Chapter 38

"Are you saying we're going to be advertised on TV?"

After a long practice, while taking a break to replenish fluids, Green Hyung brought up the topic.

"We don't have much time left until our debut. There's something I want to discuss."

All the members focused their attention on Green Hyung.

"What kind of mindset should we have as idols, what actions we should take, and what we shouldn't do. Things like that."

It was an important statement for a leader to make. Up until now, we were so focused on the goal of debuting that we didn't have much time to think about it calmly. Everyone immediately became serious and listened intently to Green Hyung.

"Before we start thinking about each one, let me speak first. I believe that we can only exist as idols because of our fans. An idol with no fans can't even be called an idol."

Idol. Idol.

Now, it's a word used to describe a group of singers who dance and sing. But the word 'idol' also refers to a highly loved object and a being that is worshipped like a god.

Being worshipped like a god... It might sound presumptuous, but in reality, there are many similarities.

"What kind of attitude should we have towards the fans who love us? We will receive unconditional, selfless love. How should we repay that love?"

I only had the mindset to do my best in everything. I had never deeply thought about fans before. I treated it like a distant matter.

I would be grateful to have fans. I should act properly to avoid any controversies. That was the vague and fragmented thought I had.

"You might not be able to grasp it yet since we haven't debuted, but eventually, you'll feel the love from the fans. I've observed how other idol groups become genuine. There are exceptions, but generally, it's inevitable."

On the contrary, those who take fans lightly and ignore them have paid a heavy price.

"Fans make it possible for us to stand on stage. They cheer for us and enjoy our performances. They spend their money, time, and energy on us. They genuinely share our joys and sorrows, without expecting anything in return."

Even friends or parents would find it difficult. If someone gives me devoted love, I should also treat them with genuine sincerity. It's not only the right thing to do, but it will also come naturally.

"I've thought about this too. Once people start liking us, our influence becomes enormous. They might emulate our actions and buy the things we have. So, we need to be role models."

As Seohun Hyung said, when our influence grows, it brings consequences. Just like how a celebrity's death can lead to depression.

Whether our influence is negative or positive depends on our actions. We need to feel responsible for the consequences that follow.

At the very least, we shouldn't hear, 'Why can that idol do it, but we can't?'

"I hope we can become idols worthy of being called idols."

Living as an idol, especially as a role model, is a very challenging task. We are required to act with purity.

"Don't forget that fans can abandon us in an instant. They give unconditional love, but they can also be fickle."

As idols, we need to continuously strive to leave a lasting impression on the fans' minds. We need to struggle desperately to avoid sinking into obscurity.

"What specific actions should we avoid?"

"Relationships?"

"Relationships?"

Baekha and I almost said it at the same time. It's not for nothing that agencies impose a ban on dating.

"We're all at an age where we're very interested in relationships, but we're not allowed to date until we renew our contracts. Let's think about it after the renewal. If you can date without getting caught, it's fine, but realistically, it's impossible. Fans might know but turn a blind eye. Let's focus on our careers and not get distracted."

"You've all seen what happened when seniors got involved in scandals."

As Seohun Hyung said, SEED's members, though an extreme case, lost a significant number of fans due to scandals. Moreover, the group's image worsened, and other members were also labeled as 'They're just idols to date.'

"If you get caught in a relationship, you'll have a one-hour consultation with me."

A one-hour consultation with Green Hyung would leave you battered and bruised, with ruthless facts and sharp, pointed comments.

"Nothing that could make the news is allowed. No drunk driving, drugs, gambling, or sex-related scandals. And since Seohun Hyung and I are the only ones who will be adults at debut, no drinking or smoking for the rest. When you're old enough to drink, I'll check your tolerance and habits before allowing it."

To prepare for any unforeseen situations and protect our image.

I don't have much curiosity about alcohol, so I don't have much of a complaint.

"I'll have to wait the longest. I can't drink with the seniors until then. Huh~."

Baekha whined. It seemed she was more looking forward to drinking with the seniors than the alcohol itself.

"Drinking isn't a big deal. Baekha, you probably won't like it much."

Seohun Hyung, the only one among us with drinking experience, tried to calm Baekha down. You don't like bitter tastes, so you probably won't like alcohol.

Baekha argued that she could try different things. Seohun Hyung was puzzled and the conversation ended there.

We briefly strayed from the topic but quickly returned, as Green Hyung looked at us with a serious face.

Green Hyung, who usually seems to be smiling all day, had a different weight when he was serious.

"Focus. We shouldn't give any reason for controversy. Any sensitive actions related to history should be confirmed with me first. Idols shouldn't express political views or use profanity or hate speech."

These are implicit rules that public figures should follow. A single mistake can quickly lead to controversy.

"I'll keep an eye on whether you develop 'celebrity syndrome' later."

While some say that everyone goes through it, if you do, you'll be mocked later. This naturally instilled a sense of caution. Personally, I think it will take a while for me to even recognize myself as a celebrity.

"I'll talk about the rest as the time comes. Like how to approach fan meetings or what to be careful about during live broadcasts."

Green Hyung knew the entertainment industry's ecosystem well. He had been familiar with this world since he was young and delved into it more seriously when he decided to become an idol. He understood the structure of the idol world thoroughly.

"Lastly, we shouldn't keep problems to ourselves. We might make mistakes, and even without giving any reason, problems can arise. When that happens, let's discuss and solve them together."

One of the good things about having multiple members is that we can share opinions and find rational solutions to overcome difficulties. We might even come up with creative solutions that I wouldn't have thought of.

"If you're sick or not feeling well, let me know. I'll do my best to help."

When he said "if you're sick," Green Hyung glanced at me. He seemed to be referring to the time I was sick during the debut evaluation performance.

I felt a bit guilty and shifted my eyes. Green Hyung smiled and turned his gaze to the other members.

The sooner we recognize a problem, the faster we can address it. Green Hyung will take preventive measures before we get sick or ensure we rest when we're slightly unwell. Even if one of us has to miss a schedule, he will handle it perfectly.

"If you have anything to add or disagree with what's been said, speak up."

His words were so sound that there was nothing to disagree with. The other members briefly mentioned additional rules they wanted to add.

The rules for Teorra gradually increased. It started with the more serious ones and ended with setting up cleaning and trash duty.

It's surprising that these discussions only came up after living together for a while. Maybe the schedule was too busy to even voice complaints.

"Write them down and put them somewhere visible so you don't forget."

As Olan said, we needed to see them daily to keep them in mind. For Ji-on, it was also helpful to write them down as they were difficult to absorb all at once. Our country is particularly strict about celebrities.

In the end, a large piece of paper with numbered rules was posted on our dorm door. The rules for Teorra were written in large letters, and the dorm rules were written in smaller letters below.

"Let's read them once before leaving the dorm."

The large letters would catch our attention. They would be the first thing we see when leaving the dorm, and we might even memorize them to the point of brainwashing.

Ji-on read each word carefully and asked Green Hyung a question. He understood the words contextually but not concretely.

Green Hyung and Baekha explained to Ji-on with actual examples, almost like a puppet show. Watching them, Olan, Seohun Hyung, and I couldn't help but smile.

"Education at a child's level."

"Green and Baekha are good at puppet shows. Who said Baekha can't act?"

Both Green Hyung and Baekha performed with great enthusiasm. As Seohun Hyung said, Baekha showed decent acting skills, except for the kind that ruins her image.

Idols rarely have to give intense performances that distort their facial muscles. So, wouldn't she be considered a good actor?

"I get it. I understand perfectly. That's enough, that's enough."

"No, it's not. You need to understand that the response can change depending on the situation."

"Right! Ji-on Hyung needs to study more!"

The two of them didn't tire and kept nagging Ji-on.

In the end, Ji-on, tired of their persistence, ran away, bringing the day's discussion to a close.

* * *

One evening, the manager brought us to a small conference room. He was holding a camera, which meant there was something to film.

"Is there a meeting?"

Baekha asked. Usually, if there was a meeting, he would tell us the time and call us. So, it was strange to be brought to the meeting room without knowing the reason.

"No. Kids, sit down and wait here."

We were the only ones in the meeting room. We sat down and waited quietly. The manager turned on the TV and stepped back, still holding the camera.

"Why did he suddenly turn on the TV..."

It was around the time when evening dramas start, so the TV was showing commercials.

Was he making us watch a drama? Maybe we had a chance to appear in one?

The other members also seemed to think so, as their expressions brightened.

While we were sipping kimchi soup, a few commercials passed. Just as we were about to lose focus, the screen changed, and the Teorra logo appeared.

"…?!"

The letters of TEORRA appeared one by one and settled in the center of the screen.

Baekha pointed at the screen, stammering. Ji-on looked for the divine with a mix of surprise, and Seohun Hyung just froze with wide eyes. Green Hyung and Olan, who quickly grasped the situation, smiled strangely. I couldn't believe it and just blinked.

Is this our ad? Are we being advertised on TV?