Chapter 2
Chapter 2
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 2
Chapter Title: Auditions Are Easy If You Know the Trends
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The answer was surprisingly simple.
“Auditions are a bit easier if you know the trends.”
I wouldn’t have known before, but now I did.
I looked back at the tattered banner. It didn’t seem like much, but “Friends Entertainment Quarterly Audition” was packed with info.
First, auditions happened every quarter.
They were recruiting trainees, which meant spots were opening up.
Second, they reused banners because it happened so often.
The banner was ragged. There must’ve been tons of applicants every time.
“Well, Friends Entertainment is a good company.”
They had some big-name idols. And most of them renewed their contracts even after they ended. Sure, there was some noise now and then.
“The biggest scandal was Zenith, right?”
For a split second, that guy’s face flashed in my mind.
“Damn. Kang Minje.”
Yeah. He was from here. Kang Minje had debuted in the idol group Zenith from Friends Entertainment.
A chill shot up my spine.
“You bastard, Kang Minje.”
I stretched out my legs. Old memories swirled in my head before scattering into the air.
I whispered softly.
“So if I keep going like this, I’ll end up in the same group as that guy?”
A curse slipped out. I let out a small breath. Well, I’d worry about it after passing, but it was something I’d have to deal with.
I’d run into that guy.
If things went well, we’d be in the same group.
“If I don’t like it, I can just walk out.”
I shook my head right away.
“No, that’s not it.”
This was my childhood dream of becoming an idol. Plus, it was a great company.
“Being a Friends Entertainment trainee carries weight.”
Even if I ended up training elsewhere, having been one here would help.
“Focus on one thing.”
I locked in my goal.
“I want to reach the top as an idol.”
I wanted to succeed. Desperately so. I’d do anything for it. And this company was key.
“Kang Minje is a problem, but I’ll deal with that later. The important thing is passing.”
I scanned the area again. Numbers were flying by pretty quickly. The pace wasn’t slow or fast—just steady.
That’s when it happened. A frivolous voice came from behind me.
“You’re number 119, right?”
I quietly checked the number pinned to my jacket. I hadn’t even realized what mine was.
Oh. I was 119.
I looked up. A shallow-faced guy with bright yellow-dyed hair grinned in front of me.
“I’m 118.”
He just volunteered it. I flashed a big smile on purpose.
Well, if it isn’t you.
“Perfect timing.”
I knew this guy.
“Lee Kyungbae. He went by Lee Kyung.”
An old memory flickered by. We’d met at a movie audition. It was for a supporting role as the protagonist’s friend.
As this jerk passed me, he’d said:
-What a downgrade, auditioning with a loser like this…
Never thought I’d run into the guy who said that here. I smiled even wider.
Jackpot, you punk.
Oblivious to my thoughts, he teased.
“How old are you?”
“Second year middle school.”
“You’re young. I’m a high school freshman.”
High school freshman wasn’t that old either.
“I’m freaking out because I started so late. These days, trainees begin in elementary school.”
Like gifted education? Made sense. Money attracts money. If you had talent, starting early wasn’t bad.
“I’ve gotta pass this one.”
He grumbled while adjusting his light blue jacket. He had a punchable face, but maybe because he was still young, he was oddly a bit cute.
“Well, if Dad doesn’t work out, he said he’ll just start a company for me. If this flops, I’ll do what Dad says.”
Cute? Scratch that. Damn. What the hell.
“People don’t change, huh.”
A yellow sprout through and through. Whether the dye was from money or fading would reveal itself later, but damn, he was consistent.
“Rumor was he bought that supporting role with cash…”
Guess it was true.
I grinned wide. If that was real, no holds barred.
“Can I ask your name, hyung?”
“Huh? I’m Lee Kyung.”
Come on, bro. Your real name’s Lee Kyungbae.
“I’m Cha Dowon.”
Bro. Now that we’ve introduced ourselves, let me ask carefully.
“You gonna be my stepping stone?”
Our numbers were close, so we’d probably enter the interview room together. I didn’t know if it was absolute or relative evaluation, but having a benchmark wasn’t bad.
“Dumb and cocky guys always crash hard.”
He patted my shoulder after hearing my name.
“Got it. How many auditions have you done?”
“This is my first.”
“Yeah? I’ve done a ton, so listen: you gotta go all out. That’s how you stand out.”
I smiled sweetly.
“As if.”
Judges saw hundreds per quarter. Sure, some companies liked show-offs. But not Friends Entertainment.
“They value diligence here, right?”
That’s why their singers and actors kept clean private lives. Of course, troublemakers existed everywhere, and some got cut.
“Really?”
“Yeah!”
So why was he saying this? He’d auditioned before—he had to know about the company.
“Trying to psych me out?”
Cute kid. For real.
That’s when it hit me—an old memory.
“Damn.”
Ten years ago, I’d bought that line hook, line, and sinker.
“Crazy.”
My face burned. So naive, Cha Dowon.
I looked at him again. Lee Kyungbae smirked, pleased I’d fallen for it.
“Bad guys get what’s coming.”
It was you. The reason I gave up on being an idol.
“I gave up after one flop, sure, but you’re a piece of work too.”
But not now. I’d regressed, unfortunately for you.
How to screw him over effectively? Something to brag about for generations.
As I pondered, a staff member beckoned.
Lee Kyungbae and I stood up. Interview time already.
Too bad. No time.
I smiled with my eyes.
“I’m nervous. You, hyung?”
Lee Kyungbae walked funny—nervous, probably. But he said to me:
“M-me? N-not nervous at all.”
Stuttering, huh? Sure you’re not.
Whatever. The more he panicked, the better for me.
I bowed my head slightly. Ten years ago, I’d been a wreck right now.
“Been through it once.”
No nerves—just excitement. Like stepping onto a stage made for me.
A breeze rustled from somewhere. It cooled my neck, lifting my mood.
“Feels like someone’s pushing me forward.”
I lifted my head. No way I wanted to taste failure this time.
“Let’s do this, Cha Dowon.”
The wind picked up again in response. My steps felt lighter.
***
The audition room was simpler than expected. Just chairs and a row of desks in the middle. I quickly scanned the judges.
“The president and some staff, huh.”
Nothing special. But the guy at the far end made my skin crawl.
“Why the hell is he here?”
White cap and sunglasses, but his features gave him away.
“Kang Minje!”
My fist clenched tight. I wanted to charge the desk and deck him.
“No.”
I took a deep breath.
One punch, and I’d be out—for good from this company.
“Calm down.”
I knew it already.
He was here, and he’d debut successfully.
“That group did well.”
A few more years, and they’d ride the Hallyu wave.
“But they fizzled out anticlimactically, right?”
The judges gestured to sit. As I planted myself, I recalled his group, Zenith.
“They were good.”
Great songs, solid concept. Billboards everywhere, new releases nonstop.
“Why’d they flop?”
I glanced at Kang Minje in his shades. He watched applicants casually.
“There was drama when the group disbanded.”
Most groups ended with contract expirations, but Zenith was different.
One interview came to mind.
“Our agency tried making a group that fit Minje hyung.”
A departing member smirked at the reporter.
“The president handpicked them outright. A smart leader and a crazy maknae to match. As if that’d work. So they debuted decent trainees instead. That was us. Side characters to Kang Minje’s main story.”
He turned to the camera, enunciating.
“Everything revolved around the leader, Kang Minje. Songs, sure, but the whole concept. I just want my spot. Isn’t that reason enough to leave Zenith?”
I smirked. So much from one little interview.
Let’s break it down.
First, Kang Minje was Zenith’s leader but couldn’t manage the group.
“Makes sense.”
Weirdo personality. If he treated them like he did me, drama was inevitable.
“Not my problem.”
No time. Next.
Second, Zenith was built around Kang Minje.
“Plausible.”
Dirty, sneaky, punchable—but his skills were top-tier.
“Clean looks, main vocal fit, composing and arranging chops.”
Objectively, he was a monster.
“That’s why Zenith blew up.”
Meaning, join his group, and success was guaranteed.
I peeked at Kang Minje. Shades hid his eyes, but knowing him, he was sizing everyone up.
Conclusion hit fast.
“Not bad.”
Idols can’t go solo, no matter how talented.
“If you use me, I’ll use you.”
Sleep with the enemy? Fine.
“Just don’t trust him.”
Right, Minje hyung?
For success, I’d do anything now. I know—I won’t trust you this time.
We’ve got scores to settle, right?
I smirked and straightened up. Whatever I thought, the audition rolled on. The guy on the far right sang. I listened to the mellow ballad and planned ahead.
The interview had one more nugget.
Third, they wanted a crazy maknae.
Laughter bubbled up.
“Perfect. Crazy.”
Could I play crazy maknae? Absolutely.
“Not for nothing I rolled in theater.”
Didn’t matter why they wanted it.
So.
“I just need to act the crazy maknae in this audition.”
I smiled leisurely. What couldn’t I do for success? The ballad ended. No feedback from judges—just moved on.
“Next, 118, what’ll you do?”
Lee Kyungbae shot up.
“I’ll dance!”
“What song?”
“Yumi’s Shooting Star.”
Huh.
I widened my eyes. Yumi’s solo track? Famous, sure, but a guy dancing it? Kinda awkward.
“Female zombie concept, pretty creepy…”
I knew it from practicing for a uni festival—hated it.
Lee Kyungbae doing this? Good concept grasp?
Judges didn’t blink at the odd pick. Just played the track from their star, Yumi.
Upbeat dance track filled the room. Lee Kyungbae twisted his hips wildly, pointing at judges with fingers.
-Cheating with my friend, huh~
His butt shook. Nauseating scene.
“That’s for Yumi.”
Why pick her song?
Lee Kyungbae was desperate to look ugly. Intense parts? Over-the-top shakes. Floor collapse and head-shot moves? Pearls.
But something was off.
-Shooting! Shooting! I’ll kill you.
Was Yumi’s stage just creepy-funny?
“Not what she meant.”
Her stage screamed betrayal by a lover. Unique concept and performance, but the emotion hit clear.
“Comedy skit for Chuseok? Sure, but this is an audition?”
Whatever. He danced clownishly. Shaking too much made it weirder. When it ended, a judge rested his chin.
“Not a great face.”
Song and dance full of misses. I glanced at Lee Kyungbae.
“Self-destructing before I even push?”
What was that? Yellow sprout brain. Total idiot.