestant Number 1 will proceed without training. You can just relax and show up only for the main evaluations. 'Produce That 100!' isn’t a school, everything is up to the contestants.”

As he briefed them, PD Woo Han-suk scanned the other successful contestants.

“The same condition applies to everyone else. Is there anyone who wants to make the same choice as Contestant Number 1?”

The previously buzzing room quickly fell silent. No one was willing to follow Kang Rojun’s path.

‘Are you crazy? Training is part of the broadcast. If you don’t do it, you’re guaranteed to get less screen time.’

‘How do you expect to survive the next evaluation without training? You need to learn something.’

Screen time was directly tied to a contestant’s recognition. For the other contestants, the choice was obvious.

Regardless, PD Woo Han-suk quietly instructed the surrounding cameras.

“Keep a tight shot on Contestant Number 1. We need to get this moment just right.”

Then, he locked eyes with Kang Rojun.

‘Whether he understands how broadcasting works or if he’s just naturally this stubborn, I don’t know. But either way, this kid just added the perfect seasoning. The viewers who watch this scene will split into two camps.’

They would either become more intrigued or start hating him.

Either way, it was a win for PD Woo Han-suk.

‘Even villains can become stars. That’s what star quality is.’

After finalizing the decision that Kang Rojun would be the only one skipping training, PD Woo Han-suk continued the briefing. Meanwhile, Rojun glanced at his smartwatch, lost in thought.

‘Hmm, things worked out somehow, but I should probably strengthen my stats a little each day.’

He decided to invest at least 5 to 10 coins into his stats attributes. It wouldn’t make a noticeable difference right away, but over time, the effects would show.

Of course, PD Woo Han-suk had no idea about any of this as he laid out the upcoming schedule for the contestants.

“The filming for the 25 contestants in Group 1 ends here. Of course, our production team still has plenty of work left. There’s the Group 1 revival round, and tomorrow, we’ll continue filming with the 50 contestants in Group 2. For now, you’re all dismissed. The next time we gather will be next Monday.”

Today was July 7th. Next Monday would be the 13th.

“On that day, only the successful contestants will be present. And at the same time, you will all be challengers once again. This time, it won’t be 100 contestants, it will be 70. Additionally, from that day forward, the training camp will begin.”

At the mention of training camp, the contestants’ reactions varied, some were excited, others anxious.

Kang Rojun was somewhere in between.

‘I’m curious about what will happen, but it might be kind of annoying too.’

Then, PD Woo Han-suk suddenly broke into a smile.

“Oh, and the first broadcast date has been confirmed. Friday, July 24th, at 9 PM.”

Three weeks from now. To be exact, less than three weeks remained. In that short time, the production team had to handle promotions, marketing, filming, and editing, a brutal schedule.

But whether they were aware of it or not, the successful contestants were simply overjoyed. PD Woo Han-suk politely addressed them.

“You’ve all worked hard. You can take the bus waiting outside.”

The contestants stood up from the sofas, exchanging words of appreciation with each other. Amidst the commotion, Kang Rojun approached PD Woo Han-suk, who was talking with the staff.

“PD-nim.”

A little surprised, PD Woo Han-suk blinked.

“Oh? Ah, Contestant Number 1. What is it? You’re not here to say you want to join training after all, are you? It’s already settled.”

“No. I have no intention of changing my decision.”

“Haha, I figured. So, what’s up?”

“I just have something to ask.”

“Yeah? Hmm- We need to jump right into filming, so can you keep it under three minutes?”

“Probably.”

PD Woo Han-suk adjusted his glasses and led Rojun a little away from the staff.

“Go ahead.”

“Am I allowed to engage in other activities while filming 'Produce That 100!'?”

“Other activities? Like what? You should’ve seen in the contract that appearing on other variety shows is strictly forbidden.”

“No, nothing like that. I mean something like… writing. I have personal circumstances.”

“…Writing?”

What the hell was this now? Caught off guard by the unexpected question, PD Woo Han-suk was momentarily speechless. Rojun took the opportunity to clarify.

“I’m not talking about filming for another show, I mean personal work, like meetings and such. Writing was just an example.”

“You mean like scriptwriting?”

“Something along those lines.”

“That shouldn’t be a problem. It’s not like writers become publicly known figures. Of course, as long as it doesn’t interfere with our filming schedule and you follow the confidentiality clauses. But it’d be best if your name doesn’t spread too much. In this industry, rumors travel faster than bullets.”

“I’ll be careful.”

“But… what exactly do you write, Contestant Number 1? Why are you suddenly talking about being a writer?”

“It’s a little difficult to explain right now.”

With a slight bow, Kang Rojun left the waiting room. PD Woo Han-suk, watching him closely, muttered under his breath.

"Not acting but writing? What's this about."

The Next Morning, July 8th.

The location: SBC Broadcasting Station, Drama Department.

Maybe because it was morning rush hour, but the department was bustling with activity. Like most departments, the first thing the drama directors did upon arriving was.

“Damn it- our ratings dropped.”

“Haha, mine went up.”

“Yeah, by 0.3%.”

“A rise is still a rise.”

Checking the viewership ratings. Naturally, they also checked dramas from other broadcasting stations.

While some were celebrating and others were lamenting, a woman sitting by the window stretched out a long yawn.

It was PD Jung Soo-ryeong.

Since she wasn’t currently involved in any major projects, most of her work revolved around either yawning out of boredom or handling matters related to the SBC One-Act Drama Script Contest.

At that moment.

“Sunbae-nim.”

An assistant director with acne on his face approached her.

“Writer Kang Chul-soo is here.”

“Oh, really? That’s funny. He backed out on me, and now he’s here the very next day? Was he really that busy when I called?”

“I’m not sure, but… um, Sunbae-nim. I did guide Writer Kang Chul-soo to the meeting room, but… something feels off.”

“What do you mean?”

Standing up, PD Jung Soo-ryeong casually tied up her messy brown hair and smirked.

“He’s probably just an old man, right? His writing style had that total old-man vibe.”

“No… he seemed young.”

“If he’s young, then he’s young. Why are you saying ‘seemed’?”

“…You should see for yourself.”

With a ‘What’s with you?’ kind of look, PD Jung Soo-ryeong playfully tapped the assistant director’s shoulder and headed toward the meeting room. She pushed the door open without a second thought.

Inside, a single man was sitting at the six-person table.

For some reason, PD Jung Soo-ryeong furrowed her brows the moment she saw him.

“…Huh?”

The man who was supposedly Writer Kang Chul-soo looked highly suspicious.

"Are you really Writer Kang Chul-soo?"

A simple T-shirt and jeans were normal enough, but for some reason, Kang Chul-soo was wearing a black mask and had his cap pulled down low.

‘Well, he’s definitely not an old man, but… what the hell is up with this guy?’

He looked less like a writer and more like a criminal.

Still, when she called out to him, Kang Chul-soo stood up from his seat.

"Yes, that’s me. Writer Kang Chul-soo."

PD Jung Soo-ryeong, blinking in confusion, responded from across the table.

“…Oh- Nice to meet you. I’m Jung Soo-ryeong, the Drama Department PD you spoke with on the phone. But why are you covering your face like that?"

Kang Chul-soo remained silent for a moment, then glanced at the assistant director standing by the door before replying.

"Can I speak with you alone, PD-nim?"

“…Huh?"

What was he talking about? But when she looked into his eyes above the mask, she could tell he was serious.

PD Jung Soo-ryeong let out a bewildered laugh before instructing her assistant director.

"Jin-sung, step outside for a bit."

"Yes, Sunbae-nim."

As soon as the assistant director left, PD Jung Soo-ryeong crossed her legs.

"There, satisfied? Now let’s see your face. You’re not, like… a wanted fugitive or something, are you? Ah, just kidding."

Letting out a small sigh, Kang Chul-soo murmured in a low voice.

"I have my reasons… It’s a bit difficult for me to openly show my face."

PD Jung Soo-ryeong reacted internally.

‘What, does he have some kind of appearance complex? Even if you’re not good-looking, just walk around with confidence. Well, I guess there are people with low self-esteem who feel the need to hide their faces.’

Then, Kang Chul-soo removed his cap first. His thick, black hair rustled as it was revealed. Next, he took off his mask and lifted his head.

His eyes met naturally with PD Jung Soo-ryeong’s from across the table.

Before she even realized it, she blurted out a curse.

"Holy shit."