Chapter 327

The country where talk show culture is most developed is undoubtedly the United States.

Among them, late-night talk shows are famously known for their fierce ratings competition, making them one of the most iconic genres in American media next to news programs.

“Ah, I took a calming pill, but I’m still shaking.”

“I’m a bit jittery today too…”

Even Na-eun Unni seemed somewhat nervous.

Of course, I totally understand.

“Hehe, just trust me.”

The show we’re appearing on, often referred to as the Jason Collin Show, named after the host, is a popular talk show that has consistently ranked among the top three in ratings for years.

“Someone like me with a strong heart? No problem at all, hehe.”

Hmm… I nudged Woo-ah Unni.

Kimchi SWAT team, activate!

“Chiyo, the Director said you have a face that really gives off the vibe of a mysterious beauty to Americans, so it might be best to stick to the script today.”

“Oh, the Director? He definitely recognizes my charm, hehe…”

Thank goodness. It would have been tough if Chiyo Unni got a wild nickname like “Crazy Kimchi Sushi Girl” in the English-speaking world.

“No, pay some attention to me. Can’t you see my hands shaking?”

“That’s magnesium deficiency. You really need to eat well.”

“No way, what magnesium deficiency—.”

“Seo-yoon, should I bring it out now? I brought some.”

Anyway, Seo-yoon Unni has been complaining about shaking several times a day since her schedule was set.

“I’m shaking as much as I was when I stood at Gocheok Dome?!”

“Seo-yoon, here.”

“Oh, right. Water? Is there water?”

“Water… Ah, Manager Young-ho! Could you please bring some water?”

Na-eun Unni also taking care of things like that.

Seo-yoon Unni gulping it down.

All in all, they looked fine.

It shouldn’t interfere with the filming.

“We did well when we were at Gocheok Dome too.”

“But, honestly, we’re not as famous as NND or Coral Blue.”

That’s true.

This Jason Collin Show is a place where widely known actors, top musicians, athletes, and politicians appear.

In fact, there was a time when the First Lady of the United States appeared, sharing everything from improvised jokes to deep discussions—this late-night talk show was that kind of place.

So far, only NND and Coral Blue have made it onto this Jason Collin Show among K-pop artists from Korea.

“Still, it’s okay. Trust me who believes in my sisters.”

“With the nonsense you’re spouting, it seems like you’re perfectly fine.”

Of course, even saying this, I was a bit jittery myself.

“I know you’re attention-seeking, but if you keep making that face behind the set, are you sure you’re not some kind of addict?”

Hmm.

I should work on my expression when they shoot a documentary later.

“Ah, ah.”

But honestly, we didn’t need to feel too much pressure during the interview.
That’s it.

It’s just that I keep teasing.

Even the unnis are learning enough English because they don’t want to lose.

“If I really forget English, just hit me lightly.”

American late-night talk shows are called talk shows, but unlike Korean talk shows, the interview time given to guests is extremely, extremely short.

Only 15 to 20 minutes.
This is also when the guest is one team.

On days like today, when there are two teams of interview guests,
the first main guest gets 10 to 15 minutes,
and the second guest only gets about 5 to 10 minutes.

We would probably come out right after some famous actors we’ve seen somewhere before.

So this is also why we got the chance to be invited to such a famous talk show.

“But why do we only perform on stages where we don’t know anyone in America? When you usually get booked for a talk show, they say they get audience members mainly from the fans, but here we are stuck with actor fans.”

“Uh, right? Now that I think about it, that’s true?”

“You, Do-hee, keep hyping that uncle guy as a genius, so they just blindly shouted ‘okay!’ without thinking! This is ridiculous!”

“Well, maybe that uncle had some big plans…”

Still, this was one of the most popular late-night talk shows in America.
As of now, even being the second guest wouldn’t have been easy if it weren’t for the strong influence of Warner Records.

Moreover, we weren’t just ending with the interview today.
Most late-night talk shows in America have a closing musical performance.

So, singers or bands perform at the end of the show.
If there’s a musician among the guests today, it’s common for them to have a live performance.

So…

“Alright, let’s just do well on stage. Like usual.”

“I really want to hit you for only acting dignified at times like this. Jiwoo, agree?”

“I don’t know. Should I agree?”

As we were chatting like this, it seemed like Na-eun unni relaxed first and looked at me with a clumsy smile.

“…Do you agree?”

“I also agree.”

“Three strikes, and you’re out now.”

It’s good to loosen up with nonsense,
but why just with me?

Even though we don’t have fans in the audience, compared to the preceding actors, I’ll try harder so we don’t get overshadowed…

*

“Now!”

Colin said, filled with new energy.

“It’s time to introduce today’s second new guest!”

The order was for the singers coming from Korea.

“This is a very hot K-pop band! Please welcome! Debonaire!”

Colin, who hadn’t had a bad impression of the K-pop singers he’d met so far, greeted the seated members brightly.

“Nice to meet you!”

He skillfully encouraged the welcome.

“Everyone, you’re lacking in applause!”

Of course, as a host, it’s only natural to create a comfortable atmosphere for whatever guest is there.
He had to lead the comfortable atmosphere.

─Hello!

“Hey, come on, I’ve learned quite a bit of Korean too!”

─Thank you!

Naturally, it was expected to bond with the guests by playfully mimicking Korean.

“This is Seo-yoon! And next to her?”

“I’m Na-eun~”

“Oh, Na-eun!”

Colin, as a capable host, focused on introducing the group quickly and smoothly in the short span of five minutes.

“Wow! Anagram! I can’t believe ‘debonaire’ means that! An ideal type, really impressively cool! Love it!”

“Right?”

Of course, he effortlessly engaged in conversations that weren’t in the script with the members who spoke English well.

“Do-hee, honestly, I really like your intonation and pronunciation right now.”

“Me?”

“You have this wonderfully vague, soft accent. It’s what we Americans hope to hear when talking to Brits!”

This got laughter from the audience too.

But he wasn’t just saying empty words.

“To be fair, English isn’t my first language, so I tend to mimic the pronunciation of those around me. I guess I’ve unconsciously gotten better thanks to your smooth and natural tone, Colin.”

“Everyone, look at this girl, Do-hee! How sweet is she? So lovely, really!”

It was obvious the viewers would likely share a similar sentiment.

“But Do-hee! I’m saying that it’s not just the accent… Wait a minute… I get it! K-pop bands always have a talented rapper, right? So, Do-hee! You must be the rapper!”

“Uh-oh!?”

“Busted! Do-hee, you have a smooth cadence and your flow is soft, but you still have that signature word rhythm! You can’t hide it from me, Do-hee! Haha! …Chiyo?”

Thanks to this, such ridiculous situations also cropped up.

“D-Don’t get mad! Okay, hearing Chiyo’s voice makes it clear! Chiyo is the main rapper! Do-hee is the sub-rapper! This is right, isn’t it!?”

That girl named Chiyo had a very mysterious vibe.

“Thank goodness! I didn’t know because Chiyo was quiet! Your pronunciation is really good! Definitely a rapper! Nice! Hahaha!”

More witty than expected…

She likely wasn’t truly angry.

Anyway, Colin was slightly surprised that the members chimed in naturally throughout the talk, but when he checked the time, he realized he couldn’t stretch it anymore.

“Na-eun! Your song ‘SAME’ is currently at chart hot 97!”

There were more brief segments to follow.

“You all composed and produced this album by yourselves? All of it!?”

He still had scripted questions to ask.

“Do-hee, you were 18!? You looked young for sure, but I had no idea because you’re tall!”
“I couldn’t tell at all because you were so tall!”

While startled and surprised, they maintained their pace till the end.

“Then can the members themselves explain about this album?”

They naturally continued the talk.

“No, thinking about it now, Friday the 13th, Valentine’s Day, Ash Wednesday, and just ordinary days! All of these days had been within one week! So amazing! Of course, there are ordinary days every day, haha!”

They flowed right into the next question.

“What a beautiful album story! I definitely have to listen to the entire album on my way back!”

But as a host, the joy of the conversation, the talk itself was enjoyable.

Out of pure curiosity about getting to know new people, they couldn’t help but ask questions.

“Wait a second. Are you all Christian? I’ve heard that Buddhism is more common in the East!”

If they trimmed the upcoming segment a little, they’d have a maximum of 8 minutes.

They could slightly extend this interview time to 8 minutes.

Colin checked the time ahead and, as natural responses came back, was internally amazed.

“Wow, that’s such a beautiful statement!”

Even answers to questions that weren’t in the script came smoothly, giving off a very intellectual vibe.

‘That kid is 18? And they said they’re in charge of producing too!?’

But there was no helping it.

The second guest’s talk show had to come to an end.

“You guys were super hot as a sub-headliner at the festival held recently in LA! The reactions were really enthusiastic!”

Somehow, Colin steered the conversation to the very end and now asked the members who were about to showcase their final live stage.

“What’s your goal?”

It’s the dream any music musician would have.

“To perform as a headliner at a festival next? Or at Coachella or Lollapalooza!?”

They shouted grandly.

“Becoming a headliner at Summerfest, the largest music festival in America with nearly a million people, would be great too!”

To ask someone who just made it to number 97 on the Billboard charts, especially a K-pop band, to express such lofty ambitions might have been a bit much.

“Or being nominated for a Grammy?”

The way the members communicated in the interview caught Colin’s heart.

“Please answer.”

So Colin asked Woo-ah, who was smiling at him.

“Woo-Ah!”

The pure American dream that beautiful girls dream about.

A campaign statement like a steady seller loved by viewers!

It would undoubtedly attract a lot of affection from Americans…

“Uh, I wish the American president would follow me.”

“Excuse me?”

*

“Wow, older sister, I acknowledge it. That last bit was hilarious.”

“Am I a bit too extra?”

“Jiwoo, I’ll admit it today, for sure.”

“Honestly, it was wild!”

Na-eun made a face of incredulity looking at Woo-ah, who was receiving countless thumbs up from the other members.

---

Support me by donating at least $10, and you'll have the right to request any novel from Novelpia (excluding 19+ content) using a newly developed tool.