A New Career Singer Who Can Read The Future [EN]: Chapter 137

Accepting Director Jin Tae-wook’s offer to work on the movie OST [Original Sound Track], Do-hyun got the chance to see Director Jin’s movie before its official release.

Although the official music wasn’t fully integrated yet, a private premiere was held to assess the film’s overall quality. Do-hyun, attending this internal screening, expressed his gratitude to Director Jin.

The movie boasted incredibly beautiful mise-en-scène [the arrangement of scenery and stage properties in a play or movie]. It perfectly aligned with Do-hyun’s artistic sensibilities, deeply moving him. He was thrilled at the prospect of collaborating with such a master!

“Thank you for this incredible opportunity, Director!”

“No, Do-hyun, the honor is all ours. We’re privileged to have you on board.”

Do-hyun bowed respectfully at Director Jin’s humble response.

“You’re too modest, Director! Thank you for allowing me to work with a master! Watching the movie has been incredibly inspiring. I believe I can deliver some exceptional work.”

“I’m grateful that my film has provided such inspiration.”

Seeing a world-renowned director bowing his head in respect, Do-hyun thought, ‘Indeed, a true master is different.’

‘I should emulate and learn from this. It’s a valuable lesson. I hope I can maintain this attitude even when I achieve mastery in the future.’

“No, Director! I’ll repay you with a phenomenal song!”

“I’m eagerly anticipating your contribution, Do-hyun. Please take care of me.”

Immediately after the internal premiere, Do-hyun rushed to his studio. He meticulously listed the inspirations that had flooded his mind and began laying down temporary recordings. His passion burned intensely, unstoppable.

Kang-ho, noticing Do-hyun’s fervor after the premiere, suggested he go home and rest, but Do-hyun was too consumed by his creative drive.

Do-hyun recorded several raw versions of songs intended for the movie’s OST before finally leaving the studio.

* * *

As Do-hyun’s work on the movie OST progressed smoothly, some of the tracks were officially recorded. After consulting with the music director, it was decided that both Do-hyun’s instrumental guitar pieces and songs featuring his vocals would be included.

Among the Honeys [Do-hyun’s fanbase], anticipation for the movie’s release date was palpable. Beyond his dedicated fans, numerous influential music critics were also eager to see how Do-hyun’s musical style would complement Director Jin Tae-wook’s film.

Having only heard about Do-hyun’s involvement through news outlets, their expectations were high. The collaboration between an Academy Award-winning director and a Grammy Award-winning musician like Do-hyun was generating significant buzz.

“Do-hyun, the movie’s VIP premiere is finally here. How are you feeling today? Your songs are being released through a film this time.”

Do-hyun responded to Kang-ho’s question with a knowing smile.

“What’s with that smile? Are you so confident it’ll be a hit?”

“Hyung, I poured my heart and soul into this project. After watching the movie at the internal premiere, I truly understood its essence. The songs capture all of that inspiration. You haven’t heard the music yet, so you’ll experience it for the first time today….”

“Did you draw a tarot card too?”

“Of course.”

When Do-hyun drew a tarot card to predict the success of Director Jin Tae-wook’s movie OST, [The Star] card appeared. He recalled that [The Star] card had also appeared before the Grammys. He felt certain that this movie OST would garner worldwide acclaim.

“Looks like a positive reading?”

“Absolutely. A very positive reading. That’s why I’m so confident, Hyung.”

“Oh… Na Do-hyun! Awesome!”

“Hyung, I’m incredibly confident this time. I’ve imagined winning an Academy Award for this movie music, over and over.”

“Winning an Academy Award for the OST after the Grammys… isn’t that extremely difficult?”

Do-hyun smiled brightly at Kang-ho’s remark.

“Yes, it will be difficult, but I’m determined to achieve that difficult feat.”

Do-hyun’s voice radiated confidence.

Kang-ho remembered that Do-hyun consistently delivered exceptional results whenever he displayed such conviction.

‘He’s truly extraordinary. Such a workaholic. He reminds me of Team Leader Lee Joon-hyuk.’

The two powerhouses that fuel the unquenchable light of Hue Entertainment.

Lee Joon-hyuk PD and Do-hyun’s studios.

Kang-ho reaffirmed his belief that they were both incredibly dedicated workaholics. Then he shook his head, thinking.

‘I could never live like those two. How can they be so passionate about their work? Amazing, truly amazing.’

* * *

Following the VIP premiere, reviews of Director Jin’s new film were published as soon as the embargo [agreement to delay publication of a story] lifted.

“A masterpiece that represents the pinnacle of Director Jin Tae-wook’s career. Furthermore, the music, a collaboration with the world-renowned Na Do-hyun, is exceptionally beautiful.”

“A work that heightens anticipation for the musical landscape Na Do-hyun will explore in the future.”

“Director Jin’s decision to enlist Na Do-hyun for the movie OST is a testament to his brilliance.”

“Na Do-hyun has evolved into a complete ‘artist,’ not just a singer.”

“Hmm… only positive reviews.”

I meticulously read each movie review.

Most of them praised the movie’s music. Perhaps mentioning my name encourages my fans to read the articles, increasing viewership. Of course, even negative mentions would attract attention… but I couldn’t help but smile at the overwhelmingly positive feedback.

[Hyung, what are you up to?]

Just then, I received a call from Seok-won.

[I’m reading articles and relaxing. What’s up?]

[Ah, Hyun-ho and I are planning to see the movie you worked on. We were wondering if you’d like to grab a drink with us afterward!]

[Really? I’m free today and tomorrow. Sounds good, let’s meet up later!]

[See you later! I’ll be in touch!]

I slowly began preparing to go out, estimating the movie’s runtime at approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes.

“Do-hyun, where are you headed?”

Hoya Hyung asked.

“Ah, I’m going to have a drink with Seok-won and Hyun-ho! They mentioned they were seeing the movie I did the OST for today.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. But Hyung, aren’t you supposed to be on a date with maknae [youngest member]?”

“Maknae said she’s hanging out with her friends today… so I’m just staying home. Since you’re unexpectedly free, she decided to meet up with her friends.”

Hoya Hyung sounded a bit disappointed.

“Since I don’t have a schedule, maknae must be thrilled.”

“Tsk. Still, she should be going on a date with me. When else would we have time for a date?”

“Hyung, you should take a vacation with maknae soon. You two need some quality time. I’m a little worried that I’m interfering with your relationship because I’m always busy with work.”

Hoya Hyung waved his hand dismissively.

“I can spend time with maknae when you’re busy. If you weren’t busy, it would be like ‘out of sight, out of mind.’ She’d be busy managing other artists, leaving me with plenty of free time. It’s natural for me, your exclusive manager, to be busy.”

I nodded, acknowledging the truth in his words.

“I see. It’s better for you two to see each other more often when I’m busy. Then I’ll try to stay busier in the future, Hyung.”

“But don’t get too caught up in work. Make time to socialize. Spend time with your juniors like you’re doing today.”

I acknowledged Hoya Hyung’s advice and checked the time.

It was time to leave.

[Hyung, we’re meeting in Apgujeong.]

Just then, I received a message from Hyun-ho.

“Hyung, I’m going to Apgujeong today.”

“You’re meeting in a place close to Cheongdam?”

“Fortunately, my juniors are considerate. I’ll have a quick drink and come back.”

“Okay, I’m just saying this because I’m worried… if someone at the next table starts a fight, ignore them and just come inside. Got it?”

“Yes, I will.”

After listening to Hoya Hyung’s repeated instructions, I headed towards Apgujeong.

The trip from my house to Apgujeong is short, only about 15 minutes.

[Hyung, we’re in the izakaya [Japanese bar] room. Location sent]

This time, it was a message from Seok-won. After checking the message, I made my way to the izakaya.

When I arrived at the izakaya room, I called, and Seok-won came out to greet me.

“Hyung! I’ll escort you to our room!”

“You sound like a salesperson.”

A burst of laughter followed Seok-won’s overly courteous demeanor.

“After seeing the movie today, I felt like I had to treat you this way. I’ll call you Hyung-nim [term of respect]!”

I laughed again at Seok-won’s playful attitude.

“Hyung-nim my ass. It’s not like we’re gangsters.”

“Anyway, Hyung… let’s go inside for now.”

Seok-won opened the door. Inside, Hyun-ho was sipping soju [Korean distilled beverage].

“Why are you drinking alone, Hyun-ho.”

“Hyung-nim, shining with the Grammy Awards! I think you’ll receive an award for movie music at the Academy Awards this time?”

I couldn’t help but laugh at Hyun-ho’s teasing.

Although the reviews for the movie music are generally positive, I hadn’t even considered the Academy Awards.

“If that really happens, you’ll be making history in Korean music. Hyung-nim! Please win the Academy Awards….”

Seok-won chimed in from the side.

I waved my hand, firmly stating that it was too much wishful thinking.

“You’re making me want to receive an Academy Award.”

At those words, Hyun-ho’s expression sobered slightly.

“Hyung, you’ve already achieved the first Grammy Award for Best New Artist by a Korean male solo artist, right? How about aiming for the Academy Awards on top of that? You’ll continue to make history.”

I guessed Hyun-ho had a bit too much to drink.

“Didn’t you guys drink a lot before I got here?”

There were about 2 bottles of alcohol on the table. How quickly did they drink that much that Hyun-ho already seemed tipsy?

“We each drank 1 bottle. But we’re still fine!”

Hyun-ho’s pronunciation was subtly slurred.

“You seem a little drunk. If sasaengs [obsessive fans] see you, they’ll take pictures. It’s better to drink slowly from now on.”

Hyun-ho acknowledged my advice.

“So… what were your impressions of the movie I contributed to with the OST?”

Seok-won raised his thumb.

“Hyung, it was truly amazing. Especially the guitar solo. You played that, right? That’s what I remember the most.”

“Yeah, that’s right. I put the most effort into that song. More than the song I sang on… since it’s an instrumental piece, I was more concerned about it.”

“Hyung, you should know that I immediately set that song as my ringtone. Hyun-ho saw it too.”

At Seok-won’s words, Hyun-ho nodded.

“That’s right. He found it and set it right away? While watching him do that, I realized how much Seok-won was enjoying the music. I was surprised to see him immediately switch to Hyung’s music after using his own song as his ringtone for months.”

“Thank you. Why do I feel so good hearing compliments from you guys? Well, shall we all make a toast?”

Pour, pour.

We poured alcohol, shouted “Cheers” together, and each drank a glass.

“Hyung. Congratulations!”

Seok-won offered his congratulations again.

“I really have a goal after watching Hyung. I want to be a good senior to someone too. I happened to meet Hyung at Ye-jin’s senior birthday party and we became close, but… I learn a lot from watching Hyung.”

Seok-won’s words were touching. I, who had a long period of obscurity, had become a good senior to someone. The feeling was extraordinary.

“Thank you, really.”