Chapter 37
Chapter 37
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 37
Chapter Title: This Life is Space Star 37
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[Real-Time Search #1 'New Black' Who Are They..?]
[Entertainment IN = Oh So-hee Reporter]
New Black has topped the real-time search rankings, drawing attention from netizens.
This is the second time they've climbed the search rankings.
It had only been two months since their collab track Something with Jang Sowon, released in February, hit #1 on the music charts. For a rookie group that hasn't even officially debuted yet, it's an extraordinary feat.
So what sparked all this buzz?
The direct reason was their appearance on yesterday's (10th) PBS Music Cafe hosted by Ha Seung-ju.
In that episode, New Black showcased Something along with a variety of charms. Woojoo's piano performance on Between especially highlighted every member's strengths evenly, strongly revealing their skilled boy group side that had been overshadowed by visuals until now.
The stage, which earned rave reviews from MC Ha Seung-ju, racked up views to land in the top 10 of Music Cafe clips after broadcast, and the track even briefly hit #1 on the charts.
But the biggest topic from that episode was leader Woojoo's personal story.
The member, who had already charmed everyone with his striking visuals and the story of composing with Jang Sowon, revealed during talk that his father was Seon Myung-ju.
The audience in that episode all looked stunned speechless. It was a reaction anyone who remembers Korea's legendary '90s star Seon Myung-ju could relate to.
The story spread across online communities, creating even more buzz.
Netizens reacted with things like, 'The kid who sang Something is Seon Myung-ju's son? Whoa, huge!', 'Seeing him compose too, he must've inherited his dad's talent', 'Gonna rake in massive royalties. Jealous.'
In response, their agency commented, "We're being cautious with the flood of interest in New Black and member Woojoo post-broadcast," adding, "We'll all work hard to live up to the public's attention."
On future activities, they dodged direct answers: "Nothing's set yet, and aside from event schedules, New Black has officially wrapped activities."
New Black aims for a June debut this year, and the agency revealed, "The debut album will include a self-composed track by member Woojoo," ending with, "Thank you for your support."
* * *
The excitement over Between's rankings was short-lived.
Once rush hour ended, the music chart rankings plummeted vertically.
From #1 to #9, then #9 to #23.
Still hanging in the daily chart's upper ranks, though.
We were just thrilled by the unexpected results.
We'd already achieved massive success with Something, and Music Cafe was meant to cap off our promotions anyway.
None of us expected anything more from it.
Plus, we'd fully achieved our original goal: showing the public New Black's skills.
Before Music Cafe aired, comments like 'Huh? New Black's main vocal's the only one singing? The rest just harmonies. Aren't they unprepared?' had vanished.
The comments on articles captured that shift perfectly.
Take the top-viewed Entertainment IN piece, 'Real-Time Search #1 'New Black' Who Are They..?'
-They were seriously good lol Probably felt so wronged all this time
-During talk, the kids kept shaking, which was kinda whatever, but stage was legit. Woojoo definitely draws the eyes though.
-Watched yesterday's broadcast and was shocked;; First time realizing these are the Something guys
-Skills-wise, top-tier among new rookies
-Lemon really loves pushing skilled groups. Scarlett too, they put in the work.
Most praised New Black's vocals.
Even sorted by likes, the vibe was mostly positive toward us.
That alone satisfied me plenty, but there were tons reminiscing about my dad too.
-Seon Myung-ju.. Loved him since elementary school... Kids these days might not know, but during tough IMF times, he was huge comfort. That heartbreaking end stuck with me, so seeing his son grown up on TV like this is great. Keep showing good stuff ^^
-My mom teared up watching yesterday.
-Dad was amazed how much the features match.
Heartwarming comments everywhere just from reading.
Of course, not all were positive.
If 30 out of 100 liked us, about 70 were indifferent, with some cold reactions mixed in.
Honestly, some bordering on hate comments.
They got downvoted off portal articles, but communities had plenty.
-Who's Seon Myung-ju anyway? Am I the only one who doesn't know? ;;
-New rookies can't promote without selling parents? Turned it off 'cause the sob story felt too much yesterday
-Haven't even debuted and already heavy promo
-Keep saying 'poor thing', but what's poor? Worrying about idols is the world's most useless thing lol Kid probably pocketed billions in royalties. What's poor about that? Our lives are the pitiful ones.
But we had defenders too.
-Some don't know Seon Myung-ju? ; Search it up—calling people no-names 'cause you don't know is what mentality? You'd call the US president a nobody too?
-Honestly, music talent's clearly from dad, so hiding it is funnier? If they wanted promo off it, they'd have done it ages ago. Something's past peak now anyway.
-Didn't think much at first, but seeing hate makes me wanna support
-Venting life frustrations on a kid ;;
Sparks of arguments popping up here and there.
I chalked hate up to minority noise, but some pissed me off subtly, so I warned the kids not to check phones.
No cracks in our mental from this.
But from another angle, it was a good sign.
When we did music shows with Jang Sowon sunbae on Something, not even haters existed.
What to call New Black?
If Jang Sowon sunbae was the strawberry on cake, we were the whipped cream.
So low presence that most didn't know we sang Something until Music Cafe.
But this imprinted our three-letter name solidly.
Interest in us would fade fast like Between's chart run, but at least it'd leave a 'Oh yeah, those New Black guys' memory later.
Indifference is the scariest for celebs.
You need name recognition even to get hate. And right now, likers outnumbered haters.
"Hyung!"
The maknae widened his eyes, pointing at his smartphone screen.
"What's up?"
"Look at this. Our fan cafe membership exploded! See? Under 200 yesterday. Now......"
"Eight hundred?"
New tags flooded the intro board.
Upgrade requests blinking too.
The dead amusement park of a fan cafe was alive.
We stared blankly at each other, then whooped in joy.
Like a pack of Minions.
Executive Director Jo was right.
Easiest way for singers to draw fans is the stage.
Just a week ago, we agonized over growing fans—military variety maybe?—and now this.
Membership crept to around 1,200.
Inflow stopped after, but still massive.
Unbelievable, turning that day into a festival.
Company folks congratulated us left and right, families bragging nonstop too.
Junghyun's dad even sent a list for autographs: 'Yoon Gil-do nim, Son Byung-ok nim' from neighboring villages.
Had to sign 'Seon Myung-ju's son' requests too.
Overnight popularity surge.
But we didn't get cocky or lazy.
We'd been through it once—knew how fast interest cools.
Just one step forward, next one's crucial, so back to square one.
Our debut album track, 'Untitled'.
* * *
I told Junghyun the idea from watching Music Cafe.
A way to find New Black's musical color.
Comparing our favorite music—Junghyun jumped in, pulling all-nighters to finalize the plan.
Just execution left.
Finally Monday.
Our official off-day, perfect for work.
Less 'rest' than 'no schedule'?
Between's modest success brought schedules; company gathered us for input.
How many per day max?
Rest needs?
"Events are side gigs. Partly riding the wave, partly to make you money. But priority's debut album. We need to know your limits to plan."
Under Manager Yoon Seok-hwan's lead, we shared, CEO approved.
Max 3 schedules daily. Mondays off weekly.
Not real rest—intense practice since no schedules booked.
So we did.
While dongsaengs were at school, three sweat-soaked guys in tracksuits slumped into restaurant seats, looking wrecked.
"Ugh, brutal."
Junghyun flapped his t-shirt chest to cool sweat.
As we sat, owner auntie beamed over with wet towels and teapot.
"Oh my, New Black's here."
"Auntie, bulgogi sets please."
"Dongsaengs?"
"They'll come soon. On way from school."
She loaded side dishes generously, heading to kitchen.
Glancing at me wistfully.
Like looking at a boy head of household.
Post-Music Cafe change—pitying me like an orphan.
Almost said I'm fine, but stopped.
She served extra sides and heaping rice with fond eyes.
"Hyung, check this."
"What?"
"From Dad."
MMS from Junghyun's dad.
'Congrats! Kim Junghyun's first broadcast after joining New Black!' banner with elders and ajusshis yelling fight!
Why's my empathy meter glitching.
But he grinned, stroking chin—satisfied.
"Hyung, feels like gold necklace to execution."
"Flower necklace to homecoming, Junghyun. Ri-hyuk'd roast you."
Our rapper chuckled chill.
Pointed at door.
"Speak of tiger—kids here."
Bell jingle, door burst open.
Like screaming 'Ji-ho's here!' with whole body.
Whiny maknae, main vocal ear-picking disinterest entered.
Asked Ri-hyuk sitting.
"What's his deal?"
"Dunno. Zero interest. Just grumpy."
"Uju hyung, tell Ri-hyuk hyung. I vented about rough stuff, ignores me."
"Can't hear. Didn't hear. Bulgogi set for me too?"
But my focus shifted.
'Rough stuff' keyword—hyung faces darkened instantly.
What? Who messed with our kid.
That glare, maknae spilled.
"The kids......"
Kids?
"Keep teasing my runny nose!"
Oh, that.
Apparently, school hit with weekend buildup teasing.
Sociable maknae friends with whole school.
Hundreds teasing then.
Pfft, nothing.
About to laugh off, thank for steaming bulgogi sets and sides.
...Something off?
Unusual dissonance.
Puzzle fit but crooked.
No need pondering.
Five here, but audio missing one.
Junghyun talks, Ri-hyuk talks, Ji-ho talks—no one from one guy today.
Why Bijoo?
Normally smiling, chiming in, petting Ji-ho's head—silent.
No reaction to food.
Eyes on food, unfocused. Lost in thought.
That expression familiar.
Smooth lines on face—I mimicked with ability, memory hit.
......Ah!