Chapter 539
Chapter 539
As I mentioned before, there was a reason we hadn't been able to work with the production crew that had been with TeSTAR through everything from the hotteok stall to Carrot Coin.
That PD was part of the T1 subsidiary line.
In the first place, that was why they frequently crossed paths with TeSTAR, who had been called the "Sons of T1" since their debut. However, after TeSTAR went independent, getting in touch with them became difficult.
‘Well, what can a salaryman do?’
That was why we had found someone else for TeSTAR’s last occult variety show.
It was Ryu Seo-rin, the writer for Idol Inc. who had been ousted by T1. We collaborated with her, but… interestingly, that incident triggered a butterfly effect.
Specifically, Writer Ryu Seo-rin had successfully launched several variety shows since then and was building quite a career.
Using the TeSTAR original content as a stepping stone, she moved her line to a studio close to Netplus and was now thriving as the head writer for variety shows promoting dramas and movies.
She even made good use of her connection with Bae Se-jin, leading the cast of Doll Hunter to appear on her shows.
—…I don’t think she’s a particularly good person, but I can’t afford to be in her debt.
Bae Se-jin was right.
And Ryu Seo-rin—whose "character couldn't be trusted" according to Bae Se-jin—ended up exerting a positive influence she likely never anticipated.
Seeing her success, several PDs from T1 subsidiaries who were dissatisfied with the company gained courage. A situation unfolded where a handful of them "escaped" to independent studios.
—Everyone! I’ve resigned! Hahaha!
…And this PD was among those who left.
With the characteristic madness of a former office worker, he threw a direct pitch at us to do a variety show together.
Of course, for us, it was a godsend.
“Let’s do it. Please, let’s do it.”
“Does Mung-ge want to film it too, by any chance?”
It had already been about six months since we mutually cut ties with T1. During that time, the TeSTAR members’ desire for the fun variety shows they’d missed out on had reached a boiling point…
“Hahaha! I look forward to working with you!”
And so, the collaboration was back on.
“We’re the ones looking forward to it. We trust that you’ll do a great job, as always, PD-nim.”
“O-Of course! I mean, shouldn't a person do what they’re best at!”
The PD, despite his own eccentricity, seemed slightly overwhelmed by Ryu Cheong-woo’s commanding presence as they shook hands.
“I’ll keep that same vibe from back then! Let’s make it great.”
Looking at his smile, he seemed brimming with confidence, but…
“May I make a suggestion?”
“Yes? Oh, of course! Go ahead!”
“The vibe of the variety shows we did before was great, but if we keep going in a similar direction, won't people be able to predict what happens?”
It would be a problem if he had used up all his bravado when resigning and was now choosing a boring, safe option.
The PD replied simply.
“Oh, only the vibe is the same.”
“……??”
“The content is the opposite!”
Swish.
TeSTAR was suddenly faced with an unexpectedly flashy PPT presentation from the production crew.
[TeSTAR’s Not Lonely Gourmet Trip]
Ta-da!
Along with the working title, a riot of rainbow colors took over the meeting room. Filled with blessings and emojis, the layout looked strangely familiar.
‘…It looks like an elderly person’s KakaoTalk meme.’
The members fell into a state of confusion.
Only Kim Rae-bin’s eyes sparkled with genuine interest as he stared intensely at the PPT.
[No more baking hotteok!]
[Let’s earn money to buy delicious food!]
“Earn… money?”
“You all have jobs, don’t you~?”
[Supporting TeSTAR’s activities~ ^^]
[Idols should do idol work!]
“…….”
Wait a minute.
He couldn't be suggesting we use the money earned from the tour to buy food… essentially making a "healing" variety show where only the idols actually heal.
That wouldn't be healing; we’d just get cursed out for doing a "Deceiver Special."
“Oh, of course, money earned while the cameras aren't rolling is excluded!”
Right.
“Only money earned while our camera directors are watching counts!”
Fortunately, the PD remained firm.
However, if that was the case… how on earth were we supposed to earn money doing "idol work"?
“Gasp! Are you… coming to our concert?”
“Oh, no way~”
The PPT flipped again.
A structure where idols do idol things to earn money and then blow it all on food.
What would be a way for idols to do their main job as a short-term part-time job while traveling?
[Let’s perform!]
[Where? At the travel destination!]
[☆ TeSTAR’s Street Performance ☆]
It was busking.
“…….”
The "hidden power" trope where a "crazy talented busker who suddenly appeared in a foreign country during their tour turns out to be a K-pop megastar?"
A blatant play for maximum national pride!
The ambition to generate massive clickbait was burning brightly in the PPT.
“Since you all love your jobs so much, you can show 100% of your skills anywhere! Under any conditions! Right?”
[Masters of their craft, TeSTAR, fighting!]
“…….”
“…….”
An indescribable silence filled the meeting room for a moment.
But there was no way out.
“Don't tell me you can't perform unless it’s a big stage? You don't have the confidence to earn money with just your skills?”
“T-That is absolutely not the case!”
At Kim Rae-bin’s voluntary admission, the PD’s grin stretched from ear to ear. You happy now?
“Excellent!”
Beside him, Bae Se-jin covered his face. He looked like he’d given up.
…And all of this was filmed, eventually being uploaded as a pre-release video with a title like "TeSTAR’s Shocking Reaction Never Seen Before."
‘I wondered why only the PD was in the meeting room.’
I should have seen it coming….
Time passed.
The day finally came when we headed out to the streets, followed by the production crew who had packed all sorts of things to follow us on our tour.
—But from the fans' perspective, they bought tickets to see the concert, yet someone else gets to see you for free on the street just a day or two apart. Won't they feel upset?
—Then we just won't let them recognize you!
—…??
I was currently not in a normal state.
I was wearing a penalty costume (forcibly) chosen through a mini-game….
‘This is incredible.’
I was Rudolph.
They didn't even give me a mascot suit; they made me wear makeup.
“…….”
Feeling the red nose dangling from my face, I looked down at my hands encased in hoof-shaped gloves.
‘Even I would give money to this guy.’
Out of pure pity, anyone would have spared some change.
The stupidly attached nose flickered with a glowing LED light. I picked up the microphone.
And belted out a carol.
[Oh~! baby, You and me~ on a Snowy Christmas!]
Beside me, Santa was breakdancing. It was Cha Yu-jin, who had ended up as a barefoot Australian Santa.
A warm year-end.
I never imagined the day would come when I’d be doing this on a street in a foreign country.
TeSTAR’s Not Lonely Gourmet Trip launched with its extraordinary temporary title intact.
And from the pre-release video, it garnered an explosive reaction.
While these were the dominant reactions, there were certainly parts that divided opinion.
Wasn't it a bit of a blow to the pride for a Daesang-winning singer from our country to be busking in another land, trying to earn spare change?
However, all those worries vanished with the official trailer released shortly after.
[♬ Call me Santa Claus~]
On the screen, in a snowy square, a snowman was providing harmonies while Rudolph and a gift box frolicked together.
All to the tune of a carol.
TeSTAR’s costume show, performing a flashy street routine while looking like their souls had left their bodies, was less of a busking session and more of an amusement park parade….
Furthermore, their seasoned ability to hype up the atmosphere with Christmas carols—the easiest way to get people excited for the holidays—somehow brought to mind part-time workers at a grand opening event.
There was even a scene where a local shopkeeper mistook them for workers hired by the municipality and gave them bread. At this point, even the skeptics couldn't hold back their laughter.
Moreover, it didn't just end there; there was a safety net.
In this variety show, TeSTAR didn't earn money directly from busking; rather, they received busking missions from the production crew, and if they succeeded, they received an allowance.
And it ended cleanly with the revelation that all the money they "earned" was donated.
[TeSTAR worked hard]
[Now they heal….]
Of course, the "mukbang" wasn't left out.
The screen showed quick cuts of them visiting various famous restaurants in the tour cities and even attempting "challenge" menus.
Additionally, the structure was quite substantial, showing them hearing various stories about the travel destinations from locals while working and eating.
Though, of course, they ran into some anomalies.
[Passerby: Thanks for joining our protest! It was a big help!]
[Lee Se-jin: ……?!]
[Social activism started without even knowing]
The members, who almost accidentally ended up "verifying" their participation in a mysterious protest happening in the same spot, hurriedly grabbed their instruments and fled while crying out for the production crew. It was like a sitcom.
[Bae Se-jin: We could at least listen to what the protest is about!]
[Lee Se-jin: Hyung, we’re just foreign tourists!]
And there was a brief shot of TeSTAR, perhaps having failed a mission, staring at a menu outside a restaurant without any money.
[Cha Yu-jin: I want to eat this!]
[Bae Se-jin: (Eyes shaking while looking at his wallet)]
[Seon A-hyun: (Someone not used to this situation)]
And then, the clear solution.
[Lee Se-jin: Let’s ask Moon-dae to make it~]
[Park Moon-dae: (Me?)]
[Ryu Cheong-woo: Right, let’s give the money to Moon-dae.]
Park Moon-dae’s hollow expression slowly zoomed in.
[Park Moon-dae: …….]
[Park Moon-dae: ($$ Hired as a chef $$)]
If you can't go to a restaurant, you have to cook it yourself!
Still, even that seemed to have its own romantic charm.
[Cha Yu-jin: Ohhhhhhh!]
A foreign beach after sunset.
The members looked heartwarming as they laughed and chatted, each holding a Cuban sandwich made by Park Moon-dae and a cheap soda.
Even Park Moon-dae let out a small chuckle and lay down on the sandy beach.
Over that image, various cuts of TeSTAR’s gourmet visits and costume penalties flashed by.
[Overflowing with laughter, hardships, and healing.]
[The Not Lonely Gourmet Trip]
[Let’s set off together now~]
The trailer ended with TeSTAR waving at a self-cam.
It felt like a dynamic variety show was coming for the first time in a while!
People created a positive atmosphere with friendly comments.
Fans always welcomed videos that were accessible to the public and good for "stan-attracting."
Moreover, since the TeSTAR in the video looked like they were having fun even if they were suffering a bit, it didn't make anyone feel uncomfortable!
Fans happily speculated and chatted about what fun things TeSTAR might be doing at that moment.
And at that same time.
“I-I think… we’re lost.”
“…….”
Park Moon-dae and Seon A-hyun were stranded in the middle of Spain.
‘Cha Yu-jin!’
It was the first time I had ever felt such a desperate need for the team’s only native Spanish speaker.