Second Try Idol

The groups who participated in Pick We Up, namely High Tension, Street Center, and Chronos, had often been touted as UNET’s nurtured talents. Thus, UNET had always shown particular diligence in managing these three groups' comebacks.

High Tension and Street Center managed to secure exclusive comeback shows, which suggested we were somewhat sidelined in the scheduling. However, if our next comeback didn't clash with these heavyweights from major agencies, it might finally be our chance to shine.

Previously, our schedules had overlapped with High Tension, and now with Street Center. This had caused us to miss out on a comeback show.

Despite this setback, UNET dedicated substantial effort to our comeback debut stage. The production was top-notch for both performances, although YMM footed the bill for the set costs. The team crafted an engaging narrative that included interviews, dramatic stage intros, and even pre-show trailers crafted from teasers and music videos. These definitely enhanced the anticipation and excitement.

Such meticulous stagecraft required immense dedication and time, leaving us with barely a moment to breathe.

Before the show's premiere, we were busy filming the intro that would precede our “Phantom Spirit” performance. On the day of our comeback, we endured hours of rehearsals and the live recording of the song with no breaks before diving into makeup, hair, and outfit changes for “Flamma.”

After wrapping up, we reviewed the comeback story videos and ran through interviews and simple hosting practices with the Director and show hosts. Despite the exhaustion, we managed to grab a quick meal and refresh ourselves before switching looks to reprise our roles in “Phantom Spirits.”

Although it was only 3 PM, the exhaustion made it feel as if it was time to crawl into bed. Having washed, eaten, and worked hard, sleep seemed like the next logical step. As expected, sleepiness crept in just as we were gearing up for the live broadcast. This prompted me to stand up and stretch my legs.

That was when Goh Yoo-Joon sauntered over, slung an arm around my shoulders, and whisked me away from the waiting room.

“Off to snag some drinks from the vending machine. My treat.”

“And where is Manager Tae-Seong?"

“He is out grabbing coffee with Joo-Han hyung. Su-Hwan hyung is with Yoon-Chan and Jin-Sung, trying to rouse them from their sleep," Goh Yoo-Joon replied in a playful whine, making it clear I was his only companion option.

Goh Yoo-Joon, ever the social butterfly, admitted that he didn’t want to venture to the vending machine alone. While his reluctance seemed slightly absurd, his offer to pay coaxed me into following him without a word.

It was only after I began walking toward the vending machine that he finally released his friendly grip from my shoulder. “I just overheard Su-Hwan hyung.”

“Oh? Talking about what?"

He gestured subtly toward the waiting room. “It sounds like they are planning on a video for Yoon-Chan’s solo track."

The news piqued my interest. “Really?"

“Yep," he nodded.

He was talking about Yoon-Chan’s solo track “Forest.” Recently, it had not only secured a spot on the music charts, but also climbed alongside other hits to a commendable position. The track was also featured on streaming playlists, which was a testament to Yoon-Chan’s effective promotion that had yielded significant results.

Given the track's success, YMM appeared to be gearing up to capitalize on it further.

“Does video production mean we are shooting a music video?"

“It's probably not that. I couldn't quite catch it, but maybe it's a special clip like the one Senior Sae-Yeon filmed before."

“Ah, right. I see."

There had once been a video that made waves. It had been uploaded to the official UTube channel when Sae-Yeon from Allure first released his solo song under the company's banner. It was a special performance captured with high-quality cameras and stellar directing.

Though not live, it was fully equipped with elaborate costumes and choreography, garnering a fantastic response. Now, it seemed like Yoon-Chan might be planning something similar.

This was a thrilling opportunity to showcase our work for both Yoon-Chan and myself, the creator of the song, especially since there were no fan meetings or concerts currently planned.

“Hyung, could you grab a Two Percent[1] for me?"

“…Wow, just listen to you, talking so unenthusiastically. Try to sound more sincere."

Goh Yoo-Joon grumbled as he himself pressed the Two Percent button on the vending machine.

I shrugged as I took out the Two Percent can. Goh Yoo-Joon opted for canned coffee.

“Joo-Han hyung started working on a solo track for Jin-Sung lately."

“Already?"

Goh Yoo-Joon nodded in confirmation.

Since I had taken up producing Yoon-Chan's solo track, it seemed Joo-Han had immediately dived into producing Jin-Sung’s. Joo-Han had recently taken a hobby in composing and had been incessantly crafting something new. Jin-Sung had been eager for his solo and had nudged Joo-Han to start soon.

I was prepared to brush off the news lightly, but then Goh Yoo-Joon’s lips suddenly twisted into a mischievous grin.

“What's up? Why the smile?" I instinctively scowled. That grin was a clear sign he was up to something nefarious.

“Hey, come over here for a sec." He grabbed my arm as I turned to head back to the waiting room and pulled me down into a chair beside the vending machine.

“What's the matter?"

“You know how to compose, and I can write lyrics, right?"

“Yeah."

“Joo-Han hasn't made his own solo track yet, has he?"

I had a hunch where this was heading. Even without my reply, Goh Yoo-Joon confidently continued, “Don’t you think it's unlikely that Joo-Han will ever make his own solo track?"

“Yeah, probably not.”

Indeed, it seemed Joo-Han preferred distributing songs as gifts to members while cherishing royalties over personal projects.

‘Why listen to my solo when you can listen to Yoo-Joon's or yours?’ That was what he would say since he was fully aware of his average vocal skills and was unwilling to waste time on a solo that wouldn’t sell.

Our leader was perceptive of everyone else's feelings yet often blind to their affection for him.

Seeing that I agreed, Goh Yoo-Joon grinned wider, his mood visibly elevated. “Let’s create one for Joo-Han hyung as a gift. What do you think?"

“Really? Are you serious?"

As I pressed if he truly intended to proceed, Goh Yoo-Joon animatedly nodded, his eyebrows wiggling. “Yes, indeed. My heart. Very nice. To Joo-Han hyung," he said in broken English.

Returning from America and using poor English to show his sincerity made me trust the twenty-year-old Goh Yoo-Joon even less. He noticed my skeptical look and his grin became wider.

“I mean it. I’ve been thinking about it for a while. All five of us should release one track each. Even if they don't make it to the album. Even if they end up as just digital releases, like yours."

“Hmm."

“I’ve even thought of a title already."

…He might actually be serious.

My curiosity piqued. I looked at Goh Yoo-Joon as he maintained his characteristic smile.

“It will be called ‘Kang Joo-Han.’"

It was ridiculous, completely ludicrous. I turned away and signaled that I was not joking, but Goh Yoo-Joon quickly retorted, “No, for real. Joo-Han hyung likes cute and funny things. Remember how I busted a toilet by dancing excitedly to his trot song?"

This was so absurd. “…You want to make a trot song?"

“Not exactly, but something with a comic twist. Look, Suh Hyun-Woo. You focus on creating serious music. I will handle the lyrics."

It seemed he wanted to create a solo for each of the five members as a heartfelt prank.

Ultimately, Goh Yoo-Joon simply wished to indulge in a bit of talent-wasting fun under the guise of gifting. Well, the idea seemed frustratingly amusing.

When the song "Kang Joo-Han" would be released, I thought it would be fun to see the Rings' reactions wherever it would be shared. Even if it likely wouldn’t be officially released but rather shared exclusively on the fan website due to its quality.

The contrast between the serious music and the less serious lyrics seemed like an entertaining idea.

“I've already thought of the lyrics. 'You are always smiling gently, amidst your fresh smile, you’re so cool, it’s hard to match you. Yes, the reason you speak to me is just business, I love money.'"

“..."

“Muahaha, I am the future copyright king, willing to wear animal pajamas for a step toward fame..." Goh Yoo-Joon hummed these lyrics to a melody he had casually composed. The lyrics seemed absurd despite the intense ballad.

“Huh."

There was no way this could ever be released. Definitely not. But it seemed like a fun prank to release on the fan website.

As I was unable to resist the temptation, I eventually nodded. “Let's make it tonight."

We could start off with lyrics or whatever... Given the situation, it seemed like something that could be done in just thirty minutes tonight.

We wrapped up our light-hearted plans and headed to the waiting room. After a few hours of waiting, the Countdown broadcast started.

***

Since debut, or even before, I had been running with all my might. I experienced the bitterness of being in a small agency and achieved unexpected success and rapid growth amidst that.

Until “Joy,” we had been merely called a first-tier group by fans and communities with the label "super rookie" stuck in front of our group name. Compared to our domestic popularity, the international fame was very lackluster. Our name barely got out there through a dance challenge as we relied mostly on word of mouth to slowly gain a response.

We were not exactly a group that had made a significant mark in the music industry. Of course, it was impressive that High Tension, only in their first year and technically their second, was already touring internationally... But..

- They are finally back! The new center of K-POP! The trend of K-POP!

- Comeback! Ch! Ro! Nos!

- Waaaaah!

The two MCs waved our lightsticks and introduced our comeback.

- Chronos has enchanted many fans both domestically and internationally. They are back with their first full album “Phantom Spirit!”

- It's truly an honor to showcase Chronos' spectacular stage for the first time here on Countdown! My heart is bouncing! Bouncing~

- Stay tuned as Chronos' performance will be up shortly! Now, who's up next?

The MCs smoothly teased our comeback and introduced the next performers.

Yes, we had been just a well-known idol group until “Joy,” but we started being called the center of K-POP trends after a trip to the US. The group's image had changed in an instant.

It had been just a shoot for Again After Rainfall, but it made headlines because of our meeting with Callia Lawrence. Her frequent words of praise about us on her social media were another topic for a headline, and the fact that we would collaborate with her was a hot topic in the industry.

Foreign media began focusing on Chronos due to the collaboration with Callia Lawrence, and there was one concentrated media coverage about it (this was better than nothing).

The reporters kept writing articles about us because our fan cam video and a festival video from fan cams went viral, because our music video views broke records, and so on...

One thing led to another, and articles about us exploded. YMM was incredibly efficient in steering us to lead the KPOP wave. We had never even done an overseas tour before.

Supervisor Kim was especially very happy that our market value had risen. I guess this was what happened when good news flowed in. It could feel a bit empty, but empty spaces filled up quickly and exaggerations became reality. Thus, this situation wasn't too bad.

“Chronos, please go on stage!"

I laughed at another Chronos comeback teaser on TV and headed to the stage.

1. A famous peach drink in Korea that you can easily grab from convenience or grocery stores. It’s not too sweet, but I like it :) ☜

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