Chapter 49

If I can't debut, I'll get a disease that will kill me - Chapter 049

The personality type questions on the tablet were mostly like this: they described a situation and asked you to choose an action.

Of course, they were all special situations for idols.

[1. You have been selected as a performer for the global KPOP concert, TaKon (TeiKon), which will be presented to fans in 21 countries!

In the midst of intense practice, a completely new idea suddenly comes to you!

However, there is only one week left until the performance. What is your choice?]

Let's ignore the obvious indirect advertisement for their concert.

If we strip away the fluff, it's basically asking if you'll scrap what you've been working on with a short deadline and start over.

'Of course not.'

Do they think this is a school assignment?

With only a week left, the stage set and costumes would almost be finalized. Just because you have a new idea, you're going to scrap everything?

'Even if I had the chance to scrap it, it would take at least five years.'

It means it's practically impossible.

No matter how desperate I want to appeal, this is not passion but recklessness.

[⑤ It's a shame, but there's not much time left. Let's finish the preparation we've been working on perfectly.]

I pretended to think hard and chose this option. At the same time, I muttered to the camera so it couldn't be edited out.

"If I were doing it alone, I'd like to try it... but since a stage is a comprehensive art form, I need to consider the situation. I'll keep the good idea well organized and use it next time."

With this much seasoning, it should be hard to get a strange character. I moved on to the next question.

[2. You have won the Rookie Award at ToneA, the largest music awards in Asia. However, while on your way to the ceremony, one of the members is seriously injured in a traffic accident.

Fortunately, you only have minor bruises. It seems you can still attend the ceremony if you leave immediately. What is your choice?]

"......"

Of course, you need to rest and recover.

With a seriously injured member among the passengers, how can you even think of going to the ceremony with just bruises?

But it seems the option to go to the ceremony with will and effort will be seen positively.

'What a joke.'

I suppressed the twitch in my eyebrow and chose a neutral answer.

[④ Look into the possibility of delivering your acceptance speech remotely from the hospital.]

"Going in person would be better, but the aftereffects of the traffic accident might not show up immediately. I need to confirm my condition through a medical examination to ensure there are no disruptions in my activities."

Even as I added an explanation, I found it absurd.

'Is this going to continue?'

Well, it did.

Surprisingly, all ten questions assumed such unrealistic situations.

Only the production team would know how this relates to the KPOP concept.

I sighed and continued with the remaining questions.

Skipping over the nine questions related to (subtly mentioning their own products) advertisements, I finally reached the last question.

Finally, it's over. I quickly skimmed through question 10.

[10. You have appeared on "Re-Listing! Idol Corporation," a show that selects global KPOP idols. Through endless effort and overcoming challenges, you have finally reached the final stage. An enormous casting call is beckoning you. What is your choice?]

"......"

They put this here?

The moment I realized I had been double-crossed, the tablet screen changed.

It started a countdown from three.

'Why only a three-second countdown?'

They clearly wanted to capture the contestants' shocked reactions.

The numbers disappeared in an instant, and without any time to think, a message appeared.

[Choose now!]

At that moment, the door in front of me suddenly opened.

"…!"

"Hello?"

Outside the door stood a familiar face.

Let me correct that. I was the only one who found the face familiar.

Because... I had seen it many times.

"Nice to meet you."

A member of VTIC entered with a smile.

"…!"

It was an unexpected appearance by a major figure.

I instinctively bowed. If I had been a bit slower, I would have been roasted on the internet.

"I've been watching the show."

"Thank you."

The VTIC member extended a hand for a handshake. I shook it with both hands, as if meeting a CEO.

Cold sweat trickled down my back.

'How did they manage to get him here?'

Even if 〈Ajusa〉 was doing well, how did they manage to get a member of VTIC, who isn't even affiliated with T1, to appear?

Is VTIC running an exclusive reality show on Tnet? Did T1's subsidiary get an ad deal?

'...No, that doesn't matter.'

What's important is to be careful with my words. One wrong move, and something could end up on social media.

I confirmed that the VTIC member had taken a seat and then sat down again. I calmly observed him.

'The leader, right?'

I remembered his name and popularity, but not much else.

I only remembered that he had good individual metrics within the group and was in high demand for straight camera shots because of his dancing.

His stage name is Cheongrye.

"Let me introduce myself first. I'm Cheongrye, the leader of VTIC."

He had a real name, but I didn't know it.

He didn't seem to think I would know, just introducing himself for the sake of the broadcast.

"I'm Park Moondae. Nice to meet you."

I didn't know what I was saying, but I greeted him politely.

'Should I have been more surprised?'

I was so flustered that I missed the reaction.

"You seem very calm, just like on the show."

"…I was too shocked to move."

"Haha, really?"

Does he not believe me?

Cheongrye laughed enough to lighten the mood and then got straight to the point.

"The reason I'm here to meet you, Park Moondae, is... to deliver a casting call from LeTi, one of our VTIC members."

I had expected this, but I couldn't help thinking,

'Is the production team crazy?'

With LeTi's current status, even if you ranked in the single digits, someone might run away.

Of course, there's no guarantee that joining would lead to a debut in the next boy group. The agency likely has many trainees.

However, VTIC's current status is so high that young people around 20 would easily fall for it, especially with a VTIC member delivering the offer.

'Even someone with an existing agency would sign without hesitation.'

Cheongrye continued with his prepared lines.

"Of course, this offer is not for all participants. Do you remember the questions you answered earlier?"

"Y-Yes..."

"Among the nine situational questions, you had the highest response consistency with our VTIC members."

Cheongrye clapped his hands lightly.

"This means you share a similar talent profile with the artists of our LeTi agency."

"…Thank you."

That meant other participants were receiving casting calls from different agencies.

'This will make for good trailers.'

Given that Tnet has good relations with famous agencies, viewers would find this entertaining.

"First, let me tell you about the advantages of choosing LeTi."

The following was predictable. He recited the benefits, achievements, and vision.

'This is to maintain the agency's image.'

I was impressed that he had memorized it. It must be for external use as a leader.

I nodded and expressed amazement as if I were deeply moved.

Cheongrye ended the conversation at an appropriate point and added a prepared joke.

"Also, as you may know, LeTi is also the agency of the soft and sweet seniors. Perhaps you'll have the chance to perform 〈POP☆CON〉 with them?"

"Haha... Yes."

This POP☆CON thing won't go away.

He must have thought I was intrigued, as he smiled.

"Alright, then."

A document and a pen appeared on the desk.

It was a contract. The format and appearance suggested it was real.

'Really?'

Is it necessary to be this serious about the production? I skeptically scanned the contract.

"Will you accept the casting call from LeTi, the agency of VTIC?"

"......"

Let's think about it.

I was in the first group of ten. Thirty participants remained, forming three groups.

'So at least two more will receive casting calls from LeTi.'

If more than one VTIC member is here?

That means up to six participants, including me, will receive casting calls.

If even one more person besides me is okayed,

LeTi isn't stupid. If two or more participants run away to their agency, there's a high chance they'll be paired for activities.

〈Ajusa〉 isn't just doing well; it's almost a phenomenon.

'The agency can't just let this fame go to waste.'

So, if I don't want to continue as an idol in this body, this might be a better choice.

The probability of the group fizzling out after a year or two is high.

'After that, I can look for clues to return to my original body or find a new path.'

I'll be forgotten quickly if I stop activities. Dozens of new idol groups debut every year.

I lifted the pen over the contract.

"......"

Then, I put the pen down and bowed deeply.

"I'm sorry, but I want to continue challenging myself."

"Ah......"

Cheongrye responded with disappointment. He's good at fan service on stage and has a good personality in front of the camera.

"That's a shame. I thought you would do well at LeTi, Park Moondae."

"Thank you for the compliment."

I bowed politely again.

"Do you have a reason for declining?"

Why did I refuse?

First... if I'm the only one who's okayed, it's a big deal.

If they don't give solo activities,

Even VTIC only gives unit activities. They probably think solo activities shorten the group's lifespan.

And... in the future, three years after I entered this body, LeTi didn't debut a new boy group.

In other words, it's a sudden death.

'Absolutely not.'

I'd rather leave the program than wait for a debut with LeTi. My spine shivers.

But I can't say that directly, so I need to give another reason.

"Um... there's the investment cost."

"Excuse me?"

"Since people have bought stocks for my debut, I want to return that investment."

That's right.

'If I'm going to be an idol, I might as well do it properly.'

Debuting on 〈Ajusa〉 means a five-year contract with a T1 subsidiary label.

That means 'Park Moondae' will be active enough to satisfy those who invested time and money for his debut.

...It's the same for me. I don't have any other dreams or visions.

Performing for people who like it... was somewhat enjoyable.

'Maybe it suits me.'

The stage was fun too.

"I want to work harder to debut here."

This should be a good answer.

Although VTIC's appearance prevented me from showing my desperation, I won't be criticized.

Cheongrye listened to my answer and nodded.