Chapter 30
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 30
I could already see Im Hyeon-su clutching the back of her neck as if she were about to faint.
“…I apologize in advance.”
“Ahaha, what are you planning to do that requires an apology?”
I wasn't actually sorry, but it was an apology for the sake of the broadcast.
I sat on the chair and swept my hair back. Not forgetting to let out a sigh filled with Im Hyeon-su’s trademark irritation, I picked up the microphone.
“Mr. Jeong Da-jun.”
“H-huh? Yes… Yes!”
“Why do you think the beat exists?”
Jeong Da-jun flinched as if startled.
“I-I’m sorry.”
“You shouldn't be apologizing to me; you should be apologizing to the viewers. Watching such a low-quality performance during dinner time is enough to make anyone lose their appetite.”
“Pwahahaha!”
Yoo Ji-ah already burst into a fit of laughter.
For the record, the lines I was delivering were things Im Hyeon-su had actually said.
Super Singer had run for five seasons, and since Im Hyeon-su had been a judge in every single one, even the other idols were clearly struggling to hold back their laughter.
However, Jeong Da-jun himself hung his head, his eyes welling up with tears. I couldn't tell if it was acting or if he was genuinely hurt.
“I’m sorry. I… I should have practiced the recorder harder…”
“Harder?”
“Pardon?”
“If working hard was all it took, why would talent even exist?”
“Ahahaha! It’s exactly the same!”
“Oh, no… my… my face hurts from laughing.”
By this point, Yoo Ji-ah had her head buried in the table, practically crying. Come to think of it, I believe she was actually friends with Im Hyeon-su.
After completely devastating the production staff and the members alike, we ended the skit.
“No, really, how can you be so identical?”
You just have to watch the same edited footage more than thirty times.
“It’s because she’s someone I’ve always respected.”
I turned my gaze toward the camera.
To prevent any potential controversy, I drove the point home by acting friendly.
“Composer-nim, I respect you very much. I’m always grateful!”
I scrunched my nose playfully at the camera. Jeong Da-jun, seemingly still terrified of Im Hyeon-su, bowed ninety degrees toward the lens.
I found out later that it was quite hilarious when a caption was added with Im Hyeon-su’s direct comment: [Ho-yun, let’s stop seeing each other.]
Anyway, Yoo Ji-ah laughed for a long time before finally managing to pick up her microphone.
“Ah, if I had a vote, I would have voted for this. That was truly great. Personally, I think this is the most accurate impression of Im Hyeon-su I’ve ever seen. Maybe it’s because I know her, but I was so immersed. Oh, my stomach hurts.”
Yoo Ji-ah muttered to herself before suddenly snapping her head up.
The idols who followed were so nervous and focused on maintaining their image that they didn't get nearly as good a reaction as we did.
The highlight, in a bad way, was Today.
“Um… well…”
“Yes, Yoo Hyuk. Have you decided on your special talent?”
“Aegyo! I’ll show you some aegyo!”
Since he couldn't do dancing or singing, was he trying to throw out some aegyo instead?
I mean… it wasn't a bad choice.
If only this weren't a team competition audition program.
Yoo Hyuk winked and made little fists, blinking his eyes.
“Can I call you ‘Hey’?”
“……”
“Can I call you mine?”
Oh, god…
“We need a nickname only the two of us know. Honey, sweetie… so from today on, be mine!”
Can I close my eyes now?
Everyone’s eyes were darting around, clearly flustered.
In particular, Today’s juniors were agonizing over how to react to Yoo Hyuk’s thirty-second show.
Watching Yoo Hyuk finish with a finger heart and a biting motion, I couldn't help but be impressed.
Well, at least Yoo Hyuk is working hard for a living!
“…Wow~…”
The only thing left on the set was a chilling silence. The polite juniors forced themselves to clap for Today.
“That was cute…”
“Mm… as expected, seniors are different.”
Even Yoo Hyuk seemed embarrassed after doing it, as he buried his face in his hands.
Well, whatever. Today’s fans might like it. Idol aegyo makes for good clips.
But it wasn't the kind of picture the staff wanted in this fierce competition program.
Kim Hee-yeong was already cursing with her eyes.
I guarantee it—Kim Hee-yeong will definitely insert this whenever a cold, awkward scene is needed.
“Hahaha, well…”
“……”
“That was some great aegyo.”
Yoo Ji-ah couldn't say more since they were filming, but with an expression that screamed ‘Heh…’, she picked up the next card.
“Now then, shall we vote?”
The voting for the talent show followed three rules:
1. You cannot vote for your own group.
2. Voting is conducted according to the maximum number of members.
3. The group with the most votes wins first place.
Thinking the result was obvious, I entered my vote into the terminal I had been given.
After a short while, once all the idols had finished voting, Yoo Ji-ah smiled and delivered the scripted line.
“Then, let’s check the glorious first place winner who will receive the exclusive extra broadcast time.”
She turned around and gestured toward a giant monitor where text appeared, looking as if it had been typed in a hurry.
Gulim font. I suppose I should be glad it wasn't Gungsuh, but if I were the one in charge, I would've fired the person responsible.
“The Dawn!”
“Whoa!”
“Hyung, extra broadcast time!”
As soon as the group’s name was called, Jeong Da-jun threw his arms around me.
The other members surrounded us, jumping up and down, and it was so chaotic I felt like I was going to die.
“Hey, calm down. Calm down.”
As I pulled Jeong Da-jun off me and stepped out from among the members, Yoo Ji-ah gave me a thumbs up, and an unreadable expression flickered across Kim Hee-yeong’s face.
A look that said, ‘You shouldn't be too happy.’
I looked away. Fortunately, a break was called just in time.
“We’ll take a short break before the next stage!”
And the moment the camera lights went out, as if he had been waiting, Yoo Hyuk approached me, his face flushed with rage.
“Ah, sunbae-nim.”
“You little bastard.”
I greeted him politely, but he grabbed my shoulder roughly.
“Wow.”
Kang Yi-chae let out an exclamation from the side. Even if the cameras were off, to act so boldly in front of the staff… Yoo Hyuk asked, huffing and puffing.
“Did you guys plan this just to screw with me?”
Just as I was about to answer, Kang Yi-chae cut in.
“Eh? What are you talking about?”
“And who the hell are you?”
“Sunbae-nim, was it because we were too funny?”
Wait, it was unexpected for Kang Yi-chae to step up. This was the guy who usually just burst out laughing and watched from the sidelines.
Kang Yi-chae smiled brightly.
“Please don't be mad. Our Da-jun will play the recorder for you again~.”
“This brat, that brat…! You guys knew in advance, didn't you? That the talent show wouldn't allow singing or dancing! You knew everything, even that writing us down for first place would give you two chances?!”
“Good grief. I guess you only see what you want to see.”
I picked at my ear.
At that, Yoo Hyuk, his eyes flashing, suddenly reached out. It was the moment Kang Yi-chae, who was caught in the middle, widened his eyes.
“You, come here!”
I swatted Yoo Hyuk’s hand away, grabbed Kang Yi-chae, and shoved him behind me.
“Huh?”
Get back. When I gave him the look, Kang Yi-chae frowned slightly but obediently moved away for now. There was no need for one of my members to get caught up with a guy like this.
I could handle this myself anyway.
“Hey.”
“…What? ‘Hey’?”
“Are you scared?”
“……!”
“If you’re so bitter, you should’ve written yourself as first place too. Why are you taking your frustrations out on me just because you’re embarrassed?”
Yoo Hyuk was stunned, his mouth hanging open.
I thought about provoking him a bit more, but this was enough for now. Everyone’s attention had been drawn to us. It was exactly what I intended, so I was satisfied.
The more the fact that The Dawn and Today were on bad terms spread, the better. I hadn't expected Today to fan the flames like this, though.
This Yoo Hyuk guy is surprisingly useful, isn't he?
Because he’s an idiot.
“……You, you…!”
Perhaps he hadn't expected a junior from so far down the line to speak informally to him, as he couldn't easily find his words. I didn't miss the opening.
“Well, keep up the hard work. We’re off to prepare for our stage.”
“Hey, hey…! You, get back here?!”
Ignoring him, I grabbed Kang Yi-chae and walked away. I expected Kang Yi-chae to tease me with a smirk as usual, but he was silent.
I looked at him, wondering if he had been hit somewhere earlier.
“What? Did you get hit?”
“No…”
Kang Yi-chae narrowed his eyes and looked at me. Then he shrugged and walked ahead.
I wondered what was up with him, but how would I know?
Maybe he’s going through puberty.
I thought he was just going to keep walking, but Kang Yi-chae suddenly turned around.
“What are you dawdling for, Hyung?”
“……”
“We have to go get ready.”
Then he gave a wide, toothy grin.
* * *
Kim Hee-yeong surveyed the atmosphere on set.
The mood had lightened up because of the comedy earlier, but now that extra broadcast time was being added because of it, the air was prickly with tension.
Behind the polite words and artificial smiles, endless rivalry was hidden. The viewers wouldn't be ignorant of that either.
It’s going to be a real war zone…
Once the show aired, Kim Hee-yeong would probably live a long life, given how much the fandoms would curse her out.
But it was an unavoidable choice. No matter how much people talked about harmony these days, for the sake of ratings, the broadcasting world was a place where you had to fan the flames of controversy to grab attention and survive. Perhaps she thought that way because it was all she had seen and learned.
With that, Kim Hee-yeong’s gaze landed on Seo Ho-yun. Among the rookies who were either fidgeting with nerves or full of bluster, he alone was calm.
Seo Ho-yun, what is up with that kid?
Basically, all the performers wore microphones. So, the informal speech he used with Yoo Hyuk earlier had been recorded. If anyone nearby had recorded it, The Dawn would be finished due to a personality controversy, so why on earth…?
Is he from a rich family? Does he have something to fall back on?
Even as she thought this, Kim Hee-yeong couldn't pull her interest away from Seo Ho-yun.
If played right, it could make for a great picture, but did she really have to push such a young kid into the fire? Kim Hee-yeong felt a moment of skepticism.
“PD-nim.”
“Ah, yes.”
“The first mission stages are starting soon. The rest of the groups will watch from the waiting room.”
“Right. Um…”
Looking at the assistant director who was relaying the next schedule and stage details, Kim Hee-yeong, lost in thought for a moment, suddenly spoke.
“You said Today is the last order, right?”
“Yes.”
“Change it to The Dawn. Put Today right before them.”
“Pardon? But… the investors and Today’s fans won't stay quiet.”
“Are they going to fire me just for changing the order? It won't even be obvious once it’s broadcast.”
Kim Hee-yeong lowered her gaze. There were plenty of groups with more recognition than The Dawn. But…
“When Today is performing, focus on filming The Dawn’s reactions, and when The Dawn is performing, film Today.”
“PD-nim, you mean…”
“Yeah.”
I’m sorry.
In the end, Kim Hee-yeong had pushed these kids, barely in their early twenties, into hell.
She felt a sense of guilt, but the picture for the first episode was becoming clearer in her mind.
“Let’s create a rivalry between the two.”
She had no intention of being quietly manipulated by the agencies.
She couldn't change who was in first place, but she could at least stir up some trouble within that framework.
* * *
“Pardon?”
“W-we’re last?”
Hearing that the order had been changed, Kim Seong-hyeon’s voice stammered in confusion. He had been preparing to go out, thinking they were first. The cameras focused intently on his startled face.
I let out a hollow laugh from the back.
So this is how you’re playing it, Kim Hee-yeong.
“The filming got a bit tangled, so that’s how it turned out. You’re after Today.”
“Yes, I understand.”
“You can be ready, right?”
“Yes. It’s not like it was moved up.”
“There might be some pressure since you’re last, but do your best.”
Those words were spoken intentionally.
At the words ‘last’ and ‘pressure,’ a storm of anxiety, worry, and concern swirled in Jeong Da-jun’s eyes.
“H-Hyung. What do we do?”
“What do you mean, what do we do?”
Seong Ji-won stood up abruptly.
“It just means we practice more.”
“Kyah, you’re right.”
“On that note, Kang Yi-chae, come here. I don't think you’re quite getting this part right.”
“Aaaagh!”
Kang Yi-chae was dragged off as the sacrificial lamb. Everyone else turned their heads with a ‘glad it’s not me’ expression.
While Kang Yi-chae was being tormented by Seong Ji-won, Nightmare’s stage began.
It was a stage with a Cinderella and female idol theme, about not going home even after midnight.
[Don’t go, our party is just starting here]
The lyrics were a bit cheesy, but the stage itself was well-put-together. Perhaps because they were all young, they expressed the ‘younger man’ concept of not wanting someone to go home in a refreshing and sweet way.
“They’re good.”
“Wow, how did they do that?”
While the other members were busy reacting, I glanced at the camera that was focusing primarily on The Dawn.
Kim Hee-yeong’s doing.
Changing the order. That had a massive impact on the stage. There was a reason why the most popular idols were pushed to the end on Music Bank or year-end music awards.
A time slot where even viewers who started watching halfway through could see them. It was also a sign of the intent to focus as much viewer attention as possible.
The same applied to competition programs.
Even without the agency’s influence, Today was likely to be scheduled last. Because they had more recognition than the other groups.
In terms of recognition, we should have been second or third at best. But in this situation, for The Dawn to take the stage fifth and last meant that getting cursed out by Today’s fandom was a given, and we would surely be torn to shreds by the other fandoms as well.
They’d ask if we were the PD’s pick, if it was rigged.
Even though the person actually doing the rigging is someone else.
Kim Hee-yeong must have anticipated that much, yet she decided to drive us into the flames anyway.
Because the more we were hated, the better the ratings would be.
“Today sunbae-nims’ stage is starting.”
Jeong Da-jun muttered. Seong Ji-won, who had stopped badgering Kang Yi-chae, watched the stage with an infinitely serious gaze.
The group that Seong Ji-won might have debuted with.
The beat of the hit song everyone knew, White Cherry, began to flow. The arrangement was just adjusted to a male key. The Little Mermaid concept, which everyone would recognize, also suited them very well.
How was Today’s skill level?
Was it decent enough to match their recognition?
[Right okay,
You captivate me in an instant]
The Dawn members all watched the stage silently, as if trying to pierce through it.
The flashy stage effects exploding under the brilliant lights, the fluttering confetti, and the set that looked like money had been poured into it.
After the three-minute stage ended, the Today members breathed heavily as they took their ending poses in the center of the stage.
“Let’s move.”
“Ah, yes.”
The cameras turned off, and we walked through the dark corridor behind the stage without a word.
We happened to run into the Today members as they were coming off the stage. Yoo Hyuk glared at us and then shrugged.
“Hey, did you see that?”
“See what?”
“Honestly, you wouldn't even dream of competing with that, right? Have you guys even worn something like this?”
Yoo Hyuk chuckled. Come to think of it, their outfits were designer from head to toe. Moreover, the expensive-sounding beat and the set configuration were honestly flashy enough to make anyone’s jaw drop. It was the so-called wealth of a major agency.
“Ah, sorry. You guys are from a crappy agency, so you don't get any push like this, do you? Do you even have a practice room?”
“Watch your words.”
Kim Seong-hyeon, stung, took a step forward. Having fallen for Yoo Hyuk’s provocation, Kim Seong-hyeon glared at him silently.
I grabbed Kim Seong-hyeon by the scruff of his neck and pulled him back. Kim Seong-hyeon retreated with a surprised ‘uh, uh.’
True, our… practice room is pretty pathetic.
“Honestly, I wouldn't dream of competing with that.”
“Do you finally get it?”
“Because your skills are so garbage.”
“……!”
Today’s skills weren't bad. The stage wasn't bad either. Since they had poured money into it, it would probably look quite pretty on camera.
But the unfortunate thing is, these guys…
They’re terrible at group projects.
Ding!
I was going to leave it at that, but seeing the options pop up made me burst out laughing.
[Options:
- It’s a shame, sunbae-nim☆ You should have worked a bit harder.
- You can’t even eat when it’s spoon-fed to you. Oops, just kidding~
- Sunbae-nim, what you just said was too much. Please be more considerate in the future.]
Finally, a very polite and sensible option that I might actually say in real life appeared, but I had no intention of choosing it.
“It’s just so pitiful that you can’t even eat when it’s spoon-fed to you.”
“……What?”