Chapter 35: At Manjaedo

Mokpo Port, Jeollanam-do.

The sun, gently revealing the dawn, painted the scene at 6:14 in the morning.

Geon, accompanied by Byungjoon, Yeonju, Sangmi, was boarding the Star Craft van. Despite being a high-end vehicle, Fantasio, with its operating fund exceeding 30 trillion won, provided the best vehicles for Geon's convenience.

Yeonju, packing Geon's clothes in a travel bag, spoke, "Geon, are we really going there? Who's going to take care of your wardrobe? And no makeup?"

Geon chuckled at Yeonju's words. "It's cramped there. Even the crew is going in minimal numbers. Personal stylists were advised not to come. We're each carrying our stuff, and the house we're staying in, even if just the four of us go in, it's snug and cozy. Makeup is minimal, mostly just like when we first board. Seems like that's the norm for this reality show."

From the driver's seat, Byungjoon glanced back in the rearview mirror. "Right, we're heading up to Seoul and then coming back to Mokpo two days before your appearance. If anything happens, call immediately. We'll fly over, even get a chopper if needed. Especially if you feel unwell, make sure to contact us, alright?"

Sangmi sat beside Geon, staring at his face with a makeup brush in hand. Yeonju gestured towards Sangmi, "What are you doing, sis? We have only 10 minutes left before filming starts. Hurry up, won't you?"

Sangmi, staring at Geon's face blankly, mumbled, "I don't know what to do, or how to improve this face... I have no idea what to apply where for it to look better than it does now."

Upon hearing Sangmi, Yeonju giggled and looked at Geon's face before bursting into laughter. "Indeed, it's a masterpiece even when still. How is your skin so flawless, not a single blemish? Didn't you just put on BB cream? Look at those lips. How can they be such a bright crimson color? Geon, even if you endorse skincare products, people will believe you're makeup-free."

Geon blushed slightly at Sangmi and Yeonju's words. Sensing Geon's discomfort, Byungjoon intervened, "If makeup isn't necessary, don't bother. Besides, once inside, you won't be able to do much anyway. It's polite to greet the seniors just before filming. Yeonju, come out with your carrier."

Geon exited the car with Byungjoon. As anticipated, a VJ immediately followed. Geon casually greeted the camera director. Having already familiarized himself during the briefing, it was an easy exchange.

"Hello, Director Kwon. Am I on time? The seniors haven't arrived yet?"

Just as the VJ was about to respond, Yeongseok called from a distance, "Hey, Geon! Come over here. Hey, Geon, are you getting more handsome by the day?"

Looking towards Yeongseok's direction, Geon noticed Seungwon and Haejin already outside. Geon approached them with a 90-degree bow from a distance. The main camera was already capturing them, and the trio engaged in casual conversation.

Seungwon, eyes widened in surprise, looked Geon up and down. "Huh? Are you Geon? I thought you were a model. Why are you so tall? Didn't someone say he's a singer, Yeongseok?"

Geon, only 1cm shorter than the 188cm model-turned-actor Seungwon, possessed a physique comparable to actual models.

Haejin, approximately 174cm tall, glanced between Seungwon and Geon, saying, "No way~ I've known you for over 10 years, and I've never seen you lose in visuals anywhere. Oh, today you're definitely losing, in both age and appearance."

Seungwon glared at Haejin, a bit flustered. "It's because I'm getting older. I had that glow in my face when I was your age."

Haejin laughed lightly, watching Seungwon trying to retort. "Sure, sure. So, you're Geon, right? Nice to meet you ~ You know me?"

Haejin extended his hand, and Geon shook it, replying, "Yes, senior. I truly admire both Seungwon and Haejin seniors."

Haejin chuckled. "Haha, admiration isn't necessary. Geon here knows how to talk properly, huh?"

Amidst the friendly atmosphere, Chunho arrived. Chunho had a gentle, affable demeanor, more akin to a chicken restaurant owner than a celebrity. Seungwon and Haejin, being more senior, naturally greeted him and took his luggage. Geon, too, greeted Chunho warmly, taking one of his bags.

"Hey, Chunho hyung, it's been a while~"

"Hello, teacher Chunho. I'm Haejin Yoo."

"Hello, sir. I'm Geon Kim. Pleasure to meet you."

Chunho, feeling a bit shy about the warm reception, replied, "Oh, yeah. It's been a while, Seungwon. Nice to meet you, Haejin. Let's get along well. I haven't done much entertainment shows. And... you're Geon Kim? You've been gaining some popularity lately. Please, don't gather any anti-fans for me, alright?"

As they continued exchanging greetings, Youngseok clapped his hands, speaking up, "Alright, it's almost time for the ship. It'll take about six hours. For those prone to seasickness, take your medicine in advance. It's around 105 km southeast of Mokpo, farther than Heuksando by about 45 km. It's the most remote island reachable by boat in our country. With approximately 40 households and less than 100 residents living self-sufficiently."

The group moved towards the cruise ship in Busan haste. There was only one ferry to Manje Island, and missing it would delay the entire shoot. Geon waved to Yeonju and Sangmi from below before entering the ship with a heavy suitcase. Inside the ship, seats paired up naturally, and noticing Chunho's uneasiness, Seungwon sat with him. Haejin sat alone until Geon entered, then smiled and tapped the seat next to him.

"Hey, Geon. Over here, come sit."

Geon smiled and took the seat next to Haejin.

"Did you see the news? Your popularity's booming in China. Envious, huh? Just like that. There's news about your arrival in Korea being spread in China, have you seen it?"

Geon inquisitively asked, "Chinese news? Are they broadcasting it in Korea too? I haven't seen it yet..."

Haejin chuckled and handed Geon his smartphone. "Korean reporters probably picked it up because China's making a fuss. Look at this. Youngseok might get a headache, hahaha."

[Geon Kim

 Joins "Three Meals a Day"! Chinese Fans Rushing to Manje Island]

Written by OSEN, Reporter: Park Jinyoung

Singer Geon Kim, who has once again stirred a new breeze in the whirlwind of Hallyu's popularity in China, has made a sudden appearance on TVN's new variety show "Three Meals a Day." "Three Meals a Day," helmed by the famed PD Kim Youngseok, known for the drama "Chuno," aims for a realistic documentary-style variety program.

This news, breaking in China before Korea, reports that many fans are flocking to Korea upon hearing Geon's appearance news. Manje Island, being one of the most remote islands from Mokpo Port, a journey of over six hours by boat, lacks accommodations like inns or hotels, posing potential issues if hordes of Chinese fans arrive. Additionally, it's reported that some Chinese fans are attempting to bypass Korea and directly approach Manje Island using private Chinese fishing boats, sparking discussions. The Coast Guard has instructed heightened vigilance during the filming period. This situation exemplifies Geon Kim's popularity in China and has piqued the interest of Korean fans.

The vessel bound for Manjaedo was a small cruise ship capable of accommodating around 50 passengers, causing its tremors to intensify as it ventured further into the open sea. Being a small craft, it struggled against the towering waves, yet since only a handful traveled through Gagedo to reach Manjaedo, this vessel usually carried no more than six passengers during ordinary times.

As the vessel's vibrations grew more pronounced, crew members succumbed one by one to seasickness. Haejin, inherently in tune with nature, sprawled comfortably, legs outstretched, absorbed in music, unaffected by seasickness. Meanwhile, Seungwon and Chunho had dashed to the restroom multiple times already, returning to slump in their seats after bouts of nausea. Geon, though on his inaugural boat ride, seemed fortunate to possess a constitution immune to seasickness, engrossed in music through his smartphone.

When Yeongseok nudged Haejin, gesturing towards the rear, she glanced back at Seungwon and Chunho sprawled there, prompting her to worry. She rose and, concerned, tapped Seungwon's thigh, speaking up.

"Hey, feeling really queasy? We've still got a couple of hours to go."

Seungwon, half-awake, replied, "Ugh, don't talk, about to hurl."

When Geon turned around at Haejin's behest, she glanced at Seungwon and Chunho and, apparently concerned, prodded Seungwon's thigh, saying, "Why, feeling unwell? We've got a couple more hours ahead."

Geon, taken aback, looked around before speaking, "I read in a book that motion sickness results from irregular movement affecting the semicircular canals in the ear, causing lymph fluid to transmit through them. That irregular vibration gets relayed to the eyes and ears. See, Geon isn't sick because he's listening to music. Try humming a song, close your eyes, huh?"

Seungwon, still half-awake, waved his hand dismissively, "Ugh, no strength to plug in earphones."

While Seungwon responded, Chunho lay there, his only movement a grimace. Haejin, fretting, urged them, "Come on, just believe me, okay?"

Seungwon frowned, saying, "Ugh, no energy, so sing to me if you want me to listen."

Haejin, taken aback, chuckled, "Sing? Here? Oh my, my."

Amid Haejin's laughter, Geon retrieved his guitar, saying, "I've only just started learning guitar, so I can't do complex songs. And since we're on the sea... I thought of singing 'Blue Sail' by the Poet and the Village Chief."

Chunho, upon hearing Geon's intent to sing his own song, barely opened his eyes and glanced at Geon.

Geon, with his guitar, settled by the window overlooking the sea. As he tuned his guitar, passengers and even Seungwon and Chunho, unable to turn away, watched him sideways.

Geon cleared his throat, gazing at the sea beyond. Perhaps it was a song understandable to his younger self, contemplating how the forty-something men would perceive this journey with their friends. He began to pluck the guitar strings, starting an arpeggio with relatively simple chords. Even the staff, suffering from seasickness or drowsiness, turned to see him.

Geon, hoping his song would uplift Seungwon and Chunho, exhaled while looking at the waves outside. 

"Seems too much wind's blowing,

The seeds of silvergrass are scattering,

We've lived too breathlessly,

Friends, should we dream again?

All have lived so constrained,

Like tired cotton wads,

But those waves rise so high,

Maybe, friends, we should hoist the blue sail."

My voice, not loud, echoed faintly in the small cabin, and people, without any high-pitched chorus to strain their ears, closed their eyes. Though a short song, Geon sang it three times, witnessing slight improvements in people's expressions.

The camera director filming Geon and the passengers almost dropped the camera, almost dozing off after the second repetition. The only ones not tormented by seasickness were just three: the staff member holding the camera, including himself, constantly pinching his cheek with a drowsy look, and the audio technician napping while clutching the microphone stand. The only one seemingly wide awake was the main PD, Yeongseok.

Seungwon, Haejin, Chunho,

And even the few passengers listening to Geon's song,

All fell into a peaceful slumber with serene expressions.

Yeongseok glanced around, then turned to the camera director after Geon finished singing. "That's enough. Once we've got this footage, VJs can rest. Everyone, let's nap for two hours. We'll be on a forced march when we arrive."

Even Yeongseok, who appeared wide awake, succumbed to a deep sleep upon taking his seat.