❛ ❨ NAM JUWON ❩ HAS A SECRET . . . ╱
tw // violence, ual situations, character death
Love Just something affectionate Eunju uses
Mandarin Semi-fluent, studied in middle and high school but gave it up when he started training more seriously.
FACE CLAIM Yoo Taeyang of SF9
BACK UP Kim Yugyeom of GOT7
EYES Dark brown
HAIR Light brown
FACIAL FEATURES Intense and charistmatic eyes with one double eyelid, other known as "triple," thick and neat eyebrows, thin smile, large and rounded nose, square chin and a defined jawline.
EXPRESSIONS Juwon's face seems to always be full of love, focus, judgement, or coolness- It just depends on the situation and who he's with. His friends and family will often have a wide and loving smile given to them, but also see a sharp focus in his eyes as he works. In practice, you can physically feel the way he watches you though his expression hardly changes at all, perhaps minus an up or downward tick of lips. He's an expert at managing his own expressions, so trust you'll only see what he's willing to give away. A raised eyebrow is not one of the things you want to see.
GESTURES Much like with expressions, Juwon will be managing these carefully. As such, his movements tend to be very subtle. The only time Juwon's body language will be super expressive is in the event he's showing his love with something like a large hug or hair ruffle. If Juwon is overseeing practice, his arms will be crossed to show his seriousness. If he is in a meeting, he'll fold his hands in front of him to express that the person on the other end of the table has his full attention. He notably holds eye contact extremely well.
HEIGHT 181cm
WEIGHT 67kg
BUILD He is very thin and very muscular. He does not skip his time at the gym and it shows. Despite the thin body type, Juwon's shoulder are broad, and his upper arms are surprisingly thick. He has a defined torso muscles but doesn't have the genetics to have four or six pack abs despite his best efforts. Juwon also boasts some of the better thighs and chest of the group.
PIERCINGS Two pairs of lobe piercings, three pairs of cartilage piercings, and a bottom lip piercing though he puts nothing in it.
TATTOOS N/A
SCARS / MARKING A large dark mole somewhat on and under his right collarbone, and a similar, lighter one beneath his left eye, near his cheekbone. Few fans know about it. He also has a long scar across his left knee from a bad incident with floor choreo at Cube. They knew the floor had splintered but did nothing to fix it, so he ended up injured. Luckily, Juwon healed well despite the scar.
STYLE / FASHION One would expect Juwon to dress very expensively, and he does- But the original outfits normally look like the pieces could have been bought pretty much anywhere. He prefers solid, unpatterned shirts ranging from short to long sleeve, turtleneck to V, it depends on the day. He'll pair them with simple jeans, but when it comes to his accessories you can tell they're designer. Six rings, three necklaces, five sets of earrings, limited edition shoes, maybe a multi-hundred dollar scarf if it's cold, a bag or jacket with an expensive label, Juwon really goes all in with his accessorization but has enough fashion sense to pair them with simple base clothing so it looks good. He doesn't really wear any makeup in his daily life, but occasionally he paints his nails.
POSITIVE TRAITS Loving, light-hearted, intuitive, patient, consistent, charismatic
NEUTRAL TRAITS Protective, strict, equanimous, observant, ambitious
NEGATIVE TRAITS Unforgiving, materialistic, calculating, cool, prideful, greedy
PERSONALITY OVERALL Nam Juwon is a goofy, kind older brother type for many of the people in his life. His large circle feels his love in his actions and his words. From buying them little gifts to listening to all their concerns, he does whatever he can to make the people he cares about feel appreciated. He's vocal in this, not the least bit afraid to tell someone "I love you," or to give them a sudden, unexpected compliment. Juwon is great with physical affection (Really likes giving hugs and head pats) but he's also very in-tune with an individual's needs and capacity for that.
He's the type to make jokes to lighten the mood, even if he himself is the target of said jokes. If that's what it takes to make everyone feel better, then he doesn't mind. He just hates seeing people hurting and prefers to keep a high mood. In all things outside of work Juwon seems to take it easy and be generally cheerful- It seems like he can't be shaken, in that sense. It enhances his charisma, makes him the person people like to look at. He naturally draws their eyes and makes them feel warm, and he makes them want to listen to him.
That isn't, however, the only reason people feel rather compelled to listen to Juwon. There's a coolness in him, be it in the practice or the meeting room. There's no space for mistakes. You feel like you're being watched by a hawk, ready to prey on any weakness. It's as though Juwon is going to eat you alive, and trust, he will. It's in the way he crosses his arms, tightens his jaw, narrows his eyes, or sometimes a small smile that should by all means be friendly but instead feels ice cold. Threatening. That, however, is typically reserved for business deals- The members of Revolt simply fear a lecture, disappointment rolling off their trusted leader in waves, though calm and collected he may be. He doesn't ever lose his composure. It is genuinely frightening.
If you're not someone Juwon holds affection for, though, you have much more to fear. He's a businessman. And he will get his way, through force if need be. There have been instances where he's crushed fingers beneath the heel of his boot until his terms were agreed to, or perhaps an oh-so-subtle and very real threat to the future of a career- Juwon has a way of convincing people, with harshness and cool hostility. He knows what he's doing. Each move was carefully calculated beforehand, benefits and detriments already weighed. He goes in fearlessly, always with the upper hand. You don't stand a chance.
Relentless in his pursuits, he cannot be stopped. He aims high but he's good at playing the long game. Juwon is fine with waiting a long time to see his plans and dreams to come to fruition- All in due time. And, despite his strictness with practice and perfection, if he sees a member is genuinely struggling, he's very patient as he helps them out. A good leader needs to be both hard and soft, set their expectations but guide his groupmates to that point. Juwon has a good balance.
But he wants a lot. There's always more that could be his, always more to do, always more to see. He wants and wants. His greed, for success, for expensive things, for love, is an undeniable flaw. Juwon can't be satisfied, and he's sometimes blinded from what he already has. He puts so much value in his things, in his money, Juwon can't help but want to show off how successful he is. The way he sees it, he earned all this, and that should be reflected. That can come off as arrogant and insincere.
But the thing about Nam Juwon is that he feels perfectly aligned with his own morals. He has certain lines he has placed that he won't cross- You won't find him killing a person who doesn't bend to his will, or even ordering a hit on them. That doesn't mean he won't watch someone else do it, or purposefully make moves in the business world that will cause the imminent collapse of their livelihood if they don't come running to him. It's just an unpleasant, but unavoidable part of doing business.
Juwon does things for himself, not taking any freebies. He doesn't change the rules to suit himself. He would never stoop "too low" or be too underhanded in anything- He'd never dole out what he doesn't think he can't take back. He has his principles that he's dedicated to, even if they're flawed ones in the eyes of general society. Even if they keep him from seeking help he needs. It's a matter of self-respect, his pride.
But those aren't his only principles. Juwon believes he has to protect the people in his corner. There can't be a inkling of disrespect in their direction, no candid insults or threats. He'll take care of it. Defend his people to the last breath. Juwon is always there for the people he cares about. It can be a bit overbearing, particularly for more independant people, but he has the best intentions and if it grates on anyone's nerves he's quick to notice. As much as he prefers to joke to keep things light, he also knows when it's best to be quiet and give a shoulder to cry on, or some tender advice instead. Juwon listens to his gut and it almost always serves him well.
BACKGROUND He doesn't remember any of the time he spent living at the orphanage- He only remembers being Nam Juwon. Adopted by Nam Muyeol and his wife Jang Sangmi, who were unable to have children of their own, Juwon's first memory is of his mother gently tucking his long hair behind his ear while he held tightly onto his father's large, warm hand. He felt very calm.
Much like his older siblings, Daehyun and Goeun, Juwon was raised with the knowledge that he was adopted. All of them had come from different orphanages at various young ages- It was just a fact about them. It didn't make their family any less real or close. Even though they were a fair bit older than him (Daehyun seven years, Goeun six), the three were quite close. They all went to the same private schools, got the same private tutors, and had extended stays in the States with each other. The Nam kids were close, even when their parents adopted two more children- Yihwa and Haeil, six and eight years younger than Juwon. Finally, their family was complete.
But the children were also raised to know business, very intimately. Muyeol was very supportive of his childrens' individual interests, but at the same time he wanted the kids to understand exactly how he made his money and why. The family was in the electronic industry, and were doing undeniably well for the company having started with Muyeol. New money, yes, but a fairly strong player in this game. Juwon found his lessons on business and economics enjoyable. He was good at following the math and reasoning, and even better with the leadership and problem-solving aspects.
His school life was happy. Sociable, he made all kinds of friends and preened under the praise of his teachers. When Juwon had free time, his older siblings would take him to parks or out to ice cream, and he loved all the attention he got for being "well put-together for a little boy." At home, entertaining his younger siblings was just as enjoyable. Haeil liked when Juwon read to him, while Juwon and Yihwa cooked together. On the rare occasions he was upset, his mother would seek him out and hug it all better, and his father would gift him something fun. Still, he had chores to do and couldn't have dessert unless he ate his vegetables. A picturesque childhood you would find in a magazine.
One would expect something this perfect to go wrong. It didn't- It just changed, somewhat, after Juwon turned twelve. Usually, he would be left alone after eight o'clock to do as he pleased until he got himself ready for bed. But one night, his father called him to his office. He sat Juwon down and said, "I think it's time you learned the other side of business. Let's go on a ride somewhere."
His demeanor was cool, but calm and he held his usual kindness. The obedient child Juwon was, he nodded, changed back out of his pajamas and into clothes, and got in the car as asked. He was suprised to find Goeun and Daehyun in the car as well. Just like his father, they were calm, with Daehyun even handing him a snack to eat. To this day, Juwon can't eat salted peanuts without remembering what happened next.
The drive wasn't so long that he became bored, but still long enough that the rumbling had made him sleepy. He rubbed his eyes as the car parked, taking a look around. They almost seemed to be in the middle of nowhere. Trees were barren, their leaves laying on the ground to rot. The moon illuminated the old cabin they were in front of, which was the only building around. His breath became white in the cold air. Muyeol took his hand, and the siblings filed in behind him.
Pristine furniture greeted them, but the lights were off and they ignored it to walk through the first floor, instead heading for a door in the back left. Behind it were stairs leading to the basement- Juwon could hear sounds down there. Slight apprehension hit him then, and as though his father could feel it, he gave him a kind smile. The Nams went down the steps, through a small archway where the only light was shining, and found themselves viewing to a man in a fancy suit, strapped to a chair, bloody and bruised, his eyes covered with a blindfold. Behind the chair stood a woman, her gloved hand laid on his shoulder. His father strolled easily into the room.
"This, my son, is the ugly side of business. This is the dirty work you can't avoid if you want to get to the top."
Juwon's stomach felt a little queasy when the man in the chair made a small noise, and he averted his gaze,
"I thought you weren't supposed to hurt people."
"It's fine if you're protecting yourself and your family, Juwon. Don't you forget that," His father gestured to the chair, "It's okay. Look."
But first, he glanced at his elder siblings behind him. Daehyun's nod and Goeun's ruffle of hair reassured him.
So Juwon looked.
When they left, the man was still alive. Juwon realized in the next few months that he probably wasn't any longer. That was just business.
His life continued on as it had beforehand- Just a couple more business trips that ended less...Wordy than before. Around this time he also began to learn Mandarin, as he knew how valuable it was in the business world. And, he really did love business. It was fascinating, ever-evolving, and challenging. But Juwon also found himself watching the gorgeous people on his TV screen more closely every single day. Idols, performing on stage, and laughing on variety shows. Doing intense sports, or even raising babies for fun. He, Yihwa, and Lili (A nickname he had long ago given Haeil) would gather up around the screen, oohing and ahhing as they watched idols in their glitz and glamour.
Yes...Juwon wanted to do that, he realized. He really wanted to sing.
He began to practice on his own. He'd spend hours in his room, turning on music like SHINee, IU, U-Kiss, and Brown Eyed Girls with as high as volume as he could so no one would hear him singing along. He tried to copy the dances he'd seen on TV in his own bedroom mirror. It seemed like all Juwon could talk about was performing, describing in detail how amazing he imagined it would feel to dance and sing on stage in front of passionate fans to his family over dinner.
Only a few months after he began developing a strong interest and practicing on his own, Juwon was scouted by Cube Entertainment, home to the star-studded newer groups 4Minute and Beast. He was ecstatic, immediately auditioning. He passed with flying colors, and his family and friends all cheered him on.
To be honest, it was harder than Juwon had imagined. He was still studying in middle school, not to mention his language tutors, and in the later years helping his family with business. Thankfully, the company wasn't too fussy with him when he had to skip training to work with his parents. Still, he put in a lot of long, hard hours, missing sleep and meals, working out to create a more attractive physique- Juwon felt like he was never resting, but he didn't mind. He was really fascinated with it all.
But he did notice...He noticed the way the other trainees would whisper about him when he walked by, or clamp up when he came into a practice room. It hurt him a bit, to be honest, but he chalked it up to him always showing up to lessons with nice practice clothes while the rest had old leggings, tank tops, and shoes with holes from dancing too hard. But as the next three years passed, the points and whispers didn't stop, and came the day Juwon finally overheard a conversation.
"I really can't believe he's still allowed to be here...I get he's got the face to debut, but his skills? Every other kid that got kicked last evaluation was better than him."
"Yeah, well, they should have had the money to keep them here I guess."
"Dude!"
"Oh come on, everyone knows it's true. Eunjung's even heard the trainers complaining about it."
Everyone knew it was true...Except for Juwon. He went home that day, jaw tight, eyes set straight ahead. Each breath seemed to fill him with more quiet rage. Juwon shrugged off Lili's hand and made a beeline for his dad's office, not even bothering to knock. Muyeol looked at him over the top of a book, smiling at the sight of his son and setting them aside.
"Juwon! You're home early."
"Why did you do it?" His father's eyebrows drew together.
"Do what?"
"Why did you pay my way into the company?"
Ever the businessman, Muyeol's expression never did betray him, but the anger from his middle son was unlike anything he'd ever shown before. He felt compelled to be honest, and he was, explaining that Juwon had seemed so passionate about music that he wanted to ensure his pathway there. It was a simple deal, really- Cube would let him into their trainee program, and he would invest in the company. A larger investment would be made if he were to debut.
As his father spoke, the shame drenched Juwon. For three years, he'd bled, sweat, and cried on Cube's floors, under the assumption that he'd made his way there himself. He worked with his fellow trainees as an equal, feeling such sympathy for them when they lost their spots in the program, thinking that he would debut in their honor. And yet, the whole time, he had unfairly stolen their spots, and they had seen him as the rich kid who paid to be there. It was embarrassing, so much so that he could hardly breathe. Sixteen years old, and so naive. Juwon clentched his fists and looked his father directly in the eyes.
"If you ever interfere in my singing career again, make no mistake, I'll cut ties with you. Don't ever embarrass me like that again. I'll work for my career from the bottom- The same way you did."
Muyeol agreed, and Juwon kept his composure during the long walk from his father's office to his bedroom. The door locked, he turned music on and began to practice.
He never went back to Cube Entertainment again.
Juwon started to audition all on his own within a couple months. He passed to the second round a few times, but never onto a final trainee status. Then, about a year after his confrontation with his father, a manager from Noir Entertainment scouted him. Immediately suspicious, he accepted the card but headed to Muyeol's office when he got home. However, when his father denied any involvement and gave him his congrats, he realized it may really be his chance- And it was. Nam Juwon was accepted as a Noir Entertainment trainee and finally returned to his long trainee life in his last year of high school.
And it felt so right. He had been training since 8th grade, the years where he felt he was truly discovering himself, so spending 11th grade practicing by himself had felt just unbelievably empty. Music was like Juwon's very breath. He needed it. Singing, dancing, performing, it was all a piece of him now, for better or for worse. Juwon dropped his private language lessons and stays overseas. He was invested in graduating and working hard to prove himself as a trainee. After all, it wasn't every day that a company as big as Noir scouted you, and he knew he had to put in the work to make himself a valuable trainee.
This isn't to say Juwon lost his interest in business. No, far from it. After he graduated, he had more time to do networking with his father. He was good at balancing his training, work, and personal life from the start, really. As much as Juwon wanted to debut as an idol, he also felt a pull to become a businessman- He felt it would be a bit of a waste if his natural talent in that area was never put to use. As he laid in bed, Juwon would roll over in his mind what he would want to do, what he would want to make. What was so separate from his family's business, yet still something he could be good at working with?
What sort of things would be good for an idol to get into?
Juwon liked things, and one of his most expensive things was his cologne. He personally found that in any setting, one of the first things you'd notice about a person was their scent. It gave you a feeling for their personality, and was something you'd start associating with them. But as he perused the scents available at cheaper stores where the average person would find their perfume, Juwon found that they all seemed the same. Something very light and fresh, oftentimes foreign brands...And he began to think that he could do so much better.
He spent a lot of time and money mixing together various essential oils, even going onto making his own. Friends and family would provide feedback, though oftentimes it was negative- Something too strong was considered to be unpleasant in Korean culture, but Juwon still wanted to find a way to present the youth something to stand out while also being distinctly gender neutral. The need for a gender neutral line was inspired by baby brother Lili, who was growing up to strictly prefer appearing androgynous. The kid was the love of his life, Juwon would do anything for him and if a gender neutral scent would make him feel more like himself when he was a bit older then everyone should have that option available to them.
And with that goal in mind, he was able to put together six different scents that he and many of the people he knew found to be unique and attractive. The bottles were pretty but inexpensive, and Juwon knew just where to source sustainable but reasonably-priced ingredients. He had his brand name, logo, and marketing all figured out- All that was left was to find where he would manufacture the products...And to get permission from Noir.
But before he could he was put into the debut lineup for Revolt. Juwon knew that he had to go all-in on preparations for it, so he put it to the side until he had more room. This was his dream more than anything. Finally, his seven years of training (Eight by debut) would be paying off just like he knew they would. His gamble at a long game worked with being an idol, increasing his confidence the same would occur with his fragrance line. It was just a matter of time.
DAILY ROUTINE [free days] Juwon is constantly busy. He wakes up at seven and immediately checks his business email. He answers anything important as he washes his face and brushes his teeth, before eating breakfast (Often just microwaved rice or scrambled eggs), feeding Koko, and showering. While he showers he'll reply to his friends and family and heads to the company around 8:30 for any meetings or practices he may have. He'll spend at least an hour in the company gym after will either order lunch or head out to meet whichever sibling or friend he may have made lunch plans with, usually around two or three. Once lunch is over, Juwon is likely to visit his store to check on how things are doing and will take care of anything that Jaein brings to his attention.
If he feels like he did poorly during morning practice he'll go back to the practice rooms, but if he's satisfied he'll go see Mireu at his home, Eunju at her work, or head on over to his parents' place for a visit.
Juwon will likely be answering emails and texts all through the day, and gets back to the dorm before eight where he'll eat leftovers or order something- Though if the Revolt members are around and hungry, he'll occasionally cook dinner for them. After eating, he plays with and feeds Koko again, then making time for team bonding, be it playing games, watching something, or just talking together. Juwon will check messages and emails again, and do some general finance work and marketing planning before washing his face, brushing his teeth, and heading to bed around two in the morning, normally with Koko snoozing on his shoulder.
WEEKLY ROUTINE Even if he's promoting, Juwon will have to check on the storefront once a week. There are times he goes to meetings with The Writer to go over music with the management team, but sometimes he leaves his bandmate on his own to instead attend his own business meetings with investors.
WEEKENDS Juwon actually enforces a team meeting every other Saturday night so they can discuss any problems or concerns that anyone might have- Be it with another member, their music, practices, their schedule, etc. He thinks it's essential to maintaining team chemistry. He's also most likely to be assisting his family's business on weekends, though his participation has dropped quite a bit since Revolt began releasing music.
NEAT OR MESSY Without a doubt, Juwon is very neat. He may own a lot of things, but he keeps it all in order and takes good care of his possessions- They're important to him, after all. His neatness is essential to running his business as well. If he has time, he'll clean up any mess he comes across in the dorm but it's more likely that he will ask the next member he sees to take care of it before he gets back- He really doesn't have the time to pick up after the others and the members all know his expectations for the state of the dorm.
HOLIDAYS OR EVENTS CELEBRATED He celebrates all typical Korean holidays, but doesn't hold any particular fondness for them- Though he has grown to appreciate Seollal and Chuseok much more than he did in the past due to the time he gets off to visit his family.
LIKES
+ Being busy, as long as he can remember he's had his days filled and thinks it'd be strange if that changed
+ Flowers preserved in resin, Juwon finds them to be quite beautiful
+ Mario Kart, it might have something to do with the fact that it's the only game he's good at
+ Buying and owning things, perhaps too much so
+ Praise, not many people are aware but he pretty much lives off the stuff
+ Water bottles, there isn't a particular reason but he likes drinking from them more than cups or glasses
DISLIKES
+ People who aren't up to his standards, you don't have to work hard but there has to be something redeeming about you otherwise
+ Thunderstorms, but Juwon would never admit to it. Still, one could venture to guess they even scare him, if his repetitive and very nervous swallowing is any indication
+ Conservative values- The whole world has been moving forward, so you should be as well.
+ Dishonesty, it implies to him that he was't seen to be trustworthy enough for the truth, and it's important to Juwon that the people in his life trust him.
+ People interfering, in both personal and business areas. Juwon is the type to take care of things on his own, unless he finds it beneficial without going against his own principles.
+ Yellow, it is definitely the ugliest color
HOBBIES
+ Making new scents for the line, it's technically work but he finds joy in it
+ Composing, he hasn't ever shared his works because he doesn't think he's particularly talented at it but Juwon does enjoy trying it out on the rare occasion he has nothing else to do...This is also sort of his job.
+ Does grocery shopping count?
+ Okay, honestly he doesn't have time for hobbies outside of work and he's fine with it! He does what he loves, after all.
HABITS
+ Checks his phone notifs every few minutes, he won't answer them right away but he wants to know what is there.
+ Rubbing the watch that his father gifted him for his high school graduation, he could be wearing it or it could be in his pocket but he does this absentmindedly
+ If tired, Juwon can be caught rubbing his hand over his face repeatedly
VIRTUES
+ Responsibility
+ Loyalty
+ Integrity
VICES
+ Apathy
+ Vindictiveness
+ Pride
OTHER
+ Recently adopted a kitten he named Koko (here)
+ She's his first pet
+ His favorite Pokémon type is grass
+ Accordingly, Bulbasaur is his favorite Pokémon and he receives many Bulbasaur-themed gifts from fans.
+ Outside of K-pop, Juwon's favorite music to listen to is instrumental anime OSTs. He finds them particularly nice to listen to when driving.
+ Juwon got his license and car against the wishes of the agency- It was impractical in his case to rely on others to take him where he needed to go, so he took care of it
+ He personally bought the dorm a good coffee maker after debut as a gift to the boys.
+ For the non-coffee drinkers he got high-quality tea
+ Juwon gives good advice in pretty much all situations.
+ Wears reading glasses
+ Favorite SHINee song is Moon Drop, a Japanese track
+ Favorite Key song is This Life
+ Juwon is probably closer to his siblings than his friends, but he considers his friends to be chosen family. The kids of Revolt are viewed similarly.
+ Would do anything to keep the members safe, protected. He treasures them- Even if it means crossing the lines he drew, if he must...
+ His favorite non-Korean artist is Minami (here)
+ Thinks a strange amount about zombie apocalypses and what he would do if he had to live through one
+ Juwon has dated a number of times before but he feels that none of the relationships ever got too serious
+ Doesn't feel like he's gifted with any musical talent- He is the first to admit he had to work really hard to become any good at song and dance
+ Big fan of Apink
+ Hopes to one day lobby for changes to South Korea's laws on adoption, orphans, and child abandonment. The whole system and traditional views work against kids like Juwon. He knows he and his siblings are insanely lucky the Nams chose them. Most kids will never have half the opportunities they did. There shouldn't be shame in being adopted or adopting.
+ Keeps a well-stocked first aid kit in both kitchen and bathroom for emergencies
+ Calls the maknae line as a whole "the little ones"
+ Juwon has an affectionate nickname for every member, whether they want it or not
+ He personally uses the scent Photo from his Candid line, although previously he used Bleak and Alight.
FAMILY
father
fc: sung dong il
Well-off businessman Nam Muyeol is very well-known in the tech business for his quality products and genius in his field. His company started small, from scratch, and rose quite quickly to significance. However, it is also an open secret in the field how ruthless he, his wife, and two eldest children are. No one is safe from the Nam family if you cross them, no matter how good your relations previously were. His middle son is much more lowkey, but somehow just as frightening of a force. Muyeol likes it that way.
But he's always been a loving father to Juwon. He cherishes his children greatly, because having a large family was his dream from the time he was young. When Sangmi was unable to carry, it felt like a curse, maybe their payment for carelessly stepping over and crushing their competition without a thought, but once they began adopting it felt like more of a blessing. From Daehyun to Goeun, Juwon to Yihwa and finally Haeil, it felt like his family became warmer and more loving, built to trust and rely on each other. His children got along well, like any other siblings and it felt so right. Muyeol admired their personal strengths every day they grew up but never wanted them spoiled. No, if he handed everything to them then how could they learn the life lessons that made him who he was?
But Muyeol's weak spot is those kids, so he had to prepare them for the dirty business world as well. It was never pleasant to show them the cruelties of man that he was compelled to participate in, but if it kept them safe, then so be it. Wiping Daehyun's tears, holding Goeun's little hand, wrapping Juwon in a hug, petting Yihwa's hair, and rubbing Lili's shoulder as they dealt with the things they saw hurt but he would do it again even if he had the chance to go back. It was what would make them so strong in their resolve.
Juwon is forever grateful to his father, who gave him his great skillset and so many opportunities. They have a strong bond, though the wound from his overstep with Cube Entertainment still sometimes stings. It's a bad habit of Muyeol's, crossing the line in an attempt to help. That was something all his children had to deal with, but overall Juwon has forgiven him, as he now has this precious team, Revolt, whom he loves so much. Muyeol is happy for his success, though he so often begs Juwon to let him offer Noir sponsorship deals between Revolt and his products. His son never fails to shut him down, and quickly.
He thinks of all his children, Juwon's the most natural with business, but his soft heart weakens him. It is far better that it's his side work- But he will certainly praise his son for all of it whenever given the chance. They can't meet often these days, with the both of them busy but Juwon makes the effort to at least send him a text every few days.
Muyeol has attended every Revolt showcase and concert, and has met the members a couple times. They find it quite amusing how affectionate he is towards their leader, who can only blush and tell his dad to calm it down while he's working. It's always nice to see someone getting a taste of their own medicine, after all.
mother
fc: kim mi kyung
With or without her husband, Jang Sangmi always planned to do something amazing. She didn't plan on dying without making her name worthy of going into history books. So when she met Nam Muyeol, a man of equal determination, she fell immediately. Their many years and trials together have only made their bond stronger. The way they work together is admirable- They always covered each other's weaknesses, in work and private life. In their younger years, they were certainly known as a power couple in the tech industry. To this day, they're feared. Sangmi has great pride in that fact.
Her sharp wit charms all she meets, but it can easily be turned against you. For Juwon, that was seen in the times he misbehaved and got a sharp lecture. But she was never an unkind person to him, because as a mother Sangmi truly gave it her all. She spent more time preparing for motherhood than she ever did on the company, because she knew that if she was going to raise children, they only deserved the best upbringing. The financial aspect was covered, so that left her to improve. It was a blow to find out she couldn't have kids of her own, yes, but it only served to strengthen her resolve to be a good mother. And any of her children would insist to you that she was the best.
Empathetic but stern, giving but not spoiling, encouraging and supportive, Sangmi was good at what she did. Juwon really can't give her enough love and praise, to the point that he gets called "a mama's boy." But she taught him to be proud of himself, so it doesn't bother him. He thinks that everyone deserves someone like her in their life.
He also admires how much Sangmi stands on her own. Her work with finances is incredible, and her skill speaks for itself. Honestly, imagining if his parents ever split up, Juwon is confident his mother could easily leave it all behind and start another business and it would thrive the same as the family one- Not that it would ever come to that, because it's clear all these years later that they're madly in love. Emotionally as well, she's strong. Juwon wants to be half the person she is.
She comes to less of Revolt's events as she oftentimes has meetings she can't skip, but Sangmi is always sure to send a wreath, and on the rare occasion, homemade food. That said, she did meet all the members predebut when she came to drop off a couple contracts she wanted her son to look over (It was an excuse to see him, really, as he was so busy). Though they haven't seen each other much, she's left the members with a very positive impression.
older brother
fc: kim sunggyu (infinite)
The eldest of all the Nam children, Daehyun, was six years old when he was adopted from an orphanage in Seoul. He felt hopeless before his parents found him, used to the horror stories from the older children that they would all age out because no one cared about them enough to add them to their family registry, and no one would want them after. Despite his young age, he thought he would grow up just to die on the streets. But then Nam Muyeol and Jang Sangmi came to him, and a whole new future unfolded in front of his eyes.
Daehyun and his new sister Goeun came home a few months apart. At first, they worried their parents, as both were very quiet. But Daehyun just didn't know what to say. From the overcrowded orphanage to this nice home with parents and someone to call a sister...It was strange. But as time passed, Daehyun grew used to his new environment and found himself wanting to please his parents as best he could. So he dedicated himself to his studies to take over the business in the future, and grew up a reliable older brother for what would become his four younger siblings.
Daehyun remembers the day Juwon came home. The boy was four, so said his mom, just released from the hospital after getting a bad infection in his lungs. He remembers looking over the pale, shaggy-haired kid and feeling the overwhelming need to protect him with his life. One look at Goeun confirmed it- This boy was their brother, and they would take care of him.
It didn't take Juwon long to fully recover, but Daehyun can never shake the feeling all these years later that if the wind blows too hard, his brother will blow away as dust. He's protective of him, even though they're both grown. Juwon doesn't get mad, though he adamantly says he doesn't remember ever being in the hospital. It doesn't really matter- Daehyun won't forget the teary, sad eyes of that day.
Juwon, of course, loves his older brother and if he needs anything, he is sure to turn to Daehyun. After all, the man gives the best advice he thinks he's ever gotten. He has a creative way of thinking about and working around problems, and sees things in a way Juwon simply can't. There's a lot of trust between them. As Daehyun is recently married, they aren't in frequent contact so he can get settled. Still, the elder sends Juwon frequent support texts for all of Revolt's activities and asks him to let the other members know. Most likely to send the boys dessert as a gift- He also always seems to have a couple snacks on him.
older sister
fc: bae joohyun (irene, red velvet)
Nam Goeun is extremely confident in her ability to get things done. She's a force of her own, a sharp eye, and very grateful to be part of her family. She has few memories of her time at an orphanage in a small and somewhat rural town in the Korean countryside. What Goeun does recall is too many kids, not enough adults, and a lot of crying. She remembers being very shy and reserved after meeting her parents and brother, who had only been home a bit longer than her. She doesn't dwell on any of this an adult- She was given a life many Korean orphans would kill for. Her parents love her, and her siblings are her closest friends. She's very, very lucky.
Of the Nams, Goeun is often seen as the scariest. If she's the one in your meeting room, you had better play your cards right because things can go south for you very quickly. She is less than afraid of getting her hands dirty. Goeun's certainly taken after her parents in that aspect.
But, away from work and inside her home, Goeun is very much a fun and energetic individual. Growing up, she would roughhouse and wrestle with Daehyun and Juwon, and quite often won. A loud and full-bodied laugh complete with bending over and hitting her knee, playful challenges that she knows her siblings can't ever hope to win but still take, a prank here and there, she's the life of the party. Goeun's mischief is cute, if you ask Juwon. He's endured both her teasing and her kindness for years. She's the kind of sister you hold this affectionate annoyance for.
Yes, Juwon adores her. He adores all his siblings- He has a lot of love to give! But Goeun truly does love him back. She's proud of all the growth he's made since he first came home- Proud that he handled things so well when he was twelve, proud that he stood up to their dad when he crossed a line person to him, proud that he's worked to earn his career. Goeun really thinks his patience is amazing- It's something she could never dream of having.
Goeun actually owns a peach winery and as such leaves the city semi-frequently for weeks at a time. She is passionate about her business, no one can deny. Because of her busy schedule, Goeun schedules a meal with each of her siblings within two months and otherwise texts them a few times a week, normally while she travels. However, she makes a point of attending Revolt showcases and sending them good meat at least once a year since debut.
younger sister
fc: kim jihyeon (youi, dreamnote)
Juwon will never forget when his parents told him they were looking to adopt more children, and had found two. Honestly, he felt he never suited being the youngest, and when Nam Yihwa was brought home as a small, wriggling toddler? He felt like his world had shifted focus. Suddenly, this little girl from the seaside looked to him with a pouting lip, begging for more juice their mom said she wasn't allowed to have. She tugged on his pant leg to get the toy left on a shelf too high for her to reach. She needed him, and Juwon loved it. It seemed she unquestioningly depended on him and, and it made him want to protect her more than himself.
Of course, as time passed by, Yihwa naturally became more independant but she never lost that innocent sparkle in her bright eyes. And, speaking of bright, Yihwa is easily the most intelligent of the Nams. All things school and booksmart came to her easily, hence how she ended up enrolled at Seoul National U, and on a full ride as a Pre-Vet Course student. Her love and dedication to animals makes Yihwa sympathetic, and she's very good at getting to know new people- If she can tear herself away from whatever book she's reading, that is.
Yihwa has this unmatched thirst to learn simply for the knowledge, quite unlike Juwon who liked the praise he associated with it. Yihwa's just most content when she's learning, and as such doesn't care much for the family business. Juwon remembers when she was twelve years old and he accompanied her to that place in the woods. She was distressed for some time, and he recalls the tight hug, her little body clinging to his as he whispers reassurances in her ear. However, Muyeol was good at this, and appealed to her curiosity and chase of knowledge to coax her into looking. Though she refused to discuss that night with him after, Juwon always found it interesting how much she dove into medical books in the following months.
Since Yihwa is a university student, she doesn't have much freetime but is an avid texter. She's always sending her older brother some sort of new fact she learned, or a voice message ranting about the annoying thing her classmate did. Honestly, the voice messages are often the highlight of his long, tiring days. Juwon likes to treat Yihwa, her girlfriend, and Lili to meals together when he has the chance.
baby brother
fc: won hyuk (E'LAST)
The baby of the Nams- Haeil, much more commonly known as Lili. It's a nickname Juwon gave him when he was quite young, flipping the il in his given name to li and making the very cute Lili he has today. He loves the nickname, really, and it holds a lot of meaning since his older brother gave it to him. Seriously, more than just being the Nam siblings' baby, he is specifically Juwon's baby. They just adore each other to the moon and back. Juwon can't really name a reason why, Lili has just always felt special to him from the start.
Haeil came home a short few months after Yihwa did, similar to the gap between Daehyun and Goeun. He was still a full-on infant, and Juwon, simply, was obsessed. He hovered around his mother every time the child began to cry, was the first to notice when he started getting fussy, played with him the most, cuddled with him the most, hell, the first thing he did when he got home from school was go check on the baby.
So, it's no surprise that they're still extremely close when older. Lili is finishing up high school in 2021 but you're more likely to see him texting his older brother than you are taking notes. He doesn't care much for his education- Rather, he's trying to make his living as a Youtuber. Known for his daily vlogs, beauty tutorials, and strong progressive views, he has 400k susbcribers for Lili's Corner of Earth. He advocates openly for LGBTQ+ rights and talks a lot about his androgynous appearance and how comfortable it makes him to have longer hair and wear makeup.
Juwon supports his endeavor fully. He's impressed with how well Lili turned his self-expression into his brand, and he loves to brag about how lovely and cute and kind his baby brother is. Lili is also Revolt's #1 supporter, even skipping school to come to at least one pre-recording per comeback, and entering the lotteries to get into fansigns. He's met the Revolt members many times, and they're honestly surprised at how...Accurate Juwon's description of "lovely, cute, and kind" is. Haeil truly embodies these traits, and despite being a bit shy, when he comes out of his shell or talks about something important to him, he's captivating. (Uses he/they pronouns)
sister-in-law
fc: lee kaeun
Daehyun's wife, Kim Yulbin, is a 27-year-old chef from Suncheon. They met at a bar four years ago, and flirted so much Daehyun's friend left the bar. Honestly, it was a game of cat-and-mouse for about a year- Juwon thought his brother was gonna lose his mind, because he was so into this girl who was having the time of her life playing hard-to-get. But Yulbin was just as interested in him, so once she finally dropped all her pretenses and asked him out, they had the most romantic relationship Juwon has ever seen.
And he's really happy for the both of them- Daehyun deserves someone of Yulbin's pure joy, and Yulbin really deserves someone of Daehyun's solidity.
Juwon likes talking to Yulbin, as she always has a really positive mindset. She's really motherlike, actually, but also the kind of friend that you go out to get tea with to just talk about life. She's good at comforting people and encourages everyone to take the risks that make life interesting. More than anyone else in his life, Yulbin consistently sends homemade food to the dorm. Revolt calls her Chef Kim as a sign of respect...Except Juwon, who calls her Yulbin noona.
FRIENDS
best friend
fc: park haeyoon (cherry bullet)
A former soloist under Noir Ent., Juwon trained with Park Eunju for some time before she made her debut in 2015 with April Fools. She was somewhat successful but chose against signing a contract extension in 2019. While in the company, Juwon and Eunju became the best of friends. He always streamed her songs and got her albums, because her music was amazing. Juwon always felt like she was gifted an awesome voice. Of course, Eunju did the same back.
Eunju is the type of person that can't stand to be held down for too long, though. Through her early years she flit easily through different agencies, leaving quickly when she didn't get what she wanted. That's how she and Juwon differed most- Where he's patient, she's restless. Eunju loved making music but couldn't stand any time she wasn't promoting, and Noir didn't have a shortage of artists. So she ran the moment she got- Juwon supported her decision completely, even though she didn't choose to go to another company. Eunju is truly, unbelievably grateful for that.
Since she hasn't gone back into any celebrity careers she has a lot of disappointed fans, so Juwon sticking by her side makes her feel comforted and like she didn't make a mistake. When Juwon isn't busy, he'll make plans with Eunju- A lot of the time, they're practicing singing together, or he visits her at the café where she is currently employed at. They're well-known friends to the public, so the open closeness allows them to have fun together without too many rumors. They're the kind of best friends that can tell each other everything, and expect to get brutal honesty in return. Juwon really loves her. Obviously, as they're former labelmates she is very familiar with and likely friends with a few Revolt members.
close friend+employee
fc: lee minho (lee know, stray kids)
Ryu Jaein is a close friend from high school. He comes from a rich family with old money, so by all means and traditions they shouldn't have gotten along. However, Jaein is the very last person on this Earth to care about anything like traditions, so he was quick to approach Juwon after he noticed they had a lot of classes together. He found Juwon's intense passion for music fascinating, as he didn't have anything he was particularly interested in. There was no reason for it after all- He was set for life no matter what he did, so Jaein felt comfortable taking a long time to find his passion. In the meantime, he could be entertained by his friend's.
These days, Jaein works for Juwon's scent line, ensuring the financials and the standards for the business are in line and regularly met. Though they are friends, he certainly got the job of his own merit. So oftentimes the two are talking business more than they're being everyday friends, but Juwon trusts him with a lot of his personal life. Jaein was the one he turned to for emotional support when he found out his father had meddled with his singing career. He's a good shoulder to cry on, though not so much great with advice. Definitely more of a listener, and sometimes that's all you need from your friend.
When they meet for business, it's typically in a private room at one of few trusted restaurants. Once they get through the nitty gritty of it all, Juwon and Jaein will go onto talking about everyday things, like their families and what's been going on in the world. On things like social issues, they agree easily with each other but aren't afraid to debate each other on smaller things. They're close, though Jaein interestingly hasn't met the Revolt members.
RIVAL/ENEMY
leader, main vocal of lns
fc: byun yong seop (rano, e'last)
A former Cube Entertainment trainee, Heo Taesu will never forgive Juwon for the past, and he has made that clear. He's just one of the many that were kicked from the trainee program while Muyeol paid for his son's spot. After being abandoned by Cube, Taesu made his way through a few different companies before finding a home at LightBox Media (~FNC-tier). Within a year, he debuted in a five-member group known as LNS, meaning Light and Shadow. A dual concept of bright boyishness and heavy darkness, they made a bit of a wave through their comebacks. They also had overlapping promotional periods with Revolt...
Taesu was less-than-happy to see Juwon, but the feeling was mutual. He was one of the trainees Juwon could never stand, for his holier-than-thou vibe and easy rage at trainees who fell behind. Meeting backstage was an uncomfortable experience for both groups. Juwon was at his most frightening, the crossed arms and unfriendly smile up against Taesu's obvious, boiling anger. The exchange seemed easy on Juwon's end, but the latter was stiff, gaze like daggers as they exchanged greetings. One off-handed comment as they passed by each other from Juwon was all it took to cement the mutual hatred- "Shouldn't you be more level-headed for the sake of your team?"
Yeah...It wasn't great. It doesn't help that Revolt fans and LNS fans are constantly at war with each other, each determined to prove that their faves are better. Something of natural enemies, Juwon supposes. But he would be lying if he said he didn't look forward to crushing Taesu on his way to superstardom. It's the businessman in him...Seeing your rival crumble is always good.
ASSORTED
yihwa's girlfriend (3 years!)
fc: yang yena (april)
Yihwa's girlfriend since high school, Han Dohee has been in Juwon's life for a couple years and it appears she may be in the remaining because...It doesn't look like she and Yihwa are gonna split any time soon. Her more easy-going and social counterpart, Dohee is his baby sister's biggest cheerleader. Actually, his heart sorta breaks when he visits home to find the two of them cuddling sweetly on the couch, oftentimes Yihwa asleep and Dohee smiling lovingly at her as she her hair. She goes to a different college and works at a beauty salon as an assistant, so they most often spend time at his parents' house. Juwon is pretty sure she sleeps there more than he does.
He treats her to meals with his baby siblings often because she sort of feels like a third one to him. Plus, she treats his sister so well, he can't help but want to thank her however he can. Also, Dohee won't take any gifts that aren't food because she feels like it's charity, as her family isn't very well-off (She and Yihwa first met at a mall). Juwon quite likes that she isn't strange about his status as a celebrity too- He does worry that it might affect his siblings sometimes. Dohee is even kind enough to stream Revolt's music even though according to Yihwa, she doesn't like a single track.
father's assistant/driver/babysitter
fc: lee kwang soo
For about as long as Juwon could remember, Hong Byungjae had been working for his father- And ever since he was sixteen, that's just what Byungjae's been doing. Muyeol found him on the streets of Seoul, begging for money or food. "You know, I can do you one better." It seems so dangerous now, going off with this strange rich man, but at the time he just wanted to eat. And it all turned out fine in the end- Byungjae was given the in-law suite on the Nam property and taught to be a suitable personal assistant. Muyeol also arranged a tutor for him until he could get his GED, and got him a driving instructor, so once he got his license Byungjae could drive him around. He knew, with all these new skills, he could leave at any time. In fact, Muyeol reminded him often. But he felt indebted...And like part of the family.
Byungjae is a bit of a hurried man, if you ask Juwon. Scattered, never one to stop for a long conversation, he'd think the man would make an awful PA- But that's what makes him so charming. He can hardly get him to stop for more than ten minutes to talk before Byungjae runs off to get one thing or another done, dedicated to his work, and Juwon admires it. He feels like he can trust his father's assistant quite a lot. He's stuck around for so long, and has taken care of a few things Juwon's asked him to through the years as well. The whole Nam family appreciates him, really.
manager
fc: nam joohyuk
Kim Jihoon, Juwon's lord and savior. He's great with the Revolt kids, and he knows that he can rely on his dear manager to take care of them if he gets caught up in family and business affairs. Generally, this isn't the case but Juwon can't predict everything, so if he's overwhelmed with work, Jihoon is great at taking the reins for a little while without needing to be asked. There are no doubts in his mind that Revolt would have fallen to pieces long ago without his assistance and care- He's certainly an honorary member of the team in Juwon's eyes and as such is showered with gifts and love.
If he has concerns about any of the members, he turns to Jihoon to get his opinions and observations. They're a good team and their styles of leading seem to match up well. All in all, they're something like friends and coworkers, though Juwon does generally view him as an authority figure and will defer to him when he finds it appropriate. There's a mutual respect between them.
ultimate bias
key
Nam Juwon is Kim Kibum's biggest fanboy in the whole world. Seriously, ever since he first started listening to SHINee when he was young, Key was the man he looked up to most. He's talented in all aspects, pretty, funny, and worked hard to make himself stand out. He's never been able to meet or get noticed by Kibum yet, despite his open admiration and love since predebut, making him the most pitiful unsuccessful fan. His own fans about it...But Juwon will meet Kim Kibum one day, no matter what it takes. He'll get his FACE album signed...He'll tell Key of his SHINee album collection that includes every concert DVD and special edition version they've ever released...He'll get Lili's FACE album signed too, because they share this love for Key. Juwon will tell Kibum about how much he inspired him, how his music helped him at his low points, how he's only in this line of work because Kibum made it possible, and how he made his dear younger brother more comfortable in his skin by his attempts to blur the lines of gender in fashion. Revolt members bet that if Juwon was to ever lose his composure, it would be because he's meeting Kim Kibum.
bandmate
fc: kim seungmin (collab with exponentially_me)
Bae Dal, or Little Prince (In English) if you ask Juwon. As with every one of s, Juwon holds a deep affection for Dal as though he's his own family. He loves the motivation and drive Dal has, the kindness, the empathy- He thinks the younger is a far better person than many people give him credit for. The perfectionism comes from a place of wanting to do better, not thinking he is better, as far as Juwon can tell. He supposes that's where the nickname Little Prince came from- Rather than just being princely, he's a little brother Juwon wants to protect.
In a few ways, he feels like he can relate to Dal which makes it easier when the younger needs help dealing with something- He's definitely one of the easier members to understand and approach correctly. Juwon admires his beautiful voice and at times gets tips from Dal, but much like with Eunju, he feels like the boy was made to be good at this, unlike himself who had to work hard to become passable. He's not embittered by it, no, Juwon would simply say he and Dal are on different planets in that regard.
GENERAL VIBE AT THE DORM
Juwon feels very playful and fun to be around. He likes to make people happy and laugh. He's really good at taking care of them as well. His serious side is reserved for group practices and any business- Juwon's goal as leader is to make everyone the most comfortable that he can manage. That's why he enforces the bi-weekly group meeting even though it may seem unreasonable. It has definitely prevented a lot of issues from becoming bigger than they need to be. So in general, Juwon is someone you want to be around. He has a good, positive energy and gives people a lot of strength. He comforts them when they're down, and he makes them feel heard and important- He really is the big brother, and at times even father figure, everyone wants to have. It's also worth noting that Juwon will place Revolt above his fragrance line in importance. He feels that Jaein and that team can handle issues even if they're serious- Meanwhile, Revolt fully relies on him as a group and he won't let them or the fans down.
KOKO
Juwon fought to get this tiny kitten into their dorm and he would die for her. Koko grows every day and and she is the cutest, most cuddly baby you will find. Though she also likes to play, she really likes to snooze on people, especially their shoulders. If someone is practicing music she's likely to scamper over to sit and listen...She and Juwon are literally a match made in heaven. Koko's not afraid of strangers so if you walk in the dorm...A small cat will probably make her way to you with a meow.
JUWON'S SECRET
Juwon believes the only secret he has to keep is the history of his family's business.
The Nam family, like many other big players in any field of business, have turned to dirtier tactics to keep themselves high in the pyramid. Juwon's been privy to this information since he was twelve years old. At first, he was unsure how to feel, and it's solely due to his siblings' calm and reassurance that today, he isn't bothered by such violent events. He was desensitized at a young age. Many of his family's enemies, not to mention a few employees that may have wanted to report a wrongdoing or two, have disappeared...No one's looking for them, anyways. Hands have been forced in order to make business deals that benefit the Nam's company an unfair amount. Juwon has been personally involved in some of those. And if negotiations went poorly, a few companies went under in part due to the Nam's meddling.
The thing is, this is a bit of an open secret in the business world. It's common in their level of work, and as such, Juwon knows it's not so likely that it will be revealed by their enemies...It would cause far too many dominos to fall. So, he isn't that concerned, but he also doesn't openly admit to still helping his family out- He wants to make a bit of a distance between them. He's very careful about it, and if he's ever asked, every business meeting or event is for his personal venture.
MUYEOL'S SECRET
Juwon will learn that he has a bigger secret to keep than his family's doings- The existence of his daughter and her mother.
In 2015, Juwon had a girlfriend for about five months- Bae Sarang. Though one of Juwon's longer relationships, he ended things due to a lack of both time and interest. Sarang didn't seem too broken up over it, and he quickly forgot about her in the rush of work and responsibility as he found his spot in the Revolt debut lineup.
But Sarang was unable to forget, because months later she found out she was pregnant, and she had to do something. Juwon was impossible to reach after breaking up, and she was in a panic. Pregnant out of wedlock at twenty-one would be absolutely detrimental to her future. Chances of getting a good job, finding a good marriage partner, even her current friendships and family would suffer- And she didn't have the money to raise a kid, anyway. So she did the only thing she could think of, and went to Juwon's family home, where he had taken her once for a meal.
Introducing herself as Juwon's ex got her into the house, and she requested to see his parents. It wasn't like Sarang wanted to marry Juwon, they weren't really compatible, but if that was what it took to prevent all the social and monetary issues, she would do it. She was taken to Muyeol's office, where she explained the situation. Her nerves were high, as Muyeol remained quiet for a time. Finally, he asked her if she was sure it was his son's, and when she confirmed his whole body seemed to drag down with his sigh. Muyeol then asked Sarang how much money it would take to keep her from ever mentioning the baby to Juwon and staying far out of his way.
"What...Are you talking about?"
Muyeol looked at her, mouth pressed to laced fingers, "My Juwonie... He worked a long time to get this chance. If the situation were any different, I would love to see him marry you, Sarang. You're a lovely girl. But I can't let my son's precious dreams die, and a wife and child would kill them in an instant. So name your price, or allow me to figure it out. I know your social standing will take a hit, and I will take that into account when deciding a number. It could be emotionally hard for you, but I am asking with the upmost humility. Please raise this child on your own."
Sarang knew how rich the Nams were. She could see it just in the room she was sat in- It was more valuable than everything she'd ever owned put together, probably. The cold envy she'd felt the whole time she dated Juwon just washed over her again, and Sarang found that she really...Really wanted that money. She could ask for a ridiculous amount and she didn't think Muyeol would even blink, because it would mean that little to him. So she nodded, and Muyeol sighed in relief, and with the help of lawyers they drew up a private agreement. Every month money would be put into her account, more than enough to sustain her child, and also more than enough to cushion her social freefall.
Bae Ire (배이레) was born to a single mother in early 2016, her father none the wiser. However, her grandfather would fund her life and visit once a year, claiming to be her sponsor. Not a soul on the Nam's side knew of Ire, beyond Muyeol and his lawyer. She was a secret he held close to his chest- Even Byungjae was left unaware. It was a struggle, wiring money to Sarang without catching the notice of his wife's sharp eye. Jangmi was too good with their finances, but he had no choice. If she knew, she would tell Juwon immediately, and his son would know what he'd done. That couldn't happen.
However, secrets can only last for so long. Within a few months of the story's start, Muyeol dies of a heart attack. To put it plainly, Juwon is devastated, but he decides for the sake of his group and his family to stay strong. He takes only a week off to mourn before getting back into the thick of things. However, Muyeol's passing means Sarang is no longer receiving money, as that was something he personally handled. His death was sudden, so he hadn't set anything up to deal with her and Ire after he was gone.
With no job to speak of and now used to living her life in a state of fair luxury, Sarang won't let herself be left with nothing.
Normally, it wouldn't be easy to get in contact with an idol, but Sarang was in luck- Juwon happened to be an entrepneur with a storefront as well, and a responsible one that that. He visited the location often, meaning all she had to do was wait. And so she did, with her folder of documents that would prove her story, and a whole lot of bitterness in her heart. When Juwon came, she grabbed his arm, tipped down her pricy sunglasses, and the moment she saw recognition in his eyes, said,
"We need to talk. And in private, Juwonie."
Confused, a bit concerned, but as outwardly calm as ever, Juwon took her to the back, Jaein's eyes on him as they went to the door leading to his private office. It wasn't used often, but Juwon figured he could make the exception for his ex- He also had a feeling she had something serious to discuss. But what she said to him was far different than anything he had ever expected.
Juwon had a child. His father knew, and had paid off the mother for years. Sarang was literally holding the contract to prove it all with a signature he could never mistake.
She made him an offer- He could pay her 1.5 times the amount his father had, or she would bring the story to the media, with an angle that could ruin his whole image- It would be bad if the orphan who always had so much to say about the nation's laws hurting the children of single mothers were to have left a woman to be a single mother all on her own for the "glamour" of the idol life, refusing to even pay her child support.
It was a lot to take in, but Juwon was also used to that sort of rapid-fire attack at him in business meetings. He set aside his personal feelings for the time being, and thought with his head instead of his heart. Juwon requested a paternity test before any more negotiations were made. If there was a positive result, they could take further steps. Sarang agreed, and they exchanged their updated contact information. She left grinning- Meanwhile Juwon sat back in his chair, closed his eyes, and tried to breathe.
There was so much to unpack- What his father had done, what this child meant to Juwon, what it could mean for the future of his group, and his business, and he didn't want to think of any of it. He didn't have the emotional or physical energy to do so. The door opened and closed softly- Jaein sat on the arm of the chair and opened his arms. Juwon wrapped his around his friend's waist, and they sat in the embrace in silence.
Jaein didn't ask a single question, instead smiling kindly and telling him to drive safely when Juwon let go and gathered his things to leave. He was grateful for his dear friend, as always. But his mind was a mess, and he had so much work to do...There was always more work to do.
The paternity tests were done separately and in secrecy. Not a single person in Juwon's life knew what troubles has suddenly befallen him- Most everyone attributed his obviously-increased stress to his father's recent passing. Only Jaein knew it had something to do with that ex-girlfriend that had swung by, but he didn't want to press. But the results came back to Juwon, positive just like Sarang promised.
. . .
"I'll give you one week to think everything over. Juwon, let's come to an agreement after that, hm?"
He was ed.
Nam Juwon is left with a number of things to deal with. One, he learns of a daughter named Ire, and Sarang is firmly against letting them meet. She says she won't even consider the possibility, that Ire believes her father doesn't want her...And that is difficult to deal with. Family is important to Juwon...His own birth mother abandoned him when he was too young to remember. He grew up valuing his adoptive family so, so much, because they were all he had. He made his own circle of people he considered to be his family, because it was that important to him. And now he knew there was a whole child of his own...That would never really be his.
Because there was no question, Juwon would pay money. He couldn't imagine doing nothing for his daughter, but money was so distant. Money wasn't a father's love and protection. Money wasn't a personal relationship. It was nothing more than an obligation. He knew nothing about Ire, not even how she looked, much less what were the things she liked- He couldn't even so much as send his daughter gifts. It is true that Juwon could seek to establish his paternity in court, in an attempt to gain his rights as a parent, but then what about Revolt? What of his bandmates who worked so hard for their careers?
And what of Ire? It probably hurt her to think that her dad didn't want anything to do with her, but wouldn't it hurt more to learn that the mother who loved and raised her had lied her whole life? She was too young for that sort of reality, there was no way for her to understand. To try to be legally recognized at her father was selfish on all accounts.
And beyond questions of money and morality, Juwon is left with the knowledge that his father had betrayed him. Thoroughly so. He thought, all these years, Muyeol kept his promise. Instead, he'd broken it and done something worse. Rather than just interfering in his singing career, he also interfered with his personal life- Hiding his own damn child from him, even though he knew what family meant to Juwon. His father robbed him the chance to have a happy family of his own, to "protect" his singing career before it had even begun. To know that...It hurt worse than anything Juwon had ever experienced, and he wasn't sure that this was a wound that could heal.
Because his father was gone. For good. Nothing more than memories and ashes sprinkled over a lake. There was no storming into his office to confront him, there was no sitting down to talk it over and resolve everything like adults. There was just Juwon, his feelings, and a series of impossible decisions to make.
And for the first time in his life, Juwon felt alone.
ex-girlfriend
fc: kwon eunbi (iz*one)
To see Juwon again...The man who'd changed her life and not once done a thing about it...The man who got to live freely, while she had to raise a child all on her own...And somehow he was the one left floundering...Bae Sarang found that quite humorous.
In the past, Sarang only wanted to protect herself and her child. She was willing to commit herself to a loveless marriage for that purpose, but instead she was given a lot of money, and it seems that money changes a person, especially when that person always envied others. Some would call her extortionate, but really, isn't it just fair? So what if she's taking a bunch of money from rich people? They owe her, for the childcare and emotional labor both. She'll squeeze whatever she wants out of Juwon.
And sure, maybe it was wrong of her to tell Ire her father wanted nothing to do with her, but that was what it felt like. Besides that teensy tiny mistake, she's a perfectly good mother. Her daughter is loved and cared for. And Sarang will do what she wants to make sure their lifestyle is supported- It's what she would have had if she married Juwon, anyway. Maybe if he pays her enough she'll send him photos of Ire at her dance classes or something- That should be more than enough.
(Juwon finds Sarang to be completely unrecognizable as a person and wonders if single motherhood was really so hard that she changed so drastically in five years.)
LOVE INTEREST NAME Na Mireu (나미르)
FACE CLAIM Kim Donghyun (AB6IX)
BACK UP Revolt member
STATUS Childhood friends
PERSONALITY Juwon would say Mireu's mild manner hasn't changed very much through the years. He expresses himself much more with his facial expressions and body language than any of his words, is quite slow to his anger, and laughs gently at any of Juwon's grievances when he comes to his apartment to blow off steam. It all gives him this mysterious, "I have all the answers behind my smile" sort of charm. It's fascinating.
But Mireu just likes to listen and think. He doesn't find it necessary to react outwardly to everything that happens. It would be somewhat burdensome, so his smile and a laugh will do. It can cause misunderstandings, but after some time in his life it's something you come to expect. He simply doesn't want to linger very long on something overly emotional.
Instead, Mireu likes to talk about things that interest him, and can be very passionate on those. It's fun to see the quiet side tucked away so he can excitedly tell you all about something that matters to him. The earnest, almost childlike enthusiasm is cute. The fact that one person holds two sides, so unlike each other, only serves to make him more interesting.
THE PAST Though Juwon hasn't had a class with Na Mireu since the first year of primary, he's kept in contact with him for all these years. Much like himself, Mireu's wealth started with his parent (Specifically, his single mother) and so they got along well on that basis- Many of the other kids were subject to their parents' own bias against new money.
It could have been awkward between them, what with Juwon being a formerly-abandoned child and Mireu's mother not only raising him alone, but also being extremely successful while doing so, but neither felt the need to dwell on it. They were just...Friends, and remained that way no matter how much time went by.
Mireu always supported Juwon's dreams of being an idol. He felt like it somehow suited his friend, more than being a businessman ever would- Though he was always alone in such an opinion. He felt like Juwon thrived off being loved and loving in return, so having thousands of fans to do just that...It would probably be fulfilling. He really was happy for him when Revolt debuted.
At the same time of Revolt's debut, Mireu moved out of his childhood home and into his own apartment so he could invest more time and space into his painting. He enjoyed having his own home to explore his creativity in, and began to sell his paintings online- And after Juwon's suggestion, he began to take commissions as well. Side by side, these childhood friends made their hobbies their livelihoods.
THE PRESENT Juwon and Mireu are childhood friends, but the two also have a bit of a thing going on. It's just every once in a while, as neither have partners at the moment and Mireu's apartment is quite near the dorm, but Juwon occasionally goes over for . Honestly, there's a bit of a typical pattern to it- He has a bad day of practice or business, goes to Mireu's to complain, Mireu laughs at him over his cup of tea at his kitchen table, and they head to the bed.
But beyond that, they're good friends and have a lot of mutual interests. They share a favorite food, love cats, enjoy browsing street markets, like the same artists, etc. so they have quite a bit to talk about. It's more likely that Juwon stops at Mireu's place to just chat over a cup of tea or watch a movie together instead. Mireu goes to him for advice if something is really bothering him, but they're more the "let's have a good time together" kind of friends than the super emotionally connected. Though, despite that Mireu's very consistent with giving Juwon praise. He sees the way he perks up and just seems to glow when he gets it- He even thinks it's kinda cute.
As Mireu lives so close, he's met Revolt a number of times. If they're busy overseas or are far away, Juwon's cat Koko will stay with him until they return. He always sends them a card to congratulate them on their comeback, joking to Juwon that as a starving artists, a card is all he can afford (They both know his mother can and will support him if need be).
THE FUTURE Mireu sees a lot more of Juwon after Sarang comes back into his life, though admittedly he's unaware of the reason. Like most everyone in his life, Mireu attributes Juwon's stress and bad mood to the sudden loss of his father, whom he knows his friend loved and admired a lot. It hurts him, to see how often his hands rub over his face to try to rid himself of his tiredness, to see him grind his teeth to the point that it must be painful, and to see him lose himself in thoughts Mireu can't understand.
So he does what he can, by always making himself available for Juwon's frequent visits, by indulging in his friend's wants and needs, and by talking about anything and everything he loves because it makes Juwon smile. If he can see that smile, he feels like his friend is still within his reach. That's enough for Mireu. Being in reach means that he is still close enough to grab any hands reaching out for him when he's ready.
Juwon's not blind to this. He recognizes all of Mireu's efforts, and he thinks that's probably why he starts to fall in love. His childhood friend was a bit selfish in the way of never making changes to suit others- Whether that's good or bad is always up for debate, but knowing he put in effort for Juwon...It made him feel warm in a way he never had before. When he was with Mireu, it felt like his worries and pain could be forgotten for a short time. They always came back, but at least Mireu was there. That made it all bearable.
But if that's a strong enough foundation to start a serious relationship? Only time will tell.
NMJS ELECTRONICS
Years ago, Nam Muyeol and his wife Jang Sangmi began their venture into the tech industry with NMJS Electronics (Colloquially known as NMJS). Starting with home phones, NMJS quickly grew with the rest of the industry and went on to include TVs, cellphones, and most famously, their desktops and laptops. The products are known for a clean but practical design with user-friendly tech all designed by yours truly, Nam Muyeol. The man was known to be unfairly gifted in software engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science. Paired with Sangmi's skills in mechanical engineering, finances, and PR, they were a duo to admire and fear. NMJS is a household name in South Korea, with Muyeol as the CEO and Sangmi as the CFO.
The Nam Children
nam daehyun
Daehyun is expected to be heir to the company and CEO title once Muyeol's time at NMJS comes to an end. Rather than the tech design, he's skilled in running business and is expected to rely on R&D once he becomes CEO. He currently the COO and senior vice president, as well as an executive director. Notably, he is on an extended leave due to his recent marriage.
His hands are not clean of blood, however, a fact he is resigned to despite that it displeases him. Only when it is unavoidable, and he hopes to run the company more cleanly once he is CEO.
nam goeun
Goeun is not a day-to-day worker at NMJS, instead serving as an outside director on the board. She recently stepped down as chairman to put more focus on her own business, but it is expected that she will be reinstated due to issues with her replacement. She owns a lot of stock within the company.
Unofficially, Goeun takes care of the dark side of the family business, which is why you don't want her to show up at meetings. This includes but is not limited to: Covering up scandals, contracting hitmen, torture, and making any necessary individuals disappear. She doesn't hold particular feelings on the matter.
nam juwon
Juwon is neither a member of the board of directors, nor a day-to-day worker at NMJS, but he is known to represent the company in various business meetings. He is also a shareholder.
In the past Juwon was typically witness to violence committed for NMJS, rather than taking part in it, but if his older siblings are too busy and it's nothing permanent he'll take care of it, assuming he has the time as well.
nam yihwa
Yihwa does not intend to involve herself with NMJS. She's committed to her studies and plans on being a vet- However, by virtue of being the CEO and CFO's daughter, she owns stock in the company.
She does not acknowledge any "wrongdoings" by her family, however the scene she witnessed at twelve may have been the spark to her interest in medicine.
nam haeil
Similar to Yihwa, Haeil is not involved with NMJS and will not be. He is satisfied with his Youtube career, but owns shares. He isn't particularly interested in them, however, and doesn't even recall they're there.
Like all their siblings, they were shown the dark side of their father's success at age twelve. Haeil finds it to be disturbing, so much so that he hardly recalls that night and is very firm with his family that he will not again be part of that- If the family attempts to involve him, he'll leave and won't look back. However, they also won't tell anyone else what they saw- They don't want their family in trouble.
BLISS TRUST RESORT AND WINERY
Goeun's peach winery near Chungcheong-do. It offers tours, wine tasting, and overnight stays at on-site villas. It does fairly well but could stand to be more profitable, so she's working quite hard on it. The villas are placed inside the tree vineyards and depending on the season, you may see various cute critters on the front step. It's beautiful and almost idyllic at Bliss Trust.
Naturally, this means there may be something sinister beneath the surface. In the case of Bliss Trust Resort and Winery, the owner Goeun pays her staff good money to look away if any suspicious activity takes place after nightfall...She does take care of her family's enemies, after all. What that may entail is left to the imagination.
THE MISSING PIECE
In 2019, Juwon convinced his agency to approve his business venture, a scent line named The Missing Piece. Currently has one storefront located in Seoul and is otherwise sold online and in other retail stores. The storefront also carries lip, facial, and skin products, all made by brands that adhere to his personal standards. In the future Juwon would like to expand to make his own bathing products and accessories.
Aims to provide the South Korean youth with a gender neutral scent that creates a sense of self-comfort and personal identity.
One six-scent release, and two three-scent releases.
Today line: Clear (Sage and orange), Haze (Basil and geranium), Sprinkle (Moss, white rose, rain), Sun (Orange and pine), Moon (Lily and vetiver), Bleak (Palm leaves and hazelnut).
Missing line: Heart (Vanilla and cinnamon), Tidy (White tea and cilantro), Alight (Rosemary and tea tree)
Candid line: Photo (Moss, vetiver), Shadow (Incense and sandalwood), Ending (Saffron and lavender)
Seoul storefront staff:
ryu jaein, manager
Takes care of employee scheduling, enacting store policies, ensuring safety and operational needs are met, customer assistance, and general management. He often complains that Juwon leaves him too much of the work, but in reality the two of them share the many responsibilities.
maeng inhye, sales rep
fc: lee hyeri (girls day)
Takes Juwon's products to sell to retailers, making them widely available out of the storefront. She enjoys her job (And good pay), typically works from home unless she's going to meetings with Juwon. Clever, personable, and dramatic.
park sehwan, customer support rep
fc: kim jiwon (bobby, ikon)
Handles product questions and customer inquiries over phone and email. He is passionate about the brand and speaks highly of his boss and coworkers. The kind to bake treats to bring to the office. Workaholic, intuitive, charismatic.
go seoah, sales associate & visual merchandiser
fc: lee yeji (yezi, fiestar)
Works on the floor to make sure customers are being taken care of- Answers any questions, shows products that fit their needs, helps ring them up, cleans the store, and restocks items. Also creates eye-catching displays and helps with marketing. She knows she is one of the most valuable members on the team, and is the one called into the office if Jaein and Juwon can't figure out a solution. Creative, adaptable, self-indulgent.
son hada, cashier
fc: lee daehwi (ab6ix)
One of two that handles purchases, promoting add-ons, and returns and exchanges. Originally a big fan of Revolt, he's come to appreciate how human his boss is and actually looks forward to work. Eats snacks behind the counter. He absolutely fights Revolt antis online. Humorous, loud, friendly.
erin lee, cashier
fc: ahnatchaya suputhipong (natty, solo)
One of two that handles purchases, promoting add-ons, and returns and exchanges. She's a fairly new hire having only moved to Korea recently, and is still adjusting to the new environment. Still, it seems her personality suits the store well. She always greets customers as soon as she sees them. Oddly unaware that her boss is an idol. Oblivious, cheerful, affectionate.
In general, Juwon runs his business cleanly. There have been some incidents in which he's had to use intidimation tactics such as threats, but typically any violence is very minor (Fingers will heal, nails will grow back, and bruises will fade) and done for NMJS, not The Missing Piece.
OTHER CONNECTIONS
individuals in the business world juwon knows outside of his or his family's work
park hojung, medicine
Met through former tutor.
moon yerim, agriculture
Met through Mireu.
um kyuchul, publishing
High school classmate.
QUESTIONS
N/A
COMMENTS
This took a little longer than I expected to finish, but I hope Juwon was enjoyable! Honestly, though I wrote Mireu into the love interest section, he was just originally Juwon's childhood friend that he has a very casual thing with. I don't really have a preference if he goes back to that status and Juwon ends up with a member of the group, I just wanted either avenue open. If anything needs changing or clarification, please let me know!
SCENE SUGGESTIONS
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SONG SUGGESTIONS
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Comments