Chapter 33: In China?
Reporter Yeongung led the conversation smoothly with a fluent, familiar style, as if interviewing Hallyu stars was second nature to him.
Yeongung: First of all, it's an honor to meet you, Mr. Geon.
Geon Kim: No, not at all. I've only presented one song so far, so I'm thankful for the interest.
Yeongung: Haha, you're modest. Have you seen the promotional video featuring you for the upcoming event in China?
Geon Kim: Yes, I saw it on the flight to China.
Yeongung: That video gained immense attention not only among Hallyu fans in China but also among the general public. How did you feel about it?
Geon Kim: Well... truthfully, I was a bit surprised. It featured all the main characters from the drama, and I felt as though I was captured like the hidden lead.
Yeongung: Haha, I see. But the impact of the video was tremendous. Did you know your OST hit 12th on the Baidu charts in China, and within an hour of its release, it soared to the top spot?
Geon Kim: Yes, really? My song reached number one in China?
Yeongung: Yes, indeed. It topped not only the Baidu charts but also the Xiami and KuGou charts. Essentially, a triple crown in the top three music charts in China. How does that make you feel?Geon Kim: Ah... it's surreal. This is all so new to me.
Yeongung: I understand. It's only been a day since you reached the top spot. You're not currently under any management agency, right?
Geon Kim: No, I'm not. I'm still a student and... I can't really be considered an entertainer. Singing the drama OST was just a coincidence.
Yeongung: Wow, with looks like yours, if you're not in showbiz, you'd probably give ladies a lot to ponder, Mr. Geon. For the sake of your eager fans, you should continue your entertainment activities. You participated in the promotion event for the drama "Chuno" today. Does that mean you'll be singing at the event?
Geon Kim: Yes, that's correct.
Yeongung: The song you'll sing today will undoubtedly be "Stigma," the OST from "Chuno," right?
Geon Kim: Yes, since I've only sung one song. However, just in case, I've prepared one more.
Yeongung: Oh, really? That's great news. What song is it?
Geon Kim: It's "Love of the Past," sung by the Chinese actor Zhang Guoying in the movie "A Better Tomorrow."
Yeongung: Wow, "A Better Tomorrow!" It was hugely popular in China. Was it also well-received in Korea?
Geon Kim: Yes, definitely. It was a while ago, but I saw many people imitating the guys in Barbary coats with sunglasses, mimicking Chow Yun-fat while chewing on toothpicks.
Yeongung: Haha, it was the same in China. I was once into that fashion too.
Geon Kim: Haha, really?
Yeongung: Since the event isn't broadcasted on TV, this song will be exclusively broadcasted by our company, Hanwi Singdongtai.
Geon Kim: Oh, I'm not really sure about that.
Yeongung: Please do try to make that happen for us if you can, even if it means talking to the officials.
Geon Kim: Ah, I don't have that kind of influence. Please talk to the relevant people.
Yeongung: Haha, if you just said a word, Mr. Geon, that would probably be enough. But for now, let's play fair.
Geon Kim: Haha, sure.
Yeongung: Now, let's change the subject a bit. In a recent interview, the popular Chinese actress Zhao Liying mentioned you as her ideal type. Are you familiar with her?
Geon Kim: Ah... I'm not very sure... but I'm deeply grateful for her mentioning me as her ideal type.
Yeongung: Not just Zhao Liying, but Julian Cheung from the Hong Kong Twins also mentioned you as his ideal type.
Geon Kim: Ah, I see... I'm truly sorry, I'm not familiar with who they are.
Yeongung: I understand. Even though it might disappoint them if they hear, they conveyed their feelings to you. Since you'll show interest in them, they'll kindly understand. Right, Zhao Liying, Julian Cheung? Mr. Geon! Will you search for these two?
Geon Kim: Yes, of course. I'll look up their movies and listen to their songs. I'm sorry, both of you.
Yeongung: I hope your fans understand too. Now, onto the last question. There's a 5,000-seat concert hall, but unfortunately, the venue's already packed. There are around 40,000 fans outside who couldn't get tickets. Any words for them?
Geon Kim: What? 40,000? When I arrived, there weren't that many...
Yeongung: Yes, perhaps the fans crowded at the airport had to move, and some might have joined late and couldn't get tickets.
Geon Kim: Ah... I see. So, are they supposed to just stay outside and leave?
Yeongung: That seems likely. This venue, the National Grand Theatre, focuses on VIP-exclusive concerts, so it doesn't accommodate overflow.
Geon looked at the camera and said, "To all the fans who came to see our Chuno team, thank you for the warm welcome. I'm deeply sorry for those who couldn't enter and are waiting outside. Thank you so much for your love."
Yeongung stood up as Geon finished speaking and exclaimed to the camera, "Yes, this was Kwak Yeongung from Hanwi Singdongtai reporting from Beijing. Thank you!"
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