Chapter 6
“Yep. I’m an independent trainee without an agency.”
“Wow! It couldn’t have been easy to participate as an independent trainee this season. That’s amazing.”
Everyone knew that independent trainees had been holding back because of last year’s controversy and the malicious editing.
‘And he’s saying that so openly in front of the cameras?’
“Haha. It’s not really that impressive.”
“You seem very straightforward. Is there a reason you decided to participate?”
“I joined because I want to debut.”
“That’s cool, Hyung. I’m Jin Younghoon, an 18-year-old trainee from Planet Entertainment. Would it be okay if I called you Hyung?”
“Of course. Feel free.”
“Yes, Hyung. The guy behind me is from the same agency.”
Jin Younghoon pulled the gray-haired trainee standing at the back forward.
“Hayul, say hello.”
“…Hello. I’m Seo Hayul, also 18 years old and a trainee under Planet Entertainment.”
“Nice to meet you. You can speak comfortably to me too.”
“…Okay.”
After the shy trainee, I exchanged brief greetings with the remaining person as well.
Now that introductions were over, it was time for something far more important.
“Does anyone want to use the bottom bunk?”
I casually sat down on the edge of the lower bed.
When entering a new place, properly marking your territory was essential.
“I… don’t mind.”
“I do!”
“I prefer the top bunk.”
Since everyone had different preferences, bed assignments were settled quickly without any conflict.
Jin Younghoon took the other bottom bunk, while the gray-haired trainee climbed up to the bed above mine.
“Have you all chosen your songs for the self-introduction evaluation?”
“Yep. I’m planning to perform one of a senior artist’s songs.”
“…I already picked my song too.”
“What about you, Hyung?”
“Hmm, honestly, I’m still thinking.”
Until filming began tomorrow morning, everyone had personal practice time to prepare for the self-introduction grade evaluation.
‘What should I pick?’
I needed a song that would showcase my vocals while keeping dancing to a minimum.
‘There’s probably only one option.’
While watching GyuTube and practicing countless songs, one particularly random song had appeared in my recommendations.
It was probably the best choice right now, a song that could cover for my weak dancing while still being widely recognizable.
‘Yeah. I don’t have much time. I’ll stop overthinking and practice with this one.’
Having made my decision, I got up from the bed.
Creeeak.
The old bed emitted a characteristic squeak.
The trainees who had been organizing their belongings all turned to look at me.
‘Oops.’
So much for slipping out quietly.
The moment I saw the camera with its red recording light on, a professional social smile naturally appeared on my face.
“I need some practice, so I’ll head to the practice room first. Good luck unpacking, everyone.”
“Okay! See you later.”
“Good luck with practice!”
“…Yeah.”
Receiving farewells from my roommates in Room 207, I quickly headed for the practice room.
☆☆☆
‘So I ended up not sleeping at all.’
By the time I was satisfied with my practice for the one-minute self-introduction evaluation, the sun had already risen.
‘Well, it’s not like this is my first all-nighter.’
The unfamiliar voice that cut through my groggy mind said:
“Trainee Cha Siwoo.”
“Yes!”
“Please go into the dressing room and change into the group uniform.”
“Yes.”
The stylist casually handed me a set of clothes.
What landed in my hands was the signature outfit of Star Picking, a school uniform.
I thought it looked familiar, but after a closer look, I realized it was the same uniform from the previous season.
‘…Is this some kind of hidden camera prank?’
“Isn’t this the group uniform from last season?”
“Oh my, you have a good eye. That’s right.”
‘It’s not that I have a good eye…’
The uniform was covered with extravagant gold patterns and had such an over-the-top design that nobody could forget it after seeing it once.
“But why…?”
“We decided to reuse last year’s outfits for environmental protection.”
The stylist looked completely serious, making it hard to believe this was some prank meant to mess with the trainees.
‘Wait, they’re serious?’
Seeing the cameras with red lights recording only made me more confused.
“It’s nice to see a broadcast program taking the lead in environmental protection.”
“Right? We’re very thoughtful like that.”
‘There are things you should save money on, and things you shouldn’t.’
“Hahaha. Then I’ll do my part for environmental protection too.”
“We just hope the viewers understand our commitment to protecting the environment.”
Ignoring the stylist’s words, I changed into the uniform.
‘People are going to roast this so hard.’
Thinking about nicknames like “Recycling Idols,” “Rehash Idols,” “Eco Idols,” and “Poverty Idols” already gave me a headache.
‘Maybe we should just fully commit to the environmental-protection concept at this point.’
Finally, I attached the silver name tag to my chest.
The moment I stepped out of the dressing room, a makeup artist immediately called out to me.
“Trainee Cha Siwoo. Come this way for makeup.”
“Yes.”
The makeup area resembled a factory, with chairs and mirrors arranged at fixed intervals.
In the noisy and chaotic environment, countless trainees sat receiving makeup.
Getting makeup done for the first time in my life felt strange.
As the brush swept across my cheeks, it tickled lightly as it glided through the fine hairs on my skin.
“Look slightly downward.”
“Yes.”
When the cosmetics touched my eyelids, the makeup artist’s movements became noticeably more delicate.
Several minutes later, the brushing finally stopped.
After applying lip balm, the makeup session was finished.
“Covering your dark circles really brightens up your appearance.”
The reflection in the vanity mirror looked oddly unfamiliar and foreign.
“With a face that handsome, don’t waste it. Take better care of yourself from now on.”
“Thank you.”
I stood up and bowed ninety degrees to the makeup artist, who looked proud of her work.
In society, greetings were always the basics.
“Oh my. A handsome trainee with good manners too.”
I flashed her my professional social smile.
“You did such an amazing job on the makeup that I feel much more confident now. Thank you.”
After hearing my polished social-response line, she beamed from ear to ear.
Receiving her encouragement, I followed the staff’s directions and moved toward the filming set.
The filming hall was filled with cameras everywhere, and a judges’ panel had been set up on the stage.
Nameplates and microphones were arranged at the judges’ seats, positioned so they could view every participant at a glance.
Below the stage, rows of chairs had been prepared for the trainees.
Cameras were installed in every section, clearly showing the production staff’s determination to capture reaction shots.
‘I’ll need to stay sharp and give good reactions from now on.’
I sat in an empty seat.
At the same time that grand music signaled the beginning of filming, Yoo Hae-in, the host, appeared.
“Welcome, trainees participating in Star Picking 5!”
“Yeeeaaahhh!”
The venue shook with the energetic response.
“Today, we’ll be conducting grade evaluations through one-minute self-introductions. Show both the National Directors and the judges your charms to the fullest!”
“Wooooooo!”
The cheers were so loud that it felt like they were blasting open ears that had been clogged with wax.
‘Youth really is something else.’
“Then let’s begin by introducing the four judges who will evaluate you today.”
A rapid piano melody filled the background.
“Our first judge is…!”
A bright, light flute joined in, followed by gentle harmonies from the strings.
“The Queen of Ballad Singers, Park Chaeyoung!”
A woman with long, wavy hair confidently walked toward the center stage.
Park Chaeyoung, wearing a trendy yellow dress and makeup that had clearly been professionally done, stood in the center.
“Hello. I’m Park Chaeyoung, and just like last year, I’ll be serving as a judge for Star Picking 5.”
“Wooo!”
“It’s Teacher Hornet!”
Because of her obsessive fixation on singing and her passionate critiques, Park Chaeyoung had earned the nickname “Hornet.”
The yellow outfit made the comparison even more fitting.
After giving a gentle smile, she moved to the judges’ table.
The remaining judges followed in turn, a famous composer, choreographer, and dancer, each introducing themselves.
“The judge lineup is incredible!”
Once all the judges were seated, Yoo Haein raised his cue card.
“Trainees, from this moment on, we will officially begin the grade evaluation through one-minute self-introductions! The order will follow the sequence in which you passed the first audition preliminaries.”
‘Since I auditioned on the last day, I’ll probably be near the end.’
Following the staff’s instructions, several trainees were called up.
“First trainee, please come to the stage!”
As I adjusted my posture and clothes while staying mindful of the cameras, the first trainee stepped onto the stage.
The noisy chatter instantly faded away like a receding wave.
The once-bustling venue became so quiet it felt as though everyone had stopped breathing.
All eyes focused on the stage.
“Hello! I’m…”
A warm eye-smile peeked through fluttering brown hair.
The moment the first trainee’s perfectly proportioned figure came into view, whispers spread through the crowd.
“Isn’t that… a senior from Luminous Stars?”
“Why is he here…?”
‘Oh? An experienced professional?’
“I’m Kim Sunyoo, twenty-three years old, participating as a trainee from Starlight Entertainment.”
Even amid the commotion, the trainee confidently held the microphone.
His warm eye-smile left a strong impression.
His clear eyes seemed exceptionally gentle.
‘He looks ridiculously kind.’
He had the sort of face that made it seem impossible for him to say anything harsh.
One of the judges looked at Kim Sunyoo with an intrigued expression and picked up a microphone.
“Trainee Kim Sunyoo, you’ve already debuted before, haven’t you?”
“Yes, that’s right. I debuted five years ago as the youngest member of the group Luminous Stars.”
The entire filming set erupted in surprise.
“You’ve already debuted as an idol, so why participate in another survival show?”
“Even after Luminous Stars disbanded, my passion and dream of being an idol remained. I wanted to challenge myself again, so I was the first person to apply for Star Picking 5.”
‘So they scrapped the failed group and started over.’
Luminous Stars had been a five-member boy group notorious for nonstop controversies from debut onward.
‘If I remember correctly, the group eventually disbanded after member after member caused scandals.’
“Your passion and determination are inspiring.”
“I agree. I think it’s admirable to challenge yourself again.”
“Thank you.”
“Then, Trainee Kim Sunyoo, please begin your one-minute self-introduction.”
With the judges’ supportive responses to his existing fanbase, the brief Q&A session ended.
A one-minute timer appeared on the giant screen installed on the stage.
Powerful music with a fast beat began to play.
The instrumental of a currently trending boy-group song flowed through the speakers.
The timer on the screen immediately began counting down.
Without the slightest sign of nervousness, Kim Sunyoo turned toward the camera and smiled warmly.
—
I can’t help but fall for you
I want to be with you all day long
—
Kim Sunyoo smoothly sang the idol song, whose addictive bridge blended perfectly with its trendy instrumental.
‘Since it’s originally his own song, it feels completely natural.’
His clean vocal delivery and precisely controlled dance movements revealed the composure and experience of a seasoned idol.
‘He’s absolutely flying across the stage.’
As he flawlessly executed rhythmic waves and even the high-difficulty choreography in the highlight section, gasps of admiration could be heard throughout the venue.
‘Hey. Status window.’
[Yes.]
‘Show me Kim Sunyoo’s stats.’
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