Chapter 249
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 249
[Is there really an idol group out there that suddenly drops a Christmas album teaser just two weeks before the day?!]
[It’s been way too long ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ!!!! There’s been zero news since the 'Falling' incident, and now a Christmas season song? I’m going to shower them with my money.]
Most Noeuls were delighted by the sudden news of a new song.
[I’m seriously grateful for a season song, but... when is the full album coming out?!]
[If it’s just a single, the first-week sales probably won't be that huge... I’d rather they save up their energy and just drop a full album ㅠㅠ]
[They said it was a single, but look at them giving us four new tracks.]
[What does 'single' even mean in K-pop anymore...]
However, some fans who had been neck-deep in anticipation for a full-length album expressed a bit of disappointment.
[Gasp, the highlight medley is out!!!!!]
Of course, as soon as the teaser images, tracklist, and highlight medley were released, they rushed to check them out as if they had never been disappointed in the first place.
[Okay, what was I even saying~~! I was just being greedy!!]
[Heol, guys, there’s a video for the highlight medley this time!!]
[Hah~ seriously!! Giving off major first-tier vibes!!!
└ ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ "First-tier vibes," that’s hilarious ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ]
Unlike the previous album, which only showed jacket photos over the melodies, they had filmed separate footage for the highlight medley on the music video set this time.
The first title track:
'23:59 (As You Wish)'.
Darkness settles over densely packed towering trees, revealing a two-story house blanketed in snow.
The house was adorned with Christmas decorations, sparkling with a cozy glow.
[Wow, look at the color grading of the MV. It’s freaking gorgeous;;;]
[What’s with the set... Daepasung must have made a ton of money... whisper whisper... I can smell the cash...]
【The brilliant light I share with you
This warm heat as we press our cheeks together】
Seong Ji-won’s clear yet powerful voice rings out.
【I hope it stays with us forever
Because I’m too shy to say I love you】
An Impal-X classic car comes to a smooth halt in front of the house.
Thud!
The person stepping out of the driver’s seat was Kim Seong-hyeon.
Standing there with a gift box neatly wrapped in ribbon, he was wearing an American-style police bomber jacket.
[What???]
Leaning slightly against the car, Kim Seong-hyeon looked a bit nervous, then—
[????????? It’s a season song, why the police uniform?]
[I’ll take it anyway.]
As if having made up his mind, he strode across the yard and pressed the doorbell without hesitation. The door opened as if someone had been waiting, and a warm orange light leaked through the gap.
【One minute is fast, but
Merry, Merry Christmas】
As the highlight medley for '23:59' ended, it proved to be a winter ballad with a heavy carol atmosphere, typical of a Christmas season song.
[How far is Kang Yi-chae going to evolve?
Seriously, even without any bias, the song is so, so good;;;; I’m tired of calling him a genius.]
[Yi-chae, I love you, seriously ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ This faith that the comeback song will always be good... beyond that, this title track is the best one yet..]
And then, the highlight melody for the second title track, 'Christmas Again?'.
【Christmas Again
The sound of carols reaching my ears】
In a back alley where colorful lights faintly reached, Kang Yi-chae, wearing a leather jacket, flicked a lighter.
Click— As the flame of the lighter flared up, the sound of squelching footsteps grew louder.
【Christmas Again
White snow touching the back of my hand】
When Kang Yi-chae looked up, Seo Ho-yun was standing before him.
Approaching the orange flame that flickered with a hint of blue, Seo Ho-yun, with an expressionless face, blew out the lighter with a soft whoosh.
【Special Single - Christmas Again?
The Dawn】
[Gasp........]
Captions appeared over the blackened screen.
'Christmas Again?' was a dark pop-electronic track.
[Shit... for the first time in a long while... my heart is racing....]
[Daepasung are total perverts, you know that?
Even if we just think it’s sexy, it’s probably all meaningful symbolism, right?
....But I don’t care, I’m just busy rewatching Seo Ho-yun’s clip.]
[The second title teaser is so good but so scary... I feel like we’re going to get hit with a plot twist.]
[I was planning to just enjoy it lightly since it’s a season song, but they went so hard on the production that it’s actually intimidating.....]
This was a sort of experiment.
Now that their awareness had significantly risen, it was a small test to capture the general public and climb even higher.
[The Dawn ‘23:59 (As You Wish)’ MV]
A few days later, the music video for '23:59' was the first to be revealed.
The black screen gradually brightens, showing Kim Seong-hyeon holding the steering wheel of an Imp-la classic.
From the car radio, a clear and beautiful boy choir’s carol, accompanied by an organ, echoed out.
Words of cheer
Joy fills the air
Glory of Christmas is finally here….
Arriving in front of the two-story house seen in the highlight medley, Kim Seong-hyeon turned down the radio volume.
“Sigh...”
He leaned his head slightly against the steering wheel and let out a small sigh.
Soon, he straightened up and checked his wristwatch. The time pointed to 9 o’clock.
【Maybe next year I’ll be able to say it
Merry, Merry Christmas】
Kim Seong-hyeon immediately took a gift box out of the glove compartment and stepped out of the car. Moving with long strides, he reached the door and hurriedly pressed the bell.
【The brilliant light I share with you
This warm heat as we press our cheeks together】
Jeong Da-jun, wearing a soft-looking red knit sweater, greeted Kim Seong-hyeon with a bright smile.
【I hope it stays with us forever】
Next, Seong Ji-won appeared, running through the heavy snowfall while clutching a paper bag to his chest.
【Because I’m too shy to say I love you】
As they brushed the snow off their heads and entered the house, Kim Seong-hyeon and Jeong Da-jun welcomed Seong Ji-won in the living room, where a sofa, a table, and a large fir tree were decorated for Christmas.
【One minute is fast, but
Merry, Merry Christmas】
Jeong Da-jun, who was shaking the wrapped gifts, opened the largest box, and Kang Yi-chae popped out from inside.
Looking at the startled Jeong Da-jun, Kang Yi-chae leaned his arm on the corner of the box with a sly grin.
【For you, I’ll come running in any form
Tell me what you want quickly
As you wish my love
No effort is too much】
The scene changed, and every time Kang Yi-chae snapped his fingers, the members' outfits changed—from police uniforms and doctor gowns to firefighter gear and office suits.
After cycling through things the fans would love, they finally returned to the comfortable knits they wore at the start.
【Maybe next year I’ll be able to say it
Merry, Merry Christmas】
The screen transitioned again. Holding mugs with steam rising from them, Seo Ho-yun and Seong Ji-won looked out the second-floor window at the snow fluttering like flower petals in the dark night sky.
【The white, fluttering snowflakes
The warm gaze looking at me】
Seo Ho-yun turned his head and gave Seong Ji-won a cautious smile.
【I hope you’re always by my side
Because I’m too shy to say I love you】
Returning to the living room, Kim Seong-hyeon saw Seo Ho-yun and Seong Ji-won and opened the gift box he had prepared for the members.
Inside were five rings of the same design, engraved with a date. July 11th—The Dawn’s debut date.
Seeing that, Kang Yi-chae’s gaze wavered.
【It’s a bit early, but】
Smiling a bit bashfully, Kim Seong-hyeon scanned the members before scooping up a handful of cake and smearing it on Seo Ho-yun’s face.
With an incredulous expression, squinting one eye and licking the cream from the corner of his mouth, Seo Ho-yun soon picked up cake in both hands.
【Merry, Merry Christmas】
The members scrambled away, but they were soon tangled together, playfully bickering.
At that moment, Kang Yi-chae and Seo Ho-yun’s eyes met.
【Merry, Merry Christmas】
Seo Ho-yun gave a light smile.
The camera gradually pulled away from the members, passing by Christmas decorations and through the living room. It moved past the entryway where five pairs of shoes were placed with individual flair, and finally, the front door of the house closed.
【The Dawn - 23:59 (As You Wish)】
A sophisticated and addictive melody with a steady, repeating rhythm.
A music video filled with year-end sentiment, warmth, and beautiful colors.
[Heol..........]
The view count for the polished music video rose rapidly.
[What do I do..............
I think I love these guys.]
The Noeuls were deeply moved.
[Idols who say they’ll become any kind of Santa for you... the best.]
[I couldn't get my act together because of Kim Seong-hyeon in a police uniform, and then I screamed when the rings came out.
Did they really get matching group rings???]
[It’s not just a prop, it’s their actual debut date... This is an emergency, the Deonging-is got matching rings.....
The leader giving the members group rings for Christmas......
I’m just going to faint.]
[Haaaaaa......
Insane beauty...
I’m literally crying right now watching this.
└ You’re joking, right?
└└ (Photo) Proof with tissues..
└└ ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ Ah ㅠㅠㅠ ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ I’m crying because this is so funny ㅠㅠㅠ]
[ㅋㅋ Hey, but looking at Seo Ho-yun’s genuine expression when he got hit with the cake, doesn't it look like he did it without telling him? ㅋㅋㅋ]
[ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ Ah~~ The members are venting their usual grudges through their emotions at this moment~~~]
Perhaps due to the effect of engraving the name 'The Dawn' into people's minds through various variety shows, not only '23:59' but the entire released single spread instantly, climbing various music charts.
[Wow, the song is seriously freaking good;;]
[The other B-sides are by foreign composers, but the double title is still Kang Yi-chae ㅋㅋㅋㅋ Proof of his genius.]
[Kang Yi-chae was really flying during Rising Rookies, but here he’s on a jet ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ This is crazy, the song is so good!!!!!!]
Just as they were getting a decent bite from the general public, the Noeuls, who were vigorously streaming the music, noticed something strange.
[Um?]
It was because the lyrics for 'Christmas Again?', the other title track of the single album alongside '23:59', were bizarre.
[W-wait a second......]
[Wait, I’m flustered, sh*t.]
[Why, why, what is it?????]
While fans were buzzing and sharing various theories, the music video for 'Christmas Again?' was released the day after the album's launch.
[......Excuse me?]
And the Noeuls who turned on the music video couldn't help but be shocked.
From the very start of the video, the two-story house that appeared in '23:59' was engulfed in flames, burning brightly.
[What???????]
Soon the screen goes dark, and instead of the burning house, a room cluttered with various movie posters and Polaroid photos of The Dawn is captured on screen.
Kang Yi-chae’s red hair peeks out from between the blankets.
【Beep! Beep! Beep!】
Waking up to the loud alarm, Kang Yi-chae rubs his eyes and picks up his phone.
“Heh.”
Seeing the screen that reads 'December 24', he lets out a hollow laugh.
A dark, sticky pop-electronic melody mixed with static leaks from the radio next to the bed.
Sitting up, Kang Yi-chae wipes his face with both hands.
【December 24, FXCK, it’s back again】
With that single line muttered like a chant, he jumps up and roughly heads down the stairs.
Simultaneously, an intense rap begins.
【Christmas, I’ve even forgotten how to count them now
I can't do this anymore】
Hurriedly unfolding a newspaper on the first-floor dining table and turning on the living room TV, Kang Yi-chae, as if unable to contain his rage, picks up a cup and throws it at the window.
【Laughing like I’ve lost my mind alone
You wouldn't understand, I get it
This tiresome melody
Forgotten memories of a day】
Jeong Da-jun wakes up to the loud noise.
By the time he hurriedly opens his door and comes downstairs, Kang Yi-chae has already destroyed most of the furniture.
【Can you tell me?
Is this hallucination or prank?】
The scene changes, and Kim Seong-hyeon, who was leaning against a car hood fidgeting with his empty hands, runs into the house as if startled.
Scenes of Kim Seong-hyeon and Kang Yi-chae fighting are presented like a montage of photos, and eventually, Kang Yi-chae storms out of the house.
Then, rummaging through a shed, Kang Yi-chae finds a gas can, takes it out, and pours it all over the house.
【Christmas Again
The sound of carols reaching my ears
Christmas Again
White snow touching the back of my hand】
As if his hands have lost their strength, Kang Yi-chae drops the gas can on the ground with a thud and flicks his lighter.
【December 24
Can you hold my hand?】
Kim Seong-hyeon, who followed a step too late, approaches to stop Kang Yi-chae, and Jeong Da-jun steps back in fear.
A long, dark shadow forms behind him.
【I can't end this
Can you save me?】
The location shifts again to a city street with a Christmas atmosphere, showing Seong Ji-won blowing on his bright red fingertips.
Pure white snow falls endlessly from the sky.
【Christmas Again
The sound of carols reaching my ears
Christmas Again
White snow touching the back of my hand】
Then, he spots Seo Ho-yun standing on the riverbank under a bridge and waves his hand.
Seo Ho-yun also smiles as if responding to Seong Ji-won’s greeting. However, his gaze was fixed on the clock tower in the square.
【Will we ever—.】
At that moment, the song stops.
And then, in a dark alleyway, Kang Yi-chae is seen leaning against a wall, looking exhausted.
From an old record shop across the street that stayed open late, the carol from '23:59' could be heard faintly.
—Words of cheer
Joy fills the air
Glory of Christmas is finally here….
Between the lyrics, the sound of squelching footsteps draws closer.
Clean, polished black dress shoes are captured by the camera, contrasting with the snow that has been stepped on by many and turned gray and slushy.
“Yeah, Merry Christmas, have a happy holiday, Feliz Navidad.”
Without even lifting his face, Kang Yi-chae continued to spin the wheel of his lighter, muttering like a madman and snickering.
Then, the other person’s voice was heard.
“Yi-chae.”
That familiar, low voice belonged to Seo Ho-yun.
“You should say things like that next year.”
...Kang Yi-chae’s expression freezes just as the lighter’s flame flares up.
The moment Seo Ho-yun, slowly lowering his head, slightly curls the corners of his mouth—
【Christmas Again?】
Whoosh. The flame flickers out.