Chapter 242
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 242
“Ah~, Seo Ho-yun is going to be so good, right?!”
“Why? Is something going on?”
Lee Yu-ji, who was no longer the youngest staff member but was growing into a fairly competent PD, tilted her head at the staff member’s remark.
“I watched a variety show called Over-immersion Master last year because Ju Woo-seong was on it.”
“Do you like Ju Woo-seong?”
“I used to. Anyway… you know Choi PD, right? It’s the program he did before Please Take Care of Me, and it’s really fun! Anyway, Seo Ho-yun was on it!”
“Ah, and?”
“The show seemed to run without a script, and I was so shocked by how perfectly he reacted. Since then, I’ve been keeping an eye out for any broadcast Seo Ho-yun is in. He’s always so calm, and his sense for variety is no joke!”
Having taken first place in both Seasons 1 and 2 of Shining Star and navigated various variety shows, The Dawn was currently one of the entertainment industry’s blue chips.
She had heard that Seo Ho-yun had received many scripts after his realistic portrayal of PD Lee Jeong-hun in Please Take Care of the Camera and his delicious performance of 'Seo Ho-yun Syndrome' on FNL.
However, Seo Ho-yun didn't show his face anywhere except on variety shows.
Some people gossiped that he was acting high and mighty now that he’d found some success.
What is he thinking?
As someone who had once been a passionate idol fan, Lee Yu-ji felt his behavior—prioritizing team activities—was quite wise, but at the same time, he was throwing away golden opportunities.
Come to think of it, rumors were already quietly circulating in the industry that he was no ordinary person.
Just looking at the final episode of Shining Star Season 2...
“I also want to express my gratitude to my family. I miss you always.”
His aura is insane.
That wasn't the behavior of an ordinary person.
Even when his family history was leaked and the public’s sharp gaze was fixed on him, he remained stoic in front of the camera shutters. He eventually snatched first place in Shining Star Season 2, and his performance then was praised as the best among all the idols who had ever appeared on the show.
“Actually, Seo Ho-yun is a great singer, too. I think he’s one of those idols whose talent is undervalued because of his face.”
“Ahaha….”
She’s totally fallen for him.
They say even a hedgehog thinks its own offspring is beautiful; a person in love is never objective.
PD Lee tried to brush off the situation with a laugh, looking at the staff member as if she were looking at a die-hard fan of The Dawn.
Then, she suddenly remembered the conversation she’d had with Seo Ho-yun a moment ago.
“……But… isn't he a bit scary?”
“……Pardon?”
“No, it’s nothing….”
This was definitely their first program together, The Complete Singer, but whenever she stood before Seo Ho-yun, she felt herself shrinking. It was an instinctive urge to lower her eyes and back away.
As if she had been scolded by him once upon a time—.
Ugh, what a ridiculous thought.
PD Lee shook her head.
Seo Ho-yun was merely a one-time tool to secure initial viewership for The Complete Singer.
Composing herself, PD Lee shared a few more words of small talk with the staff.
“I’m really worried.”
Just then, the main PD, Woo PD, who had finished all the checks, muttered with an anxious face.
“I hope Seo Ho-yun at least gets flustered properly. Another singer is going to take first place anyway, so we need to be able to use at least one scene to make his appearance fee worth it.”
“Wouldn't he be nervous? I think it’ll make for an interesting picture.”
Naturally, it seemed he had zero expectations for the singing.
“Him? Nervous? Flustered??”
However, Im Hyeon-su, who was moving toward the panel seats, let out a small laugh as if she had overheard.
“……Excuse me?”
“I’ve heard some strange things in my life, but this takes the cake. If that kid gets nervous or makes a mistake during this, I’ll give up a year’s worth of my royalties.”
Im Hyeon-su, renowned as Blue Tiger, was called a walking small-to-medium enterprise.
A person like that was betting a year’s worth of royalties?
“And is everyone here tone-deaf?”
While everyone there stood bewildered, Im Hyeon-su grumbled with a hint of annoyance and took her designated seat.
“Alright, let’s get started!”
Soon, all the panel members found their places, and the broadcast began under the main PD’s direction.
Following the MC’s greetings and opening remarks, a VCR for the first participant appeared on the screen behind the stage.
The caption ‘THE DAWN’ was plastered in large letters, followed by the name ‘Seo Ho-yun.’
After his appearance was confirmed, Seo Ho-yun had specifically requested that his group name be included when introducing him.
“I’m only asking for one thing.”
PD Lee heard the main PD muttering beside her.
The screen split open, and Seo Ho-yun walked onto the stage. Except for a few who appeared to be fans, the audience didn't seem particularly interested.
Soon, the lights dimmed, and the music began to flow.
The song choice is good, at least.
It was “Clouds and Wings” by the legendary 90s singer Lee Ju-hwan.
A song dedicated to the precariously wavering youth, it was still loved by many and had been remade several times, making it quite familiar even to the younger generation.
I just hope he doesn't ruin it.
Seo Ho-yun slowly closed and opened his eyes, then raised the microphone.
【As I have always wished】
A pleasant mid-to-low-range voice resonated, blending with the sweet melody.
【If only I could fly away with you
I even thought about wanting to run away】
“…Huh?”
Even though only a few bars of the song had passed, the main PD’s eyes widened.
【As if I had a dream last night
If only I could hold your hand
I even prayed that I wouldn't wake up】
“What, he’s actually good?”
“It feels like Seo Ho-yun is even better live?!”
“Uh….”
Furthermore, even though the assigned song was an emotional ballad, he handled it as naturally as if it were his own.
【I will only move forward】
There were no flashy techniques, but his clean voice combined with the lyrics to enhance the song’s atmosphere even further.
“He’s really good, isn't he??”
On top of that, he was hitting every beat perfectly.
Though it was only the beginning, the digital billboard sparkled in five colors as the machine judgment recorded 'All Perfect.'
It was an effect that appeared only when every pitch and beat was flawless.
【Umm Hmm, I will only move forward】
Suddenly, the VCR screen flickered, and the word ‘Mission’ appeared.
Then, a robotic voice began counting down: ‘3, 2, 1.’
[Mission 1 - Solve the mental math!]
After The Complete Singer Season 2 had performed poorly, they had rebooted it by throwing in all sorts of elements to stimulate the viewers.
“Hey, what is this?!”
The panels made a fuss. However, Seo Ho-yun did not panic.
“Was this a comedy program?! How are you supposed to do math while singing and matching the pitch and beat!”
“Wow!! That’s so mean!!”
On a small stand table at the side of the stage, a pad connected to the screen, a stylus, and a marker were prepared.
Seo Ho-yun simply continued to sing calmly, picked up the pen with the hand not holding the microphone, and immediately wrote the answer on the pad.
Ding-dong!
A large red circle was drawn over the number on the screen.
【No regret
Even if it’s far, even if it’s blurry, even if it’s scary
It’s over once you show a smile】
He proceeded to get all the subsequent questions right in a row.
Naturally, he continued singing without his pitch or rhythm wavering once.
“Did someone give him the answers beforehand?”
“Are you joking?”
A small stir broke out among the staff as well.
【No fear
Even if it’s far, even if it’s blurry, even if it’s scary
It’s over once it passes by】
Next, a mission designed to confuse the lyrics popped up.
[Mission 2 – Write one line of the lyrics for the song below!]
[White Cherry - ‘Dreams’]
【When I try to picture a future with you
Why do I feel so lonely】
Usually, if the words coming out of one's mouth and the words being written by one's hand were different, most people would either speak what they were writing or write what they were speaking.
With a serious expression, Seo Ho-yun slowly wrote the sentence.
[A night I cannot escape
You can never be me for the rest of your life
Below the White Cherry lyrics written in neat handwriting, one more line had been added.
The main PD, who was a huge fan of White Cherry, stared with wide eyes.
【But for now, bury it for a moment
It’s over once you show a smile】
“Is he insane?”
Not just the main PD, but the production crew and even the panels watched Seo Ho-yun with their mouths agape.
[Black Call - ‘Love Thrill’]
The following song was by Black Call.
Seo Ho-yun wrote down Ju Woo-seong’s part in an instant.
[There are things you can only know when you love
You and me, Things that we cannot refuse]
Seo Ho-yun smiled confidently.
A comment that seemed intentionally written sat in the corner of the screen.
[Kimchi Fried Rice Idiot]
Laughter leaked from the audience and the panel at the sight of him appealing his friendship with Ju Woo-seong in such a cute way.
It was a sight that would have made Ju Woo-seong recoil in disgust.
Of course, he was correct this time as well.
Please…!
PD Lee Yu-ji’s hands were now damp with sweat.
She wondered if Seo Ho-yun, who had done so well without any major mistakes so far, could maintain this tension until the end.
Just then, a new mission appeared on the screen.
[Mission 3 - Leave an autograph!]
“An autograph?”
Everyone was puzzled because there was no specific explanation of where or how to leave the autograph, when—clatter! A sound was heard. Simultaneously, something dropped from the ceiling and brushed past the tip of Seo Ho-yun’s nose.
Not only the seated panels but even the audience screamed.
“Aaaaah!!”
“Whoa!!”
It was a ghost prop with long, shaggy hair, splattered with red paint.
“Isn't this a bit much?”
“We have to do whatever it takes for the ratings. Is now the time to be picky?”
Woo PD sharply cut off PD Lee’s disgruntled muttering.
The main PD, checking the machine judgment, doubted his own eyes. This was because Seo Ho-yun was still maintaining an excellent record.
Hurriedly turning his gaze back to the stage...
【Leaving your side】
Seo Ho-yun looked incredibly peaceful.
【To those clouds far away
I want to run in a single bound】
He picked up the ghost prop to see where he should sign, checked the paper attached to its back, neatly brushed back the prop’s hair, and picked up the marker.
【Umm, to the place where someone will be waiting】
Then, he scribbled his signature on it.
【Umm Hmm Hmm
I am not afraid】
Along with a cute drawing of a rabbit.
A rabbit……?
Even the panels forgot to react and just stared at Seo Ho-yun.
【To those clouds far away
I want to run in a single bound】
Having finished all the missions, Seo Ho-yun looked directly into the camera and focused on the song.
【I want to run in a single bound】
Brilliant light poured from the screen.
It was a light seen only when there wasn't a single mistake in pitch or rhythm—a light that only three people in the entire previous season had ever triggered.
In the end, Seo Ho-yun beat out all the other participants to take first place in the first broadcast of the reboot.
With a smile so bright it looked pure, Seo Ho-yun filled the camera screen as paper confetti rained down on him.
Wow…….
PD Lee realized it then.
That what the staff member had told her was the truth.
Seo Ho-yun was overflowing with star quality, and he knew it very well himself.
This is it.
She had a gut feeling that this was going to be a massive hit.
PD Lee quickly organized her thoughts on how long he would keep the top spot and how to run the program in the meantime. At the same time, she followed Seo Ho-yun’s figure with slightly trembling eyes.
Seo Ho-yun casually pushed away the ghost prop he had signed and bowed nonchalantly to the panels.
On the back of the swaying ghost prop, beneath the rabbit signature, a single sentence was written:
[Dedicated to our Noeul, for whom I am always grateful.]
He’s crazy….
Where else would you find an idol who signs a prop scary enough to give you nightmares and says he’s dedicating it to his fans?
—And so, the signal flare for Seo Ho-yun’s adorable year-end plan was brilliantly launched.