Chapter 2
'Idol Joint-Stock Company'
In this era, reality shows centered around survival and variety had captured the hearts of a vast audience. These shows became a magnet for aspiring young talents who harbored dreams of becoming famous. The audition process, driven by a voting system, mesmerized audiences and paved the way for the proliferation of programs following this format.
Among the multitude of shows, 'Idol Joint-Stock Company' stood out for a particular reason—it embraced the darker side of capitalism, and in doing so, it garnered exceptional popularity.
In its first season, the show adopted an advertising slogan that encapsulated its essence:
"Your idol stocks grow as you invest!"
This ingenious tagline conveyed the concept that votes could be obtained by purchasing "stocks" using real currency. Despite the failure and controversy surrounding Season 2, the program made a resolute comeback in its third season, disregarding past setbacks as if they were mere blips on the radar. Season 3 boasted an audacious slogan: "Relisting." This declaration left many skeptical, doubting whether the venture would be repetitive and uninspired.
As for me, my focus was immersed in preparing for the civil service exam, and I paid little heed to the show and its buzz. However, contrary to popular expectations, Season 3 achieved unprecedented success. Despite facing significant controversy and criticism, it garnered tremendous popularity and achieved impressive ratings. The group that debuted on the show quickly amassed 80,000 fans on music platforms and sold a staggering 600,000 copies of their debut album within the first week.
It was at this point that I made the resolute decision to become a contestant on this program as well.
Taking the first step towards my goal, I ventured out to enhance my appearance.
"Perfect! I made minimal adjustments to the sides, just as you requested."
"Thank you, I appreciate it."
Finally, my appearance began to exude a certain allure. As I gazed at my neatly trimmed hair in the salon mirror, I noticed that the past few days of ample rest and nourishment had erased much of my somber countenance. With my bangs tidily cut, my forehead was now visible, and surprisingly, my face exuded a rather handsome aura.
The lady undergoing a permanent curl treatment beside me couldn't resist offering some flattering remarks.
"Oh, young student, you look absolutely stunning! You've become so handsome and tall!"
Grateful for her compliment, I expressed my gratitude before proceeding to settle the bill at the counter, paying in cash.
"I am relieved to find that there are still some funds remaining in my account, as confirmed with the bank."
Glancing at my account history, I noted that I had yet to tap into the insurance money left behind by my parents. Although a pang of guilt momentarily gripped me, I couldn't afford to hesitate. I needed those funds to cover the expenses of obtaining a registration copy and purchasing a new phone plan. Perhaps, once I had earned enough money, I could reimburse the initial amount and even make a charitable donation to the Children Welfare Society.
A tinge of bitterness lingered in my thoughts. After all, my inquiries had revealed that the suicide attempt by a certain individual named Park Moondae was not an impulsive act. He had vacated his rented accommodation, forfeiting almost all of his deposit due to late rent payment. Furthermore, his phone plan had been terminated. It all transpired on his birthday, further underscoring the depths of his despair.
I empathized with him, as I had once experienced similar feelings.
"May you find solace in a better place," I silently whispered, concluding my moment of reflection. With that, I pushed open the salon door and stepped outside, greeted by the intense mid
day sunlight.
There were still numerous tasks to complete in pursuit of my goal.
"First and foremost, I must secure my position as an authentic contestant."
I had already acquainted myself with the program's missions,
the members who had successfully debuted, and even the unexpected theme song. Although my exam preparations had caused me to miss out on some details, I knew that seizing this opportunity would be far more advantageous than searching for an alternative path.
Even though the open audition recruitment for this season had already concluded, I possessed a clue that could potentially guide me in the right direction. I intended to leverage it until it yielded the desired outcome.
My objective was clear—I aspired to become a contestant on this survival program, despite its closed audition process.
And I aimed to achieve this within a week.
However, instead of seeking auditions at a broadcasting station, I had a hunch that a local karaoke establishment in the Sung-X neighborhood, adjacent to the station, held the key to my aspirations.
———————
"Ah, you mean IJC? The abbreviation for Idol Joint-Stock Company? I've heard some intriguing things about them. Apparently, one of the writers possesses a rather eccentric demeanor."
This casual conversation unfolded during an after-party for a photography club, where participants often engaged in lighthearted banter and gossip.
A fellow partygoer, known for spreading rumors, began sharing some information he claimed to have heard from a relative employed at the broadcasting station.
"They say there's this woman who scoured various karaoke joints in the Sung-X neighborhood, near the broadcasting station, to recruit a contestant. Can you believe it? She was an ordinary individual, causing quite a commotion and receiving a stern reprimand from the program director. Seems like she's a true maverick, doesn't she?"
The gossipmonger grew increasingly animated, regaling the crowd with numerous tales of auditions and the recruitment process. While it was typical for such stories to emerge during post-party conversations, it was rather unusual for someone to delve into such mundane details in an informal gathering ubiquitous for relaxation.
With palpable disdain etched on their faces, the collective silently conveyed their dissatisfaction with the impromptu conversation that had disrupted their leisure.
"Yes, let us never extend an invitation to him again," someone uttered, their voice dripping with unabashed contempt.
"Indeed, I wholeheartedly agree," chimed in another, their agreement resonating through the air..
As for me, I paid no heed to their petty gossip, my attention ensnared by the allure of free-flowing alcohol, an irresistible temptation that beckoned me.
To my astonishment, however, a voice emerged from the crowd, vouching for the claims that had been made.
"That maverick individual was none other than Lee Goyoon," the voice declared, as if unraveling a captivating revelation.
Confusion enveloped me like a sudden gust of wind. "Huh?"
Lee Goyoon, a luminous female idol who had made her resplendent debut in Season 1, was a name etched in my consciousness. She had captivated audiences with her winsome innocence, cheery disposition, and the endearing lilt of her distinct regional dialect.
Several onlookers stood awestruck, their minds enraptured by this revelation that had unveiled a hidden truth.
"Really, was she not one of the original members?"
"Indeed she was," came collective affirmation.
"How on earth did you you know that?" inquired an intrigued soul, their curiosity seeking solace in the answers that awaited.
A senior girl from the Department of Mass Communications, nearing graduation, calmly unveiled her familial connection to the "maverick."
"That 'maverick' happens to be my older sister," she confessed, her words measured and infused with an coldness.
The gossipmonger who had instigated the conversation was promptly silenced, met with a volley of playful mockery from all sides.
"Ah, Yes! It seems you have received your proper punishment."
"But wait, was she not subjected to severe criticism by the producers? How, then, did she get promoted.?"
A stifling silence descended upon the gathering, the weight of truth settling upon the previously loquacious individual.
Thereafter, he sat in a subdued manner, wisely choosing to abstain from provocation. I, on the other hand, embraced the tranquility that had befall the scene, allowing me to savor my libation undisturbed. As I indulged in the beverage, my senses were attuned to the narrative being spun by the senior sister.
It happened that during the auditions, when the program was plagued by a dearth of quality contestants, the aforementioned senior undertook the task of scouting talent from the neighboring karaoke establishments surrounding the broadcasting station, dedicating an entire week to this task.
"Some may ask, would it not have been easier to seek out street performers or karaoke performers? They are more accessible, after all," proposed a curious soul, their inquiry seeking elucidation.
"Indeed, one might thibk that to be the case. However, the discerning eye of the senior sought to avoid such individuals, for they primarily consisted of aspiring singers. If she wanted a commoner, an individual with a refreshing character, one who stands apart from the seasoned contestants, that's where you should go," expounded the senior.
Rather than selecting individuals who appeared primed for imminent stardom, the aim was to unearth an amateur gem, one who possessed a unique charm and untapped potential, injecting an ineffable essence of entertainment into the very fabric of the show.
In this day and age, entertainment companies honed aspiring idols to be cautious and restrained, thereby making it increasingly challenging to discover personalities who remained unbridled and uninhibited.
Ultimately, this commoner contestant might end up being a sacrificial lamb, a vessel for the program's voracious appetite for amusement.
"Yet, my friends, let us not dwell on such matters at this moment."
What truly mattered was the high probability that the writer, in her quest for the perfect cast, would continue employing the same method in Season 3.
"It is hard to relinquish a formula that has garenteed success in the past."
Given the lackluster results of Season 2, the initial pool of auditions might prove even more lackluster this time around. Consequently, the writer would undoubtedly invest more effort in her quest, sparing no expense in her search for untapped talent.
Adopting an objective perspective, I analyzed the situation at hand.
Park Moondae, this man, possessed a slender physique that belied his striking looks and considerable height, both of which served as favorable assets in the realm of entertainment. Furthermore, his prodigious talent for singing further bolstered his chances of capturing the writer's discerning eye should their paths cross.
Yet, there were other aspects to consider.
"I must endeavor to ascend to greater heights," I resolutely declared.
To bolster my chances, I needed to invest in my aptitudes and achieve various practice milestones. I had to possess something extraordinary, an element of unparalleled brilliance that would captivate the writer's discerning gaze.
Seizing the microphone with unwavering determination, I selected a song that resonated with my soul. Discreetly, my gaze swept toward the door of the karaoke room, its transparent glass offering a dual vista, allowing both those within and outside to peer into my booth.
This particular karaoke establishment had been meticulously chosen, its proximity to the broadcasting station making it an ideal haunt for the elusive writer, whose tasks likely tethered her nearby.
Without a moment's hesitation, I secured the booking for ten songs in advance, forgoing the customary prelude, and began.
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[An accomplishment achieved!
Level 1 ascends to Level 2
Note! You have earned a singular point!
In a swift succession, I triumphed, attaining a significant milestone—conquering the art of singing ten songs. Naturally, I had achieved it quite fast, for it was the most accessible of mission to accomplish.
True to form, I invested my newfound point into Vocal, thus propelling my rating from the modest C+ to the elevated echelons of B-.
To put my refined abilities to the test, I revisited the same song once more, and lo and behold, an extraordinary improvement in my performance unfolded before my very eyes. My foundational skills had solidified, as if my voice had experienced a wondrous transfiguration.
The timbre of my voice had deepened, resonating with newfound richness, while my vocal projection soared to unparalleled heights. It appeared that with each alphabet level I ascended, my progress escalated in kind, as if orchestrated by an unseen force.
This indelible memory remains etched in my psyche, its strangeness accentuated by the whimsicality of my circumstance.
In this line of work, my rapid ascent had brought forth unforeseen opportunities. I couldn't fathom that I would be scouted so swiftly, especially considering the time frame. Yet, this early triumph bestowed upon me a fortuitous advantage.
The lady before me, adorned with glasses, appeared fatigued, yet her deliberate attempt to exude enthusiasm was unmistakable. She endeavored to leave a positive impression, a feat she successfully accomplished. Intriguingly, her business card held the name I had long awaited.
[Ryu Seorin]
The name resonated with familiarity, for it mirrored that of Ryu Seojin, the senior girl from the Department of Mass Communications. Their shared surnames bespoke there undeniable connection.
"May I inquire of your name, student?"
"Park Moondae."
"You are truly talented. Please consider, for I perceive within you the makings of a star. Our program specializes in unearthing individuals with star quality."
I responded without an overt display of elation, mindful that excessive enthusiasm might convey a premeditated longing for this very moment. Those eager souls would fall prey to the preliminary profiling, while my aim was to surpass such trifling hurdles.
As if sensing my reservations, the lady proceeded to offer additional persuasion.
"Your quite attractive, and your vocal prowess is undeniable. Upon joining our program, your performance is bound to mesmerize. ...Hm, would you mind undergoing a preliminary filming test today?"
"Pardon?"
With a desire to expedite the verification process, the lady's tone carried a tinge of urgency.
"Sure. Kindly inform your parents. They will be delighted to learn that their son has been recruited for a television program and will soon join the broadcasting station."
"...My parents are no longer with us."
The instant those words escaped my lips, the writer within the lady sparked like a fleeting firework, briefly betraying her inner excitement. It seemed she regarded this revelation as a tantalizing prospect, fully aware of the potential narrative value it held. The craft of spinning a compelling story was indispensable in survival programs, where even the slightest hint of exploitation could blossoms into fame.
Unfortunately, the writer swiftly composed herself, her demeanor softening as she offered an apology.
"Forgive me. I spoke insensitively."
"No need to worry."
"I merely suggested that you approach this visit to the broadcasting station as a leisurely exercise. This opportunity is not one easily come by~"
"...Hm."
Should I give my assent now?
Feigning hesitation, I bided my time, allowing a pregnant pause to linger. Then, with deliberate slowness, I nodded. Instantly, the lady's face radiated with unbridled delight.
"Ah, you have made a wise decision! The broadcasting station awaits just ahead!"
Thus, my first goal had been achieved.
The smoothness of my progress surpassed even my lofty expectations.