Chapter 56: I Became the Older Brother of a Top Star

“Squeal!”

“Brother~!”

The audience's noise was very loud due to the performance that had just ended.

Yuna and I stood in the space right behind the stage, listening to their cheers.

“Wow, the live sound is really something, isn’t it?”

“Yeah, it seems like a lot of people have gathered.”

“I saw a glimpse just now, and it looked packed.”

This is the first time I’ve been backstage.

I had actually gone up on stage once before for a simple rehearsal yesterday.

The difference between then and now is, of course, the presence of the audience and the fact that this is a live broadcast.

“Phew—”

I took a few short deep breaths.

I thought I had accumulated some stage experience, but the feeling now is as if I’ve never had such an experience.

Everything feels like it’s the first time, and I’m nervous.

In contrast, Yuna had a smile on her face the whole time.

“Are you okay, Yuna?”

“Huh?”

“Not nervous?”

“Of course I’m nervous.”

Even though she said that, her facial expression didn’t show any signs of nervousness.

“I don’t know how to describe it. Is it amazing?”

“...?”

“Isn’t it amazing, Brother? That we’ve come this far. It all started with a random karaoke session in Hongdae. From there, we started making music and eventually ended up on this stage together.”

Thinking about it, it really is amazing.

I used to only play the role of a manager, always in the shadows of celebrities, but now I’m preparing to go on stage with a future top star.

I only thought about helping Yuna live the life she wanted, never dreaming that I would end up on stage with her.

“So I’m nervous, but it’s okay because I’m with you, Brother.”

Hearing those words, I suddenly felt the tension melt away as if by magic.

I felt more relaxed and my heart calmed down.

“Yeah, Yuna.”

“Huh?”

“Let’s not overthink it and just enjoy it.”

“Okay!”

Instead of worrying about other things, we focused on this blessed moment and our performance on stage.

That’s all that mattered.

“Alright, the temporary siblings. Please come on stage.”

Yuna and I followed the call of the staff and went up on stage.

The bright lights enveloped the two of us.

* * *

PD Na Il-ho yawned widely.

“This is a big deal. I’m already sleepy after just one performance.”

He was in charge of multiple shows, which led to constant overtime.

Moreover, he had been in charge of today’s music show for almost five years.

Although he was very passionate at first, he gradually fell into a rut.

Now, he felt indifferent to any performance.

“There aren’t any particularly eye-catching new artists these days.”

The Korean music industry could be seen as being in a stagnant period.

Just a few years ago, there were singers who dominated each season, but now no one is receiving significant attention.

Especially in this era, idol groups are constantly being formed, accelerating this phenomenon.

“Is the domestic music market going to die out?”

Another assistant PD nodded at Na Il-ho’s words.

“Indeed. The existing singers are still holding up, but...”

Singers who were pillars of the industry are gradually leaving due to various incidents and scandals.

And if only the old guard remains without new talent emerging, the industry will naturally decay. To prevent this, new faces need to keep appearing to revitalize the chaotic music market.

“In that sense, aren’t the temporary siblings the most promising, PD?”

“Ah, those siblings. Well... Is this their first music show?”

“Yes. I believe this is their debut. They did appear on ‘Tell Your Story’ before, but that can’t really be considered a debut performance.”

The siblings gained popularity through NewTube and even released an album.

Seeing them, I can’t help but think of the now nostalgic JJ.

PD Na Il-ho also knows what kind of performances they’ve done, having watched the videos.

The issue is,

“This stage isn’t easy.”

This kind of music show is centered around idols.

Elaborate stages, covers, and dances.

The camera work is also tailored to this.

Sitting and singing a calm song doesn’t fit well with the overly elaborate stage.

As a result, when duet or solo artists perform, the overall atmosphere often drops, and even if the song is good, it tends to be undervalued.

What about these siblings?

“By the way, the next performance is by the temporary siblings.”

“How was their rehearsal?”

“Well, it was just fine. Rehearsals are usually rushed due to time constraints, so they just get a feel for it.”

“Hmm.”

Moreover, today’s show is a live broadcast.

It’s a challenge for two ordinary people who have just debuted to overcome this pressure.

“I hope they don’t make any mistakes.”

Live broadcasts naturally come with the risk of accidents.

Some singers freeze on stage due to nervousness, make continuous dance errors, or have issues with their singing.

It almost feels like a variety show.

That’s why PDs are most nervous during new artists’ performances.

“Alright, MCs. Please give your lines now.”

Following the assistant PD’s instructions, the MCs read their prepared scripts.

“Mr. Jun-ho, do you know the temporary siblings?”

“Oh, the NewTube stars, right?”

“Yes! The cute and charming temporary siblings, who have been making waves on various SNS platforms, are finally making their debut performance today.”

“I’m really looking forward to it. Let’s all watch together, shall we? Music Show!”

While the MCs were buying time, the siblings had already finished their preparations.

The MR started, and a lively guitar melody began.

When Yuna clapped while sitting, the audience naturally joined in.

“Good start.”

Indeed, the lively melody is always a treat to listen to.

The playful melody and light lyrics, yet the song doesn’t feel light or silly.

PD Na Il-ho and the other PDs here aren’t music experts, but they have seen countless performances, so they have a trained ear.

The seemingly simple and charming music has a complex structure.

“The song has been heavily revised, and it’s definitely different from what we heard on NewTube.”

“Shh. Be quiet. They’re singing.”

“Oh, sorry...”

Even though the artists were on stage, singing and dancing, the PDs usually focused on the camera work and chatted about trivial matters.

But today, everyone was quietly focused on the music.

There was no need for extensive camera work since no one was dancing, but the camera directors still paid extra attention to make the two look their best.

They focused on the music with their ears.

The two’s sweet voices echoed vividly in the room.

The noisy audience fell silent as soon as the two appeared.

It wasn’t a bad silence.

Like the PDs in the broadcast room, the audience was deeply engrossed in the siblings’ performance.

Ding-ding~

How much time had passed?

The guitar melody softly faded out, and the MR ended, along with the sweet voices.

A moment of silence followed.

“...Ah.”

The PDs realized the song had ended.

The audience, who had been immersed in the performance, gradually came to their senses.

“Oh, it’s over?”

“What? It’s already over?”

“The song was really good.”

They soon began to send enthusiastic cheers and applause.

“Wow—!”

“Squeal!”

The broadcast room echoed with cheers.

The applause was as enthusiastic as that for top idols.

“Wow, they really sang well.”

“No, I thought they had brought a music CD and were just playing it. Is this live performance?”

“This is really something. There would be no room for lip-sync controversy, right? Haha.”

The broadcast room was filled with exclamations of amazement.

“Ha— Just watching them is so healing.”

“Indeed. It’s strange, isn’t it? Listening to the song makes you feel good.”

PD Na Il-ho found the fresh reactions of the PDs amusing.

People who were tired just moments ago now had big smiles on their faces.

And,

“PD, you’re smiling too.”

“Yeah, your smile is so wide, it’s almost touching your ears.”

“What? Me?”

Na Il-ho, surprised, put his hand to his mouth.

Sure enough, his cheeks were flushed, and his smile was wide.

“Haha. This is really something.”

I haven’t felt this way in a long time.

The passion that I thought had no chance of reviving due to the rut is stirring in my chest again.

“This will be fun to edit, won’t it?”

“Yeah, I usually get dizzy thinking about editing, but today, I’m strangely looking forward to it.”

It wasn’t just PD Na Il-ho; all the PDs in the broadcast room felt the same way.

“Should we add some effects here?”

“Maybe it’s better not to add lighting effects?”

“Look at that visual. Do we need to touch it? Not touching it at all is the best way to help.”

“Swoosh. Then, let’s set the editing point here and smoothly transition to the third camera...”

They were already discussing where to set the editing points for the NewTube upload, even though they had just finished the second performance.

‘Is the passion rising again?’

After listening to the song and watching the performance, PD Na Il-ho realized that the domestic music market, which had been dormant, was coming back to life.

Centered around these siblings.

* * *

We came down from the stage amidst enthusiastic cheers.

“You guys did great.”

“You really did well without any nervousness.”

“How can you sing so well? Is this really live?”

Everyone seemed to have watched our debut performance with bated breath, and they were genuinely happy for us.

Was I too immersed in my manager life?

I had seen too many scenes of artists constantly competing and restraining each other, so I was worried they might keep bothering us.

“I was so nervous during my debut and made a lot of dance mistakes.”

“Yeah, we lip-synced back then.”

“You guys are really amazing, not nervous at all.”

Thanks to this, we spent our time in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

“Watching your performance today, I think Yoon-sung and Yuna will dominate next week.”

“Yeah, if they keep appearing on shows this week, they might even achieve a chart sweep.”

“Their album entered the top ten as soon as it was released. A chart sweep is a sure thing.”

“Is that possible?”

“Of course! With your skills, it’s definitely possible!”

“Wait, does that mean we can’t use the same waiting room from next week?”

“Huh.”

If they do achieve the top spot in the music charts, they might have to use a different waiting room.

“No, that won’t happen. Even if that happens, I’ll definitely come to see the seniors.”

“Oh, really?”

“Of course. It’s much better to be with such pretty and handsome people than to be alone.”

“Wow, Yuna, you’re already good at socializing.”

“But isn’t socializing something we should do? You’re the future top stars.”

While the artists were joking and chatting, the show continued.

“Hey, it’s our turn.”

“Seniors, good luck! I’ll watch your performance.”

“Sure, I’ll show you a great performance!”

I’m not sure if it’s because of the siblings or the general atmosphere, but everyone was now cheering for each other’s performances.

When Yuna clenched her fist and cheered, the other artists joined in, boosting everyone’s morale.

I checked my phone for a moment.

It had been vibrating non-stop with messages.

I glanced at the messages on my phone screen.

Most were from my professor.

Professor.

Could he be streaming again?

I told him he doesn’t have to.

I chuckled and was about to reply to the message.

But at that moment, a new message arrived.