Posts about Ryu Gunwoo began to appear in the university community right after episode 1 was broadcast.
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[Alumni just appeared on TV]
But did we have someone like that at our school?
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-? Articles like this must be legally given and notated.
└ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ
-What? Let me see his face then.
-He's almost a celebrity so I can upload it, right? (screenshot)
└Wow
└Wow….
People who initially scolded and dismissed the incident changed their stances the moment they saw the screenshot. It was the power of appearance stats and correction.
-Is his name R.G.W? I'm fucking shaking
-It's in the subtitles, so why are you using his initials?
└ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ
-He doesn't have Facelook or Inheart. I guess he lived quietly.
-There's really no one who knows?
As comments started to increase as I scrolled through the pages, there was even a person claiming to know Ryu Gunwoo that appeared.
-Oh, this is the person I did the group assignment with.
└Quickly describe it
└How was he?
└He was quiet and worked hard, and he was very smart and wore glasses.
└He has it all. I'm fucking jealous.
└What did he major in?
└I think it was something on the business side.
Fortunately, this Ryu Gunwoo also lived a similar life as I did when I was a first-year student, so nothing bad was said.
'There's always people who want to catch a free ride.'
I wasn't famous enough for people to start faking information yet, so that was that.
I shook my head when I saw the comments where a person who was stealing my personal information and a person who was telling the other one not to do that were starting to fight.
Of course, people started talking about Ryu Chungwoo being more famous than me.
-Are they twins?
… Ryu Chungwoo's nonsense almost spread, but fortunately, it was corrected.
-?? No, they are relatives ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ They're often together though
-What kind of comic book is this? A gold medalist and an idol are both students at a prestigious university.
└Ah ㅋㅋㅋ it's like finishing a light novel in one go
And these posts were screenshotted and uploaded to other communities and then to social media.
It was a great viral process.
'It's spread quite a bit.'
They didn't know if it was true or fake, but viewers trusted it just because it was posted in an authenticated school community.
'It's fun because there's so little information.'
Actually, this was a double-edged sword, but it was useful because it wasn't stuck to my skin right now.
-Really, he wore glasses and was quiet and good at his work. He's like a true nerd
-Wow, he's really Ryu Chungwoo's relative.
-Looking at it like this, they look really similar..? (Comparison image)
However, I felt uncomfortable because Ryu Chungwoo was mentioned a lot.
A guy who quit the national team and found a new career path in becoming an ordinary college student was treated like a celebrity.
I asked outright.
"Rumors have spread that we're related, is that okay?"
"Hyung didn't do anything bad, so why bother? Of course, it's okay."
Ryu Chungwoo shrugged it off, saying that this was not the first time his current situation had been posted on the Internet.
'Hmm.'
If that was the case.
I continued browsing the internet.
First of all, the demand group.
Ryu Gunwoo seemed to have securely fit into the trend of grouping together with people who had a similar "visual look" despite the fact that no further information about him was released.
So, it was a success to dominate the early fan base.
-Gunwoo, Jaehyun, and Taejun. Who do you like? #Wise_Introductions
-Our genius is so good ㅠㅠ
And as for the details other than the stage…
-His posture stayed the same the whole time (video)
-Look at the way Gunwoo even put the blanket on his bed. It really feels like he received a good home education… ㅜㅜ (Screenshot)
Looking at similar posts, I roughly figured out the angle.
About my selling point here.
'Genius, calm, smart, pure, elite, golden spoon.'
A model student who grew up out of time.
It was a concept that worked, but it was also a concept that many people disliked.
'It's going to be a big difference between likes and dislikes… …'
I searched a few more times.
There didn't seem to be a name for search prevention yet. After all, it was a program that was a bit different from its competitor, Idol Inc..
(TN: A search prevention name refers to a nickname that is used (by haters, usually) to prevent posts from being found easily when searched for. For example, Moondae's search prevention nickname is "Gommeo", which was created by flipping the Korean characters of his name upside down!)
Still, once I got past the halfway point, the people who would criticize me in earnest would start to show up.
'I think they might call me something like 'Ja' to make a mockery of my first jazz performance.'
Anyway, now I could just search for quality reviews.
If I clicked on the article that said 'Feelings from trainees so far' and looked at Ryu Gunwoo's section…
-R.G.W.: Damn. I feel like he grew up with nothing lacking, but his lifespan of being an idol will also be short? As soon as he debuts and his schedule becomes difficult, controversy over his attitude will start.
Okay. The posts had a feeling like this.
I chuckled.
Since I had already prepared for something like this to arise, I didn't think much of it.
I just wanted to make sure things were going well.
'When is it coming?'
I straightened my shoulders.
A few days later, the official trailer for episode 3 was released.
[Honors class VS Supplementary class?]
[Results no one expected]
[?? : Ah!]
[President Kim Taein: Regardless of affiliation, we will make a cold judgment.]
The stages are shown in close-up and full-camera mode, without giving away any spoilers.
[Skilled members of
[Trainer: If we go like this, (beep-) will definitely win. You know?]
Kim Raebin also appeared briefly, and Cha Eugene was given quite a bit of screen time. This was because a few seconds of the highlight of the performance with Cheongryeo were broadcast.
'This is just a pre-release to let viewers know who will be competing.'
The flashy movements were captured impressively but were cut off briefly.
[An unexpected classic]
[Shin Jaehyun: But I can't lose.]
Cheongryeo's bitter smile passed briefly.
In addition, a series of stern faces passed by, making it confusing as to who the trainees who had been singled out were…
Soon, a face with a stern expression and was out of breath was slowly shown in a close-up.
It was me.
[CEO Kim Taein: Why can't I see desperation from you?]
[Ryu Gunwoo: … ]
With that deep breathing sound, the title logo appeared and the trailer ended.
Oh, they did show the electronic display board.
This was it.
[〈Supplementary Class] ■■■ – Win!]
[The shocking results will be revealed this week.]
It meant that someone from the supplementary class won. I nodded in satisfaction.
'Good.'
Since it doesn't have a lot of content, I didn't think there would be any unnecessary controversy over the nominee.
'The editing is not friendly to anyone to begin with.'
It wasn't like they were saying I ruined the stage. It was just a good feeling to see someone who was good at something fail.
As if no one thought that I would be in danger, the social media posts that were waiting for the trailer were also turned upside down.
It was like this.
-What's with Gunwoo's marine look??? ㅠㅠㅠ Crazy
-You crazy president.
These posts were posted by the same person 2 seconds apart.
Of course, there was not only a story about Ryu Gunwoo. In general, there were many viewers who were surprised by the pre-bread trailer that "Supplementary Group" was added.
Since everyone wasn't stupid, in the preview for the end of episode 2, they assumed that the 'supplementary class' was just meant to be an obstacle.
-CEO Kim will never let go of LeTi Award. It's just a distraction for broadcasting ㅋㅋㅋ
But didn't it say outright that someone from the supplementary class won?
At this point, even the fans of the agency were flustered.
-It's probably clickbait, right??
-Ah, the supplementary class, where did they get such rubbish rules again?
-Wow, but isn't he handsome…? (Screenshot)
It was so crazy that posts were starting to appear in entertainment communities as well.
[LeTi's Survival Trailer, which is going crazy now (participant replaced)]
Excellent.
This level of excitement wasn't just for an in-house survival show, but it was overall exciting in general.
Leaving behind the Internet situation where aggro was well underway and energy was gathering, I headed back to the filming set.
• * *
"Phew."
One of the
He knew there was a camera, but he couldn't help it.
Because it was so frustrating and cruel.
Such was the new treatment he received in the new filming.
"You are now 'outside'."
If the 'Supplementary Group' did not win the first one-on-one death match, they would be eliminated.
But what about existing participants?
Literally, they were put 'outside'.
They become an underprivileged group excluded from all main events.
And in the fear of being eliminated, they had to pack up their bags and leave the dorm room.
Then, they would see a participant from the 'Supplementary Group' take their place and unpack their luggage.
〈Supplementary Class〉. This was what he experienced when he lost to Kim Raebin and was on the verge of elimination.
"Sorry. I will write carefully. I'm sorry!"
"No. It's okay…"
He was also angry that he had to hold back my anger towards the person of 'Supplementary Group' who apologized sincerely. Because the camera was rolling.
'It's not like this…'
Although it was all about the world of show business, it was a shock in its own way for him, who had not yet been a trainee for a long time and was young.
He trudged along, following the instructions of the production crew.
He had put aside in his mind the fact that he had secretly ignored the trainees who had not been selected as participants in this survival show until a few days ago.
And then he saw reality again.
"Ugh."
The 'outside' didn't even have a bed at all. The place that he thought was a warehouse until now was the place where the 'outlaws' would stay.
Treated like a servant somewhere.
It was so sad.
'It's annoying, fuck.'
However, he was not alone. Ryu Gunwoo, a sunbaenim who received extremely positive reviews as if his short trainee period was a lie, was there with him.
The participant was right next to him.
It was a bit savory, but also reassuring.
Even though he did so well on his first stage, he was on the verge of being eliminated, so luck must have played a role.
-Hyung…
-Don't think too much about it, see you later.
Seeing as he said this to the supplementary class that took his place, it seemed like he still had quite a bit of free time.
-I'll see you again soon, hyung.
-… Thanks.
In addition, he saw him shaking hands with his roommate Shin Jaehyun as he left the room, so wouldn't he look a little discouraged now?
'Let's see.'
The participant glanced up to check Ryu Gunwoo's expression.
"… ??"
It was surprisingly calm.
His mouth opened automatically.
"That… hyung, are you okay?"
"I'm not okay, but… It can't be helped."
Ryu Gunwoo answered with a calm expression.
"I failed because I wasn't good at it, so there's nothing to feel sad about."
"…"
Somehow, he was a bit upset. Was there room to say that in this situation?
'He has a place to go back to. That's it.'
Wasn't he a student from a prestigious university? The participant was somewhat emotional and almost looked at Ryu Gunwoo with rebellious eyes.
But Ryu Gunwoo's words did not end there.
"But I won't be eliminated like this."
"…!"
"I have to go up somehow. Even if I crawl."
And the participant realized.
He looked calm, but that was only because he had made up his mind.
"… Me too."
"Is that so? Let's do our best."
The participant willingly bumped fists with Ryu Gunwoo. And he kept his mouth shut and thought.
Now that he saw it, it looked like he was holding back a lot of thoughts as if he had come to some kind of realization…
'Ah.'
It had to be that way.
Because Ryu Gunwoo wanted it to look like that to everyone else.
'Good. This will definitely be shown.'
After speaking meaningfully with the participant, Ryu Gunwoo took the blanket with joy.
'The pledge of two trainees who are on the verge of elimination. Since there's only the two of us, we will definitely make the cut.'
Every single cut was taken properly.
• * *
By the time I finished packing up my belongings in the storage room of the dorm I was kicked out of, the full-scale filming schedule began again.
Of course, exceptions were made for the two of us who lost.
"During the main event, you can clean up your dorms instead."
"What… ?"
"Yes."
It was like this.
'It's rather good.'
The main event this time was singing a campaign song for a public service announcement, and I didn't regret not being able to participate at all. There was nothing appealing.
Even if it appeared on air, it would end with a 20-minute cut. Most of the content was more provocative team battles.
'14 people, and just one campaign song? It's better this way.'
It was clear that people would enjoy it because it was less obvious housework. I worked hard to organize the dorm and cook.
It was important to work hard and be serious so that it didn't look like I was playing around. However, I didn't look so miserable that it seemed unpleasant.
"It's much nicer because it's clean."
"Yes…"
The guy I worked with was less cooperative, but that was it… It was up to him.
'The more I do, the better.'
I should use this opportunity to shed the image that I grew up with without suffering. I decided to grab some rubber gloves.
"I'm going to clean up the bathroom."
After spending all of the daytime with the 'not a gold spoon in a greenhouse' certification, the event was finally over and the real deal came.
(TN: "Not a gold spoon in a greenhouse" is an expression used to describe someone who didn't grow up in a privileged or sheltered environment)
It was time to prepare for the third performance.
"Before announcing this theme, those outside the group will be moved separately."
And here too, the number of people excluded was the number of people outside the quota.
If you were isolated and waited in another practice room, it would take an hour or two before a trainer finally came and explained how things work.
"You don't get to choose a team."
First of all, no other information was given besides the fact that I had to wait for a team to choose me as their teammate.
I had to wait for my turn.
But if no one came…
"You are automatically eliminated."
However, if anyone came, they would be accepted like pickled radish… or something like that.
(TN: To be "accepted like pickled radish" is slang that means allowing a less popular person to hang out with the more popular people)
'Considering the loss of parts, the correct answer is that talented teams will not come.'
Things never turn out like that. Wasn't this an in-house survival show?
I didn't react at all. I just stood still and waited with a serious expression.
Sure enough, about 10 minutes had passed since I received the notice.
The practice room door opened softly.
And what I saw was…
"Excuse me."
Cheongryeo. Shin Jaehyun.
He came into the practice room and naturally stood next to the trainer in front of the camera.
I kept my mouth shut in silence.
"Are there any outside participants that the team decided to accept?"
"Yes."
He looked at me openly and opened his mouth as if he had nothing to hide.
"The participant our team wants is Ryu Gunwoo…"
It was then.
Knock-knock.
With a knock on the door, the door opened once more.
A little more hastily than before.
"I…"
"… !"
Who came in was… It was Chaeyul.
A supplementary class member who was also a member of VTIC in the original world.
"Did you decide to accept outsiders from that team as well?"
"Yes."
The guy seemed a little embarrassed to see someone else already there, but he still answered right away.
"… Participant Ryu Gunwoo."
I guessed so. Actually, I thought he would come if he persuaded his teammates.
Now, what was the trainer's verdict?
"If both teams nominate an outside participant, that participant can select the team himself."
Oh, this was surprising.
'I thought it would be first-come-first-served or something like rock-paper-scissors among themselves.'
But actually, I wasn't very happy about it. I didn't want my rank to appear high here.
Right now, being in a position that involved moving up from the bottom was working well.
'Hmm.'
I blinked a few times as if I was shocked. And I quickly glanced at them.
It was a situation where I didn't know what the teams were like, so I could only look at their facial expressions to choose.
Looking at the revealed facts, it seemed unclear whether Cha Eugene and Kim Raebin would be among these two teams.
'Hmm.'
I finished the calculation by pretending to look at the floor for a moment.
And I decided.
"The team I want to join is…"
Here.