Chapter 2
Disclaimer: "You're Beautiful" is an original South Korean drama. I do not own it.
Plans were immediately made. For this to work, they had to have everything covered to the very last detail. Luckily, it wasn't much to learn on the part of copying Mi Nam's personality, likes, dislikes and hobbies. Being twins, the two shared an unphantomable bond. What was going to be difficult was establishing confidence. Without it, she'd be easily detected.
"You mustn't hold your head down. What are you, a mouse? Stand straight and look ahead. If you meet someone's eyes, don't cower, be a true idol! Look them dead in the eyes. Smile if you must. If not, simply go on with whatever you were doing," Coordinator Wang advised.
She had Mi Nam walk- with Manager Ma's assistance- around the hotel room.
"Sqaure your shoulders and hips. You are a skittish rodent. And you are no longer a woman. To be masucline, you have to know the walk and the talk! In Go Mi Nam's case, it's being easy-going but arrogant and playful at the same time. Sure can adapt your self in this personality...but it cannot be a worry-wart, a scaredy cat, or over polite. This won't go well in the industry!" she instructed.
Manager Ma gently patted Mi Nyu's shoulder. "She means you can't show vulnerablity. Do not be a prude or a jerk. Just be someone who is enjoying themselves. Loving every minute of their life, while knowing when to be serious and not to be serious,"he explained.
Mi Nyu nodded her head. She took everything to heart and memorized their rules, carefully. Eventually, it was time to go their seperate ways. Mi Nam had a flight to New York, where a specialist could fix his botched surgery. He held his sister's hand all the way to the airport. Then accompanied him and Manager Ma to the gate. Before he left, Mi Nyu gifted him with her cross pendant, so that he would know he was always in her prayers.
Coordinator Wang quickly drove Mi Nyu back to the church. "I'll be waiting here for you. Please don't take to long," she requested with a smile.
"Ah, yes, thank you, Unnie,"Mi Nyu replied.
She giggled softly. "Actually, you might as well get used to calling me 'Noona'. Just as I should begin calling you Go Mi Nam."
Mi Nyu blinked her eyes, biting down on her lower lip.
"It's strange, I know," Coordinator Wang sighed, "But you might as well get used to it now. Go Mi Nam."
"Ah...um...Yeah, Noona," Mi Nyu replied, lower her voice some.
Coordinator Wang grinned. "Perfect! You sound just like him!" she exclaimed. "Wow, you've got me believing in this crazy plan, too."
Mi Nyu giggled softly. She stepped out the car and approached the old church. She walked through it. Eventually making her way to the gardens. She stopped at the three statues of Saints; David, Julian and Thomas. A smile crossed her face as she recalled the many times she was sent to clean the three as punishment. When she first started on the Path, she made so many mistakes. The majority more clumsy than accidental. It's amazing how much she matured since then. The elder nuns entrusted her with many tasks as she began to grow. Her most favorite were minding the children and assisting in charities.
"Gemma?"
Mi Nyu turned around, coming face to face with Mother Superior, Cheong. The very woman who served as a mother figure to her and her brother, after they were saved from the Park family. The very woman who loved and cared for them as if they were her own flesh and blood. She supported them in their dreams. Comforted them whenever they were in need. And tended to them when they were sick. If there was anyone they could rely on beside themselves and eachother, it was her.
"Mother Superior."
The elderly woman smiled at her. "Where have you been, child? You left after mass. Sister Ha Na said you took a personal call earlier. Does your leaving have something to do with it?" she asked.
"Yes, Mother Superior. I wish I could fully disclose with you the reason, but know it isn't bad. It is just..." she trailed off.
"Just?" the Mother Superior prompted.
Mi Nyu took a few steps closer to her. "I am leaving the Path. I am also leaving the church," she announced.
She expected the Mother Superior to demand an explaination. Or to at least bombard her with questions. Instead, she nodded her head, smiling. "Ah,"she said,"Is that so. Than I give you my blessing, dear Gemma."
"Wha..."
The Mother Superior chuckled. "Gemma. In my heart, I always felt you decided upon the Path much to early. You, who haven't seen the world for more than it really is. The beauty it contains. Your brother left. Other orphans left. But you remained. Still clutching onto my skirt. Afraid to venture forth. I know you've had good reason to be this way. Yet it still worried me. I wanted you to learn to stand on your own. Without me. Without your brother. Just you and our Lord. Go. Take this time to learn. To see. Leave here with a determined heart and mind. And when I see you again, let me see true, mature woman."
Mi Nyu gave her a watery smile. "C-can I stiil return?" she asked.
"Oh Gemma. You always welcomed in the Lord's house. Just as you are always welcomed in my heart,"she replied, enveloping her in a maternal hug. She gently hushed Mi Nyu's soft cries. Sway from side to side in their shared embrace. Eventually, Mi Nyu pulled away. "I have to pack," she told her. Mi Nyu headed towards the convent which held her room. She turned back to the Mother Superior and said,"Thank you."
With a bow of her head, the Mother Superior watched her go. Silently, she prayed for her safety.
"Is that everything?" Coordinator Wang asked, loading her two suitcases in the trunk. Mi Nyu didn't trust her voice yet, so she nodded in response. "Well that's going to change. We're off to buy you some clothes and change your look! Sigh, what a way to speed your day off. Ah well. I'll think of it as dressing my new doll."
The two women spent three hours finding the perfect wardrobe for Mi Nyu. All expensives were covered by Manager Ma. He felt incredibly guilty for nearly ruining Mi Nam's career and imposing on his sister. Despite Manager Wang's insistance at shopping from the pricey stores, Mi Nyu refused. She would buy clothes that were reasonably priced. The rest should go towards Mi Nam procedure.
Last was a trip to the salon. Mi Nyu obidently sat as the stylist worked on the style Coordinator Wang chose. She chatted with her about how male cuts are becoming increasingly popular for women. Especially half shaves.
"No, that's too edgy for her. I think that one will do fine. A light brown coloring. Chestnut brown highlights. Strictly natural,"she told the stylist.
When it was done, Coordinator Wang whisked her to Yeoksam Human Starville hotel. She taught Mi Nyu how to coordinate her clothes. The fashions she choosen ranged from skater chic to punk rockish to sophisticated and smart. Mi Nyu scratched at her newly pierced ears as she looked at her new shoes and accessories.
Suddenly, Coordinator Wang laid out a series of men's magazines in front of her, saying,"Study them. Idols are required to model from time to time. I want you to study these poses to get an idea how it works. And here." She handed her a black folder.
"What is this?" Mi Nyu asked.
"A copy of your brother's portfolio. Another thing that impressed President Ahn was his image. The camera loves the guy,"she told her.
Mi Nyu's mouth fell open as she looked through the book. Each photo was more beautiful than the next. The camera really did love him. He demanded your attention. Your eyes couldn't wander away, Mi Nyu laid it down on the floor. "When you say study? How do I?" she asked her.
"Take this hand mirror and work on your facial expressions first. Then go the floor length mirror there-" she pointed in the corner of the room, "and work on your entire body poses. The body will be difficult at times. You're at a disadvantage. You've got breast...not big breast, but breast all the same-"
"Noona!" Mi Nyu cried.
She waved her hand, dismissively at her. "Here. This is A. 's official fan page. These guys will be your bandmates. Try to memorize as much as you can about them. Hey! Do you know the current idols? Musicians?" she asked.
"I haven't paid any mind after joining the church. No," Mi Nyu admitted.
Coordinator Wang tsked. She ran her fingers through her hair, saying, "Well, Go Mi Nam. It's going to be a long night. Let's get to work."
The two women went to bed at four in the morning. Mi Nyu felt utterly exhuasted, but she mentally reminded herself it was well worth it. At eleven o'clock, Manager Ma returned from America. He assured Mi Nyu that Mi Nam was perfectly fine. The doctor said he'd recover in eight to ten weeks. Meanwhile, they had to go to A&G headqaurters to sign the official contract with the label. Manager Ma praised Coordinator Wang on her incredible work. To which she responded, "You act so shock! Do you doubt my skills, you newt!" Followed by a punch in the arm, and slap on the back.
A&G was a modern building. It was five stories and jet black. The name was embossed just above the entry way. Mi Nyu noticed the windows were tinted. She assumed this was for privacy due to the legion of girls outside it. They looked like students, dressed in costume wings and halos. In their hands were hand made banners supporting A. . There were other holding banners with other names on it, too. Perhaps other singers belonging to the label.
Manager Ma flashed his ID to a guard before they were admitted in the private parking lot. Everyone climbed out the car. He looked to a standing gaurd and asked, "Is President Ahn-ssi here?"
"Yes sir. He's in a meeting with the broad members. "
The four jumped when the girls suddenly screamed. They flooded a deeo marroon van. Mi Nyu stared at the passengers who exited it.
It was them.
A. .
They're photo didn't do them any justice. She easily identified the three. Coordinator Wang embedded them into her brain.
First was Kang Shin Woo. The 5'11 young man exudes masculinity. He's the embodiment of maturity. A calm nature that showed on his stoic face. He stopped momentarily to sign a fan's banner. Then proceeded into the building.
Next was the maknae. Or former maknae, Park Yu Han aka Jeremy. A Korean-British gyopo. Natural born aeygo and charm, Jeremy rains in fans because of his jovial, exuberant and kind personality. He's the face of A. . Often used in commercials, drama roles and representing the group during promotions. A true people's person. He gladly autographed his adoring fans' banners, until he gave him a death glare.
Hwang Tae Kyung. Ice Prince. He is the founder of A. . An undeniable, musical genius like his father. Without him there wouldn't be an A. . Hwang Tae Kyung is a brooding, anti social workaholic; so says Coordinator Wang. He's prone to temper tantrums, but they don't last long. He wouldn't dare risk his image. Mi Nyu couldn't help but wonder why he didn't fit the role as the group's Face. He certainly was handsome. His features held a classic handsomeness. Then again, so did Kang Shin Woo.
"Go Mi Nam,"called Manager Ma.
Mi Nyu turned around to see that he and Coordinator Wang nearly at the headquarters' stairs. "Come on! You'll be late," said Manager Ma.
She spared the A. one last look. Noticing that they, too were entering the headquarts- at an oppositie entryway. She thought she was a safe distance to observe, until Kang Shin Woo's eyes met her's. Mi Nyu slowly backed up and followed the others inside. Reeling over the strange fluttering she felt in the pit of her stomach when their eyes met.
"That must be Go Mi Nam," Shin Woo thought. "I wonder if President Ahn wasn't embellishing about his voice. He doesn't look too unique. Ah. I suppose I shall see soon enough."
Manager Ma accompanied Mi Nyu to the fourth floor. President Ahn's office floor and board meeting room. Mi Nyu felt as if she was going to faint. She tugged at her leather jacket. "Manager Ma," she called in a low voice. "Do I look like my brother?"
He chuckled, gazing up at the eletric elevator monitor. "Exactly. Coordinator Wang is amazing. So are you S-er- Go Mi Nam. I can't tell you how greatly we all appreciate this."
She merely nodded, saying, "I hope everything goes smoothly."
Waiting in a large room was A&G's president, Ahn Dai Chi, and several higher ups. He sat behind a grand, honey oak wood desk, saying,"This shall be the second face of A. . Ladies and gentleman, I give you Go Mi Nam. Age twenty-two. He is a two and a half year former trainey for Star Vision Ent. Mi Nam impressed our talent scouts. They recognized his falsetto vocal range. A definite "Never Before Seen or Heard" in Kpop. Go Mi Nam not only has varying vocal ranges and the ability to sing falsetto, unintermittedly. He is a gifted pianist and gifted dancer. His portfolio demonstrates his star quality. As you can see, the camera absolutely adores him." He jumped up from his seat, slamming his hands ontop of the desk. "People! We have found a precious jewel. Our music will reach even higher on the charts. JACKPOT!"
Manager Ma pushed open the grand, black metal doors. Everyone faced them, making their way to President Ahn.
Mi Nyu did her best not to show her discomfort at being stared at by so many important people. Some wore smiles, but others didn't. She felt naked under their judgmental eyes. For the first time, she could honestly say she respected celebrities. Whether they have learned to ignore the eyes or built an invisible wall around their heart and mind, Mi Nyu could certaintly say they were strong.
President Ahn walked from behind the desk. He reached out and shook her hand. A wide grin spreading across his face. "Welcome, Go Mi Nam, to A&G Entertainment,"he greeted.
Mi Nyu bowed her head. Straightening up, she prayed she would be able to fool him.
"President Ahn-ssi, kamsahanida. I work very hard from hence forth,"she said. Manager Ma couldn't help the grin that lit up his face. Mentally, he was dancing and singing, "You did it, Sister. Thank you! Thank you! Woo!"
"Aha! No need for such formality, Go Mi Nam. We are family now. We support family. All I ask is that you try your best for the sake of A. ," he replied.
Mi Nyu was led to a long table, where the contract laid. She took a seat and picked up the ball point ink pen. Per Manger Ma's instruction, she wrote her brother's name on the lines. Now Go Mi Nam would be bound to A&G for five years.
"Very good!" President Ahn spoke in broken English. "Please take a photo to document this monumental event. We'll post it on the webpage, immediately."
Mi Nyu smiled for the camera man. She remembered the facial experessions her brother used in his portfolio. Coordinator Wang said it was important to match his, precisely. Mi Nyu lowered her eyebrows and eyelids, and gave a pearly white smile.
"One more, please. This one should be of you, President Ahn-ssi, Manager Ma-ssi, Mananger Kim-ssi, and Director Chung-ssi," the photo requested.
Soon as the photo was finished, the doors slammed open. In walked Hwang Tae Kyung, followed by two, anxious secrurity gaurds. Tae Kyung sneered at Mi Nyu. He walked like a viper, closing in on it's prey. Mi Nyu swallowed her fear, and schooled her face. He stopped a few steps away from everyone. His eyes gazed over at the contract laying on the table. He stalked over to it and skimmed through it.
"Five years, President-ssi?" he asked in a deathly calm voice.
Mi Nyu could have sworn she saw everyone shiver, as if frighten.
President Ahn cleared his throat. He clamped a hand onto Mi Nyu's back, saying,"Correct, Tae Kyung. Go Mi Nam will serve as the second lead vocalist. Meaning, he will be featured in the 4th mini album; 'Second Narrative'."
"Is that so. Ah, but you forget, President-ssi. I made A. . I am the voice of A. . And only I can distinguish someone befitting of an Angel. So-" He dangled the contract in front of them,"no matter what he's signed. He will never be an Angel until I say so!"
Everyone fumed a little at this. "See here, Hwang Tae Kyung, it is because of you that a new member had to be found," argued Director Soh. "We are grateful to you for creating A. , as well as the blood, sweat and tears you put into it. But it is because of the strain on your vocals that the doctors advised you to rest! True, you are A. , but what good is a lead vocalist who cannot sing. We have meticuously sought after a voice worthy of the group and were fortunate to find Go Mi Nam. Rather than oppose him, please have faith in us and support him!"
Tae Kyung pursed his lips, moving them in a rolling motion. He glared at Mi Nyu, drawing closer to her. Grabbing hold of her wrist, he yanked her to his side. "Fine. I will have faith...in my own judgement,"he declared.
He dragged her out the room, momentarily shocking everyone. Manager Ma was the fist to rush after them. Yelling for Tae Kyung to stop.
No one dared to cross him. The hubaei of the agency pretending to look elsewhere. Despite how stubborn and arrogant Hwang Tae Kyung was, he was a musical genius. A prodigy. People sought him out for his incredible insight. If there was anyone in the world who's musical judgment you could rely on, it was his.
Mi Nyu struggled to free her wrist. She could almost feel the bruise that was sure to mar her wrist, form. "L-let go,"she pleaded.
Tae Kyung ignored her. He dragged her to the Studio F. and litterally, tossed her inside. Mi Nyu stumbled forth, nearly falling onto the floor, when Shin woo reached out and steadied her.
"Who's this hyung-nim?" asked Jeremy.
Mi Nyu backed up from Shin Woo's grasp, bumping into Jeremy. He grinned down at her. Comparing her height with his, he said,"Whoa. You're pretty short. I was like that, too. You need to drink vegetable juice! I do every morning and look at me now!"
"Be quiet, Jeremy!" Tae Kyung ordered. "Go Mi Nam. I don't care how long the contract bides you to our group. You will never be an Angel unless I say so."
Shin Woo and Jeremy gazed at her. Curiousity brimming in their eyes. "You're the guy with the 'God Sent' voice President Ahn-ssi was referring to?" Shin Woo asked.
"Yah! I've heard so much about you. Hard to believe a little guy like yourself can sing so wonderfully,"Jeremy said, excitedly.
Tae Kyung soffed. "Well? Prove to us you really are a 'God Sent', Go Mi Nam," he ordered, handing her a lyric sheet. "Sing it."
Mi Nyu was terrified. She didn't like the way Hwang Tae Kyung treated her. It reminded her of those bullies from her childhood. Only there wasn't anyone to protect her, now. Her eyes darted to each one of the men's expectant faces. Tae Kyung folded his arms, frowning. "Are you deaf?" he snapped. "Sing!"
"H-hey, hyung-nim, c'mon. Go easy on the guy," Jeremy coaxed.
Shin Woo took the sheet from Mi Nyu saying, "If you can't sing this. Than sing whatever you like. We're all curious as to how you sound."
Tae Kyung clicked his tongue against his teeth. "If you can't sing, than why are you here?" he asked. Holding up the contract, he said,"Then what need it there for this? I will spray President Ahn-ssi the time of discarding this." Mi Nyu watched wide eyed as he made a motion to rip the contract in half.
Sheer panic clouded her senses. She couldn't allow something like this to happen. Both her and Mi Nam's lives were tied to that important paper. She closed her eyes and sang the fist thing that came to her mind.
" Panis angelicus
Fit panis hominum;
Dat panis coelicus
Figuris terminum;
O res mirabilis!
Manducat dominum
Pauper, pauper
Servus et humilis.
Pauper, pauper
Servus et humilis.
Panis angelicus
Fit panis hominum;
Dat panis coelicus
Figuris terminum;
O res mirabilis!
Manducat dominum
Pauper, pauper
Servus et humilis.
Pauper, pauper
Servus, servus et humilis..."
The three men were transfixed by her voice. Mi Nyu sang in soprano, but in a low range so her voice emmulated her brother. She hadn't any aid from microphones, yet her voice projected, beautifully. Spilling out into the corridors when President Ahn opened it to repriment Tae Kyung. He, Manager Ma and the over higher ups stood motionless in the doorway. No one could believe such a voice could exist and not already be discovered.
Finished with the hymn, Mi Nyu met the gazes of the three men before her. She shifted her weight from side to side. No one had spoken. They were all rooted to their spot, staring at her. Finally, President Ahn entered the studio. He grinned at Mi Nyu. His eyes sparkled with joy. "A true angel,"he said in English. Mi Nyu bowed her head in thanks. She look to the A. members. Only to see Tae Kyung storm out.
"Don't mind him," stated Shin Woo. "He's realizing that you were an angel long before coming here. Go Mi Nam, I look forward to working alongside you. I am Kang Shin Woo. Bass guitarist, vocalist and main rapper.
Jeremy bounced in his spot. He rolled up his right sleeve, saying, "See this? You gave me goose bumps. You're amazing! Please treat me kindly. I am Park Yu Han. Everyone calls me Jeremy. I am the drummer and vocalist. Hope we get along!"
Mi Nyu laughed a little at his childlike behavior. Bowing deeply to the two, she said, "I am Go Mi Nam. Your new pianist, second lead vocalist and current maknae. Please treat me kindly. I look forward to working with you all. Thank you for bestowing me this tremendous opportunity."
Lifting her head up, she smiled brightly. "I won't let you," she vowed.
Shin Woo and Jeremy rapidly blinked their eyes to recompose themselves. They weren't expecting a guy to have such a cute eye smile on a guy's face.
