Chapter 25
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 25
Chapter Title: B.O.Y's Debut Showcase
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Rookie Boy Group ‘B.O.Y’ Heads Out for Showcase at 7 PM Today!
“Always, Beside of You! Hello, we are B.O.Y!”
Pida Entertainment, famous as the agency for hot actress Park Min-ha and Kim Hye-yul, has finally unveiled its ambitious rookie boy group.
Composed of Lee Do-jun, Lee Jae-ha, Park Tae-hoo, and Kim Ha-woon, ‘B.O.Y (Beside Of You)’ will make their debut today (1st) at 7 PM with a showcase, alongside their mini-album ‘We Are B.O.Y (We Are Beside of You)’.
The title track ‘Look at Me’ is a song that lets you grasp B.O.Y’s charm at once...
...In particular, leader Lee Do-jun has already showcased his outstanding vocal skills as a regular guest on CBK Radio’s ‘Park Min-ha’s Lazy Night’ even before debut.
B.O.Y’s debut album ‘We Are B.O.Y’ will be released at 6 PM today (1st) across major music sites.
Isn't this the kid from Na Bam?
I heard he's friends with Flame's Lee Jae-yoon?
Yeah, there's still a photo of them together on Goodstar.
They say he was originally in Flame's debut lineup lololol
Huh? But why did he drop out? Did he cause some scandal?
If he caused a scandal, he wouldn't debut right away, right? Looking at Pida's other celebs, they seem to care about personality a lot.
Mijin! Mijin! Mijin!
Everyone, make sure to watch! Check reruns or WeTube ㅠㅠ Real Mijin vibes ㅠㅠㅠ
“Nice traffic.”
The reporter checking his article nodded with a satisfied smile.
It was blowing up more than expected. The company would be pleased with this level of buzz.
As long as he captured the upcoming showcase well, he wouldn’t get flak for a while, which made him all the more content.
“Wonder how far these guys will go.”
Dozens of idol groups debut every year, but only a handful survive and make a name for themselves.
Those from powerhouse agencies dubbed idol powerhouses, ones with pre-debut fandoms, or those who resort to noise marketing even at the cost of their image.
Or cases where they push one standout member upfront to promote the group name alongside.
Anything short of that, and surviving in today’s saturated idol market was like reaching for the stars.
Pida’s new idol group was much the same.
“Push one guy first to promote the group, then the rest. Textbook strategy, but...”
If mishandled, it could breed discord among members. And unlike other groups, their debut timelines weren’t even aligned.
In reality, often only the member who got the company’s backing to gain fame survived, while the others vanished without a trace.
Well... if they grew on their own without the push, as Pida claimed, that’d be a different story.
The reporter scoffed inwardly. What trainee hustles gigs on their own? It was obviously Pida’s planted PR.
“Heard the leader here was in Flame’s debut lineup but got dropped after an accident during MV filming?”
A fellow reporter he was chummy with plopped down beside him, holding Pida’s press kit.
“Already digging? Rumors spread fast.”
Pida had asked them to hold off, but it was juicy enough to run as a story right away.
“Handled right, it’d pull clicks easy.”
Even with honest content, a sensational headline would draw crowds no problem.
‘Shock! Flame Member Drops Out?’ Something like that, and traffic would pour in.
Of course, rising newbie group Flame’s fandom wouldn’t stay quiet, but clicks from hate-reads were welcome too. That’s what reporters lived on—drawing eyes.
As long as the facts weren’t fabricated, no big risks.
“Well, if they’re total nobodies, it’d fall flat anyway.”
You need some fame for aggro to work. Flame was too big to pit against fresh-legged B.O.Y.
“Anyway, since Pida asked, we’ll save that. Radio and WeTube clips are plenty for now. Got material for days.”
The reporters checked their gear, awaiting the showcase start.
Reasons varied, but company, reporters, and members all hoped this mini-album would shine.
And at 6 PM, B.O.Y’s debut showcase entry began.
“Standby!”
The backstage felt suffocatingly cramped. Despite the flashy stage outfits, everyone’s faces were ghostly pale.
Probably mine too.
I told myself not to be nervous, but my heart pounded like my body was made of it alone.
‘Radio was a cakewalk.’
I’d even done live broadcasts, so I thought I’d be fine. But standing on stage was a whole different beast.
My palms were slick with cold sweat from the tension.
‘What if I screw up? What if?’
Anxiety crept in with the nerves, consuming me to the tips of my hair. Once it hit, it wouldn’t leave my mind.
No, think positive. Good thoughts only. Words plant seeds, right?
‘Long exhale, long inhale.’
As I tried deep breathing to calm down, fidgety Kim Ha-woon freaked out.
“Argh... What if no fans show?”
“They will.”
“But why’s it so quiet?”
“Show hasn’t started, dummy.”
Tae-hoo and Ha-woon bickered as usual, but the vibe was off—tension making them snappier.
Not just them; Jae-ha was pale as a ghost, staring toward the stage, whiter than his usual fair skin.
Sensing my gaze, he met my eyes with a wistful look.
“Will we be okay?”
Jae-ha’s eyes brimmed with unconcealed nerves and worry.
“Of course. We’ll kill it.”
“I want to believe that, but I’m so anxious.”
“Me too.”
“You too, hyung?”
He blinked wide-eyed, asking softly in surprise.
“You don’t look it at all.”
“You’re just too tense yourself?”
“Maybe.”
Muttering that, Jae-ha suddenly pressed his hand to my chest. I jolted back, but he pulled away and drawled slowly.
“Yeah, you’re nervous too, hyung.”
His face relaxed a bit as he turned back to the front.
What the— you scared me.
Right then.
“Alright! Let’s head in!”
With the staff’s shout, my mind went blank.
We followed orders onto the pitch-black stage.
It was so dark, I couldn’t even see nearby members.
Like I was alone in silent void.
‘No sounds at all? That’s weird.’
Anxiety surged from my chest.
No way it’s really empty, right? At least reporters are here.
But if it’s just them and the seats are empty? If we flop and can’t continue as idols...
My thoughts spun, breath hitching.
That instant.
Thud! Thud-thud-thud!
Our debut track ‘Look at Me’ intro blared as lights snapped on.
Darkness fled. Blinding light you couldn’t see through.
Couldn’t make out much, but one thing was clear.
“Kyaaaaah!”
Cheers as fierce as the lights hit me.
No—even stronger chills swallowed me whole. Countless people cheering us from the dark.
The debut showcase began just like that.
At exactly 7 PM, all venue lights went out.
The audience hushed per staff instructions. The hall fell so quiet, you could hear the person next to you breathing.
And then.
“Kyaaaaah!”
Lights flickered on one by one, revealing B.O.Y members on stage.
In stylish Italian-style suits, they had such poise it felt like a fashion show at first glance.
Even in matching outfits, each exuded a unique aura.
Jae-ha the epitome of crisp suit elegance, Tae-hoo sleek and toned to the point of sexiness, and Ha-woon fresh and cute even in formals.
Three members, three colors—the atmosphere heated up instantly.
Click.
Last, light hit Do-jun’s head. His entrance unleashed house-shaking cheers.
“Lee Do-juuuun!”
“Do-jun! Over here!”
It felt like Do-jun’s solo concert—everyone chanting one name.
Under dazzling lights, his singing sparkled beyond any video.
Even that hard-to-pull-off violet suit fit him like it was custom-made.
A born entertainer. Everyone watching thought the same.
“He’s insane, for real. Do-jun!”
“Kyaaaaah! Do-jun oppa!!”
Cheers peaked during Do-jun’s parts. Others got plenty, but the gap was clear.
Same for later stages. Do-jun’s solo drew the loudest roars.
Even the chat on live-streaming ‘I Live’ was dominated by Do-jun.
‘Can’t be helped.’
Team Leader Kim Han-soo licked his dry lips at the heavy popularity skew.
From radio to WeTube, Do-jun debuted externally first, so gaps were inevitable.
He knew one-man groups often ended badly. Extreme disparities could spark member friction.
But for now, leveraging Do-jun’s built recognition to draw fans was smart.
‘At least reactions are growing.’
Thankfully, as the showcase progressed, cheers for others swelled too.
Good start.
Kim Han-soo watched tensely, praying no mistakes.
Would’ve regretted skipping today’s showcase forever ㅠㅠㅠㅠ
Went for Do-jun but the other members are insane too ㅜㅜㅜ
No wonder it’s an actor agency ㅠㅠㅠ All visuals are actor-level pass!
Pls stream to #1 debut track!!!!
Suit game on point, insane ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ
The internet buzzed with showcase talk everywhere.
Our barely launched fan cafe membership exploded, and screenshots from ‘I Live’ were circulating.
Hardly any time since it ended—shocking.
“Hehehe.”
Park Tae-hoo eyed giggling Kim Ha-woon mischievously.
“What’s so funny?”
“Fans say I’m handsome.”
“Duh, they came for us—gonna say ugly?”
“Nah, no one’s saying that about you?”
“What? Get outta here!”
“For real?”
“Show me or die.”
Stamina for days too. After bickering, they huddled over one phone, still arguing who was more popular.
Jae-ha stepped out for a call and hadn’t returned; Kim Han-soo vanished right after the show, probably swamped.
I lounged half-reclined on the sofa. Post-stage, tension gone—legs like jelly.
But mood was sky-high.
‘Insane.’
Radio listener chats were fun, but nothing beat the stage. Felt euphoric.
Knowing I could do this forever had me grinning nonstop.
‘Glad I stayed alive.’
Fans chanting my name, the lights’ heat—still vivid.
Then the door opened; Kim Han-soo entered beaming.
“Great job, everyone.”
He hugged us one by one, proud as a dad.
“You did more, Team Leader.”
“Nah, glad it went well.”
...Dude, that was courtesy. Don’t take it literally.
“Back to the dorm now. Jae-ha?”
“Here.”
Jae-ha walked in post-call behind him.
But his face was dark. Looked happy off-stage earlier. Something up?
About to ask, but Kim Han-soo herded us out to the van.
Not the place; heading home anyway, so I followed quietly.
Jae-ha’s expression stayed stiff.
After a long van ride, back at the dorm, tension fully released—members flopped like huskies in summer heat. I face-planted on the living room floor, too beat to undress.
“C’mon, shower first. You’ll regret not doing it now.”
“Five more minutes...”
Despite Kim Han-soo’s nagging, Ha-woon and Tae-hoo melded with the floor.
Only Jae-ha quietly changed and headed to the bathroom. Impressive. I couldn’t twitch a finger.
Whoosh!
Shower sounds amped Kim Han-soo’s scolding.
“See Jae-ha? Showering right away.”
“Ugh, Jae-ha hyung isn’t human.”
“Right, right.”
They cracked up endlessly. Kim Han-soo finally surrendered, laughing along.
I leaned against the sofa base, staring blankly at the ceiling. Thought time would settle me, but cheers still echoed.
Later, Jae-ha emerged with damp hair and towel. My turn.
After I showered, the last two dodged like reluctant cats before Kim Han-soo shoved them in one by one.
We all reconvened in the living room much later.
As soon as Tae-hoo sat post-shower, Kim Han-soo turned serious.
“Time to check music chart rankings.”
“Ah!”
All four stared blankly at him. Why think of it now? Music dropped an hour pre-showcase.
We clustered around Kim Han-soo. Tablet showed the music site.
There, our album.
[We Are B.O.Y]
“Whoa! Our song!”
“I see it too?”
“Not talking to you?”
Even now, Ha-woon and Tae-hoo bickered. Ignoring them, Kim Han-soo played the track.
In tension and anticipation, the intro we’d heard to death leaked from the speakers.
Our song, really on a music site.
Moving moment. We all listened with awed faces.
“Just need good rankings now.”
At my mutter, all eyes glued tensely to the screen. More serious than on stage.
I was just as wired. Showcase crowd meant nothing without charts.
Lee Jae-yoon from Flame crossed my mind.
‘How’d that sensitive guy handle this?’
“You nailed the stage—why so nervous? Smile!”
Kim Han-soo tapped real-time charts, scrolling from bottom up.
Oh yeah, staff probably checked. Their calm faces suggested title track in top 100?
“Seen it, Team Leader?”
“Not yet. Wanted to together.”
Then his face hardened resolutely.
“Starting from 100, up we go.”
Kim Han-soo’s finger began sliding the screen down.