The Road to Glory Chapter 64 - Not a Bullfrog
“Is there an artist you’d most like to collaborate with?”
As soon as he arrived at the filming studio, that was the first question Halo was asked in the interview room.
Since he didn’t know who else besides himself and Hwang Ryongpil would be appearing on this program, Halo tilted his head.
Regardless, the VJ pointed the camera at him, and the writer smiled brightly, as if telling him to say whatever he wanted.
Halo was about to mention the name of the person he had already decided on, but suddenly grinned instead. He realized there was no need to specify anyone in particular.
“I’d like to collaborate with someone who recognizes me.”
If he said that, they would probably understand.
Since the self-introduction stage involved wearing a Hahoe mask to hide one’s identity, it sounded like a plausible answer.
Of course, the writer had hoped that as a rookie with little broadcasting experience, he would accurately name someone and create a buzz.
However, the response he got was not provocative at all.
Unable to think of it as an answer directed at anyone in particular, the writer regretted that it wouldn’t stir up any issues.
And so began the filming of <2030 Sing Festival – Rendezvous>, a program that PD Jang had agonized over creating.
#
「2030 Sing Festival – Rendezvous
Our music is not dead.
The greatest singers in Korea gathered!
A collaboration that everyone has wished for, a duet with your favorite artist
A fantastic duo you couldn’t see anywhere else!
Twelve artists pair up to create duet songs.」
Following this planning intent, the first order of the program was to pair up the participants, and they couldn’t know the other participants until they performed on stage.
However, it was impossible for them not to really know.
From the initially revealed Hwang Ryongpil, it gradually became known who else was there.
Among them, there may have been unintentional participants, but there were also those who dropped hints.
For instance, a certain rapper blatantly followed or tagged the accounts of other participants, and while not mentioning them directly, an idol left a cryptic message like “I’m so nervous…! I have to work hard!”
There was also time for greetings while waiting for filming.
“So you’re here.”
Halo turned his head at the familiar voice.
Even though the person was wearing a scholar mask, Halo could tell who it was from the voice and physique.
“All familiar faces.”
In the distance, a very thin man was bowing and greeting everyone with “Hello! Hello!” Sin Joohyeok said as he watched.
“Cold Brew Wonder.”
Then he pointed to someone else.
“Liv.”
“Seongrim-hyung.”
Halo’s expression became strange.
Aside from a few, they were all names he knew.
They were people he had met at that gathering not long ago, so of course he would recognize them.
“I need to stay focused. If I mess up, I could get buried. By the way, did you properly hear about the program format?”
“To some extent.”
In response to Halo’s answer, Sin Joohyeok continued speaking.
“PD Jang used his head well. He said it wasn’t a survival show, but he incorporated survival elements like this.”
It’s not a survival show, true.
There were no artists being eliminated here.
However, everyone watches the performances and then chooses their partner.
The idea that pairs are formed when both parties want it sounds appealing, but it’s idealistic.
An asymmetric situation could arise where multiple people want the same person, and conversely, some artists may not be chosen by anyone.
Well, since the number of artists is even, pairs will be formed, but if this plays out on the broadcast, the artists may feel like they’ve been eliminated from a survival show.
But even that was idealistic.
The program’s format says to choose partners based on the music styles and perspectives revealed through the performances, but in reality, everyone already knows each other.
People who already knew each other could have agreed on pairs beforehand, and even if not, they likely already had partners in mind.
In this situation, the artists at a disadvantage are those on the lower end of the lineup. No matter how hard they prepare, their self-introduction performances could become meaningless.
And in Sin Joohyeok’s view, the most disadvantaged of them all seemed to be Roh Haeil.
‘It should be okay since he agreed to partner with the teacher.’
But nothing is certain.
If it’s Hwang Ryongpil, he could choose to partner with someone whose performance he prefers.
Who among them would reject becoming Hwang Ryongpil’s partner?
“Do well on stage.”
Sin Joohyuk didn’t bother mentioning these concerns. As always, he simply ruffled the boy’s head encouragingly.
The kid’s talent was undeniable, so he would surely do well.
“If you do well, I might even request to be your partner.”
“Hmm.”
“Hmm? This guy. Don’t regret it later.”
Regret what? Halo raised the corner of his mouth.
He was saying it like a special favor, but it wasn’t needed.
Halo would be the one choosing who to collaborate with.
And so, after the twelve participants’ interviews and rehearsals ended, the main filming began.
#
As an expert in survival programs, PD Jang possessed a cruel sense of planning. This was precisely revealed in the order of performances for the first self-introduction stage.
He did not choose the typical format of having rookies perform first and highlights last.
What he followed was the law of capitalism and power.
Those who have don’t wait.
Just as first-class passengers board first, and economy customers board last,
PD Jang gave the first stage to Hwang Ryongpil.
Although everyone already knew who he was, Hwang Ryongpil took the stage wearing a nobleman’s mask.
The music of a certain female singer from the era before Hwang Ryongpil’s played.
Though not heavily arranged, Hwang Ryongpil’s vocals alternating between chest and head voices made it seem like the song was his own.
The trio of MCs brought in case the first broadcast was dull immediately exclaimed “Teacher!” guessing his identity and escorted him to the best seat for viewing the upcoming stages.
The MCs’ deduction game.
And one by one, as the artists took their seats, they commented on the “stage” and revealed their desire for certain partners.
Yes, the self-introduction stage was thoroughly mindful of the earlier performers, allowing them to comfortably evaluate the other artists’ stages after finishing theirs.
The stage would likely get more camera exposure than the waiting room.
Perhaps that’s why the later the order, the more unique and flashy the stages became—seeming like desperate attempts to make an impact.
However, among them were artists whose stages unfortunately went overboard compared to their usual.
Human imagination has limits when it comes to not overlapping concepts, plus the weight of performing before senior artists who had ruled the Korean music scene was burdensome.
Still, since this wasn’t a show about eliminating anyone, there were no provocative comments belittling or regretting any stages—at most, friendly jokes mocking each other.
For the most part, praise was given for certain aspects, so there was nothing uncomfortable for viewers.
“Fighting!”
“…Fighting.”
Halo raised his fist in response when the man before him did so, seeming a bit nervous.
The thin man nodded resolutely and began heading to the stage, a VJ trailing behind. Sin Joohyeok had said that scrawny guy was Cold Brew’s Wonder.
Halo watched Wonder’s stage on the TV in the waiting room. He was an artist whose performance was more flashy than his vocals. Perhaps because of that, his stage stood out markedly from the previous ones—unique and entertaining.
“Aren’t you nervous?”
Halo’s assigned VJ spoke up, looking at the boy in the imae mask.
Unlike the other artists who gave broadcast-friendly reactions, this boy simply watched the TV in silence. And unlike the other masks, his had an open mouth area, but there was less to capture compared to the others.
Being a rookie, it was understandable, but at this rate, the already limited waiting room scenes might get edited out entirely.
The VJ continued speaking to the boy:
“You ended up being the last performer, so could you share a word of determination?”
Determination, huh.
Conveniently, Wonder’s stage had just ended, and the others cheered. Soon the MCs’ interviews would follow.
‘The last one must be feeling nervous.’
‘I would be. Basically all the other stages are done.’
‘But when do they choose partners?’
There were no particular expectations for his stage evident in their reactions.
Halo chuckled as he watched the screen.
“Everyone will find it interesting.”
Only his mouth area was visible, but somehow, the VJ felt that something would happen.
#
“Is this the last stage now?”
There was exactly one empty seat left.
That signaled the final stage was up next.
At the mention of the “last stage,” those who had grown weary from the long filming became restless—stretching, drinking water, unable to focus their gaze.
While reacting energetically whenever the camera was on them, they closed their eyes or chatted with those nearby when it turned away.
The later the order, the less interest in the stage, since everyone had already chosen their partners in their minds.
“Hey, can I ask a quick question in between?”
“Didn’t you already ask a couple of intermission questions?”
“In case anyone changed their mind after watching.”
Of course, there were those whose minds had changed after seeing the stages.
But it wasn’t because that person’s stage was exceptionally good, rather a calculated judgment that the collaboration or image would suit well.
“We should decide after the last stage, no?”
At Hwang Ryongpil’s response, everyone’s eyes turned to him.
Most artists thought he was just saying that for courtesy’s sake.
A singer of Hwang Ryongpil’s caliber would surely have already chosen someone.
“What about you, Mr. Scholar Mask, who hasn’t said anything from the start?”
After persistently hearing the same answers from each person, the MC finally pointed at Sin Joohyeok. The scholar mask shrugged his shoulders.
“I’m still waiting for a stage too.”
“?”
If there was a remaining stage, there could only be one left.
Was he bluffing that none of the stages appealed to him, or did he really intend to wait for the last one? Those seated behind leaned forward curiously.
Though the MCs realized Sin Joohyeok already knew who the last performer was, for the broadcast setup, they changed the subject:
“Looks like you saw something in the waiting room!”
As they chatted, the last stage was made ready.
The MCs too were unaware what kind of stage it would be, since they hadn’t heard anything about it. But their expectations were low:
Insane high notes
Solid vocal skills
Chilling rapping
Emotionally captivating expressions and performances—the stages that could be done had already been done. There would be no greater impact than those.
It surely couldn’t be…
And yet, the moment the accompaniment began to play…
“Uh…”
One of the MCs unconsciously groaned, while the other two openly tilted their heads.
“Wait, he’s going to sing that?”
One of the artists unintentionally spoke out loud.
Someone muttered, “Is he crazy?” but fortunately it was muffled by their mask.
The ominous, dreadful accompaniment was familiar to them.
Why wouldn’t it be?
Everyone present was someone involved in music. People whose lives revolved around music.
And even the MCs, though not artists themselves, recognized this particular accompaniment.
They couldn’t be unaware of the song that topped global digital streaming platforms for several weeks after its release on February 28th.
Even Sin Joohyeok was dumbfounded, not expecting Roh Haeil to choose this. He knew Roh Haeil was extremely talented, but with this song, if he messed up…
No, it wasn’t a question of messing up—he couldn’t afford to do just okay with it.
It was a shocking, dreadful scene. The only one smiling was PD Jang. If the goal was to make an impact, it was a success.
Whether he failed or nailed it, the first broadcast would leave a big impression either way.
‘Though it is a bit over-the-top realistically.’
Anyone would inevitably think he had made a huge blunder in pursuit of impact.
The original song title would likely appear as a caption when it aired.
Please, lead me not into temptation | HALO (4th Album – O God)
An organ sound played.
The melody was sacred and solemn like a hymn.
But now everyone knew just how unconventional HALO’s music would be.
Church bells tolled.
Through the stained glass, light poured into the church, revealing a man kneeling in prayer before it.
“O Lord.”
He slowly rose from his position.
Wine and a Bible lay before him.
It seemed a devout scene, until…
The organ melody abruptly cut off.
Dissonant notes shattered the solemn atmosphere, the occasional off-key notes creating an ominous feeling.
The man lifted his head.
“You said to love everyone, Father.”
The mood shifted.
A powerful electronic sound overwhelmed the organ melody.
It was the moment the man began to doubt God.
Everyone knew the man would now unleash rage and terror—the suffocating electronic sounds were HALO the musician’s specialty in gripping and shaking one’s emotions.
But someone thought that the organ melody, though faint, still lingered and needed to disappear.
Small yet still warm, the organ melody followed him.
The man poured out his grievances against God.
He was on the verge of falling into the abyss.
Then, someone placed a hand on the man’s head.
He looked up.
Blinded by the light streaming in from above, he couldn’t make out who it was, but it felt warm.
“Tell me your story,” whispered someone, unclear if male or female. The man thought it was a nun.
“Sister.”
He clutched her robe and asked.
And so he confided his doubts.
The nun frequently agreed, her empathetic, loving smiles reassuring him with her whispers.
The man’s low tones expressing doubt in God harmonized with the nun’s high tones.
Though the original dread remained, constricting their whole being, no one felt afraid now. The nun—or someone—by the man’s side would protect him.
People gazed entranced at the artist who sang as both the man confessing his rage and terror, and the compassionate nun listening to his tale—not an act, but embodying two contrasting emotions simultaneously onstage.
No one present was unaware of just how difficult and demanding that was. Yet no one analyzed the performance, wanting to learn—they were simply awestruck.
Though below the stage, not in a church, they basked in the brilliant light pouring through the vast windows.
Someone raised a hand to wipe away tears, but was obstructed by their Hahoe mask and lowered it.
The camera captured every such moment.
The accompaniment gradually faded.
Some thought it a pity, others found the ending itself beautiful.
And in the center of the darkening stage, Halo closed his eyes.
‘This doesn’t seem entirely comforting though.’
He felt neither saddened nor depressed, so offering comfort was difficult. Instead, he had simply written down the words he had wanted to hear at the time.
It was a bit funny that he was the one voicing them, rather than someone else.
‘Still, it’s okay.’
The warm organ melody.
The sunlight filtering through the stained glass enveloped him.
#
“Whoa…”
The stage lights went out.
Followed by silence.
After a long while, someone exhaled.
It wasn’t just anyone—he was covering Halo’s song had been shocking enough. Now, a different kind of shock hit Sin Joohyeok.
There was so much he wanted to say, yet he didn’t know where to begin. Even the capable MCs were at a loss for words.
Placing a hand over his warm heart, he searched for the right words.
The flawless Korean lyrics?
Or that insane cover?
The skilled alternation between high and low vocals?
The solid vocal ability?
Where should he start?
In truth, the artists’ biggest question was something else entirely:
‘Who is he?’
‘Just who is he, to pull off something so outrageous…’
Glances were exchanged.
Scrutinizing each other, they reconsidered their intended partners.
The firm picture in their minds had just crumbled. They hoped their counterpart would remain consistent.
That’s when Sin Joohyeok heard a small laugh beside him.
“Ah… I made a mistake.”
Hwang Ryongpil, wearing the nobleman’s mask, gazed at the boy on stage with an amused look and said:
“He’s not a bullfrog, but a tree frog. No, is it a Baekdu mountain tiger?”
Translator Note:
…
Wow what a chapter this was, I got goosebumps reading this.
Hi everyone, I've fully translated this series. If you love the series and wanted to binge read until the end, you can go to my Patreon "Shop" page. Instead of buying the advanced chapters one by one, you can buy them in one bulk (with discounted price too)!
Hello! If you any questions and if you found any errors on my translations, please do @ me on our discord server (@_dawn24) since I might miss your comment here. And also, I really appriciate your support by buying the advanced chapters or just giving me some donation, thank you!
Comments (0)