During break time, Avi, who was chewing on the chocolate bread I bought him, asked.
"Is this your first time hearing the year-end evaluation?"
"I only know the end-of-month evaluation."
"Ah, every six months we conduct an end-of-month evaluation together with surrounding agencies. The one in December is called the year-end evaluation."
"It's similar to the MOP showcase."
"It's a little different. MOP invites a general audience. Our year-end evaluation is conducted by inviting the students' families or people around them."
"Isn't it better to be an ordinary person?"
As I shuddered, Avi agreed.
"That's why. There is no shame in making a fuss or rapping in front of your parents."
Just the thought of singing and dancing in front of my grandmother made my hands and feet tremble so much that I almost went inside.
While feeling depressed about the bleak future, Avi munched on chocolate bread.
"But there is a real reason why you should take a close look at the year-end evaluation."
"What Is It?"
"Because this is done between companies, there is competition. We and DNS are the biggest, so there's a sense of rivalry between us. If we send out a girl group, they will also send out a girl group. The end-of-year evaluation is also in the same mood."
"In terms of cricket, is it like a India-Pakistan match?"
"It's similar."
Avitook a sip of milk and continued speaking.
"Besides, we were completely sick in June. In cricket terms,I say we are loosing right now. The atmosphere at that time was no joke. The CEO hasn't even greeted me for a few days."
"Our representative?"
"Can't you believe it? But it really was like that."
"Do we really have to win this time?"
"Yes, We have to."
"But you guys are also very talented. Did DNS do that well?"
"From what I remember, the older guys there did very well. Maybe it's the older guys who are in the debut group this time?"
Avi showed the articles he searched on his smartphone.
-'La Vie En Rose' younger brother group appears... 9-member 'Street Boys'
-DNS Media Rookie 'Street Boys' debuts as a reality show
-'Larose junior group' Street Boys reveals debut story on internet about their reality show
Looking at the description, it was a 9-member boy group with a hip-hop concept.
They are currently filming a reality show scheduled to air on internet with the goal of debuting in April.
"Are they our competitors?"
"yes."
"Why are they filming a reality show before debut?"
"Isn't it obvious? "If they do something like this, fans will come all the time."
I also nodded.
It's a 0.1% viewer rating program that the general public doesn't even know about, but it's different for idols.
Just like the big 4 entertainment companies, they could gain recognition just by exporting their idols. For small and medium-sized idols, this was a blessing in disguise.
I tapped the arm of Avi, who was scanning an internet article with envious eyes.
"Let's go in. I'll be waiting for the kids."
"brother."
"Hm? What?."
"I talked a lot and my throat hurts. Can't you just buy me some chocolate milk?"
While buying another chocolate milk for the youngest, I also bought drinks for the members.
Back to the practice room.
We sat in a circle in the practice room, each holding a drink.
It was a so-called strategy meeting.
Discussion on how to prepare for the end-of-year evaluation task, 'Performance that ties together different songs under one theme.'
"Last time, the DNS guys came out with hip-hop. Shall we go with a strong concept?"
"Guys, there are four rappers on the opposing team. The only rapper we have is Samuel. If we stick with a strong concept, our side will be at a disadvantage."
"hmm… But wouldn't Sunny have a point?"
Garysaid.
"How about we go with a strong concept? If we use a soft concept like last time, we might get pushed out."
"Well. If we go head-to-head, we'll be at a disadvantage."
"I think a head-to-head match would be fine."
"Because this is not an easy problem."
There is a calm debate going back and forth.
Before selecting the song, we were discussing what concept to use.
The three of us actively express our opinions, and Avi and I observe the situation.
Unlike Avi, who mindlessly watched his other group members and played with his cell phone, I was lost in thought.
I guess not.
They all seem to be making a mistake.
* * *
-The DNS guys...
-With the concept that DNS did last time...
-We have to overwhelm with vocals to get DNS...
Did the defeat in the first half of the year really hit them that hard?
DNS media appeared every time the members said something.
This can't be achieved by fighting.
It felt like the year-end evaluation was being treated as a kind of survival.
A war where you must defeat your rivals and achieve victory.
If it had been normal, they might not have been buried in such thoughts.
However, the fact that their family was coming to observe and the painful loss last time seemed to have led them to the determination to 'do better than the opponent'.
This was conveyed to me as well.
Nevertheless, the reason I remain silent is because of my seniority.
In terms of career experience, it is the longest, but it was difficult to say anything since it had been less than two weeks since I joined Idol Rising Entertainment.
"Guys, we have to decide quickly."
Sunny tapped the floor and said.
"It takes even more time to do the arrangement work."
"The director said he didn't arrange it?"
"The director and engineers are all busy working on senior Rajesh album this time."
"We have to do it completely on our own."
"If we choreograph this, the actual practice time is two weeks? It will come out to that extent."
"Then let's decide quickly."
"First of all, haven't you heard anything about what DNS is doing?"
The theme of the year-end evaluation is a performance that connects two different songs. In other words, the first and second verses are sung differently.
Choosing a song was a challenge.
The guys who were struggling looked at us.
"Avi and Raj don't have any opinions?"
"I like whatever you guys do."
The remaining three pairs of eyes turn to me.
"I have an opinion, though."
"is it so? Anything is fine, so just tell me."
"…I'm sorry to say this, but I don't think the way you guys are doing it is right."
The atmosphere suddenly becomes quiet.