Chapitre 62: Chapter 62: Visual shock part 4
The screen slowly moved from left to right, illuminating a dazzlingly beautiful body of a white guitar—from the head down the neck. As its nickname suggested, the "Most Beautiful Guitar in the World," the stunning upper part of the White Falcon, was highlighted, and long, white fingers descended from it to grasp the neck.
The screen quickly zoomed out from the close-up of the guitar to reveal a boy playing a solo in the abyss of darkness. Clad in a black suit, eyes closed, he skillfully played the guitar. His tall stature and slim physique made the tight suit look exceptionally stylish.
The boy's performance was brief yet delivered a mix of sadness and chaos. The scene shifted back to Marilyn Manson's band, with a close-up of Manson's face as the song played.
"You can not go back anyway, now it's late."
"Your evil soul no longer needs him."
"You have to hurt Eden's glory forever."
"Because everything you loved has already been erased."
Despite the boy standing with both feet firmly on the ground, his vigorous movements while playing the guitar contrasted starkly with his calm appearance, freshening the scene. The song reached a climax, and Marilyn Manson, screaming as if in agony, appeared in his characteristic eerie makeup, laughing wickedly.
"Come with me, you've already been abandoned."
"His light does not reach you."
"Come with me, your soul has already stained it with evil."
As the camera swirled around the entire body of the boy in the black suit, standing alone in the abyss, it finally focused on his face. Starting from his nose, a white light spread across his entire face until he transformed into the boy with Marilyn Manson's distinctive makeup. As the song ended completely, the eerie eyes of the boy, now resembling a demonic figure, sadly flickered in the silent scene.
The screen turned black, and white text appeared:
"Director: Tim Burton."
"Special appearance, lead guitar: Kay."
As the playback ended, the trio staring blankly at the tablet displaying the next recommended video remained stunned until Jennifer dropped the frying pan she was holding, startling them.
"Wow! Amazing!!"
"Guys, this is a legendary music video!"
"So cool! Watching Marilyn Manson again! And the music's amazing, right?"
"Seriously! I've never not felt sick listening to their songs!"
"Wait! Look! It says 'Special appearance by Kay.' Could it be the Vampire Prince is Kay?"
"Right? 'Rock, paper, scissors.' We all cried after watching it together. Tim Burton's persona was the Vampire Prince!"
"Wow, what now? What do we do!!!"
"Do others know? Is there any news about this?"
Quickly manipulating the tablet, Cloren searched for news channels. Dozens of news articles were already there.
"Marilyn Manson's new music video hits a million views in 1 hour!"
"Victory of noise marketing, joined by Kay and Marilyn Manson!"
"Genius boy Kay! Finally reveals himself!"
"Continuous shock! The stunning appearance of a beautiful boy!"
"The world is in shock right now! Pay attention to Marilyn Manson!"
"Kay virus spreading across the US. Infecting America!"
Jennifer exclaimed, seeing the flood of news on the screen.
"Wow! This is huge! Let's report this!"
"Yeah, yeah! Kay was the Vampire Prince! We listened to this person's song up close! We should brag about it!"
"Leave comments! Say it's a reaction video of girls meeting Kay when you search 'Vampire Prince' on YouTube!"
"Some comments already mention it! We're late!"
"Oh, still leave one! Multiple comments attract journalists to take notice."
The enormous buzz happening nationwide in the US was resonating on the opposite side of the globe.
China's CCTV.
"It's Geon Kim! It's Geon Kim! That's Kim Geon, right?"
A journalist playing the top video in the viral trend suddenly stood up, shouting to another journalist. The other journalist glanced at the screen and then frantically operated his own keyboard.
"Senior, have you seen this madness that's been going on for a few hours now?"
The astonished journalist asked the one who had just stood up.
"What? Does everyone already know?"
After sighing, the journalist turned his monitor around, showing the screen. The senior journalist's eyes widened.
"Geon Kim! Conquering America."
"Space youth Geon Kim. Shocking the Westerners!"
"Vanished Geon Kim, joined Marilyn Manson's band?"
"Geon Kim appearing in Marilyn Manson's globally renowned music video, causing a stir in the Asian continent."
Korean internet news portals.
"Geon Kim, carrying the controversy, leaves for Juilliard. Returning as Kay."
"Is the mysterious Kay actually Geon Kim?"
"Identity of Tim Burton's persona Kay revealed as Geon Kim, shocking!"
"Pay attention to the emergence of a music genius born in Korea, Kay!"
Gilis Trawangan Island, Indonesia.
During filming, Yeongseok received a call from Korea.
"Hello? Yes, Director."
"Oh! Yeongseok PD! Is the internet working there?"
"Yes, it's a bit slow, but it works. What's wrong?"
"Geon, Geon had an accident!"
"Huh? What happened to Geon?"
"He appeared in a Marilyn Manson music video! And he played the guitar!"
"Really?"
"It's not just an appearance; the US news channels are only talking about Geon!"
"That, that's..."
"Different broadcasting stations will call you. Turn off your phone. If they need to contact you, they can call the assistant director."
Yeongseok momentarily took his attention away from the vibrating phone during the call with the director and glanced at the screen.
1 missed call: KBS Chief PD
1 missed call: KBS Director Lee
1 missed call: MBC Representative Hong
1 missed call: SBS PD Kim
Yeongseok put on a serious expression and returned to the phone.
"If other stations approach, it's a lost cause! We need to act first, grasp Geon Kim's subject matter, and set up a reporting team right away!"
"Yes? Director Lee, I'm currently filming."
"Leave that to the assistant director and head to the US right away! Yeongseok PD, our show might have decent popularity, but it's not pulling in 4% ratings, is it? If we secure coverage on Geon Kim, we're looking at a baseline of 20%. Move fast, quickly!"
"Ah, yes, understood, for now."
Yeongseok hung up and, with a resolute expression, searched for the assistant director amidst the incessantly ringing phone.
"AD! Where are you?"
After briefing the AD, Yeongseok hailed a taxi to the airport and attempted to call Geon.
"Hello, Yeongseok hyung?"
"Oh, Geon. How've you been?"
"Wow, it's been a while, hyung. I've always felt sorry for not calling often."
"Really? If you're sorry, do me a favor."
"Yes? What is it?"
"Where are you now?"
"Oh, I'm in Seattle."
"Seattle? What are you doing there?"
"Well, I was at that house by invitation of Director Tim Burton, then came over to Seattle yesterday. Just for traveling."
"Is that so? Are you alone now?"
"Yes, I just arrived at the hotel."
"I'm taking a flight from Indonesia straight to you. Don't go outside."
"What? Right now? Why not?"
"If you go outside, you might get ambushed by people."
"What? What do you mean?"
"Sigh, always the same. Remember when you did that music video with Marilyn Manson?"
"What? Has that been released already? We filmed it, but…"
"It's been six hours since the release, and it's over 100 million views."
"What? 100 million? In six hours?"
"Yeah, now that you're so famous, don't roam around carelessly. Wait until I arrive."
"Oh... okay, okay, hyung. But are you coming here because of me?"
"No, I asked you for a favor earlier."
"Oh, right. What's the favor?"
"Our network wants to interview you urgently. Our team is heading from Korea, and I'll join them separately at the airport. Stay in the hotel room, okay? Which hotel are you in?"
"Oh, I'm at Mayflower Park Hotel."
"What? Isn't that an expensive place? Did you earn a lot?"
"Haha, no, Mr. Manson made the reservation."
"Really? Got it. Anyway, I'll call when I arrive. Don't leave the hotel room. Order room service if you're hungry, got it?"
"Yes, understood, hyung."
After hanging up, Geon's expression hardened as he looked at news articles.
"Oh no! If Mom finds out about the music video with Marilyn Manson, it'll be chaos!"
Worry etched on his face, Geon called his sister, Shihwa.
"Hello? Oppa?"
"Yeah, Shihwa, what's up?"
"Just watching the news about you. I waited for your call, but you called sooner than I expected. It's chaos here."
"Oh, so that's what's happening. I didn't know it had been released."
"Oh really? My phone's been buzzing, so I wasn't taking most calls. Only talked to Jooyong unnie."
"Why are they calling?"
"To ask where you are, how they got your number, even the reporters are calling."
"Oh, does Mom know?"
"No, not yet. She doesn't know how to use the internet. But she watches the news; she'll find out later."
"Oh... Shihwa, let's do me a favor."
"What? Prevent Mom from watching the news? Will you send me some pocket money?"
"Haha, okay, I'll send you a hefty sum."
"Okay, instead of watching the news later, let's go to the karaoke."
"Sure, thanks. Love you, my sister."
"You only love me at times like this? Call more often, okay?"
"Haha, got it. I'll call again."
After ending the call, Geon lay on the bed, sighed, and turned on the TV. The screen was filled with the music video he starred in.
Once again, Geon sighed heavily and shook his head.
"This is trouble. Is my trip over…"
Geon and Yeongseok arrived at Maple Flower Park, where Geon was staying, after joining the filming team at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in Washington state. Manson had reserved a Suite Room for Geon, clearly expressing his gratitude. Sitting comfortably on the hotel sofa, Geon spoke to Yeongseok, who was setting up cameras and lights, while hugging him.
"Hyung, I read the articles before you arrived, but I never thought it would become such a sensation."
Yeongseok whistled as he searched Geon's article on his smartphone.
"Wow, impressive, isn't it? It's been just a day since the video went up, but new articles are popping up hourly. What's this? Vampire Prince?"
Geon asked with a puzzled expression, "Huh? What's that?"
Yeongseok showed Geon the video playing on his smartphone.
"This is you, right? Is it?"
Geon looked at the video on Yeongseok's smartphone, where girls were looking at something in surprise. Geon, confused, looked at Yeongseok.
"I'm not in there, but the background looks like Dante Park..."
Yeongseok took back his smartphone and played another video. This time, only the girl's face was shown, but there was the sound of someone singing. Geon, listening to the song, said, "Oh? This is my voice. It's the song I sang in Dante Park."
Yeongseok chuckled and put the smartphone in his pocket.
"Even if you hide the sharp fangs in your pocket, they still stand out. You're in trouble living so normally."
Geon pointed at Yeongseok's pocket, saying, "Is that mine? Why do people get surprised when they see me? Do I look weird?"
Yeongseok laughed and patted Geon's shoulder.
"Oh, this oblivious guy. It's because you're handsome. Didn't you record a reaction video of people being surprised by your looks?"
Geon pointed at himself in surprise.
"Me? Oh, well, I do hear people saying I look good..."
Yeongseok laughed heartily and said, "Haha! But since you studied in the U.S., you don't scratch the back of your head, blush, and act awkward like before, haha!"
Yeongseok signaled that the preparations were complete, stood up, and said, "It looks like everything's ready. Geon, sit comfortably on that sofa. There's no MC, and I'll ask the questions. I'll handle the subtitles for my questions later, so don't speak during the audio. If there's a tricky question, you can cut it since it's recorded."
Geon nodded and sat on the sofa Yeongseok pointed to. After checking the main camera, Yeongseok sat on a makeshift chair next to the camera, looked around, and shouted, "Let's go! Camera OK? Lighting good? Sound OK? Okay, let's go!"
The AD quickly came in, clapped the slate, and jumped out of the frame. Yeongseok took a deep breath, looked at the questionnaire, and started asking questions.
"Hello, Mr. Geon. Please greet the viewers first."
Geon smiled at the camera and shook his hand.
"Hello? I'm Geon Kim. It's been a while, everyone."
Yeongseok thought, 'The kid who used to bow in front of the camera and greet has really changed after drinking American water. He looks much better now, more relaxed.'
Yeongseok's questions continued.
"Where are you now, and why are you here at Maple Flower Park?"
Geon counted in his mind for a moment and replied, "Well, I'm in Seattle, the U.S., and I came here for vacation during the break."
Then the Q&A session between Yeongseok and Geon continued seamlessly.
"I see. Have you done any sightseeing during your trip?"
"Haha, no. Due to unexpectedly attracting attention, I haven't even taken a step outside the hotel since arriving in Seattle."
"Were you aware that Marilyn Manson's music video was released?"
"Well, no. Since my vacation is short, I came to Seattle right after the shoot the next day."
"According to the articles, there was a story about 'Girls meet Vampire Prince,' and you were the protagonist. Is that true?"
"Yes, I checked it a while ago. It seems to be me."
"There are about 60 videos, and some have sound of you singing. Where is this place?"
"It's a small park across from Juilliard School, where I go to school."
"Do you often visit this place?"
"Yes, I go there often. It's a park between the bakery I frequent near school, where I sit on the grass, eat sandwiches, and sometimes go when my head hurts while working on assignments."
"Well, it seems like a park that many fans will visit in the future."
"Haha, really? Well, I can't go there anymore then, haha."
"Haha, that's how it goes. Next, it's mentioned that you stood on stage with the Latin rock band Santana and Rolla Palooza. Is that true?"
"Yes, it is. I got the opportunity through Professor Sharon Isbin, who is in charge at school."
"Fans who saw the performance directly say you had a legendary live performance. Do you have plans to continue with Santana in the future?"
"While the connection will continue, I don't plan to join Santana."
"Why is that? Joining Santana, a global band, would have been a matter of time to gain fame."
Geon tapped the armrest of the sofa with his fingers, pondered for a moment, and replied.
"Someone advised me to finish my studies first."
Yeongseok, who had been looking at Geon, showed a surprised expression for a moment, then revealed it and laughed.
"I see. I don't know who it is, but it was good advice. Now, how did you get involved in the film of director Tim Burton?"
"Yes, I went on a field trip with Professor John Corigliano, who is in charge of composition, and suddenly got involved."
"Wasn't it originally discussed to participate?"
"Yes, Director Tim Burton suggested a game. We competed, created songs, and he chose one to use."
"A competition? Among John Corigliano, Hans Zimmer, and you?"
Geon shrugged and said, "Just to try it out, I think. He used the song I won in the competition."
"Anyway, Mr. Geon won one song in that competition, and it became the most talked-about song. What was the meaning behind Director Tim Burton displaying the subtitle 'K' for my persona at the end?"
"I really don't know."
"When you become the persona of director Tim Burton, it's famous for searching for it again in your later works. Did you even appear in Marilyn Manson's music video because of that?"
"No, I met Johnny Depp, who appeared in Edward Scissorhands. Through him, I met Mr. Manson. The decision to appear was made there."
"But wasn't Tim Burton the director of Marilyn Manson's music video?"
"Yes, that's right. He joined after I made the decision to appear."
"Instead, it seems like Mr. Burton will be following you around, haha."
"Haha, is that so?"
"When this interview airs, it will surely become a big topic. So, what are your plans for the future?"
Geon pondered for a moment before responding, "First, I have to go back to school. I'll think about it after finishing my studies."
"Alright, are you going back right away?"
"No, there's a short vacation left. During that time, I want to take a break, even if it's short, after focusing only on studying."
"Yes, understood. Thank you for the interview today."
"No, I'm the one who's thankful."
"Finally, please say goodbye to the viewers."
Geon adjusted his posture, shook hands again, and smiled.
"I'll study harder and come back with proper music. Until then, goodbye, everyone."
After smiling for about 3 seconds and shaking hands, when Geon glanced at Yeongseok, Yeongseok gestured and shouted, "Cut! Good, send this straight to the headquarters. Great job, Geon."
As the staff, who had been quietly watching the filming, busily moved, Yeongseok came over to Geon and said, "Thanks to you, we got a valuable interview. I should treat you to a meal. Have you eaten?"
Geon smiled and nodded. "No, not yet. Please treat me. Haha."
Yeongseok laughed and patted Geon's chest. "You've become quite bold. Alright, let's go. It's dangerous to go far, so let's go to the hotel restaurant."
Giving various instructions to the assistant director, Yeongseok took Geon to the lobby on the first floor. Yeongseok took off his hat and put it on Geon's head, saying, "Wear the hat when you go out. It's dangerous if you just walk around like this."
Geon, trying to take off the hat, hesitated for a moment, smiled, and adjusted the hat again. Yeongseok, confirming that the waiter had disappeared after placing a simple order, said, "Are you really going on a trip? How much vacation do you have left?"
"About three weeks left."
"Oh, there's still quite a bit left. Then cover your face well and be careful. Don't get into trouble just because you're free."
"Haha, yes, hyung."
Pouring water into Geon's glass, Yeongseok said, "Thanks to you, I ended up going from Indonesia to the United States and then back to Indonesia. I need to treat you to a meal. Have you eaten?"
Geon, receiving the glass from Yeongseok, took a sip and laughed. "No, not yet. Please treat me. Haha."
Yeongseok, handing Geon the menu after ordering, said, "Should I become friends with other PDs too? If it's bothersome for you."
Yeongseok looked at Geon in amazement. "What? This kid, no way! Just contact me."
Geon jokingly laughed. "Why? Was it bothersome for you?"
Yeongseok, with an incredulous expression, laughed. "Look at this guy. He changed a lot, huh? Always ready to play pranks. Looks good, this guy."
Laughing together, Yeongseok asked again, "You said you came for a trip to Seattle, right? But what's there to see here? It's not even a tourist destination."
Geon, as if asking what he meant, said, "Hey, hyung. It's Seattle! The hometown of alternative and grunge! There are so many rock houses where amazing bands like Nirvana, Alice in Chains, and Pearl Jam performed during the indie days. I want to visit the places where those bands played."
Yeongseok, enjoying his meal, said, "Well, I've heard of Nirvana, but Alice what? I don't know that. I'm almost ignorant when it comes to rock music."
Geon raised his thumb, saying, "They're extremely famous bands. Even though they were active when I was very young."
Yeongseok nodded. "Okay, then should we focus on rock houses? But is there enough to see in three weeks?"
Geon, resting his chin on his hand, said, "Well, I'll have to go back to school after a few days. I need to prepare for the second semester."
Yeongseok laughed. "Right, you have to finish your studies well, as advised by that person. Hahaha."
The two of them, enjoying a meal filled with laughter.
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone