Chapter 157

Backstage after the performance.

“Ugh, huff…”

The members gasped for breath, making wheezing sounds repeatedly.

Of course, there was also Hana Unni, who joked around nonchalantly.

“Guys, what if we’re still lacking stamina? Don’t we need to practice more?”

Hearing Hana Unni’s words, everyone used to freak out during the initial formation, but not anymore lately.

“It’s because you just dance half-heartedly, Unni.”

“Agreed, Hana Kwon should just be stripped of her leader title.”

Instead, Chae-rin Unni and Ha-rang Unni were too busy teasing Hana Unni.

“Jeon Ha-rang, are you speaking informally these days?”

“Oops~”

“Oh… calm down…! Stop! Hana Kwon, cease your violent behavior!”

Just when everyone seemed to have calmed down a little.

“Alright~ Let’s head back to the waiting area~”

Hana Unni began to lead the way, dragging Ha-rang Unni along.

Meanwhile, outside, the MC continued with the next award speech.

—This year has birthed numerous global stars, and many records have been broken. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call this year the golden age of K-pop.

As we walked along the cramped backstage corridor, we instinctively greeted the staff, who returned our salutations and compliments.

In the midst of this, I felt a playful tug at my ponytail.

“Ugh, your hair hit me during the performance~”

It was Seo-yoon Unni, sniffling.

“What’s with the sniffle? Why are you acting like this all of a sudden?”

“Ugh~”

Due to the dynamic choreography of Fantasia, if you danced a bit hard, hair could really fly around.

“But what’s up with the long hair? Why not get a bob cut?”

“No way, our Do-hee suits long hair. If you want to change it, get confirmation from Team Leader So-hyun.”

“Then why did you bring it up?”

“Dunno~”

Ignoring Kim Seo-yoon’s sniffles, we strolled down the corridor calmly again.

Upon reaching the door connected to the main area, cheers erupted, vibrating off the walls.

—And who has set the best record this year among singers?

“Please move quickly to the waiting area now!”

The staff at the entrance looked surprised and hurriedly guided us toward the entrance.

As we stepped outside, the new award presenter was just making their way to the stage.

We carefully returned to our spots, doing our best not to obstruct the filming.

Coral Blue was still seated to our left. When the Coral Blue members congratulated us for the great performance, I offered a shy smile while expressing my gratitude as we settled down.
At the moment I sat down, wearing a shy smile while expressing my gratitude, someone congratulated me.

Then, a title popped up on the screen.

And this award was the grand prize.

[Music Wave Music Awards – World Wide Record of the Year]

“Not yet.”

On the screen, the five nominated teams for the record category appeared one after another through VCR.

Four of them were boy groups, and the only girl group was Coral Blue.

Seeing Coral Blue come up on the screen, I casually glanced to the side and noticed Lira looking disgruntled.

Still, being nominated was a big deal.

It was proof that Coral Blue had achieved records comparable to those of top boy groups.

“Then I’ll announce it now.”

The presenter opened the envelope, peeked inside, and called out the name of the glorious winner.

And as expected, the group that snagged the record award was…

“Congratulations. Night and Day.”

It was the boy group NND that keeps breaking records every time.

“Ah, I’m just so, so happy to receive this award.”

For some reason, my gaze shifted to Lira, who was clapping.

Noticing my attention, she stopped and mumbled.

“We got an award at the Billboard Awards.”

“Uh.”

“Your face.”

“Uh…”

And soon, a grand orchestra began to echo through the hall.

On stage was Lee Sung-woo, a man regarded as Korea’s top actor.

“Hello, I’m Lee Sung-woo. Thank you so much for inviting me to this glorious event.”

[Music Wave Music Awards – Song of the Year]

At the same time, my heart started pounding heavily.

“I’m now at Exit 2 on Line 5. Haha, I’m fifty-two years old. Was that a little boring? But regardless of age, K-pop is becoming a culture enjoyed by everyone around the world.”

Lee Sung-woo threw out a short little joke, but my heartbeat was rising rapidly.

“This past year has been a joy spent with all these songs. I want to express my gratitude to all the singers for creating such good music.”

As the nominees’ songs briefly passed across the screen and our music video appeared, the excitement reached its peak.

My heart thumped, breaking through a satisfying volume.

Without realizing it, I grabbed the hand of the member next to me, Seo-yoon Unni.

Seo-yoon Unni’s hand was also full of moisture.

We fixed our gaze ahead and said nothing.

And finally, the presenter pulled out a small envelope from inside his jacket.

“Now, I guess we can’t delay any longer. The song that received the most love this year… the grand prize.”
This year’s most beloved song. Award.

Tension-building background music filled the performance hall.

—The 2023 MWMA Song of the Year winner is.

Everyone’s gaze turned towards us.

—Seven Unsatisfied, congratulations!

—Waaaah!!

With our song,
the sound of fireworks and confetti bursting, cheers.

The members awkwardly got up from their seats.
Yet, the expressions on the members’ faces were still dazed.

Despite everyone expecting it, an indescribable emotion.
And somehow my expression seemed just as blank.

With my head ringing to the point where I couldn’t even hear the applause around me,
I leaned on Hana Unni, who was hugging my shoulders, as we went up to the stage.

We stood on stage,
holding the bouquet and trophy.

Everyone dazed in the midst.

“Okay… Let’s greet them. One, two.”

At Hana Unni’s lead, the members responded naturally.

—I’m in seventh heaven. Hello, we are Seven.

But before the acceptance speech, Hana Unni, who led the response, was not calm either.

“Okay… First of all…”

Tears welled up in Hana Unni’s eyes as she apologized and wiped her nose, then brought the mic back to her lips.

“Okay… First of all… We are honored to receive such a big award. So many people contributed to the birth of this year’s song, Unsatisfied…”

Hana Unni made sure to mention the company staff, crew, family, and fans without missing anyone.

“And to our members. I’m so grateful and thankful to be the leader of such wonderful members.”

When mentioning the members,
all of them were in tears.

“Thank you once again. We will be Seven who continues to strive…!”

Of course, the speech wasn’t over yet.
As Hana Unni finished speaking, she stood me in front of the mic.

I was still feeling dazed as I was pulled to the center.

It was expected.
I had been told to give my remarks since I was the one leading the last song preparation.

But somehow, with the members’ comforting touches,
the image and speech I had prepared throughout the night were fading from my mind.

Instead, emotions overflowed.

So, I decided to just speak from the heart.

After a brief moment of silence, I lifted my head.

As I smiled gently,
a hush fell over the audience, like a ripple.

Unlike the members,
my face must have been neat and sparkling without a trace of tears.
“A few days ago, I tried to write down everyone I wanted to thank on paper.”

After a brief pause, I quietly said.

“I got to about 341 people before I stopped.”

Laughter erupted in various parts of the hall.

On the other hand, the members looked flustered.

Because it wasn’t the speech they had prepared.

Still, they laughed a little while crying, as if to say that was understandable.

“It seems we’ve received so much consideration from so many people, I even forgot the numbers while counting.”

“So I thought about how to express our gratitude and how we could repay everyone… but it seemed like an even harder task.”

“However… knowing how great this award is, I want to promise one thing.”

For some reason, my eyes welled up.

“When we look back on Seven later, when we think about it…”

I couldn’t hold back the tears that started to flow.

“To those who helped us and loved us… I hope you can say you were glad to like this group…”

So I carefully articulated each word.

“I will always be a member of Seven who works hard, anywhere and anytime.”

Oh, and there was one last thing I absolutely had to say.

“Do-ah, older sister, we won the grand prize. Isn’t that awesome?”

*

The year-end has come to an end.
【Seven wins this year’s grand prize following last year’s Rookie Award, ‘MWMA Song of the Year’】

“On the afternoon of the 28th, the ‘2023 MWMA Awards’ were held at the Tokyo Dome in Japan. The recipients of the grand prize that day were NND and Seven.

First, the group Night&Day (NND) dominated the ‘2023 MWMA Awards’ by winning three grand prizes: Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, and Record of the Year, maintaining their position at the top for six consecutive years.

Following that, Seven drew attention by winning the grand prize after last year’s Rookie award.”

【[Summary] ‘Grand Prize Seven, Triple Crown… 4th Generation Girl Group Dominates Gold Disc

【Seven, achieving the grand prize, ‘Proven Perfect Complete Girl Group’ [X + Music Diagnosis]

【NND, winning the grand prize for six consecutive years… Seven’s grand prize win brings ‘tears’ [Summary]

Seven won the Song of the Year award at the Music Wave Music Awards, Watermelon Music Awards, and Gold Disc, securing a triple crown.

And Do-hee finally turned 17.

“No way, sister, you’re an adult?”

“Oh my, you high schooler~”

“Ah.”

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