Chapter 23
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 23
Jeong Da-jun and Kang Yi-chae were playing around excitedly, seemingly waiting in front of the dorm for the rest of the members to arrive so they could all head in together. The planning team’s youngest staff member and the manager were with them.
Her name was Lee Ji-hyeon, right?
I gave a slight nod of greeting and approached the members.
“Hey, move it.”
Stop being a nuisance. Two grown men were cluttering up an already narrow entrance; I couldn't even get through. Kang Yi-chae jumped in surprise.
“Is that... my spot?!”
“I’m... I’m sorry!”
“Hey, stop taking pictures and get out of the way already!”
These guys... What is up with their mental state? Should I call this a good thing?
I had worried they might be suffering from the sudden influx of malicious comments following their spike in popularity, but it seemed my fears were groundless.
The banter between them already had the manager and the production staff stifling laughs.
“Ow! That hurts!”
“I told you to stop, you punks.”
While I was busy giving the two of them a light bonk on the head, Kim Seong-hyeon and Seong Ji-won appeared.
“What are you guys doing?”
“Probably something that deserved a beating...”
Seong Ji-won looked at us curiously, while Kim Seong-hyeon, who knew the members all too well, sighed.
I gave them a brief nod and looked at the sketchbook where Lee Ji-hyeon, the planning team's youngest, had hurriedly scribbled something.
[Please give us a reaction as you enter the dorm!]
Okay.
Everyone looked excited as they rolled their suitcases along. As Kang Yi-chae pressed the passcode they had just been taught, he provided his own background music.
“Dun-dun!”
“...Dun-dun?”
“What will The Dawn’s dorm look like?”
...I’m shocked.
Naturally, I had expected the Love House theme song, but hearing the Netflix intro sound felt both familiar and strangely out of place.
In the meantime, the dorm was revealed behind the door Kang Yi-chae had playfully swung open.
Two bedrooms and a living room—it was a bit cramped, but it was enough space for five people to live. With only one bathroom, mornings were bound to be a battlefield... but it was decent enough.
Since they said they were filming behind-the-scenes footage, the important thing was the cameras.
Where were they installed? I scanned the room with a hawk's eye. One in a teddy bear, one on the TV stand, two near the sofa...
They did a more thorough job than I expected.
I was about to give a standard reaction when Kang Yi-chae dashed toward the sofa. He struck a pose and delivered his line.
“Is something the matter...? Do I look like a man who owns a dorm?”
“So dazzling...!”
“This is actually really nice?!”
......?
Even Seong Ji-won entered the living room with an excited face.
“Why are they so hyped up?”
“Uh, what?”
When I turned to Kim Seong-hyeon, I realized he wasn't one to talk. He was just as busy looking around with a flushed face. A sudden wave of pity washed over me.
You guys... you really weren't treated well by the company, were you...
Even to me, a man once notorious as a ruthless PD, the treatment of unknown idols was truly dire. Or perhaps Daepasung was just particularly bad.
With a dry expression, I tucked my suitcase into a corner of the living room.
The planning team came in with their cameras and focused on filming Kang Yi-chae.
The large room was for Jeong Da-jun, Seong Ji-won, and Kim Seong-hyeon. The small room was for me and Kang Yi-chae. When I locked eyes with Yi-chae, he giggled. I felt a sense of foreboding.
Lee Ji-hyeon, the youngest of the planning team, watched our reactions before tentatively speaking up.
“Everyone, do you like the dorm?”
“Yes!”
“I’m glad. Um... please rest assured that the cameras won't be running all the time. We’ll only film when there’s specific content, and our company will handle all the editing, so don't worry.”
I am worried.
“Today, we’ll do some light filming of you unpacking your suitcases, deciding on roommates, and doing an MV reaction. For the MV behind-the-scenes, you just need to do a casual monitoring session.”
Lee Ji-hyeon flipped through her sketchbook several times. Everyone answered obediently like good children and gathered their suitcases from the corner.
Filming the suitcases?
What’s so interesting about filming a suitcase?
Well, I suppose it could be interesting for fans. Fans are the type of people who are curious about what kind of food an idol eats, after all.
Still, I was worried there wouldn't be much content.
Exactly one minute later, those worries were shattered.
“Pwahahaha! Hyung, what is this?”
“A red ginseng set and ginseng juice...”
First up was Seong Ji-won. Half of his suitcase was filled with red ginseng. Ji-won gave a bashful smile.
“Hyung, how can half your suitcase be red ginseng?”
“My grandmother packed it for me. She told me to share it with everyone.”
“Your grandmother is so thoughtful...”
“Boo~ Yi-chae hyung is mean~”
“N-no, that’s not what I meant.”
Kang Yi-chae, caught in a moment of accidental disrespect, scrambled to make an excuse. I took the opportunity to sidle up to Seong Ji-won.
“Can I have one?”
“Oh, of course.”
I immediately tore open a packet of red ginseng juice he handed me and squeezed out every last drop.
His grandmother is truly wise... Back when I was a PD, I used to keep boxes of this stuff and drink one every morning.
Seong Ji-won hurriedly packed his suitcase back up.
Next up.
“Me!”
“Oh, alright, Da-jun. Let’s see yours.”
Jeong Da-jun vigorously unpacked his suitcase.
“...It’s nothing but snacks.”
“Snacks are all you need!”
“Someone get this kid out of here.”
Seong Ji-won was a saint compared to this. Next was Kang Yi-chae.
“Ta-da! Games!”
A laptop, a mouse, a PlayStation 5, a Switch... It was nothing but games.
Kim Seong-hyeon immediately slammed the suitcase shut.
“Throw it away.”
“Gasp! Why?!”
“Practice in the time you'd spend playing those.”
“Agreed.”
“No, my babies...!”
When even Seong Ji-won joined in, Kang Yi-chae hugged his suitcase protectively.
“Next is Ho-yun.”
“Yeah.”
I ignored them and opened my suitcase. It was so ordinary and lacked impact that it would probably be edited out.
However, silence fell over the room.
“Hyung, what’s with these clothes?”
“What?”
“......”
The members stared at my suitcase and whispered among themselves.
“Did you see that? All the clothes are black. I thought I was looking into a black hole. I should’ve realized it from the way he always wears black...”
“Exactly. It’s shadow fashion from head to toe every single day.”
“Ho-yun hyung, you’re an idol, how can you dress like that...?”
Even Jeong Da-jun began to criticize me. I frowned. I didn't think I'd ever been criticized for my fashion sense before.
“Why? Black is nice.”
“Next person! Seong-hyeon hyung!”
My opinion was promptly ignored. The final person, Kim Seong-hyeon, let out a deep sigh and opened his suitcase. He was, quite literally... a human Doraemon.
“This is for Kang Yi-chae and Jeong Da-jun. I figured you wouldn't bring extra clothes. Seong Ji-won, this is a massager for you.”
“I’ve been wanting one of these!”
“Seo Ho-yun, these are vitamins for you.”
For some reason, I received the most. Watching the endless stream of vitamins pouring out, I asked blankly, “Why vitamins for me?”
“You collapsed last time, hyung.”
That was because of the system window.
“That’s right. Ho-yun hyung is surprisingly frail.”
“Exactly. Ho-yun needs to make sure he eats well.”
No, I’m telling you, it was the system window!
But I couldn't say that, so I kept my mouth shut. I’d only be treated like a crazy person if I did.
After giving everyone the items they needed, Kim Seong-hyeon closed his suitcase with a satisfied look.
Hmm... I hope they edit this well.
I had already monitored the music video countless times, but sitting on the sofa with everyone in the dorm to watch it felt different.
The problem, however, was these rascals.
“...I’m sorry.”
“Bang!”
“Stop it, you guys...”
Kang Yi-chae and Jeong Da-jun were giggling as they targeted Seong Ji-won. Ji-won was slumped over the sofa, dying of embarrassment. Since the music video featured Ji-won as the protagonist, it seemed he was the easiest target to tease, even though they appeared in it too.
“Yi-chae looks really cool too! Like he’s in Hollywood.”
“Yeah. I actually got a casting offer recently, but I turned it down.”
“...Yi-chae, sometimes I envy your shamelessness.”
“That’s my charm.”
Seong Ji-won tried a small counterattack, but it didn't work on the mentally invincible Kang Yi-chae. Ji-won was already clenching his fists.
Is the day coming soon where he actually punches Kang Yi-chae?
“Ho-yun hyung is really good at shuffling cards.”
“Hyung, are you a pro gambler or something?”
“Stop right there... Are you trying to deal from the bottom?”
“Pwahaha!”
When I played along, the kids burst into fits of laughter.
The behind-the-scenes footage was edited in the Human Theater style, just as I had suggested.
The title [The Daily Life of an Idol in an Extreme Job] written in rainbow-colored Gungsuh font was quite satisfying.
[Today, Kim Seong-hyeon heads to the practice room again.
Q. What do you think about while practicing?
A. (Kim Seong-hyeon) What is there to think about? I just do it...]
The behind-the-scenes footage was a mix of all sorts of internet memes.
The more seriously the members took it, the funnier it became. The highlight was when Ju Woo-seong appeared.
[Ju Woo-seong: Hello~.
Members: (Blank stare) Hyung, why are you coming out from there...?
Seo Ho-yun: (Calmly) Let’s practice.]
“I was genuinely flustered back then.”
“He’s like a celebrity’s celebrity.”
Ju Woo-seong is just a guy who’s lost his mind over dating.
I clicked my tongue and focused on the video. Before I knew it, the behind-the-scenes footage had transitioned into the music video itself.
[Today, The Dawn approaches the shoot with sincerity. Suddenly, Yi-chae stands up.
Kang Yi-chae: Hyung! How tall is a monkey?!
Kim Seong-hyeon: (With a resigned face) About 121cm...?
Seo Ho-yun: (Holding up the answer) Mon-key.]
“That gives me goosebumps...”
“Hyung made me do that.”
Perhaps because they knew this reaction wouldn't be included, everyone laughed comfortably. The planning team left with satisfied expressions, seemingly happy with the footage.
“Great job, everyone! You have another music show recording early tomorrow morning, so please get some rest.”
While saying goodbye to the manager and the planning team, I locked eyes with the youngest staff member. When I gave her a natural "business smile," Lee Ji-hyeon flinched.
“Ji-hyeon-ssi.”
“Ye-yes. Ho-yun-ssi.”
“Thank you. The results were great this time thanks to the excellent planning.”
Lee Ji-hyeon scratched the back of her head, looking bewildered. Her face practically screamed, 'Why is this guy talking to me?' Since she hadn't been with the company long, she didn't seem to understand why I was approaching her instead of the team leader.
“No, not at all. Everyone fit the concept so, so well that it was even more rewarding for me.”
But why was I approaching Lee Ji-hyeon?
To lay the groundwork, of course.
Brilliant planning is crucial, especially for competition programs.
Though wary of this sudden trust, Lee Ji-hyeon answered readily.
“Would it be okay if I ask for your advice on planning in the future as well?”
“...Pardon?”
“You know these things well, Ji-hyeon-ssi.”
“...I-in that case.”
Lee Ji-hyeon clenched her fists.
I waited. A promotion? A bonus? Was she going to ask for more? It wasn't within my power, but I was prepared to advocate for her to the CEO or the team leader as much as possible.
“Can I pour in all the settings I want?!”
......
“...Yes, of course.”
My answer came half a beat late. Perhaps I was being too realistic.
“Kyaa! Thank you! Seeing the settings I imagined moving in 3D—no, 4D—was so, so great! Actually, I’ve already thought of a sequel to this apocalypse concept, and how it connects is...”
“Ah, I’m a bit busy right now.”
I cut her off quickly. I had no intention of listening to otaku lore all day. Lee Ji-hyeon looked disappointed for a moment, but then she said her goodbyes and walked away with a flushed, excited face. ...Well, it worked out.
This side was handled well enough.
I turned around.
“Ah, I’m tired, so tired.”
“Should we grill some pork belly?”
“Let’s practice.”
“You practice bug...”
“Let’s practice.”
“...Yes, sir. Understood.”
This was the side that remained.
Leaving Kang Yi-chae to mutter nonsense like, "Does the loser have to be an idol for life?", the practice bug Seong Ji-won was already gathering his training gear to practice again. I wanted to see the stats of Seong Ji-won, who had the best balance among us.
‘Seong Ji-won stats.’
[Viewing Seong Ji-won’s stats.]
[Singing: A0
Dancing: A-
Variety: C-
???: ???
??: ??
Charm: B-]
Wow, what is up with Seong Ji-won’s stats? An A0 in singing? And an A- in dancing?
I knew he was talented, but seeing it confirmed like this was shocking. His years as a trainee really didn't go to waste.
Variety skills and charm will come naturally once he gets more broadcast experience.
“Hey, you were really born to be an idol.”
“Huh? What’s this all of a sudden? That’s more like you, Ho-yun.”
Good grief, he even has humility...
Seong Ji-won smiled, his eyebrows crinkling. Let’s push Seong Ji-won as the 'tank' of the group. I beckoned to him.
“Ji-won, come here for a second. You guys too.”
“Huh? Oh, okay.”
There was something I had to tell them. Kim Seong-hyeon stopped organizing his suitcase and they all sat in a circle in the living room.
“What is it, hyung?”
“The cameras are off, right?”
“Yeah, they took them all.”
“Good.”
“What is it? Why are you setting the mood like this? It’s scary.”
It was an important matter. I remembered the warning I had given them when we first entered the practice room.
Everyone seemed to remember that day vividly, as they all gulped. I looked at each of the members' faces slowly before speaking.
“We got an offer for a variety show.”
Everyone’s jaws dropped.
“Seriously?”
“Hyung, if this is a lie, it’s really not funny.”
“You don't trust me?”
Every single one of them had a face full of disbelief.
“I’m hurt...”
“...Let’s get to the point.”
Even when I pretended to be slightly hurt, it didn't work on them. Even Seong Ji-won looked at me skeptically.
“We got an offer for a competition program. The CEO told me. It’s a cable show where we compete against other idol groups for the top spot.”
“Really? For us?”
Their eyes widened. Then Jeong Da-jun started bouncing around. As I gave a more detailed explanation, some became excited while others looked worried.
Kim Seong-hyeon thought for a moment before speaking.
“Going on a show like that could end up being more of a negative if we're not careful.”
“True, the 'devil's editing' is severe. There are quite a few idols who went on similar programs only to have their images ruined. Some groups even disbanded after that...”
“I guess it’s not something we can just be optimistic about...”
“So it’s either a huge hit or a total flop? Either way, it’ll definitely set the internet on fire.”
Kang Yi-chae shrugged. At those words, everyone’s faces grew even more somber.
Since they had rarely experienced success, The Dawn members were already prone to negative thoughts.
What should I do about this?
Should I give them some shock therapy like last time?
“Hmm...”
While I was debating what to say next, Seong Ji-won suddenly turned his head.
“Ho-yun, what do you want to do?”
At Ji-won’s cautious question, the members' gazes naturally fixed on me.
“Obviously...”
The answer was already decided.
“If they tell us to jump, we jump.”
Times like these are exactly when you have to dive into the fire.