Chapter 160

Episode 160

“Did I hear that correctly?”

In response to the question from rock ballad singer Jin Myung-hyun, PD Dokgo Chan of ‘Music Road’ nodded as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

“Yes, you heard correctly.”

“…Are you saying we have to compete and eliminate each other in a survival show?”

“That’s right. You all need to compete to survive until the end and aim for the victory.”

“Are you kidding me right now?”

Jin Myung-hyun didn’t hide his anger, stating almost like a chant. His tone was polite, but considering the formal setting, it was akin to a barrage of curses.

“Who the heck would reveal that it’s a survival competition at a meeting like this?”

“If we’re getting into that, we should also mention that you weren’t told anything about the program’s synopsis at all. And you all chose to participate in a completely unknown synopsis. So, what type of broadcast did you think this was when you decided to join?”

“Well, of course, I thought it was a music program where we do some busking while traveling! Isn’t that obvious?”

PD Dokgo Chan looked surprised at Jin Myung-hyun’s response.

“I think you were being a bit too naive. Didn’t you notice? We didn’t gather people for a wholesome, healing-themed show or anything like that. There are just too many of you for that, right?”

“……”

All the cast members fell silent at that statement.

Listening to the names being mentioned, they couldn’t shake off a strong sense of déjà vu.

Still, they had come here.

PD, who knew their reasons all too well, said to them,

“I understand your discomfort. So if anyone wants to drop out, you’re free to leave this meeting right now. That’s exactly what this meeting is for, right? To check in case you feel it’s not for you. You haven’t signed any contracts yet. You won’t be at a loss. If you want, I can even reimburse your transportation. …But remember, if you leave now, that empty spot will surely be filled.”

At those words, Jin Myung-hyun hesitated for a moment.

Most of the people here were in the same boat, but he was also someone who truly needed this program.

So he asked with a tone that was far less assertive than before,

“Why on earth are you doing this?”

“Because I have no backup plan. So I needed to gather the best cast I could think of. Just like all of you here. Not settling for a B-list compromise. But convincing proud artists like you to attend this survival meeting itself is a tough sell.”

Then, R&B singer Lena Shin, sitting with her legs crossed and watching the situation, lifted her sunglasses and spoke.

“So, are you saying that if we could have this kind of conversation, you’d think we could be convinced? Or am I mistaken? If not, I might be incredibly disappointed…”
“It sounds like if we can gather and talk, we might be able to convince you, but am I wrong in my guess? If not, I might be really disappointed….”

At that moment, PD Dokgo Chan, who had been maintaining a waxy expression, finally smiled for the first time.

“I will give the final winner the right to perform on a personal stage at the Infinity Fest.”

A silence fell among the dozens of artists gathered there. Everyone present understood the gravity of the PD’s statement.

“Um… Teacher Taeyang, what’s the Infinity Fest?”

Young Gaeul seemed clueless, but I quietly explained as best as I could.

“It’s the biggest music festival held in Europe. As of last year, there were 11 stages and about 200 participating musicians. Approximately a million spectators. It’s the largest festival in the world lasting for 11 days. It’s even made it into the Guinness Book of Records for its scale. Any artist in music dreams of performing on such a stage at least once. Right now, PD Dokgo Chan is saying he’ll offer that stage as a reward.”

It was a reward that would make any singer’s eyes spin. Gaeul seemed to grasp its significance and swallowed.

“The organizers of the Infinity Fest even sent us congratulatory messages for the opening of our broadcasting station, so we have a close relationship. That’s why they’ve opened up one of the spots based solely on the trust we’ve built up over time, regardless of who the artist is.”

“…Well, it’s not like it’s the smallest stage or something, right? There are 11 stages at the Infinity Fest?”

“One of the three main stages, the scale of which is the largest, during the golden time when the second largest crowd gathers… Is that sufficient as an answer?”

“…Absolutely.”

In front of the silence-filled singers, PD Dokgo Chan spoke emotionlessly.

“This is our broadcasting station’s best hand. We’ll put this forward as the final reward. If this doesn’t suit you, it’s okay to stand up and leave.”

As soon as those words ended, the murmurs of the singers spread out. Some were calling their agencies, others were nodding silently, while a few were discussing with the singer next to them.

Amidst that buzz, I spoke to Gaeul.

“It won’t be easy. You’re the only active idol here, so it won’t be simple to hold your ground in this competition. Regardless of anyone’s opinion, everyone here has made a name for themselves in this country based solely on their vocals.”

It’s different from just singing on a music show. This is a competition solely judging Gaeul’s vocals.
Done.

Even among top vocalists.

If she fails, Gaeul will be remembered as just another run-of-the-mill idol vocalist.

But if she succeeds, Gaeul will become a standout entity.

I hope Gaeul participates in this program.

Well, because Yoo Gaeul has the world’s best talent.

But if that becomes a burden, I want to respect her wishes.

“What do you want to do? I’ll respect your choice.”

Gaeul looked at me with wavering eyes and eventually spoke as if she had made up her mind.

“I….”

*

During the incident with Girl 100, the writer Ye Han-na from MNet, who had become quite friendly with us after helping each other, was oddly persistent in her requests.

“Team Leader Seon, please help me. It’s not about deciding to appear on the show. Just let’s have a meal together once.”

“Hah, I’m still uneasy about being a panelist on that variety show. From what I hear, I’d have a significant presence, right? What is it? A trip with a girl group and their manager? Wouldn’t it be better to just take any manager from the agency?”

“But you are definitely not just any manager. And it’s not like the entire group is going; it’s the girl group members who stand out in the variety scene. Designating one of them as the manager raises fairness concerns…”

Well, if that’s the case, I understand why they’re talking about me.

“I get the situation, but I’m still negative about appearing on the show. It’s obvious I’d refuse if I go there to discuss it…”

“It’s really just eating together! The PD and I, and… oh, there’s a friend who claimed to be Team Leader Seon’s fan, so all four of us will eat together.”

“Who’s that friend?”

“It’s a younger one I know named Yi-seo.”

Yi-seo? Could it be the Jo Yi-seo I know?

“Isn’t the Yi-seo you’re talking about the main vocalist of the girl group Kanola, who is one of the cast members in the variety show ‘Girls’ Party’ that the writer is in charge of?”

…

Ye Han-na fell silent.

Based on her reaction, it seems my guess is correct.

So, the four of us having dinner would be me, the main PD, the main writer, and the main cast?

…How is this just eating together, Han-na? It’s a preliminary meeting before the official invitation.

“Please, can’t you give me a chance? Ever since the PD realized that I know Team Leader Seon, he’s been bugging me to let us eat together just once. Ignoring a desperate 50-year-old man isn’t easy; I feel like I’m going to have indigestion at this rate!”
I think I’m going to suffer from indigestion!

Oh dear, it sounds like you’ve had a tough time.

“Haah, alright. When we return to Seoul this time, let’s try that food.”

I’ve received a lot of help from Ye Han-na, and being one of MNet’s main writers, I will likely need her assistance in the future, so I should honor this request.

“Wow! Really? Then I’ll make a note of it and set a date!”

After finishing my call with Ye Han-na, Gaeul, who had been looking at me like a golden retriever waiting for her owner, spoke up.

“Team Leader Seon! There’s a Korean restaurant that has received two Michelin stars over there! How about we have lunch there today?”

I guess she was waiting for that long conversation just to ask if she could have lunch with me.

“A Korean restaurant?”

“Yes! Especially the clear soup pork rice soup; it’s said to be amazing!”

Honestly, I was skeptical about Gaeul’s suggestion.

“Um… getting a Michelin star for rice soup is impressive. But do we really have to eat there?”

“Why? Rice soup is delicious!”

“Sure, rice soup is tasty. But we’ve only had Korean food since we arrived, right? Doesn’t that seem a bit strange?”

“Huh? It’s perfectly normal for Koreans to eat Korean food.”

It’s not strange for Koreans to eat Korean food at all, even if it happens frequently. However, there’s a time and place for everything.

“But we’re on an overseas location shoot!”

That’s right. Gaeul and I came to Europe to film ‘Music Road (subtitle – Love and Music).’ Gaeul was ready to dive into this competitive arena.

However, Gaeul’s behavior was somewhat unusual. Since we hadn’t officially started filming yet, I understood why she chose to come to me rather than eat with the other cast members. It’s probably not easy for a kid like her to be around seniors who seem like they’re from the sky.

The issue was her taste in food. Who travels around Europe and only picks Korean restaurants to eat at?

“Uh… is that weird?”

“It’s not weird, but how about we try some local dishes?”

“…Local dishes?”

Hearing that made Gaeul jump a little, and she turned to look at the local people strolling by with a dazed expression. However, it seemed her gaze was oddly focused on the women.

“Gaeul?”

“…No way.”

“Huh?”

Gaeul declared resolutely, tapping her chest with determination.

“No way! We are the best! Our stuff is top-notch!”

…What on earth has made this kid so obsessed with Korean pride?

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