Chapter 346: Chapter 347: COEX in Samseong-dong

Stylists, arms laden with clothing, and managers clutching their phones pushed through the crowds.

“Excuse us! Coming through!”

We hurriedly followed in their wake, scurrying along.

Wandering through the vast exhibition hall, partitioned into waiting rooms, we found the one marked ‘New Black.’

Minki, our manager, frowned as he pushed aside the fabric hanging in place of a door.

“What’s this? Why’s it so cramped?”

The space was too small to fit all our gear.

The staff, slightly taken aback by the HBS Music Awards production team’s arrangement, were met with our laughter.

“It’s still bigger than last year, at least.”

We reached out to the staff, taking the costumes wrapped in garment bags.

Due to the limited space, the stylists and others had to step out while we changed.

Bizy, slipping his arms into his jacket, said,

“It’s so hectic, feels like my mind’s completely blank. Even now.”

“It’s the live stage jitters,” I replied.

The youngest, carefully fixing his hair, added,

“It was okay during the pre-recorded Melody Squad shoot, but today’s live, and there are so many lines.”

“Exactly.”

I agreed.

“The MC kept handing me the mic every chance he got.”

“That’s because you keep responding so well. The MC saved you in his phone as ‘Comment Fairy.’”

“Is that good? Or did I try too hard?”

Woojoo, our leader, reminded me of something I’d told him, “Jung-hyun, if you stay still, you’ll be just average.”

We all burst into laughter at Jung-hyun’s words.

Once dressed, we called out to those outside,

“We’re all set!”

The staff came back in to touch up our makeup and tidy our hair.

It was truly chaotic.

Was it because we’d rushed here from the PBS station in Yeouido to COEX in Samseong-dong?

Especially since the broadcast right before was a two-hour live Melody Squad show with an average rating of 15%.

The tension was no joke.

We’d heard the ratings would spike even higher for the year-end special.

As the most recognized group among the original members of Melody Squad, cameras often captured our reactions while seated.

Not wanting to be criticized for even a minor expression, we spent two hours smiling broadly and waving enthusiastically.

“Look at this.”

Rihyuk held out his palm, and we all laughed.

“Haha!”

His hand was red from clapping so vigorously.

As Bizy rummaged through his bag for lotion, I teased him,

“Clap a little softer, will you?”

“We have to be careful these days, even falling leaves warrant caution.”

“You’re right.”

With the year-end season, new ‘soufflés’ were joining, puffing up their ranks.

As the idol group that rose to fame this year, even the smallest things became news during the festive season.

Even a photo of me sipping water with my eyes closed at a corporate year-end party was turned into a photo article titled, ‘Today, I savor water…☆’

“Alright, if everyone’s ready, let’s head to rehearsal!”

“Let’s go!”

Laughing with my younger members, we left the partitioned waiting room.

Thanks to the rush after the live Melody Squad broadcast, we had some time to spare on our way to the rehearsal.

Greeting people we met in the exhibition hall, we made our way to the stage.

Smiling, we greeted the waiting HBS Music Awards production team.

“Hello, we’re New Black!”

“Yes, welcome. Let’s start with New Black’s rehearsal.”

Despite the current tension between the broadcasting station and our company, the rehearsal scene wasn’t much different from the usual music shows.

The producer seemed indifferent.

The only differences were the reduced script and the production team’s noticeable nerves, given the upcoming live broadcast.

“Good job.”

I had expected a few more rehearsals, like the ones for Melody Squad, to discuss camera angles and such.

But the rehearsal ended after just one run, leaving us feeling a bit disappointed.

Bizy, tapping the stage floor with his heel to check the material, suggested to me,

“Hyung, everything else seems fine. But maybe we should practice our stair entrance one more time.”

“I was thinking the same thing.”

The unfamiliarity with the stage structure made me want to try climbing up once more.

After checking the time until the next rehearsal, I cautiously spoke into the microphone.

“Sorry to bother you during your busy schedule, but could we try walking up again?”

“Yes.”

The PD, who had been scanning the cue sheet, nonchalantly picked up the microphone.

Then, there was a click – perhaps the entire microphone power was turned off, as the sound came through the amp.

Silence fell over the stage.

I repeated the process of walking up the stairs to the stage, walking across, then going down and back up again.

“One two three, four.”

“Two three. Ta-da.”

Bijoo and I synchronized our steps with the younger members.

Then, recalling the camera positions, I pointed out various spots on the stage to the younger ones.

“Camera one was over there, right? It seems right for you, Junghyun, to look in that direction.”

“Got it, hyung.”

“And Jiho, please check our expressions.”

We finished Jiho’s brief expression check.

For a few minutes, the production crew watched us practice with a look that seemed to say, ‘Why go to such lengths?’

It felt like they wanted us to do a rough two-minute run, but I couldn’t sympathize.

Even if it’s just a few seconds, it’s our stage, so naturally, we should do our best.

“Thank you!”

With a bright smile, I greeted them and went down from the stage.

While reviewing the video footage taken by our managers on their phones, we exchanged feedback about the performance.

Rihyuk had a slightly troubled look on his face.

“Ah, the sound is a bit…”

“Wasn’t the microphone volume too low? It seemed like only the MR was booming.”

Wonseok hyung said.

“I talked to the production team, but they said the sound setting is what it is, and there’s nothing we can do.”

“Really?”

There was a lot to say, but I held back.

From the lighting to the overall setup, everything seemed off.

The stage arrangement was strange, and starting with the sound issues, I wondered what they were doing.

When I suspected they might be doing this to us on purpose.

“Sigh…”

In a corner of the exhibition hall, I spotted some pretty boys squatting and sucking on Chupa Chups like cigarettes.

With their faces full of irritation, I whispered to the younger ones.

“They’re under pressure. Let’s pass by.”

“Come on, let’s keep our heads up.”

As we tried to pass by diligently like good citizens, those squatting in the corner looked up.

“…Hello.”

We laughed at their listless and powerless voices.

“Hello, seniors.”

“Yeah, what.”

“Why so low on energy?”

“We were pissed after rehearsal and practiced… Now we’re just tired and resting.”

“Why?”

At our youngest’s question, members of a similar age sighed deeply.

“The sound is so damn…”

“The lights hit our eyes directly, it’s damn painful. Felt like being burned with a microscope.”

“You mean a magnifying glass. Is your vocabulary for real?”

“This guy’s highest education is pizza school.”

“Shut up, everyone. Anyway, talking about the sound, talking and talking, ah…”

We listened to their complaints about the rehearsal with a smile.

Then we realized that it wasn’t just us; the whole setup was a mess.

Our youngest with a tough look, Woobin, asked.

“Was your rehearsal okay?”

“Ours?”

We nodded warmly with a ‘you know’ smile, and the others narrowed their eyes.

Nod?

Nod nod.

We smiled silently.

Soon, amidst the warm atmosphere, heartfelt high-fives were exchanged.

December 27th.

As evening fell, the HBS Music Awards officially began.

“Wow.”

All the cast members were confined to the partitioned waiting rooms, so we were watching the live broadcast on a tablet PC.

After a brief VCR segment promoting the HBS Music Awards, like a campaign for the singers’ promotional activities.

Go Street!

Make some noise!

A group of delinquents in hip-hop attire swaggered towards the camera.

The opening performance.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

It was a joint stage of five boy groups, led by Street Boys and Wild.

“Wow!”

I clapped like a seal at the sight of LB, who stepped on another member’s hand and leaped into the air, kicking as if doing a somersault.

“Our Street Boys, fighting.”

“Looks like everyone practiced a lot. No wonder they kept telling us to look forward to it.”

I was impressed by the nine-member group that stood out in the sharp choreography of the hip-hop concept.

The only downside was the sound quality, making it hard to hear their voices.

Wow!

From afar, cheers faintly reached us along with the tablet PC.

After the joint performance ended with a group shot centered around the smiling Hanjo, the male and female MCs appeared in suits and dresses.

This year’s HBS Music Awards have prepared a stage for the viewers with a more splendid cast than ever!

Such a powerful lineup indeed.

Behind the bantering MCs, a VCR played.

As our images, resembling photoshoots and logos, appeared next to Serenity’s logo, a loud cheer erupted.

Wow!

After a while, logos of other singers, including Street Boys, flowed by.

The introductions ended with Teen Spirit and TNT.

Shall we start the 2015 HBS Music Awards?

The show officially began with a solo stage by Girls on Top.

There were events by idols with sponsors’ products in between, but we had nothing to do with them, so we watched comfortably.

“It’s really comfortable.”

“It’s the first time we’ve been this relaxed at an event.”

Lately, wherever we went, the broadcasting stations kept us busy without a break, unlike today.

Except for our solo stage in the first part, there were no other events.

“Let’s go clockwise~”

“And now the other way~!”

We used the free time to massage each other’s shoulders while watching the Music Awards.

“Oh, that stage effect looks good.”

“How about we try that in our concert later? I think the fans would love it.”

“Wow…”

Most singers had short performances, so they were showing stages that could make the biggest impact in a short time.

The ones I admired the most were our company’s seniors.

Along with senior Yoon Chan-hyuk, who sang a short medley of this year’s hit ballads…

“Wow.”

Scarlet’s main dancer, Rina, suddenly shot up into the air.

Pumping lift.

It was an entrance using a device that shoots someone into the air with compressed air from a lift.

Her long legs landed gracefully on the stage.

Wow!

The crowd cheered as she dusted off her jacket with hands in rider gloves and glared at the camera.

The girl group members gathered on stage with the intro music.

We were amazed by the powerful choreography set to their hip-hop concept title song.

“Look at the power in that choreography. That’s why we need to eat meat.”

“Right.”

“Exactly. Maybe that’s why our dance moves lacked strength lately. Should we grill some beef at the dorm?”

The managers beside us made incredulous faces as if to say, ‘What do you mean you lack strength?’

“Look at this.”

Jiho grabbed Junghyun’s forearm and shook his hand.

“Your arm has strength… Hyung, relax your hand.”

“Okay.”

“See! Your hand is limp because it lacks strength!”

“Limp and floppy.”

The managers laughed.

After getting permission to eat meat under the pretext of following our senior group, we comfortably continued watching the other performances.

“New Black! Please stand by!”

“Yes!”

Stretching, I rose from my seat with my siblings.

Gathering the determined faces around me, I declared,

“No need for a long speech.”

2 minutes and 30 seconds.

“Let’s make an impact. Ready? One, two, three!”

“Roasted sweet potatoes, roasted chestnuts, New Black!”

Together with the members, we put our hands in and shouted our chant.

Midway through the first part.

Before New Black’s stage appearance, the idol community was in turmoil.

-Is New Black up next???

-Yeah, seems like it.

-LOL, was the cue sheet real?

-Huh??? They’re coming out now?? Why?

-What? I’m not even a fan, but this is ridiculous.

A cue sheet, marked with ‘Strictly No Leaks,’ listed which singer would perform and in what order.

Though created by staff for broadcast management, it often leaked online during the end-of-year season.

[Today’s HBS Music Awards Cue Sheet.jpg]

The controversy started with a post uploaded that day.

-GirlTop is lip-syncing to live AR again, cut it out.

-If you’re a singer, sing… Not even a cover, they lip-sync their own songs?

-EnoTi?? Who are they? Why so many?

-Teens can’t finish again, LOL. Give Teens a decent ending this year, please.

-MOP isn’t in a position to argue about screen time… It’s Teens, but look at Serenity’s share.

-I knew it, LOL. Look at the stage time. Last year was KM Party, now it’s a TJ and MOP feast.

Criticism arose over the excessive screen time given to artists from the major agencies, TJ Entertainment and MOP Entertainment.

But what drew the most attention was New Black’s share.

[Current HBS Music Awards Screen Time Controversy]

As the year-end awards progressed, New Black was set to perform towards the end, followed by Teen Spirit and TNT in a fixed sequence.

Yet, their name appeared in the middle of the first part.

And it was a solo stage, marked as [‘Wind Flower’ + ‘Nine’ Medley] in just one slot.

-What?? What’s this?

-I’m not particularly fond of them, but isn’t a solo stage normal?

-LOL, didn’t they top the popularity among boy groups this year?? Utterly baffling.

-What were they thinking, seriously?

-Has the producer never tried New Black bread?

-These guys messed around with pre-recorded stuff last year, and now they’re pulling new stunts every day.

Even fans of other idols were left dumbfounded by the cue sheet.

It was so absurd that some suspected it was manipulated.

Most speculated, ‘Could there be some trouble?’

“…”

The Suples, not just New Black fans, watched the TV, boiling with frustration.

At least they found solace in knowing they weren’t the only ones bewildered by HBS’s year-end music stage.

-Why’s the MR like this today?

-Hey, can’t hear the voice…

-Just focus the camera when they dance! Hold it steady, ahhhh! Why’s it shaking too?

With twisted camera work and sound issues,

As each idol fan expressed their astonishment, it was finally time for New Black to take the stage.

And then…

“Dad!”

“What?”

“Come quick! New Black is on now!”

“Weren’t they supposed to be on much later?”

Unaware of the cue sheet, the Suples at home urgently called their family to the TV.

‘What? Why are they on now?’

As I pondered, my family seated beside me commented,

“But why are they coming out so early?”

“Maybe they’re busy and have to go somewhere. Didn’t they also appear live on the hit song show earlier?”

“Ah, must be because they’re so popular.”

As they convinced themselves, New Black members ascended the stage with the intro.

‘Wow.’

There they were, all dressed in suits, New Black.

The suit made my head look smaller and my limbs longer than usual, highlighting my proportions.

Captured on camera was the model’s leisurely walk, reminiscent of a runway stroll.

As I sang the lyrics of “Wind Flower,” I walked elegantly, passing by the camera with a fleeting smile.

“…Do our kids just look better on camera?”

I doubted it, but every time the camera switched, the members turned their heads or smiled with uncanny timing.

And after a minute, the chorus ended.

The giant screen showed Rihyuk reaching out with a longing, wistful smile, and the cheers erupted.

-Wow!

The atmosphere shifted dramatically, accompanied by the waving sea of light sticks at the venue.

Amidst neon-like beams, nearly 30 dancers ascended the stage.

Dressed in suits, the New Black members rode the waves of the music with intensity.

“Wow, they’re good.”

“See? I told you I’m a real idol.”

“But isn’t that song usually longer? Isn’t it famous?”

“It can’t be over yet, right? Maybe what we saw at the beginning was just a teaser.”

“Ah…”

As the middle-aged crowd nodded in understanding,

The members danced with Nine’s choreography as if their bodies would break.

Bijoo, standing in the center, led the flow, moving his arms as if skating.

Woojoo and Jiho, flanking him, spread the rhythm far and wide.

While Junghyun, with a deeper voice than usual, sang the addictive chorus of “Nine Nine,” the members glistened with sweat under the lights.

“Wow.”

Woojoo, his bangs drenched, shook his head and took center stage during the dance break.

Then, the leader stretched his hand with the microphone towards the camera.

The New Black members placed their hands on his shoulder as he winked and ‘fired’ the mic.

-Wow!

And then, the lights went out.

“The end?”

Viewers across the country were left stunned.

“What? That’s it?”

“Weren’t they supposed to sing a carol? I thought they were doing something similar to the PBS choir.”

“Do they make stages like trailers these days? It’s been so long, I don’t even know anymore.”

But as they shouted “Thank you!” and “Happy New Year!” while exiting the darkened stage, it was clear it was over.

At home, the Soufflés heard the news and exclaimed, “Those rascals!”

Those who had turned on the TV without knowing began to search.

As “New Black at the Music Awards” trended, entertainment articles quickly picked up on the controversy.

“This is tyranny.”

Viewers who had tuned in following the PBS choir’s performance frowned and turned off their TVs.

And then.

“Huh?”

The real-time viewership graph took a sudden turn.

In the HBS broadcast station’s control room, the staff blinked in disbelief.

“What’s going on?”

The staff, who had been celebrating the highest viewership in three years, looked perplexed.

And after the first part ended, the entertainment news section and HBS’s viewer forum buzzed with activity.