Chapter 57

A low whisper

Coincidentally, the first radio station we chose to visit was KBC. At this point, I couldn't help but wonder if there was some kind of connection with KBC.

The Theora members marched into the main gate of the station with a bold presence. Seven sturdy men appeared resolutely, making us feel like special agents on a mission.

I could feel the visitors in the lobby of the station turning their eyes toward us. They must have guessed we were celebrities at first glance.

While our makeup was a bit lighter than stage makeup, it was clear that professionals had worked on our outfits, hairstyles, and makeup.

"Behave politely and don't lose your smiles."

Our manager, Hyung, gave us advice as he led us. He warned us about potential mistakes, but he didn't seem overly worried.

For some reason, from the first day he took charge of us, Manager Hyung had deep trust in us.

"Let's not forget our purpose. We need to win the favor of the staff. If we can be remembered when they need a replacement due to unforeseen circumstances, that would be even better."

Before tackling the first challenge, Green Hyung gathered the members to prepare and gave us a pep talk. The members nodded seriously.

Knock knock?

The first promotion target we chose was the production team of a music talk show called "Camwitmu." After knocking and waiting a moment, we opened the door.

The eyes of the staff inside widened in real-time. They covered their mouths with their hands, clearly surprised by our unexpected visit.

It was understandable. How often do celebrities, who aren't even close friends, show up uninvited at someone's workplace?

"Hello, I'm Choi Joon-hyun, the manager of the idol group Theora. We've come to promote our group. The members wanted to come along, so despite knowing it might be a surprise, I brought them. I apologize if we startled you."

As Manager Joon-hyun explained the situation, the staff seemed to calm down a bit.

We might be unknown new idols, but the fact that celebrities had come to visit was enough to make the staff feel good.

"Hello, we're the new idol group Theora. Nice to meet you."

After greeting the staff together, we put on our best smiles.

"How did you decide to come for promotion? These days, managers rarely do this kind of thing in person."

Green Hyung's soothing voice charmed the staff.

"To properly introduce ourselves, we thought showing up in person would be the best. Just like tasting samples at a supermarket or a skin test at a cosmetics shop. That's why the members insisted on coming."

A small laugh spread, filled with goodwill.

"Which agency are you from?"

The male staff member who asked the question seemed to be the highest-ranking person in the team based on the seating arrangement.

"We're from Hanul Entertainment."

"Oh, I've heard of that. Didn't they advertise on TV?"

If they remembered us, it seemed that the idol advertisement had been a topic of discussion within KBC. Manager Hyung and I distributed the profiles we had brought.

"That's right. Are you very busy?"

"Are you trying to show us something more? If so, I might be curious enough to make time. How about it, PD?"

"It seems fine."

As the PD agreed, a female staff member, who appeared to be a writer, quickly scanned the profile and asked a few questions.

"Do you know what our program is about?"

"Yes, I do. It's an emotional music program where MC Yoo Chan goes camping with a musician and has a sincere conversation about music."

Green Hyung, the leader, answered.

"Many singers want to appear on this program. Why should we choose a new idol group like Theora over them?"

In response to the provocative question, Green Hyung confidently praised the Theora members.

"As you can see, our members have visuals that can captivate viewers. With six distinct personalities, we can satisfy a wide range of tastes."

The writer and other staff members didn't deny it. So far, the program's guests had mostly been accomplished musicians, and most were over 30. In terms of age and appearance, we couldn't compete.

"You could also get a fresh twist. Unlike the existing guests, we can show the music perspective of 'today's youth.'"

Even though we were young, the members were sincere about music. Just showing that there are people like us would be meaningful.

"Isn't it too early for you to discuss music?"

While idols have appeared on the show, only first and second-generation idols have been guests. There was an unspoken rule that one needed at least 10 years of music experience to appear. We needed to break that rule to get on the show.

"Does music discussion require a certain amount of experience? I don't think so. Haven't you ever felt that a genius talent can bridge that gap? I have. Because we have such a member in our group."

A member with genius musical talent? Who could it be? If it's about music, could it be Ji-on...?

"Really? Which member?"

As I was guessing, a hand pushed me from behind, and I took two steps forward. Feeling the warmth of another hand on my arm, I bowed.

"I'm Ham Eui-won, the main vocalist of Theora."

What? Me...? Me, a music genius?

How do you plan to handle the aftermath if you put me forward for the show?

Is it just a relaxed thought that things will work out once we get on the show?

"Hello, I'm Theora's Ham Eui-won. Nice to meet you."

After greeting them again and lifting my head, I met the bright, expectant eyes of the staff. They were already filled with anticipation for a genius.

Ah. What do I do? Despite the awkwardness, I maintained a calm smile.

"Music genius? Can you be more specific?"

"I'll speak for Eui-won since he's shy. According to his profile, Eui-won is a violin major at a music high school. He can play piano, cello, guitar, flute, drums, and geomungo."

"Wow. You can play several instruments at such a young age? You must have a natural talent for music. Most of those instruments don't even have much in common..."

The staff's eyes became sharper, almost greedy. Green Hyung's pitch was very effective.

I just learned to play the instruments, but to others, it gives a genius image. It was just a tool to express my desire to play music...

"Moreover, Eui-won composed the title track and other songs on our debut album. He also did the arrangement. While he's still learning production, with more experience, he might take on the role solo in the future."

Sigh. I did compose the title track, but it was hard to confidently claim it. I hadn't achieved the kind of success that could be proudly showcased. After all, idol music is judged by the public's reaction.

"The title track? How important is a debut song to a new idol's career?"

"An average song wouldn't have been given the title spot by Hanul Entertainment. Don't you agree, PD?"

"Hmm."

The PD tapped his desk, deep in thought.

I felt my ears burning from Green Hyung's excessive praise. But I couldn't show my embarrassment, so I focused on maintaining my expression. My face muscles felt stiff from forcing a smile.

"Additionally, we can provide the entertainment value the show lacks."

"Camwitmu" is a sincere music talk show where guests share their lives and music. The atmosphere often leans towards warm and serious.

The lack of entertainment value has been a criticism of the show every season.

"You hit the nail on the head."

"I didn't mean to, I apologize."

"You don't need to apologize. It's the truth."

Even if the show aimed for emotion over entertainment from the start, they couldn't ignore the need for entertainment. "Camwitmu" was still a variety show.

"I just wanted to recommend a guest who can make sincere music conversations entertaining. I'm a long-time fan of 'Camwitmu.'"

"From a 'Camwitmu' fan's perspective, how do you think Theora would fit on the show? Did I ask for an obvious answer?"

It felt like a deep interview. The PD's and Green Hyung's back-and-forth made the members and other staff hold their breath.

How did it come to this? If they still don't call us after this, it'll be a waste. Green Hyung did his best until the end.

"At first, the members might seem unfamiliar, but the freshness will keep viewers watching. Eventually, they'll find the members interesting and supportive."

"What's your name?"

"I'm Green, the leader of Theora. If you need a replacement, please think of us first. We'll come whenever you call."

"You'll definitely be memorable."

The PD muttered as he flipped through Theora's profile.

"...I've never heard the name, but it sounds familiar."

After years in the industry, it was more likely that he had met Green Hyung's father. Green Hyung heard the muttering but didn't react.

We said our goodbyes and left the office. After closing the door and walking down the hallway, we finally let out the breath we had been holding.

"Didn't we just plan to give profiles and leave? I was so nervous, I thought I'd die!"

Bak-ha, whose legs felt weak, slumped against the wall. Ji-on, whose concentration had waned, looked dazed.

"Next time, I'll do it. Even as the leader, you don't have to handle everything alone."

O-ran, who was as confident as anyone, offered to help Green Hyung. Green Hyung readily handed over the role.

"It'll be fine, right? The atmosphere wasn't bad."

As Se-hoon Hyung said, the atmosphere was indeed not bad. Despite only visiting one place, the members were optimistic about the future.

Even the cool-headed O-ran didn't give a definite answer but didn't contradict Se-hoon Hyung.

The members were filled with hope. Except for me, who overheard the staff whispering as we left.

I couldn't hear everything in the low whisper, but 'that name' stuck in my ears.

"POT Entertainment" is an unforgettable name.

But I couldn't say anything to the members, who were exhausted but still smiling.