National Audition (2): A Mother's Endless Love
Mom really dotes on me. She did in my previous life too. That's why I always felt guilty. Despite receiving that unconditional love, I'd let my spirit break just because I was ugly.
The TV broadcast was playing now. Mom was making a huge fuss beside me.
"Isn't our Seryeon about to become the nation's little brother?"
"Nah, no way."
The nation's little brother in this day and age? Well, maybe it's different since I've regressed.
"Why not? You totally could!"
But even as she said it, Mom quietly shut her mouth. My song was about to start on the broadcast.
Star's Birth: Round 2 Preliminaries
On screen, Kim Seryeon was singing. Gripping the mic tightly, he sang calmly, pouring emotion into every prepared lyric. To answer the question of whether he could do more than originals, he'd chosen a slightly old-school ballad—one from a college music festival, brimming with youthful vibe.
The intro kicked in, and Mom couldn't hold back again.
"Seryeon, you knew songs like that? It came out when I was in college!"
"Those old songs are really good."
That aside, it was still surreal seeing my face.
Damn, I look handsome.
It was the kind of face that drew gasps of admiration. Did I really deserve this level of happiness?
Truth be told, the audition results didn't matter much anymore.
"Yes, we heard your song."
"You said you were nervous, but you did amazingly. So relaxed."
That was all the validation I needed. Round 1: recognition for an original. Round 2: facing the crowd without flinching.
And now, the merciless judges' turn.
"This one's really tough to decide."
"It's like his face is hypnotizing us?"
"Exactly! That's the danger!"
The judges bantered amiably, but it didn't last. The result: regretful elimination.
I knew it coming, but for Mom beside me, it hit different.
As the critiques wrapped up, JK Entertainment's CEO Kang Jungi grabbed the mic to announce.
"Round 2 preliminaries. Our result for contestant Kim Seryeon is—"
Mom clutched my shoulder tight. The moment of truth.
What appeared on screen?
Doesn't it bite, orange~?
Red means apple! Fresh apple and orange.
And singing ducks.
A juice ad with deflating energy left viewers on edge.
"Whoa."
I knew it was coming, but it still drove me nuts. What was the momentary ratings spike like right now?
Mom, watching with me, let out a hollow laugh.
"Seryeon, you're gonna get so popular."
Not just bias as her beloved son—she had solid reasoning.
"They pull this on the really popular kids. The broadcasters do."
People don't just watch ads. They need bait.
"Contestant Kim Seryeon's result is—"
Cut. Cut. Cut.
Three quick edits in a row. Handsome Kim Seryeon on screen. Fellow contestants cheering from the waiting area. Judges deep in thought till the end.
"Eliminated."
Thud!
"Aaaah! You did so well!"
Mom wailed like she was sobbing. The judges on screen felt the same.
"You did great!"
"So good!"
"Your composing is top-notch. You know exactly what suits you. You're a genius, just not a vocal one. That's what I'd say."
But it didn't end there. As on-screen me started to leave the stage, judge and CEO Kang Jungi grabbed me urgently.
"Wait! Hold on."
"Yes?"
"You'll keep composing, right? Contact me anytime for advice or demos. Here's my personal email."
The screen filled with my beaming smile, then cut to a quick interview edit.
"The judges praised my composing so much—makes me want to work even harder."
My audition run was over, but the broadcast rolled on, showing other disappointed contestants.
"Ah...!"
"So close. Really."
"Judging standards are brutal...."
And right here, the network seemed ready to drop a new 'character.'
High school girl contestant unusually anxious at news of Kim Seryeon's elimination
I recognized her instantly.
What? The girl I helped?
I wondered why she hadn't shown in episode 1—they'd saved her footage for 2.
Network snub? No way. I got it right away.
This is that trope.
I know TV a bit. Loved audition shows back then, though mostly hip-hop ones.
This was classic winner-class editing: late entrance, but packed footage for immersion.
Round 1 Preliminaries
An anxious high school girl in pink sweats, guitar on her back. Even the scene where she got her song checked in front of me.
"Sorry to bother you, but can I sing once?"
A bit nervous, but plucky. Then a quirky 4D charm pose for the camera.
"Can you film me real quick?"
Cut to pre-interview montage.
Wait. Ji Soeun? She's Ji Soeun?
The production asked the brightly smiling Ji Soeun,
"Did you know one judge was your CEO?"
"Nope! I snuck out without telling him!"
She beamed innocently.
"But I wanna get such a great result he can't even complain!"
Back to her Round 1 stage. Now the agency boss looked baffled. JK CEO Kang Jungi, shown in full glory.
"Wha—no."
He stammered, dumbfounded.
"You're our trainee?"
"Yes! Hi, CEO!"
"We don't let trainees do auditions."
"That's why I snuck out."
"......"
The judges burst into laughter at his speechless shock. Mom in the living room couldn't hold back either.
"What a riot. She's hilarious."
Finally, to her Round 2 stage.
Next Contestant: Idol Trainee, Ji Soeun
"They'll love her on TV. Such a clear character."
I chuckled lightly, lost in thought. No wonder her singing and visuals were killer. I'd suspected, but didn't expect it for real.
Life's unpredictable, but as a regressor, I knew this audition's outcome.
Ji Soeun. Pre-regression, Star's Birth's biggest star. Made it to final three, sparking a syndrome with overwhelming skill and star power.
The sneaky 4D trainee. Adorably so. Flowing black hair, mysterious green eyes. Killer figure.
Judges included her CEO—prime 'biased judging' fodder. Yet no one could argue her success. Her talent was that good.
Plus, her growth arc terrified opponents as rounds progressed. Right now, just a fun, headstrong girl. But in two months? Total shift.
A true national star, from audition to idol career.
I'd had that massive opportunity right there and missed it. Should've at least asked her name. She'd sung, then dipped to the bathroom before I could.
Kinda regret that.
Then—
Bzzzzt.
".....?"
Right, I'd blown up on SNS lately. I might even be more famous than her now—makes sense she'd DM.
This is unreal.
Felt obvious, yet mind-blowing.
Couldn't just leave it unread. Grabbed my smartphone, stood from the sofa—Mom piped up.
"What? Girlfriend?"
"No, nothing like that."
"Hmmm... No way a guy like our Seryeon doesn't have one."
I hurried to my room bed. Tap tap.
Tap. Tap.
What? Sudden much?
No reason to refuse. Networking with someone skyrocketing in a week? Jackpot.
Moments later—
My phone now had the future national star's number.
After wrapping with Ji Soeun, I habitually checked online communities. Right after broadcast end.
As expected, reactions hotter than anticipated.
1. Kim Seryeon
2. Ji Soeun
3. Star's Birth
Real-time trends flooded with my name. And atop searches, cringy fan posts everywhere.
Songs were so good
Composing? Just be composing idol
└ Step aside Seryeon oppa's mine
└ ???
Also miss seeing Seryeon on TV lol
└ No must do
└ Do it pls
The whole world reacting like this felt awkward, but not bad. More like... heart racing?
"Reactions aren't bad."
Not bad at all.