Chapter 173
During the recording of ‘Ready to Dance’, Cha Yeji’s tantrums weren’t just directed at Yeoreum.
She had a knack for latching onto any mainstream artist with a whiff of controversy, spewing lowbrow hate speech like it was her job.
You could say she was like a rabid dog that attacked at the slightest scent.
In that regard, Cha Yeji unleashed her most vicious attacks on Yeoreum, who was by far the hottest topic of contention.
But this wasn’t just the act of a loose cannon; it was a calculated maneuver rooted in a business strategy.
She decided to garner attention as a so-called “speak-your-mind character” to promote herself, given her less-than-stellar reputation compared to other under dancers.
Honestly, while this method had plenty of flaws, choosing to be the center of attention, even if it meant being disliked, was effective noise marketing for someone like Yeji who would otherwise be overlooked.
So, naturally, when it came time for the challenge battle, Cha Yeji picked Yeoreum.
“I’ll show this druggie that this industry isn’t a walk in the park.”
“Ms. Cha Yeji, as the MC, that’s not really something I should respond to, but are you sure you can handle that statement?”
“I’ve got the skills, unlike her.”
“Wow…, haha, sounds good. Then, let’s proceed with the first challenge battle between the under dancer Cha Yeji and Ms. Jin Yeoreum.”
The best part was what she said during the break after the recording.
“Haha, you know I said that just to spice things up for the broadcast, right? I have no ill feelings towards Ms. Jin Yeoreum at all.”
After throwing such a tantrum, she nonchalantly acted like she’d done her part, which was downright infuriating.
“I think there could be some feelings on our side?”
“Well, that’s unfortunate. But that doesn’t mean you’ll file a lawsuit, right? I’ve seen people say far worse than me online; you should go after them first.”
“We’re constantly pursuing legal action against those people. Adding one more case won’t impact our work at all.”
“Pfft…, as if you could do that.”
…Seriously, should I just sue her?
*
Time flew, and the day of the challenge battle arrived.
“Okay, the evaluation panel has finished scoring Cha Yeji’s performance. Let’s see the results!”
[9, 8, 7, 9, 7]
Surprisingly high scores, indeed.
But it was well-deserved given her skills. The panel was taken aback by the unexpected level of talent Yeji displayed, and each of them had something to say.
Surprised by Yeoreum’s unexpected skills, everyone chimed in.
“Oh, that Yeji isn’t just all talk after all.”
“Right? Honestly, I thought she was just a loudmouth with no skills.”
“She definitely stepped it up. With an average score in the low 7s this time, she could confidently go up against anyone.”
Reading the atmosphere, the MC skillfully guided the conversation.
“Wow, Cha Yeji. That was a performance worthy of such a confident statement. I was impressed.”
“Well, it’s not like I’m worried about losing to someone on drugs.”
“Haha… you really have a strong character. I like it.”
As Cha Yeji received satisfactory scores from the judges, attention turned to the next contestant, Yeoreum.
“Is she going to be okay? Is she going to get eliminated?”
“Whether she goes or not, who cares?”
“You thick-headed idiot, if she doesn’t stay, this show won’t have any buzz! It’s because of her that our broadcast is hitting the hot trend right now and we’re getting spillover effects!”
“…Really? That’s a bit disappointing. But she’ll probably fail. She’s just another idol trying to scrub her image with some dance moves, isn’t she?”
A similar conversation was happening over in another group.
“She’s just on the level of those girls wearing frilly dresses shaking their butts to make money.”
“True, watching music videos, they really do seem inferior compared to professional dancers like us.”
“…I actually thought she was pretty good.”
“That’s just because your standards are in the gutter, kid.”
“….”
As the cameras captured every reaction, the MC asked.
“Are you ready, Ms. Yeoreum?”
“….”
Yeoreum glanced around nervously, her gaze wandering.
Thinking she might be looking for me, I lightly waved my hand from among the staff.
Perhaps noticing that, her eyes turned towards me, and our gazes met.
I mouthed to her.
“Just relax.”
That was all I expected from Yeoreum—nothing fancy, just comfortable and as she normally would.
Seeing me, Yeoreum gave a small smile and said.
“…I’m ready.”
And then she stepped out, elegantly and nobly like a noble arriving at her own territory.
In that atmosphere, everyone on the filming set unknowingly held their breath as Yeoreum took the stage, and the song “The Tracer of the Moon Night” began to play.
The song “Light” started playing.
[Exhaled wildly, to see the moon of the night.]
In the modern idol group system, it’s not easy for a member whose strength is dancing to showcase that talent.
Generally speaking, unless you go on a variety show to perform a solo freestyle or do some shorts like challenges or dance practice videos, there aren’t many opportunities for individual members to shine.
Gaeul, who is the main vocalist, is a different story. In the vocal realm, splitting parts in a song and coordinating solo lines is much freer, so it’s not hard to make one person stand out.
Honestly, just add some high notes in the bridge, and boom!
But when it comes to dancing, it’s difficult to display that talent.
Of course, it’s totally possible to include solo dance parts in songs. There was even a time when dance breaks were deemed essential.
However, lately, the trend has shifted away from the old-school style of inserting dance breaks and leans more towards group dances.
Seeing everyone hold their breath for one person’s dance line is now something you rarely see outside of competitions, year-end stages, or concerts.
Girl Revolution hasn’t escaped this trend either.
Their last title track, “Traitor,” featured some pretty high-level choreography compared to other K-pop songs. But even that was trimmed down for the group performance.
Our kids are among the best in dance skills across all girl groups.
This holds true even considering Gaeul, who comparatively has less dance ability.
So, objectively speaking, it wouldn’t be wrong to say “Traitor” is performance-oriented.
However, if you ask whether “Traitor” is Girl Revolution’s best performance, I’d say no.
We couldn’t increase the difficulty of the choreography to a point that would threaten the kids with injuries since it had to be repeated multiple times on music broadcasts, festivals, and concerts. Assigning common choreography to kids with differing skill levels meant having to base it off the least skilled member.
Let me say it again.
The general choreography difficulty of the songs that Girl Revolution performs is top-tier.
Yet, for some members, even that level of difficulty can be a limitation.
Even the top-level songs feel too static and restrictive for them to showcase all their potential.
And that was Yeoreum.
“What’s that…”
“…Wow, are they crazy?”
“Is that an idol?”
Yeoreum was a genius.
Street, b-boying, popping, locking, hip-hop, dance sports, belly dance, jazz, contemporary dance, ballet, waltz,
And rhythmic gymnastics.
Whatever the genre, as long as it involved dancing, she soared to the peak incredibly fast and overwhelmingly.
Beautifully and gracefully.
Words to describe her aren’t promising rookie or unfinished genius.
“I will now reveal the scores from the evaluation panel for Ms. Jin Yeoreum’s performance!”
[10, 10, 9, 10, 10]
“…This is going to cause a stir once it airs.”
She was already a completed genius.
*
[Name – Jin Yeoreum (female)]
SDVIMVFoanVzY1YwSVhjamMzUkt1WDFOdmN5UFBKZUp4Tzk5cE1OT1NZUEFnbG5ybGg0Rm8zaHZXT3pqa1Uweg
[Appearance – A+ Potential A+]
[Vocal – B Potential B+]
[Dance – A+ Potential S] → [Dance – S Potential S]
[Rapping – D – Potential D]
[Acting – C – Potential B -]
[Variety – D Potential C+]
[Management Evaluation – Despite possessing pure talent like no other, that talent could easily become merely a tool. This is more common than one might think. For achievements, money, and honor, the purer the talent shines, the more prone it is to getting distracted by the byproducts generated in that process. Even if one tries to ignore those byproducts, the people around won’t let it slide. Under the guise of investment, one often desires higher results while being a bystander. The life of the girl named Jin Yeoreum was a struggle to meet those expectations. She walked the tightrope, brainwashing herself into believing she could withstand the growing weight pressing down on her. That precarious journey crumbled in an instant when that suffocating expectation began to backlash. And that moment, the star named S she’d longed for might as well have died. The fact that she could spread her wings again is attributed to the user’s management influence. She learned not just to rise by herself but how to lean on others to stand up. It also takes courage to depend on others. And with that newfound courage, she was as good as ready to soar.]
[As a reward for successful management, ‘Voice of the Historical Trickster’ is granted.]
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