episode_0012

Camomile, a singer-songwriter and streamer with 1.9 million subscribers, sports brown wavy hair and the sharp demeanor of an artist. Be cautious not to lose control.

Meanwhile, she hands over a document and gazes at me. It seems like questions will come right away.

“Yes, I heard your self-introductions from all five of you. I have a question for 100번. After reviewing the first-round documents, I looked up your broadcasts and channel. They were indeed remarkable, as you mentioned earlier. So, I’m curious. Why pursue YouTubing amidst your success?”

Indeed, an unexpected question. I’ve already considered this from various angles, so I can calmly respond.

“I had a feeling you would ask that question. Firstly, from my perspective, the more I broadcast, the more shortcomings I noticed. So, wondering where to seek help, I came across this audition.”

However, this answer alone doesn’t fully explain why I do YouTube. So, I continue.

“Why YouTube? I’d like to answer that question like this. It seems fun, and my intuition is telling me to give it a try. My intuition tends to be good, so I’m sure it will yield positive results.”

“Hmm.”

Camomile’s expression softens slightly.

“Do you have a second perspective by any chance?”

“Yes. From the viewers’ perspective… it seems that communication flows more smoothly on YouTube than on cam broadcasts.”

“Why is that? Have you found a reason?”

“Well… in my case, it might sound out of the blue, but… because I’m too pretty.”

I never imagined these words coming out of my mouth. Moreover, everyone seems to agree, nodding along.

“Being exceptionally attractive actually makes communication awkward… In fact, I felt the same just now. I was so taken aback that I unintentionally put on a sterner expression.”

So that’s why my expression stiffened. Perhaps this could be a key point in lightening the mood. I throw in a prepared line with a bright smile.

“So, just like how the ozone layer shields us from some of the sun’s UV rays, I want to enhance communication with viewers by introducing a virtual character between us. Just as the sun, which embraces everyone, is risky without the ozone layer.”

I may not know the exact science behind this brief analogy, but as long as the meaning gets across, that should suffice.

“Hahaha. That’s amusing. It’s a thought-provoking idea. I’m quite satisfied.”

“Thank you.”

With Camomile’s brightened expression, I successfully navigate past the initial question. Next, Yi Ye-seul directs her question to 96번 instead of me. Okay. A brief break allows me to take a sip of water.

“96번. This time, I’ll ask you a question. You mentioned being knowledgeable about virtual and motion aspects. Could you elaborate further?”

“Sure. Leave it to me.”

She effortlessly delves into the topic like a wellspring of knowledge. However, as she explains various virtual terms, I struggle to grasp them. As long as the interviewer understands, it’s fine.

“Oh… You seem to know more details than expected.”

“Yes! Not only that, I’ve had many experiences while broadcasting. You know, even if you have the information, the process of handling tasks differs. If you choose me, I’ll be beneficial in various aspects, not just broadcasting.”

“Understood. Your self-introduction was impressive earlier… 99번.”

“Oh, me? Yes!”

Her tense body relaxes as she straightens up.

“Now that you’ve just become an adult, isn’t it an age of endless possibilities? Why limit yourself to internet broadcasting?”

“Um… First of all, let me clarify that it’s not like I have a serious illness or anything. Instead, I had a somewhat difficult time during my school years, dropped out of high school midway through, and became a middle school hikikomori… Even though I tried various part-time jobs, I always got fired after just a few days…”

To be honest, I’m worried that this might count against me in the interview.

“So, what I tried was internet broadcasting. It’s nice because I don’t have to show my face, and I can play games to my heart’s content… The response was quite good too. One of the videos I uploaded on my channel as a short clip garnered an impressive 1 million views. So… um…”

“In other words, having talent in broadcasting and being persistent in it is the only thing you excel at, right?”

Oops. The words slipped out before I knew it. I need to work on my habit of meddling due to my desire to help. Meanwhile, Applicant 99 nodded quickly in response.

“Oh. Yes, that’s right! Also, I watched a lot of your streams back when you were a streamer, Yesul-nim. It was very helpful.”

“I see… Let’s move on to the next…”

The interviewers questioned Applicants 97 and 98 sincerely. The interview then proceeded to the next round.

“Now, starting with Applicant 96 again. You mentioned wanting to become a straightforward older sister-like YouTuber. Could you briefly explain what kind of broadcast you’d like to do, what content you’re considering, and then we’ll proceed with a mock broadcast?”

“Yes, to briefly explain, while dance is my main content, I don’t plan to focus solely on dance broadcasts. So, I have prepared a few other things as well.”

She explained calmly, and the mock broadcast began.

“Alright, everyone, welcome! Let’s do our best with today’s broadcast.”

Engaging in conversations with viewers, laughing heartily, communicating, providing advice, and more. Her lively voice was pleasant, sprinkled with jokes here and there like lubricant.

“Also, is it okay if I add some slightly risqué humor? As long as it doesn’t violate platform rules.”

“As you wish.”

Wow. Even slipping in some cheeky jokes.

And so, Applicant 96’s mock broadcast came to an end.

“Well done. Your eloquence is impressive, and the occasional high-level jokes were entertaining without being awkward.”

“Haha, thank you!”

Listening attentively to the mock broadcasts of Applicants 97 and 98, nodding in agreement at the helpful content, the interviewers then moved on to the Applicant sitting right beside me, Applicant 99. When the interviewer spoke, she was momentarily taken aback, her mouth slightly agape.

“Applicant 99, you mentioned that you can handle any style, whether it’s cute or busty, but this time you wrote that you want to be a busty YouTuber for this new life.”

I thought she was an unusual person, but she’s quite something.

“Gosh! Hearing that out loud is so embarrassing. I wish I could disappear into a mouse hole.”

“Yes. What kind of broadcast would you like to do?”

“Well, no matter what kind of broadcast I do, I react sharply like hitting a sandbag. I’ve actually been hit before during my school days. Hmm. By the way, you know how every virtual idol team has a clown archetype, right? If you accept me into your company, I’ll gladly become the clown god.”

As she spoke, it seemed like her tension gradually eased. I silently cheered her on, saying, “Fighting!”

“Then let’s watch Applicant 99’s mock broadcast.”

“Yes… Uh, hey everyone! I’m the busty YouTuber.”

She barely managed to hold back her laughter. However, the suppressed chuckles from those who couldn’t hold it in were audible. In this situation, she turned this crisis into an opportunity and said:

“U-um, the atmosphere has already shifted, hasn’t it?!”

“Please continue.”

And then, her sharp reactions followed.

“What! No way, dude! Wanna die?”

She was so adorable that it was hard to contain my laughter. While resolving to laugh within limits that wouldn’t disrupt the interview, I listened attentively to her mock broadcast.

“Yes, I heard you well. Haha. It’s definitely fun.”

“Really?! Thank you! If you choose me, it will be even more enjoyable in the future.”

Now it’s my turn. Before starting, Ye-seul checks the documents and asks a question.

“You mentioned that YouTuber 100번 wants to take care of everyone like sunshine, like a mother. Usually, YouTubers are referred to as ‘마망 버튜버,’ but using it this way feels more relatable.”

“Hahaha. That wasn’t intentional. It was subtly well-received.”

“Yes. Let’s check the mock broadcast right away.”

Sunshine, a YouTuber like a mother.

The corresponding fan service had already been decided.

“Welcome, children of the Sun Class. Now, everyone place your hands on your belly buttons and greet. Nice to meet you.”

Children of the Sun Class.

Because deep down, everyone wants to be a child. I want to fulfill that desire.

The mock broadcast was not difficult. Well, that’s because it was based on what I had observed and done mostly at the orphanage.

After the broadcast, I looked at the interviewers. They were all looking back with satisfied smiles.

“Is it over? I wanted to see more.”

“We should end when it’s still good. Please choose me.”

“Haha, understood. In a world devoid of communication, you said you want to fill that void with communication. I think I understand what you mean. It feels warm and comforting, just like basking in the sun, as you said.”

“Is that so? Thank you.”

“What about Camomile?”

Seemingly a good cop, bad cop strategy, Camomile corrected her expression and asked me.

“But if you adopt such a concept as a YouTuber, wouldn’t you attract toxic viewers, the so-called trolls? Going through that process might easily break one’s mental state.”

“I believe streamers determine the tone of viewer chat. If you’ve actually watched my broadcasts, you’d know. There were really no negative comments.”

She nodded silently.

“Also, my mental strength is much stronger than most people. Growing up in an orphanage without parents, experiencing various things. Running an unpopular underground rock band and going through many different experiences. As a result, even significant events are taken in stride. You don’t need to worry about my mental state at all.”

“…I read some interviews as well. They were inspiring.”

“Thank you.”

I thought that was the case, but it seemed like that wasn’t the only role she played.

“Well, it’s been about 30 minutes already. Let’s take a brief 3-minute preparation time, then proceed with singing one verse of a free song without accompaniment and showcasing your unique talent.”

Finally, my most confident subject appeared.