55. The Thrill of Heading Overseas
These days, if you asked who had the strongest buzz in Korea—excluding the president—it'd probably be Seo Siyeon.
PD Kang Junhyeong, who had steered Singer Star all the way to Season 5 and unearthed a monster like Seo Siyeon in the process, was basically on a fast track to vice president. Everyone connected to Singer Star was reaping the benefits.
That's why JBC staff were generally fond of Seo Siyeon.
She'd become something like a guardian deity who brought promotions, shaping her image around the company.
The Singer Star production team, including Kang Junhyeong, had played a huge role by constantly singing her praises everywhere they went.
Joo Ha-nam, the PD of Hot Busk, was friends with Kang Junhyeong since they both worked on music-related programs.
Naturally, he'd heard nonstop rave reviews about Seo Siyeon from him—enough to make his ears numb.
It sparked a natural desire to work with her himself, so even though he figured she wouldn't bite, he'd reached out to Blue Sky Entertainment with an offer.
"Who would've thought she'd actually say yes..."
Truth be told, his show wasn't the best fit for a rising star like her who was just starting to blow up.
Busking demanded rock-solid skills, of course, but also the guts to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with industry veterans.
"Can't wait to see what she brings."
On Hot Busk, some contestants nailed legendary stages and snagged tons of screen time, while others bombed and got totally edited out.
The thought of a child prodigy holding her own among the big shots had him trembling with anticipation already.
"Passport... check. Clothes... all packed? Oh, right—the violin too, like I was told."
Just one more night of sleep, and it was airport time.
Destination: southern Europe, no less!
"Hee hee hum..."
A tune bubbled up from my excitement.
In my previous life, I'd traveled abroad until I was sick of it, but this life's Seo Siyeon? Never set foot outside Korea.
Not even a domestic trip.
For her—me—school, the nursery, and the rundown old city center around it were my whole world.
How could I not be thrilled for my first overseas adventure?
Season 1 was Europe, Season 2 America, so Season 3 looping back to Europe made sense.
"Europe beats America, hands down."
In my past life, I'd been to the States way too many times—work trips, pure vacations, you name it.
Europe? Barely any experience. So I'd secretly hoped for it, and luckily, that's what happened.
Southern spots: Spain, Italy, Greece. Three weeks touring all three.
Research said it was prime time—Mediterranean heat fading, perfect for travel.
Still hot, though, so I packed tons of short-sleeves. Big day-night swings meant cardigans and windbreakers galore.
And since it was a busking shoot, my main kid-sized guitar and violin were coming along.
I knew a few other instruments, but these two were my aces. That's what I'd stick with.
Keyboard in a pinch? Maybe, but probably not.
Clutching my excitement, I drifted off to a deep, sound sleep.
The next day, early dawn.
I lugged the two instruments with grunts and groans, waiting for the car in front of the nursery.
"Yawn..."
Rubbing sleepy eyes from the wave of yawns, but crashing early had left me mostly sharp.
Soon enough, an old van pulled up.
"Hello." "Good morning."
The guy who stepped out was a stiff-looking early-20s dude.
With Blooming and me blowing up, Lee Ha-jun had hired two managers. This one, Kim Junhyeong, was mine.
Athletic build like he worked out, face plain and unremarkable.
Second time meeting, and he was still super formal with me.
I'd already told him to drop it last time, but he said this felt natural, so I let it slide.
Still, we'd be stuck together awhile—better build some rapport. I chatted him up while he drove.
"Ever been to Europe, Junhyeong-ssi?" "Not yet. Personally excited too." "Ah, same here. Won't be leisurely sightseeing with the shoot, but... there'll be free time to wander a bit."
Obviously, Kim Junhyeong was coming along. That's why they'd assigned a former judo athlete like him to me—for situations like this.
Our sporadic chat flew by, and suddenly we were at Incheon Airport.
Train would've taken over an hour; car got us there in 30. The perks of wheels hit home.
Inside, cameras and a huddled film crew in the corner. A few reporters milling about too.
With Kim Junhyeong's help, I hustled over to join them.
"Whoa, you're early!" "Hi! Seo Siyeon here!" "Siyeon's first place. Come on over this way?"
Makes sense—I'd arrived a full hour ahead of call time. First major outdoor shoot; no way was I risking lateness.
Instead of just standing awkwardly for the cameras, I went around snapping pics and signing for the fans who'd gathered.
Cameras swarmed curiously, and plenty recognized me.
Fan service is a must, obviously.
People like me—mere entertainers—don't exist without fans.
Simple stuff like this is basic. Kinda weird how many in the industry hate even that...
Time passed, and others trickled in.
Next after me: Saki from FYG, pink-dyed hair and pink color lenses.
I listened to FYG tracks a lot, so we had plenty to chat about.
"Oh, so solo comeback incoming?" "Looks like it. Planning a pre-release here."
FYG seemed to be shifting from group to solo activities.
They'd made bank already, so everyone pursued their own passions now.
Then they started arriving in droves.
Han Yul, original singer of the song Joo Jinwoo did in the finals.
Lee Seung-hyun, the chart-smasher ballad king.
Jia from Bad Monster, YRK's 3.5-gen girl group unveiled last year by judge Kayseop.
Plus a bunch more big-name artists.
"Ah, hello! Sorry I'm late."
Last to join: a super familiar face.
"Yeon-unnie, why so late?" "Th-there was... an accident up ahead on the way..."
Baek Yeon, who'd bunked with me at the Singer Star dorm just recently.
Unlike me dawdling at the nursery before signing, she'd jumped quick to Yoo Sanghyeon's PU Entertainment. Landed spots on Korea's biggest talk shows—views from hundreds of thousands to millions.
And her latest gig? Right here, Hot Busk.
"No, no—it's fine! Just a minute late anyway." "Yeah, Yeon-ssi."
The veteran seniors chimed in kindly, easing the anxiety from Baek Yeon's face.
Boarding procedures kicked off right away.
"Ooh, Siyeon, you've done your homework—check-in looks pro." "Uh, y-yeah. Right."
Past-life muscle memory.
And so, after a hellish 14-hour flight, we finally touched down at Barcelona's El Prat Airport.
"G-gonna die...!"
Stepping outside, we were greeted by...
"No rain in the forecast."
"This time of year, it pours unpredictably... total surprise."
Torrential downpour like crazy, plus hot, muggy weather.