episode_0008

[Hello. Streamer Kwon Seo-ah, who took her first steps in last night’s broadcast. I really enjoyed watching it. Besides the debut song, I was deeply moved by the other songs as well.]

[Nice to meet you. I am Lee Ye-seul, head of the Virtual Metaverse Department, a new department at the IT company Linu. Before delving into the story, due to the prevalence of impersonation scams in the online world these days, I have attached photos of my business card, number, and employee ID for verification.]

Upon seeing the attached photos, they seemed authentic. So why would the head of such a large corporation suddenly send me such a lengthy notice? The reason was stated in the paragraph below.

“We are currently in the process of launching the Linu (tentative name) Virtual Idol Team project.”

“Oh…”

“Whether through singing ability or excellent broadcasting skills despite it being your first broadcast, we believe you are a perfect fit for our Virtual Idol Team. That’s why I am leaving this separate note…”

Each word in this heartfelt prelude was dedicated to convincing me of why being a YouTuber is worthwhile and appealing.

“…If you are interested, please refer to the Linu Virtual Idol Recruitment notice address below. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us at the email address below or the contact information I just provided. We hope you will join us.”

I mentioned last night during the first broadcast that I would seize opportunities without prejudice, but when I suddenly received a proposal asking if I had considered becoming a YouTuber, my mind became confused.

What should I do? For now, let’s go to the internet address they provided and see how things work.

“Linu (tentative name) Virtual Idol Team Recruitment Notice!”

“Virtual 2D, 3D Avatar Studio, Producing, Vocal Training, Cover Songs, New Song Releases, and more – Industry-leading support guaranteed!!!”

“Unbelievable…”

Linu may barely make it into the top three among IT giants, but even that is incredibly impressive. Various support guarantees made my jaw drop without me realizing it.

Virtual streamers, commonly referred to as YouTubers, have now grown to a point where they cannot be ignored. Is this why even major corporations are venturing into this market?

“Hmm…”

There were several things I realized during the first broadcast. I felt there were areas where I lacked expertise, and I wished there was someone to help me with that.

Internet broadcasting.

It may seem easy to watch, but actually doing it involves sponsorships, live broadcasts, and more. It’s not as simple as it seems.

And those striking support guarantees keep catching my eye. Linu, the famous company, wouldn’t have casually written all this.

To hold auditions at such a large corporation…

This might be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. My intuition is urging me to give it a try.

Why not give it a shot!

So, I clicked on the provided link and meticulously read through each detail of the announcement.

“Audition Process”

“1st Round Document Interview -> 2nd Round On-site Interview -> Results Announcement”

“Qualifications”

“Female, aged 19 or older, no disqualifications for overseas travel”

“Individuals with dreams, vision, passion in the virtual market”

“Those with a sense of responsibility and diligence”

“Individuals capable of working as a full-time virtual idol streamer for an extended period”

The requirement of being female and 19 years or older caught me off guard, but hey, I’m a woman now. It doesn’t matter. Dreams, vision, passion, responsibility – I’ve always had plenty of those. Although the idea of long-term full-time commitment stings, I can manage it since I’ve been unemployed since my band disbanded.

“Preferred Qualifications”

“Strong individual talents such as singing, dancing, playing instruments, drawing, acting, voice acting, gaming, etc.”

“Those with a solid understanding of virtual streaming (YouTuber) and internet broadcasting or relevant experience”

“Proficiency in subculture, SNS communities, memes, etc.”

With their unique flair? Confident in their singing and musical instrument skills for band music more than anyone else.

Having experience as a YouTuber, session musician, and even briefly working as an influencer. Although not my channel, I have a career with a new start video that has over 4 million views.

One last thing remains.

Not well-versed in subculture or communities, just knowing bits here and there. Personally, I find social media unnecessary, only using it briefly for band account album and event promotions. Is this a problem? If curious, they were told to call. I immediately picked up the phone.

“Teacher, I’ll make a quick call and be back.”

“Sure~.”

I stepped outside and called someone named Lee Ye-seul. It’s Sunday, hope it’s not inconvenient to talk? Should I leave a message? Just then, a voice came through the receiver.

-Hello, this is Lee Ye-seul, head of the Virtual Metaverse Department at Linu.

“Oh, hello! I’m Kwon Seo-a. Just confirming the note you sent.”

But how do I prove who I am?

“Even a video call…”

-It’s fine. Your wonderful voice is proof enough.

“Ahaha. Thank you. I wanted to ask something, that’s why I contacted you. Regarding the preference section, about subculture and community, I only know bits here and there. Is that okay? I’m not good with SNS either.”

-Yes! That’s fine. Preferences are just that, preferences, not requirements.

I hadn’t thought of that.

-However, if it’s about SNS, you should be somewhat active if you get selected.

“Yes. If needed, I can do it. Sorry for asking something so obvious…”

-No problem. Anything else you’d like to ask?

“Yes. After reading your note, I felt sincerity and got interested, so I’ll submit my documents. Please take care of me.”

-Of course, I’ll take care of you.

She hadn’t hung up yet, and her cheer echoed through.

-Hooray!!!

“…Let’s end this quietly since it might be embarrassing. Let’s fill out the documents then. Writing submissions for songs, broadcasts, etc., wasn’t difficult. But one impressive question made me pause.

[Q: If you pass, what kind of YouTuber would you like to become?]

There was one. What I had hoped for, by some twist of fate, had become what I desired.

[A: A nurturing YouTuber like a mother.]

In today’s already bleak world, where communication has further deteriorated, isn’t that what everyone, including myself, desires?

[A warm person embracing everyone like the sun. If possible, I want to be that person who embraces everyone.]

***

On the second day of the broadcast. Today, I plan to play music as I thought of in the morning.

[Broadcast Title: Day 2 Greetings from Kwon Seo-a. Today is a day for playing musical instruments.]

-Seoha

-Seoha

-Let’s play some music!

-Hi there

-Here she comes!

-Is this the founder’s room of the New Start 3-octave high notes?

But wasn’t the viewership around 100 yesterday? Already close to 200 now. Amazing. A tremendous rise.

“Hello everyone. Nice to meet you all.”

Like a teacher taking attendance, I greeted the chat nicknames as I turned on the camera.

-Hahaha

-Nice to see you

-Yay~

Just by turning on the camera, such reactions. Awkward but not unpleasant.

“Before we start today’s broadcast, there’s something I’d like to mention.”

On the second day of the broadcast, mentioning the virtual audition from Linu might disappoint some viewers. Still, I want to try it, so they’ll have to bear with it.

“Do you know that Linu is selecting virtual idols?”

-Yes, we do.

-Yes

-Yeah

-Even big companies are eyeing YouTubers now, wow.

-It’s been trending a lot lately.

-No way?

“Yes… Truth be told, I thought it was an unparalleled opportunity, so I decided to submit my audition application there. I don’t know if it will work out or not, but if it does, it seems like I’ll be active as a YouTuber.”

It’s the second day of broadcasting, and it seems more noticeable than the first broadcast. How will the chat room be? Will they welcome me?

– Oh

– Haha lol

– If it’s Seo Ah, you’ll definitely pass.

– Looking forward to it.

– Haha lol

– I have to do a full broadcast until I pass haha

– Wow, then this broadcast will become very rare later on. I am now part of a scene in history together.

Surprisingly, I was amazed by the praise. Not a single trace of criticism in the chat.

[Il Dang Baek has donated 100,000 won!]

[Oh, no matter what I do, I support our Seo Ah.]

– Okay

– Okay

– Haha lol

– A YouTuber? I actually like that.

– Okay

– A YouTuber with this red pill? Insane…

“Wow… Up to a hundred thousand won, thank you all for your support. Yes, one more thing I’d like to say…”

Having gone through a series of events that no one would believe, transitioning from being a man to suddenly becoming a heavenly woman, I can confidently say this despite everything.

“Whatever I do, I am still myself. Whether in the future or now, that fact will never change.”

– Haha

– Haha

– Great, Seo Ah!

– Hehe, yes

– Exactly right

“On the second day, I suddenly said something out of the blue, so I apologize. Whether I make it through the audition or not, whether I continue with live streaming or start anew as a YouTuber… whatever I do, I will sincerely bring you entertaining broadcasts!”

– Good mindset hehe

– Yep

– Let’s go for the second day of broadcasting!!!

“Today, I brought a mini keyboard and a guitar. I’ll play something light…”

– Haha lol

– A content monster indeed

I borrowed the mini keyboard from an orphanage. The guitar is my childhood friend, an electric guitar that I bought with all my savings.

“Its name is Flare.”

– Haha

– How can a guitar be named Flare?

– Do you play the guitar well?

“Actions speak louder than words.”

I had set up everything before the broadcast, so I could show it immediately.

The sound of the guitar resonated. While looking at the chat slowly, an interesting donation arrived.

[Someone has donated 1,000 won!]

“Can’t take my eyes off? What does that even mean?”

I understood the intention as soon as I saw it and chuckled while reading the chat.

– Haha

– Wow haha

– Hmm

– That means you play the guitar really well!

– Yeah, visual is important when listening to guitar music too.

Come to think of it, these days on NewTube, videos of pretty people playing musical instruments are popular. Some even do it while cosplaying.

While cosplaying might be challenging, I should consider making videos of me playing instruments casually like now. It could serve as a portfolio later on. However, I won’t get caught up in appearances and neglect playing.

“That’s it for now.”

Being a woman now allows me to delicately handle things, a benefit only someone who has experienced both genders like me would understand.

– Haha

– Great, Seo Ah

– Indeed, professionals are different.

– Wow…

– You play really well

– Show us the keyboard too!!!

“Yes, then I’ll continue with the mini keyboard…”

[Someone has donated 10,000 won!]

“I like anime songs on the keyboard. Can you play one? What’s the title of the anime?”

It’s a title of an anime song I’ve never heard before. Still, since they gave me ten thousand won, I can’t refuse.

“If I don’t know it, there’s nothing I can do.”

“I’ll give it a try.”