Chapter 48

The Last Worker (1)

The filming date is not far off.

As a novice in variety shows, Theora needed to prepare.

Originally, "The Last Worker" was a program where ordinary people experienced difficult and arduous jobs, and their efforts were filmed to be used as self-promotional materials according to their choices.

Just having the courage to appear on TV was a significant challenge. Moreover, if she could show that she could work well with others on the show, it would help with job interviews. There were even testimonials from people who received job offers after being seen on the show.

Viewers commented that those who had experienced tough jobs would likely last longer in their new companies. The concept itself was heartwarming.

However, many viewers found the overall structure loose and boring. While it could be subtly interesting, the documentary-like feel made it easy to change the channel. The show's weakness was also that it aired close to midnight on Thursdays.

Despite its many weaknesses, Theora was determined to make "The Last Worker" a success.

Since Theora, an idol, was participating, the format had to change. After a meeting, the production team proposed that instead of providing job opportunities, they would recommend Theora to any TV program she desired after the one-day experience.

"Really, any program we want?"

At the mention of recommendations from public broadcasting producers and writers, the members' eyes widened.

"You can't guarantee casting, but we can certainly recommend you! Although we may be struggling with this program, we have connections in the broadcasting industry, so it's like a piece of cake to make a few calls!"

The writer, with his hands clasped tightly, looked at us with bright, shining eyes, as if he had met a savior, making our ears slightly red.

"Thank you, writer."

Green, with wide eyes, expressed his gratitude.

We thought we had to beg, but it seemed we were mutually essential to each other. The Theora members even gained a bit of confidence, their shoulders raised.

"This time, all Theora members will participate in the one-day experience. Think of it as job experience. We want to focus on the sense of fulfillment you feel and the gratitude you show to those working on the scene."

With the program at a crossroads of cancellation, using the appealing label of a new idol group was not enough. However, the original spirit of supporting all workers could not be abandoned.

In previous episodes, the narrative focused on the circumstances and resolve of the participants, so the interest varied depending on who the subject was.

"We'll do our best!"

"Your enthusiasm is reassuring, but don't forget to be well-prepared."

We had already reviewed previous episodes of "The Last Worker" to mentally prepare. But if it required special preparation, what kind of job could it be?

I couldn't guess what they would make us do. Maybe cleaning up cow dung on a farm, sweating endlessly in a factory, or helping with package loading and unloading. Could it be worse than these?

* * *

A few days later, the filming of "The Last Worker" began on a cold morning street. It was a small park near an apartment complex, and with the cold weather, there were no pedestrians, making it easy to film.

"Today, a special guest has come to visit the last worker. It's~"

The MC of "The Last Worker" was Choi Jeongsang, an announcer active in various programs. Known for his calm and weighty hosting style, he was more suited to educational programs than variety shows. He only joined for the initial segments and personal interviews.

"Hello! To all the viewers of 'The Last Worker'! Today's guest is the new idol group, Theora!"

"Limitless potential, Theora! Greetings! I'm the gentle leader, Green."

"Your reliable guardian, Seohun."

"Charismatic rapper, Jiton. A-yo!"

"Heaven-sent idol, Ham Iwon."

"Adorable and charming♡ Oran!"

"Pride and visual of Theora, Peppermint~."

When introducing themselves, they decided to add adjectives before their names and even corrected each other's adjectives, which were surprisingly powerful when heard directly.

To think I would have to say something like "Heaven-sent idol" before my name...! Is exaggeration and lies a characteristic of the entertainment industry?

Peppermint's attitude, which showed no doubt about her beauty, was familiar. But Oran's transformation was a shock, like the sky and earth had flipped.

I had seen Oran's business mode on stage, but this was the first time in a variety show. She was so naturally charming.

I forced a smile to hide my trembling lips. I needed to learn from such boldness.

The Theora members struggled to adapt to the unfamiliar environment of their first variety show. However, the PD reassured us, saying that for newbies, we were doing well.

"Everyone makes mistakes. Don't be discouraged. Your enthusiasm is giving us energy. You are idols, after all."

"PD, do you have any specific expectations for us? If so, please tell us everything! Anything!"

Peppermint's proactive approach made the PD, who had been looking at us fondly, take a step back. It was understandable to feel overwhelmed. Our members sometimes get tired of our relentless persistence.

Seohun advised that when this happens, a 4-hour walk would do the trick. Is Peppermint a high-energy large dog? Well, her behavior doesn't seem much different.

"Cut!"

After filming the opening, we moved to meet the person who would provide today's task. I wondered why the opening scene was near an apartment complex...

The Theora members realized why the writer had expressed concerns before filming.

"How many floors is this...?"

The top of the apartment building was far out of sight.

"Anyone with a fear of heights? Of course, you have to do it even if you do!"

Our task was to paint the exterior of the apartment building.

We would start from the top and paint our way down. How many meters would it be from the roof of a high-rise building of at least 30 floors?

"Oh... I'm in trouble..."

Green, usually capable of quickly removing any obstacle, sounded unusually weak. After all, a fear of heights doesn't discriminate.

"Anyone with a fear of heights, raise your hand."

The manager, who hadn't received detailed information, checked the members' conditions late. Green and Jion slowly raised their hands.

"Jiton, you too?"

"It's not severe. But just in case. The height. The height... If I fall... I might..."

He seemed to be imagining the worst-case scenario and was terrified. Jion is a member who rarely shows fear...

I felt grateful again for not having a fear of heights.

Today's work environment would require fighting the fear of height rather than the physical labor. I had a premonition that we would witness many unexpected sides of the members during this filming.

We changed into outfits that looked like idols and regrouped. For outdoor filming, we chose active work clothes, considering that paint might get on our bodies.

They looked like light, sporty training clothes with a light down jacket. However, inside, they were equipped with functional clothing and hand warmers.

With the temperature at minus 5 degrees and the perceived temperature at minus 10 degrees, we had to dress like this to avoid becoming frozen fish hanging from the top of the apartment building.

The person who would hire us for the day was a young man. He said he started doing painting work part-time to earn tuition for university and eventually turned it into his career, now a respectable boss. The boss, in his work clothes, greeted the filming team with a shy smile.

"Hello! We are the new idol group, Theora. Please take care of us!"

The boss, unfamiliar with the camera, was sweating profusely and wiping his face continuously.

After the boss's brief introduction, during a short break, the assistant director asked us to "reduce our enthusiasm a bit...?"

Everyone? Not just Peppermint?

The boss's tension was not due to the camera but because six boys were focusing on his every move. I gained a new insight.

But, was I like that too? I was well-behaved...

Regardless, we finished the introductions and went up to the roof of the apartment building. The elevator made several trips to the 30th floor to bring everyone up.

"The apartment we will paint today is 30 floors high and about 100 meters tall."

"100 meters... 100 meters. If I fall from up there..."

On the roof, Jion, looking down at the ground, muttered to himself. Peppermint quickly interjected.

"No wonder the top seems so far away! Boss, what do we need to prepare?"

"You don't need to prepare much, just paint. The main work alone will take a whole day."

"How about safety equipment? Are you not afraid, Boss?"

Green, with his eyes tightly closed, was unusually quiet today. Instead, Peppermint, acting as a question robot, kept the conversation flowing.

"I'm afraid too, but I've adapted. I have to endure this to support my family."

"Wow! Boss, you're amazing! Your family must be proud of you! I would be too!"

The boss, slightly blushing, rechecked the safety equipment he had prepared. He had brought all the equipment used by his employees, but it was still not enough for all Theora members, so they decided to split into two teams.

The production team also prepared additional equipment for the safety of the cast, so there were 12 ropes hanging from the roof.

"Normally, we use double ropes, but we added one more, so there's no need to worry about safety."

"Thank you for your careful attention, Boss. Should we start by going down the ropes?"

The boss said that we just needed to attach the ropes to our bodies and decide who would go down first.

"Who will go down first? I'll go first."

Oran included himself in the question.

"..."

"...I'll go later."

Green opened his mouth but couldn't bring himself to speak. Jion also deferred, saying he would go later.

Could these two rely on the ropes and hang in the air? I felt sorry for them, but I didn't think Green and Jion would give up on the experience.

This filming was a matter of life and death for Theora.

"I'll go. If I can confirm it's safe, it will be less scary."

"Seohun, I'll go too."

The first team consisted of Oran, Seohun, and me.

I stepped forward confidently, but honestly, 30 floors was too high. My hands slipped as I placed my feet on the wall one by one.

When did I start sweating so much...

"Iwon, are you very scared? Should we go more slowly?"

"No. It's just my survival instinct. I'm not really scared."

Strangely, my legs were trembling, but I wasn't really scared. ...Really.

The filming is just getting started.