Chapter 466
Chapter 466
Seven silhouettes ascended the stage.
It was TeSTAR’s first-ever comeback stage on a terrestrial network since their formation.
Internet users were already gathered, buzzing with anticipation.
It was inevitable that Tnet would be mentioned, even if they weren't there.
Until now, TeSTAR had been nothing less than the icon of T1’s success in the K-POP industry. That was an image they couldn't shake off, even after their split from T1.
As long as that image remained—unless a cataclysmic shift occurred to erase their origins—it meant terrestrial networks didn't feel the need to be overly friendly toward TeSTAR.
Consequently, TeSTAR was slotted into the second-to-last spot before the ending today.
It was a lineup based on "strict" seniority, despite their overwhelming popularity.
Regardless, people believed the highlight of this week’s KBC Music Broadcast was TeSTAR’s comeback stage. That alone was enough.
Amidst the massive hype, where every ounce of effort poured into making people watch this single stage felt worth it, TeSTAR’s performance began.
[Doong...!]
A minor-key riff melody played, sounding like a distorted ship’s horn.
As the lights came up, a lavish set featuring the "KIS" logo was revealed. It looked like a cross between a library and a laboratory.
And right in the center of that elegant, conceptual stage stood the silhouettes in a symmetrical triangular formation.
However, their backs were turned.
In that position, the seven men slowly moved their necks.
The leather texture shimmered under the lights. They were wearing skin-tight leather suits.
The minor-key MIDI sounds and electric guitar surged toward a climax...
Then, with a crackling sound effect, the song dropped into an intense major-key intro.
[Touching your hand
My tape winds again]
The formation broke apart as the members moved in a synchronized group dance, following Park Moon-dae’s solo movements as he crossed his arms.
Then, from the right edge, the next member slid forward toward the camera.
[The moment the heart beats
Every sense goes Slow]
It was Ryu Cheong-woo’s part. He performed a sharp, dynamic choreography, spinning down to one knee and extending one arm.
The group dance and formation shifted according to his arm gestures.
Indeed.
The choreography, created with the theme of the "Butterfly Effect," was structured so that the formation shifted according to the solo gestures of the member singing their part.
The stage raced forward as viewers desperately wished for a fixed full-cam shot. The drum beat accelerated like a racing heart.
[A thrilling contact
Inside your silent eyes
Finding the certain answer]
Kim Rae-bin, taking a vocal part for the first time in a while, wore a unique turtleneck-style phantom thief outfit that came up to his chin.
He narrowed his eyes as he finished his part, then high-fived the next person as if passing a baton.
It was Cha Yu-jin.
[There’s only one choice
Yeah, take it all (one more)
Even if I lose this tight grip]
A sharp, combat-like pair dance with Kim Rae-bin unfolded.
Then came the doubling from Park Moon-dae and Ryu Cheong-woo, which bolstered the live performance feel.
Then, a pause to adjust the tempo. A single line delivered in a low voice.
[Let’s Start, begin the fray.]
The camera zoomed in on Kim Rae-bin in the center, grabbing his jaw and neck.
Then, the pre-chorus.
[Find it, look at the face
I don't care what's next
Chaser, even today
Don't let your hand stop]
It was a difficult section with complex off-beats and a wide vocal range. Matching the music, the choreography’s difficulty spiked, becoming incredibly flashy.
In this part where the center became even more crucial, Lee Se-jin first led with his powerful energy, followed by Seon A-hyun, who drove the atmosphere with his exquisite control of dynamics.
[Find it all out
Don't be scared what's next
Chaser, even tomorrow
Don't let the reversal end]
Just as the visual spectacle reached its peak, the chorus finally arrived.
The beat dropped.
[Just roll the dice
Trust, take my side]
It was a stark contrast to the pre-chorus.
A simple rhythm, a punchy main melody, and a catchy riff.
The easy-to-remember chorus, built on these three core elements, was filled with a stunning dance break.
The signature arm movement, which involved an unexpected acceleration to "snag" the viewer's attention, paired perfectly with the phantom thief outfits.
It was disciplined yet strangely sexy.
In the end, exclamations like these poured out:
It was the thrill and satisfaction that came from TeSTAR meeting every expectation.
Why did this happen?
Take an example. A group moves to a different company. Even if most of the members remain... can the group’s color change?
The answer is "Yes."
If the working-level staff producing the album and the planning team change, it can happen easily.
It wasn't just a matter of quality; it was a matter of whether the "feeling"—the reason fans and the public liked the group—remained.
The group’s unique color.
What the public expected from them.
Due to a lack of manpower or capital, a group might become unable to produce that anymore.
However, TeSTAR essentially proved the opposite with this stage.
‘TeSTAR does exactly what you expect!’
Thanks to that, the viewers subconsciously realized it and began to enjoy themselves.
TeSTAR was continuing their upward trajectory on the same track they had debuted on.
[Yeah, this Final round]
The stage pushed forward relentlessly into the bridge.
The harsh electric sounds vanished, replaced by swelling keyboard notes building up alongside the drums.
Matching that atmosphere, Bae Se-jin sang the melody from the low to the mid-high range with a clear, solid voice, devoid of unnecessary flair.
[Pull it in]
At the end of that line, Cha Yu-jin lunged forward, landing on both feet like a feline predator, and took slow, powerful steps.
Then, the final dance break.
[Just roll the dice
Trust, take my side]
As if they had made up their minds, TeSTAR didn't let up until the very end, filling the stage without missing a single movement or note.
Right up until the ending, where Ryu Cheong-woo, standing in the center, turned around and playfully held up a glove he had removed.
It was an ending member selection perfectly suited for the phantom thief concept.
Waaaaaaaah!
Just like the fans’ cheers filling the screen, the internet chat windows scrolled by at lightning speed.
Fans on social media poured out their thoughts in a frenzy of words, onomatopoeia, and emojis.
They couldn't help it. It was just too thrilling!
It was only after their rational thinking returned that they began to form complete sentences.
The moment they saw the stage, they sensed this promotion would be a success. Their happiness levels hit the max, and expectations for their schedule began to pour in.
Amidst the chatter, truths and rumors mingled.
However, most were too busy waiting for the next stage with anticipation or checking the reactions to this comeback stage with pride.
For instance, top comments like this:
And as they grinned, some fans suddenly wondered:
How did TeSTAR feel when that stage ended?
"Great job, everyone~!"
"Waaaaah!!"
Cheers even louder than their last comeback filled the waiting room.
The sight of the staff joining in the celebration was heartwarming, yet filled with heat and passion.
Their first album at a new company, in a new environment, facing obstacles they had never encountered before.
Everyone couldn't help but feel deeply moved.
The members even swarmed Park Moon-dae, who was immediately monitoring the reactions to today’s pre-recording.
"Moon-dae, Moon-dae, are you checking the reactions?"
"Yeah."
"How... how are they...?"
Park Moon-dae said simply, "They’re good."
"...!!"
It was rare for him to be so definitive about public opinion without any caveats.
And that meant...
"Really?"
It meant the reactions were overwhelmingly positive, even taking into account that they were fans!
The members looked dazed for a moment before breaking into wide grins.
"Whoa... TeSTAR is still alive!"
"Haha, we really showed them something today!"
"Oh~ Cheong-woo Hyung!"
Even Ryu Cheong-woo chimed in excitedly, adapting their pre-stage chant: "Ah, TeSTAR really showed them something today."
Bae Se-jin, his face flushed as he caught his breath, approached to look at the screen Park Moon-dae was viewing.
Seon A-hyun smiled brightly and stepped aside slightly.
"Ah, h-here...!"
"......"
Bae Se-jin read the contents on the smartphone that Park Moon-dae hadn't bothered to hide.
Those reactions, overflowing with anticipation and happiness without a hint of pretense... they truly hit home.
"...It’s good."
"It really is!"
He was happy too.
‘That was good.’
The feeling that they had done well.
He had followed the choreography well, and his singing felt sufficient to bring the song to life.
The fact that the leather outfits were uncomfortable because they didn't wick away sweat barely bothered him now, thanks to years of stage experience.
"......"
So, well.
Bae Se-jin had no choice but to make a certain decision. It was inevitable.
"TeSTAR members, please change your clothes~"
"Yes!"
So, amidst the members who were busy getting ready to change, he was the first to finish... and headed for a sofa in the corner.
Then, he opened his notes app again.
It was a note he had started writing because he couldn't calm his heart, only to close it after thirty seconds, thinking it was inappropriate right before a stage.
[Thank you so much for the offer. I would really love to appear in your work, Director—]
He gritted his teeth and began to type out the rest of the words.
[...I would really love to appear in your work. However, I feel I won't regret it only if I focus more on my group activities right now.]
This was right.
‘If it overlaps with the promotion period... I can’t.’
Even if he hadn't been able to do it during any other album promotion, he couldn't do it now.
‘With what kind of heart did everyone start over?’
And this time, he felt like he hadn't just barely managed to keep up, but had actually contributed properly to the quality of a work.
He didn't want to throw cold water on things with individual actions. He now understood the ecosystem of an idol group to some extent.
‘Now is the time to focus on group activities.’
Bae Se-jin continued to write, refining his language for when he would have to answer the phone.
[You gave me such a kind offer, and I’m sorry for declining—]
It was then.
"Hyung, what are you doing?"
"...!!"
He felt like his heart was going to drop.
Turning only his eyes, he saw Park Moon-dae looking at him with a blunt face, as if he were looking at something bizarre.
"...?!"
With an expression that clearly asked, "What were you looking at to be so startled?" Bae Se-jin ended up giving himself away!
"No! Just a text!"
"That’s the notes app."
"......"
"Sorry, but because of where I was standing, I saw a few words."
Park Moon-dae sat down on the sofa a reasonable distance away. Bae Se-jin froze.
"Did you get a role offer from that director?"
"L-Lower your voice."
"...?"
Park Moon-dae thought, ‘There’s no need for that,’ but he played along for now.
Bae Se-jin continued in a low, serious voice.
"...Yeah. But I’m going to turn it down since it’s our promotion period."
"It doesn't seem like it's because you don't want to do it."
Bae Se-jin felt a surge of emotion.
Of course not!
But he knew he shouldn't get angry. Park Moon-dae wasn't at fault.
So, after taking a deep breath, he replied more calmly.
"...I’m saying it’s not about what I want to do, but because I don't think it’s the right timing!"
"Hmm..."
Park Moon-dae let out a silent hum, his face expressionless, then nodded a few seconds later.
"Then let’s ask if everyone else thinks so too."
"...??"
The TeSTAR meeting was back in session.