episode_0007

Kwon Seo-ah? Who is that?

Bambam knew who the nighttime streamer was. A streamer hosting singing contests. She had watched a few videos that popped up through the algorithm. Ye-seul immediately went into NewTube and searched for Kwon Seo-ah.

The video that appeared at the top.

[Bambam Season 123 Singing Contest) Master of Late Nights Appears?! A Fresh Start (Original Song: Tier)]

[3 days ago]

[Approximately 3,000,000 views]

“Wait, the video from three days ago already has 3 million views?”

What did she sing?

She raised the speaker volume and clicked on the video. When it comes to Tier’s song “A Fresh Start,” even well-known singers struggle to sing it now, let alone the vocalist of the Tier band hitting the original key.

However, she effortlessly digested it, going beyond with ad-libs. Not just excelling in high notes but also showcasing exceptional musical sensibility by adding unique color to the vocals, pronunciation, and even ad-libs not present in the original song without feeling out of place.

“Wow…”

It sent shivers down her spine. It felt similar to when she first heard Camomile’s songs, maybe even more so. Upon further investigation, she found out this person used to be the vocalist of an indie rock band and had disbanded due to personal reasons.

[Stem Cell (Wish)]

She also found the title track of the 1st digital album made before the disbandment. Without hesitation, she hit play. While not a music major, having worked as a manager alongside Camomile, she had developed a certain level of musical insight.

“!”

Incredible. She wrote and composed this herself?

So, that’s why they call her a genius vocalist. She thought it might have been promotional hype, but now she couldn’t help but acknowledge it. However, it’s regrettable. Despite lacking mainstream appeal, such a song not getting recognition is disappointing. Wait, didn’t she turn on the broadcast earlier? Let’s check quickly.

[Broadcast Title: Hello. Nice to Meet You.]

[Streamer Kwon Seo-ah]

[Viewers: 100]

“Oh…”

Perfect timing. Around 100 viewers for her first broadcast… Was it influenced by the fresh start video? Naturally, there’s potential for further growth from here.

As she tuned into the broadcast, she was singing the song she had heard earlier. Followed by other songs. Lost in the music, she forgot about evaluating and got immersed in the melodies.

“Thank you. Let’s keep communicating. The reason for starting internet broadcasting? Ahaha. Well… I guess I craved attention.”

Her conversation continued. Her singing skills were top-notch.

Considering her lack of broadcasting experience, her ability to engage listeners was decent, speaking gently like a sunny kindergarten teacher, making it easy to listen to.

Being a YouTuber, singing aside, ultimately requires good broadcasting skills, and she seemed quite good at it. Any shortcomings in broadcasting can be filled and taught by me. Ye-seul’s heart started beating faster.

“I want to debut her as a YouTuber…”

But if she’s a former indie band rock vocalist, almost a celebrity, and vocally on par with top singers, how do I convince her to become a YouTuber? If I manage to debut her alone, it would be no exaggeration to call this project a success. Then, after the song ended, her communication time began.

“And to be honest… money was a bit tight too…”

[User IlDangBaek donated 100,000 won!]

“Wow! No, no! I didn’t mean it was that tight to receive a hundred thousand won. How should I handle this? You’re giving me so much money…”

Money?

Right. Unfortunately, she mentioned disbanding the band due to financial difficulties.

“While I’ve received this, let me tell you, I dream that one day my songs will resonate worldwide. It may seem unrealistic, but isn’t that what dreams are for? I will never frivolously spend the donation you gave today. Thank you once again.”

That dream seems fine. It feels like it resonates deep within my heart. If it’s about money, our company can support you as long as you perform well in the future. The only thing left is how she feels about being a YouTuber. Let’s leave a detailed note.

***

The morning after the first broadcast. I went to bed around 1 a.m. due to the broadcast, so I feel a bit tired but very happy.

To be honest, I thought I would have zero viewers for the first broadcast, but over 100 people actually tuned in. The response was decent, and I received a lot of donations.

[Total amount received in donations]

[133,000 won]

Unbelievable. To receive this much after a four-hour broadcast. It leaves me speechless. The money viewers earned through hard work. Let’s not take it for granted and use it wisely.

Breakfast time.

As soon as Director Sun sees my sleepy face, she asks, “Did you do your first broadcast yesterday?”

“Ah… yes. I broadcasted for three to four hours until 1 a.m.”

“You’ve worked hard.”

Even Teacher Jung, whose friend’s daughter does Mukbang, adds a word of encouragement.

“She said that since it was her first broadcast, she had zero viewers for a month. She barely got any views on one video, and gradually viewers started coming in.”

I chuckled in response.

“I thought the same, but over 100 people tuned in on the first day.”

“Oh? Really?!”

Surprised by Teacher Jung’s reaction, I showed him the broadcast statistics on my phone.

“That’s true. Wow. As expected of our Seoa.”

“Yeah yeah. See? That’s why you have the potential to be a celebrity.”

“No, no. Well, technically, I’m not a celebrity…”

After all, I’ve never appeared on a broadcast before.

“If you become famous online, that’s being a celebrity. Nowadays, those people have as much influence as celebrities.”

Teacher Jung’s words aren’t wrong. My face is getting warm. I’m nowhere near that level yet; I’m just starting out, a newbie streamer on my first day of broadcasting. Let’s quietly eat our meal.

“Don’t you need to get autographs in advance?”

“I already took some pictures.”

“Director, you’re quick.”

“Tsk…”

Feeling embarrassed, we finished breakfast, and then a light music class was held at our daycare center. The teacher is me. She casually opened it up on Sundays as a way of saying she’ll rely on me in the future. Even though I’m not a certified teacher, as long as it’s enjoyable, isn’t that all that matters?

“I’ll borrow this for a moment.”

“Seoa, can you play the piano too?”

“Yes. Our Seoa was known as a genius band leader and vocalist. She can handle almost any musical instrument related to it.”

Before I could answer, Director Sun proudly replied for me.

“Oh… should we listen to it once?”

I went to the piano and played the accompaniment to a children’s song the kids enjoyed singing.

“Huh…?”

“This song!”

They quickly recognized the song and started singing along.

Although the pitch and rhythm were all different, who would nitpick here? Singing is about singing with your heart.

“Let’s do another song!”

“Sure. Let’s go.”

Perhaps because I used to be a rock band vocalist, there was a hint of rock spirit in the accompaniment to children’s songs. After the guerrilla music class ended, there was a short break. I relaxed my tired hands from playing the piano and drank some water.

Meanwhile, other teachers and Director Sun approached me, patting my shoulder.

“It’s nice that our Seoa is contributing her talents like this.”

“Talent contribution, indeed. One could see it that way.”

The teacher who taught music came up to me and asked, “Seoa, when did you practice these songs?”

“What? I’ve never practiced them.”

Seeing the teacher puzzled, I shrugged along.

“I just listened to what the teacher played and followed along by ear. It wasn’t as difficult as I thought…”

“Oh, it’s not difficult…? I practiced all night for weeks to play that.”

“Maybe it’s because my hearing is particularly sensitive.”

The teacher with a heavy heart comforted. At that moment, one of the students approached me and grabbed my arm.

“Seo-ah unni! Seo-ah unni!”

“Yeah?”

“We want to hear a song that Seo-ah unni sings this time! Because Anna always brags that she has listened to it directly next to her. We want to hear it too.”

“Oh, really? Should I do that?”

Actually, after playing only the accompaniment, I wanted to sing because my throat was itching.

“Wow!”

“What song would be good…”

The teacher came up to me and recommended a song.

“Is this difficult to play?”

“It’s a famous ballad song. You probably know it vaguely…”

Without sheet music, I hit the keys recalling the melody of that ballad I heard before. With a sorrowful melody, I started singing somewhat calmly.

As I sang, I got lost in emotions, making my voice even more poignant. I have to be careful as when I sing sad songs, my emotions tend to overflow. Conscious of this, I finished singing about one verse. Worried if it was too much, I looked around, and the teacher was wiping tears, and the kids were clapping absentmindedly.

“Did I sing the ballad for no reason?”

“No. It was so good… It felt sadder when you sang.”

“Maybe wandering a bit in life reflected in the song.”

“Really… Thank you for enduring until now.”

Did the atmosphere become too subdued?

“Should we do one more song? Something bright and hopeful.”

“We appreciate it. Even if we paid, it wouldn’t be enough…”

“Oh, come on. How can I take money from family-like people.”

That’s how the real last music lesson ended with a bright and hopeful song.

“Seo-ah unni, the music lesson was so fun! Let’s do it again tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow?!”

“Yes.”

“That won’t work. Tomorrow is Monday. You have to go to school. Instead, if you study hard at school and listen to your teachers well, I’ll do it again on weekends like today.”

“Yes!”

I might get tired of just music lessons. Let’s think of other fun lessons. For some reason, teaching and internet broadcasting seem different, but strangely similar. Since I thought of it, should I try a mini keyboard for today’s broadcast?

“The person who recorded Seo-ah’s song earlier?”

“Me.”

“Principal, you’re fast as always. Please send it to me.”

Is it good enough to want to listen to the recording again? It feels good to be liked. With a moment of leisure, I took out my phone. I planned to announce the broadcast time along with the content. But…

“Hello. This is Lee Ye-seul, head of the Linu Virtual Metaverse Department…(Not impersonating)”

Linu, the major corporation Linu?!

What’s going on here?