If I Fail to Debut, I’ll Get a Killer Disease

To be honest, I was quite nervous until I turned on my smartphone to check the reactions for episode 1.

‘I thought I might end up being too much of a laughingstock… ‘

However, surprisingly,  viewers responded with favor instead of mockingly.

Even when the chorus of 〈POP☆CON〉 came out, public opinion completely turned around.

With a nuance of liking.

– So fun
– You’re so cute ㅠㅠ You’re very focused.
– Be honest, you came to the show to do this hahaha
– Yes, if you come out, you have to work hard. It’s good to see you.
– No, he’s a different person from the interview hahaha
– You look so cute

‘This is cute?’

It was true that I strategically prepared the song selection.

However, I thought it would be at the level of ‘I’ve worked hard, so I’ll pass’, but it was an unexpected gain.

Wasn’t it the rule of audition program viewers to despise those who couldn’t do it?

It was a bit confusing, but I soon understood the situation.

‘It’s because I sang well before it.’

First of all, I was able to satisfy the traditional expectation that a singer should be able to sing well, so they were tolerant about the dancing even if it wasn’t very good.

However, it seems my character was more highlighted by taking care of the laughter.

Such a character was a bit… embarrassing, though.

‘I mean, it came out like this even though I deliberately chose only universal answers.’

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Basically, it was for the sake of not giving pods any room.

In addition to that, in order to emphasize my position as a main vocalist, I had responded smoothly to everything.

In the interview, I did not mention any personal opinions and only said objective words that would not go against the social consensus.

‘However… I didn’t know it would be interpreted as having no soul.’

Anyways, even if I went to Moro, I only had to go to Seoul. It was like even if I wanted to take the KTX, I wouldn’t mind taking the express bus.

‘The first step went well.’

It was clear that I had secured an early recognition. This was not a hunch, but a visible result.

This is because a status window pop-up appeared while watching the broadcast.

[The Beginning of Fame (2) !]
10,000 people remembered your existence!
: Point +1
[Call of Fame!]
50,000 people remembered your existence!
: Rare Attribute Draw  Click!

Within one broadcast, the number jumped to 50,000.

‘The sense of reality is disappearing.’

I decided to look at the rewards that appeared on the pop-up later, and instead opened the search box and entered the keywords.

[Relisting! Idol Joint-Stock Company ratings]

The results came out right away.

[Average viewer rating: 3.7%, instantaneous highest viewer rating: 6.8%]

Oh My God.

‘……Is this really the 1st episode of a ruined cable entertainment series?’

I guess they succeeded in properly dragging aggro.

Of course, objectively speaking, it wasn’t a crazy high rating.

Even so, the fact that 100,000 people remembered Park Moondae meant that we left a considerable impression regardless of likes or dislikes.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the ‘likes and dislikes’ item.

I immediately checked my evaluation video clip after checking the overall flow of public opinion in the first episode.

[Pure 100% reversal of general participant! Park Moondae]

I felt as if my hands and feet would disappear.

‘……Let’s quickly erase it from our head.’

I started checking from the best comments.

– Yes? Popcorn here? haha (7326 / 181)
– I fell asleep watching it and then woke up. Moondae-ya, Noona will buy all your things until she gets sick of it (4522 / 294)
– Yes, the main vocalist is Park Moondae (2061 / 372)

“Hmm.”

First of all… It was a good sign that comments that enjoyed it enough to make me ticklish during the day were hanging at the top. It was a bit strange, but…… I was grateful.

However, a fairly high proportion of ‘dislike’ was a risk factor.

Another participant who has been favorably edited… For example, compared to Cha Yujin, it seems to be roughly 1.5 times.

It meant that there were quite a few people who had a sense of objection to ‘Park Moondae’ who appeared on the air. Maybe the problem was that he appeared anti-social.

So, what is the most effective appeal I can make at this point?

The negative image that is already created is unavoidable, but there are many idols who made people laugh by using this as a gimmick.

Just thinking about it right now…… Hmm, there is at least one such person for each popular idol group.

So in the next shoot, there is only one thing I have to do.

‘I have to look friendly.’

I immediately thought of the next search term.

[Idol Joint-Stock Company PR video]

The next shoot was PR video production.

The remaining days are three days, and before that, let’s find the most meaningful examples. 

***

The PR video shooting of 〈Idol Joint-Stock Company〉 was conducted live.

However, the process of preparing the PR video was recorded like an entertainment show. It was scrap content used to kill time during the ranking announcement ceremony.

“Everyone! Are you ready?”

“Yes!”

Participants respond enthusiastically to the obvious voice of the host MC.

‘…I feel like I see this scene every time I film… Is it an illusion?’

Anyway, the important thing was that the participants became more desperate.

“I am happy that everyone seems to be doing well! Now, do you know what you’re preparing for today?”

“PR video!”

“Self-Introduction!”

“That’s right!”

Everyone must have seen the reactions from the first episode.

So I am sure everyone realised. That no matter what you did in front of the camera, if it doesn’t come out, it’s like nothing happened.

‘So, no matter what you do, you can’t help but be desperate for the PR video that will be broadcasted live.’

In fact, it was never a fair competition.

The live broadcast competition, which was held in a time where everyone’s recognition was decided thanks to the 1st episode, already had it’s results half-set.

But even in the midst of that, every season there were always people who overturned their situation with PR videos, so it seemed like everyone was desperately preparing the video without hesitation.

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It was a live broadcast of 77 amateurs, so of course all kinds of controversies followed, but… no one paid attention to it.

The participants think that as long as it’s not about them it was okay, and the production crew will like the increase in buzz.

“You will be performing a live broadcast that features only yourself on Tnet’s global Youtube channel at 8pm tonight!”

“I’m really nervous.”

In terms of layout, Keun Sejin, who was standing nearby, was a little quiet.

There was no nervous expression on his face. There was no other deceit.

“Oh, wait a minute. I think I said something wrong!”

“?!?”

“It’s not just a live for you guys!”

As if the MC enjoyed the reaction, he encouraged the response with his arms. 

Confused participants shouted.

“What do you think is the dream of a celebrity?”

“Dream…?”

“It’s an advertisement, everyone!”

“…!”

The MC spread his arms wide.

“You each have to pick a collaboration item to advertise, and promote yourself alongside the item!”

“Yes?!”

These bastards were determined to eat raw.

That collaboration item was a plausible thing to say, but it was a product of T1, which had Tnet as an affiliate, and I was able to hang it with my left hand.

It doesn’t matter if you get one or two and see it’s viral effect or not.

It was capitalist enough to be counted among the crazy tactics of 〈Idol Joint-Stock Company〉.

‘Isn’t someone hastily poking from the top?’

The series, which had been neglected thinking that it was ruined, suddenly responded, so they put a spoon on it.

Anyway, the MC’s words were plausible.

“This item may feel like a burden to promote, but please remember that it can also be used as a prop to show off your charm!”

“Oh~”

The participants looked quite convinced. It was a wise attitude considering there was nothing that could be done just because they did not understand.

“Then how do you get these props that you will have?”

“Running?”

“Rock Paper Scissors?”

“Karaoke?”

Examples of similar programs from the last season were popping up here and there. The MC shook his head with a sad expression and shouted the correct answer.

“That’s… a treasure hunt!”

“What?”

“The production crew hid treasure balls that represent ‘items’ all over the dorm. You just have to find a treasure ball within the next 15 minutes!”

Keun Sejin nodded with a slightly admiring expression on his face.

“Don’t you think it will be a bit fun?”

“……Yes.”

It was true that the viewers who would be watching this would have fun. It’s perfect for participants to have a dog fight.

With 77 people rummaging through one building, there would definitely be something that hurt their feelings.

Of course, the contents of the ranking announcement ceremony were used to relieve tension. So it didn’t seem like it would get too serious.

However, there were plenty of ways to shed subtle nuances.

‘I can already see all kinds of speculations and rumors that will come up on the Internet.”

“Ah! Like an audition pro, the treasure ball also has grades. Please keep that in mind and take a close look at the balls!”

It was probably painted with gold, silver, or bronze.

“Okay, get ready…”

Everyone got ready to run.

“Start!”

“Wow!”

With a shout, the 77 people rushed into the dormitory. I sneaked out and took a step back.

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‘Let’s go through the back door.’

No matter how much I thought about it, there was a high chance that if I went in through the front door with everyone else, I wouldn’t be able to get any.

If I went back and went through the back door, I would have less competition with the other contestants.

Then Keun Sejin and Gold 1 followed me.

I could hear the grins of the cunning duo.

“Thank you, Moondae-ya. The bus is comfortable.”

“Hyungnim is smart.”

“……”

It didn’t matter if it was just two people, but… But somehow I was feeling hot.

Gold 2 and Seon Ahyun, who were standing a little further away, seemed to have been swept away by the crowd and entered through the front door.

After all, life was all about timing. How unfortunate.

***

“Oh, Moondae~ You found one right away.”

As soon as I entered through the back door, I immediately found a ball on the threshold.

It was silver

‘As expected.’

Keun Sejin nodded his head as he looked at the opaque silver ball.

“It seems to be divided into grades through Gold, Silver and Bronze*, right?”

(T/N: Here he actually used a korean slang that means Gold, Silver and Bronze)

“Hey, let’s use Korean words that are fair and beautiful! Gold, silver and bronze! How nice is that!”

“Ah, you’re a patriot.”

If you guys talk any more, I will throw you away.

“…Why don’t we search quickly? The other kids will be here soon.”

“Yes~”

“Since Moondae-ya is realistic, hyungnim feels safe.”

I quickly moved on.

The two surprisingly followed without making any noise.

First, the storage.

“It’s easy if we think of this in reverse. A place where the production crew can hide… um, here?”

Keun Sejin smiled and took out a bronze ball from the pencil case in front of the camera.

“…!”

“Hey~ it’s actually bronze.”

“Oh, crap. I’m not going anywhere.”

Surprisingly… It was useful.

These guys were quick. Thanks to that, we divided the areas without saying much and searched the entire storage in an instant.

“Oh, I found another silver one! Shall we move on now?”

“Agreed.”

“Agreed.”

They were also quick to judge the situation. Without further ado, we quickly moved onto the next area.

“Where?”

“Let’s start with the cafeteria. There is a camera there.”

“Moondae, you have a good eye sight.”

“As expected of the man who found the back door.”

“……”

It would have been better if they didn’t say things like this, but… That is.

We couldn’t waste any more time in the cafeteria.

All three of us began tacitly searching around the area where the cameras were located.

It was when I opened the cutlery.

“Found it.”

“Oh my!”

“It’s gold.”

I got a gold ball.

“Why do we all have gold rank, but Moondae is the first to find one?”

“It can’t be helped. Hyungnim. I think it’s because Moondae has golden hands.”

“That’s right. After all, you can’t beat someone who is born with it~”

“The others are coming.”

“Ooops.”

I finally figured out how to keep their mouths shut. I just had to give them jobs to do.

Anyway, after hearing the footsteps rushing, we quickly left the restaurant.

“Upstairs?”

“Yep.”

The same search was repeated upstairs as it was. It was efficient.

“Hey~ it’s good that the three of us came!”

“I know right! Be honest, you agree with us right, Moondae?”

“Sure.”

“Oh~”

I’ll be honest.

I’ve benefited from these two guys. When the three of us searched together, the efficiency was high.

Overall, it was comfortable to search and move quickly because of having to observe and move around less. His judgment was good.

They were not oddly stubborn, so the distribution was over neatly.

“Then we… found 4 gold, 2 silver, and 4 bronze, didn’t we?”

Keun Sejin easily divided the palm-sized plastic balls.

Gold 1 spoke carefully.

“Yes. Well… we each have one of each color, Moondae took us with him, so we can give him the extra gold in place of the missing silver. How about it?”

“I’m fine with it~”

It’s good that it ended neatly, but I didn’t want to leave any room for bad news.

Once I finally realized the power of editing, I felt very uncomfortable.

“Oh, then I won’t accept bronze. Take two.”

“Oh~ thanks!”

“Okay!”

As we were each carrying the ball, an announcement was heard in the dorms.

-200 seconds left~

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For reference, we were hiding in the storage next to the back door of the road to avoid the crowd of participants.

It wouldn’t be too ridiculous to be robbed here.

“Hyungnim, the kids are coming!!”

“Hey! Let’s run!”

We quickly exited the back door and headed towards the meeting point.

“Ah~ Pharming Nice~”

“As expected of our teamwork. It’s relentless.”

These guys, their tension seems to have lessened, so their mouths were free again.

At the meeting point, the participants who had already found one or two balls were opening their own.

There had been no action to forcefully steal it yet.

‘You’ll notice that there are cameras all over the place.’

It seemed psychologically reluctant to openly steal the ball of an opponent.

“Wow, shall we open it too?”

“Okay~”

“Okay.”

Once we returned to our seats, we began opening the balls.

Keun Sejin and Gold 1 had lots of balls in their hands, so they had a lot of envious eyes.

Still, two high grades were still better. Even if you get several vague things, it becomes difficult to choose.

I opened two gold balls by turning them.

and stiffened.

“……”

Wait a minute.