Chapter 71

The Impact of a Single Video

The impact of a well-made Newtube video was far greater than we could have imagined. Theo's name was being mentioned here and there, and one by one, offers started coming in.

It began with small programs that POT Entertainment might have overlooked. The main production teams responsible for the ratings of the broadcasting stations seemed to be watching how POT Entertainment would react.

The members, invigorated by the news of incoming schedules, got up from their seats one by one to stretch, loosening their joints that were prone to injury and starting their practice.

"After finishing the morning practice, we'll stop by the shop first, then we have a radio guest appearance scheduled from 2 PM. After that, we need to join the cable TV production. Besides Park Ha, does anyone else have any allergies?"

Among Theo's members, only Park Ha had a melon allergy. It wasn't something she ate often, and it wasn't severe, so it wasn't a major concern.

"Your immune system can suddenly develop allergies. I have a friend who experienced this. So if anything feels strange, report it immediately."

"Got it!"

The manager, who remembered even the smallest details and brought them up at the right moments, had a reason for being chosen as Theo's manager before their debut.

"We are in talks with an SBC drama producer, and it seems we might be able to make a cameo in a drama soon. I'll let you know once it's confirmed. And..."

The manager took a file from his briefcase and handed it to Chorok.

"Newtube and internet broadcasters are making countless offers for you to appear on their shows. Discuss among yourselves and let me know if you want to appear."

"Wow! We get to choose! I'm so moved!"

It felt like just yesterday we were grateful for any schedule. Now, we could choose which ones to appear on.

These days, Newtube and internet broadcasts are more effective for promotion than most regular programs. They tailor to the participants and respond quickly to trends, with immediate feedback.

"This is a list of Newtubers who haven't been involved in major controversies. Check the nature of their broadcasts and formats carefully. Pick 3 or 4, and I'll try to arrange the schedules. Take your time and let me know."

"Wow! I like this person! We have to go on this show!"

Park Ha, who was glued to Chorok's side, pointed at a name in the file and exclaimed.

"I used to watch everything and even left comments before joining the debut group!"

She pouted, saying she had fallen behind because she couldn't watch as much without her personal phone.

"Good timing. After discussing with the company, we've decided to allow you to have personal phones. Although most of your activities are still group-based, individual activities will increase, so it will be necessary."

"I was always worried when Ewon went out alone to work on music. This is great."

Although he didn't say it directly, Seohun's eyes always showed concern when I went to my personal studio. He even mentioned once that he was more anxious than his own younger brother.

I found out later that his younger brother was only 10 years old...

Even if Seohun's younger brother is mature, comparing him to an elementary school student is too much.

Having a phone will ease Seohun's worries. If something happens, we can contact him immediately. Our parents wouldn't be this strict...

"We trust you, which is why we're lifting the phone ban so quickly. Everyone is confident that you won't misuse them."

Some companies don't ban personal phones, but Hanul Entertainment viewed phones as dangerous tools that could cause trouble for idols.

I thought we wouldn't be allowed to have personal phones until we were more established, but this permission came much sooner than expected.

"I'll pass on the message that we'll live up to this trust. Manager."

Perhaps it's a reward for the trust built before our debut. Chorok's leadership as a role model must have played a significant role.

The manager nodded with a slight smile. He must have convinced the company that we could be trusted, leading to the early lifting of the phone ban.

"Be ready when I come to pick you up at the end of practice."

The messy water bottles and towels were already neatly arranged. A habit from his military days, perhaps.

Even if we cleaned up, the manager would make it even tidier. It was cleaner when he did it alone than when six of us did it together.

The manager left the practice room, leaving it spotless as usual.

"Let's gather for a moment."

We quickly gathered to hear the announcement.

"Before we start using phones, I have some things to say. It's natural to be curious about fans' reactions, but you need to filter them appropriately."

I know. Chorok filters out any negative comments to protect us.

Sometimes I worry if Chorok is okay. It seems like a heavy burden.

"Never access deep sites. I'll cover that part."

"Chorok, try to... avoid it."

"I can't just ignore it. I need to know before it becomes a bigger issue. That way, we can respond in the best way for us."

It seems I can't stop him.

But it's too much to leave all the community monitoring to one person.

I know from Hyunoh that the online community can be a toxic place, full of negativity.

"Even as a leader, you don't have to handle everything. Namchul."

"Are you going to stop calling me 'Leader' now?"

"Is that important? Chorok. Can it be?"

Olan seemed determined to stop, but Olan firmly expressed his opinion.

"If you insist on monitoring everything, I'll do it too. The other members can't, but I can."

"Why leave me out? Chorok! I'm good at this!"

Park Ha, hands on her hips, was clearly upset. Jiun watched the argument with interest, as if the winner would be on his side.

Seohun looked displeased. He doesn't want to see anyone hurt by negative comments, but he also doesn't want to leave it all to one person.

I stayed out of it, knowing I'd be dismissed immediately. The members don't know that I'm only affected by a few people. I don't care about what others say.

Is it because of the composer who insulted me? That was an exceptional case.

He said unreasonable things right in front of me, and my confidence in the song was low at the time.

I appreciate their protective attitude, but it feels like overprotection. Why are they so anxious about protecting me? Do they see me as a delicate flower in a greenhouse?

"Olan and Park Ha... fine, do as you wish. But don't go too deep. Even if you have strong mental fortitude, there's no need to deliberately hurt yourself."

"Be careful, Chorok! You're the most at risk!"

Chorok was involved in everything, from leadership to various tasks. He had a lot on his plate.

Can one person handle everything, no matter how capable? This isn't a short-term issue.

"Was I too dictatorial? I..."

"You can't deny it, can you? Even if you don't trust us, try to rely on us a little more."

"It's not that I don't trust you..."

Chorok is a strong leader and efficient, but he's only 20. Mistakes and errors are natural.

"Don't forget we're a team. We promised to discuss and solve problems together when we debuted."

If he remembered the list of commitments posted at the dorm entrance, he couldn't argue. Chorok seemed to be reflecting on the promise he made to the members.

"I understand your concern about protecting us from harm. But Chorok, don't shoulder everything. You know what happens when it all piles up."

If Chorok, a pillar of Theo, collapses, it would be a disaster for Theo.

Losing any of the six members would be a significant blow, but losing Chorok would be the most devastating. He's the one who harmonizes our strong personalities and communicates with the company.

Considering this, his responsibilities are already immense. Adding more?

"Did I seem to be overworking myself?"

"You were."

Olan firmly stated that Chorok was overworking. The other members, excluding Chorok, agreed.

"Personally, I'd prefer you not to delve into the community, but I know that's hard. At least, don't check it too often."

Staring into the abyss means the abyss stares back. It's better to stay away for mental health.

"I'll keep that in mind, Ewon."

"We're worried about you. Be careful. You know."

"Ugh."

Does he always have to be so cheeky? I gave him a warning look, but he didn't budge.

I'll break that cheekiness, sooner or later.

"I'll really be careful! I won't give Ewon any reason to worry!"

Reluctantly accepting Park Ha's words, everyone smiled. Even Olan, who had been observing like a third party, nodded with his arms crossed.

I don't know what he finds satisfying, but let's move on. The issue seems to be resolved smoothly.

"Freedom at last! I was so frustrated without a phone!"

For modern people who can't live without phones, having them confiscated is harsh. How did the older idols manage without phones? They might have used them secretly, but it wasn't enough.

"Park Ha will be able to use her phone freely. Everyone, be prepared."

"What for?"

"Do you know what Park Ha's nickname was before you joined?"

Seeing Seohun look away, it seemed Park Ha was quite troublesome.

Since I joined Theo the latest, there's still a lot I don't know about the members.

"Park Ha, confess."

"The members called me this! Serial Photographer!"

Park Ha, with photography skills rivaling a professional, must be good at taking photos. But how many photos does she take?

"Stay alert at all times. Any embarrassing or bizarre photos will end up in the album and never come out again."

For Olan, who cares about his image in front of the camera, this must have been stressful.

Even if the photos weren't public, they might have been Olan's last line of defense. Showing those photos when Olan was teasing would end the game.

"Actually, Ewon is a bit unsure."

"About what?"

"About taking bad photos."

"..."

"Is that supposed to be a joke? Park Ha."

With Olan's comment and the souring mood, I turned away from Park Ha. She protested, but no one paid attention, and the practice routine began.

It was a day like any other, but it marked the beginning of Theo's rise.