When I Opened My Eyes I Was a Superstar - Chapter 43
# 43
Our meeting was a coincidence (1)
***
The members woke up early in the morning and gathered at the restaurant on the first floor of the hotel to eat breakfast and sat down at a round table.
Seok Ji-hoon, who couldn’t sleep because he was watching the fans’ reactions until late, did not eat the scrambled eggs in front of him.
Personally, he seemed to have thought a lot while practicing and uploading cover songs. Seok Ji-hoon sent a message to Do-wook in the next room early yesterday morning and expressed his intention to Do-wook that he would like to try covering songs by himself next time.
“The fans’ reaction was really good!”
Hyeong-seo Ahn said while munching on his cereal.
In fact, all reactions to the cover songs posted by Do-wook and Seok Ji-hoon were positive.
I didn’t know that I had fully figured out his personality yet, but I kept getting comments saying that I thought Seok Ji-hoon was like the full-hearted maknae. As expected, there was a lot of talk about Kang Do-wook.
There were also many compliments on the song. There were more than a few fans who said that the two people seemed to be intoxicated with sweetness, not only because their faces were nice to look at, but their voices were also nice to hear.
Of course, there were some who pointed out that Seok Ji-hoon’s skills were lacking compared to Do-wook, but they said they were looking forward to his future development.
They knew Dowook was really good at singing, but fans unanimously agreed that it exceeded expectations. Quite a few fans said that they seemed to have discovered Do-wook’s new voice as he intended.
The response from not only the fan cafe but also the external community was quite good.
Since it was a song posted for the fans, they didn’t show a lot of interest, but they said they were so jealous of the ‘oppas’ who sang like this for the fans.
It has become difficult to get sympathy from the stories that appear in every article related to Seok Ji-hoon, showing that he is cold towards fans.
‘I think I saw a story going around in the community. It seems like they’re just singing a cover song to silence the conversation.’ Some people tried to undermine Seok Ji-hoon’s intention behind the cover song he posted, but it didn’t work.
-It is not easy to practice and arrange a song and upload it with a busy schedule..;;
-Please stop paying attention to our Jihoon.
-Aren’t you grateful if you take care of me like this, even if it’s just because of the rumors?
-It seems like you’re looking at it too twisted haha. As
most of the comments were on Seok Ji-hoon’s side, negative opinions could no longer rise to the surface.
Of course, Dowook also didn’t think that Seok Ji-hoon’s antis would completely disappear with this one cover song.
Rather, I knew that as KK’s popularity grew, the number of antis not only for Seok Ji-hoon but also for Do-wook and other members would arise and increase. If there is an action, there is a reaction.
There couldn’t be no antis at all. However, what was important was the power of the absolute majority to minimize reaction. Depending on which direction the majority trend goes, whether the antis gain or lose power differs.
Dowook thought that it was important to continue to create a positive image for the majority of KK and its members.
Seok Ji-hoon’s post also included the message that he would like to practice singing whenever he has time and give a song gift to his fans.
I had to keep working hard.
“Later, I also… Among the raps I wrote, there are some that are included in the KK album. “I’m going to trim it and upload it.”
“Oh, that’s a good idea?”
Ever since Hyeong-seo Ahn heard the idea for a cover song, he was already excited to practice singing next time. In addition, Jeong Yoon-gi came forward after seeing yesterday’s reaction.
Kim Won responded to Jeong Yoon-gi’s secretly expressed opinion. Dowook nodded, wiping his mouth with a tissue.
“Good. I think the response will be good too. “My brother also has his own set of hip-hop fans.”
“Hip hop fan? I’m glad they don’t criticize me because I’m an idol. ah! Yes, I should write a rap that contains this kind of resentment. “Giggle.”
Jung Yoongi giggled as if he remembered a good lyric while talking. Taehyung Park, who was eating a sandwich, also carefully spoke.
“… A separate video of me practicing my choreography… I want to upload it after practicing a lot…”
Park Taehyung was still very shy, but his personality was acting as an attractive factor in his personality. Other than that, he expressed his opinions when necessary, and there were many times when he actively thought of other things.
“Do you think it would do well if I danced it here and now? “Put it up anytime, Taehyung.”
Jeong Yoon-gi tapped Park Tae-hyung on the shoulder. Dowook also answered with a smile full of trust.
“Is that a good idea? “Save your organs too.”
Ahn Hyeong-seo also gave a thumbs up towards Park Tae-hyung.
Everyone ended the breakfast with enthusiasm for self-content production. Each person thought about what they had to do and how much harder they had to work to do that.
‘As expected, all the members were stimulated.’
It was time to change clothes and prepare for the schedule.
Dowook thought as he took the elevator back to the hotel room.
Although we were one team, at some point we were both a team and a competitor. Do-wook wanted a relationship where the members compete in good faith and stimulate each other to develop a relationship.
So this was the beginning. It was clear that the better the individual members’ skills, the more positive influence it would have on KK’s group and unit activities in the future.
***
Osaka Kyocera Dome.
Upon arriving at the dome, the KK members felt their drowsy minds suddenly awaken. Before entering the waiting room, I couldn’t help but be surprised when I saw the stage where equipment installation was in full swing.
“Wow, this is why they say the dome tour is their dream…”
Hyeong-seo Ahn muttered, looking back at the audience.
‘Will this large audience be filled with people?’
To my admiration, Dowook was the same.
When they entered the sound check and heard the MR sounds of other cast members, the members opened their mouths once again. The level of sound coming into my ears was superior to any concert hall I have ever experienced.
‘As expected, it’s amazing.’
Do-wook thought as he headed to the waiting room, guided by Director Oh Baek-ho, Do Ra-hee, and the local staff.
Of course, it was not a personal concert, and KK was only in charge of the first opening song.
However, it was true that the first overseas performance in Japan, which can be said to be the core of the Asian music market, had a different mindset from previous performances.
The
This event was hosted by the Korea Tourism Agency and a cable station operating in Japan, and was broadcast live simultaneously in Korea and Japan to further promote K-POP and show off its popularity.
Although it was not at the same level as Korea’s ‘Dreamy Concert’ or awards ceremony, Korean singers who were considered the best of the year, especially singers who were making their names known overseas, were invited.
Among the distinguished list of invitees, the new additions this year were KK and Man to Man.
Because the order was decided by year, KK was in charge of the opening, but as an exception, Man to Man performed before the ending.
Ara Entertainment’s large idol group ‘Sappang Shinhwa’, which was also last year’s grand prize singer, was in charge of the ending. Although they had previously been at the top and were now on the decline, Sabang Shinhwa was still the group with the largest fandom in Korea.
Not only was their name listed on the Oricon chart in Japan, but they also successfully completed the Tokyo Dome concert, which is difficult even for local singers, so their popularity in Japan could be said to be the highest among Korean singers.
With the momentum of Sabang Shinhwa and the entertainment company Ara Entertainment at its back, Man to Man took a front row seat to the ending.
Of course, it was true that Man to Man itself was quite popular.
Since KK is a rookie and this is her first performance in Japan, she participated in both rehearsals.
The members were very nervous at first, but through rehearsals, they quickly felt comfortable with the system that was built to help artists perform at their best.
We all realized that Director Oh Baek-ho’s words were correct when he said, ‘You just have to do what you’re doing.’
The ‘Korea-Japan Cultural Exchange Festival’ started with the prelude to KK’s ‘Very Sorry’.
After the stage was over, the MC was scheduled to come out and give an opening statement.
As the prelude to ‘Very Sorry’ was played and the stage lights showed KK gathered together, the fanlights in the audience turned on all at once.
Among the colorful fanlights, the most common color was the color of the four directions. However, among them, there was also quite a bit of KK’s blue light. A blue light waved, welcoming KK.
The members stretched out their hands at the exact timing as if they were one.
‘The day will come when I can visit this concert hall on my own. It seems like it’s not too far away.’
Do-wook thought as he sang his part and went into the back formation. My heart beat faster when I thought that the audience was full of people who had really come to see only themselves.
The reaction of Japanese fans was definitely calmer than that of Korean fans. However, that was only a relative trend and it did not mean that Japanese fans were not hot.
The members were able to fully feel the energy of the fans who were watching the performance of ‘Very Sorry’ with passionate eyes.
When KK finished the stage, Japanese fans applauded passionately for KK’s restrained yet flawless performance.
It was a stage that was enough to capture the attention of Japanese people.
The members who came back sweating rested in the waiting room and watched the next stages on the monitor.
After the performances of several teams, the Man-to-Man performance was approaching. Do-wook thought of Seo Kang-jun, whom he had met in passing in the waiting room hallway earlier.
Seo Kang-jun greeted Do-wook half-heartedly. Dowook’s eyes looked up and down as if he didn’t like it.
In fact, Seo Kang-Jun, who lives his life with the attitude of being the only child in the world, has few characters he likes. The Man to Man members also tried to please Seo Kang-Jun and only worked together because it was necessary.
To Seo Kang-jun, Do-wook was someone he particularly disliked. Every time I looked at it, I felt like its eyes were looking right through me, so it got on my nerves. Moreover, being associated with him as a rival also became a reason for Seo Kang-jun’s displeasure.
Do-wook quickly passed by Seo Kang-jun, who was trying to say something. It wasn’t something to get involved with personally yet.
When Man to Man’s stage began, loud cheers rang out from the concert hall outside the waiting room.
It was bound to be different from KK in terms of recognition. As the group that will take the baton of popularity from Sabang Shinhwa, they often appear at Sabang Shinhwa’s Japanese performances and even released an official single album in Japan not long ago.
Do-wook bit his lip as he watched the audience going crazy for Man-to-Man on the monitor.
‘The gap in Korea is now almost disappearing, but overseas… especially Japan, there are areas where the power of agencies is needed a little more.’
Dowook thought about the remaining problems.
***
Although their debut was about 3 months later than Man to Man and their official entry into Japan was delayed a bit, KK’s popularity was growing day by day, both in Korea and overseas.
The power of ‘Very Sorry’ was surprising. 1st place on music broadcasts for 8 consecutive weeks.
The longest consecutive 1st place record so far was held by the girl group ‘Win Win Girl’ for 8 consecutive weeks earlier this year. The record was tied.
As the group continued to win first place, the period of KK’s ‘Very Sorry’ promotions gradually increased.
As the eight weeks passed, the company began adjusting schedules for members who were happy but physically exhausted. Music broadcasting schedules other than those of the three public broadcasters and major cable networks were organized, and things like radio schedules were also cut at some point.
In the meantime, a remix version was released separately to prevent fans and the public from getting tired of it.
Although activities are continuing, it was not possible to slow down the next steps, such as releasing a repackage album.
The weather has now reached such a level that I have to turn on the air conditioner in the car on my way to my schedule.
The greenery visible outside the window was green. The hot summer was beginning.
On his way up to the studio to see Yong Soo-cheol, Do-wook received a call from his cousin, Seo-hyeon Kang. While receiving Monster Kwon Ji-hyung’s autograph, Do-wook had one request from Kang Seo-hyun.
-Can you call me?
“huh. what’s the matter? “Did you find out?”
-Who are you really that you want to search for so badly? I figured it out. I found it all out on the internet. When it comes to information, a friend is the best!
Seohyun Kang answered triumphantly.
Do-wook asked Ji Seo-hyun to find out Seo Kang-jun’s middle school and find out what school Kim Bo-myeong currently attends or where and how he lives.
At first, I was going to ask Director Oh Baek-ho. However, I thought that Director Oh would try to find out the reason until the end and it would be difficult to give a rough explanation, so I asked Seohyun Kang.
Do-wook’s hands as he held the cell phone sweated. I held my phone tighter, afraid it would slip.
“So Kim Bo-myeong is now….”
-I hear you’re attending Woojung High School now? If he had used Facenote, he would have found it sooner… but he didn’t. Anyway, I searched for people related to Woojung High School and found a page with a photo of a kid named Kim Bo-myeong.
“…….”
-I’ll send you the address now. See if it’s Kim Bo-myeong you’re looking for.
“uh? Uh… thank you, sister.”
After expressing his gratitude, Do-wook quickly hung up the phone. Soon, a message with a link to an Internet address arrived from Kang Seo-hyun.
Dowook clicked the link with trembling hands.