Chapter 598
Chapter 598
I looked at the exposure post with satisfaction.
It was an incredibly impactful summary, covering everything from the creation of the Seon A-hyun rumor room to its total destruction.
‘One of the bastards in that room must have written it himself, so it makes sense.’
It seemed he had poured the same techniques he used to craft rumors about Seon A-hyun into this post, fueled by an even greater rage.
Since it was anonymous, there was no way to be sure, but they were likely all mixed in there together, tearing each other apart in a complete mess.
I leaned back comfortably in my chair.
It wasn't that the public exposure itself was the only effective part; the fact that they had posted it themselves was what mattered.
It meant they were finished.
‘Now those bastards will never be able to group up again.’
Insulting people and creating rumors wouldn't be as easy or effective as before, so they’d lose interest. They’d eventually wither away and quit.
Of course, some of them might lose their minds again and join another group to do more stupid shit, but…
‘They’ll have to receive their lawsuits first.’
I just had to crush them with lawsuits in silence before their cooldown ended.
Mm. Clean.
After nodding to myself, I turned to look at Ryu Cheong-woo, who had been quietly peering at the screen with me.
See? I told you I wouldn't be the one posting on the internet.
They’re all self-destructing on their own.
“…Moon-dae. Could you tell me the principle behind how this happened?”
Well, as for that.
I shrugged.
“They’re people who gathered for the fun of insulting an idol they’ve never even met in the first place.”
“Right.”
“So, it’s easy for them to turn on each other, too. They have a massive victim complex and lack patience or self-control.”
When you gather people who are willing to bet their lives on dragging someone else down just because they feel bad, breaking them apart is simple.
You just make it so they can bite the highest-ranking, most successful person in their group.
‘Though he’s just a lowly cyber wrecker…’
Anyway, that was the case within their own little hierarchy.
I muttered with satisfaction.
“It might have been trickier if he were alone, but since there were many of them, I think it blew up faster.”
“…….”
Now that he was left alone, that cyber wrecker wouldn't upload any more rumor videos about Seon A-hyun. He wouldn't want to do anything that benefited the Seon A-hyun antis who had attacked him.
Though, he might react quite violently to issues regarding the celebrities those people in the room actually liked.
For instance… me.
‘I might get cursed out a bit more…’
“…….”
Actually, I had a rough idea.
Statistically, there was a high probability that an aggressive solo stan of someone related to Seon A-hyun was in that room.
And given TeSTAR’s situation, where we weren't particularly close with other groups, it was… most likely a fan of another member in our own group.
So, it wasn't exactly strange. It was expected, but…
‘I’d rather they just curse me out for not doing things the way they want.’
I didn't know why their resentment had shifted toward Seon A-hyun. It left a bit of a bitter taste in my mouth.
‘…Anyway.’
Back to the cyber wrecker.
No matter how much he tried to run his WeTube alone now, it was over. His volume and quality would fall behind compared to when he had help.
‘Maybe if he’d started alone, it would be different, but people are like sharks when it comes to sensing when something gets boring.’
His views would plummet soon, and he’d be discarded by the algorithm.
That’s how it would end.
“The cyber wrecker will disappear even before our lawsuit hits. There’s no money in it anymore.”
“…….”
“That’s why I said taking our time with the lawsuit would be the perfect way to wrap things up.”
Ryu Cheong-woo’s expression turned complicated for a moment, but it soon returned to its usual gentle state. He nodded as if he understood.
‘Did he really understand, though?’
Was it because he had stubbornly pushed through the rumor monitoring—something he wasn't even fond of—right after returning from vacation and brought up the Seon A-hyun case?
‘I’m getting a weird vibe.’
I wondered if Ryu Cheong-woo was pointlessly thinking things like, ‘Why couldn't I do this back during Steer?’
So, I racked my brain and added one more thing.
“Actually, I’ve seen how these people move several times before, so I could roughly predict it.”
“Before?”
“…I told you I used to take photos of idols and sell the data back when I was Ryu Gun-woo. That’s why.”
“Ah.”
As if he remembered the time I had shamelessly poured out the story of what kind of person I was before becoming Park Moon-dae, Ryu Cheong-woo let out a small laugh.
“Right. I remember. You did say that.”
Good.
“But Moon-dae.”
What.
“I don’t think… those two things are that closely related?”
“…?”
What are you talking about?
Ryu Cheong-woo sat down beside me.
“Did the people you used to know… the ones who sold idol data, did they all do things like this? Digging into rumor videos and such?”
“…….”
I thought about it for a moment.
“Not really.”
“Right?”
Those guys were just… professional bottom-feeders.
Rather than worrying about the flow of the market in such detail, they would have preferred to grab a top idol’s schedule and head to the airport to snag one more photo.
‘But I was an aspiring civil servant, and that job was a part-time gig… and practically a hobby.’
I had only skimmed through the trends of the idol world to earn an extra penny while staying within the lines of not getting a criminal record for invading an idol’s privacy.
“It’s just a difference in experience and environment.”
But Ryu Cheong-woo shook his head.
“I don’t think so.”
“…!”
“I think this is just a… well, a natural aptitude you have. A specialty and a strength.”
He looked at the burner phones I had used for this task.
After transferring all the captured content to the company, the devices had been formatted twice and were now stored on the bookshelf.
The things I hadn't let go of for the past few days.
“There’s the matter of ability, but an ordinary person couldn't do this much for a team member. Looking through words that are hard to stomach for over ten hours… it’s not as easy as it sounds.”
“…….”
Ryu Cheong-woo grabbed my shoulder.
Then, he gave it a gentle pat.
“It’s a method the company would find hard to use, but you stepped up and solved it, Moon-dae.”
He spoke seriously.
“You worked hard. And… you did a great job.”
“……!”
It was a firm, sincere compliment.
For a moment, I was at a loss for words.
I didn't expect to hear such a direct and resolute commendation.
To be honest, I thought Ryu Cheong-woo… would be a bit uncomfortable with it. In fact, I thought he had shown that kind of reaction this time as well.
After all, I hadn't handled it through "fair and square" means; I had gone undercover anonymously and secretly sowed discord among them.
My philosophy was that as long as the opponent was acting like a piece of shit, I didn't care about the means as long as it wasn't inhumane.
‘If it were the Ryu Cheong-woo from around TeSTAR’s debut…’
He would have added some words of caution, like, "Still, it would be better to refrain from such dangerous things," either before or after the praise.
‘Because he’s a guy with clear boundaries.’
But now, this guy, who remembered everything down to his experiences with Steer… didn't do that.
He just gave me a clean compliment and left it at that.
He was still a wholesome, relaxed, and mentally strong guy… but it felt like his criteria for judgment had changed.
Strangely, the scope of those boundaries had shifted.
He was more honest, colder, and slightly more extreme.
‘…….’
The funny thing was, this version of him was closer to my own values.
So, to be honest… I didn't feel bad about this situation.
How could I feel bad when someone sincerely acknowledged the hard work I put into solving a problem?
‘It’s not like I can ask him why he’s only complimenting me.’
It’s not like he’s picking a fight.
In the end, I hesitated before replying.
“…Thank you.”
“For what?”
He smiled and took his hand off my shoulder.
Everything was fine up to that point.
Until he added the next part.
“But there’s no need to tell A-hyun.”
“…!”
“The matter’s been handled well. I don’t think there’s a need to let him know that someone hated him enough to go this far. It might just lower his morale for no reason.”
“…….”
Hmm.
I was already concerned about that, and he just gave me the perfect timing to say something.
I didn't get angry.
Instead, I slapped him on the back.
“Since when did you start overthinking so much?”
“…!”
“You were the one who told me not to think too much and just talk to you comfortably.”
I’m giving it right back to you.
I patted his back a couple more times and gave a smirk.
“A-hyun isn't that weak. Have some faith in him.”
Just watch.
That evening.
“…So. The lawsuits are underway.”
“I-I see…”
I sat Seon A-hyun down and finished a concise explanation of how I had blown up the rumor mill targeting him.
He listened to my story without any pushback, nodding his head diligently.
He didn't look particularly shocked.
‘I knew it.’
However, there was an important point here.
‘I just need to make sure he understands that those rumor-mongers didn't hate him specifically because it was him.’
Seon A-hyun tended to be somewhat afraid of being hated by those around him because he did something wrong or lacked something.
I had to make sure he fully understood that it was just a gathering of people who enjoyed hating someone, and that there was no valid reason or incident for them to hate him.
As long as I stuck to that…
Surprisingly, this guy was strong against mindless criticism. He didn't easily crumble under ordinary harassment.
And as expected, Seon A-hyun accepted the situation calmly.
“I’m telling you in advance because I didn't want you to be flustered later when articles come out saying those guys were sued.”
“Y-yeah.”
Seon A-hyun nodded vigorously once more, then added as if he finally realized something.
“So that’s why Moon-dae was… looking at a new smartphone the whole time.”
“…….”
Correct.
“Oh~ Moon-dae and Cheong-woo hyung did something like that… But can you really use the phrase ‘telling you in advance’ when you didn't breathe a word to the other members and only told us after everything was handled?”
“…….”
But why was this guy, who wasn't even the one involved, meddling from the side?
“Just kidding!”
Keun Se-jin grinned and plopped down between me and Seon A-hyun.
“I mean, it’s not like Moon-dae risked his life to handle it all alone… It seems like he did it because he was confident, and he pulled it off brilliantly, right?”
That was also correct.
“Then we should start with a compliment. Wow, Moon-dae is amazing! So cool!”
“Stop it.”
“I don’t want to~”
I clenched my fist.
Seeing that, Seon A-hyun, who was about to raise his hand just like Keun Se-jin, quickly read the room and lowered it.
“…….”
“Go ahead.”
“Okay!”
He chuckled.
“T-thank you, Moon-dae…!”
“Honestly, the company couldn't do it like Moon-dae!”
I could see the trust in their eyes. To be honest, I expected a bit of a scolding, but after hearing nothing but good things from Ryu Cheong-woo and now them… well…
I’ll admit it felt pretty good.
‘Hmm.’
I’ll let this group hug slide since it isn't summer.
I endured the palms patting my back and head.
Ryu Cheong-woo, who was watching this scene, added.
“Still, A-hyun is the one involved, so if you don’t want to go through with the lawsuit even now, we can stop it.”
“N-no! I’ll do it. Because… if I don’t, those people might act mean to someone else again.”
“…Right.”
Ryu Cheong-woo gave a faint smile, looking somewhat relieved.
“Tell me whenever something’s on your mind, A-hyun.”
“Yes…! B-but. It doesn't bother me that much…! It’s not true, and… everyone says they don’t believe it anyway.”
Seon A-hyun smiled brightly.
“And I’ve heard the explanation like this, too.”
“…I see.”
Ryu Cheong-woo nodded.
That look of his, which seemed somewhat refreshed yet also slightly lost in thought, quickly vanished.
‘Is it… settled?’
Not long after, he was skillfully pulling apart Cha Yu-jin and Kim Rae-bin, who were fighting again.
From what I could hear, the fight broke out over asking Cha Yu-jin’s older brother for advice on some English lyrics.
“Kim Rae-bin! I’m good at English too! I don’t need Ethan!”
“The nuance of the vocabulary used is different!”
For the record, Bae Se-jin was out for a promotional schedule related to Doll Hunter.
The drama, which had become a massive hit overseas this season as well, was constantly booking new schedules, sucking the life out of him.
‘Go exercise.’
That was the only answer. I wouldn't stop Ryu Cheong-woo from dragging Bae Se-jin to the gym.
Anyway.
‘Well… things are flowing according to plan again.’
I nodded as I watched the dorm return to its peaceful state.
However, it didn't last long.
Because a big event was about to smack me in the back of the head, clearing away all these trivial thoughts.
That evening, an emergency report came in from the company.
“…VTIC isn't having their comeback in June?”
-……Yes.
“…….”
‘Fuck, seriously.’
My brain… never gets a break.
As I squeezed my eyes shut, I heard Keun Se-jin’s voice.
“Sir! I’m sorry, but does that mean the VTIC sunbaenims are coming back earlier than June?”
-Since the news has already reached the press… unless there’s a sudden change in their schedule, yes.
Gulp.
As if tensing up in the middle of a sudden disaster, the employee shouted over the phone.
-It’s fixed for May!
“…….”
In an instant, only one sentence filled my mind.
‘We’re fucked.’
“Please wait a moment! If that’s the case… VTIC sunbaenims’ comeback will be within a week or two after ours.”
Exactly.
Bae Se-jin, who had just returned from work only to be hit by this bolt from the blue, turned pale, then muttered as if he had realized something.
“It’s just like when we debuted.”
“…!”
“Yes! That’s right!”
Back then, TeSTAR and VTIC released their albums almost simultaneously, and their promotion periods overlapped.
Only one thing was different.
“Back then, we were the ones who entered a week later.”
“Yeah. TeSTAR bit into their tail.”
I remembered how we barely managed to match the scores and take first place on a public broadcast.
I pressed my temples.
‘…Are they planning to pay us back in kind?’
If this happened, VTIC would soar using TeSTAR—whose momentum would have weakened after the first-week sales period—as a stepping stone.
While exploding all the hype they had built up over the past 18 months.
“…What if we push ours back and aim for June instead?”
“It’s already tight. And… you know. The marketing.”
“Ah.”
Keun Se-jin’s eyebrows twitched as he nodded.
Due to the schedule of the ‘marketing content’ we had brought in this time, pushing it to June was almost impossible.
“Then we’d have to start by scrapping the marketing….”
“We can’t.”
“Right.”
Furthermore, if we barely pushed it to June only to follow right behind VTIC again, our reputation and stature were no longer in a "rising" position, so it would actually damage our image.
Then, fuck, this…….
“…….”
“…….”
“Moon-dae, Moon-dae, should I try making a bet with the VTIC sunbaenims to make them move their comeback later…?”
“I don’t know if… that kind of thing would work.”
“Yeah… I was just saying.”
In the moment of obvious words being exchanged.
Cha Yu-jin raised his hand high.
“Let’s just release it! I’m confident in the album we made! What matters is the real thing. If that’s strong, we can win.”
“……!”
“Kim Rae-bin, are you not confident in our songs?”
“Of course I am! But you’re speaking too lightly when the hyungs are worrying like that….”
“No. I agree.”
Bae Se-jin cut in.
“If it’s time to go to the military, then we go. The Cultural Merit Award… it doesn't matter if we don’t get it. It’s fine even if we get it this year.”
“Hyung….”
Ryu Cheong-woo looked around at them, then turned to me.
“That’s what they say.”
“…….”
Fine.
“To be honest… I’m confident in this album, too.”
“…!”
“Rather than changing the schedule and ruining the content because we’re wary of the competition, I’m more confident in just pushing through as planned.”
“……Then?”
I looked at the contact for that son of a… no, Cheong-ryeo, on my smartphone and twisted my lips.
Fine.
Go ahead and try to bite us.
“Let’s go as scheduled.”
And a short while later.
The intro was released as planned.
[TeSTAR ‘Intro : Sunset’ Comeback Trailer]
A shot of Seon A-hyun’s gorgeous face, holding a parasol and staring past the lens, filled the screen.
It was an intense thumbnail.