episode_0011

It seemed like a story told by someone else that a person could change so much with just one song, although it’s not my song, but I became famous enough for strangers to recognize me immediately. It feels refreshing.

“Yes, that’s right, Kwon Seo-ah.”

Upon hearing that, she couldn’t help but admire the guitar bag I was carrying once again.

“Wow! Walking alongside such a person like you. So, you brought your guitar too. To sweep away the interview room!”

To sweep away… that might not be the wrong expression.

“Yes, to sweep it away.”

“Haha! I really enjoyed your new start song. I listened to it on my way here just now. It has already surpassed 10 million views. Have you seen it?”

“Yes.”

She was as happy for me as if it were her own achievement. Even without knowing much about NewTube, everyone would understand how remarkable reaching 10 million views is.

“I may not have been good at singing originally, but I was somewhat confident in dancing. No matter how hard I tried to promote my dance with full force, it was difficult to surpass even a thousand views. But ten million…”

1,000 views.

For some reason, it reminded me of something from the past, and I found myself responding earnestly without realizing it.

“I felt the same way. The title track of my first digital album, created with all my heart, only had that many views. But somehow, this opportunity came my way. So, don’t give up.”

“Oh…”

“Wait a minute. I unintentionally sounded too serious, didn’t I? I’m sorry.”

“No, it was really nice, wasn’t it? Perhaps it struck a chord. Even if I fail this interview, I won’t give up and will work hard.”

The path to Building B was longer than expected, but it was nice to have more conversations with this person.

“By the way, I heard your name, but I didn’t introduce myself. My name is Cha Hyo-bin. I used the nickname ‘Threppa’ before. I wasn’t a particularly great broadcaster.”

“From what I’ve heard, were you mainly focused on dancing?”

“Yes, that’s right. Klukluk. Then I happened to learn about VR. I ran a VR dance team, but unfortunately, it didn’t take off… and that’s how I settled as a YouTuber.”

VR dance team?

I asked for a detailed explanation of the intriguing term.

“How should I explain it? Simply put, creating videos of dancing as a character.”

“So, being in charge of the team means you were the leader?”

“Yes. But… it didn’t end well. It was because of my lack of talent.”

“…”

The more I listened, the more memories of my band days resurfaced. I hope things go well for this person too.

“Even though you’re the leader of a VR dance team, your background seems quite impressive, doesn’t it? Have more confidence in yourself.”

“Haha! I can’t even iron out my wrinkles in front of a camera. Just talking big, about views and audience size. The scale is quite small. I cater to a small group of viewers. That’s how it is.”

“Count me in for support.”

“Really? We could be seen as competitors in a way. Is that okay?”

“While we may be competitors, we are applicants in the same position. I want to call you a colleague.”

“… Actually, I feel the same way. It must be fate that we met like this. I’d rather be companions than competitors. Everyone.”

And now, upon opening this door, the waiting room for interviews comes into view.

“Let’s do our best.”

“Yes! Kwon Seo-ah, fighting!”

As I opened the door, a man wearing a necklace with an employee ID card asked for personal information. If I pass, will I also wear such an employee ID card?

“Cha Hyo-bin is number 96. Kwon Seo-ah is number 100.”

He handed over name tags with numbers written on them.

“Please wear it around your neck and take a seat at the chair corresponding to your number.”

Number 100?

I was quite surprised by the large number and asked in astonishment.

“Are a hundred people coming today?”

“No. Over five days, twenty people come each day.”

“That’s quite an impressive number. With a hundred applicants, how many actually submitted the first-round documents? It might be hard to answer that. When asked, they kindly responded.

“We are planning to announce it soon as an article, so I can tell you. Over five thousand people applied.”

“Haha…”

When the teachers asked if the competition ratio was 50 to 1, it seemed like the answer wasn’t that extreme. If there are 100 out of 5000, then it’s truly 50 to 1. Predictions from experience are not to be ignored. Among them, only five final candidates will be selected. Five out of 5000. That makes it a competition ratio of 1000 to 1. Surpassing the competition ratios of most major corporations by far.

As I took my seat, I could see the applicants waiting in line. People tuning their guitars like me, humming to relax, stretching, and more. Each one was practicing what they would present during the interview. I was also practicing, waiting for the interview time.

– Rose Fantasia!

“Ahh…!”

Along with the game startup sound, I heard a startled female voice nearby. It seemed like applicant number 99 had turned on a game. Only the two of us seemed to have noticed.

“S-Sorry…”

“It’s okay.”

She had long, messy brown hair that seemed like it needed some care. Despite her petite frame, she wore a large black hoodie and sweatpants.

“Um, I was trying to check the lines again for a game dialogue performance contest…”

“Oh, I see. That’s why you turned it on. Don’t worry about it.”

Seemingly very nervous, she kept stumbling over her words. Without realizing why, I instinctively pulled out a candy from my pocket.

“Would you like this? Eating something sweet might help you relax.”

“Oh. Thank you.”

“Also, sorry, but can I comb your hair a bit?”

“M-M-My hair?”

Did I say that for no reason? I’m not sure. I just wanted to help. Maybe she felt uncomfortable. I opened the front pocket of my guitar bag and took out a comb.

“But my hair is really tangled, so the comb might not go through easily… Also, my hair is naturally brown, and I used to be called ‘dog fur.’”

“It’s okay. I’ll be gentle.”

Having unintentionally combed children’s hair before and tied it up, I skillfully untangled her knotted hair without causing pain. After a while, her previously messy hair looked neat.

“You look pretty.”

“Huh?”

“I don’t know why, but I have a habit of taking care of younger ones…”

“Oh.”

This time, I took out a hand mirror to show her the tidy hair.

“Wow. Really. It didn’t hurt at all.”

“Is that so?”

“Thank you.”

With her tangled hair now sorted out, she seemed to have relaxed somewhat. And as time passed, it was already 8 o’clock sharp. The second round of interviews for Linne Virtual Project had begun.

“Next… Numbers 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, please come in.”

Wasn’t 96 the person I just helped? What a coincidence. We ended up going into the interview room together.

Upon entering the interview room, aside from Camomile with 1.9 million subscribers and Director Lee Ye-seul, several Linne employees were visible. Their expressions showed signs of fatigue, likely due to the five-day audition process. Meanwhile, Director Lee Ye-seul looked surprised but quickly composed herself.

“Welcome. Please take your seats starting from number 96.”

And thus, the second round face-to-face interview began.”

“Alright, let’s start with a brief 30-second self-introduction from number 96.

“Yes!”

Number 96, starting with a cheerful girl she coincidentally met, confidently introduced herself with a strong voice.

“Hello! I’m applicant number 96, going by the nickname ‘Threppa,’ currently 24 years old this year, named Cha Hyobin. I’ve led a dance team as the VR dance team leader and occasionally do full 3D dance broadcasts using my experience. Seeing the announcement, it seems like you’re preparing everything from your own studio to what’s commonly referred to as original 3D. In that case, someone well-versed in motion like me would be essential. I’ll show you later, but I’m confident in my dancing and also enjoy broadcasting. Please take care of me.”

Unbiased, a confident and assertive introduction just like the first meeting.

“Got it. Thank you for sharing. Next, number 97.”

Numbers 97, 98, and then 99 started their self-introductions.

Come to think of it, I haven’t heard the name yet.

“Yes, yes! Participant number, no, applicant number 99. Um…”

Seems quite nervous, but managed to continue speaking cautiously.

“Operating under the nickname ‘Mungmung,’ my name is Baek Minji. I turned 20 this year, officially an adult. Born in January, I’m a flawless adult who has passed her birthday! As for me, all I can do is internet broadcasting; it’s the only thing I excel at. So, I’m more eager than anyone else! Also, I can confidently say I’m well-versed in subculture, such as anime, games, and more! Please give me a chance!”

Give me a chance!? Quite a powerful statement. Moreover, being a YouTuber is quite related to subculture, so being knowledgeable about it is a significant advantage. I was nervous since waiting in the interview room earlier, but thankfully, things seem to be going well.

Next is number 100. My turn is approaching.

A 30-second self-introduction. It seems everyone experiences nerves during interviews, and no matter how many times you do it, it remains challenging.

“Hello. I’m Kwon Seoa, 27 years old, who previously led as the vocalist of the indie band Scarlet and now streams under the same nickname, Kwon Seoa.”

The most important thing is diction and impressiveness.

For diction, I’ve practiced countless times during my vocal career. As for impressiveness, what kind of introduction will make the interviewer remember me? Here’s my thought: If your career is outstanding, that alone is impressive.

Winner of the Night Night Streamer Karaoke Contest Season 123. Currently surpassing 10 million views on that video. The personal broadcast I’m doing has grown, maintaining an audience of 500 people. A video where I arranged anime songs on guitar has also surpassed 200,000 views.

There’s nothing more straightforward than numbers when talking about your career.

It’s embarrassing to boast about myself, but it’s an interview. I have to endure it to succeed.

“Wow… 10 million views.”

“Oh, you’re the one who sang the new beginning song.”

“Mm, impressive.”

As expected, the gazes on me changed in an instant, except for one person, Camomile.