Chapter 25

Worldview, and Theora

For idols, a worldview is an essential element that allows for the creation of storytelling.

This worldview could be linked to the idol's concept, songs, music videos, and more, immersing fans in the process. It was fun to discover new clues and interpretations, and it could serve as a unique characteristic that differentiated them from other idol groups.

"Perhaps it would be easier to decide the group's name and concept if we first establish the worldview."

"Worldview...?"

The senior idol group SEED did not have a notable worldview. At the time, idols with a worldview were few, so it didn't seem to matter much.

"Let me explain the significance of a worldview in detail..."

The explanation went on for a while, passionately emphasizing the need to create a worldview.

"I've roughly put together a worldview. Based on the Big Bang theory, when time and space were created by the Big Bang... from the perspective of six stars to showcase the individual charms of the six members... then these multiple stars interact... fused with the currently popular theory of parallel universes... This is the kind of worldview. What do you think?"

Ah...

I could understand the general idea, but I couldn't grasp why we needed to construct such a worldview and apply it to us.

It wasn't just me; everyone had a puzzled look, as if their minds had drifted to Andromeda. The explanation was so complex that it was impressive that it was completed in one go.

"What is this, content?"

"...I can't understand anything. Is it just me?"

"I thought you were speaking in an alien language..."

"Complex worldviews are a trend now, so we should create one, but why do fans like this? Where's the appeal?"

If this worldview were applied to our concept, songs, and music videos, could we fully understand and express a story we don't believe in? Could we confidently reveal our worldview?

The advantage of having a worldview is that it allows us to express ourselves to fans through storytelling, creating interesting and dynamic stories.

I thought of a worldview as a tool to represent us, a tool to incorporate our unique features and world.

However, the more complex the worldview, the less it connected with the idols. Sometimes the worldview and the idols seemed to be separate. While some fans studied the worldview because they liked the idols, others simply liked the idols without delving into the worldview. Even if we introduced such a complex worldview, only a few people would deeply engage with it.

There were also groups that actively performed without a worldview.

I raised my hand, and everyone's attention turned to me.

"Sorry, but this worldview is too obscure and difficult."

"I put a lot of effort into this trend, so which part do you dislike, Lee Won?"

"Can I be honest?"

"Yes."

"It's not intuitive. It's just complicated and boring. To put it simply..."

"It's bad."

"Oran! When did I say that!"

While the meaning was clear, I didn't intend to express it so harshly. I hoped no one was hurt.

"Actually, after discussing it among ourselves, our conclusion is that we want to try various concepts and believe we can handle them. If the worldview is grand, we can apply it in various ways, which is an advantage. However, we'd like to fill in those details gradually. We think a simple expression, like a seed buried in the soil, is sufficient to convey the potential for anything."

"A seed buried in the soil, the potential for anything..."

The representative mumbled, deep in thought. It seemed like my chance to present my idea had come.

"Based on that, I've named our group Theora. Combining Terra, meaning earth, and the Möbius strip (∞), symbolizing infinity, to form Theora (Te∞rra). It can also be read as Theura, symbolizing infinite potential."

I believe the earth, the cradle of life, holds potential and latent power.

After presenting my idea, I felt relieved. Whether it was adopted or not, it was important that I had expressed what I wanted to say.

It was surprisingly difficult to hold back what I wanted to say. Maybe it was because I had been holding back for so long? I knew I should be diplomatic, but I often spoke directly.

"Did you consider the name of our entertainment company and the names of the idol groups?"

"Yes, sir."

"Our company is Haneul, the boys are SEED, and the girls are Cornel. Sky, seeds, trees, and earth. Your ambition is considerable, but it fits. Was a flower not enough?"

"I heard that the name Cornel was chosen based on the meaning of the forsythia flower, so it's related to flowers."

The forsythia flower symbolizes eternal and indestructible love, which is why the forsythia's scientific name was chosen.

"Good meaning, good pronunciation, and it feels like it belongs to our entertainment company. What do you all think?"

The reactions were generally positive. The representative continued.

"And the worldview... I think we've reached this point because everyone is competing to have a grand worldview. Even when talking to other entertainment company representatives, they say they do it because they have to. It seemed strange, but it was the trend, so I thought we should follow it. However, I've heard that more and more fans are feeling fatigued by such worldviews. If the artists feel the same way... perhaps we should change direction this time."

The employees were deep in thought. While it was a risk to deviate from the trend, most felt it wouldn't be a loss. Seeing the positive reactions, the representative made a decision.

"Let's remake the worldview to fit our kids' group name. But make it simple and easy for anyone to understand."

"...Understood, sir."

The planner's face turned red and blue. Though he couldn't understand, he couldn't argue with the representative's instructions and reluctantly agreed.

"Anyone else have a group name in mind?"

"I had one, but it's not as good as Theora. I'll keep it to myself."

At that moment, Park Ha raised her hand subtly.

"I thought of Parkhas..."

"No way!"

Everyone, including me, shouted in unison. How could she come up with such a group name?

It seemed like Park Ha had thought of it based on her own name and the children.

"Park Ha, I didn't know you were so selfish. Are we only S to you?"

Green, pretending to be hurt, scolded Park Ha. Seohoon looked uncomfortable.

"You're crazy."

"Bacchus? The god of wine?"

Oran briefly commented. Jiyong and Jeteon seemed to have misheard it as Bacchus, which also seemed inappropriate. An idol group named after the god of wine sounded ominous.

"Just a joke. A joke."

It was indeed a joke, but I decided to believe her.

Other candidates included the Strongest Boys, G-Unit, Sky Prince, and Banzel.

The Strongest Boys and Sky Prince were immediately rejected. G-Unit was rejected because it sounded like "rat unit." No one heard the explanation about the G from Gaia and the unit meaning a group.

Banzel (B-angel) remained a candidate until the end. However, Jeteon, who knew Spanish, pointed out that it meant "bad" or "delinquent," and the members all looked displeased when the meaning was revealed.

It meant "boy angels" or "young angels," which seemed like it would become a black history. It would be embarrassing to introduce it anywhere.

In the end, our group's provisional name became 'Theora (Te∞rra)' as I suggested. Although it was called provisional, I heard it would be finalized unless there was a major change.

"The group name and stage names are roughly decided, the worldview needs revision, and we need to discuss the concept."

"You mentioned wanting to try various concepts earlier. I'll accept that. However, the debut album's concept should be one. Should we decide based on the worldview?"

The visual director asked.

She reminded me of a strict teacher. Her sophisticated appearance and tone made it hard to guess her age. Her high-pitched voice was memorable.

"No. The message is already clear, and it needs to be intuitive. The framework should come to mind quickly."

"Really? Impressive. Can you give us a rough idea?"

The scenario writer, whose complex worldview had been rejected, seemed to feel better with the compliment about her ability.

She explained the content she had thought of during the meeting.

"The setting is post-apocalyptic, after humanity has disappeared. The members here awaken in this world, as artificial humans or genetic mutations, for some reason. That's the end. The cause of the apocalypse is unknown, and while you have sufficient knowledge, you are like inexperienced children."

"Brilliant! I understand why this is the worldview! With basic knowledge and adult bodies, you can learn and discuss various emotions and form different relationships. You can find movies, books, and records from the remnants of civilization and create new narratives. There's room to add Korean stories, and you can even incorporate causes like zombies or Dracula."

As a visual director, she quickly grasped the direction to incorporate the concept.

"However, in the early stages, it would be difficult to have typical love stories. There are only boys, and survival is the priority in this worldview."

"You're too immersed in the worldview. It depends on how you create the story."

"Hmm... The first album should focus on birth or the beginning. The excitement and joy of it. A refreshing genre of song would fit. A nostalgic refreshing? Or since it's a worldview, a dreamy refreshing..."

The latter part was almost a monologue, with unfamiliar words quickly passing by.

The visual director seemed lost in her own world. No one disturbed her, assuming she was concentrating.

Other employees nodded, finding it not bad.

'Refreshing' is a popular concept at any time. Given our young age, a concept that matches our age would fit better.

"The big picture is clear. What's the next step?"

"Selecting the songs. We've received several, but the quality is unsatisfactory. If we get good songs, we can proceed quickly. We have time, so please wait."

"We have to wait. If we get good songs, we can wait as long as necessary."

The head of the rookie development team added his opinion.

"Sir, we should start acting lessons. They need to have the basics before shooting music videos."

"Isn't acting included in the curriculum?"

"Basically, it's optional, and some members have only been here for a short time."

That's me. I have no experience in acting, so I can't argue.

"Agreed. We'll also start focusing on skin and body management."

"Good. You're already handsome, but being even more handsome would be a bonus."

The tasks kept piling up. But if it's the path to debut, I'm willing to endure it.

The path to becoming an idol is really not easy.