Chapter 65

Today's Live Information!

Early in the morning, we arrived in Dangjin to tackle our precious schedule.

The program that the production team connected us to Theora is a live broadcast lifestyle information program aired in the evening.

Although we asked them to recommend us, it was uncertain whether the schedule would be confirmed. Even if they said, "It's a pity, but maybe next time…," we would have accepted it.

It was a casting that could have caused rejection from viewers due to the lack of context.

Of course, it wasn't as a daily MC, but as a daily reporter.

Perhaps the ratings going up added some points?

It was surprising. Usually, only announcers, MCs, and reporters appear on such programs, but we, as idols, were going to appear. It felt like we were stepping into the TV screen.

With excitement and determination, we headed to Dangjin, South Chungcheong Province, which was different from the norm.

"First time in Dangjin, but the atmosphere is nice? It's peaceful."

The first impression of Dangjin was that of a quiet city. We might have come to a place with fewer people, but the only people we saw were the PD and the production team.

The writer gave us a concept that wouldn't cause rejection even if we all went out together.

The PD himself appeared in the video, and we were to act as assistants 1-6 in a segment where he pretends to be active.

"Maybe Pinocchio?"

The word Jion suddenly brought up was confusing, but I soon understood what he meant.

"Suddenly Pinocchio? Oh, a puppet?"

Theora was to play a role similar to a puppet, doing things on behalf of the PD.

"This travel course should be easy…."

The segment Theora was in charge of involved following a travel itinerary planned by a local viewer, traveling on behalf of the city, county, or district. The segment was called "Traveling on Your Behalf."

The format was to summarize a 2-night, 3-day itinerary into one day.

The point was the PD's flustered appearance. The segment was popular and long-running due to the frequent mistakes made during the travel.

"Isn't this segment perfect for Theora?"

The image of the members rushing through a tight travel schedule and ending up in a mess was vivid. But it wasn't exactly a perfect fit for Theora. Hong Olan clearly expected us to mess up.

"Going for a comedic approach isn't bad."

Theora showed a comedic side while painting the exterior of a building. They must have liked that and invited us to this program, but I have some concerns.

"What is Theora's image, exactly?"

Seohun also had the same concerns. But we couldn't afford to be picky. As new idols with a light schedule, we couldn't be choosy.

"It's going to be a tough day. Be prepared."

It was more frightening to hear this from Seohun, known for his "infinite stamina," meaning it would be tough even for him.

"We can eat all the meals for 2 nights and 3 days in one day."

Originally, the segment only involved the PD, who would introduce a few places and eat at two restaurants. Even with snacks, two meals were already a lot.

For Green, eating all five meals in one day was simple.

It was foolish to think that the meals would be divided among the six of us.

"Theora, today's course is to eat breakfast, visit Myeoncheon fortress and art gallery, stop by Sapgyo Lake, have lunch at Dangjin traditional market, move to the seaside for sea fishing, enjoy the sunset at Seohae Bridge after dinner, and finally, see the night view at the amusement park near Sapgyo Lake."

The number of scheduled activities alone exceeded ten, indicating a tight schedule. Even starting early in the morning, we had to deduct meal and travel times. We might even have to run around taking certification photos.

* * *

Sadly, my premonition hit the mark, but not for us, for the PD.

"Ah, let's go! Huh, huh!"

"PD, run faster! At this pace, we won't complete the scheduled course!"

Seohun, who seemed possessed by a drill instructor, urged the PD.

We were used to this, as it was a common sight during workouts. The writer and other production team members were barely keeping up from a distance.

Fortunately, the camera director, who was experienced in documentary filming, smoothly captured the scenes.

"Seohun, you don't have to do this, huh, just remove a couple of places that weren't originally in the course…."

Ironically, the PD, who was responsible for this segment and planned the travel itinerary for each episode, repeatedly put himself through hardship and regretted it.

"PD, you're disappointing. Are you going to break your promise to the viewers?"

"No, when did I make a promise to the viewers? I didn't plan it to be this tight, huh, it's my fault! Seohun, huh, just give me a chance…!"

I found it strange. I had seen this segment several times, and it usually introduced about five or six major tourist spots. The PD insisted that travel should be leisurely.

Even so, the PD struggled to complete the tight schedule in one day, ending up with a haggard face by the end of the trip.

In a 10-minute segment, this transformation was stark. Jokes like "Leaving home means suffering" or "This is why going outside is scary" became popular, and even went viral, showing the impact.

The original day-trip itinerary was already tight, but this time, it had over ten activities. It felt like PD Gam was trying to play a prank on us to get some funny scenes.

The episode featuring the PD getting into trouble while trying to play a prank on us might receive a more enthusiastic response than usual.

And our story might also become a hot topic.

"Theora and I, PD Gam, have arrived at Dangjin traditional market, huh!"

The pronunciation was a mess, but there was no time to reshoot. Maybe the PD would dub it later.

"It's bustling today because it's market day. The parking fees are also cheap! Useful for those enjoying family trips by car!"

Bakha added a lively explanation. The viewers might not even hear what we said, just seeing our faces.

"Theora will try the food heartily! After driving all morning, the breakfast I had is already digested. We, the six members, will try as many different foods as possible at the traditional market with PD!"

It should be "I will try" rather than "Theora will try."

But it's true that we can try various menus by sharing. I decided to eat enthusiastically, following Green's lead.

"Now, we'll enter the traditional market. We'll secretly infiltrate to avoid disturbing the market visitors and tourists!"

The PD, who had become a quasi-celebrity, was well-known but had always walked confidently. However, the market was already crowded, and adding our colorful hair would make it even more chaotic.

"Of course, I won't go!"

It was unimaginable for the PD not to appear in a segment where he was the face.

"Let's go! Departure!"

We entered the traditional market like heroes setting out to slay a demon. But we became invisible inside, unfortunately.

The age group of visitors to Dangjin traditional market was on the higher side, with a high ratio of people in their 40s and 50s. PD Gam was a superstar in such a place.

Theora, you still have a long way to go….

"Finally in Dangjin! PD Gam!"

"Thank you for the warm welcome."

"PD Gam, would you like to try some glutinous rice pancakes?"

"Thank you! Sister!"

The hands offering food to PD Gam were full of affection. When he couldn't handle the overwhelming affection, he passed it on to us, and we finally became visible.

"Who are these young people? Are they your son and his friends?"

"I'm younger than you think, sister! I'm not old enough to have a son like them!"

Seeing PD Gam's voice rise in frustration, the auntie nodded.

"Sure. It's hard for someone like PD Gam to have such a talented son, isn't it?"

"Wow! Really? I don't get left out anywhere. Why are you doing this~."

The auntie and PD Gam chatted like old neighbors, and I could understand why he was so popular among the elders.

"If you had to recommend one menu from this market?"

"I can definitely recommend it. Hand-made dumplings and knife-cut noodles!"

The restaurant recommended by the auntie, who runs a stall in the market, was already packed.

We couldn't even sit down and had to stand to eat the knife-cut noodles and hand-made dumplings. We had to almost inhale them due to the time constraints.

The amount was far from enough for Green. He had packed dumplings and steamed buns on the way, but they were gone by the time we reached the next stall. They must have teleported into Green's stomach.

"PD, let's go to the next destination!"

"…Theora, aren't you idols? I thought you were athletes. Huh?"

PD Gam, who had recovered a bit after eating carbohydrates, started to look miserable again and clung to Seohun's back.

Seohun, who didn't seem to find him heavy, continued walking. Eventually, he carried PD Gam on his back.

"I think I'll call Theora again? Yes! I'll definitely call you again!"

PD Gam seemed to be experiencing a split personality, asking and answering himself.

It seems we caused him a lot of trouble today. I'm sorry, but it was his own doing.

Somehow, Theora ended up with a group of tough people. People who don't know this might underestimate us, but they will eventually fall for their own tricks, just like today.

* * *

The camera captured the PD, who had passed out in the moving car, and our still fine selves.

I heard that they usually edit the day's footage into a 10-minute segment or a 20-minute segment over two episodes. This Dangjin trip might be at least a two-episode special.

There were many scenes we found funny, but it would be difficult to fit them into a 10-minute segment. Even 20 minutes would be too short.

I vaguely hoped it would be made into a special episode. I knew it was unrealistic, but what better reason could there be for a show that pursues "fun"?

"PD, wake up. We're here!"

I heard the PD mumbling as he woke up to the camera director's voice.

"PD, this is the last destination. Take a certification photo and ride the Ferris wheel, and we're done!"

"Finally! I can see the end!"

With PD Gam's emotional exclamation, we got out of the car first. The amusement park, though small, had a special charm with its Ferris wheel, carousel, and rainbow lights.

"They say it's popular on SNS. The photos will turn out well."

We finished the day's filming by taking a beautiful photo in front of the rainbow Ferris wheel. PD Gam said he would never forget Theora's name that day.

I hope it doesn't leave a bad impression. But that might be too much to ask…?