Debut or Die - 백덕수

Summary:

A student who was preparing the Civil Service examination for 4th year, suddenly he found himself in an unfamiliar body 3 years ago.

As well as a status window displaying a threat in front of his eyes!

[Outbreak!] [Status Abnormality: 'Debut or Death' Occurs!] A diary about the transformation of the main character, who was suddenly challenged to be an idol even though he has never been in the industry before due to sudden threat of death.


001

Isn't it the constitution that it's a different world when you open your eyes and see an unfamiliar ceiling?

But it wasn't. I woke up in some moldy motel room.

"Ugh—"

It felt like my head was going to break. I grabbed my forehead and got up. The musty-smelling blanket fell under my feet.

So—let's see, after confirming that I failed the test again, I think I fell asleep while drinking alone.

Does this mean that I roll in from my studio room to the motel?

"I'm going crazy…."

I cursed at myself and went into the bathroom. I thought I should get some water and check out my appearance as well. I'm sure I look like a drunk student studying for the civil service exam, even though I'm not looking at it.

And I fell down when I looked in the mirror.

"Ugh!—Fuck."

I couldn't believe the situation and gritted my teeth while reflexively swearing.

I brushed my hair with trembling hands. Then I looked in the mirror again.

I could still see an unfamiliar face in the mirror.

There is a skinny, fine little boy.

…I held my breath to keep myself from panicking. I had already quit, yet I found myself longing for a cigarette.

"…Whoo."

It was then that I realized that even the voice was unfamiliar.

I feel like biting my tongue.

What the hell's going on here?

I barely came to my senses and led the unfamiliar body to search the motel room.

I found a note in the bed that looked like a suicide note and an empty medicine box. This guy must have tried to kill himself by taking sleeping pills.

When I read the contents of the suicide note roughly, the content was that he was an orphan who dropped out of school; he died because he felt depressed and hopeless.

My mouth felt bitter for no reason. Why am I still an orphan while having changed my body?

I also found a wallet that was lying on a cheap dressing table. I looked around and found some bills and this body's ID card.

[Park Moondae 0X1215 – 3XXXXXX]

"The last digit is 3…."

He was young. I looked at the photo on my ID card after I said it. It was better than the appearance I saw in the mirror earlier, but my face was dark.

Still, he looked young with a handsome face, considering he had a dark impression. Is he 23 years old now? I thought he'd be younger.

"…."

No, this is not the time to think about this.

I tried to think calmly.

Anyway, I calmed down by roughly grasping the situation. I think I should slowly find my original body's whereabouts and come up with countermeasures. I don't know if this guy who tried to commit suicide got into my body.

I took my wallet and opened the motel door.

And I hardened.

In front of my eyes, snow was falling from the window.

…It was July before I got drunk.

"Oh my."

I swallowed my saliva. Then I rushed back inside the motel room and lifted the calendar on the desk.

[202X December]

—This is a calendar from 3 years ago.

My vision became dizzy.

It didn't take that long to calm down again. That— because it was more shocking to me to change my body than to come to the past.

I sat on the bed and sighed. I don't even remember the lottery number. Why.

Then I raised my head at the flash of nonsense.

…In fact, it could be a different world, not the past.

It was a crazy idea, but it seemed convincing because I was overwhelmed by the crazy situation.

This seems to happen very often in the webtoons and web novels I searched for. Was it called hunter…?

I murmured a little blankly. I'm sure it seemed pretty insufficient.

"Status window…?"

Of course, nothing happened.

Damn it.

I hit the bed with my hand in shame.

There's no way, you idiot—.

[Name: Park Moondae (Ryu Gunwoo)]

Level : 0

Title: None

Vocal: C

Dance: –

Visual: C

Talent: –

Characteristics: Infinite potential

It's open?

I fell out of bed.

"Ugh!"

I thought as I groaned in pain in my back.

The content of the status window is— not what I expected?

"…."

By opening the status window, I could calm myself down as much as I wanted.

It's definitely a situation that ignores the laws of physics. But I can feel that this is not a joke.

Now, I'm out of the motel and in a nearby PC room. This is because I need to find out if there are other variables besides the fact that this world was 3 years ago.

For reference, I asked the counter to call my original number, but it said that the number was not available.

I couldn't log in to the university account, and the SNS account created for the assignment also disappeared.

In other words, there seems to be no 'me' in the world.

Well, there's no such thing as a lingering feeling.

My parents had already died in an accident when I was in middle school, and by the time I entered college, all of my relatives had lost contact with me.

There were no good personal connections, and any human relationships that existed disappeared as the preparation for the civil service exam grew longer.

Moreover, if I think of the time I had wasted as a student preparing for the civil service exam, it means that even if I quit, there'll be nothing weird with it.

"The Ham Ramyeon you ordered."

"Ah, thank you."

I calmly evaluated myself and received a tray. And I looked at the search engine while slurping ramyeon in my mouth.

Well, it was 3 years ago that I set up a "full-scale study" for quite some time.

These sites are not very familiar to me because it was the time when I canceled my smartphone and cut off the internet.

But I didn't feel out of place.

It feels exactly like 3 years ago. Things that were popular at that time stand out. Games, movies, songs—Idol.

Idols.

"Hmm."

When I finished eating, I put the chopsticks in the ramyeon bowl, and I crossed my arms.

The contents of the status window were specific to idols, no matter how I looked at it.

I don't know why I came into this body, but is it related to the contents of the status window?

Did the original owner of this body, 'Park Moondae,' want to be an 'aspiring idol'?

—Or is it because of my college days?

I don't know at all. But I should use what is available.

"Status window."

As I mumbled softly, almost only with the sound of my breath, another translucent status window popped up in my sight.

My vocal is a grade C, and my visual is also a grade C. The rest are blank.

Is it because I haven't tried it?

The idea suddenly came to my mind, but I decided to put it off for now. There was no way I wanted to show off my dancing and talent right now in this situation.

Then, should I check the status window for other content?

I remembered the karaoke sign I saw while entering the PC room.

"Oh."

First of all, speaking of the confirmation results, grade C doesn't seem to be a low grade.

I could sing very well. First of all, the tone was good, and the volume of the voice was good. Since the vocalizations were also clear, I would say that it feels like 'the basics are good.' I definitely thought I had talent.

And what's even more surprising is that this window pops up.

[Achievement accomplished! First attempt]

Level 0 -〉 1

You have obtained 1 point!

"Achievements?"

I was just asking myself, but another window popped up.

[Achievements in Progress]

10 attempts (0/10)

100 attempts (0/100)

1st experience (0/1)

10 experiences (0/10)

The scroll bar continued to endlessly the bottom—it's hard work. Even the units are becoming more irrationally so. Besides, half of them are blank, so it's impossible to check.

I got a little idea about it, so I turned off the window.

Still, since I earned a point, should I use it like in a game?

I called out the status window.

'Remaining points: 1' was newly displayed at the bottom.

"Distribute 1 point to Vocal."

Then the contents of the status window changed.

[Name: Park Moondae (Ryu Gunwoo)]

Level: 1

Title: None

Vocal: C+

Dance: –

Visual: C

Talent: –

Characteristics: Infinite potential

Vocal becomes a C+ right away.

Is this really reflected?

I immediately chose the song I sang earlier again. And I sang it the same way.

"…I'm doing good?"

There was definitely a difference. It was easier to hear, and the sounds were more refined. It's as if my throat has learned how to sing it that way.

And "Characteristics" in the status window.

"The infinite potential."

Ordinary people's performance depends on their natural talent compared to their efforts. There is also a limit to how many times you can try. The maximum possible growth, the limit of potential.

But now, this window shows that it is ridiculously high efficiency for effort and that there is no growth limit.

Besides, I confirmed that my skills were actually improving.

I thought, stroking my chin.

Idols—.

Does it mean I should pursue a new career path with this body?

At that moment, a pop-up appeared on the status window.

"…!"

[Outbreak!]

Status Abnormality: 'Debut or Die'!

Text lines continued beneath the red text.

['Debut or Die']

If you don't debut as an idol within the time limit, you will die.

Remaining period: D-365

"What?"

The content was ridiculous, but I had an ominous feeling.

It's already crazy that I'm in someone else's body, but there's no guarantee that nothing more strange will happen.

As soon as I finished reading, the weird pop-up disappeared.

And, sure enough, a strange entry was added to the status window.

[Name: Park Moondae (Ryu Gunwoo)]

Level: 1

Title: None

Vocals: C+

Dance: –

Visuals: C

Talent: –

Characteristic: Infinite potential

!Status abnormality: Debut or die

Is this real?

"Fuck—"

I spit out cursing and covered my forehead. A cold sweat broke out.

I had already confirmed the existence of the status window. So it was impossible to ignore the possibility that even this shitty phrase would come true.

Why the hell did this pop out? Because I think of idols?

I burst out laughing. But at the same time, I also had this thought.

'…It can't be. Did I get punished for taking pictures and selling data of idols?'

Yeah, idols.

In fact, it was a familiar field due to personal reasons.

This is because when I was in college, I took pictures of idols on behalf of them and made decent living expenses. In the process—I've also had dirty tastes for money.

I've seen all sorts of things and heard all sorts of rumors.

Besides, the environment makes people; as I moved around and went to take pictures, I unnecessarily immersed myself in this field.

I was able to study this and that voluntarily at that time, so it is an area where I am well versed.

I wiped the cold sweat away from my face. Then I crossed my arms and looked at the status window.

I don't know what was what. It was ridiculous, and I'm angry.

But I have no intention of dying.

So let's stay calm.

Yeah, it's a waste of life anyway, but it would give me a fresh start. And on such favorable terms.

Besides, if I want to track the reason I entered this body, I'll have to use this unrealistic status window more and check it out.

"Hmm."

Self-rationalization has been completed. I grinned with a sour smile.

…Around this time, an idol survival program was a huge hit, wasn't it?

002

'Idol Joint-Stock Company.'

It is a survival entertainment series that was popular at this time of year.

Following the success of the audition, in which dozens or hundreds of aspiring idols were gathered and eliminated by vote, there were other programs that followed the format.

This 'Idol Joint-Stock Company' was also one of those mass-produced programs, but there was a reason why it became particularly famous.

Because it has gotten more vicious toward capitalism.

First, let's look at the advertisement for season 1.

[Your idol stock that grows as much as you purchase!]

Yeah. It means that you can vote in the name of 'stock' as much as you spend money.

The program was in Season 3 this year.

For some reason, after Season 2 completely collapsed, they treated the season as if it had never existed and came out with the aspiration title "Re-listed."

Thanks to this, there were many people who ridiculed, saying that Season 3 repeated far from enough and it'll go doom.

…What about me? I didn't have any thoughts about it because I was preparing for the exam.

Anyway, contrary to people's expectations, Season 3 has been a huge success.

Although there is a lot of controversy and criticism, it produces male idols who become hot topics, gain viewer ratings, draws 80,000 users to the music site's entry, and sell 600,000 album copies in the first week.

So I'm going to go on this program, too.

Today I'm taking the first step.

"Yes, we are done! I didn't trim the side too much, as you asked."

"Yes, thank you."

Now I've got a good look at myself. I thought while looking at my well-cut hair in the mirror at the salon.

I think eating well and sleeping well during the past few days affected me since the gloomy feeling of depression had already disappeared. Thanks to that, I was able to trim my messy bangs and expose my forehead.

Just in time, a middle-aged woman who was getting a perm next to me gave lip service.

"Oh my, student, you look so good~ You've gotten taller!"

I thanked her and proceeded to the counter to pay with cash.

'It's a relief that I had some money in my account when I went to the bank to check it out.'

Looking at the details, it seems that he didn't use it since it was his parent's insurance money; I feel sorry, but I need to use it.

'…Should I fill up the interest and donate it to a child welfare organization if I make money?'

It was a bit bitter. I took off the certified copy and did some research while opening the mobile phone, but it seems that the suicide of this 'Park Moondae' wasn't even an impulsive act.

His room was taken out (I barely received a deposit because the monthly rent was delayed), and the phone was canceled.

Even on his birthday.

He must have really wanted to die.

…Well, I understand because I was like that, too.

'I hope you're in a good place.'

I completed my thoughts and paid a brief silent tribute. Then I opened the hair salon door right away and walked out. It was close to noon, and the sun pierced my eyes.

There was still a lot of work to be done before I achieved my goal of going out.

'First, let's be sure of it.'

I already know everything about the program's mission, debut members, twists, and theme songs.

Of course, the details did slip a little when preparing for the announcement, but it was impossible to find a better entryway to a successful life than this.

Because if I just make it to the second round, I will be able to attract the attention of any small or medium-sized agency due to the program's success.

However, the only problem is that the public auditions for this season's participants are already over.

But I knew a few hints. And I plan to make use of it.

My goal is to be a participant in the survival program, for which the public audition session has ended.

Within a week.

Not at the broadcasting station, but at the karaoke room around here.

-IJC? Ah, Idol Joint-Stock Company. One of the writer there is a real crazy person.

This is the bullshit said by a certain guy in the back of the photography club.

He said he heard it from a relative who went to a broadcasting station, and he was a guy who spread rumors about this and that, so I didn't like him very much.

-I heard they're recruiting participants at karaoke rooms. The broadcasting station—you know, Sung X neighbors? I heard they cast an ordinary person in a karaoke room, and the PD broke it. Just saying that she didn't have enough time. Isn't she a complete idiot?

After that, that punk couldn't stop talking about the casting.

It's common to gossip during a drinking party, but it's rare to find someone who speaks about boring topics at a drinking party.

'Who was it that invited this moron?'

'Let's not invite him anymore.'

'Yeah.'

People chatted with their bitter eyes.

Of course, I didn't believe this bullshit either. I was just focusing on free drinks.

But surprisingly, there was someone who did cross-validation.

-The ordinary person who was being cast is Lee Goyoon.

-…Huh?

Lee Goyoon is a female idol who debuted in season 1. She gained popularity for her bright, cheerful, and bold image with an amusing accent and her pure appearance.

There was a moderate exclamation around.

-Whoa, she's the kid that made her debut, right?

-Yes.

-Oh… how did you know?

She spoke calmly as a senior in the journalism and broadcasting department who was about to graduate.

-That 'stupid bitch' is my older sister.

The punk who had been talking was at a loss for words at that moment.

Interestingly, contempt poured down on him from all sides.

-…Ah, haha. No, that expression is a bit.

-But, she has never been scolded by the PD. Instead, she gets paid more.

-….

After that, he shut his mouth and sat quietly.

Thanks to it, I was able to enjoy drinking comfortably. I think I just drank Somaek while listening to the senior talk about the casting. (t/n: Somaek is a beer cocktail made with soju and beer.)

Anyway, it was quite a fun situation, so it was memorable.

They said they would go around karaoke places near the broadcasting company for roughly a week after the audition if the number of people they liked in the audition for survival participants were below the quota.

-Isn't it better for kids who do things like street karaoke? It is also convenient to cast.

-I heard that there are already a lot of aspiring singers there, so they avoid it. I heard that the reason why they want to cast ordinary people is because they need a fresh character, unlike a survival participant.

It means that they are not trying to choose participants who can debut but rather to add fun to the show by casting ordinary people who are completely unaware of the situation.

These days, all aspiring idols will be educated at the agency so that they don't talk recklessly.

In the end, it also means that the ordinary people who become participants may be sacrificed for the fun of broadcasting.

'Of course, that's not what's important right now.'

What's important is that there's a high probability that the Writer is still using this method in season 3.

'It's difficult to let go once you've succeeded.'

Maybe because season 2 was ruined and the preliminary audition didn't get better, she's working harder now.

So let's think objectively.

This 'Park Moondae' body is skinny, but he has a handsome face and good height.

In addition, he's good at singing, so once we meet, there's definitely a chance that they'll give it a try.

Besides—.

'I have to raise my level.'

I had to invest in stats to achieve practice achievements. Wouldn't they try to pick them out if there was something special?

I grabbed the microphone and chose a song. And then, I glanced back at the door to the karaoke room where I came in.

The door was made of glass.

It was intended to give the 10s and 20s a bright and open atmosphere, but at the same time, the interior is nice to look at from the outside.

That's why I chose this karaoke room.

The person I was looking for was a Writer who worked at a broadcasting station.

If she has to go out and observe ordinary people while preparing for the program, she will likely choose a place close to the broadcasting station and easy to see.

So this karaoke room is the best choice now.

Without hesitation, I chose ten songs in advance and started singing.

[Achievement accomplished! 10 attempts]

Level 1 -〉 2

You have obtained 1 point!

It was not long before I achieved one accomplishment. It's an achievement to sing 10 songs. Of course, I knew I would achieve it because it was the easiest thing to do.

I invested the point in Vocal once more. So C+ is changed to B-.

The basics seemed better this time when I sang the same song one more time to test it.

The tone color became deeper, and the volume increased. Perhaps this is how the alphabet affects growth.

At this speed, I think I could raise my ability incredibly fast in the beginning, but now I have something to focus on first.

"Oh, I'm this kind of person."

I didn't expect to get cast this soon.

It started a little early when I roughly calculated the timing, but it was an unexpected first point.

I accepted the business card from the woman with glasses.

The woman looked tired, but her voice was purposefully bright.

She seemed to be trying to impress me, and I seemed to have succeeded in piquing her interest as expected.

The name I was expecting was written on the business card.

[Ryu Seorin]

The senior's name, who was in the Department of Journalism and Broadcasting, was 'Ryu Seojin.'

'It seems to be a sister's name just by looking at it.'

"What's your name, Student?"

"My name is Park Moondae."

"You have a unique name, too. Think about it carefully. I think Student has star quality. Our program is really good at finding people with star quality."

"…Thank you."

I didn't bother pretending to be happy. If I look too interested, I may seem to be aiming for this situation.

Usually, it's all caught in the preliminary profile, but they'll want to skip those who aim for it.

Perhaps it was a good approach, the woman continued.

"Student, you have a handsome face and are good at singing. I think you'll do really well if you come out of our program—. Hmm, do you want to go and take a test video today?"

"What?"

The woman was pushing a little bit as if she wanted to complete the verification in one go.

"Yes. Please contact your parents. They would be happy if you told them that their son had been cast in a TV show and would be visiting a broadcasting station."

"…I don't have parents."

When I said that, a small light sprang in the eyes of this woman, who I believed to be the Writer.

It seems to have been judged as provocative material.

After all, selling a story is an essential element in a survival show. It's even better to be criticized for squeezing the juice.

I don't know if they will use it on purpose, but it's a waste to miss it.

However, the writer quickly hid her expression. And she said it more softly as if she was sorry.

"Oh my… I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that."

"That's all right."

"What I mean is, consider it as you come to watch a broadcasting station comfortably. It's not something you can experience often~."

"…Hmm."

Should I say yes right now?

I paused for a moment as if hesitating, then nodded slowly. Then, the woman's face brightens.

"Oh, you made the right decision! We're right in front of the broadcasting station!"

So that's how I achieved my first goal.

It was a better start than expected.

003

There was nothing special at the broadcasting station I visited after almost being dragged there by the writer. It was because I only had a casual interview in front of the camera.

They didn't ask me to dance, which should have been a formality. Of course, I didn't get any advice on going to a dance academy either.

It was also proof that the role I was supposed to play was clear.

Well, it doesn't matter. The important thing is that I got my name on the participant list.

However, there were some unexpected elements.

The first recording date was much closer than I expected.

"…In ten days?"

"That's right. Park Moondae-gun was the last one to join. We don't usually get a position like this, but you got really lucky~ Moondae-gun, you got this position because you're really good." (t/n: 군 (gun) means an honorific for an unmarried younger man)

She's certainly good at putting it nicely into words.

Even though I was perplexed, I thought indifferently.

It doesn't cost anything to trim the words a bit, so it was worth it to do whatever it takes.

Of course, if they discover nothing special in me after waiting and watching, they will change abruptly.

As much as this neighborhood, there will also be very few fields where people loss cut quickly.

Besides, it is an unrealistic request to prepare the filming and evaluation song in 10 days without giving any advice to the ordinary person.

They said it casually as if it were nothing, but if they had been a participant with an entertainment company, the company might have complained.

Whether it's a re-arrangement or Nabal, they're telling us to just use the instrumental and get cursed at. It will be edited out if it isn't enough to get criticized. (Nabal (나발) is a long, straight brass horn used in Korean traditional music.)

But I expected this much.

"…Yes. Thank you."

I nodded as if I hadn't noticed anything, but I was still nervous about the filming date that was right in front of me.

The writer's face lit up with satisfaction.

"We are the ones who are grateful~ Then I will contact you for more details."

It was like asking me to leave. I left the broadcasting station without regret and made plans for the next 10 days.

Since the preparation time was short, it seemed that I'd have to use a more extreme method than I had planned.

The first day of filming came after 10 busy days had passed.

Although it is a natural structure of the survival program, it begins with evaluating each participant.

The 1st round of evaluation.

Anyone who has seen an idol survival program at least once will roughly guess, but it is not rare for the bad impression to last until the end of the program.

So, if the participant doesn't have anything that stands out, the worst thing to do is to give an average performance.

Instead, if it's completely ruined and becomes a joke, they may add a story in the future, depending on the editing direction. However, it can't be helped if it's edited out without revealing any particular characteristics here.

Of course, I'm not saying that I aim to be criticized by the viewers.

"Do you remember your number? You're called by the number. Please enter this corridor after you receive instructions~"

The filming began by taking a picture of the participants walking through the hall of the set one by one.

It must have been created for the purpose of putting it in the teaser, but the filming time used for that 40-second video has already been over 2 hours.

Probably because there were only 77 participants.

'They're just innocent kids.'

After I glanced around at each and everyone who was sitting scattered in the empty space of the set, which is embarrassing even to call it a waiting room, I lost a bit of motivation.

Even though it's a status window and a regression, I realized that it's now embarrassing to try to become an idol among these children.

"Excuse me, hello."

One of the kids who keeps coming over to talk here and there was also talking to me.

I don't know if this guy is excited or just trying to break the ice in this situation.

What matters is that he seemed to be a middle school student.

So, at this age, I'm introducing myself to middle school students in order to create social connections—.

"Did you apply by yourself?"

"Yes."

"Wow, me too. Oh, by any chance, how old are you…?"

"…Twenty."

When I tried to cheat my age by 9 years, my mouth became itchy, but I felt good.

"Do you have an agency?"

"No. I don't have one."

"Ah, that's right! Usually, in IJC, there are some cases when the agency comes out and appears. What company were you originally from—"

"I haven't had one since the beginning."

"Oh… I see."

Immediately, the middle school brat suddenly lost his sincerity. Then, after roughly finishing his words, he left to speak to another person.

He's a person who already knows a lot about society and wants to succeed. Of course, he has to hide what's going through his head in front of the camera, but that's all up to him.

Anyway, I can't believe a middle school student could be that vicious.

This time, I wondered if I had made a foolish decision because I was caught up in an unrealistic situation. But the water had already been spilled.

"Let's move the set!"

This is because filming for the main broadcast has finally begun.

I followed the middle and high school students moving in groups like meerkats.

They called me around the early middle of the session.

"Participant Lee Sejin B…in 15th place! Please take a seat."

"Thank you!"

One of the participants who was being evaluated nodded in response to the MC's words.

He was one of four participants that were grouped and evaluated together since they were from the same agency, and he was someone who was worthy of being saved, but the production team wasn't comfortable.

'It's extreme.'

Writer Ryu Seorin, who was spinning her pen, frowned.

Season 3 has received fewer investors than the previous season. It was very natural. Because season 2 was ruined, and the season barely started again. With a funny title such as 'Re-listed,' the production team was determined to get rid of the shadow of season 2.

However, even if they tried to hide it through personal connections and plans, there were some parts that were visible.

One of them was the talent pool.

Many candidates with a moderate level of training were exposed to other audition programs.

They filled the apparently pretty decent ones to fit 77 participants, and the proportion of 'good for nothing' participants increased.

And there was a limit to how much fun they could have with editing if there were too many useless guys.

It was almost impossible to send a talentless person to a Korean audition program. Even after wrapping up a person who doesn't have talent by any means, even if it got wrenched just a little bit, they would pour out all kinds of talks.

It's not about someone being hated, but the keywords 'boring' and 'fraud' will be at its center.

Fortunately, they filled the number of first-team participants that they had chosen with debut tickets, but it was not difficult to run the program without a dark horse up to that point.

'The same goes for the one coming out now.'

This time, the participant to be evaluated was a beginner who joined with only 10 days till the first filming.

One of the participants drove under the influence of alcohol at the last minute, and he was recruited in a hurry, so there were no expectations for him.

'His name… What is it? Well, he will say his name when being evaluated.'

That participant's voice was moderately good, his appearance was not bad either, and he had a story to tell in case of emergency.

Thanks to this, she jumped over her limit, which had been lowered by urgency.

However, even if she combined all of the skills, he would still be better than the average person filling a vacancy.

'Well… He could be used for comparison.'

The judges were also chatting with an unimpressed look after flipping through documents that had nothing special other than family history.

So she felt the same way.

'Yeah, just be really bad. And attract people's attention.'

If someone who roughly fits the standard continues to appear, they will become sick of it, but if a few people are really bad, they'll add to the richness of the program. Like a famous quote, being mocked is also a sort of attention.

Anyway, because the ordinary person only had 10 days to prepare it, there was a high possibility that it wasn't funny enough.

She glanced at the stage with weak expectations.

"Next participant, please enter the stage!"

The ordinary participant then comes up to the stage.

Fortunately, he looked more handsome than before, as if he had properly visited a fine salon.

The problem was that the atmosphere was dull, gloomy, and mysterious.

She thought it was because of the family history the last time, but is he going to act like that again in front of all these cameras?

In fact, it was because he had seen the camera flash numerous times before, but the writer, who had no way of knowing, was perplexed.

'…Is he the type that doesn't show that he's nervous?'

Anyway, it didn't matter. Then he can get the image of being arrogant when he's not good at it. The writer uses her brain with enthusiasm.

Meanwhile, Park Moondae, who came up to the stage, listened to the MC.

"Yes. Participant. Please introduce yourself."

"…My name is Park Moondae. Please take good care of me."

Then he bowed his head. Then, there is a small laugh and snort from the judge's seat.

"No, is that all?"

A male judge holding the microphone asked in a voice mixed with laughter.

It was a tone with a serious negative tone. It must have meant that he wasn't speaking properly, but Park Moondae nodded seriously.

"Yes. I have no experience to introduce."

Then, laughter broke out in the judges' seats.

"Phew, what a unique friend!"

"He's fun~."

A few of them whispered. Of course, the microphone captured their voices well.

"Ah, there really is nothing in the application form here."

"That's right."

It's time to make remarks like, 'Then why did you participate?' to suddenly appear. However, the judges all moderately hid their laughter as they thought it would be more impressive to do it after the stage.

And the writers thought, There could be some useful cuts.

"Then let's take a look at your performance."

"Yes."

Despite their vicious interest, the participant accepted the microphone handed to him by the staff.

The interlude soon began to flow.

And everyone was bewildered.

Why did this song come out here?

004

"Huh?"

Several of the judges began to talk in whispers.

"T-Holic?"

T-Holic, a famous boyband that won the Daesang award for three consecutive years, went on hiatus a few years ago. It was because of the unavoidable situation in which the majority of the members were enlisting in the military. (t/n : The Daesang award is one of the highest achievements a group or artist can achieve)

So instead, the agency pushed for the solo career of the youngest main vocalist, who has yet to be drafted. It was a mini-album featuring a great title song with a strong chorus.

However, time has revealed that the true value of this album was not the title track, but the sidetrack.

Surprisingly, it climbed to #3 on the music charts.

The wave, which began with a recommendation post from a popular female solo singer, grew into a small wave after passing through various entertainment shows.

The side track is 〈PARTY IN ME〉.

The easy-listening song, which blends the rich band sound with sophisticated synths, was performed at a lot of college festivals that year and finally landed in the top 100.

And what's flowing in the studio right now is certainly the prelude.

It was an iconic intro accompaniment with a unique accordion-style chorus melody.

Of course, it was a masterpiece. If this song is performed well, it will leave a strong impression.

So that was even weirder.

'This… How can you choose a song without knowing what it is?'

This is because the song's position is very vague.

It's not a representative song of a famous idol's prime time, nor is it a famous song by an established singer either.

Therefore, whether in idol survival or singer survival, it was not a song that could be remembered and chosen on the first evaluation.

This is because the song missed the point in both categories.

Besides, the song had been popular for some time at this point.

And when she didn't choose a song specifically for him since she thought an obvious song would come out, something like this happened.

Of course, the production team was able to check the sound source submitted by the participants in advance. However, there were 77 participants.

The problem was that it was not worth the time to replace the songs one by one.

'It's difficult to compare and edit these vague songs—.'

The Writer hit her pen dissatisfiedly.

Even the judges, who were surprised by the song's selection, were waiting for the prelude to end with a slightly casual attitude.

And Park Moondae opened his mouth.

I remember the 'me' I used to know

Beyond the shining and dazzling seasons

Until the days of tiredness and weakness

Even at the end of the endless days

The thing that captures the broken me, oh—.

Only me

Yeah, It's me

"….!"

It's good.

It was clean from the first verse, which started offbeat and continued as if reciting.

Many people don't know about it because it sounds good to the ear, but it was simple to sing this song because it missed all the delicate beats.

It means to sound amateurish.

However, this participant was meticulously putting the smallest melodies into each complex beat.

'Dan, Da-dan–, Ddan, Dan, Da-an–, Da-dan.'

"….!"

One of the judges was surprised after unintentionally hitting the table. It entered at the exact right time.

In this way, even ordinary viewers who don't know the details of the half-beats get the impression that he's singing well because it is sung perfectly to suit the accompaniment. (t/n : Accompaniment (伴奏) is to play another instrument next to a song or instrumental music.)

Besides—.

'The vocalization… is good?'

The vocalization was remarkably good. It's not just sonorous, but it also has a good and solid tone.

'Was he like this at karaoke?'

The Writer recalled the song she heard when she first met, but it didn't seem to be this much. He would have received more interviews if he had sung it like this when she invited him. And she'll take a look at the song choices.

'Then, did you get this much better in 10 days?'

Regardless of how perplexed the Writer was, the song went through the verse and entered the pre-chorus.

That's why, I

I have to memorialize myself

I must never forget again

Now, remember

Until now

Even though the sound was rising like an escalator, it never became flat. There was no part where breathing was unnatural.

At this point, the Writer also noticed something else—for example, the judges' surprised faces.

I've always lived today

With an amazing miracle

Don't forget. Don't erase

So congratulations

Memorialize this moment

That's the party in me

As if every day is a PARTY, Ooh-let's PARTY

The high notes stretch out. It doesn't even look too much. It is easy and clean, as if there's only one octave left for him to hit.

He sang it like he was talking instead of shouting, which was a perfect technique for the song that needed to be heard beautifully.

Now, the Writer just wants to laugh more.

'Yeah, that's great…He has a main vocal feeling… Still, we lacked a vocal position, but wow, isn't that a good thing? I have a really great eye. I can't believe this kind of thing rolled in even if I cast him on the street.'

The second verse came out again.

The melody was the same as in the first verse, but Park Moondae quickly learned how to deal with the different beats.

After passing the bridge, the voice rose naturally from the last chorus to the transition.

A high-pitched sound that thrills the back of the neck gives a pleasant sensation. It wasn't excessive, but it also wasn't rushed; it was a wonderful climax.

And as if talking again, the song ended with the first bar of the verse.

…I remember the 'me' I used to know

The participant sings beautifully till the very last note.

Park Moondae bowed his head as soon as the music ended. Then he adds his words, a little blankly.

"… Thank you for listening."

There was a brief silence. The Writer gripped her pen tightly.

'Yeah, let's keep it instead of throw it away.'

The judges excitedly picked up the microphone as she changed Park Moondae's position.

"Wow, Moondae-ssi!"

"Yes."

"You know you did a good job, right!?"

"…I practiced hard to sing well."

The other judges then quickly added.

"No, you're just born with it. You have a talent."

He was a choreographer known for his straightforwardness. He smiles to the point that his eyes narrow as if he likes it.

Because it's a broadcast, there may be some exaggerated words on purpose, but he wasn't the type of person to say things he didn't like.

Park Moondae bowed his head, screaming with happiness inwardly.

The judges continued to shower him with praise.

Mudie, a female solo singer who appeared as a vocal coach, praised him with shining eyes in particular.

"First of all, your voice is very refreshing. And I can hear it better because you have good vocalization."

"I know, right? It's like someone talking right next to your ear—"

"Right, that's right."

Their voices of agreement are overwhelming. Mudie then nodded and continued in a quick voice.

"Again, I don't think your voice suits the genre well, but this is an extremely important part for an idol, you know? You don't have any bad singing habits, and I'm looking forward to the future. Really."

"Thank you."

"Moondae-ssi, you've never joined an agency before, right? You said you don't have any experience before, but looking at it here, you really don't have a lot of experience."

"Yes. Not yet…"

Then a young male judge comes in. He's a famous boy group member that lost two members during the contract renewal time.

"Then did you never take any special lessons?"

"Yes."

"Not at all? In the academy?"

Park Moondae silently shook his head.

The judge who asked the question was impressed with a somewhat doubtful expression. Mudie then smiled brightly and opened her mouth once again.

"Yeah, it might be better to wait for the best one than to just do it with a random entertainment company. I'm sure the offer will come from a good place! "

"Thank you for your kind words."

The Writer suddenly remembered that Mudie's agency was preparing to launch a male idol.

'Now that I think about it, she had a share in her entertainment company.'

And she looked at the participant, who was still politely nodding his head, but it looked like she didn't get any amazing impression.

Then, when she saw the judges' seats, which were covered with praise, she was overwhelmed with a strange feeling.

It's like… something had shattered.

Obviously, finding talented participants for the broadcast would have been advantageous, but she feels unpleasant.

After seeing Park Moondae's hand microphone while resting her chin on her hand, the Writer immediately remembered.

'He didn't dance properly after all!'

Of course, Park Moondae also did the same choreography.

However, because this song wasn't made for a promotion, the movement was limited to simple dance moves.

When the dancers surrounding them performed the proper choreography, their hands were set to stretch out in time with the beat and move their legs a few times.

However, the original stage, which included dancers, stayed in people's minds as an afterimage.

The dancers surrounding him can be filled in at random with the thought, "Because that's how it was on the original stage," and moving on is easy even with those poor hand and foot movements.

Especially if the person sings really well!

Furthermore, because he did a conceptual song of a top tier idol, he can avoid questions like "Is it true that Moondae-ssi wants to be an idol?" relying almost entirely on his vocal skills.

In the end, it was the best option that could have been chosen in Park Moondae's situation.

'It's more than just having a good sense; he's got more experience—'

The Writer felt tricked in some way and looked through Park Moondae with dissatisfied eyes.

And, as if reading the Writer's mind, a judge who had been silently watching the other judges' positive comments lifted the microphone.

She was Youngrin of 'SaintU,' a female idol group that achieved success with a fancam showing her doing acrobatics while smiling during the rainy season when she was unknown.

"Right now, the choreography you did wasn't really difficult; can we see more of your dance?"

The Writer wanted to clap.

'It's done.'

It was useful to focus on the level-up by only singing this song till I got tired of it these days.

Because I spent all of my points on improving my vocal abilities, the 'Vocal' in my current status window has now changed to an A-.

It was a natural choice. First of all, a singer who can't sing in Korea, as well as idols, will be out.

If you can't dance, you can cover it with practice, but if you can't sing, the trace will show when you play the pre-recording.

Furthermore, there were usually fewer aspiring main vocalists than aspiring main dancers in the pool of aspiring idols.

So, if the position of the main vocalist is imprinted from the start, the chances of getting a position in the debut group are also increased.

Next is how the evaluation songs are selected.

I think my approach was correct, as there was much less negative feedback.

In other words, it is a filtering method that predicts the criticism that the judges will throw at me based on my weaknesses, and then removes all songs that could provoke a response from the judges.

'What's wrong with your dance?'

– Remove any songs that include full choreography.

'You don't even dance?'

– Remove ballads.

'You sing well. But you don't exude an idol-like aura?'

– Remove everything from the list except for idol songs.

'Wasn't it too much for you to sing this song by yourself?'

– Remove all of the songs that had three or more people sing them since I can't rearrange them and take that risk.

'You'll be compared to the original singer at every opportunity!'

– Removed all songs that were released in the last three years.

And from the remaining songs, I choose the one with the best music chart record.

Hmm, it was a good strategy, now that I think about it.

But there was at least one person who didn't get swept away by the atmosphere when I thought I could get away with it as it is right now.

Then I made eye contact with the judge holding the microphone.

That was a face I knew.

She was the first idol who made me realize that filming an idol may be profitable. Thanks to her, I was able to pay for the first and second semesters of tuition.

'Since she gained the reputation of being a hard worker with that acrobatic fancam, it seemed to be a win-win situation.'

However, I don't think it's a good idea for us to meet at this moment.

"I understand you haven't received any formal training. But since this is the first evaluation, shouldn't we at least check the basic status? If you participated in an audition program, I think you would have prepared at least one song."

It's crazy to say, 'I didn't prepare anything' here. It could be said that it's better to remain silent than to say anything like that.

"Yes. Then is this song possible?"

One of the staff quickly came closer to the stage and beckoned to me. I approached him and said the song I had in mind.

After that, the camera follows and even shoots the staff who are flinching in response.

Looking at this, I think I can avoid full editing. It's worth the effort.

And immediately, a cheerful accompaniment filled the set.

"….!?"

005

The intro, which everyone in the country would be familiar with, passed by, and the lively vocals struck the ear.

I go with the most iconic pose I can remember to get things started.

Then one of the judges spat out the water he was drinking.

Oh, me too! I like you~

The feeling of my heart beating~! Is like popcorn!

POP! POP!

The popping beat is just ringing~

My heart is overflowing with this feeling!

Tap, tap, tap. Youngrin, the person who requested the dance, is the only one who gives a sincere nod in response to the simple foot movements. It seemed that she was the only professional here.

Soon, part of the song that can be danced to by at least half of the kids my age has come out.

POP! POP!

You're my Popcorn~ (Oh yeah!)

My heart

CON CON CON CON

Control it!

The chorus of MallangDalcom's 〈POP CON〉, which was released 10 years ago, beat the eardrums powerfully.

Known as the "forbidden song" for the CSAT, it was the main culprit in ruining the students' listening test that year because of its lyrics and crazy addiction.

By the way, I also took the CSAT exam at that time. But I can't do it again, because I don't have the money.

POP POP!

The popping Popcorn~ (Ooh~)

It was also famous for many people who uploaded dance covers, and the difficulty level was easy.

To put it another way, it was at a level that even children in the lower elementary school grades could practice.

I would have been cursed if it had been out 10 years ago at the peak of the trend. But I chose this song because I thought I could turn it into a memory correction and then move on to a comedy. (t/n : Memory correction (추억보정) means 'old memories make everything good.' For instance, you will think so good if you recall the suck movie you saw when you were a kid._

Of course, I'm keeping a straight face while dancing hard.

Even if others were to look at the remaining gags, it would be unpleasant for me to openly smile as a participant.

I had to give the impression that I had put a lot of effort into preparing for the dance.

Of course, it was also true that I worked really hard. Because I raised my level while practicing this. With achievements of 〈First Movement〉 and 〈10th Movements〉.

With the judges clapping and laughing, it seemed that I had made a mistake—but I don't know. They'll judge on their own.

I stopped dancing after making the last move of the first verse.

As I bowed my head and took a breath, cheers exploded as if I had come to my senses.

"Thank you."

Youngrin was the first to take the microphone, but the choreographer spoke first.

How much he laughed till his eyes got red. Some tears came from laughing.

"Whoa… Oh, I never dreamed it would come out. Wasn't Moondae 10 years old when POP CON was released? Did you even prepare for a talent show at that time?"

"It's not like that, but I prepared it because I'm a fan of MallangDalcom Sunbaenim. (t/n : Sunbaenim (선배님) is a far more experienced person within the same school, company, or group.)

"Pfft, hahaha!"

For reference, MallangDalcom's most recent album was released 4 years ago. It was so late that it seemed unusual to say that a 20-year-old was a fan even after their golden days.

Because the reason can't be that he wants to be an idol.

Sure enough, the choreographer who asked me this question laughed again.

Next to him, Mudie muttered delightfully.

"Ah… So cute~."

"You worked hard. First of all, you work hard!"

The male idol judge helped. It was a face that had taken away any doubts he had expressed when I said I had no experience.

Only then did Youngrin open her mouth.

"But that doesn't mean you did well."

I knew this would happen. It was a situation where close-ups and sound effects could be included through editing.

In addition, the line 'Du–dung!' will appear when the red subtitles are three times bigger.

I roughly anticipated the editing angle and waited for the rest of the comments.

"First of all, I can see that you have no skill when you start moving your body. Although you may receive a positive evaluation for our current atmosphere, future missions will be difficult."

"I'm prepared for anything that comes my way."

Not me, but the status window.

Regardless of the words I swallowed, Youngrin nodded heavily.

"Yeah."

And she added with a relaxed expression.

"…Anyway, I can see your effort. Well done."

"Thank you."

I think I said 'Thank you' ten times today. Is this something I'll often do in the future?

By then, the judges were exchanging opinions without holding the microphone, so I couldn't hear them.

At this point, another cruel element of the program is revealed.

To begin with, all rankings are listed from 1st to 77th in the first evaluation. They then assigned the seats based on the order of the rankings.

Temporary rankings will also be used as soon as they're announced.

Moreover, if the next participant performs much better than they do while the seat is filled, the ranking will be pushed back, and they will be forced to leave the seat.

It's also a specialty of this show to film a moment in which the lower ranks are pushed and then sit at the bottom and cry.

Fortunately, I won't be in such a situation.

My ranking is… maybe 24th?

"Park Moondae's ranking is… 17th place!"

They raised my rank by roughly 5 places in order to shoot a scene where my rank was pushed, which means that my actual rank was closer to my expectations.

'I think I went up about four or five places because of the atmosphere.'

I'm not sure if the judges were distracted by the atmosphere, but as the time went on, they should have been busy leaving the seat to the middle and high school students.

It was a little funny when I lowered my head and thought about it sullenly.

"Thank you."

"I'll teach you hard, so you'll rank higher next time."

The choreographer said with a smile. If I don't get better, I'll be replaced immediately, but I have a status window to work with.

'I wish they would choose a scene when the choreographer is touched by my performance.'

I nodded once again and headed for the set where the seats were placed.

The chairs with the ranks engraved on them grew bigger, more colorful, and softer as I went up. I saw a slight but big difference.

The 17th place I would sit was a leather chair on which a corporate executive would sit.

As I sat down, the participant who was sitting in 15th place on the opposite side greeted me. He looked like Park Moondae's age, with a gentle impression.

"Hello~"

"Hello."

"You're so good at singing! "

"Thank you. I think you did a great job too."

"Yes? Hahaha!"

I can't say for sure because I didn't watch his performance thoroughly, but judging by his ranks, it looks like he did well.

The participant laughed aloud and pointed to the name tag on his chest.

"My name is Lee Sejin!"

"….!"

I almost let out a sigh. I replied with the most brazen face possible.

"My name is Park Moondae. Please take good care of me."

"Please take good care of me~."

I ended the conversation naturally and looked ahead, and the next participant came in with good timing. But my mind kept wandering back to a name I had just heard.

Lee Sejin.

It was the name of a person who made their official debut through this program. So, should I say that it is the man who has been promised victory through personal connection?

But there was a problem.

It will be revealed that the punk was involved in a drug scandal one year after this program ended. Moreover, he works as a distributor.

I was in a Gukbap restaurant near the studio when I heard his name mentioned on the 9 o'clock news.

[Lee Sejin, a former 'Idol Joint-Stock Company,' was arrested on suspicion of drug distribution.]

…Let's not talk to him from now on.

It is important to know when to cut off. So, should I use the time to check the status window?

[Name: Park Moondae (Ryu Gunwoo)]

Level: 5

Title: None

Vocal: A-

Dance: D

Visual: C+

Talent: C

Characteristics: Infinite potential

!Status abnormality: Debut or die

Points Remaining: 1

First of all, I earned a point for leveling up from the stage I was on just now. I think it was thanks to breaking the achievement of 〈The First Stage〉.

As for the dance and talent elements, they seemed to have been created out of my performance alone.

Is it necessary for it to be officially recognized by the public because it was inactive during practice? I don't know the clear criteria.

In any case, while practicing, I could vaguely feel it—. Even if the talent was acceptable, it doesn't seem that 'Park Moondae' had much of a talent for dancing.

My dance level is D, which is the same as the average person's.

If I invest 2 or 3 points in dance in the future, I think I can do anything.

However, I discovered a new possibility in the status window's 'Visual' section.

Even though I didn't spend any points on the Visual section, my grade improved since I paid attention to the way I looked.

In other words, I was able to raise my stats independently of the level-up effect shown in the status window. And that's a pretty positive factor.

Finally, there was one more unusual pop-up. A small one next to the status window.

[Successful performance!]

You deeply impressed the majority of people!

: Draw General Characteristics Click!

'Something weird popped out again.'

Still, given the use of words such as "success" and "impression," the nuance of the rewards should be great.

I clicked on the pull while pretending to touch my hair. Then something quite interesting popped up.

It was a picture of a gray slot machine. The slot next to the lever that had previously been pulled was spinning quite fast.

But the speed gradually slowed down. Soon enough, I could even check the contents of the slot at a glance.

Only a few of the slots were copper, while the most were gray.

[Strong heart]

[The misfortune of being humiliated eraser]

[Alligator's tears]

[Sleeping only after you die]

[Look at me!]

[….]

"…."

No, it's good to know what the characteristics are as soon as I see it, but—. It's still a bad name, isn't it?

I looked at the slot machine with no expectations. Anyway, it looked like it was going to stop soon.

Dung dung… dung!

A flower petal popped out of the slot machine.

The slot that stops is copper.

[Characteristic: 'Sleeping only after you die (D)' Acquired!]

When activated, you don't get tired even if you don't sleep.

Experience an acceleration bonus of up to 30% from 00:01 to 04:00.

Lasts for a week, one-time use.

"….!"

Unexpectedly, it has a characteristic that seems very useful. The name is— a bit like that, though.

Anyway, it was called 'pulling,' and it literally meant the same thing. And it's fascinating that the elements of such a lucky game are also appearing.

I confirmed that 'Sleeping only after you die (inactive)' has been added to the characteristics section at the bottom of the status window. Let's think about when it's the best time to use it.

"Participant Kang Minjo… 56th place!"

The evaluation process was still ongoing.

Aside from the suspected drug distributor next to me, the debut member has yet to come out.

I stood there and watched as the next participant walked onto the stage.

A man with a slender body and long arms and legs entered the stage.

Seeing that he was all alone, he was likely a participant who didn't have any connections with the other trainees.

A murmur could be heard among the participants in the ranks of the seating area. Of course, this was not because the participant came up alone.

"Wow!"

"That's amazing!"

This is because the participants who came in were very handsome. I could even hear the judges openly admiring from below.

"You look like a deer~."

From my perspective, that was the level of appearance at which he didn't have to worry about making his debut.

Should I say that he's at a level where he doesn't even need to go on a survival program? I'm sure he'll do something when this program is over.

However, when I checked the name tag on his chest, it was a name I had never heard of before.

[Seon Ahyun]

If he can't make his debut with that handsome face, he must have no talent at all. Because he seemed to be more handsome than most of the idols whose fancam data I had sold.

Well, in terms of the status window—all other abilities, except visual, are probably between the F and D grade.

'If only I could see other people's status windows, I'd know for sure.'

Surprisingly, as soon as I thought of that, a window really popped up next to the participant.

"….!"

Does this mean I can see the status windows of other people as well?

[Name: Seon Ahyun]

Vocal: B- (A)

Dance: A (EX)

Visual: A+ (S+)

Talent: B (A+)

Characteristics: Grit (inactive.)

!Status abnormality: Lack of self-esteem.

It was a splendid status window. To the point where I think he'll be in the top 10 easily. Is the value in brackets the maximum growth rate? If so, he has a promising future ahead of him.

However, the last part stands out the most.

[Status abnormality: Lack of self-esteem.]

With that face? It would have been understandable if he had shown arrogance.

Anyway, seeing other people's abilities was a huge benefit. Anyway, I thought I wouldn't starve to death just by relying on an entertainment company.

While I was looking over the menu with great interest, I heard the voice of the MC.

"Yes, participants, please introduce yourself!"

And Seon Ahyun picked up the microphone.

The hand holding the microphone was trembling.

"H, h, hello—"

"….!"

He didn't stutter by mistake because he was nervous. He made it seem out of place because of his awkward way of speaking.

It was a distinct symptom of the stuttering disorder.

In addition, I felt that he was very conscious of his speech disorder. Was it right for me to mention that I could feel his anxiety and embarrassment so heavily?

That must be the reason. I quickly understand this participant– Seon Ahyun's status window.

They can turn his stuttering into a story with this kind of visual and skills, so why didn't he make his debut?

As expected, is the problem more than the status abnormality of a lack of self-esteem? If I can find out more detail—.

[Lack of self-esteem]

: I despise myself.

All stats are decreased by two levels.

"….!"

Suddenly, a pop-up came up again. I wasn't expecting to be able to check the details just by thinking about it.

'It's very useful.'

I'll need to recheck my status abnormality to see how much time I have left.

"Ahyun, by any chance…do you have trouble speaking?"

"I, I… Uh, when I was a kid, I had an accident…."

"Ah…"

On the stage, the storytelling was just getting started.

To be more precise, Seon Ahyun seems to be trying to explain his condition, while the production team seems to be trying to turn it into a story.

Fake responses are also erupting from the participants surrounding me.

In particular, the guy who shook his head and had a sad expression on his face seems to have been used as a reaction cut.

They will even include these lines in their final result.

"What to do…."

They shouldn't have reacted in this way to such a sensitive topic.

On the contrary, if there is such editing, it would sound more like 'that type of reaction is also assault.'

Rather than becoming agitated, I simply stared forward with an expression of 'I see.'

After saying a few obvious good words, the judges carefully asked for the stage.

"Then Ahyeon-gun, can we see your performance?"

"Y, yes…"

The following stage wasn't as bad as one may expect. It's just up to the point of becoming a good overall performance.

This means that if the status window is correct, that participant's performance was worse than his actual ability.

"Seon Ahyun-gun ranks in 18th place!"

This is what happens when there is no mentality or strategy. He's ranked lower than me even with that status window.

Anyway, the evaluation was good, maybe because they thought the skill was enough or because they didn't want to say anything bad.

"Good job~"

"I'll look forward to it."

A variety of warm words were given to him by the judges. Some people even raise their thumbs.

But Seon Ahyun's face was dark as he bowed deeply. Following the MC's instructions, he left the stage and sat down next to me as if nothing had happened.

"…."

I think I should say hello—.

Seon Ahyun glances at my seat but doesn't talk to me.

Hopefully, it won't be a situation in which I ignore him by all means possible.

But it was annoying to open my mouth. So I just nodded sideways.

Seon Ahyun is surprised and keeps his head bowed.

"There are 5 participants who will be judged next! Choi Jinsoo-gun, Hongseong-gun—"

I counted the number of remaining participants in my mind and sighed softly.

There's a long way to go.