Chapter 10

10th Episode.

Production Team: How were the song choices of the other trainees?

Production Team: Who do you think chose the best song?

Production Team: Why do you think Yoon Cheong chose the best?

Production Team: Who is Purple Apple? Why didn't you think of them?

That's right.

The 'Purple Apple' that Cheong chose is not actually part of Colors.

To be precise, only 'Hong Yeonseo,' the representative of Colors, is part of Purple Apple.

President Hong, like many other entertainment company presidents, was an idol by origin.

The production team debated whether to acknowledge this but ultimately decided to do so.

How did they acknowledge it?

"It's interesting, right? It could be a good controversy."

Because of this one comment from PD Oh, it was approved.

Production Team: Did you think of the trainee Ryu Yeu at all?

Production Team: ...Did you?

***

Production Team: Why did you choose Purple Apple's [forbidden]?

Subtitle: Yoon Cheong trainee's shocking answer is...?

Production Team: Why?

Subtitle: Burning ambition...!

Subtitle: Yoon Cheong trainee, challenging the production team's pride

Of course, I expected it.

Who is Hong Yeonseo, also known as President Hong?

Firstly, he's a typical attention-seeker.

He really enjoys being in the spotlight, not because he's from the entertainment industry, but just because that's the kind of person he is.

He can put on a cool act, but to me, he's just an attention-seeker.

He probably hasn't been on TV much lately and is probably eager to do so. He must be itching to get back into it.

But he can't just come out of nowhere.

So, I'm giving him a reason to appear. I'm providing him with an excuse.

There's a reason I specifically targeted Hong Yeonseo, even going so far as to interpret the rules to my advantage.

"Cheong, your idea was good earlier."

Kim Ryu Yeu.

It was because of him.

I glanced at the camera, which was glowing red.

So, I'm addressing him in front of the camera.

"Ah, thanks. You also chose your song well."

One of the judges, Mr. Kim, is his relative.

Kim Ryu Yeu openly stated from the beginning that he is Mr. Kim's relative.

To prevent any controversy later.

Ultimately, the debut group is decided by votes, and he is confident that he can make it as Kim Ryu Yeu, not just as Mr. Kim's relative.

Interestingly, his confidence actually made him popular.

People found his confident attitude attractive.

...It's definitely a rare character.

"Since this is a solo mission, we couldn't work together, but let's do well next time."

Kim Ryu Yeu extended his hand to me.

"Sure."

And I shook his hand.

What can't be done in front of the camera?

"Shall we go practice now?"

"Yeah. I need to try it out alone in the vocal room."

"Let's go together. I want to practice in the room next to yours."

"...Okay. Let's do that."

If it weren't for the camera, I would have refused right away.

But there's nothing I can do.

...But why is he being so friendly only to me?

I walked to the vocal room with Kim Ryu Yeu.

To keep an eye on Mr. Kim, I need someone like President Hong on my side.

I've learned something from my time in the entertainment industry.

Connections are important.

If you're going to make connections, you should connect with the strongest.

The one who will last the longest.

***

D-3.

Four days before the mission evaluation—

The much-anticipated mid-term check.

And the day we first meet our mentors.

Mentors play a significant role in the musical.

Since mentors are usually direct seniors from the same agency, the agencies actively encourage mentor activities.

They provide advice on vocals and dance, and even help create concepts.

Thus, the presence of a mentor is very important.

So, everyone is naturally nervous.

"Alright."

As soon as all the trainees arrived, PD Oh started the main topic.

"First, only three judges will see your performances directly. The mentors will receive the videos."

Of course. It's impossible for all twelve mentors to be here.

I nodded.

"Any questions from the trainees?"

As soon as PD Oh finished speaking, someone raised their hand.

Ah, it's him...

"Yes, Yeon Joo Hong trainee?"

"When will we know who our mentor is?"

Yeon Joo Hong.

Among the trainees, he is a polarizing figure.

Some say,

"Hmm, isn't he a bit iffy...? He's not the best in terms of skill, and his looks aren't outstanding."

But others say,

"He might be in a tough position to debut."

But then they conclude,

"But once he debuts, he'll probably be the most popular."

And I agree.

Because,

"Ah, you'll know after the mid-term evaluation. You'll meet your mentor with your evaluation scores and video."

In reality, Yeon Joo Hong did debut and became incredibly popular.

More popular than anyone here.

"Wow, amazing."

Of course, he didn't debut with Still Blue.

"Then, let's start the draw for the mid-term evaluation order. Kim Ryu Yeu trainee! Come up and draw one."

Starting with Kim Ryu Yeu, the trainees drew their numbers one by one.

I drew a number in the middle.

Let's see, my number is...

12.

I'm last.

Good. Being last is definitely better for making a strong impression.

...But it can vary depending on the editing order.

The other trainees also seemed mostly satisfied with their numbers.

Except for Yeon Joo Hong, who drew number 1.

"I'm doomed..."

Yeon Joo Hong was pulling his hair in frustration.

Why is he so frustrated?

Does he lack confidence in his skills?

Well, in the early days of his debut, his live performances were a bit unstable.

He was a growth character.

And he grew more visibly than anyone else, which made him popular.

People love hardworking geniuses.

And while Yeon Joo Hong might not be a genius, he is definitely a hardworking talent.

He practiced more intensely than anyone else and clearly improved his skills.

"Ughhhhh..."

He doesn't look that impressive.

...And he doesn't sound that impressive either.

That he is the intense Yeon Joo Hong.

I met Yeon Joo Hong a few times during my active period.

He was incredibly intense in variety shows and performances, which I found impressive.

...But before his debut, he had a bit of a clumsy side.

"The judges are about to enter!"

At the staff's announcement, a long table was quickly set up in front of the practice room, along with four chairs.

Soon, the judges entered.

This was the first time meeting them since the filming began.

While all the other judges had a formidable presence, the most noticeable person was undoubtedly him.

Kim Mo Kyung, the CEO and producer of the agency.

Kim Ryu Yeu's relative and, in fact, the current de facto leader of Colors.

"It's been a while, everyone."

And the person I will eventually have to remove.