Chapter 50
Chapter 50
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 50
Chapter Title: This Life is Space Star 50
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Our expressions hardened as we stared at the laptop screen.
Silence hung heavy in the practice room.
On the monitor, Street Boys were energetically performing their debut stage.
"Ah, this pisses me off."
Ri-hyeok muttered.
"Fine, companies fighting is one thing, but this crosses the line. What did we ever do to them to deserve a diss like that?"
"We don't know what their situation is."
Bijoo tried to calm the main vocalist with a steady voice, but even he didn't look pleased.
We were all the same.
The maknae was biting his lip, watching the monitor intently, while Junghyun had stopped snacking and was staring at it fixedly.
No matter how fierce the competition, this was crossing a line.
Our anger wasn't just because they'd dissed us.
It felt like a betrayal of sorts.
Up until now, we'd treated DNS and Street Boys as separate entities.
Or at least, we'd tried to.
Their company's schemes were petty, but what fault did Street Boys have for just following orders?
I'd played a part in fostering that atmosphere too.
Healthy competition helped group activities, but letting it turn into hate or jealousy was bad.
That's why I'd said we should treat Street Boys as fellow entertainers.
That we were all in tough spots and shouldn't hate each other.
The guys had agreed, and just moments ago, we'd been praising Street Boys' performance.
Until Han Jo's rap came on.
-We don't have a Something. But so what?
Honestly, it felt like a solid punch to the gut.
I'd seen them as friendly rivals, but apparently, they'd viewed us that way all along.
"Let's at least watch until the showcase ends. Questions about the rap will definitely come up in Q&A."
I soothed my younger members and decided to keep watching for now.
Since questions about the rap were bound to arise in Q&A, we'd hear their response and judge then.
The debut stage ended, and the showcase proceeded smoothly.
With a famous comedian as MC, Street Boys acted shy and awkward like typical rookies.
Finally, Q&A time arrived.
As expected, the first question was about the rap.
-This is Entertainment IN reporter Oh So-hee. First, congrats on your debut. My question is about the lyrics in your debut title track Hunger.
Street Boys gripped the mic tensely as the reporter's voice continued.
-In the song, there's Han Jo's self-composed rap: 'People say we don't have a Something. But so what?' It personally reminded me of New Black's Something.
It was exactly the question I'd hoped for.
-With New Black and Street Boys in a rivalry right now, it feels like intentional lyrics. Han Jo, who produced the track yourself—what are your thoughts?
The member in the leather jacket took the mic.
Tall and handsome with an innocent look.
Leader Han Jo flashed a picture-perfect smile toward the reporter.
"I want to clarify that it has absolutely nothing to do with that. The context of that rap is tied to our members' personal stories. People around us said we'd never make it, that we're not good-looking enough, that we lack the talent for showbiz. It's a response to those who say we lack 'something'—we're saying we don't care about that."
What a joke.
Hearing Han Jo's answer, I realized it was completely intentional.
Normally, an unexpected controversy question would fluster someone, leaving them lost in thought.
But responding so smoothly like this?
It meant either the company or he himself had anticipated it and prepared.
"Outrageous. If you're gonna diss, do it upfront."
Ri-hyeok grumbled discontentedly as Han Jo continued with a smile.
"And about us being rivals with New Black—no, we don't see them that way."
Hm?
"They debuted before us, so in a way, they're seniors in the music scene. We respect them."
"Respect?"
"When we made Hunger our self-composed title track, I realized how much effort goes into creating a song. I relied heavily on professional composers, but I heard New Black's leader composed alone. Honestly, I couldn't even dream of it."
Something felt off.
He was stacking up praises for us like a buildup to something bigger.
"Composing Something just with senior Jang Sowon, and what he said at Music Cafe—I think he's incredibly talented, way beyond me."
On screen, Han Jo smiled.
"Like looking at a real genius."
The moment I saw that smile, I realized he'd thrown something far worse than the diss lyrics.
* * *
-Street Boys' Han Jo: "New Black's Woojoo is a genius"
-Street Boys: "New Black aren't rivals. They're genius seniors"
-Starved for hunger and grit, Street Boys wrap up showcase triumphantly
Articles kept pouring in during and after the showcase.
Our company was the busiest, despite it being a rival's event.
As soon as the live stream ended, Yoon Seok-hwan left for a full staff meeting called by the producer.
Because of the shit Han Jo had flung.
On the surface, it seemed fine.
He'd called me a "genius," after all.
But underneath, there was a different intent.
High-level shade.
Idols releasing self-composed title tracks already come under a colored lens.
How good could an idol's composition be?
So even decent quality gets positive reviews like, "Huh? Better than expected."
But if someone hypes it as "He's a real genius"?
It breeds resistance.
How amazing could it be to deserve "genius" hype?
Or maybe, Wow, must be incredible.
Either way, bad.
Expectations skyrocket, and unless the song is phenomenal, it won't land well.
"The fans are losing it."
Junghyun checked his phone with a grave look.
"Anyone can see it's a direct shot, but they slithered out like eels. It's like they're saying they get the good reviews while New Black eats dirt. Everyone's furious."
Our few fans were the most pissed.
They'd waited eagerly for their fave's debut, only for some rando to diss publicly.
When asked if it was about them, he dodges with "No, we respect them."
"Idol fan sites aren't saying much. Just 'Street Boys' song is good.'"
Ji-ho handed over his phone.
[Post-showcase group photo of DNS rookies Street Boys]
-Outfits what happened;; kinda tacky
-Finally debuted
-Middle and second from right are my type
-Middle guy's the one who composed the title?
-Wasn't expecting much from an idol self-comp but it was decent
-No visuals.. no visuals..
-Did they skimp on styling? All budget to the song?
-Yeah song was good
-Missed hip-hop concepts since Shitty, hope they blow up
-Strong concept but they nailed it, let's go
Reactions were typical for rookie debuts—lukewarm.
Lots of praise for the song.
-Song was good but lyrics kinda sus;;; straight-up sniping New Black?
-?? Was there?
-Something like "Don't need no Something, so what" yeah.. wasn't there an article?
-lmao yeah reporter asked in Q&A and they denied it
-Yeah even hyped them as geniuses n stuff. Too obvious imo
-222 what more explanation needed after praise
-So shady. Obvious diss??
-Shady my ass lmao already fighting over hair-pulling with rookies
-Guy's follower count spiked after New Black concept shots lol
-Yo I'm neutral on both but first time seeing pre-debut hype like this. Chill, not like Tenny or Shitty level, just debuted kids scrapping
Comments calling the lyrics a New Black shot mostly got no traction.
-But is New Black kid's Something that great? Genius??
-Just lip service
-Genius lol self-congratulating
-Curious about their song now tho
-Right? Lol this makes me wanna check it
-Weren't they rivals? Street Boys hyping New Black like "go succeed" lol now I'm curious
Most reactions to suddenly-genius-composer me were curiosity.
Unlike my fears, it wasn't all negative.
Plenty wondering "How's the song?" and saying they'd listen.
It was veering off from their intent.
As I thought this could be an opportunity, Yoon Seok-hwan returned from the meeting.
He explained the outcome.
"We discussed response options, but nothing viable now. Can't run a story saying 'not a genius,' or claim our song matches the hype. Focus on showcase prep with the time left."
His view matched ours.
No moves possible here.
Coaches had done their part; now it was up to the players.
And Street Boys' strategy actually helped me somewhat.
I'd been agonizing over how to motivate the guys for the final week.
Now, no need.
Fire blazed in their eyes.
"Hyung, let's break our bones for this."
Seeing my brothers say what I would've, I smiled quietly.
* * *
One week later.
June 18, 2014, Wednesday.
Cheongdam-dong Media Art Hall.
[New Black 1st Single Album 'The New Black: First Chapter' Showcase]
Reporters yawned while powering up laptops.
Plenty of time before start, so acquaintances chatted in groups.
"Huh? Reporter Oh? Saw you at Street Boys showcase."
"Yeah, hi."
"So many showcases this month. Next week, Eulim's rookies too."
Talk naturally turned to June's rival battles.
"Who do you think will do better?"
"New Black."
"Yeah, DNS sucks at boy groups."
"Hm? Street Boys charted decent. 99th on music shows day one."
In today's fierce idol scene, a rookie's day-one chart entry was rare.
"Fan wars between those two got buzz. Drew interest."
"Charting with self-comp is impressive."
"Dunno. Heard from insiders the leader only wrote the rap; composers did the melody. Basically lent his name."
"Who writes solo these days? All collabs."
"Right. That Woojoo debuting today? He's the outlier. Pros handle everything usually."
They all nodded.
"Heard DNS early sales are solid. Pretty impressive apparently."
"Good for them. Thought no hip-hop post-Sixty."
"Too early. Just week one."
"Song's good tho. Hunger's only going up."
Talk shifted to New Black.
"How 'bout New Black kids? Any scoops?"
"Had drinks with their PR staff recently. Probed and they said song's great. Expect big things. Lemon doesn't hype lightly, so must be fire."
"Bluff? First time hearing idol self-comp is that good."
"Real talent probs. Dad too, saw him play piano at Music Cafe—impressive."
Someone added.
"And Lemon's spending big. Jacket shoot with Hwang Tae-sun."
"Hwang? He only does A-listers."
"MV by Jeong Seong-mun. Indie film guy who hit big with TNT last year. Whole crew's stacked."
"Impressive. Not easy investing like that."
"Means they see value in this album."
One reporter whistled.
"Producer aside, CEO Park Gyuho's no joke. Started solo, now Lemon's top three in actors. Snagged big FAs recently."
"Yeah, he doesn't jump without certainty."
"Right. Scarlett too—thought pretty faces, but skills for days."
The more they talked, the more anticipation built.
Overkill investment for a mid-agency rookie group—maybe there's a reason.
Precisely.
How good is the song to justify this?
"Huh? Starting soon?"
An announcement asked them to take seats, and hall lights dimmed.
Full blackout, then screen lit up.
First up: the music video.
Arms crossed, they watched the opening.
-Tick.
Water drop in darkness.
-Tick.
Drops continue as screen brightens.
A girl appears.
Scarlett's rapper Daisy, in cameo, steps lightly across a flooded floor.
Faint smile on her lips.
Mysterious vibe.
Dark yet lit, Daisy walks through pitch-black space.
She pauses leisurely.
Blocked by a transparent glass wall.
Daisy touches it, hand to mouth, elegant smile.
Blows softly.
Graphics make her breath sparkle white, scattering light.
The light passes through, splitting into five colors.
Red, yellow, blue, green, purple.
Prism rainbow races through starry space like the universe.
Then merges.
Tangled rays turn black.
Logo rises.
[The New Black]
Screen brightens instantly.
Sunny sky.
Five young men emerge by exotic seas.
Song kicks in.
Refreshing intro clears the ears.