Chapter 160

Chapter 160

Raise Three Idols Well And They’ll Launch a Confession Attack.

Episode 160: A Stage For Top Talent

“Am I hearing this correctly?”

In response to the question from Jin Myeong-hyeon, a singer specializing in rock ballads, PD Dokgo Chan of Music Road spoke as if it were obvious.

“Yes, you heard it correctly.”

“…Are you saying that we have to do a survival competition where we eliminate each other?”

“That’s correct. You must compete and survive until the end to aim for the title of winner.”

“Are you joking?”

Jin Myeong-hyeon spoke without hiding his anger. His tone was polite, but considering the formal setting, it was similar to using profanities.

“Who in their right mind would drop a bombshell like this during a meeting?”

“If you want to argue about that, you should first point out that we never revealed the program’s synopsis at all. And yet, despite knowing nothing about it, you all still chose to participate. So, what kind of show did you think you were signing up for?”

“Of course, I thought it was a music program where we travel and do a little busking! Isn’t that the obvious assumption?”

PD Dokgo Chan, perplexed by Jin Myeong-hyeon’s words, asked,

“It seems you’ve been thinking too softly. Didn’t you realize? We didn’t gather people with a wholesome, healing theme. There are just too many people here for that.”

“…”

The cast also fell silent at those words.

After hearing the names being mentioned, they also strongly felt a sense of unease.

Despite that, they were still here.

The PD, who knew the reason clearly, said to them,

“I understand your unpleasant feelings. If anyone wishes to leave the show, you may leave this meeting right now. This meeting was for confirmation, wasn’t it? It’s not too late, and you can leave without any loss since the contract hasn’t been signed yet. If you’d like, we’ll even provide generous transportation allowances. But keep in mind, if you leave now, your spot will surely be filled.”

Jin Myeong-hyeon hesitated for a moment at those words.

Most people here, including him, were in need of this program.

Because of that, he asked in a much weaker tone than before.

“Why are you handling this in such a way?”

“I have no way out either. That’s why I had to gather the best cast I could think of, like you all who are here. I’m not compromising by picking B-list artists. But the idea of holding a meeting for a survival show is difficult to sell to artists with high egos.”

Then, R&B singer Lena Shin, who had been sitting cross-legged and observing the situation, lifted her sunglasses and spoke.

“Then, from what you’re saying, it sounds like you think that by gathering us like this, you can convince us. Am I wrong in my assumption? If not, I might be greatly disappointed…”

And at those words, PD Dokgo Chan, who had kept a rigid, unmoving expression, smiled for the first time.

“The final winner will be given the right to perform a solo stage at Infinity Fest.”

A silence fell among the dozens of artists gathered there upon hearing this.

The people here all understood the weight of the PD’s statement.

“Um, Taeyang Oppa, what is Infinity Fest?”

It seemed that the young Gaeul didn’t fully understand yet.

I explained as quietly as I could.

“It’s the largest music festival held in Europe. As of last year, there are 11 stages, about 200 participating musicians, and around 1 million attendees. It’s an 11-day festival, the largest in the world, and it has even made it into the Guinness Book of Records. It’s a stage that any artist in music dreams of. What PD Dokgo Chan is saying is that he will offer such a stage as a reward.”

It was a reward that would make every singer’s eyes go wide.

Gaeul, realizing the weight of it, swallowed nervously.

“The organizers of Infinity Fest have such a close relationship with our broadcasting station that they even sent us congratulatory messages on the opening of our station. So, they’ve trusted our station’s built-up credibility and provided a spot, regardless of which artist gets it.”

“Isn’t it the smallest stage or something like that? Infinity Fest has 11 stages, right?”

“One of the three largest main stages, at the second busiest time—prime time. Does that answer your question?”

“…That’s sufficient.”

In the silence that filled the room, PD Dokgo Chan spoke indifferently.

“This is our broadcasting station’s best card. We will use it as the final reward. If you don’t like it, feel free to leave.”

After those words, the sound of the artists murmuring spread.

Some were making calls to their agencies, others nodded silently, and some were discussing with the singers sitting next to them.

Among these people, I spoke to Gaeul.

“It won’t be easy. You’re the only active idol here, so surviving the competition won’t be easy. No matter what, everyone here has made a name for themselves with their vocals.”

It was different from just singing on a music show.

This was a stage where only Gaeul’s vocals would be judged.

And among top vocalists.

If she fails, Gaeul will just be remembered as another common idol vocalist.

But if she succeeds, Gaeul will become a unique presence.

I hope Gaeul participates in this program.

After all, Yoo Gaeul, as a vocalist, had world-class talent.

But if it becomes a burden for her, I would respect her decision.

“What do you want to do? I’ll respect your choice.”

Gaeul looked at me with eyes full of hesitation, but soon spoke as if she had made up her mind.

“I…”

Writer Ye Han-na, who had become quite close with me after we helped each other during the Girl 100 incident, was unusually persistent in asking me for a favor.

-Team Leader Seon, please help me. It’s not about deciding on the show appearance. Just having one meal together would be enough.

“Sigh, I’m still uneasy about appearing as a panelist for such a variety show. From what I’ve heard, my role is pretty significant. What is it? A trip with a girl group and their manager? If that’s the case, wouldn’t it be better to just bring any manager from the agency?”

-Team Leader Seon is definitely not just any manager. Also, it’s not a whole group going, but rather girl group members who have stood out in variety shows. They’re sending one of the agency managers, but there’s a fairness issue if we pick one specifically…

Well, I understand why they’ve approached me as well.

“I understand the situation, but I’m still negative about appearing on the show. It’s clear that I would reject it, yet you still want me to go?”

-It’s really just a meal together! The PD and I– oh, and there’s a friend who’s a fan of Team Leader Seon, and we’ll all eat together.

“Who is that friend?”

-Her name is Iseo, a junior I know.

Iseo? Could it be the Jo Iseo I know?

“Is this Iseo, the main vocalist of the girl group Canola, one of the members in the variety show ‘Girls Party,’ which you are in charge of?”

“…”

Ye Han-na went silent.

From her reaction, it seemed my guess was correct.

So, the four of us eating together are me, the main PD, the main writer, and the main cast?

…How can this just be eating together, Han-na? It’s a pre-meeting before the official booking.

“Sigh, can you please give me a chance? The PD in charge, after realizing that I know Team Leader Seon, has been clinging to me, begging to have just one meal together. It’s been a few days now, and it’s becoming so hard to ignore that I think I’m getting indigestion!”

She must be having a tough time.

“Sigh, alright. When we get back to Seoul, I’ll have that meal with you.”

Ye Han-na had helped me in many ways, and as one of the main writers at MNet, I would probably need her help again in the future, so I had to agree to her request.

“Wow! Really? Then I’ll make the arrangements!”

After finishing the call with Ye Han-na, Gaeul, who had been waiting beside me like a golden retriever waiting for its owner, spoke.

“Team Leader Seon! There’s a Korean restaurant that has two Michelin stars! How about we have lunch there today?”

She must have been waiting for that long call just to have lunch with me.

“A Korean restaurant?”

“Yes! They say the clear broth pork soup is really authentic!”

Honestly, I was skeptical about Gaeul’s suggestion.

“Well… it’s amazing that a pork soup got a Michelin star. But do we really have to eat there?”

“Why? Pork soup is delicious, isn’t it?”

“Yeah, pork soup is delicious. But since we arrived, we’ve been eating Korean food non-stop. Doesn’t that feel a bit strange?”

“Huh? It’s perfectly normal for Koreans to eat Korean food.”

It’s not strange at all for Koreans to eat Korean food.

Even if it’s a bit frequent.

But there’s a time and place for everything.

“But we’re on an overseas location shoot!”

That’s right. Gaeul and I came to Europe for the filming of ‘Music Road (Subtitle: Love and Music).’

Gaeul had decided to join this competition for the show.

But her actions were a bit odd.

I could understand why she preferred to eat with me rather than the other cast members since the official filming hadn’t started yet.

The problem was her eating habits.

Who travels all over Europe and only eats at Korean restaurants?

“Uh… is that strange?”

“It’s not strange, but how about trying some local food?”

“Local food?”

Upon hearing that, Gaeul, surprised, slightly stood up from beside my bench and began looking at the locals walking by with a blank expression.

But her gaze seemed strangely focused on the women.

“Gaeul?”

“…No.”

With a determined expression, Gaeul pounded her chest and said,

“No! Our land, our food! Korean food is the best!”

“…”

…What on earth has made this girl so obsessed with Korean pride?