“What’s going on because of the PD?”
In the car without a camera, the older sisters were secretly feeling guilty and glancing around.
“Did I… act a bit too wronged?”
Since I usually call them ‘sisters’, I sometimes forget that, in terms of social and experiential maturity, the members are all like younger siblings.
“Are you really that worried? You don’t need to feel sorry.”
“Well…”
Especially because of her meticulous and worrying nature, Na-eun Unni was particularly concerned.
“Is it because she’s new to society…?”
At that age, a typical high school or college student feels pretty secure with just a million won in their bank account.
“Sis, it’s not a big deal. Did you see the price of my piano?”
I quickly searched for an article on my phone.
[Short Top News] Debonaire’s Do-hee Lee, Piano Price Shocks
=(Reporter Jin-hee Han) The price of the grand piano belonging to the 18-year-old girl group Debonaire member Do-hee Lee, who is living in the dormitory, has become a hot topic.
Do-hee has shown outstanding skills and knowledge in piano, winning several awards in piano competitions. Videos of her playing the piano have consistently become a sensation on YouTube.
Among them, the piano that Do-hee played in the behind-the-scenes posted on Debonaire’s YouTube is known to be from the luxury brand Steinway, with a price estimated at about 350 million won.
Upon seeing this, internet users commented, “How much money does an 18-year-old have?”, “No wonder everyone wants to be a celebrity”, “It’s an expensive instrument, so it must be pricey”, “I can totally understand loving the piano”, and various other opinions.
“Did it really cost… 350 million…?”
Actually, it was a used one, around 200 million.
Then I just showed them the receipt.
Lunch, 323,000 won.
Even a family outing for beef steak would come to this much.
“The PD is just doing it for fun. It’s a classic plot. In entertainment, making the panelists spend money is a well-known gimmick.”
I recalled the stories I had overheard.
“Those panel members have pretended to be wronged a hundred times, but apparently, they didn’t even care about spending a few hundred. They supposedly earned several hundred million per month, so would a few hundred even matter? It’s all for entertainment, exaggerating for fun.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, and think about it; that was back in the early 2010s. It’s been over ten years now. Inflation has been so severe since then, especially in the entertainment industry.”
The older sisters would eventually understand once they saw their own audit statements.
“Oh, I see…”
From the start, concerning the production cost of their own content, Na-eun didn’t really need to worry that much.
In fact, it was more common for broadcasting officials to treat others for celebratory dinners after winning first place on music shows.
“So what I mean is, just like those seniors, it would be more entertaining if I act wronged, and it would also be easier for the viewers to watch.”
Yeah, better than flaunting that I’m loaded.
Fans might criticize the company, but what can you do?
Considering the public comments saying a minor buying a piano worth millions is extravagant, I see a lot more people having an existential crisis over it.
“So you understand what I’m saying, right? Let’s just make our show fun. Even if I pretend to be wronged, it’s just a concept, okay?”
“Got it. Looks like you’re learning from our seniors again.”
I smiled back at Na-eun Unni, who appeared reassured and smiled faintly.
*
Damn, but I didn’t mean for you to work this hard.
“It’s a loss for Do-hee! Loss!”
“Nice job, Na-eun Unni!”
“What do we do…? I have to sleep on the floor!”
Don’t clap your hands for me in a pitying way.
“……”
I’m really wronged, you know?
*
After losing the bottle cap flinging game, I had nowhere to sleep and lay down on the living room sofa to take a nap.
From morning thumbnails to baseball betting, lunch, and deciding on our dorm room, I figured I generated enough content for the first episode.
Now it’s time to relax…
“Isn’t there more we should do?”
“Do-hee, let’s play another game~”
But my Unnis, Na-eun and Woo-ah, seemed deeply inspired by my suggestion to work hard, and they quickly started packing up.
Coming out to the living room, they kept pressuring me about needing to produce more content.
Why can’t I even take a break while shooting with my own money…?
“Chiyo~”
Woo-ah Unni called for Chiyo, clapping her hands while trying to coax someone who was looking out the window.
Someone beside the window, who was watching outside while clapping like calling a puppy, urged me on.
Chiyo Unni mimics a short form she saw yesterday.
“Boss. Aihgo-hoo… Do-hee Boss.”
Grabbing my body and shaking me all around.
“Aihgo-hoo…”
Anyway, this kind of thing won’t get us any screen time, but the new employees, full of enthusiasm, are trying to overcome this peaceful atmosphere void of any cuts.
Looking at our members, I can’t help but think, how can I rest?
“Ehew…”
Oh, my fate…
I playfully tapped Seo-yoon Unni, who was squeezed into a corner of the narrow sofa.
“…I-I wasn’t sleeping.”
Sort your hair or something.
*
“We have to eat again, later.”
“Yeah, we do.”
“We need to go grocery shopping.”
“Yeah, we should.”
“Two people.”
First, the practice song.
“Everybody shake it shake it!”
“For you and me~”
After vigorously singing a random song that came up on the karaoke machine, completely ignoring pitch and rhythm.
Right away, a dinner bet using the karaoke machine began.
Up to 2 minutes. Or just sing the first verse.
“Yes, main vocal Kim Seo-yoon here.”
“The judges want to see your self-introduction.”
“Hello↗, I’m Kim Seo-yoon↘. Nice to meet you↗!”
The judges are three production staff members.
“Staff, you know my heart, right~? My heart! 486! I love you~”
The judging staff couldn’t help but smile at Seo-yoon Unni’s cuteness, their lips curling up to their ears.
“Yes, 486!”
A delightful tune started flowing from the speaker.
[486 – Seosan Coast Village]
In an instant, the living room became lively.
Everyone burst into laughter and applause, unable to hide their admiration for Seo-yoon Unni’s song choice.
“Pffft, Seosan Coast Village.”
“Wow, it’s a song from ’77.”
“That Unni is doomed.”
I, too, was unable to breathe from laughing too hard.
“Hahaha.”
My cheeks already started to hurt.
This content is genuinely great.
“…Oh.”
Seo-yoon Unni, who was making cute expressions earlier, now wore a pale face, bursting into a bitter laugh.
“Tambourine, tambourine.”
Still trying to do her best, she picked up a tambourine and lightly tapped her knees along with the melody, attempting to lift the atmosphere.
Our appreciation for her effort led us to clap four beats along.
– Clap! Clap!
Finally, the first line.
“I’m picking oysters⤳ I’m picking abalone⤳♪”
Seeing Seo-yoon Unni who didn’t know why she was doing well.
“Seosan~ Coast Villaaage⤻”
I couldn’t stop laughing.
*
[Cutie 40 points + Excitement 54 points = 94 points] [Main vocal does trot well? 91 points] [88 points]
– Average! 91 points!
“Nicee!”
Unexpectedly high score.
As Seo-yoon Unni entered with a cheerful step.
“Hello~ Judges, nice to meet you~”
The next contestant, Woo-ah Unni, stood in the center.
“Fighting~”
“Does your self-introduction lack personality and effort?”
“Are you suggesting a biased judgment to the judges right now?”
“Whoa, Jiwoo.”
“Yes. I will go for 123.”
“What does 123 mean?”
“What is the meaning of that…”
“Is there even a hint of personality in your song choice… Aih.”
Woo-ah Unni pointed with a straight face, designating the three troublemakers.
Do-hee, Kim Seo-yoon, Kimchi.
One year, two years, three years.
“1, 2, 3.”
“Gasp…”
“Okay, it’s fine. I’m your older sister.”
“…Clap!”
[123 – Winter Rose]
Then, a gentle old-school R&B began playing.
“I was foolish… I didn’t know back then…”
Everyone couldn’t openly criticize, but we whispered to each other.
“Oh, how boring. The atmosphere is down…”
“This Unni’s definitely going to shop for groceries.”
“Zero fun… Absolutely, Woo-ah is out…”
The world’s listening standards may vary, but…
“No way, how did that score come about?”
“Are you coming out?”
[Sweetness 84 points] [A song my mother used to love, it brings back memories, 82 points] [Face has attitude, 86 points]
The judges’ criteria are questionable.
– Average 84 points
“Thank you~ Thank you~”
*
“Hello, my name is Kim Ji-su.”
“Are you trying to swindle us starting with your self-introduction?”
“Anyone can see you’re Japanese.”
“Eh… Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu.”
“Speaking Japanese on a Korean show…?”
“Ah~ I don’t know if the broadcasting committee will intervene about this.”
“As if.”
I poked Na-eun Unni next to me.
“Say a word too. Gotta get your screen time.”
She hesitated.
“…I was going to do it after my turn.”
…But there’s no one else after your turn?
“I’m going to number 8500!”
[8500 – You got it]
– Ching! Dong dong tak!
The previously subdued R&B vibe faded, and a cheerful drum beat came in.
“Uh? New Kids on the Block?”
“Isn’t it a famous song?”
“Chiyo might know?”
“I just checked, it was in the Billboard top 10.”
Of course, she looked completely clueless.
Not to mention her pitch was all over the place.
“First time was a great time~ Whoa!”
Unlike the previous people who at least tried to hit a note.
Chiyo Unni was completely enjoying herself, dancing to her own off-beat rap.
But surprisingly.
“…not bad?”
“…Why are you good?”
Is she a natural talent…?
Maybe it was the hip-hop vibe, but she danced with a 90s New Jack Swing feel, just lazily doing the basic moves and making the stage shine.
“Ugh… I’m exhausted.”
With the members’ unexpected admiration fueling her, Chiyo Unni threw herself onto the couch, panting. Meanwhile, the judges were jotting down scores with serious faces.
An upbeat performance that was predicted to get high scores.
“This one is really impressive, I acknowledge it.”
“Unni is a genius.”
“Chiyo, you totally nailed it.”
The scores were soaring too.
“Huh?”
[Dance 40 points, Pitch 0 points, Stage Production 35 points = 75 points] [The original’s emotion is completely gone, but it was the coolest stage, 76 points] [Totally touching… 77 points]
Average 76 points.
The judging is harsh.
*
“That spot was way more nerve-wracking than I thought.”
“It felt just like the audition I took when I joined.”
“Yeah, it really is that level.”
Na-eun Unni stood in the center of the stage, feeling the pressure and fidgeting.
“…Ha-ah.”
“Could you please introduce yourself quickly?”
With a determined look, Na-eun Unni thrust her hands forward and shouted.
“Hello, I am… Magical Girl Na-eun!”
The nickname given during this activity, Magical Girl… Hmm.
With her face covered in embarrassment, sighs broke out here and there about the oldest member, Na-eun Unni.
“Ah…”
“Confidence is key…”
“Huh…”
Except for me.
“Our Unni is so cute! The best! Fighting!”
Since it was my turn next, I needed to bring in at least one ally.
“Then I will go with 0113.”
January 13th was our memorable debut date.
And soon, a very familiar tune began to play.
[113 – Gabdori and Gabsoon]
“Oh, everyone knows this song.”
“Even Japanese people know this.”
“Eh…?”
Even Woo-ah Unni recalled memories.
“I did this for a talent show in kindergarten.”
“Huh? Really?”
“Yeah, I wore a hanbok and had the little dots. There should be a video, I’ll find it and show you later.”
Meanwhile, Na-eun Unni overcame her shyness and confidently started singing the part.
“Gabdori and~ Gabsoon lived in the same town~”
Caught up in the excitement, I slammed my metal spoon on the table and chimed in.
“Let’s go!”
“Wow, how lovely~”
Since Na-eun Unni is such a classic beauty, fitting the Korean ideal of an innocent actress.
“Hey, you look great~”
Every little gesture she makes is evoking the image of a newlywed in traditional hanbok.
“She tried to act like it wasn’t a big deal~”
It was a sure win for the high scores.
[Gapdol’s reason for dropping out? 94 points] [Gapdol should pay taxes 100 times! 95 points] [How come this newlywed is so graceful? 92 points]
Unni Na-eun currently ranked first with an average score of 93.7 points.
*
“Hello, I’m Josephine from the USA.”
Now it’s my turn.
“Wasn’t it Rahee?”
“Why is it Josephine of all names?”
“Anyone can see you’re Do-hee.”
“You look like a rabbit, though~”
Now even Na-eun Unni is chiming in but I’m ignoring it.
“My family usually calls me Josephine, so feel free to call me that.”
After all, in variety shows, it’s all about the concept.
“Then, I’ll be ‘Josephine… 8282’.”
“What does that mean?”
“Does it mean hurry up?”
“8282? An American…?”
“People from my hometown love to do everything fast.”
“Oh? We’re from the same hometown…”
“Oh my, are you also from America…?”
“Ah, nice to meet you. I’m Britney.”
“AH, Britney!”
As Seo-yoon Unni welcomed her, the other members couldn’t help but feel we’re all from the same place, so one by one they shared their English names.
— G.Ellegance?
— OH, Jiminy
— NA.silver… wait, is this Na-eun as Na-silver? No way, right?
Anyway, the song is finally revealed.
[8282 – ONE]
The festival atmosphere quickly unfolded.
“Metallica?”
Even if people didn’t know the song, they couldn’t possibly forget the singer.
Everyone has at least heard their name once.
But the problem is, it’s a heavy metal band…
“Heavy metal… Ha.”
I quickly opened the sheet music.
Technically, looking at the sheet was cheating, but no one was stopping me.
After all, just looking at the sheet doesn’t mean you can sing a song you’re hearing for the first time perfectly.
But that doesn’t apply to me.
I, Do-hee, have perfect pitch.
Just by looking at the sheet, I can instantly recall any note in my head, a genius.
I waited for the instrumental part, anticipating when the notes would be revealed.
“…Wait, when does this song start?”
“Ah~ The judges are getting bored.”
Finally, after what seemed like an endless instrumental, the notes with marks 1, 2, 3, and 4 appeared.
The notes rushed through my mind.
‘Oh, this is the vibe of the song!’
A rather gloomy emotion.
I finally whispered the first line after a long wait.
— I can’t remember anything
Can’t tell if this is true or a dream
“What? You’re good!”
“Whoa~”
“Josephine, do you know this song?”
Amid the unexpected talent, everyone was astonished.
— Deep down inside I feel to scream
This terrible silence stops me
Now for the third line.
— Now
Pff.
“That…?”
“Sadly, Josephine has to stop here. It’s already been 2 minutes.”
“What? I couldn’t even sing three lines!”
Later, I found out it was Metallica’s ONE.
This song lasts over 7 minutes, and the instrumental took about 1 minute and 40 seconds.
It felt like it took all day.
But still, the judging was fair.
[Perfectly absorbed in just the first line, the painfully boring early part didn’t allow for a dull moment with all the faces to see, 95 points] [Lasting impression on stage 87 points] [Do-hee Chairman is the best 91 points]
“Huh?”
An average of 91 points.
I immediately leaned on Na-eun Unni and closed my eyes for a nap.
Chiyo Unni and Woo-ah Unni would surely handle the rest.
After all, they wouldn’t make me cook, so I might as well sleep for a while.
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