Chapter 166
Chapter 166
“Give me your phone for a sec.”
I took Keun Se-jin’s smartphone and skimmed through an article.
It was a top-tier clickbait piece with a headline claiming Park Moon-dae used to be a ‘junk stock.’
=========================
〈Re-listing! Idol Inc. 2〉 Park Moon-dae, who won last season as an ordinary participant with no specs or experience, encouraged participants with the same experience, saying, “There are times when you surpass your limits.”
……
A program official stated, “The beauty of watching 〈Idol Inc.〉 is not knowing who will win in a program that leaves everything to the viewers’ choice,” and added, “We are grateful to TeSTAR for readily agreeing to appear.”
……
=========================
“Hmm.”
I got the gist of it.
‘The article was definitely released by the Idol Inc. side.’
It was written as if it were relaying Park Moon-dae’s story, but the focus wasn't actually on me.
‘They want to emphasize the dramatic entertainment value of Idol Inc.’
They wanted to highlight the unpredictable fun of the program—like a bio-stock—where someone who entered with no decent background could suddenly win.
However, I didn't think it was a very good idea.
‘They’re overdoing it.’
My first rank was in the Gold tier, and I received a Platinum grade right from the initial evaluation.
Furthermore, I was a textbook audition-style participant who walked the royal road in a consistently buzzworthy group before winning when my family history was revealed at the very end.
In other words, I wasn't a participant who showcased a "differentiated style" for Idol Inc.
‘They’re unnecessarily full of themselves.’
They should have just stuck to reminding people of the fun of auditions, but it seemed the production team had developed a strange sense of pride in this mess of a survival show.
‘Looks like these guys have lost their touch, too.’
I wondered if ruining even-numbered seasons was becoming a jinx for them.
‘As expected, TeSTAR needs to pull out.’
Since we were T1 artists, making an enemy of the company would result in a huge loss. I needed to establish a justification first so that I could comfortably decline any future offers for appearances or collaborations.
First, let’s check the aftermath of this article.
“I’m done.”
“Okay~ It didn't feel too bad, right?”
“Yeah. It’s fine.”
First, the fan reactions.
I handed the smartphone back to Keun Se-jin and began searching on my own phone.
“…….”
And then, I was taken aback.
Wow, this is a bit… embarrassing.
Even people who had cooled off after the survival show ended were pouring out new posts.
There must have been something that tugged at their heartstrings.
I expected half the people to be annoyed because they hated Idol Inc. and the other half to be happy just to see my face, but people were rallying more than expected.
‘I guess it’s a good thing…?’
I felt a bit awkward, but it wasn't bad. I decided to accept the situation.
‘Then next is… the general public’s reaction.’
There was almost nothing on this side. Comments on entertainment articles were blocked, and since the focus of the article was promoting Idol Inc., the attention shifted entirely that way.
Most of the reactions regarding me, rather than the program, were along the lines of “He said some good things.”
I could gather some negative reactions, but I wondered if there was any point. They were mostly like this:
People who write things like this don't even realize they’re posting hate comments because they don't use profanity. Since they’re just mindless remarks, there was no need to pay them any mind.
‘That’s that, then.’
It was a bit annoying to have my image consumed by being used like this, but since the fans liked it, I could call it even. Let’s just find a way to cut ties quickly.
I shrugged my shoulders.
But as I was about to turn off the screen, I reflexively checked the latest comments on an SNS post I was looking at.
It was a post sharing an article titled ‘Park Moon-dae’s Wise Advice Shared in 〈Idol Inc.〉 Season 4.’
‘Oh?’
The nuance of this was very subtle.
It wasn't just a hate comment from someone who disliked me; I could see keywords trying to artificially shift the narrative.
‘Totally ignorant?’
That wasn't an expression that naturally followed Park Moon-dae’s name.
Moreover, this wasn't even the narrative that would deal me the most damage.
‘Linking Idol Inc.’s fairness with T1’s media play would be much more effective.’
So, how should I put it? I strangely felt a different sense of purpose behind it.
‘Wait.’
I checked the account in question.
It was filled with event participations and shared humor posts. The timeline was sporadically filled with cliché remarks like ‘When are we eating lunch~’ and ‘I want to go home.’
‘Hmm.’
I tried searching a few times using keywords like ‘Park Moon-dae,’ ‘ignorant,’ and ‘middle school dropout,’ and confirmed the existence of similar accounts.
Accounts with plain profiles and IDs that shared comments lacking any personality or specific themes.
‘They’re quite skilled.’
Next, I searched for a completely different keyword on SNS.
[Golden Age Korea University]
Immediately, results came pouring out.
The most shared post was ‘Idols who give off major rich-family young lady/young master vibes.’
‘Not this one.’
I looked for a minor post with fewer shares and checked the accounts of those who shared it.
[Collection of Korea University Celebrities]
…The same personality-less account profiles I saw earlier were tucked in between.
‘Found you.’
I let out a smirk. Now I was certain.
‘Looks like Golden Age’s side is starting their work.’
It was what Choi Won-gil had told me.
As expected, that company wasn't directly comparing me with the Korea University member of Golden Age.
‘Instead, they grouped us together.’
They subtly used reverse viral marketing against popular idols with weak academic backgrounds like me.
At the same time, they were working to solidify the Golden Age member’s image by grouping him into a list of "silver-spoon celebrities with good education." Since there was definitely a demand for such an image.
It was an act of effectively raising his class and image while suppressing backlash as much as possible by expanding the scope.
‘They’re good.’
Well, it wasn't like I was particularly anxious or annoyed. Isn't this something most entertainment agencies do?
But it was a bit… tiring.
‘I’m busy enough worrying about other things.’
From the status effect to the new season of Idol Inc., there were plenty of things to deal with.
And if the things these guys were doing escalated, it would be even more of a headache to clean up.
So, I should just finish things with this agency right now.
‘Let’s see.’
The moment I was about to recall the list in my head, someone suddenly spoke to me.
“…What are you looking at so intently?”
It was Bae Se-jin.
“Ah, just monitoring.”
“Really? Then… is everything okay?”
“Yes, well….”
Bae Se-jin seemed to be hesitating before he spoke softly.
“…If you have any worries, tell me. I’ve been working in this industry for a long time, after all….”
Perhaps he had gained confidence after being cooperative in front of the cameras, as he was now trying to play the role of an elder, something completely out of character for him.
‘I appreciate the effort, but….’
I didn't particularly need Bae Se-jin’s help right now.
However, it would be better to explain. Since it was a matter of scheduling.
I mentioned the most reasonable method I had thought of.
“I’m thinking of appearing on a broadcast, and I want to set a schedule for one that airs as soon as possible.”
“Broadcast? What broadcast all of a sudden?”
I smirked.
“There are some people on the internet calling me ignorant. I’m thinking of going somewhere where I can use my brain.”
“Wh-what? All sorts of losers are acting up!”
Bae Se-jin huffed as if he were empathizing with me, then paced back and forth busily a few times.
Then, he suddenly stopped as if something had occurred to him.
“…Right! I know that writer!”
“Pardon?”
“A writer in the educational department!”
Bae Se-jin’s eyes were burning.
“The writer of the drama I just filmed said they worked together during a variety show, wait a second!”
He then grabbed his smartphone and fiercely attempted to text and call.
For the record, it was 8:30 PM.
“…….”
What on earth is happening?
“Yes, yes… Writer-nim. Ah, no. That role… isn't it. Well, hmm, I’m sorry, but by any chance…….”
Bae Se-jin somehow managed to finish the call while hiding his discomfort, then he turned back to me with his fists clenched.
“It’s done…! They said they’d let us know about a shoot that can be aired as quickly as possible!”
“…….”
I spoke calmly.
“Thank you.”
“Well, it’s nothing…!”
“By the way, what program is it?”
“…?!”
Bae Se-jin’s face turned pale and then bright red as he realized he had made a request for a specific program without even asking for my opinion.
“Uh, it’s educational, but closer to variety… that.”
“Yes.”
“…It’s 〈The Past Calls〉.”
Aha.
“That’s good.”
“…Right?!”
Indeed, it was perfect.
The Past Calls. It was a program I had watched occasionally.
It was content where the cast members moved to a place that recreated a certain point in the past to solve a case.
And in between, it seemed to maintain its educational nature by having them solve logic or history quizzes.
Crucially, unless it was a special episode, the historical locations the cast visited… were all within Korean history.
‘I’d be an idiot if I couldn't take advantage of this.’
A civil service exam student who had prepared for the PSAT and Korean history among people who had dedicated their lives to the arts and sports? It was practically a free win.
“I’ll talk to the company and adjust the schedule well. Thanks, hyung.”
“Y-yeah!”
I made Bae Se-jin some toast for a late-night snack as a compliment and a token of my gratitude.
“Hyung! I want some too!”
“Get permission from Se-jin hyung.”
Everything was going smoothly.
And then, the day of the filming for The Past Calls arrived.
I encountered an unexpected person in the lineup.
“Hello, sunbaenim!”
The guy bowing his head was… the Korea University main vocalist from Golden Age.
You know, the guy who did the "ribbon-wearing chicken" thing.
‘Oh.’
I smiled and nodded.
“Yes. Good to see you again. I look forward to working with you.”
“No, I’m the one who should be saying that! I really look forward to working with you!”
The guy, who bowed deeply before looking up, spoke while clutching his chest.
“I was very nervous because my schedule was suddenly set, but I’m so glad and honored that you’re here, sunbaenim!”
Look at this guy.
“So your schedule was set suddenly. My appearance was decided not too long ago as well.”
“I see! For me, it was really almost on the day… Ah, I’m sorry. I’m talking too much about useless things….”
“No. I like the conversation. Let’s do well in this shoot.”
“Yes, thank you!”
The Golden Age main vocalist soon left to greet the other cast members.
And as if passing him by, Seon A-hyun, who had gone to the convenience store for a moment, returned.
“I-I’m back…!”
“Okay~ A-hyun, let’s fix your hair in a bit!”
He was the member who came along after I asked for volunteers when the educational department asked if one more person could appear.
As I organized the snacks Seon A-hyun brought, I asked with a smile.
“M-Moon-dae. Are you looking forward to the shoot? You, you look like you’re in a good mood….”
“Ah, because it’s interesting.”
It really was interesting.
As soon as I booked a brainy variety show, that guy booked the same show right after?
There was only one conclusion.
‘There’s a rat in the company.’
I was already excited about how to use this.
Of course, I had to finish this shoot well first. I unwrapped a piece of chocolate Seon A-hyun gave me.
‘Shall we see if I can hold my own against a Korea University student?’
A moment later, the filming began without delay.