Chapter 17

### Chapter 17: If I Can't Debut, I'll Get a Terminal Illness

Of course, being noticed in the entertainment industry is a crucial talent. After all, a brief moment on stage can often change a career.

However, I couldn't shake the impression that this trait, from the title to the content, seemed tailored for attention-seekers.

Even the exact increase rate wasn't provided. Just "a bit more."

"Can the status screen use such vague expressions?"

Is this why it's a D-grade trait?

But the miracle of the status screen interacting with my complaints didn't happen.

I eventually accepted reality.

Yeah. A trait for being noticed... sure. It would be great if it helped with my debut.

* * *

As I erased the status screen, my smartphone vibrated. I quickly checked it, wondering if it was from the production team.

But it wasn't.

"What is this?"

It was a messenger chat.

[Sejin (Big): Haven't you seen the group chat? Hahaha]

[Sejin (Big): Your coolness for not reading is making me cold, Moondae]

"..."

I hadn't thought to turn off the notifications for personal messages. Ignoring read messages in a relationship I'd continue to see was like asking for trouble, so I reluctantly replied.

[Me: I don't usually check my phone. Sorry]

[Sejin (Big): Ah, don't apologize, it's embarrassing hahaha]

[Sejin (Big): Check the group chat quickly!]

Is there some special news?

I checked the group chat. Over 500 new messages were displayed in the room with the team members from the first team battle.

Of course, I didn't plan to read them all. I scrolled down to the last conversation.

The team members were sharing screenshots of reviews from the audience after the last performance.

It seemed they were joking about how good-looking everyone was, with comments like "Everyone in this team is so handsome~"

[Sejin (Big): Yeah, now that I think about it, Moondae must be washing his face with the broadcast. You look better every time I see you hahaha]

[Sejin (Big): Share your dermatologist for the sake of our camaraderie]

Level-up fast, kid.

Of course, I couldn't say that, so I just replied that I don't go.

The one who used words like "check" to ask about the dermatologist... who is he...

Maybe it's just me, but I suddenly felt very tired.

At that moment, another vibration came.

[Seona: Moondae, how are you? Thank you for always treating me well during the first team battle. I'll definitely repay you next time... (Read more)]

A long, heartfelt message appeared in the group chat.

Suddenly, no one posted any more messages.

It was eerily quiet.

"..."

Out of human decency, I sent a short reply and immediately turned off the data.

When I meet them at the next shoot... I'll have to say I couldn't check the messages because I don't have Wi-Fi at home.

The next shoot, the production announcement, was five days away.

* * *

Production Announcement. A promotional event held before the first episode airs.

In reality, with 77 participants, there wasn't much for individuals to do. Just sing "Just Me" and get some photos taken.

Of course, being "photographed" was important.

It was a proven fact that photos taken at this production announcement could significantly influence the initial voting rate.

'Thanks to that, I got paid to be photographed.'

It wasn't just about taking and selling; it was about being commissioned, which paid well.

Anyway, to express my feelings while standing at such a production announcement... yes.

'All these familiar faces.'

The people holding personal cameras behind the reporters were familiar.

More than half of them had probably sat next to me at some event.

Analyzing it... let's see, every other person seemed to be selling data.

Excluding them, most were fans of existing idols. Half were looking for new idols, and the other half were just there for fun.

That's why no one seemed to be focusing on a single person.

It looked like they were taking group shots of a few participants and planning to crop them later. The lenses were subtly moving.

Anyway, there were more people than expected.

It seemed the program was quietly gaining a controversial and attention-grabbing reputation.

'Sadly, even if I use the remaining points on my appearance, I can't get out of B.'

The benefits of the production announcement would likely go to those with an A- or higher in appearance, so I need to focus on the "Just Me" performance.

'Is it really all about the face...'

A brief regret passed that I should have focused on appearance first.

"Let's start after the reporters enter!"

On the outdoor lawn, we formed the lineup as rehearsed at dawn, and a staff member called for a brief wait.

While stretching during the break, someone suddenly spoke to me.

"I saw your performance."

"Excuse me?"

It was Cha Yujin, standing diagonally in front of me. If my memory serves, she's the one who will rank first this season.

'But what's with this contextless talk?'

Then I remembered. It was like last time.

Probably during the "Just Me" broadcast performance, when Cha Yujin suddenly asked if I could dance, and I told her to judge by watching the performance.

Could this be a continuation of that conversation?

If they were talking about the performance, it was likely the first team battle.

I had to admit it. I thought I did well, but it was still out of the blue.

It's not like we're in a shounen manga... did she feel some rivalry?

And more out of the blue, Cha Yujin gave me a thumbs up.

"You did really well!"

"Ah, thank you."

"Let's be on the same team next time."

"Sure, if possible."

Whatever she's thinking, it would be beneficial to work together.

I agreed without questioning. Even if it was just a formality, there was no need to overthink it.

The conversation with Cha Yujin ended there.

"Hey, do you want this?"

"Ah, thanks."

"Whoa! Ahn Hyun, what about me?"

"Wow, Big Sejin, you look like a traitor now that you're not the leader."

"Here, here."

I chewed the jelly I got from Seona and continued stretching.

While listening to the Gold team members chatting, a staff member signaled.

"Get ready~"

Soon, the intro music I had heard countless times in the first week of filming played.

Anyway, this performance will definitely be on VTube, so I need to avoid any choreography mistakes.

* * *

As I finished the "Just Me" performance and exited the stage, I heard someone call out.

"Moondae!"

Was that really calling me, Park Moondae?

I turned to check and saw one of the camera crew.

A woman in a hoodie was continuously taking photos as soon as I turned around.

...Is she only focusing on me? I instinctively covered my face, and she called out again.

"Moondae! Heart, please!"

"..."

I never thought I'd hear that from her.

But it was an opportunity, so I made a finger heart and raised it.

It was... embarrassing.

"Cheek, cheek! Tap on the cheek!"

Seona was trying to sneak away. She must have been harassed by the cameras before the performance.

I signaled her.

'You too.'

If one of us did it, it would be less embarrassing.

Seona hesitantly came back, and in between, Big Sejin joined in.

"What are you two doing? Oh, photos~"

She's really good at inserting herself.

I wish she wouldn't put her arm on someone's shoulder, but with the cameras, I decided to endure it.

So, we ended up taking a photo with our arms around each other.

'In the end, we're taking photos as a trio from the first episode.'

We were already clashing when we set up the group chat.

It was a bit uncomfortable, but since the water had already spilled from the first team battle, I decided not to avoid it.

Anyway, the woman seemed to have gotten a good shot, as she finally looked away from the camera.

Oh...

She's the one who bought data from me.

When it's difficult to shoot an event due to the schedule, some home-moms buy the photos, edit them, and post them as if they took them.

Hmm, she was one of those buyers.

Thinking about it, I remember she was criticized for the price when I sold data, as it was in line with the market rate.

...But I never took photos of private moments like airport arrivals and departures.

If the data didn't sell, I would release it for free on fan communities or VTube.

'Well... I guess I deserve the criticism.'

While the company might leave it for business purposes, it's still selling someone's right to their image.

Maybe this is my punishment for not being able to debut.

To make me understand the feelings of an idol being photographed.

"Park Moondae is really cute!!"

"..."

Wow... I can't get used to it.

By the way, the male idol she was photographing had a drunk driving scandal last year.

'That guy was the main vocalist...'

Maybe she's planning to switch to Park Moondae.

I felt a strange sensation and waved.

Anyway, the production announcement data is valuable, so I hope she takes good photos.

'If you can upload the photos before Friday, that would be great.'

Because this Friday, "Re-Listing! Idol Corporation" will start its first broadcast.

* * *

Tnet headquarters. The editing room on the 9th floor was filled with exhausted office workers.

Ryu Seol-in, who had scouted Park Moondae, was one of them.

"Seol-in, your eyes are bloodshot. Have some coffee."

"I don't have time. Just give me the coffee."

It was her seventh cup today.

While chugging coffee like water, the faces of those reviewing video data were all haggard.

Ryu Seol-in's former senior sighed.

"The first episode's editing is important."

"...Yes, the direction of the program is clear."

What to show and what to cut.

"Right, a story makes it interesting."

"It should be engaging enough for people to watch without thinking."

Audition shows need a narrative to be interesting, and the narrative should be easy to follow for viewers to stay engaged.

This was almost a given.

"Right, so we're thinking about the first four episodes and building up from the first episode."

"Right. We need to set the story flow and establish the characters' personalities by the end of the first team battle."

Of course, the decision-making power of Ryu Seol-in and her senior wasn't absolute.

'Ultimately, it depends on what the main PD thinks.'

She took her hands off the video for a moment.

"Take a break?"

"Actually, I want to make a suggestion."

"Ah, editing?"

"Yes."

"Hmm~ That's fine. You suggested editing for a civilian participant, Igo Yun, in the first season, and PD Jeong accepted it, right?"

Should I try it? Ryu Seol-in inwardly smirked at her former senior's words.

'I just timed it well.'

And now was the perfect timing.

Exhausted people sometimes forgot their authority due to camaraderie.

"This time, there's no one to push, and it's a good time to make a suggestion."

"Yes, just focus on the ratings."

Thanks to the previous season's early termination due to controversy, there were almost no requests from major agencies.

Then, which participants should be shown in a way that viewers would feel catharsis when the team battles air?

"It's important to pick the ones people like, but we also need the ones they dislike. What do you think? You're good at it."

There was a bone in the playful words. Ryu Seol-in shrugged.

"Ah, can the production team really create all that? People naturally do that. They want to keep liking who they like and disliking who they dislike."

"Hmm."

Her former senior closed his mouth, boxed in by the production team.

"We just make it easier for viewers to get engaged, that's all."

"True."

Her former senior slightly backed down, acknowledging Ryu Seol-in's talent.

So, he changed the topic, pretending to know everything.

"So, you chose the underdog this time? There's a lot to edit with that."

"..."

The underdog effect.

It refers to the thrilling reversal where the underdog defeats the favorite, like David defeating Goliath.

It's one of the most interesting narratives an audition show can offer.

Of course, to achieve the effect, a lot of editing and coordination are needed. It has to be well-crafted.

"Are you going to suggest that? You keep watching them."

"Well... I'll watch them."

Ryu Seol-in brushed it off, but it was essentially a yes.

'No matter how I think about it... I have to give it to them.'

While reviewing the video, she had already made up her mind.

"Good luck~"

She half-heartedly responded to her former senior's insincere encouragement and approached the main PD.

"PD, sir."

And she was half-sure the main PD was thinking the same thing.