Chapter 417
Chapter 417
TeSTAR fans were already well-acquainted with all sorts of messes, ranging from the underwater dogfights of toxic individual fans to the spread of rumors and the agency’s blatant attention-seeking.
Of course, it wasn't just negative things they were used to.
They had also grown fondly accustomed to jaw-dropping stage quality, sincere fan service, tiny adorable stories, and heartwarming group episodes.
However, there was one thing they were unsure whether to simply enjoy or be wary of: TeSTAR’s variety show streak.
It was entertaining.
In fact, it was more than just entertaining; the shows often went viral because of their merciless developments, giving TeSTAR’s variety appearances a high public appeal.
In the midst of it all, they felt more like 'idols caught up in variety chaos' rather than professional entertainers, which meant their image remained untarnished.
Fans enjoyed the content and the flow. But at the same time, they often voiced a different sentiment.
Since the group had faced so many ups and downs since their debut, there was a subtle demand to see them playing comfortably without any obstacles.
Besides, isn't it common for non-variety celebrities to do special programs where they escape their daily lives and enjoy some quiet healing?
'Observational Healing Trip!'
But now… out of the blue, the members were saying they had just done exactly that.
At first, the fans were thrilled.
That was until they realized there wasn't a single photo.
Loviewers were flustered.
It was a good thing, surely. The boys, smiling brightly and saying they’d work harder on the concert now that they were well-rested, looked healthy, well-fed, and full of passion.
But the thing was...
They had assumed there would be self-produced content, or at least a video.
Furthermore, there were signs appearing during their W Live.
[Hey, here’s some water. But sit up before you drink it.]
[Hehe!]
[Whoa, isn't the car going to explode at this rate? Everyone’s lying down.]
They had always been close as a team, but this time, it felt like another layer had been peeled back.
Throughout the W Live, there was a relaxed atmosphere as if they had opened up completely, yet they listened to each other so intently it was almost poignant.
It was a scene overflowing with unity, as if they had disbanded and reunited. It was significant.
Guessing that something like a narrative turning point must have happened at that camp, the W Live viewers wailed even louder.
And seeing the members look flustered, as if they hadn't realized not bringing back a single photo would be an issue, the fans realized the cause of this situation.
…They hadn't even imagined there would be a demand for it.
Seeing the fans crying out in the comments, TeSTAR did their best to explain what they had done.
[Um… Oh, at the sheep ranch, Yu-jin tried herding sheep like a sheepdog, and it actually worked. It was really funny!]
[That’s right. The owner laughed a lot.]
It had the opposite effect.
And this wave of desire, along with TeSTAR’s drive broadcast, instantly began to take over fan communities and social media accounts.
A few days after returning from glamping.
“…Yes, of course. We’re doing well.”
I took a call that came in while we were in the middle of tour preparations.
To be precise, Ryu Cheong-woo had shaken his head and handed it over to me.
“Are you doing well too, PD-nim?”
It was the lead PD of the variety division who had created various gems, from the variety show where we sold hotteok abroad to the Carrot Coin incident.
And I already guessed what he was going to say.
“Pardon?”
Right, I knew it. I fell silent for a moment, recalling the internet situation over the past few days.
‘…I didn't think people would be this triggered.’
It seemed the fact that there was zero video evidence had actually maximized the fans' curiosity and expectations.
Based on the fans' words alone, TeSTAR’s mere five-day glamping trip was being transformed into a legendary variety show that combined emotion, comedy, and healing.
Moreover, legitimate "crumbs" were surfacing one by one to fuel that atmosphere.
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[Is it okay to post this? Review of seeing TeSTAR]
I’m working part-time at a glamping site, and they suddenly appeared in hilarious, suspicious outfits and checked in looking handsome. I thought it was Operation 007.
Here’s the proof (Photo)
They willingly did it when they checked out. They were all so handsome and really nice. And Mung-ge was cute.
Taking questions in the comments lol
========================
Starting with the review from the part-timer who had held it in for a long time, promotional posts from the glamping site owner and sightings from staff at the sheep ranch and horseback riding club began to appear.
The shaky, low-quality short videos and the few proof shots taken with smartphones only made the fans thirstier.
‘There are traces that they were definitely there, but there’s no substance….’
It even reached the point where people broadcasting on social media while trying to find traces by renting the same caravans and tents TeSTAR had used were getting bashed and taking their posts down.
Just before it turned into a complete mess, things settled down slightly as large-scale tour promotions began, but it was a close call.
We had barely managed to keep the extreme buildup of excitement from boiling over.
Still, the atmosphere of people clamoring for "healing" as if they were protesting remained.
I clicked my tongue inwardly.
‘Did I lose my touch after spending ten months in a different timeline?’
From now on, turning on a live broadcast with the stupid idea of just doing it without thinking is banned.
Anyway, in this situation, it was obvious what the variety production team we had worked with before would say.
It was a direct attempt to create supply.
He was suggesting we film the promised TeSTAR healing variety show right now.
“Variety show?”
“Ah~ is that our PD-nim? It’s been a while, Jung PD-nim!”
The guys who were dozing off in the car began to react one by one.
And the PD, who enthusiastically returned the greetings, began his sales pitch without even pausing for breath.
He said they were planning a WeTube-exclusive content series on their channel, which had over 3 million subscribers.
And they wanted TeSTAR to be the first guests.
I looked around.
‘Should I take a vote to gauge the mood?’
But Ryu Cheong-woo spoke up first with a smile.
“Should we do whatever Moon-dae wants?”
Hmm?
“I like that…!”
“Right~ Honestly, Moon-dae-moondae can decide this.”
“It is a reasonable suggestion, as Moon-dae-hyung felt the greatest sense of betrayal during the last variety show, The Grandson of That House.”
Fine.
Since I was the one who got… screwed over the most by these production jerks in the last show, it seemed the decision-making power had been handed to me.
I stared at my smartphone for a moment, then nodded.
“Alright.”
It was right to resolve the fandom’s atmosphere here.
Since it would be running alongside the tour season anyway, we wouldn't have to be so obsessed with going viral. Let's just think of it as a relaxing episode.
“A healing variety show. I’ll trust the production team one last time.”
“I hope that doesn't mean the variety career you swore on is the one that shouted it was right to betray us back then.”
A brief silence followed.
The PD continued in a trembling voice.
Of course, he was trembling because he was laughing.
“No, I wasn't.”
I said no, you jerk.
“Pfft!”
I could hear the writers across the line stifling their laughter.
Coincidentally, something similar was happening around me. I smacked the back of the laughing Keun Se-jin.
“Ack!”
“Anyway, that’s how it is. We look forward to working with you.”
Everything was settled with Ryu Cheong-woo’s wrap-up.
And so, the WeTube version of TeSTAR’s healing variety show was confirmed.
After a hurried meeting and practice.
The filming began the moment we boarded the plane for the tour.
“We’ve come to find you to save you some time!”
“Oh my god!”
The production crew, unable to give up on even this kind of gag, performed a surprise appearance at a layover.
They were dressed in such a loud fashion that I wondered how the airport lounge had even allowed it.
‘They really don't seem to have any intention of scamming us.’
Seeing them try to squeeze in even a small bit of entertainment like that, it seemed they were genuinely planning to let us heal this time.
I looked at the PD wearing angel wings, read the room, and nodded.
“Now, now, since you guys on tour shouldn't have anything to worry about besides the stage, we’ve made a choice that fully respects your wishes!”
“Ooh.”
“It is… self-planning!”
Soon, the PD, with a solemn expression, brought up the topic we had already discussed.
‘It’s simple.’
“And everyone will enjoy them in order! No exceptions, no manipulations.”
“Ooooh~”
“Congratulations, Rae-bin-nim!”
“Congrats!”
That person was Kim Rae-bin.
Kim Rae-bin nodded vigorously, looking as if this reward he had earned from a simple game of hopscotch board game was more than he deserved.
“I will plan an efficient course that everyone can enjoy without feeling burdened…!”
“No, it’s okay, Rae-bin. Just do what you want!”
It was heartwarming.
The atmosphere suggested that a truly proper healing session—peaceful and stress-free—was about to be produced.
‘Hmm.’
Furthermore, the conditions were as follows.
“You can’t check each other’s courses or try to sabotage them. You really have to do what you want to do~”
“Yes!”
Just do what you want.
The only constraints were the travel budget and time limits, but those were necessary to avoid any sense of artificiality.
Finally, let’s look at the two-man teams formed within TeSTAR.
“Should we do this?”
“…! I’m fine with that.”
“Oh~ this place looks good.”
“…Isn't it a bit over the budget? No, I’m fine with doing this and doing less of something else.”
“No, I’m just saying it looks good, Hyung~ Let’s look at other things too!”
Team 2 is <Sejin-ies>. Naturally, it’s the team formed by Lee Se-jin and Bae Se-jin.
I nodded.
‘I can already see how it’ll go.’
Either way, a perfectly fine healing course will come out.
The first team consists of guys who are naturally gentle, and the two with the same name have opposite tastes, so if they compromise in front of the variety cameras, a popular course will eventually emerge.
‘In that case.’
It means a team that provides at least a little bit of stimulation is bound to appear.
I looked back at my teammate.
“Hyung! Can I be the leader?”
“Yeah. Go ahead.”
Cha Yu-jin was accessing the internet with sparkling eyes.
That’s right.
Team 3: Cha Yu-jin and Park Moon-dae.
An American guy who chased sheep while imitating a sheepdog even at a private camp, and a Korean guy whose first introduction involved tearing into chicken feet.
This is why image is important.
‘Healing is a subjective expression, after all.’
I looked back at my reliable teammate and began to plan a satisfying killing… no, healing plan.