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Debut or Die - 274

If a person with a strong inferiority and competitiveness complex participates in the survival program, even if he displays perfect behavior at first, his true intentions will become increasingly clear as time goes on.

"Because it's a program that deliberately promotes that kind of mentality."

In particular, by the time the first team battle is being contested, everyone should have already checked how the public reacted to the participants.

They don't know the exact ranking yet, but everyone senses it from the number of views and mentions.

"He must know who is at the top, but also which participants could be considered a threat to his position."

The more likely they are to take his position, the more he will obsess over them.

It was unlikely that Chae SeoDam was not included in the list of "bad participants" that the young woman from Miry-nay had mentioned.

I spoke up again.

- If I were to ask you about those participants.....

- Oooh, but that might be a prejudiced opinion! It's hard to say who specifically was at fault for something!

- Right.

I replied monotonously.

- I also don't intend to use it for the purpose of slandering anyone. I'm just a little concerned. The participants who get to debut in the program will belong to the same agency as us.

- Oh~ That's right!

- Yes.

After taking a breath, I asked.

- Then...could I ask you what is the most memorable misbehavior among the participants that you have seen?

I heard a no-doubt answer over the phone.

- Ah, so that's what it was! It'll be okay to answer, won't it?

Right.

- Sure.

- Okay! What annoyed me the most was purposely pretending not to listen!

- Oh, you're saying you were ignored?

That was very one-dimensional.

TN: One-dimensional = very simple.

- No, no! I mean... Oh, how do I explain this?

You don't have to ask me something I don't know.

And in that instant...

- What?

- Unnie!

It became loud with the sound of running with the phone and exclamations like shouts.

- ...?

For a moment there was no sound at all, as if she had muted the phone's microphone, and soon the voice changed.

- Good evening, sunbae-nim, this is Park MinHa from Miry-nay!

It was the 2nd place.

- Yes... Good evening, MinHa-ssi.

- Yes!!!

I heard her gasping from taking the call in a hurry. Will she also have misunderstood the reason for this call as if we were in a romantic relationship?

- I called because I had a question about the new season of Idol Corporation.

- Ah, if you have any doubts, I'll explain! Because I went there too!

I was in a hurry.

- I see. Since the episode you guys filmed hasn't been aired yet, I thought only Jung YulGi-ssi appeared.

- A-aaah!

That was a lie. I thought it would be easier for Jung YulGi, the 1st place, to answer me.

- Yes... What are you curious about, sunbae-nim?

I relayed the conversation I had with 1st place in a moderately abbreviated manner. Then Park MinHa took a deep breath.

- Ah...so that was it....

- I guess MinHa-ssi also saw something.

- Hmmm, yes.

The young woman replied hesitantly, with a disapproving tone.

- What unnie said... was about a false accusation.

Oh.

- A false accusation?

- Yes. That person wanted to make himself look like a victim.

Second place calmed down more as she gave the explanation.

- Truth be told... he had received a notice of a practice schedule change when he didn't have a camera or microphone on, but in front of the camera he said in a frustrated manner "I've never heard that."

- ...!

- We heard it when unnie and I were going to get something. He didn't know we were there.

It must have been a separate scene where the participant created the edit point on his own.

- If that was the case, I think the actual victim must have responded more strongly. After all, he lied.

- Yes, but he just... said quietly "Yes, you said it, but I may have misremembered. I'm sorry I didn't hear you."

- ...

- So it's a little ambiguous to say we've seen him act that way....

He's smart.

He acted in such a way to make a fool of the person who was complaining about him. It's an act that fully considers the editing point of view.

In that case...

- The one who suffered from that attack* does not have a high ranking. He is probably not someone who has a lot of friends.

So he can be blocked immediately at the next ranking announcement ceremony. He did it to prevent trouble coming his way.

- ... Yes. Hmm.

- What is the primary position of the person who was attacked?

- Dance.

I deliberately asked the following question without interruption.

- And the person who did it definitely has a good chance of debuting, doesn't he?

- ...! Th-that, hmm...

- Oh, if it seems like a sensitive topic to you, there's no need to answer.

The answer wasn't accurate, perhaps because I caught her off guard. Sorry, but that reaction wasn't much different from an affirmation to what I said. Anyway, I'm sure that will be aired on TV.

"Someone who currently holds a classification that will secure their debut and whose primary position is dancing."

There were only two or three people, including Chae SeoDam. And considering that it's quite similar to the experience I heard from Seon AhHyun....

"Actually, it would be safe to say that it's Chae SeoDam."

As expected, he was a pretty smart guy.

He chose someone who had the same position within his team as he could compete with him for his share. Due to his low ranking and limited interpersonal skills, he used that participant as a sacrifice.

And considering the editing style of the production team... it seems that he will be treated as a victim of a rage attack, just as he had planned.

"If so, it will be hard to shoot him after the other participant has been eliminated."

Because he already defended himself by acting and saying that "He may not remember."

When the video is edited, it will only look like an outburst of rage from the eliminated participant towards 1st place.

"... That would be very bad."

There would be no way to save the victim.

I clicked my tongue, but it really wasn't a bad situation for me.

Doesn't that mean it's already showing its true personality? It looks like it will be easy to catch his tail.

TN: "Catch his tail" comes from the English phrase "To take the tiger's tail," which means "to find oneself in a situation that has proved difficult to control but from which one cannot get out"; however, as time has gone by it has varied according to the situation, and in this case it also means to "attack a difficult problem without fear, to take the bull by the horns."

In fact, they had not caught it before.

"It will be hard for us to do it ourselves..."

I can't help it, but I'll have to use this call now.

- ... Do you have any more schedules related to this season of Icorpo?

– Yes. Since we're going to be giving songs, we'll probably go there one more time! I think it will be ... when the second teams have been confirmed and are in the mid-term evaluation.

- So, could you take a look at the atmosphere of the trainees?

Kkolkkak

There was a sound of swallowing saliva from the call.

- M-may I ask the reason!?

- After hearing what you just explained... I don't have a good feeling. If he does something worse, I think I'll keep my distance even if he debuts and becomes a member of our same agency in the future.

- Ah. Hmm, I understand!

The second place seemed to be more relaxed.

And after adding the words "I'll try, but please don't expect too much from me," he hung up the phone with a polite goodbye.

Come to think of it, seeing that she added more words besides the classic "I'll work hard," means her rookie days are coming to an end.

- Have a good night, sunbae-nim!

- Yes, you too, MinHa-ssi. I'm sorry for calling so late.

I hung up the phone.

- Hmm.

The situation was fine.

It seems like this bastard is very smart, but he's starting to show that he's going to do something reckless.

"If it were me, I would definitely keep my guard up with caution."

Since he didn't know if he would remain 1st place, I can see that he was fixated on "continuing to be on top" rather than "asserting" his debut.

And now that he got 1st place... I wonder if that's why he's letting his guard down.

- ...

Maybe I can catch something fun, so I'll have to set up another string.

Now they must be taking a break from filming before the first ratings announcement.

After thinking for a while, I wrote a text message.

[I watched the show. Hope you get good results. I'll be rooting for you].

That guy's opponent is Gold 2, Kwon HeeSeung.

* * *

When I checked the next morning, Gold 2 had responded immediately.

[Hyung ㅠㅠ Thank you so much for your support! I couldn't contact you as I was afraid that you would feel pressured!]

[I'll do my best, I'll definitely see you on stage! 🥰]

Thanks to the fact that we exchanged greetings from time to time, I guess the undertone of "I contacted you out of the blue because I know something is going to happen" wasn't noticeable.

And he looked pretty hopeful and brave about getting back on the damn program. This guy deserved it.

"This time he got the platinum grade."

Gold 2 escaped the gold grade.

Moreover, he is on a winning streak by receiving good approaches from the editing team.

Usually, participating in the same survival program for the second time is usually a great success or ridiculousness, but for him it was a great success.

- HeeSeung is a fucking icon for not taking any hits.

- After all, he's like an experienced gangster, but he's still young. It's unbelievable hahahahahaha

In the first qualification he took 3rd place.

Although he already had an existing fan base, he gave a good demonstration of his skills, so the possibility of a debut is well significant, as the reactions to him did not cool down even after the broadcast began.

"And if I were to consider the Gold 2 position, it tends to be more dance."

That means... Chae SeoDam has probably taken him as a target rival.

He is a target whose actions should be checked in case of emergency.

- MoonDae MoonDae, who are you writing to?

- The target... I mean, Kwon HeeSeung.

- Hmm.

- I found out something interesting last night.

I told him the details of the call with Miry-nay. And I added some inferences I made.

- Oh~ I see. Okay.

Keun SeJin smiled and nodded his head. Then he turned on his phone.

[Keun SeJin: Guys, how are you, are you still alive 🙄]

[Keun SeJin: Since the first team battle was held in Icorpo, doesn't it remind you of our team? Haha for me, that was.... a legendary performance!]

Briefly activated the group chat room of "Aktober 31", which was our team during the first team battle we had when we participated in Icorpo.

And worked hard for a few days to get active responses and participation from Gold 2.

[Keun SeJin: HeeSeung-ssi, how are you, will you show a legendary performance again? 🤩]

[Kwon HeeSeung: Hahaha ah, hyung, I don't know!!! 🤭]

Bae Sejin was frustrated by the sudden notification alarms in the group chat.

- He... why is he doing this?

- It's to spy on the new season of Icorpo.

- Spying...? Oh, for that guy. It's okay.

Bae Sejin quickly became cooperative.

And I think he tried to write something by himself.

[Keun SeJin: I'm going to watch Icorpo tonight while eating apples for dinner. Don't you think apples will taste spicy? Haha]

[Kwon HeeSeung: Hahaha I'm 100% sure it will]

[Bae Sejin hyung: But it's better to eat apples in the morning than at night].

The messages were suddenly interrupted, until a reply came 2 minutes later.

[Golden Age Ha IlJoon hyung: Haha Sejin is still the same!]

TN: There is a poem called "Eating an Apple" written by Ham MinBok, which talks about that act, but giving it a deeper meaning, exploring the essence of the act, understanding the providence of the universe in the fruit. In that sense, the joke that KeunSe made is not that he would actually go eat apples, but that he would have dinner and concentrate on the episode aired to enjoy it and reflect on it completely, plus it would surely provoke intense emotions. Unfortunately, BaeSe took it literally.

- ...

Kung

Bae Sejin banged his head hard on the sofa.

Well, since everyone is like that, he doesn't have to be too ashamed of himself.

Anyway, he did his job well because he played a role in reducing the tension and making the environment more comfortable.

And a few weeks later, the time came.

[Participant Chae SeoDam was not notified of the change of practice schedule].

[The atmosphere of the team froze]

[Chae SeoDam: ... No, I'm sorry. I don't think I heard it. Forgive me.]

[Lee HoYoon: No, it's not like that (Edited) I definitely said it!]

[Chae SeoDam: Yes, you said it, but I might have remembered it wrong...]

That "scene" finally aired.

- Waah, that's awesome.

- I know.

We members are watching the episode in the living room while Seon AhHyun was knitting in his room.

I had already told them about the relevant circumstances.

[Q: Did you think it was unfair?]

[Chae SeoDam: I couldn't help it. But I couldn't ruin the atmosphere of the team...it's okay].

Even the interview with Chae SeoDam in a pitiful position was typical of Icorpo's editing.

- The probability that he really didn't remember due to a fatal memory problem is....

- No. It's because he's a bad guy.

Bae Sejin hardened his expression as he looked at the screen. I assume he has a hunch.

Anyway, the transmission continued as it was.

[The winning team is... "Changers!"]

[Uwaaaah!!!]

[They'll get a survival lottery ticket! Plus... they get to appear on Tnet's global music program, "Music Night" as a prize!]]

And the team that Chae SeoDam belonged to won the battle.

- I'm sure he will now get the survival ticket that is given randomly.

- That's right.

That made our blood run dry. Of course, there are things I have to do now that I have time to think about these bad impressions.

TN: "Dry up blood / bleed out and dry / suck dry" are expressions that mean both "to blow something or someone up" and "to make someone's face blank / pale (for lack of blood)."

"This confirms that the person I heard from Miry-nay was Chae SeoDam."

I followed the people who naturally dispersed at the end of the program and entered Keun SeJin's room.

It was time to implement the discussed matter.

- Shall I do it?

- Yes.

This guy would be better than me. SeJin shrugged and dialed the phone number.

He would call Gold 2.

- Will he record it?

- I don't think so. He uses an Apple-branded phone.

TN: Reference to iPhones, which don't allow recording phone calls.

Great.

Soon after, the call connected perfectly.

- Oh, HeeSeung-ah. I'm calling just in case... Actually, I heard something....

- What?

Keun SeJin processed the words I heard from Miry-nay's girls and explained them well. He changed the source of that information to a staff member.

Of course, he didn't say it in a tone as if he wanted to slander, but to show concern for Gold 2.

- ... But when I saw the episode that aired today, I... I didn't think it was possible until that scene actually came out...

- ...

Gold 2 was silent for a moment. But soon a long sigh was heard on the call.

- Ah... Uh, that's why it felt a little strange.

So it's true.

- Have you already thought about it?

- Yes! In our group chat... A-anyway! After the rankings came out, his attitude became a little strange.

- Don't tell me, is he keeping you in check?

- That's right! Now I know... But I didn't think he'd do that to me! Oh, why does this keep happening to me, it was like that last time too!

Gold 2 complained.

Now that I remember, Gold 2 suffered unusual checks and slights from Choi WonGil last season. So this seems to make more sense.

SeJin spoke softly.

- Once that person debuts, he'll be in the same group as you. So I called you because I thought I'd better tell you to be careful just in case!

- Uuh... Yes, hyung! Really, thank you very much... ohyuu, my life is like this, uhyuu....

Gold 2 grumbled, sighed deeply and hung up.

Tuk

SeJin smiled as he lowered his phone from his ear.

- It was a good idea.

- Great.

At this rate, Gold 2 will join as an assistant in case of emergency.

I shrugged, slapped the guy's hand asking for a high-five and walked out.

Dalkak

And it was time to enter my room.

Seon AhHyun, who was sitting at his desk tidying up the mat he had finished weaving, asked quietly.

- You... did you... see Icorpo?

- ...!

Would you have listened to the audio of the program?

I nodded and AhHyun spoke calmly.

- I-it's okay. Next time, I... I want to sit down and watch it together...

- ... Okay.

AhHyun's face was slightly pale, but s

he smiled and got up from his seat after organizing his things.

- Because... I can't stay like this forever... I want to get better.

- Don't worry.

I patted him on the back.

"I can show you a short video first."

However, the opportunity for this "challenge" came sooner than expected.

A few days later.

- Good morning, sunbae-nims!

Because TeSTAR met this season's contestants of Idol Corporation in the hallway of a broadcasting station with a bunch of cameras.

It was the winning team's privilege to appear on a music program.

"Fuck."

Obviously, he was among them.

- Good morning.

I'm talking about Chae SeoDam.