Chapter 74

### Translating to English: Naming the Fandom

The story I heard from a fan I met at the shop kept echoing in my ears. After discussing among the members, we decided to start with a live broadcast. Green, representing Theora, relayed our opinion to the manager.

"Should we try a live broadcast? If you can prepare the camera, we'll handle it ourselves."

The fans' main request was to see us more often. Theora has been steadily fulfilling the schedules we receive.

However, the gap between filming and broadcasting, along with the insufficient frequency, left the fans unsatisfied.

After a moment of contemplation, the manager quickly accepted our suggestion.

"Let's prepare it right away. The company also believes we need to be more proactive with PR. Besides the live broadcast, what do you think about planning and creating your own YouTube content?"

"Self-produced content, right?"

The importance of self-produced content is growing day by day, especially for idols.

The trend is shifting towards preferring self-produced content that shows the idols' natural and lively sides over pre-scripted, rigid programs.

"Since the company will help with filming and editing, you should think about what kind of content you want to create."

"Bro! Can we make our own personal content?"

The manager tried out the new term "Bro" and immediately responded, seemingly indifferent to how Parkha addressed him.

"Group videos should be the priority and have more weight, but there's no problem with making personal content."

He must think it's risky if one member stands out too much.

There are precedents, but I never thought Theora's members would be like that. It's not a bad idea to prevent it, just in case.

"We need to do something, not just self-produced content."

"I'll convey your opinions. The staff is very enthusiastic, so the schedule will be set quickly. Keep that in mind."

The Hanul Entertainment staff is the happiest about Theora's rising popularity.

"So, when can we have our first live broadcast?"

"Since Theora is trending, the approval will come quickly. Prepare well to avoid any slip-ups. Live broadcasts can't be undone."

We trust the members, but mistakes can happen anytime, anywhere. We decided to keep the precautions in mind.

* * *

Since it was our first W Live, I announced it on SNS in advance, worried that the fans might not know.

A few minutes before the 7:00 PM announcement, my fingers kept getting stiff, so I clenched and unclenched them a few times. The first live broadcast was set to take place in the studio provided by the company.

The Theora members stiffened in front of the camera.

"If you feel nervous, just give a simple greeting and introduce yourselves. Don't be too tense."

After the manager finished speaking, the members tried to relax and loosen their shoulders.

"Let's start right away to avoid more tension. Wait for us!"

It's better to take the first hit. Following Parkha's suggestion, we immediately started the live broadcast.

"Let's start!"

"We look good."

Seohun checked the camera and informed us. The Theora members smiled lightly and greeted the camera, timing their introductions.

"Hello!"

"We started the W Live a bit earlier than the announced time. We'll wait for fans who come in a little after 7:00 PM."

Green checked if the members looked good on screen and then returned to his seat.

The increasing number of viewers in real-time was fascinating. They had come to watch the W Live on time.

The number of viewers kept growing, and by around 7:10 PM, the chat window was bustling.

The Theora members looked into the lens and waved, showing their idol-style greetings.

"Hello! We are Theora, with endless possibilities!"

They read the comments that appeared as they introduced themselves one by one.

"I'm Seohun. I'm happy to meet you on W Live for the first time."

"I'm the leader, Green. Even if we're a bit clumsy, please look at us kindly."

"I'm Jeton. How was the rap in the title song?"

"I'm the main vocalist, Hamiywon. Please love our album."

"I'm Theora's cute member, Olan! Nice to meet you!"

"I'm the maknae, Parkha! Please take care of me!"

The comments were disappearing before we could read them due to the fast pace. I thought a few hundred fans would be the maximum, but the number was beyond my imagination.

"Hello everyone. We started this live broadcast because many of you wanted to see us in real-time. How do you like it?"

The chat window filled with positive comments and hearts.

"Thank you. We'll try to do this more often."

"I have a question! How did you first learn about Theora?"

Parkha, who had squeezed in between Green and Olan, asked the fans, causing the chat to flood with comments.

"Ah! The comments are too fast to read…."

The chat speed slowed down as everyone focused on Parkha's pouting face.

"Most of you first saw us on 'Today's Live Information'! Then, 'Last Worker,' YouTube, ads, and SNS, in that order!"

While the first medium might differ, the influence of broadcast media is still the strongest. Seeing the significant impact of YouTube, we felt more confident about our decision to create self-produced content.

"Thank you for joining Theora's live broadcast!"

Parkha ignored the chat filled with comments praising his cuteness and good looks.

I admit Parkha is good-looking, but is the reaction really that explosive? Maybe my visual sense is a bit dull…

"It's been a while. Were you surprised? I used to be a child actor, but now I'm an idol."

Seohun paused to read the comments and then smiled. Did he really read all those fast comments in that short time? What kind of visual acuity is that?

"Thank you for saying that. I didn't stop loving acting. I just gained a new dream as an idol. I'll always show you my best efforts."

His cheeks turned slightly red, but I pretended not to notice.

"Hello! I'm Olan! Is there anything you want to ask me?"

His pronunciation… He's so meticulous, even adjusting his pronunciation to look good in front of the fans. Olan seems more like a transforming boy than an idol.

"When did I become cute? Should I even say such an embarrassing thing? Hehe, I was really cute when I was little. I'll show you the photos later!"

What am I even listening to? I know I need to adapt to avoid being teased by Olan, but how can I adapt to this?

"I'm Jeton of Theora. Um, is it awkward? I've always been a rapper, and I'll always be one. I'll dance and sing, but I'll always be a rapper. Nothing has changed just because I became an idol."

Anyone who criticizes Jeon's sincere approach isn't a real fan of Jeon.

There will always be malicious comments, rebuttals, and insults, especially as a public figure. You can't avoid becoming a thorn in someone's side.

You have to let those inferiority-laden comments and chats slide by without dwelling on them.

Jeon is the best at this.

"Since this is our first live broadcast, we can't keep it on for too long. Is there anything you want Theora to do? If it's something we can do during the live broadcast, we'll try our best."

As soon as he finished speaking, the chat window started lagging. Was there an error? I read the stuttering text and found a repeating phrase.

'Fandom name.'

"Ah, Theora doesn't have a fandom name yet."

Looking at the members, they all smiled lightly at me. The manager nodded, as if telling us to come up with one.

"Who do you think named Theora?"

Because of Green's meaningful statement, the fans started chanting my name.

"That's right. Hamiywon named Theora, meaning 'endless possibilities.' Isn't our group name beautiful?"

Green had already decided the answer, and the fans were showering him with praise.

I'm worried about the fans' overly sensitive emotions.

"Come up with your own ideas and choose the prettiest name. Let's do it together."

Green's eyes were completely arched, showing how happy he was.

His unusually soft voice melted the fans in real-time. Ear terrorism? It's not entirely wrong.

"I want a name that sounds cute and has a good meaning."

The group name isn't distinctive, so it might be hard to come up with a fandom name.

I thought about it a bit before going to bed, but I still couldn't think of a suitable name.

– I'll burn it… people! Look at this kind heart!

– Fire! Fire! Theora!

– TEORRA♥OORRA Oora!

– Hamiywon, please name us!

– Olan… ㄱㅇㅇ…

– God idol Theora♡♡♡♡

"Are you saying the fandom name should be 'Fire'? Why…."

The chat was a mess, but the most frequent word was 'fire.'

"Is it because 'Theora' sounds similar to 'burn'? Burn? But are you okay with being called 'fire'? We'll give this honor to Fire. Is that okay?"

Olan suddenly jumped in to explain. Listening to him, it didn't sound bad in English.

The other members were also mulling over 'Fire' in their mouths.

"Still, I want to give it a prettier name, but is 'Fire' or 'fire' okay?"

The meaning can be interpreted as 'primal fire,' but it's not a name I particularly like.

If 'burn' is part of our group and fandom name, I have a bad feeling that we'll be summoned during large fires.

Noticing my hesitation, the chat started suggesting more names.

– Burn it!

– Burn it fiercely

– All for Theora~~

– Fat! My fat!

– Field clod

– Plane!

– Straw hut! Burn it!!!

"…Straw hut? Is this a joke? Surely, you can't be serious?"

I failed to control my expression at the sudden joke. I think I made a face of disgust just now…

Since the camera was capturing everything, the fans didn't miss that moment.

– Hahaha

– Hahaha

The chat was filled with laughter, confirming my suspicion.

Even if they openly identify as Theora fans, they might be hesitant to use the fandom name. The fans are incredibly bold.

"Maybe we should just go with 'fire'… as long as it's not 'straw hut.' Isn't it better to say, 'We are Fire'?"

Did we start off on the wrong foot? The fans suggested things that can be burned. Please, I hope the fandom name doesn't become a barrier for new fans.

– Burn me next to you!

– Burn us ♡next to♡ Theora!

– No! We'll drive! Just let us sit next to you!

– Burn us! Theora~ You set the destination!

"…Next to you?"

After seeing so many strange suggestions, 'next to you' didn't seem so bad. It could mean they'll drive to ensure Theora's safe travels.

– Straw hut vs. next to you

"…Which is better, 'straw hut' or 'next to you'?"

Neither is great, but burning a straw hut is a bad idea. Why are we even asking this?