Chapter 5
The melodic strains, deeply ingrained in the nation's collective consciousness, gracefully wafted through the air, evoking a profound resonance in the hearts of all who listened. With a poised and indelible pose etched into the recesses of my memory, I commenced my performance, effortlessly ensnaring the judges in its captivating web.
In an unexpected moment of sheer astonishment, one of the judges involuntarily expelled a mouthful of water, overcome by the overwhelming brilliance before them. "Oh, I share your sentiments! Your magnetic presence has enthralled me," he exclaimed. A symphony of emotions resonated within me, like popcorn kernels exploding into existence with delightful fervor. Pop! Pop! The pulsating beat coursed through my veins, brimming over like a bubbling fountain of exuberance.
Youngrin, the lone arbiter of dance expertise in the room, acknowledged my modest footwork with a genuine nod. Amidst a sea of amateurs, she stood as the solitary beacon of professional discernment. Before long, the segment of the song arrived that even children of my age could effortlessly dance to. Pop! Pop!
"You're my Popcorn~ (Oh yeah!) My heart CON CON CON CON Command it!" The resounding chorus of MallangDalcom's magnum opus, "POP☆CON," infamous as the "forbidden song" during the CSAT, surged forth with unabated force. It had wreaked havoc on that year's listening test with its irresistibly catchy lyrics.
Incidentally, I, too, had undertaken the CSAT in those bygone days, though financial constraints had barred me from revisiting those nostalgic moments. Nevertheless, this once-ubiquitous masterpiece had become my chosen song, imbued with a whimsical twist, intended to transform it into a cherished memory through the language of performance.
Pop! Pop! The cascading popcorn kernels continued to burst forth~ (Ooh~) This song had ascended to fame through countless dance covers, acclaimed for its accessibility. Even children in lower grades of elementary school could effortlessly master its steps. In times past, I might have faced disdain, but now I believed I could transmute it into a classic
Maintaining a composed countenance, I exerted myself upon the dance floor, defying the chorus of laughter that echoed through the room. I withheld the overt display of a smile, resolute in leaving an indelible impression, one that would convey the immense effort I had poured into meticulously preparing for this performance.
Unquestionably, I had toiled with unwavering diligence, honing my skills through countless hours of relentless practice. I had mastered the intricate "First Movement" and the resplendent "10 Movements." Amidst the applause and joyous chuckles of the judges, I remained uncertain of their judgments, untainted by the biases that might cloud my own perception.
With flawless execution, I culminated the dance, delivering the final move of the first verse with precision. As I lowered my head, inhaling a deep breath, the atmosphere erupted into a thunderous roar, as if a veil had been lifted, restoring me to the present moment. "Thank you."
Ever swift to seize the microphone, Youngrin was preempted by the choreographer's eager interjection. His laughter cascaded through the room, eyes glistening with tears of mirth, swept away on the unyielding tide of amusement. "Wow... Oh, never in my wildest dreams did I imagine such an unexpected turn of events. Wasn't Moondae but a mere child when 'POP☆CON' first dropped? Did you ever imagine partaking in a talent show during those times?"
"Not exactly, but I ardently prepared, for I am an avid devotee of MallangDalcom sunbaenim."
"Hehehe, pfft!" Laughter erupted, shattering the solemn ambiance that had permeated the room. It seemed rather unconventional for a twenty-year-old to still profess love for MallangDalcom's album, released four years ago, during their golden era.
"Becoming an idol was not the primary driving force behind my aspirations."
Another wave of laughter was triggered from the inquisitive choreographer. Mudie's voice beside him chimed in with delight. "Ah... how endearing~."
"You've invested great effort, and your commendable diligence shines through above all!" The male idol judge offered his support, dispelling any lingering doubts about my lack of experience.
Finally, Youngrin broke her silence. "However, that doesn't guarantee a stellar performance."
I had anticipated this outcome, envisioning a scenario that could be enhanced through close-ups, skillful editing, and the incorporation of sound effects. I prepared myself for the forthcoming critique.
"Initially, your lack of proficiency in bodily movements was evident. While the current atmosphere may elicit positive feedback, future challenges will undoubtedly be demanding."
"I am prepared to face whatever lies ahead."
Not me, but the status window.
Despite the words left unspoken, Youngrin nodded solemnly. "Indeed."
With a composed mien, she added, "Nevertheless... I can discern your unwavering dedication. Well done."
"Thank you."
Today alone, I must have uttered those words a dozen times. Will this become a recurring theme in my future endeavors?
Meanwhile, the judges engaged in a hushed discussion, their voices too faint to reach my ears.
At this point, another harsh aspect of the program came to light. Initially, participants' rankings were unveiled, ranging from 1st to 77th, based on the preliminary evaluation. The seating arrangement followed the order of these rankings.
The interim rankings were promptly displayed and integrated.
Furthermore, if a subsequent performer outshone the current seat occupant by a significant margin, the rankings would shift, leading to the removal of the incumbent.
The show took pleasure in capturing the poignant moments of lower-ranked contestants being displaced, reduced to tears in the depths of their despair.
Fortunately, I would not find myself entangled in such a predicament.
Perhaps, Ny ranking is... 24th?
"And Park Moondae's ranking is... 17th place!"
Deliberately orchestrated, my rank was strategically elevated by approximately five places, all for the sake of capturing a scene that would vividly portray the notion of a forceful ascension in status. This shrewd adjustment effectively aligned my actual standing with the lofty expectations I harbored.
"Pondering the prevailing atmosphere, I surmise that I ascended about four or five positions," I contemplated, delving into the impact I had on the discerning eyes of the judges. However, as time wore on, their attention seemed diverted, preoccupied with the task of seating middle and high school students.
An ironic twist imbued the air, evoking in me a sullen amusement as I bowed my head in contemplation. Grateful for the opportunity bestowed upon me, I sincerely expressed my appreciation with a heartfelt, "Thank you."
The choreographer, sporting a smile, declared, "I will give you guidance, paving the path for an elevated rank in the forthcoming evaluations." The gravity of those words did not elude me, for failure to exhibit improvement could swiftly result in my replacement. Yet, armed with a status window, I possessed a tool to diligently monitor my progress.
I harbored the desire for a scene that would resonate deeply with the choreographer, eliciting an authentic emotional response to the power of my performance. With a nod of agreement, I ventured towards the lobby, adorned with a multitude of seats, each bearing engraved ranks. An ascending hierarchy manifested in the chairs, growing in size, vibrancy, and opulence, unveiling subtle yet significant variations.
Finally reaching my destined spot at 17th place, I nestled into a sumptuous leather chair befitting a corporate executive. To my right sat the participant who occupied the 15th position, exuding a gentle aura reminiscent of mine.
"Hello~," the participant greeted me warmly.
"Hi," I reciprocated, extending a courteous response.
"Your skills are truly exceptional!" he exclaimed, awestruck.
"I express my gratitude. Your own performance seemed equally impressive," I acknowledged.
"Indeed? Hahaha!" his laughter resonated joyously.
While my exposure to his performance had been limited, I refrained from making definitive judgments. Nevertheless, his ranking hinted at a commendable showcase of talent. His laughter reverberated through the air as he pointed to the name tag adorning his chest.
"I am Lee Sejin!"
An internal sigh threatened to escape, yet I summoned the will to remain unabashed, responding with unwavering confidence, "I am Park Moondae. I humbly request your guidance and support."
"Please take good care of me~."
With the conversation naturally reaching its conclusion, I shifted my gaze forward, coinciding with the timely arrival of the next participant. Yet, my thoughts continued to be consumed by the name I had just heard—Lee Sejin.
Lee Sejin—a name entwined with an artist who had officially debuted through this very program. Could it be that his triumph was secured through personal connections? Regrettably, an issue emerged—a revelation that this individual had become embroiled in a drug scandal, surfacing a year after the program's culmination. To compound matters, he was implicated as a distributor.
Seated within a Gukbap restaurant in close proximity to the studio, the resonant voice of the news anchor uttered his name during the 9 o'clock broadcast.
"[Lee Sejin, formerly associated with 'Idol Joint-Stock Company,' arrested on suspicion of drug distribution.]"
From this point forward, I resolved to sever all ties with him. It became evident that the key to success lay in discerning when to cut off connections. Perhaps now presented an opportune moment to consult the status window and meticulously evaluate my progress.
[Name: Park Moondae (Ryu Gunwoo)]
Level: 5
Title: None
Vocal: A-
Dance: D
Visual: C+
Talent: C
Characteristics: Infinite potential
!Status abnormality: Debut or die
Remaining Points: 1
First and foremost, I gained a valuable point for leveling up from the previous stage, a feat undoubtedly attributed to surpassing the achievement of "The First Stage."
Regarding the aspects of dance and talent, it appears they were solely influenced by my own performance. However, the extent to which they must be officially recognized by the public remains unclear, as the specific criteria elude me.
Nevertheless, during rehearsals, I discerned a faint inkling—despite my talent being passable, it seems that "Park Moondae" does not possess a natural aptitude for dance. My dance level stands at a modest D, comparable to that of an average individual.
With future investment of 2 or 3 points in dance, I am confident that I will acquire the ability to master any routine.
However, an intriguing revelation awaited me within the "Visual" section of the status window. Notably, without expending any points in this domain, my grade experienced an improvement as I paid careful attention to my appearance. In essence, I managed to enhance my stats independently of the leveling-up effect displayed in the status window, which serves as a positive factor.
Lastly, an unusual popup emerged adjacent to the status window—a small notification demanding attention.
[Successful performance!]
You have made a profound impression on the majority!
: Reveal General Characteristics ☜ Click!
"Another peculiar occurrence," I mused, albeit the usage of terms such as "success" and "impression" allude to significant rewards. Succumbing to curiosity, I clicked the prompt, subtly feigning a gesture of adjusting my hair. What followed was nothing short of fascinating.
A grayscale slot machine materialized before me, the adjacent slot to the lever whirling at a rapid pace. Gradually, its velocity diminished, allowing me to discern the contents of each slot with ease. Amongst them, only a few displayed a copper hue, while the majority remained gray.
[Indomitable Spirit]
[The Eraser of Humiliation]
[Tears of the Alligator]
[Resting Only in Death]
[Behold My Brilliance!]
[....]
"...."
While it is indeed enlightening to ascertain the characteristics upon their immediate revelation, I cannot deny the unsatisfactory nature of these names. They fail to evoke a sense of fortune or intrigue. Gazing upon the slot machine with tempered expectations, I resigned myself to the imminent cessation of its rotation.
Dung dung... dung!
A delicate flower petal gracefully emerged from the slot machine, catching my attention.
The spinning slots finally came to a halt, revealing a gleaming copper slot.
[Characteristic Acquired: 'Resting only in death(D)']
When activated, fatigue becomes an inconsequential notion, allowing for uninterrupted wakefulness.
Experience an impressive acceleration bonus of up to 30% from 00:01 to 04:00.
Lasting for a week, it possesses a one-time use.
"....!"
Unexpectedly, a characteristic of remarkable utility has been obtained. Though the name may lack flair, its practical benefits cannot be denied.
Regardless, the act of pulling the lever truly lives up to its name, evoking a sense of enthralling luck with each occurrence.
I verified the addition of 'Resting only in death (inactive)' to the characteristics section at the bottom of the status window, contemplating the opportune moment to employ its advantages.
"Participant Kang Minjo... 56th place!"
The evaluation process continued, unfolding before my eyes.
Apart from the suspect drug distributor occupying the adjacent seat, the debut members were yet to make their appearance.
I stood in anticipation, observing as the next participant graced the stage.
A figure with a slender physique and elongated limbs gracefully entered the spotlight.
Evidently isolated, he seemed to be a participant with no connections to the other trainees.
A murmur permeated the ranks of the seating area, capturing the attention of the participants. However, their awe was not directed at the participant's solitary arrival.
"Wow!"
"That's astonishing!"
These utterances emerged because the entrant possessed extraordinary beauty. Even the judges below openly expressed their admiration.
"You resemble a deer~."
From my perspective, his appearance surpassed the threshold required for fame.
One might even argue that he had already transcended the need for a survival program, for it seemed apparent he would achieve success beyond this show's conclusion.
Yet, when I glanced at the name tag adorning his chest, it bore an unfamiliar name.
[Seon Ahyun]
If someone with such a captivating appearance fails to secure a debut, it would imply a complete absence of talent. After all, he appeared more striking than the majority of idols whose fancam data I had previously sold.
Well, considering the status window, it is likely that all his abilities, except for visual, fall somewhere between the F and D grades.
"If only I could glimpse the statuses of others, then I would know for certain."
Surprisingly, as soon as that thought crossed my mind, a window materialized next to the participant.
"....!"
Does this signify the ability to peer into the information of other individuals as well?
[Name: Seon Ahyun]
Vocal: B- (A)
Dance: A (EX)
Visual: A+ (S+)
Talent: B (A+)
Characteristics: Grit (inactive)
!Status abnormality: Lack of self-esteem
The vibrant status window before me radiated brilliance, leaving no doubt that Seon Ahyun was destined to effortlessly secure a spot within the coveted top 10. Could the values enclosed in parentheses represent the pinnacle of growth rates? If so, a promising future surely awaited him.
Yet, it was the final entry that captivated me the most.
[Status abnormality: Lack of self-esteem]
Given his striking appearance, one would expect an air of arrogance rather than a lack of self-esteem.
Nonetheless, the ability to glimpse into the abilities of others proved to be an immense advantage. It seemed that relying solely on an entertainment company wouldn't provide me with the optimal opportunities for success.
Engrossed in the menu before me, the voice of the MC resonated through the venue, rousing my attention.
"Participants, please introduce yourselves!"
Seon Ahyun confidently clutched the microphone, although his hand trembled ever so slightly.
"H-hello—"
His hesitation didn't stem from nerves alone; it was the peculiar awkwardness in his speech that caught everyone off guard.
It became apparent that he struggled with a distinct motor impairment, evident in his speech pattern.
Moreover, he appeared acutely aware of his speech impediment. Was it appropriate for me to discern his anxiety and embarrassment so keenly?
Perhaps that was the reason. Swiftly, I accessed Seon Ahyun's status window.
With his exceptional visuals and skills, his stuttering could be transformed into a captivating narrative. Why, then, had he not made his debut yet?
As anticipated, the issue seemed to run deeper than a mere lack of self-esteem. If only I could unearth further details...
[Lack of self-esteem]
: I despise myself.
All stats are decreased by two levels.
"....!"
Suddenly, another popup materialized, catching me off guard. The ability to access such detailed information by mere contemplation was an unexpected boon.
"It's exceptionally useful."
I must reevaluate my own status abnormality to determine the remaining duration.
"Ahyun, do you have difficulty speaking, by any chance?"
"I-I... Um, when I was a kid, I had an accident..."
"Ah..."
The stage transformed into a storytelling platform, centering around Seon Ahyun's attempts to explain his condition while the production team wove it into a spellbinding tale.
Curious reactions erupted from the participants surrounding me, meticulously captured for future use.
Notably, one participant shook his head, his countenance marked by a somber expression, as if strategically positioned for a poignant reaction shot.
These carefully orchestrated lines would undoubtedly find their way into the final result.
"What should we do..."
Reacting in such a manner to such a sensitive topic was wholly unwarranted.
Ironically, with such editing, it risked appearing more akin to "assaulting" the issue at hand.
Rather than succumbing to agitation, I maintained a composed gaze, silently acknowledging the proceedings unfolding before me.
Following a few obligatory words of encouragement, the judges cautiously beckoned Seon Ahyun to perform.
"Then, Ahyeon-gun, may we witness your performance?"
"Y-yes..."
The ensuing stage surpassed the lackluster expectations that loomed. It soared beyond mediocrity, inching closer to a remarkable overall performance.
This suggested that if the status window was indeed accurate, Seon Ahyun's actual performance fell short of
his exceptional abilities.
"Seon Ahyun-gun ranks 18th!"
This outcome exemplified the consequences of lacking the appropriate mindset and strategy. Even with extraordinary talent, he ranked lower than me.
Regardless, the evaluation seemed favorable, perhaps due to deeming his skills sufficient or refraining from delivering any harsh critique.
"Good job~"
"I'll look forward to it."
The judges showered him with warm words, some even raising their thumbs in approval.
Nevertheless, Seon Ahyun's countenance remained somber as he bowed deeply. Following the MC's instructions, he returned to his seat next to mine as if nothing had transpired.
"..."
I contemplated initiating a conversation, but Seon Ahyun glanced in my direction without uttering a word.
I hoped it wouldn't devolve into a situation where I desperately sought to avoid interaction.
Reluctant to open my mouth, I simply nodded slightly.
Seon Ahyun appeared taken aback, reciprocating with a deep bow.
"Next up, we have five participants for evaluation! Choi Jinsoo-gun, Hongseong-gun—"
Mentally tallying the remaining participants, I let out a soft sigh.
The path ahead was laden with thorns.