Chapter 71

Reckless Genius Composer's Regression - Chapter 71 (71/482)

Manager Kim began to scrutinize the articles pouring in.

Swoosh, swoosh—

Swoosh, swoosh—

↳ Ha,, why do I live in Gyeonggi Province??

↳ Ha,, why do I live in Jeolla Province??

↳ Ha,, why do I live in Busan?..

↳ Ha,, why do I live in Jeju Island?..

↳ Ha,, why do I live overseas??

↳ Ha,, why didn't I go to the third round of the Seoul auditions?..

↳ The top comment is the most pitiful;

He chuckled at the comments lined up in rhyme for a moment.

[Going to the third round of the Seoul auditions to be judged by HS. +Link to the main text]

Swoosh, swoosh—

↳ But, did you come wearing a helmet?

↳ Oh,, but if this is the case, is there really something wrong with your lower face?;

↳ Yeah, if it's to the point where you have to wear a helmet on TV, you should really get it fixed.

↳ Wasn't there also a testimony from the original owner of the helmet about his bare face?

↳ Honestly, it could just be a job, a noise marketing tactic,,

↳ I saw the goggles, and there's no way it could be ugly.

↳ No, I don't know, do you know about makeup artists?

↳ Really,, you have to see it to know.

↳ Surely, if he goes on the show, he'll take off the helmet at least once!

↳ Right; so everyone, don't fight and wait until then.

Once again, a heated debate about Hyunseung's face was raging on the community.

However,

This time, it couldn't be brushed off as just a minor incident. As the audition show continued, mentions of the helmet would keep coming up, and the possibility of controversy was high.

At that moment,

A newly uploaded article caught his eye.

"Huh?"

─ As the much-anticipated third round of the Seoul auditions officially began, the Seoul Jamsil Gymnasium was packed with people last Sunday. The final round of auditions in Seoul, which had an unusually high number of talented participants, was intense… (omitted)

In particular, the composer 'HS', who is currently the top choice for invitations, attended as a judge, drawing attention. Since his debut as a composer, he has consistently produced hits… (omitted)

Especially, when HS was judging the final round, he saved a participant who was on the verge of elimination due to negative comments from Kim Gwangjin and Lee Young-a by using the 'Super Pass', which has sparked even more curiosity… (omitted)

The first broadcast of the mega nationwide audition show K-SingerStar is scheduled for the first Saturday of next month… (omitted)

Scrolling down to read the article, it was clear that the person who used the Super Pass was not explicitly mentioned, as the article was more promotional in nature, given that the show hadn't aired yet.

"Really, they're already stirring up controversy before the show even starts."

Manager Kim muttered to himself and put down his phone.

"Hyunseung."

He then called out to Hyunseung, who was reading a manga.

"By any chance, who did you use the Super Pass on?"

"Even if I tell you now, you won't know, right?"

"No, but you said it was someone who was on the verge of elimination, right?"

"Yes, so I used it."

Manager Kim loosened his tie and sighed. That's right. If he knew Hyunseung, he wouldn't choose the easy way out.

But this is a show, isn't it? A show where the public watches and evaluates. The Super Pass is something that should be used to create dramatic situations.

But to use it before the main game even starts?

The public will surely focus on the participant HS chose once the show starts, and if that participant performs well in the next round, it could be a great story. However, if not, it could backfire and question HS's judgment.

Of course,

From an industry perspective, Hyunseung's sudden actions would greatly help raise the profile of 'HS', given that the show has been a constant topic of discussion even before it started.

However,

Manager Kim couldn't view Hyunseung as just an industry figure. With a worried expression, like a father looking at his troublesome son, he asked,

"Then, was the participant that good?"

"They sounded like a good instrument to me."

"Come on, who is it? I'm really curious."

Finally,

Hyunseung closed the manga and smiled.

"It will be revealed in 30 days."

* * *

Meanwhile,

Jayble's forehead was deeply furrowed as he read the same article.

"Huh…"

The production team had kept the participation of the five main judges, including himself and HS, a secret to pique public curiosity, without even being asked. They had already agreed to officially announce it three days before the first broadcast, and his agency was waiting to release promotional articles.

"This is a foul play."

Perhaps the timing was perfect for the production team to pull out their knife, as HS's sudden use of the Super Pass was a great way to stir up controversy before the show started. Jayble couldn't blame them for the production company's motives.

However, Jayble was irritated for two reasons. One, his participation was overshadowed by the HS-related news, and the other was that he couldn't understand HS's choice.

"It just doesn't make sense…"

As soon as he received the news, he requested the production team to send him the video clip of the participant HS used the Super Pass on. He wanted to hear it with his own ears.

What kind of talent could be so good that HS had to use the Super Pass in the preliminary rounds? Or was it a trainee planted by LS Entertainment?

With a mix of curiosity and skepticism, he played the video. The woman in the video…

'What?'

She was just an average talent, not good enough to collapse his massive curiosity.

If he had to find something positive, her voice itself was somewhat charming.

However,

Her basic vocal techniques, diction, and skills were all very ordinary.

This level of participant, and HS used the Super Pass? There are two possible explanations.

Either she is a trainee from LS Entertainment, or HS is trying to stir up controversy.

Probably,

Given that he doesn't know much about the show, the former is more likely.

"Let's see how you do in the main rounds."

Jayble clenched his fist and muttered, "Yoon Jae…."

Thus,

The main rounds where HS and Jayble would face off again were gradually approaching.

* * *

"What, how much further do we have to go?"

The staff, carrying heavy bags of filming equipment, climbed up a steep alley.

"Hey, can't we take a break and then go up?"

"You're supposed to have the stamina for this kind of work."

"Yeah, just bear with it. According to the address, we just have to go up two more blocks."

The burly staff member's face was filled with irritation. The grueling schedule of the preliminary rounds was already exhausting, and now they had to participate in the interview team for the main participants without a break. How could he not be irritated?

Moreover, they were climbing a steep alley in a poor neighborhood because the script team strongly requested that the interview be filmed at the participant's home.

"Wow, is this really where people live?"

As he heard another staff member's voice, he looked up to see a rusty, dilapidated gate.

"What are you trying to do by shouting from outside?"

"Ah, ah… That's right."

"Alright, just knock on the gate."

At the main writer's urging, the staff member knocked on the iron gate and shouted, "Mr. Yoon Jae, we're from the K-SingerStar interview team."

Bang, bang, bang—

Even a light knock produced a loud scraping sound that echoed through the alley.

"Is he not home? We clearly contacted him to say we would visit at this time…"

The staff member, who was looking at the closed iron gate, was momentarily flustered.

Creak—

The iron gate slowly opened, and a woman peeked out.

"Ah, I'm sorry… I was wearing headphones and couldn't hear well."

The woman, who exuded a gloomy aura, bowed repeatedly and gestured for them to come in.

As they opened the front door connected to a small yard, the interior of a single-room house came into view.

"You can't all fit, right?"

"Yeah, let's just have the microphone, the cameraman, and the writer go in."

The staff quickly set up a simple setting to start the interview.

"Mr. Yoon Jae, just relax and answer the questions."

Yoon Jae's eyes, filled with tension, darted around aimlessly.

"Y-Yes…"

The main writer, looking at her, began to worry if he could conduct a proper interview with this person.

"Don't be sorry! It's fine, it's fine."

Of course, he had no intention of backing down. Her talent seemed average, but that didn't matter. After all, the highlight of an audition show is the stories and controversies.

The woman sitting in front of him, with her many stories, fit both criteria. Now, no one knows her, but once the show starts, she will surely attract attention.

After all, she is the miraculous participant saved by composer HS with the Super Pass.

Moreover, he discovered that she was an orphan living a difficult life alone, which, though it might seem inhumane, is something people tend to empathize with and get excited about.

To create a more dramatic and thrilling story if she were to win, he needed to shape her character as the protagonist of a heart-wrenching story.

So,

He had to grill Yoon Jae to extract all the ingredients for the storytelling.

"Mr. Jae, you don't have to look at the camera. Just answer as if you're talking to a friend. Got it? After all, only 30 seconds or so will actually be shown on TV, so just relax."

Thus, the interview driven by desire began.

.

.

.

"Mr. Yoon Jae, thank you for your hard work. We'll see you in the main round 1."

With those words, the iron gate closed with a "thud."

"Huh…"

At the same time, everyone let out a deep sigh they had been holding back.

"I've never seen someone speak so slowly and mumble like that."

"Me too, I've never seen someone so awkward."

"I was so frustrated watching her the whole time."

Yoon Jae, who was not used to talking about herself in front of people, gave vague answers throughout the interview, unintentionally frustrating many.

"We managed to get some footage for the story, but her speaking speed is like slow motion. She was slow when singing too."

The main writer, equally frustrated, patted his chest and added,

"Even if we want to save her, she lacks any star quality."

The assistant director asked,

"What are you going to do?"

"What can I do?"

The main writer answered sharply and then continued after a pause,

"Regardless, we need to tie her to HS to create some buzz and portray her as a girl who overcame adversity."

After all, there are many participants with unique stories or controversies. Among them, there are many who have both talent and passion.

"And let's wrap it up with her tragically failing to advance to the top 10 due to her lack of talent."

Thus,

In the main writer's mind, Yoon Jae had already become a candidate for elimination.

* * *

Kim Su-bin, Yoon Jae's only friend, came to her house as soon as she heard about the Super Pass.

"Are you kidding? You should be over the moon, not looking so gloomy."

Among many competitors, she had advanced to the main rounds with a Super Pass, yet her expression was like someone who had been eliminated in the first round, which was quite puzzling.

"Why… Why did Mr. HS give me the Super Pass?"

At her question, Kim Su-bin shook her head, placing her hand on her forehead. She had been shocked when she first heard Yoon Jae's singing. How could such a voice exist?

Although,

The gloomy atmosphere and slow speaking style made her songs a bit loose, and the genre of music she performed was not very popular, which was a concern.

However,

As a fellow musician, Yoon Jae's voice was so captivating that she had always cheered for her to continue making music as a fan.

Today, she had come to cheer for Yoon Jae as a fan.

"Are you thinking like that? He just recognized your potential."

"Is that so…?"

"Yes, as a famous composer, his ears are much better than ours."

She added to convince Yoon Jae.

"Remember Jung Ara? She was almost kicked out of LS, but HS recognized her and made her a success. Why can't you be the second Jung Ara?"

Yoon Jae, listening calmly, nodded. Right, maybe this opportunity could help her emerge from the long tunnel of being an aspiring singer.

Just as she was filled with hope,

She remembered what HS had said after giving her the Super Pass in the final round.

"I'm giving you the Super Pass, but in return, you must perfectly practice and perform the song I request in the next main round."

So,

The Super Pass was a kind of deal from HS. If she couldn't perform the song well in the next main round, she would be eliminated, disappointing HS and potentially causing the public to question his judgment.

That couldn't happen.

Yoon Jae, who had been slouching, sat up straight and said determinedly,

"Right, let's start practicing."

"Good thinking. I'll help you with anything I can."

Kim Su-bin, standing up with her, smiled, relieved to see Yoon Jae's brightened face.

"Thanks, I was really worried about this new genre."

"What is it? A new original song?"

"No, it's not an original song, but a song Mr. HS requested."

Yoon Jae immediately played the mission song HS had given her on her phone.

"Hmm? I've never heard this song before…"

"It turns out it's an old song."

"Oh, it's really soulful and rhythmic."

"That's why I'm worried."

Then, she frowned and continued,

"You know, I don't usually listen to or perform this kind of song."

"Maybe HS had a reason for asking you to sing this song."

Kim Su-bin patted Yoon Jae's shoulder and added,

"Do you think he would ask you to sing this song just to make you fail? Try humming it at least."

Yoon Jae nodded and hummed along with the song playing from her phone's speaker.

"Huh…?"

Kim Su-bin's eyes widened as she heard Yoon Jae's humming turn into scat singing.

"Hey, Jae! This is it, this is it!"

"What is?"

"It really suits you!"

Yoon Jae was surprised. Kim Su-bin was always a supportive friend, but she was also straightforward and honest.

This was the first time she had seen her friend so excited. Just humming, and she reacted like this.

Maybe this song really suits her?

So,

Before properly trying it out, Yoon Jae decided to play the instrumental track right away.

The rhythmic accompaniment flowed from the phone speaker,

And Yoon Jae's voice naturally glided over it. Unlike before, the song now had lyrics, and the sound gradually became more vibrant, filling the small room.

"Su-bin…"

Despite some stumbles, she finished the verse relatively smoothly for her first attempt.

Finally,

She asked, trying to hide her excitement,

"Did I sing it well just now?"

It was the first time her usually unfocused, dark eyes sparkled.