Chapter 272
Chapter 272
We even did a short run of promotions with the new remix we unveiled at the concert.
Since the response was so explosive, we all agreed to strike while the iron was hot.
Since it was first revealed at a concert, I expected it to just be remembered as a masterpiece among fans, but the general reaction was quite significant too.
It seemed to be thanks to the groundwork we’d laid since the last album, combined with the fact that both songs had high recognition after winning the simultaneous release battle against Young-rin.
Kim Rae-bin seemed particularly excited because of it.
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I am Kim Rae-bin. Although it was a remix for the concert and not a title track, I am truly grateful for the overwhelming interest you have shown in this piece. The beginning of this project started with connecting the bass...
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...He posted nine consecutive slides of short technical essays about the composition process on TeSTAR’s official SNS.
For the record, the shares and likes that flooded the first post dropped to about a fifth by the eighth one. It was a silent sign from the fans that they had no idea what he was talking about.
“Rae-bin, that post you just put up...”
“It seemed like everyone had many questions, so I organized the arrangement process in my own way. How is it??”
“Uh-huh, it’s great.”
He looked so happy that no one dared to say anything more. The future cringe was his own burden to bear.
Anyway, it was true that this guy was impressive for creating a remix while on tour.
I briefly recalled the conversation between Bae Se-jin and Kim Rae-bin. And I thought once again.
‘Gathering multiple opinions... really helps.’
Without Cha Yu-jin’s idea for the challenge, this concept wouldn't have happened. I had to admit that while this brainstorming method lacked time efficiency, the results were quite good.
Regardless, that was why we were currently in a promotion period.
“We should get moving soon.”
“Okay~”
This unplanned short promotion wasn't as intense as a regular album cycle. It mostly consisted of appearing on WeTube performance channels or uploading our own content. Maybe a few commercial shoots for profit.
In other words, it was closer to providing fan service content.
Since there had been the controversy surrounding Cha Yu-jin, the plan was to reduce excessive public exposure for a while and focus on fan-centric activities until the image stabilized.
‘I’m also thinking of including this remix as a B-side in the next comeback.’
Still, promoting after a few months was quite fun. It wasn't as insanely busy as a formal promotion period.
“What’s on the schedule for tomorrow... some WeTube channel interview?”
“Right. It’s a channel where we meet kids and play our songs for them.”
“Oh, that sounds great! I’ve wanted to do something like that~”
Since it wasn't a large-scale activity or something where we had to prove ourselves, it felt relaxed and enjoyable. The fans seemed to feel the same way.
I also liked how this activity extended the lingering excitement of the concert. Thanks to this, the conflicts between individual fans didn't surface as the mainstream mood of the fandom and remained as undercurrent bickering.
And it was around that time that news about Re-listing! Idol Inc. 3 began to trickle out.
While we were moving through the Tnet building, we saw an advertisement playing on a giant electronic billboard in a corner of the first-floor lobby.
[Shareholders! Do you remember your idol stocks?]
[This April, we will list them for you!]
The colors were certainly gaudy.
“Oh... they’re doing it again.”
“I guess so.”
The word ‘unnecessarily’ was definitely omitted from that sentence.
The video showed a montage of highlights from previous seasons before eventually transforming into the Aju-sa logo, featuring a giant Roman numeral III.
“Wait, isn't it Season 5? Why is it 3?”
“Since the season we were on was the renewal version, if you count from there, it’s the third. Otherwise, it’s the fifth~”
“Oh! I get it!”
Right. Even the media, which had stubbornly insisted on listing the total number of seasons until last time, was now using the season that produced TeSTAR as the new starting point.
‘It’s partly because they lost momentum to Tnet, who is hell-bent on keeping the "Re-listing" title...’
It was also because TeSTAR had become so successful. It had become a sort of symbol.
It was a bit bitter to think that because of us, they could keep milking this sadistic audition show. Furthermore, there was a lot of media play piggybacking on our name.
For example:
[The new generation of idols shown by <Re-listing! Idol Inc.>, will the second TeSTAR appear?]
[“A new global boy group to succeed TeSTAR is coming”... New season of <Idol Inc.>]
Well, Tnet wouldn't listen even if we tried to stop or reject it, so I just gave up on that front.
‘It’s a bit funny to see this when we haven't even been debuted for three full years.’
Anyone would think we were idols in our contract renewal season with VTIC’s seniority.
And the internet reaction... well, wasn't it obvious?
Things like that.
However, the reactions had become sharper. Especially from TeSTAR fans.
It was because a direct junior group was coming out while TeSTAR, a boy group from the previous season, was still flying high.
It was different from when the girl group ‘Mirinae’ came out. The target demographic overlapped exactly.
It wasn't even time for a generation shift, nor was it time for fans to prepare their hearts because TeSTAR’s five-year contract was ending. It was natural for fans to be annoyed by such a stupid move.
Moreover, from TeSTAR’s perspective, there were other uncomfortable points.
“...I wonder if our fans will watch this a lot.”
“Well, I’m sure some will.”
“......”
It was the similarity in positioning.
With the same audition narrative, some people would inevitably be drawn to the freshness. And they might start to find the older group stale. That was why the new season of Aju-sa was more threatening than other groups.
But there was no need to worry too much.
“No, no. Our team is good! I’m not worried at all. It’s okay if fans watch this! They’ll like us more. We’ve done so many cool things!”
“For once, Cha Yu-jin is saying something right. I think so too.”
It was just as these two youngest members said.
‘It’s already been years since TeSTAR was formed.’
To simply say the ‘images from the audition program overlap’ was a stretch, as TeSTAR had already built a solid universe and album identity.
Perhaps realizing this, the members soon laughed sheepishly or shrugged.
“Yeah, you’re right. Let’s just work hard.”
“Hehe.”
“Of course!”
For the record, I thought about this from the opposite perspective. This wasn't a problem for us to overcome, but rather...
‘I think it’ll be a benefit.’
The overlapping narrative was actually a good thing. It provided a benefit to the fandom atmosphere that would outweigh any minor leaks.
Naturally, when people have something to compare directly, they tend to weigh the pros and cons more rationally. There’s a sense of satisfaction in the objective judgment that our side is of higher quality than theirs.
And the fandom is the same. Given the nature of this program, the atmosphere of a new season’s fandom... well, you know.
‘It’s always a mess.’
Throughout the broadcast and even after their debut, it would be six months of incidents, accidents, and bloodbaths. It was a condition where we couldn't possibly lose in a relative comparison. We would unconditionally hold the upper hand.
‘Good.’
I had vaguely thought about this and kept it in mind, but I was pleased that the new season of Aju-sa was coming out at such a perfect time.
‘I can lock things in this state.’
Since we had sufficiently lowered the fatigue levels with the concert, the fans wouldn't be in a mood to take a break from fan activities out of exhaustion. They could enjoy themselves while directing all their anger outward.
‘Anger outward. Satisfaction inward.’
Besides, the probability of this season surpassing the prestige of our "Re-listing" season, no matter what they did, was extremely slim. This wasn't arrogance; it was an objective fact.
‘It’s just that the timing and the talent pool of our season were impossibly perfect.’
That kind of luck doesn't strike twice in a row.
“Anyway... it brings back memories.”
“Hyung, isn't that exactly what you said during that variety show where we sold hotteok?”
“Ah, was it? Haha!”
Seon A-hyun cautiously added his thoughts.
“I, I hope everyone... does well without getting hurt.”
“Right! Cheer up, guys~”
“Indeed, as a senior from a season several years ago, I feel many emotions.”
Those were kind words, but that wouldn't happen. I rubbed my chin while looking at the Season 3 logo.
‘These guys... are going to get crushed from all sides.’
It was about time for the season pattern to collapse, and they were being compared to the peak of an ideal idol audition result.
‘They need to be somewhat successful for the effect on our side to last.’
If this season failed to the point where a comparison wasn't even possible, the effect I wanted wouldn't be as strong. So, I inwardly hoped this season would at least be a decent hit.
“Everyone, we need to move...”
“Oh, yes!”
“Sorry, Manager-nim~”
We took our eyes off the screen and started moving again.
It was a while later when I came across news of the new season again. TeSTAR was filming relay dance content for Tnet.
“Um, excuse me, if you have a moment, could we film something? Just a short one!”
“Ah, yes, sure.”
We ended up filming a sports cheering video during a break, and that’s where I ran into an unexpected face.
“Gasp! Hello, sunbaenim!”
“Yes, hello~”
It was Mirinae, who had just returned to the country after finishing their US tour.
‘They must be filming a variety show.’
There wasn't much to say, so after exchanging greetings, we immediately started our respective cheering shoots.
“We’ll take them one by one, quickly!”
“Got it.”
I finished my part first and sat on a chair in the station hallway, playing around with Logic on my smartphone.
That was when it happened. A member of Mirinae bowed her head and spoke to me. Looking at her face... ah, she was the one who took 1st place.
“Hello, Moon-dae sunbaenim!”
“Yes. Hello...”
And the 1st place winner plopped down next to me.
“......?”
Why?
But she wasn't sitting particularly close, and she seemed to have no ulterior motive, so I didn't react. Instead, I turned my gaze and saw a poster on the hallway wall.
It was the poster for the new season of Aju-sa.
‘They’ve plastered this everywhere.’
I was thinking that they were really pushing it despite milking the concept, when she suddenly spoke up again.
“Sunbaenim, are you watching this season?”
“Huh? No, my eyes just wandered there.”
“Really? We went to film there recently!”
I see. Since we had also been mobilized for Mirinae’s season, it wasn't strange. They probably went to give some encouragement.
I nodded, but the 1st place winner... had a dissatisfied expression?
“But I think this season is too much! It’s serious. I wouldn't have been surprised if the participants ran out crying.”
“......”
“There were some mean participants too, so I felt like the nice ones were really going to suffer. Man, it wasn't like that during our time!”
Were we... on terms to have this kind of conversation?
‘I think this is our first one-on-one conversation.’
Well, it was a conversation that would end within a minute anyway. I nodded again.
“I see.”
“Yes! Ah, they told the Platinum grade participants to pick one participant who doesn't deserve to be on the first stage, and I thought I was going to lose my mind! And they even actually removed them!”
“Oh.”
That was shocking. It must have been a total mess.
‘The buzz will be certain, though.’
Their skill at filling their bellies by doing terrible things to kids hadn't gone anywhere.
I was impressed, and the 1st place winner nodded vigorously.
“I knew you’d think it was too much too, sunbaenim!”
“...Yes. Well.”
She was a character that stood out in many ways.
‘Whoever is managing her must have a hard time.’
Sure enough, a moment later, the 2nd place winner finished her shoot, and her face turned pale when she saw us. She came running over.
And she began to do her best to handle the situation on behalf of the manager, who was busy running around taking care of other members.
Meaning, she covered the 1st place winner’s mouth.
“Sunbaenim! Actually, we can’t open Inheart... Up!”
“She doesn't have any, any bad intentions... Yes. Yul-gi unnie is just naturally friendly to everyone... Yes...”
I answered quietly.
“I understand, so don't worry and go ahead. Good job with the shoot.”
“...Yes!! Thank you!”
The 2nd place winner seemed to realize I was sincere after making eye contact, and with a brightened face, she dragged the 1st place winner away.
The 1st place winner looked flustered but bowed quite politely as she was dragged to the end of the hallway.
Keun Se-jin was impressed.
“Wow~ they have quite the personalities over there too.”
“Yeah.”
Maybe it was a characteristic of audition groups.
That day, while moving in the car, I looked into the new season of Idol Inc. again.
I had planned to monitor it anyway, but I was going to wait until about four episodes had aired.
‘The success or failure of a program is usually decided around the first team battle.’
But since I’d heard about it, it wouldn't hurt to check it out now. I fast-forwarded through the first episode.
[I was really so shocked...]
[The participant whose rank I will push out is (Bleep) participant.]
[Gasp!]
Well, the predictable editing, the mix of touching and cruel moments, and the way they established the participants' characters were all the same. It had just become a bit more cruel.
‘It’s draining.’
But it was entertaining. And there was a certain amount of buzz on the internet. Although there was plenty of criticism, that was a standard feature of Aju-sa.
The cliché was unavoidable, but it didn't seem like this program would fail. In fact, thanks to a few participants who weren't holding back, the buzz seemed even better than the previous Mirinae season.
“......Hmm.”
It’s not good if it blows up more than I expected. Should I check a bit more?
I checked the rankings that appeared at the end of the first episode. Then I started searching for names. I narrowed down a few guys who seemed likely to debut.
‘Gold 2 is appearing again.’
A participant with extremely high pre-recognition, a handsome participant, a main vocal position participant, a participant with great star quality...
And someone who satisfied two or three of these.
[1st Place: Chae Seo-dam]
‘This guy is getting the biggest reaction.’
He was 24 years old. Since he was the same age as Park Moon-dae, he would be on the older side for an idol audition. However, he looked young for his age, so it seemed to be covered to some extent.
Most importantly, he was the center for the first stage. That meant he was Platinum grade.
And a ballet major... I see.
‘Hmm.’
It was a profile that reminded me of Seon A-hyun.
Just then, Seon A-hyun, who was sitting next to me, leaned his head slightly toward me. I was in the middle of watching a blurry ballet performance being played.
“M-Moon-dae. What are you watch...”
“......”
I heard the sound of a sharp intake of breath.
What is it?
I turned my head to check on Seon A-hyun.
“...!”
Seon A-hyun was frozen stiff. While still looking at the screen.
“Seon A-hyun?”
Only a faint sound like ‘Ugh...’ could be heard.
I immediately looked back at the screen.
In the video, which had automatically moved to the next one, there was a close-up of the center of this season’s first stage smiling brightly.
Seon A-hyun saw this and now...
‘Wait.’
This guy... if he’s the same age as Park Moon-dae, that means he’s the same age as Seon A-hyun too.
“......”
‘Shit, don't tell me.’
That was how I discovered it. Not the problem of whether this season would be a hit or not, but a completely different crisis.