Chapter 360: Filming Commences (3)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 360: Filming Commences (3)
While Spark prepared for their stage, Polo headed toward the designated MC station. It was finally the last turn.
Rumors about Spark’s live performances were rife among the staff.
‘Polo, you probably haven’t seen them since your promotions didn’t overlap! Whenever there’s a music show, everyone flocks to see Spark’s rehearsals.’
‘You heard them live on the radio? No, you have to see the performance together with the vocals.’
‘The impact is completely different when you see the whole thing in person without camera cuts. There’s a reason the camera directors adore them.’
After hearing those comments, Polo had looked up their videos himself. On the radio, they seemed like innocent, rookie boys, but when they were doing their main job, they looked like an all-star team of hot-blooded youth sports stars.
It wasn't easy to maintain a group’s color without changing it. Judging by their outfits alone, Spark seemed intent on sticking to their established vibe today as well.
On the other hand…
Polo looked at the junior groups and let a smirk play on his lips. It was a habit born from years of idol activities, one that surfaced whenever he found himself in a frustrating situation.
He recalled the conversation he’d had with Yur earlier when they were alone in the waiting room.
‘The kids’ outfits look different than usual, don’t they?’
‘You think so?’
‘The vibe is totally different. They don’t even look like the Spark from last season….’
When Polo said that, Yur had given a sheepish smile.
‘Wow.’
He couldn't help but be impressed. It was the moment the reason why the company had so readily passed the offer for him to MC this new program became clear.
‘How much did they spend?’
Even if no one was around, Polo never forgot that there were always ears listening.
Yur, who had also worked in the entertainment market for many years, answered concisely.
‘Enough to protect their reputation.’
‘They’re pouring water into a bottomless pit.’
‘It’s not like they completely lack talent.’
‘That’s only if you don’t compare them to the other side.’
‘I told them that… but they wouldn’t listen. They’re always like that.’
Objectively, Parte’s skills weren't bad. Surviving the trainee period at a major agency and making it into the debut team guaranteed a certain level of ability.
However, the situation changed when you stood them next to Spark.
A group that had captured both talent and results, yet didn't have a massive fandom—but to say only a few people liked them was wrong, as they were a peculiar group that was constantly rising, flooded with love calls from broadcasters.
Because it was ambiguous to define exactly which "Tier" they belonged to, Spark was a constant subject of debate in various communities.
≫ These guys are so good at singing, why aren't they blowing up?
└ Isn't Spark successful enough? They debuted last year and even won the Rookie Award.
└ Compared to their talent, it’s true they haven't hit it big yet.
└ Idols don't succeed on talent alone ㅠ But seeing them on so many variety shows, I’d say they’re a solid mid-tier hit?!
≫ There are actually people who think Sp-k hasn't made it?
Aren't they doing incredibly well for a small-to-mid agency??
Some members are filming individual ads, and Kim I-wol is filming another drama.
└ It’s more like… if their agency wasn't UA, they would’ve been even bigger…
└ I agree with the comment above lol. If they were under any other agency, they would’ve cleared their deficit and hit the break-even point within six months of debut. The company would’ve gone all-in on them immediately.
└ Even if the agency stresses people out with their poor work, you can see them trying and taking feedback quickly, so I won't say much, but man… it is a shame.
In a market already noisy over a single group’s success, what would happen when a comparison group was introduced?
Between the two leaders of Tier 2, right on the cusp of Tier 1, Parte led in terms of stats, while Spark led in terms of public appeal and recognition. At this point, a clash between the two fandoms was inevitable.
≫ I seriously don't understand Squids.
How can a group that’s never even held a concert be Tier 1…?
While every other group is doing world tours, it’s a fact that "that" group hasn't even held one overseas concert, right?
└ Exactly lol. Shouldn't you at least release enough albums to fill a concert setlist before showing your face…?
└ Aside from everything else, just look at the MV views; the weight class is different. It’s hilarious they act like that… they should know if they have eyes.
└ You can see the answer just by how they split them on Awangsil: Parte-All-over-Log // Spark-Berion. Our boys don't even mention you guys.
≫ Stop trying to win with cowardly fabrications and let’s talk facts.
You guys did a "budget concert" where you sang 17 songs, 30% of which were covers and unit stages + you followed seniors around on their overseas tours as guests and tagged along to company family concerts just to try and scrape up some international fans. Are you really that proud of a "world tour" you paid for yourselves?
└ Except for Song Min-il, people probably don't even know who the members are, yet you claim a landslide victory in recognition? Lmao.
└ They debuted last year and had 5 comebacks in one year; when are they supposed to hold a concert? lol. Do you think Spark takes 4 or 5-month breaks like your faves?
└ You guys sure shut up when people talk about the deficit you ran because you couldn't fill seats even after handing out invitation tickets like candy hahahaha Hurry up and copy-paste that comment about how world tours aren't for making money but for getting your name out there. That’s your specialty, isn't it?
└└ How can you stab someone so deep without using a single curse word?
Such things were common in the market, so he’d let it slide, but he hadn't expected the company to keep throwing wood on the fire.
Because he had a leader who was kind but strict when it came to work, Polo could tell. His hyung didn't like this situation either.
‘What should I do? Should I say I don't want to do it and find a replacement now? Should I find one for you too, Hyung?’
‘It’s fine. I already drew the line and told them I won't be taking sides.’
‘That’s my hyung.’
Laughing, Polo lowered his posture. Then, he whispered into his hyung’s ear.
‘There’s no rigging, right? If there is, forget not wanting to be involved—I just can't do this job.’
‘….’
‘To me, working without shame is more important than everyone succeeding together.’
He didn't want to pretend he didn't know. Polo always wanted to be honorable.
Looking at his honest younger brother’s expression, Yur smiled.
‘If it were that kind of situation, I would have spoken up before the company even made the offer to you.’
‘True, you’re not the type to just watch that happen.’
The conversation in the waiting room ended there. While greeting the juniors who came to the waiting room to pay their respects, Polo predicted how much their "blessed" juniors would be able to meet the company’s expectations.
Back to the present.
Spark, who had become the target of MYTH for supposedly interfering with Parte’s "One-Top Legend," was on stage….
‘…?’
…Or not. Under the extinguished lights, only the silhouette of one person was visible.
‘It’s not… a solo stage, is it?’
The seats where Spark had been sitting were empty.
When he turned around at the sound of the spotlight clicking on, he belatedly saw several silhouettes overlapping in a single line.
The person standing at the very front wore a mask that lacked a chin piece. Rather than a design that was a direct copy of the old ways, it was shaped to blend naturally into the stage.
Spark had chosen "With List" as the song for their first stage. For the reason of selection, they said it contained their ambitions for this season of "Awangsil."
A lyrical, traditional-style accompaniment flowed out, something unimaginable for a song described as an album title track.
The member at the front stepped out in time with the music. The other members merely stood spread out across the stage, not coming forward or making any other movements. Soft lines danced over the light, nimble footwork of the masked member.
The choreography, set to the wordless accompaniment, was fluid and elegant. Traditional movements and sophisticated steps were exquisitely blended to create a beautiful picture. When the unfurled fan covered the white mask, the yellow lights cast a shadow like a sunset.
‘Are they a major?’
There was no clumsiness in the way they danced while wearing the mask. It wasn't at the level of a half-baked imitation.
Among idols, there were often cases where someone had majored in a different genre of dance. This member seemed to be one of those cases.
With every rotation, the durumagi, made of two layers of light, thin fabric, spread out in a circle. The wide sleeves brought to mind clouds floating in the evening sky.
Was this part the interlude, or was it a part with lyrics? If it was the latter, what kind of lyrics would come out? The deep immersion stimulated his curiosity.
And the moment the music paused.
A flame erupted from the fingertips of Kang Gi-yeon as he tore off the mask. The snow-white mask, perhaps made of paper, vanished instantly like magic without even leaving ashes behind.
“Are you ready to play… perfectly?”
Kang Gi-yeon, his face revealed, laughed boisterously.
The sound of fireworks being launched echoed, and with a bang sound effect, the stage was covered in firework-like lighting that poured down like rain. It looked as if sparks were flying across the displays.
The song returned to the familiar sound of K-pop. However, the percussion and the instruments providing variations between the music didn't lose their Oriental feel. From afar, it sounded like a firework festival was being held.
His gaze couldn't tear away from the members’ group choreography, which created a path like an ink-and-wash painting. Over the white hanbok and orange durumagi, lighting reminiscent of embers settled down.
‘The impact is completely different when you see the whole thing in person.’
When else would you use the phrase "seeing is believing" if not now?
Every movement assumed "how it would look." He could tell, as someone who had danced longer than them and had monitored himself tens of times more.
That they were going to beat this team with imitation? Parte?
As if. While one side was busy copying, this team would come out with something else. By what trick?
After the music concluded, Kang Gi-yeon smiled from the center of the gathering members.
When he struck his palm with the fan, the bamboo ribs folded neatly with a crisp clack. Kang Gi-yeon blew on the tip of the fan as if blowing out a candle. Cheers erupted from the performers’ seats.
Spark’s indoor version of Nakhwanori took 2nd place. Even setting aside the fact that I was a member of Spark, I thought it was an objectively good stage, but….
“Since we’re looking forward to a new challenge, we’ll give our vote to the Blaider seniors!”
“We’ll nominate the Terkit seniors, from whom we had much to learn!”
…Everyone had great variety show sense. During Season 1, everyone was too honest, but this time, everyone was engaged in a battle of wits and possessed a formidable aura.
This would be more fun for the broadcast, so I was satisfied. Even if you won here, they didn't even give you behind-the-scenes footage.
Beside me, Kang Gi-yeon was constantly clutching his chest. He seemed overwhelmed with relief at having successfully pulled off the fire-lighting magic without a mistake. Jeong Seong-bin, who had passed on the fire-starting skill, massaged the younger one’s shoulders with a proud face.
After the rankings were decided, it was time to choose the groups to swap songs with for the 1st Competition. While Terkit, who took 1st place, heralded a fiery battle between peers by nominating Blaider, who had promoted around the same time, it became our turn.
“Spark, which group would you like to face off against?”
Yur-ssi kindly held out the microphone.
It was then. A thunderous voice rang out from somewhere.
“Wait a minute!”
One of the members of On-deu was holding his hand high.
“I’m sorry, but could you give us just one moment for an appeal?!”
It was a massive courtship. The seniors personally marched toward us as we stood there, not knowing what to do.