Chapter 427
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 427
Baek Ji-jun was currently in a very good mood.
As soon as he sat in the driver's seat, he flung open the glove box and pulled a CD out from the tightly packed cases. It was an analog method, but it was the one he preferred.
The driving song for today was The Dawn’s full-length album, Wish.
【 The words I spat out in ignorance stick to me like the sweltering heat
Like a lotus flower that has lost its breath 】
“Ah, the lyrics are great.”
While the top spot at the Copyright Association undoubtedly belonged to Im Hyeon-su, who had produced numerous masterpieces with various singers and idols, Baek Ji-jun’s career was also quite lucrative, specifically within the ballad genre.
However, unlike Im Hyeon-su, he was extremely reluctant to show his face on broadcast.
There was no particular reason for it.
He simply found the excessive attention following an appearance burdensome and preferred to focus more on his music.
Thus, when the production of Song Camp was confirmed and he was contacted, Baek Ji-jun had politely declined.
“I’m sorry. My skills are still too lacking for me to appear in such a place.”
= I’m not going.
Even for Song Camp Season 2.
“I’m just so busy…”
= Yeah, I’m not going.
And even for Song Camp Season 3.
[The person you are calling is unavailable. Please leave a message after the tone…]
= Nope, absolutely not going.
Perhaps rumors had spread through the industry that Baek Ji-jun rejected all casting offers, because at some point, inquiries stopped coming not just from Song Camp, but from every other program as well.
Despite being signed to a decent agency, he had chosen to live a secluded life in the countryside without a manager. It was during a rare meeting with Im Hyeon-su that things changed.
“I heard you turned down the Song Camp proposal again?”
“Yeah.”
“Good choice. I heard Kang Yi-chae was going to appear with his members this time anyway—”
“Are you crazy?! Gasp!”
“Wh-what? What’s wrong with you?”
Ignoring Im Hyeon-su as she recoiled in disgust, Baek Ji-jun immediately pulled out his phone and called PD Jeong Jun-hwan.
He then declared his intention to join the show.
While his desire to be a successful fan played a large part, the truth was that he had another ulterior motive.
【 Let us dive till the end
Until we rise to the surface of the sea to breathe 】
“His voice is seriously so good.”
His goal was to have Seo Ho-yun sing his song.
Humming along to the music while waiting for the light to change, Baek Ji-jun let out an involuntary exclamation of admiration.
Having recorded his own songs and handed them over to many of the industry’s top-tier vocals, a level of skill like The Dawn’s wasn't usually enough to strike him as extraordinary.
However, just as every artist has their own muse—to put it a bit grandiosely—the moment he encountered Seo Ho-yun’s low, mid-range voice, he felt as if he’d been struck by lightning.
‘Though he didn't seem particularly keen on the idea.’
Baek Ji-jun checked the green light and moved his foot to the accelerator. After arriving safely at the broadcasting station, he used his pre-issued pass to enter. Just as he was about to head to the waiting room on the second floor, a familiar face caught his eye.
“Isn't that Ji-jun?”
“Oh?”
It was Kang U-rin, a singer-songwriter who had been steadily building recognition after hitting it big with summer songs two years in a row.
“Senior, I didn't expect to see you here.”
“I know, right? It’s seriously so hard to see your face.”
Kang U-rin approached with a bright smile.
“I really didn't think you’d show up, since you always acted like you loathed being on TV. It’s been a while since you’ve filmed anything, but you don't look nervous at all.”
“Haha, of course I’m nervous. If I mess up, I’ll be the laughingstock of my relatives for the next fifty years.”
“Look at you, being humble. Someone like you could easily crush everyone else here.”
Since it wasn't a particularly welcome compliment, Baek Ji-jun just gave an awkward laugh. Kang U-rin draped an arm over his shoulder and asked in a low voice.
“By the way, I’m curious—is there anyone you’re personally keeping an eye on?”
“The Dawn.”
“Huh? Kang Yi-chae?”
Kang U-rin’s face tilted as if he’d heard something unexpected.
“Why… them?”
“They’re fresh and they’re good.”
At Baek Ji-jun’s firm answer, Kang U-rin’s eyes narrowed slightly. He pulled his arm back and crossed them, nodding as if he understood.
“Well, they are worth being wary of lately. But I wouldn't say their skills have caught up to their hype yet—”
Kang U-rin stopped mid-sentence and stroked his chin.
“…Ah, never mind. I’m talking nonsense. Anyway, let’s both do our best.”
“Yes. You too, Senior.”
Realizing it was best not to mention it further, Kang U-rin simply patted Baek Ji-jun on the back and walked ahead. Watching his retreating figure, Baek Ji-jun let out a small sigh.
‘Senior, you haven't changed.’
He was as strict with others as he was with himself.
And he still refused to acknowledge anyone who didn't meet his personal standards.
‘I wonder if The Dawn will be okay.’
Kang U-rin likely wasn't the only one reacting this way.
The pride of those who create in this industry often soared sky-high—which sometimes led to better work—but it also meant they frequently aimed sharp standards and arrows of criticism at others, whether intentionally or not.
‘There are probably a lot of nasty rumors circulating outside lately, too.’
He was a bit worried, but hoping his concerns were merely overthinking, he headed toward the waiting room.
【 The Dawn & Baek Ji-jun 】
Seeing the names hanging on the door, Baek Ji-jun felt his heart beat faster than usual.
He quickly straightened his clothes, cleared his throat, and carefully turned the knob.
“Ah! Hello!!”
The one who greeted him was The Dawn’s maknae.
Baek Ji-jun responded with a smile to Jeong Da-jun’s beaming face.
“Ah, hello. Um, where are the other members?”
“Huh? Oh, right here!”
Jeong Da-jun pointed to a black lump sitting next to him. As soon as Baek Ji-jun took a step closer to get a better look, the large object began to wriggle. Just as he was about to jump back in surprise, Jeong Da-jun’s nonchalant voice followed.
“Don't be startled! It’s not a pile of trash, it’s our member!”
At that moment, the fabric covering the lump was pulled back, revealing Seo Ho-yun. Whether he had just woken up or not, he blinked slowly, his pale face devoid of makeup.
‘Crazy, look at those eyelashes flutter.’
Is he some kind of CG game character?
That was exactly what Baek Ji-jun thought upon seeing Seo Ho-yun in person.
For someone who usually judged people based on their sound, having such a thought was a very foreign experience.
“…Where am I?”
“Hyung, wake up! We’re at the broadcasting station! The Song Camp schedule!!”
“Ah.”
Even his sleep-addled, raspy voice was good.
According to a friend who had invited him to the Despicable Trial set, Seo Ho-yun had been incredibly busy lately with The Dawn’s comeback preparations and the final stages of filming a movie.
“Mr. Baek Ji-jun, I’m sorry. I look like a mess.”
“Haha, not at all!”
“This is embarrassing… Hey, get up.”
Seo Ho-yun nudged the other lump that was still huddled together. It began to squirm and wriggle again.
“It’s okay! This one is also our member!”
Baek Ji-jun, who had been backing away, couldn't hide his delight when he saw Kang Yi-chae emerge.
“I’m…”
However, before he could even express his fanhood, Kang Yi-chae, sporting hollow dark circles, flopped face-down onto the floor.
“……I really am trash!!!”
“Uh… M-Mr. Kang Yi-chae??”
Flustered by the sudden self-deprecation, Baek Ji-jun looked at the other members. Seo Ho-yun just let out a massive yawn, while Jeong Da-jun simply shook his head.
“Kang Yi-chae, I give you 1 point for creativity. Your tricks to avoid work are getting boring because they’re always the same—”
“Bangbang-i, shh.”
When only cold reactions returned, Kang Yi-chae slowly stood up as if nothing had happened and asked.
“……What’s the maximum score?”
“100.”
“Urgh……!”
Just then, at the sound of the door opening, Kang Yi-chae quickly went back to rolling around on the waiting room floor.
Kim Seong-hyeon, who had been talking to Seong Ji-won with an ice cream in his mouth, was horrified to see Kang Yi-chae sprawled out like a frog.
“Oh, Mr. Baek Ji-jun is here—Gasp! What, what’s wrong with him?!”
As if he’d been waiting for this, Kang Yi-chae began crying out for his hyung like a baby fox and rolled toward the two of them. Seong Ji-won skillfully pivoted, abandoned Kim Seong-hyeon, and nimbly sat down next to Seo Ho-yun.
“Kang Yi-chae! Mr. Baek Ji-jun is right here, seriously! Stand up properly! Did you even greet him?”
I thought he was their father for a second…
Kim Seong-hyeon, left alone with his pant leg being grabbed, habitually pulled Kang Yi-chae up while pouring out the kind of nagging a parent would.
Baek Ji-jun had expected them to feel at least a little bit of pressure, but he couldn't detect a hint of anxiety or tension from The Dawn.
“Mr. Baek Ji-jun, we look forward to working with you today.”
Still feeling a bit dazed, he finished exchanging greetings with the other members.
Since he had already received his makeup, he spent some time blankly watching The Dawn get ready before following a staff member’s guidance out of the waiting room and toward the first-floor studio.
He tried to peek behind the curtain on the left side of the set but was stopped by a staff member and led to a place where no one else had arrived yet. Sitting at the very end of a row of chairs, Baek Ji-jun looked around. While the latest hits were being played and stopped repeatedly for a sound check, the cast members entered the studio one by one.
Just as everyone was seated and chatting, the grand sound of drums suddenly filled the air.
Then, a video began to play on the large screen.
The sound echoed as if it were being transmitted underwater, and then K.voka’s rap began.
【 This ain’t lie, the truth never gets blurry
y’all done things that I don’t like
Watch me, you’re about to be a living witness to this history 】
Drrrk—clack.
【 Regret falls like rain
Ah, where have you gone? 】
Drrrk—clack.
【 Turn my Music on! Tears, Bye Bye Bye
I’ll never love again 】
The songs transitioned stylishly, produced as if a cassette tape were being flipped.
Baek Ji-jun was letting out exclamations of awe at the fact that they had truly gathered the best of the best, when a familiar melody suddenly caught his ear.
【 Everyone signals for me to stop
But I run because I want you 】
It was his own ballad, Signal.
After each person’s hit song played, blue and red lights intertwined and scattered.
【 —But the moment the dawn breaks in the distance
We’ll talk until the sun rises
We can slow down the time, aren’t we? 】
At the same time, NerdyFreak’s Garage, which Kang Yi-chae had participated in writing and composing, naturally connected.
【 If you’re still scared, take my hand
In that place we know best
I’ll shout until you’re sick of smiling 】
The passionate sound of a violin filled the space, and Kang Yi-chae’s rap cut in.
【 The dawn belongs entirely to us 】
Ending with a lingering piano melody, a spark ignited on the digital billboard, and letters were etched into the screen like burn marks.
WHO WILL BE THE WINNER?
The other cast members, including Kang U-rin, all had nonchalant expressions.
Baek Ji-jun wanted to ask them.
SONG CAMP SEASON 3
OUR SURVIVAL
After seeing this video, do you still think Kang Yi-chae is an easy opponent? Am I really the only one feeling this nervous?