GIJS

Chapter 139 The Suggestion from the Older Brother

"Yi-yeo-keu Seong Hyeong-myeong?"

"What's that?"

Jeremy West and Sarah O'Connor were even more surprised by the martial artist's reaction.

They were sure that explaining the 'Hong-si' character would make them happy. After all, the ambitious villain Hong-si was a role that any promising actor would envy. They expected him to sparkle with curiosity and ask numerous questions.

But those eyes were not gleaming with curiosity. They seemed more like they were burning intensely.

Moreover, the questions were rather strange.

"Um... Is the family name of this Hong-si different from the king's?"

"Yes? Oh, yes, they use different family names."

"Is it a reverse coup—!!"

"Eh?"

"In that case, what is the king's name...?"

"Um... The king's name is Yi Jeong."

"Of course, it's Yi—!?"

The term 'Yi-yeo-keu Seong Hyeong-myeong' was unfamiliar, but it was clear that it had made the martial artist very angry. A flustered Jeremy West leaned towards the interpreter and whispered.

"Mr., what exactly is Yi-yeo-keu Seong Hyeong-myeong?"

"Oh, that..."

As the interpreter struggled to explain the concept of the reverse coup, the martial artist was equally troubled.

Initially, there was no strong desire for acting, but he had been somewhat open to it due to the Westerners' earnest persuasion.

Thus, he wanted to at least hear about the role, but what a surprise. Treason, a reverse coup!

Moreover, the dynasty in question was the Yi clan. A role as a traitor trying to overthrow the Yi clan. Even for someone who found acting challenging, just the thought of this role made his legs tremble.

In the meantime, the Marvel representatives were quite desperate.

"Mr. Gunja. There seems to be some misunderstanding. Hong-si is a very cool and stylish villain character."

"Yes, yes. For example, there's a line: 'Yi Jeong, today your neck will roll under our feet.'"

"Stop, stop, please—!!"

But the attempts to persuade the martial artist only backfired. Seeing the martial artist's agitated state, Team Leader Seo Eun-woo also looked concerned.

"Mr. Gunja, are you okay?"

"Phew—."

"Maybe you should take a break..."

"No. Looking at this landscape painting has calmed me down a bit."

At that moment, the meeting room had a landscape painting drawn by the scholar.

It was unclear how the painting helped him calm down, but Team Leader Seo Eun-woo was relieved that they had put up the artwork.

After calming down, the scholar resumed asking questions calmly.

"So... about this Hong-si character."

"Oh, yes. Feel free to ask anything."

"Has this character ever filed a petition to the king?"

"A petition—?"

Once again, the interpreter needed to explain further. Understanding the term, Sarah O'Connor answered the martial artist's question.

"No. Hong-si is not a moderate character. He believes that to bring about significant change, power and military force are necessary."

"Hmm, I see..."

"Do you have any other questions?"

"In that case, is the king an irredeemable tyrant?"

"Um... It depends on your perspective, but King Yi Jeong cannot be considered a tyrant. He could be seen as somewhat incompetent, though."

"Oh..."

It was becoming increasingly complex. If the king was incompetent, then failing to fulfill the duty of a loyal subject and starting a reverse coup without even a single petition?

Isn't that going beyond the bounds of a Confucian scholar's duty?

"Then... how about his relationship with his parents?"

"Are you asking about Hong-si and his parents?"

"Yes."

"Hong-si has no parents."

"Oh... Did they pass away early?"

"No."

"Huh?"

"He severed ties with his parents who served the country as lower-level officials because their ideologies did not align..."

"Ah, what kind of unfilial character is this..."

Even though it was just acting a fictional character, Hong-si was entirely unappealing to him. After hearing the character description, the scholar's stance became clear.

"I'm sorry. I cannot be Hong-si."

"Pardon?"

Jeremy West and Sarah O'Connor were visibly taken aback, clearly not expecting this reaction.

Since the scholar had no significant career as an actor, they thought casting him would be easy. In fact, they had imagined him bouncing with joy the moment the character description was finished.

He did bounce, but not out of joy; it was more from anger and frustration.

However, the two representatives were oddly even more attracted to this scholar. Above all, they were captivated by his visual appeal.

His artistic visuals perfectly bridged Eastern and Western styles. Additionally, his physique was tall and solid, and he even moved like a top-notch stuntman.

It was undeniable that such a talented actor was rare. It was natural for the casting director and scriptwriter to be anxious.

Casting Director Jeremy West's gaze shifted from the martial artist to Team Leader Seo Eun-woo. His eyes conveyed a silent message.

It seemed this friend didn't understand the weight of our offer, so please persuade him.

However, Team Leader Seo Eun-woo firmly shook his head.

"We fully respect the artist's wishes. Mr. Gunja's opinion is our opinion."

"Hmm..."

It seemed Team Leader Seo Eun-woo had no intention of persuading him.

Jeremy West admired that very attitude. It was because of the respect and growth he had received that the martial artist's talent shone so brightly.

He was determined to work with him someday!

"It's a pity. But through today's meeting, I've become certain. Mr. Gunja, we will work together someday. We will create the perfect role for you."

Jeremy West's voice was filled with resolve. Sarah O'Connor went even further by brainstorming ideas for characters.

"Mr. Gunja, I understand you don't like Hong-si. How about another character?"

"Another character?"

"Although the character doesn't exist in the Marvel Cinematic Universe yet, we could create one that maintains the valuable 'Confucian scholar' worldview and fights with a scholarly touch..."

"Oh, could such a character be created?"

"Of course, I'm the original creator. Throwing a hat like a disc or binding enemies with ropes. All of this is possible."

"Oh?"

"And this battle always has a noble cause, like loyalty and filial piety, just like Mr. Gunja."

"Oh! That's a bit tempting—!!"

"Haha, we could name him 'Captain Chosun'."

Thus, the negotiations for the role of 'Hong-si' ultimately fell through.

However, the scholar gained two more invaluable contacts.

* * *

After the negotiations with Marvel Studios ended, the reactions from the members were mixed.

The most intense reaction came from Taewoong, the Marvel superfan.

"Crazy, he said he won't do it!? Why—!?"

"He's asking me to start a reverse coup."

"What nonsense is that!"

"Haha, I knew you wouldn't get it. Reverse coup means..."

"Look, I get that it's a bad thing. But what exactly is it? Just because you cross-dressed doesn't mean you become a real woman!"

"There's no aversion to becoming a woman. But I don't want to be a traitor."

"Ugh, it's just acting..."

"Also, I didn't want to be separated from you guys."

"Seriously... you're being so petty..."

Other members expressed their disappointment, but they seemed relieved that they wouldn't be separated from the scholar.

"Ah, it would have been so cool if the scholar hyung appeared in a Marvel movie."

"...Well, I'm still glad that Gunja hyung isn't going anywhere..."

"Yeah. Besides, there will be other opportunities. According to Team Leader Seo, it seems they think very highly of Gunja."

"Gunja, let's study English."

"Oh, is that an order from Hyuk-hyung?"

"Yes. I'll teach you."

"If I learn from Hyuk-hyung, will it be like learning scary English?"

"Right, like the slang used by those gangs."

"We don't use that..."

"Pffft, this hyung is getting gloomy again. Just straighten up your shoulders and live."

With the individual activities concluded, it was time to move forward as a team again.

The mini-album activities were completed, and [Mission: ImpossiBuddha] was also successfully finished, so it was time to prepare for the full album.

Team Leader Seo Eun-woo and the planning team had already started preparing the full album.

"Now that there are no individual activities, we will begin preparing for the full album."

"Ooooh."

"As with the last mini-album, we will respect your opinions in setting the concept. Don't worry, we won't shift the responsibility. If you have any good ideas, please share them. If not, the planning team will come up with a concept that suits you."

"Got it."

"The album will have around ten tracks. Ideally, we would fill more than half with self-composed songs. Ji Hyun-su, is that possible?"

"Of course. I've been sketching a lot during my breaks."

"Glad to hear that. Also, I'm thinking of assigning the music video direction for the title track to Hyun Si-woo."

"Ahaha, you want me to do it~?"

"Yes. If it's too much, we'll look for an outsourced production company like last time."

"Ahaha, no, I think it'll be fun~"

With the album preparation mode now in full swing, 7IN was set to take a brief hiatus.

One night, Gunja's phone rang. It was a call from Leon of 'Lunatic.'

"Hyung!"

– Mr. Yu Gunjh.

"It's been a while since I heard your voice. What's up?"

– I have a proposal for 7IN.

"A proposal?"

– Could I come by the Solar system office tomorrow?

Gunja was puzzled by Leon's sudden request to visit the office. If it were just a casual visit, he would have come to their accommodation, not the office.

The next day, Leon arrived at the Solar system office as promised. In the meeting room, Team Leader Seo Eun-woo and all the 7IN members were already seated.

"Hello."

Leon bowed politely to everyone before speaking.

"I'm going to the military."

"...?"

The unexpected announcement left everyone confused. The news of his military enlistment had not yet even been reported, so Team Leader Seo Eun-woo was visibly startled.

Why announce military service here all of a sudden?

"W-when... is that happening?"

"I expect it to be in about three months."

"Wow, that's soon... We should go camping together before then."

"Yes, we should. I've already found some nice places with good geomantic features."

"But, if you don't mind me asking, why announce it here..."

"Myself and three members of Lunatic are set to enlist together in three months. Due to this, we won't be able to participate in the programs we were coordinating. I'd like you all to take our place in those programs."

As Leon spoke, his eyes gleamed with a fervent intensity.

"As always, it's for the revival of K-POP."

"Hmmm, what programs are we talking about?"

"They're likely programs you would excel in the most."