Chapter 29
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 29
I’ve said it time and time again.
Of the three rules I laid out, the first is this:
Never trust the broadcasting station bastards.
"Hyung, the vocalist from Nightmare seems really nice."
"Why?"
"The moment he saw me, he said I was the most handsome guy here. Seriously! And he even gave me a sandwich. Want some?"
"Hey, did you seriously eat something a stranger gave you? I told you not to."
"But it’s delicious!"
Jeong Da-jun, lured by food the moment we arrived at the recording set: Disqualified.
Second!
Watch your mouth.
"Ah, that hyung from Refined."
"What about him?"
"I ran into him in the waiting room at the end of the year, and his specialty was talking without a filter about rankings... Seong-hyeon hyung got really annoyed."
"...I told you to watch your mouth, didn't I?"
"Oops, my bad~."
Kang Yi-chae, the loose cannon who doesn't care about the situation: Disqualified.
Third!
Trust Seo Ho-yun no matter what!
"Seo Ho-yun."
"What."
"Um... is it really okay for us to react like that? Won't the response be too negative? If we reconsider now..."
"You don't trust me?"
"When you put it like that, I don't have anything to say..."
Kim Seong-hyeon, being excessively anxious: Disqualified.
...I wanted to believe they’d do well on their own, but seeing them like this made me worry.
Knock, knock.
Just then, a staff member entered the waiting room.
"It’s almost time for your entrance. The cameras will be following you."
I nodded and looked around.
There was still some time before the actual performance. Entering now was just to film the arrival shots.
When we entered the studio, perhaps following the order of their debut, the one-year-old idol group Nightmare was already seated.
"Hello, we are The Dawn."
Whether they were trying to get more screen time by reacting enthusiastically, Nightmare’s response was incredibly loud.
The members of The Dawn bowed in greeting and sat down, followed by the other idols entering one by one.
Refined, Mars, and finally... Today.
I smirked as I looked back at the members of Today, who were giving very slick, polished greetings.
"Hello, we are Today!"
"We look forward to working with you!"
"Oh!"
"It’s Today."
"They won first place last time... a quadruple crown."
The surrounding idols began to whisper.
I glanced back at my members.
Expressionless.
No comment.
Ignoring them.
Good.
This was exactly how I told them to act when Today appeared. Even Kim Seong-hyeon, who had been so anxious earlier, stared at Today with a face as hard as stone.
See? I told you to trust me, you punk.
As I smiled with satisfaction, my eyes met Yoo Hyuk’s. A faint sneer flickered across his lips before vanishing.
As Today strode confidently toward where The Dawn was seated, the surrounding rookies and unknowns began to buzz.
Then, Yoo Hyuk lowered his voice and offered a subtle greeting.
"Hey."
It looked like this guy was trying to imitate Ju Woo-seong.
"Guys, it’s... Ho-yun, right? How have you been? We haven't slept a wink~. We’ve just been so busy, we couldn't help it."
"Yes."
I rested my chin on my hand and gave a curt reply. The members of The Dawn already knew my personality, so they didn't pay much attention, but the eyes of the Nightmare members, who had fewer years under their belt, shook with pupils dilated.
I-Is it okay to act like that to a senior...?
Normally, no.
But you have to know when to hold 'em and when to fold 'em.
"......?"
Yoo Hyuk was visibly flustered.
"S-Seo Ho-yun, you must be really nervous?"
"No."
The smile on Yoo Hyuk’s face began to crack.
"......Oho."
Standing in the distance, PD Kim Hee-yeong seemed to find this interesting and gestured to the VJ. The camera moved in close. They were probably taking a close-up.
How would this look on broadcast? I’d probably come off as rude. They wouldn't be able to frame this as me being "nervous" even if they tried.
So, how would the public react?
The eyebrows of Yoo Hyuk and the other Today members twitched.
I looked each of them in the eye one by one, then turned my head, met PD Kim Hee-yeong’s gaze, and gave a broad grin.
"Senior."
"What?"
"Do you need a receipt? Why are you talking to me?"
At that, Yoo Hyuk’s face was a sight to behold. His hair was blonde, but as his face turned red, he looked like some kind of fresh vegetable.
His trembling hands looked like they wanted to grab me by the collar right then and there, but he couldn't bring himself to do it in front of the cameras.
You shouldn't have messed with me in the first place...
Ding!
[Your personality is really......]
The world made me this way.
"......Seo Ho-yun."
"What?"
Watching Yoo Hyuk huff and puff as he walked away, Kim Seong-hyeon eventually nudged me. At my indifferent response, he just let out a small sigh and turned his gaze forward.
He was following my instructions for now, but he seemed to be breaking into a cold sweat from anxiety.
[Rookie Idol’s Attitude: Disrespecting Industry Seniors]—what a perfect title for a trending Nutube video.
Wait, that actually sounds pretty good?
As I was seriously contemplating this, the MC entered, and a wave of exclamations erupted.
With long, straight hair that swayed with every step and a glamorous face that screamed "celebrity," she appeared.
"Hello, everyone."
The National Little Sister, Yoo Ji-ah.
"I am actress Yoo Ji-ah, and I will be the MC for Shining Star."
"Whoa!"
"Heol, this is crazy. It’s Yoo Ji-ah!"
She was someone who had risen to the rank of National Little Sister with songs that had a friendly and cute image, later transitioned into acting, and was steadily building her career as the next-generation rom-com queen.
Since I usually had no reason to run into her, this was my first time seeing Yoo Ji-ah in person as well.
A member of Refined sitting next to me muttered.
"Wow, she’s really pretty..."
"But she looks a bit cold."
At least I’m glad none of the guys in The Dawn are saying crap like that.
Those kinds of comments are exactly the type that get you cursed at if they make it to broadcast. Perfect for starting rumors.
The members of The Dawn clapped with gentle smiles, without saying a word. Mm, good posture.
After scanning the room, Yoo Ji-ah gave a slight smile.
"Welcome to Shining Star. With countless idol groups pouring out every year, which group will be the one to survive? To determine the best, we have planned this program."
Yoo Ji-ah solemnly delivered the opening. Perhaps because she chose only the most provocative words, several idols gulped in nervousness.
"I will explain the format of Shining Star. Out of the six episodes, there will be three competitions, excluding the first entrance performance."
Meanwhile, Today couldn't hide their bored expressions, as if they already knew the details.
I clicked my tongue softly and looked away.
"The first and second competitions will be held with a small audience and decided by on-site voting, but the final competition will be a live broadcast left to the nation's vote."
After finishing the brief explanation, Yoo Ji-ah paused for a calculated moment of silence and then smiled brightly.
"But it would be heartless to talk about competition right from the start, wouldn't it?"
"......."
"There are some I’m meeting for the first time today, and some I’m not. Are you nervous?"
"Yes~!"
"I figured you would be, so to help you relax, we’ve prepared a simple icebreaker."
"An icebreaker...?"
For the record, here’s a tip for living: when broadcasting station bastards say they’re doing something for your benefit, it’s best to be suspicious first.
Sure enough, Yoo Ji-ah slowly read from her script.
"We previously asked each group to write down their expected ranking and the reason for it... Lee Han-seong of Nightmare, do you remember?"
"...Uh, yes, yes!"
"Could you perhaps tell us what you wrote?"
"......."
Nightmare’s youngest, Lee Han-seong, hesitated. He had written it because he was told to, but he seemed worried that it would be irreversible once it aired.
Remaining silent was actually a great response.
"It’s hard, isn't it? Very hard... I would have found it difficult to say, too."
If only the person across from him wasn't the production team of an idol competition show.
"So, I’ll announce it for you! We will reveal the rankings each group wrote for themselves right now!"
Yoo Ji-ah smiled brightly and pointed to the large monitor behind her, where huge letters appeared.
[Each Group’s Predicted Final Ranking]
"...Gasp."
They’re revealing this now, like this?
A hollow laugh escaped me. Since it was a question everyone had answered without much thought, I could see the unrest.
Their intention clearly wasn't to relieve tension, but to escalate it.
Kim Hee-yeong, you’ve made this program quite spicy.
[Wow LOL predicted final rankings? No conscience]
> [Is there anyone who would write 1st place?? Among them?? What is the production team thinking?]
I could already see the internet becoming a battlefield with titles like that.
Especially doing this among idols, not trainees, was just an open invitation for them to fight.
"Ho-yun."
Seong Ji-won’s face turned pale. I glanced at him and then looked back.
There were five groups gathered here in total.
"Now, shall we begin? First is Nightmare’s predicted final ranking."
[Nightmare – 3rd]
"Uwaah, no, you can't!"
"I should have thought before I wrote it!"
The Nightmare members were in an uproar. They seemed a bit embarrassed. Mm, Nightmare in 3rd place...
As I was lost in thought for a moment, the rankings of the other groups followed.
"Next is Refined."
[Refined – 2nd]
[Mars – 2nd]
It was a tie.
"Did we write it too low?"
Among the buzzing members, only our group, The Dawn, was silent.
I stared forward silently. I thought I knew the picture the production team was trying to paint. I saw Yoo Ji-ah glance toward Today.
Yoo Ji-ah probably knew too—that this program was rigged.
"Next is Today. Compared to your recognition, this is quite a surprising result, isn't it?"
[Today – 5th]
"Aack! That’s too much."
"How can you reveal it like this now~!"
At the whining of the Today members, Kim Seong-hyeon’s expression hardened. Because the Today members already knew they were 1st.
The reason they were acting so whiny was simply because they wanted to appear humble on camera.
Today’s fans would praise them, saying things like "ㅠㅠ Don't write such a low rank, you're just too kind," or "As expected, they're humble," as if these adults with trash personalities were actually babies.
Yoo Ji-ah, a true professional, didn't show any expression and followed the instructions in the script exactly.
"That’s a shame. We have high expectations for Today. I hope you achieve a better result than 5th place."
Yoo Ji-ah, who had proceeded smoothly, curled her lips into a smile toward Today. It was a performance convincing enough that even Today, who likely knew the flow of the show beforehand, might believe she was sincere.
Is that what a pro looks like...
While I was quietly admiring her, the next group’s ranking appeared.
[The Dawn]
So, um.
[1st]
It was a rank written with its own meaning. I stared silently at the monitor that said "1st" along with a crown, while the person next to me was practically hyperventilating.
"Heol."
"What’s with that ambition...?"
The reactions were understandable. Though we had gained some popularity recently, compared to the other idol groups, we weren't at a level to take 1st place.
The ridicule and silence lingering in the studio pricked at my skin.
So?
What about it?
"Wow, what incredible spirit. The only group that wrote 1st place, The Dawn. Could we get a word from you?"
At Yoo Ji-ah’s refreshing smile, only Seong Ji-won nodded like a madman. But the one who actually received the microphone from the staff was me.
I slowly scanned the room.
The members of The Dawn, who were visibly nervous, and Today, who were staring at us with faces full of ridicule.
At the end of my gaze, I met Kim Hee-yeong, whose thoughts I couldn't read. I opened my mouth.
"I wrote 1st because I want to take 1st place."
"You’re very confident. Do you have some hidden strategy?"
"That..."
I took my eyes off Kim Hee-yeong, looked at the camera, and gave a slight smile.
"I’ll show you through our performance."
"Wooooo!"
When I said that, cheers erupted from the other groups, excluding Today. I sat back down after seeing someone imitating a vuvuzela or something.
The members shook their heads, letting out hollow laughs as if they were fed up.
"I love that kind of spirit. I’ll be looking forward to it."
As I bowed my head toward Yoo Ji-ah, Kang Yi-chae chuckled and patted my shoulder.
Once the studio had quieted down to some extent, Yoo Ji-ah put on a mischievous expression and curled her lips.
"Then, we will hold a talent show in the order you wrote your rankings!"
"......?"
"We asked you to prepare a talent show in advance. One person from each group will perform. For The Dawn, who wrote 1st place, two opportunities for the talent show will be given specially. The team that receives the most votes in the talent show will receive a benefit."
"A benefit?"
Everyone was dazed. Yoo Ji-ah caught her breath.
"That benefit is... exclusive special screen time. We plan to air about 15 minutes of exclusive footage."
"Whaaat?!"
Are you kidding me?
If I were a fan watching Shining Star right now, I would have thrown the remote by this point.
To think that something like that would be decided by a mere talent show.
I glanced at the Today members and saw they were full of fluster. It seemed they hadn't been informed of this.
"Hahaha!"
Kim Hee-yeong was cracking up behind the camera. It was probably her way of saying that since we were going to be screwed over anyway, we might as well take a shot at them.
She really hasn't changed.
"I told you to prepare, right? Something to show."
"Ah, yes, yes."
"However... dancing and singing are excluded. You can show those through your performances later."
"What?! If you exclude dancing and singing, what’s left?"
"Idols are about 'kkie'—talent and charm. Aside from good singing and dancing skills, you need to be remembered by the viewers for your unique and vibrant charm. We’ve judged that to be 'kkie'."
Yoo Ji-ah cut them off flatly.
...This is going to get complaints from fans.
It seemed that since it was rigged anyway, Kim Hee-yeong was planning to sacrifice anyone to set the internet ablaze and stir up controversy.
Well, it was somewhat expected.
Anyway, to gain a soft image after the 1st place reveal, The Dawn had prepared their talent show accordingly.
I-I guess I’ll be fine with this...
I’m going to cook.
...In a talent show?
What do you want to eat?
My true intention was to build a gentle image, but Jeong Da-jun looked at me as if I were a crazy person.
While Jeong Da-jun was nervously fiddling with his guitar case next to me, I was thinking about the ingredients I had brought.
Should I make a lot and hand some out to the cast and staff...?
"The talent show will be a 3-minute time attack."
"......!"
"Hy-Hyung."
Ding!
[You mean you don't want to eat the food Ho-yun made, right?]
You guys are going to regret this.
Do you know how delicious my cooking is?
Ignoring the system window, Yoo Ji-ah gestured toward The Dawn. The stage was set, and the talent show had begun. I broke into a bit of a cold sweat.
"Then first, The Dawn, please come forward."
Damn, what kind of talent can I do in 3 minutes?
I nodded to the dazed Jeong Da-jun.
"Gasp, I’m going?"
"Go."
"Do I really do this? Wh-what about you, hyung...?"
"...I’m sorry, but I’m counting on you. I trust you."
Actually, I didn't trust him that much, but I needed some time to come up with a plan, so I deliberately lowered my eyebrows. Seeing that, Jeong Da-jun looked moved, as if he had realized something.
"Ju-just trust me!!"
Ding!
[Trash!]
Yeah, I’m trash....
Jeong Da-jun hesitated for a moment, then seemed to make a firm resolution. He closed his eyes tight, nodded once, and stood up, slinging his guitar case over his shoulder.
Once he decided to do it, he gulped so loudly it could be heard, clearly nervous.
"Oh... I guess he knows how to play the guitar."
"I’m looking forward to it."
"She said no singing, right?"
"Just the guitar might be a bit boring.... Ah, I really want that 15-minute broadcast."
Comments flew from the surroundings.
The broadcast build-up is happening on its own.
Jeong Da-jun walked forward with trembling steps and stood on the stage. He gripped the microphone tight with his shaking hands.
"H-hello. I am Jeong Da-jun, the sub-dancer of The Dawn."
"Yes, Jeong Da-jun. Seeing what you have behind you, it looks like you’ve prepared a lot."
"Ye-yep."
Jeong Da-jun nodded cautiously. Yoo Ji-ah gave him a relaxing smile, as if telling him not to be nervous.
"Then let’s see."
Jeong Da-jun opened and closed his hands a few times to wipe off the sweat, then unzipped the guitar case.
"......?"
The inside of the guitar case was empty.
No, actually... there was one thing.
"Huh?"
From the empty case, he pulled out a lone recorder. Gripping it firmly with both hands, Jeong Da-jun said boldly.
"I will perform 'Baduki's Bell'."
That’s right.
We had chosen the variety route.
No matter what, the beginning has to be variety.
What?
Even if you’re talented, if you don't get caught on camera, it’s useless. So the beginning is always variety.
The members, who had initially dismissed it as nonsense, were gradually swayed by my words. Even Kim Seong-hyeon, who had been the most reluctant, later started talking nonsense like, "Should I stick a piece of seaweed on my face?" That was truly nonsense.
"Pfft, ahaha!"
Whether Yoo Ji-ah’s sense of humor was originally like this or she was just caught off guard, she burst into genuine laughter.
Jeong Da-jun put the recorder to his lips.
[Do-mi-mi-mi-mi mi re fa-fa-fa-fa fa fa]
It was a beautiful melody.
[Mi-sol-sol sol mi re-fa-mi-re-do~]
"Is this a recital? A recital?"
"What’s with that expression~."
Regardless of the surrounding reactions, Jeong Da-jun was infinitely serious.
After finishing "Baduki's Bell" to the end, he had a proud face as if he had just performed on the Billboard stage. Even carefully wiping a single drop of sweat from his forehead was a perfect finish.
"Thank you. It was an honor."
"Haha, he’s really cute."
Yoo Ji-ah gritted her teeth to hold back her laughter.
Since Jeong Da-jun was satisfied with his own performance, he left the stage cleanly without any lingering regrets.
I was the next batter.
Okay, I’ve got it.
I snatched up Jeong Da-jun, who was excitedly trying to give me a high-five, grabbed a chair, and went up to the stage. Jeong Da-jun looked bewildered.
"Hyung, why?"
"Let me borrow you for a second, Jeong Da-jun."
"You didn't say anything about this!"
"Life is only fun when you can't predict what’s coming next."
"Eh??"
Jeong Da-jun hurriedly tried to grab me, but I ignored him.
While Jeong Da-jun was performing his talent, I had been racking my brain. The most impactful thing I could show in 3 minutes, other than singing or dancing.
A skit? I have no sense of humor.
A feat of strength? I’m old and tired; I have no strength.
Drinking tricks? Honestly, I’m amazing at them, but they’re not for broadcast.
"Seo Ho-yun, are you ready? What are you going to show us?"
Looking at the buzzing audience, I slowly picked up the microphone.
Then there was only one thing left.
A variety PD practices personal talents to the death to fulfill his professional duties and survive in a fiercely competitive society. One of the skills used to try and liven up a company dinner is...
"I will do a vocal impression."
"Pardon?"
It was a classic vocal impression.
"I’m a fan of every season of Super Singer. Someone I always respect and am grateful to..."
I had watched it religiously during my student and military days, and in Season 3, I had participated as the youngest staff member and spent all my time editing it.
In that program, there was "that judge" whom everyone obviously knew and whom comedians and celebrities had already imitated.
Someone I had heard dozens, no, hundreds of times while editing...
"I will do an impression of the composer Blue Tiger, Im Hyeon-su."
Our composer.