Chapter 369: 2nd Competition (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 369: 2nd Competition (2)
The performances that followed were all incredibly spectacular. Compared to them, Spark’s desks, fake bookshelves, and few chairs were mere makeshift props.
Terkit, in particular, truly showed the depth of their experience as the most senior group.
While the concept itself was simple, their sheer skill covered everything. Once the video was uploaded to MeTube, the comments would undoubtedly be flooded with remarks like, "The seniors are here to show the idol world how it's done."
"It’s like a final... This feels like the final round."
"Maybe we were the ones who came here with half-hearted attitudes..."
Jeong Seong-bin and Kang Gi-yeon turned dead serious. I could feel them becoming completely immersed in their seniors' performances.
But was it really something to worry about that much? Objectively speaking, Spark’s stage had been excellent.
Back when they had to cover a Parte song, Spark had pivoted to a youth concept. That was the best choice for them to showcase the highest quality at the time.
But this time, they had chosen a new concept themselves. They knew it could be a weakness, yet they chose to challenge it and succeeded brilliantly. It’s not easy for a group to show this much growth in such a short period.
Looking at the thumbnail alone, one might think the stage looked a bit plain.
But so what? The impact and harmony of all six members singing half the song together would compensate for the lack of visual flair.
Next up was Parte, who had taken the exact opposite route from us. Their kitschy, light-blue outfits gave off a completely different impression than usual.
"Oh, Parte sunbaenims!"
Lee Cheong-hyeon, who had just received a fresh coat of transparent makeup and a good dousing of setting spray, hurried over to sit on the sofa.
With the retro boom and the nostalgia craze, kitschy styles were no longer considered unique. Just because Spark had worn similar clothes during IRREGULAR didn't mean we could claim Parte was copying us—nor should we.
‘It would be a different story if overlapping concepts appeared throughout an entire promotion period, though.’
Even if that were the case, pointing it out wouldn't do us any favors. I had already briefed the members on this point beforehand.
Fortunately, the boys didn't awkwardly pretend to be fine or show any signs of being bothered.
"It’s fresh. I wonder what song they’ll do...?"
"Judging by the outfits, it might be a song from a slightly older generation."
Just be curious about what’s being shown. Don't feel the need to over-praise, and don't stress yourself out trying to find similarities. Don't waste energy speaking up about things that people in the know will notice anyway.
I can't tell you how proud I am to see them following my instructions to the letter. I don't know if it was thanks to that, but I also watched Parte’s stage with a relatively light heart.
My overall impression could be summed up in one word.
Disappointing.
The reason Spark could pull off bold makeup was that "their previous appearances hadn't been excessively over-the-top."
When kids who usually wore makeup as clear as a mountain spring suddenly showed up with death metal makeup from the depths of hell, it was impossible not to notice.
On the other hand, Parte’s usual stage makeup was on the heavier side. They had gone viral for their color makeup during year-end stages and established their characters with face accessories during comeback weeks.
What happens when a group like that comes out with just a bit of blush and a few stickers?
‘It’s boring.’
Furthermore, perhaps because they wanted to maintain the light and refreshing image from the Half-formal evaluation, their outfits were also monotonous.
Sure, Parte is handsome. But do you think people’s aesthetic standards these days are satisfied by just "pretty good"? Relying solely on your face is a total neglect of duty.
Do you think Spark wore fishnets and chokers for the IRREGULAR cover for no reason? Why would they go through that trouble? If you’re going to tone down the makeup, you have to add points of interest elsewhere. Do you think we put all those patches on the jackets for the Self-PR stage just for fun?
Compared to the previous contestants who showcased incredible vocal talent, the song also lacked highlights.
In the idol scene, the older the generation, the stronger the pride in live performances. It wasn't baseless confidence; it was more like a badge of honor forged in poor stage environments.
Perhaps because of that, many teams in Idol Dynasty Annals Season 2 performed stages that clearly highlighted they were singing live. High-note ad-libs that pierced through the AR and intermittent breathing sounds between segments were classic examples.
This was a development where Spark had nothing to lose. In fact, if the environment forced them to lip-sync, they would have become the stars of new GIFs every single day.
Nevertheless, Parte stuck to their "sure-win" strategy. This meant they worked hard to create pretty frames, with visual center Song Min-il at the forefront.
‘If you’re not going to have them sing much, you should at least give Han Ga-un the killing part!’
Perhaps because of his calm appearance, Han Ga-un was positioned near the end of the formation. From there, he sang a single line, added a brief high note, and spent the rest of the time just dancing.
To think they’re wasting a master singer like Han Ga-un like this. It reminded me of the past UA, which refused to give up EDM instrumentals even with Jeong Seong-bin and Park Ju-woo available, and it made my blood boil.
As they struck their ending pose, Parte was the personification of "refreshing" itself. Everyone was handsome, wore fresh smiles, and blew cute finger hearts. It was a stage where nothing remained in my memory except the color light blue.
If Parte ranks high today, I’ll shave my head and retreat to the mountains to reflect on my lack of insight. I made a firm vow to myself.
Fortunately, I didn't have to go on a temple stay. Parte took 5th place, while Spark took 1st, allowing my hair to stay right where it was.
After the audience left and the rankings were announced, the briefing for the 3rd competition followed immediately.
"A true gentleman must possess both literary and martial arts skills."
"That’s right. Then, what are the indispensable qualities for an idol?"
In response to Polo’s question, answers like "dance" and "song" came from the participants.
"In the 3rd competition, we will hold a Position Battle where you can showcase your qualities in even greater depth!"
"I heard there are some changes to this Position Battle compared to last season. Could you explain, Polo?"
Polo took the microphone again. There were two key points.
First, this Position Battle would only involve Vocal and Dance positions, with no Rap...
"In the spirit of cultural exchange, starting from this competition, evaluations from a specially selected overseas envoy will be reflected!"
...And the overseas voting demons, who had been quiet since the "Stage I Want to See Again" vote, had been resurrected.
‘Did they remove the Rap position for fairness because Terkit doesn't have a rapper?’
Actually, it was for the better. While it would be reassuring if Lee Cheong-hyeon participated, forced participation without a choice could lead to accumulated fatigue.
I also liked that, unlike last time, only one person per team could participate in each position. It was lucky Berion was a nice guy; if it had been another group, I might have ended up a total loner.
Aside from the overseas voting, the changes were satisfactory. Just as I was about to breathe a sigh of relief, Yur flipped the cue card with a mysterious smile.
"That’s not all. A true genius must be able to display their abilities no matter when or what situation they are placed in."
No, exactly how much of a "genius" are they looking for?
Even if they told us to send our best genius, Spark only has two dance members. Though both are geniuses in their own right.
While I was grumbling internally, a staff member emerged from the corner of the studio pushing a cart on wheels. On the cart, covered by a cloth, were six drawing containers.
No way. Right?
They aren't... actually thinking of something as outrageous as picking participants at random, are they?
My heart pounded, and I felt a stinging sensation on the back of my head. Since Jeong Seong-bin and Kang Gi-yeon were sitting right next to me, it was obvious who this gaze belonged to among the remaining members.
Please, let’s not do something as irrational and unreasonable as betting on uncertain odds.
If you want to produce a good stage, you should let people make the best choices. Don't you want to enjoy the sweet joy of exploding view counts? We’re offering to let the God of Vocals descend personally, and you’re going to kick away this golden opportunity?
But the heavens were cold, and the production team had no sense. Tragically, the fateful ball drawing proceeded regardless of our wishes...
"Ugh...!"
...And Spark’s leader, Jeong Seong-bin, ended up drawing himself as the Vocal position representative.
"Ju-woo, I’m sorry."
"No, I’m really okay...!"
Even after returning to the dorm, Jeong Seong-bin couldn't lift his head. According to Choi Je-ho, Seong-bin had been begging for forgiveness on his hands and knees the entire way back from the station.
At the scene, everyone had been unable to hide their shock, but they managed to control their expressions like professionals. Seong-bin, too, had declared his ambition with a "I'll do my best!"—even if his lips were trembling.
Why does heaven deny Park Ju-woo an opportunity like this? There are still many stages left, but I should have just handed the mic to Park Ju-woo during Season 1 instead of insisting on going out myself.
"It’s not like this is the only chance."
"Still..."
"Everyone, you don't have to worry about me...!"
Despite Park Ju-woo’s efforts to lighten the mood, everyone except Choi Je-ho looked gloomy.
"I’m sorry too..."
"Gi-yeon, why you too!"
Kang Gi-yeon, who had been hovering around Seong-bin, suddenly bowed his head.
"I stood as center during the Half-formal evaluation, and now I’m going out again... If I had known this would happen, I would have just let Je-ho hyung be the center like usual."
"How was anyone supposed to know it would turn out like this!"
Lee Cheong-hyeon tried to cheer his friend up by patting him on the back. It didn't have much effect.
"Gi-yeon, there’s no need to feel so guilty. Choi Je-ho went out as the representative last time."
"Even so."
"Ask him yourself. He’s probably thinking it’s a relief he doesn't have to go."
At my words, Kang Gi-yeon’s expression changed to one that asked if that was true.
Choi Je-ho, who had been watching the two of us, said indifferently.
"That’s true."
"Why?"
"Doing things with others doesn't suit me."
How much stress had Choi Je-ho been under last time while trying to coordinate with another team? Kang Gi-yeon didn't know because he wasn't his roommate back then, but Choi Je-ho probably would have hated going even if he had been picked.
"Me too."
Park Ju-woo said with a kind smile.
"I’m not very good at doing things with other people either... so I think it’s a good thing you were picked, Seong-bin."
Strictly speaking, Park Ju-woo had expressed his desire to participate even knowing it involved singing with others. But at his friend’s consolation, Seong-bin’s drooping eyebrows slowly began to return to their proper place.