Chapter 4
"Hmm?"
Whispers permeated the room, tinged with palpable curiosity, as the judges exchanged glances.
"T-Holic?"
A few years ago, the illustrious boy group known as 'T-Holic' abruptly halted their activities after an impressive streak of winning the grand final for three consecutive years. The reason behind their hiatus was the departure of several members who had joined mandatory military service.
In a strategic response, the company ingeniously propelled its exceptionally talented main vocalist to the forefront, leveraging the youngest member, who had yet to fulfill his military obligations, talent.
He unleashed an awe-inspiring mini-album that served as a testament to his aptitude . The track was extraordinary, its chorus reverberated with an indomitable force, captivating listeners far and wide.
However, as time passed, it became evident that the true gem of this album lay not in the title track, but in one of the side tracks.
Remarkably, this particular song climbed its way up to the third spot on the music charts.
The buzz started with a glowing recommendation post from a popular female soloist, which was later amplified by appearances on various variety shows.
That side track was
A melodious fusion of vibrant bass and sophisticated synths, it exuded an accessible quality that resonated with audiences at numerous college festivals. Eventually, it secured a coveted position in the annual Top 100.
And now, during this filming, the interlude unmistakably played that very song.
Its iconic introduction, featuring a distinctive accordion melody in the chorus, served as a testament to its artistic brilliance. If performed flawlessly, this song had the potential to leave a lasting impression.
Yet, the contestant's choice raised intriguing questions.
"Why would he opt for this song without any knowledge of the show?"
Given the circumstances, the song's context appeared rather eccentric.
It neither represented the typical track of a popular idol, nor qualified as a renowned piece from an established singer.
It didn't fit the mold of songs contestants usually choose for their debut evaluation in idol or singer survival programs. It defied conventional categorizations.
Moreover, it had been several years since the song gained popularity.
She hadn't selected a song for him, assuming he would go for something more conventional. Yet, this unexpected choice unfolded before them.
While the production team could have reviewed the submitted songs from the contestants beforehand, the sheer number of participants—77 in total—made it arduous to keep track.
The predicament was that she didn't want to waste time fussing over a substitute; she simply wanted to wrap up his performance quickly.
"Evaluating this song alongside the others presents a unique challenge..."
The writer tapped her pen discontentedly against the floor, unsatisfied with the situation.
The judges, initially taken aback by his audacious choice, now eagerly awaited the conclusion of the interlude.
Finally, Park Moondae began.
"I remember the me that I knew,
Beyond the shimmering, dazzling seasons,
To the days of weariness and fragility,
At the end of those never-ending days,
The one who embraced my shattered self, Oh-
It's always me,
Yes, It's me..."
Silence enveloped the room.
It was extraordinary.
Starting with an off-beat rhythm, as if softly reciting, the first verse flowed flawlessly.
Not many people were intimately familiar with the song's intricacies, as its deceptively effortless nature concealed its true complexity. Singing this particular song accurately required impeccable timing due to its unconventional beat.
One's performance could easily unravel, sounding amateurish.
Yet this contestant effortlessly navigated the complex beats and intricate melody.
"Dan, tadan-, tan, dan, daaan-, tadan."
The judges, unconsciously tapping the table in sync with the music, were captivated. They couldn't help but acknowledge the flawless execution of his vocals.
Even the general viewers,
unacquainted with the intricacies of the half-time beat, would perceive his performance as exceptional. His articulative prowess seamlessly merged with the instrumental, creating a harmonious synergy.
And beyond that...
"His voice... it's extraordinary?"
His diction exuded an extraordinary brilliance, resonating with an exquisite depth that bestowed a profound richness upon the song.
"Was he truly this remarkable during the karaoke session?"
The writer reminisced about the singing she had witnessed when she first met him, realizing that it paled in comparison to the spectacle unfolding before her. If he had showcased such an astonishing level of talent back then, she would have extended the interview and offered her guidance in selecting a song.
"Could he have improved to this extent in just ten days?"
Despite the writer's astonishment, the song had surpassed the verse and ventured into the pre-chorus.
Hence, I (thus, I)
I must celebrate myself (I must commemorate my own being)
I must never forget again (I must eternally remember)
Yes, remember (so, let the memories resound)
Until this very moment (up until this ephemeral juncture)
As the melody ascended like an escalator, not a single note wavered off-key. The absence of any audible strain or heavy breaths was remarkable.
At this juncture, the writer's attention was captivated by the expressions of astonishment etched upon the faces of the judges.
Perpetually enduring the challenges of each passing day (constantly emerging triumphant each day)
This bewildering miracle (this awe-inspiring phenomenon)
Do not let it be forgotten, do not let it be erased (preserve it in your heart, shield it from oblivion)
And let us revel in celebration (let us rejoice and exalt)
Honoring this very moment (commemorating the present instant)
That is the essence of festivity within me
As if every day were a grand soirée, Ooh-
Let us revel and exult
The high note soared even higher, executed with an effortless grace that hinted at the possibility of reaching even loftier octaves. There was no hint of strain whatsoever.
Instead of resorting to wild shouting, his speech-singing technique, characterized by its serene and melodious timbre, proved to be the ideal approach for the song.
Now, the writer couldn't help but wear a self-assured smile.
"Indeed, this has exceeded all expectations... He possesses the potential to become our lead vocalist... In fact, we were lacking vocalists. This is turning out splendidly. My intuition is truly exceptional. To think that I recruited him off the street and discovered such an extraordinary talent."
And thus, the second verse commenced.
While the melody retained its familiarity from the initial verse, Park Moondae effortlessly adapted to a complex and diverse tempo.
As the bridge transitioned, the final chorus approached, heralding the impending arrival of the high note. Without hesitation, his voice soared to even greater heights.
The electrifying high note elicited a spine-tingling sensation, leaving an indelible impact. It was a masterful climax, meticulously balanced and devoid of any hint of recklessness.
Then, he speech-sang the opening line of the first verse once more, gracefully bringing the song to a close.
...I remember the me that I knew...
The contestant flawlessly delivered each note until the very end.
As the instrumental backdrop gradually faded into silence, Park Moondae humbly bowed, absentmindedly uttering, "Thank you for listening."
A fleeting moment of silence ensued, during which the writer's grip on the pen tightened.
"Yes, let us not allow him to slip away. We must secure his place."
As the lady skillfully adjusted Park Moondae's stance, the judges eagerly held their microphones aloft.
"Whoa, Moondae-ssi!"
"Yes?"
"You are well aware of
your exceptional abilities, correct!?"
"...I devoted myself to diligent practice to deliver a commanding performance."
Another judge promptly joined in with effusive praise.
"No, this transcends mere practice. You possess an innate talent."
He was a forthright choreographer renowned for his candidness.
A smile lit up his face, his eyes shining with a newfound fondness for the contestant, as genuine admiration cut through his exaggerated mannerisms - perfectly befitting the grand stage of a TV program.
Park Moondae, overwhelmed with joy, humbly lowered his head.
The judges showered him with an uninterrupted stream of compliments, their words forming a melodic chorus of praise.
Among them, Mudie, the renowned female singer and vocal coach, had a radiant sparkle in her eyes as she offered her own accolades.
"First and foremost, your vocal color is incredibly refreshing. Your articulated is excellent, allowing your unique tone to shine through."
"Indeed, it felt as though you were whispering right into my ears."
"Absolutely, I couldn't agree more."
Their harmonious agreement echoed through the room, prompting Mudie to continue without hesitation.
"Furthermore, your voice seems to transcend a single genre, which is a crucial factor in becoming an idol. You display no detrimental singing habits either. I eagerly anticipate your future endeavors. Truly."
"Thank you," Park Moondae responded graciously, his gratitude evident.
"Moondae-ssi, if I recall correctly, you have never been associated with an entertainment company before, right? You mentioned earlier that you lacked experience, and looking at your records, there's truly nothing."
"Yes, I have yet to..."
The young male judge, a popular idol who had recently experienced the departure of two group members during contract negotiations, asked a probing question.
"Have you never taken any formal lessons or attended any academies?"
Park Moondae silently shook his head.
The judge who inquired expressed a mix of admiration and mild skepticism. But Mudie interjected with an infectious smile.
"Ah, indeed! It might be better to wait for that one big opportunity rather than joining just any entertainment company. I'm confident that you'll receive offers from top-notch agencies!"
"Thank you for your words of encouragement," Park Moondae replied graciously.
The astute writer couldn't help but realize that Mudie's company was preparing to debut a new boy group.
"Ah, of course. She has vested interests," the thought crossed the writer's mind.
Observing the contestant's humble demeanor and lack of excessive excitement, the lady shifted her gaze to the judges, who showered him with unanimous praise. A peculiar sensation washed over her.
Somehow, it felt as if she had unknowingly fallen into his carefully crafted plan.
While the TV broadcast undoubtedly benefited from having such a talented contestant, a sense of discontent stirred within her.
Resting her chin on her hand, the writer observed Park Moondae, holding the handheld microphone, and suddenly realized something.
"He didn't fully dance, did he?"
Park Moondae had indeed showcased dance-like movements, but since the song wasn't intended for promotional purposes, his routines were basic at best.
When backup dancers followed a precise choreography, their movements would consist of graceful hand gestures and synchronized footwork, all in rhythm with the music.
Yet, people's recollections would blur the lines, recalling the original performance with backup dancers.
It was easy for the audience to assume that his lackluster moves were merely mirroring those of the absent dancers, thinking, "That's how it was in the original performance."
Especially when his singing prowess was so jaw-dropping!
This conceptual song from a top-tier idol, with Park Moondae's vocal ability alone, effortlessly dispelled any doubts about his aspirations to become an idol.
In essence, it was the perfect song choice given Park Moondae's circumstances.
"This goes beyond having a good instinct; it's as if he's an experienced veteran..." The writer couldn't shake off the feeling of being deceived as she scrutinized Park Moondae with a dissatisfied gaze.
As if attuned to her thoughts, one of the judges, who had been observing the others' effusive praise, raised his microphone.
Youngrin, a member of the successful girl group SaintU, whose rise to fame began with a viral fancam of their acrobatic performance, performed with a radiant smile amidst the pouring rain during monsoon season. She held the mic aloft and spoke.
"The judge's critique reverberated through the room, leaving me momentarily startled. It seemed my choreography still had room for improvement. Would you mind giving me another opportunity to showcase a different dance routine?"
----------------
Everything was falling into place according to my meticulous plan.
After countless hours of tireless practice, refining my vocal abilities had finally paid off. Though the repetition had made it feel mundane lately, the results spoke volumes. My vocal skills, the attribute I had focused on wholeheartedly, now proudly displayed an A- rank on my status.
It was the logical choice. In the realm of South Korean music, a singer without the ability to captivate with their voice would face swift cancellation, let alone dream of becoming an idol. While dance skills could be honed through practice, a lackluster voice would undoubtedly falter during pre-recordings.
Furthermore, among the sea of aspiring idol trainees, those aiming for the coveted main vocalist position were far outnumbered by candidates vying for the esteemed role of main dancer. By positioning myself as a paragon of vocal virtuosity from the start, my chances of securing a spot in the debut group would increase exponentially.
The next step involved selecting a suitable arrangement song, a task that required finesse.
My approach seemed poised for success—a calculated effort to minimize potential criticism. Carefully sifting through songs, predicting the critiques discerning judges might have, and meticulously excluding those that accentuated my weaknesses.
"Why does your dance lack energy and enthusiasm?"
- Avoid songs with intricate and demanding choreography that cannot be fully executed.
"You seem disconnected from the art of dance."
- Steer clear of ballads, as they lack the desired kinetic energy.
"Your performance doesn't embody the quintessential essence of an idol."
- Limit your repertoire to songs crafted specifically for the vibrant world of idols.
"This song was intended for a group performance."
- Abstain from experimenting with rearrangements and exclude songs originally intended for more than three performers.
"Well, it doesn't surpass the brilliance of the original artist."
- Exclude compositions released within the past three years, as they may pale in comparison.
From the remaining melodies, I adroitly selected the one that triumphed over its counterparts on the music charts.
Reflecting on my strategy, I concluded it was executed impeccably.
I had fervently hoped to pass the evaluation unscathed, guided by this shrewd tactic. However, it was inevitable that at least one discerning soul would defy the prevailing atmosphere.
Our eyes met—the judge, holding the microphone.
Recognition flickered within my consciousness.
She was the pioneering idol who unintentionally paved the way for monetizing idol photography. Her existence had allowed me to fund my tuition during my early academic years.
"That persona thrived on diligent labor, thanks to the awe-inspiring acrobatic performance immortalized in the rain video. A symbiotic relationship unfolded, benefiting us both."
Yet, this encounter lacked the reciprocity of the past.
"It's apparent you haven't received formal training. However, since this is the initial evaluation, shouldn't we delve into your fundamental aptitude? As an auditionee, one would expect you to come prepared with a song."
Responding with the admission of being unprepared at this crucial moment would be a grave mistake. Remaining silent would only worsen the situation.
"I actually have a song in mind."
A staff member's subtle gesture beckoned me closer, and I obliged, revealing the carefully curated selection.
The ever-watchful cameras captured our every move, catching a fleeting hint of concern on the staff member's face.
Judging by the reaction, it seemed I had skillfully avoided being cut. The effort
put into this moment had been worthwhile.
And so, the shooting location brimmed with infectious excitement, an electric atmosphere charging the air.
"…!?"