The Trashy PD Has To Survive as an Idol - Chapter 157

Shining Star Season 2 Episode 1 Air Date.

[Let’s make The Dawn number 1, number 1, number 1]

[Guys, do we really have to do this? But I’ve already recruited all the phones around me to start the game]

The Noeuls were already in full battle mode, both in body and spirit.

Especially since there were loads of posts raving about how The Dawn absolutely killed it on stage during the second competition, everyone’s expectations were sky-high.

Finally, after countless commercials, the Shining Star Season 2 logo appeared followed by a recap of Season 1’s storyline.

[We discover Shining Stars no matter what.]

This caption enraged all the fans.

[Did you actually find them, you fucking bastards starting shit again]

 

[Are the producers out of their minds?]

 

[But I can’t hate on Heeyeon-unnie, fell in love with her during the production presentation, want to be entangled with unnie in the messiest, dirtiest way

└Are you sane, Heeyeon-unnie is known as the crazy bitch of this area

└└That’s what drives me crazy

└└Yeah, be happy…]

Among them, High Five fans were particularly disgusted.

[This is so pissing off, why do our kids have to show up here?]

[It’s the tyranny of the broadcasting station, lol, the agency doesn’t stop them, what are they even doing]

A must for a happy SNS life.

Block.

The fandoms had already blocked most of the minefield words, and even if they saw them, they quickly scrolled past, turning a blind eye to avoid unnecessary disputes.

[OMG, is that Joo Woosung??]

[Han Chaeri?!!]

[Holy shit, and Ha Seoyeon?!?!! OMG, love it, how did you know I love Seoyeon-unnie]

With the appearance of the next-generation actor as the MC and idols famous enough to be known to everyone except 1% of Koreans as mentors, even the public took interest.

Amidst various expectations, Shining Star Season 2 began.

Shining Star Season 2, starts now!

The opening and early part of the episode focused on The Dawn, the winners of Season 1 and participants in Season 2.

The video highlighted the tight teamwork that heated up Season 1, accompanied by the touching melody of a piano.

– “The Dawn was actually on the verge of disbanding. The results weren’t good. Everyone thought it was inevitable, and we were grateful for how far we’d come.”

– “I just believed in my hyungs and followed them!”

– “We did it because it was fun. Life with the members was fun, and the fans liked it.”

– “To those who believed in me, I owe a debt I can never repay… That’s what I think.”

– “Of course, we have to do well.”

[OMG don’t start making me cry, fuck, I’m actually crying]

[Ah, last year’s memories are flashing by…. ㅜㅜㅜㅜㅜIt was so proud and hard back then…]

The last episode of Season 1, which brought about the creation of “Kismet” but ended without any further activities, was a proud yet heartbreaking topic among the Noeuls.

Especially for Kim Seonghyeon’s individual fans.

[I’d stan Seonghyeon even in death]

[Love God Seonghyeon to the grave]

However, the broadcast itself wasn’t all solemn.

Getting a good start was crucial for the ratings.

And veteran PD Kim Heeyeon knew this all too well.

She cleverly placed a scene with a completely opposite mood right after the melodramatic and stirring elements to spark more interest from the viewers.

– “Those touching moments…”

– “Waaaaaah!”

– “Don’t, don’t pull me!!”

It started with Jeong Dajun’s scream.

Everyone was bewildered by the content that told them to carry out a mission in a haunted broadcasting station, not in summer, but in the dead of winter.

[?????]

[Lol, is this how you start a meeting? ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ]

The sight of them squealing and trembling in fear was pitiable, but for the fans, it was nice to see a different side of their beloveds.

It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so just as everyone was deeply engrossed in the broadcast, The Dawn made their official entrance.

– “Then, Hoyun-hyung and Jiwon-hyung should go!! Those two didn’t even blink an eye! Even Ichae-hyung shivered!”

[ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ]

[Jeong Dajun (now an adult) casually selling out his members]

The part where Jeong Dajun quickly nominated his hyungs had the Noeuls bursting into laughter.

※The production team did not intend to cause any disputes

※It’s a misunderstanding

Though the segment wasn’t long, the impact was enormous.

Even fans who were previously annoyed couldn’t help but smile broadly.

[Kim Seonghyeon sobbing while doing aegyo in front of a ghost, is this for real…

└Someday he’s gonna get a real shock…

└└What are you talking about

└└More like a shock to me

└└Lolㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ]

Then, the rest of The Dawn members monitoring Kim Seonghyeon and Jeong Dajun appeared.

– The Dawn’s lead vocal Seo Hoyun: ㅋㅋ

– The Dawn’s main vocal Seong Jiwon: ^^ (Sipping)

– The Dawn’s main rapper Kang Ichae: Wahahahaㅠㅠㅠㅠ (Laughing till he collapsed)

They were enjoying their tea with star-shaped sunglasses on and slices of cake by their side.

[Ah, really these guys are so annoying I could die]

[If I were part of Dancers (Seonghyeon/Dajun), I’d leave the team and consult the company to send a formal complaint right away]

After barely completing the mission and crawling back, Seo Hoyun nonchalantly snatched away a note without offering any comfort to Kim Seonghyeon and Jeong Dajun.

[OMG]

[Must be about the song]

In the blink of an eye, posts were flooding Twitter.

[Whoa, it was a choice? Was there just a close-up??]

[“Humble Confession” and “Say You Love Me”

└ㅋㅋㅋDid you capture that moment, thank you thank you]

[Ah, this was in the trailer, it was “Say You Love Me,” right?]

[Whoa, there were two options?? But why didn’t they choose “Humble Confession”??]

While everyone was flustered, Bercy then took on the mission.

– Bercy’s main vocal Serang: “Wow! I really love ‘Humble Confession’!”

And as “Humble Confession” was chosen, the crowd’s response turned icy.

[Ah… Looks like they chose first]

[Doesn’t seem like they gambled with the song selection, more like they gave it up]

[Ah…]

Apparently, since Bercy had been around longer than The Dawn, there were rumors that the junior group gave up the song out of respect.

[Ahㅋㅋ]

[ㅋㅋshit]

[Choosing “Humble Confession”? Isn’t that a bit off?? This song was composed by Kang Ichae, sung by Seong Jiwon, and even featured Seo Hoyun in the dramaㅋ They just completely slayed with this songㅋㅋ]

[ㅋㅋMust’ve really wanted it]

In reality, it was not the case at all.

[Seriously, looking at the broadcast cuts, it’s obvious it’s nothing special but they’re making such a big deal; if anything, we’re the ones getting the short end of the stick]

Because the details behind the song selection weren’t disclosed, Bercy’s fans also felt unfairly treated.

However, in the end, since it was Bercy who performed “Humble Confession,” such opinions quickly faded away.

[Whoa, the face-off is starting!]

After each group’s song selection was completed, the face-off stage was presented.

It seemed important to lift the atmosphere with lively music first, as dance units appeared on screen with tense expressions.

– “Let’s do well… us.”

– “Yes!! Aaaaaah!!”

– “Tissue! Tissue!!”

In the meantime, Kim Seonghyeon and Jeong Dajun couldn’t stay still for a moment, stretching or gulping down water repeatedly.

Then, seeing Jeong Dajun accidentally spill water on his chin, Kim Seonghyeon quickly grabbed a tissue to wipe it off.

[Look at Jeong Dajun spilling water on his chin because he’s nervous ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ Seonghyeon immediately brings a tissue with his eyes shaking, ah so cute ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ]

[ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ Is this childcare or are they colleagues… ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ]

Due to focusing the storyline early on, The Dawn’s dance unit’s screen time felt like a mere 3 seconds.

Yet, the fans felt warm-hearted.

[Yeah, we’re going to be the overall first anyway~]

[Title: But Seonghyeon, he dances so well it’s insane.

I’m originally from the camp that idols just need to be handsome, it’s okay if they lack skills because if they’re handsome, it’s only embarrassing on stage, the rest can be managed…

But this guy, even covered with a mask and hat, just naturally has this idol-like dance line, absolutely gorgeous

Why does he dance so smoothly and effortlessly…

└Seonghyeon was originally from a dance crew, wasn’t he? Heard he was quite famous. Is there a video?

└└How did I not know, please give me the link

└└Yes, yes https://www.neotube.com/watch?v=ChumS1n?_ChuMWang

└└Ah ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋshit Kim Seonghyeon’s fresh, tender face, what’s with that, I burst out laughing off guardㅋㅋㅋㅋ

└└ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ The baby’s face thoughㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

└I think Joo Woosung is the number one dancer among idols but I’m looking forward to Kim Seonghyeon more

└└ㅋㅋ?

└└Please let’s not indulge in this kind of talk, Seonghyeon’s attractiveness is seriously off the charts, just move along]

Then came the singing units.

[^^ Yeah, whatever~]

[ㅋㅋ Yeah^^]

[Jiwon, show us how it’s done]

Even as Bercy rehearsed “Humble Confession,” the Noeuls were utterly relaxed.

Following them, Seo Hoyun and Seong Jiwon appeared, being the best vocal combination.

[Vocal angels vs. best personality

└Ah best personality is hilarious, are they really besties?

└That’ what makes them lovable, it’s all good]

[ㅋㅋWell, The Dawn’s vocals were okay. Their harmony? Wasn’t bad either.

(A puppy leaning against a window, shedding tears meme)

└ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ Seems like you were more moved than the words suggest ㅋㅋㅋㅋ]

[It’s good they didn’t go with “Humble Confession” … Fans got to hear a new songㅠㅠ]

It was all according to Seo Hoyun’s calculations.

Finally, as if to cap it all off, High Five’s main vocal and leader appeared.

They endlessly checked the lyrics and exchanged opinions on gestures backstage.

– “It feels a bit burdensome, but… I want to do better. For the fans.”

Even seeing Kang Yeonhu’s shy smile in response to the staff’s question, The Dawn’s fans remained unimpressed.

[If you’re pressured, don’t show up

└ㅋㅋWow, this kind of talk is only possible in private accounts

└└It’s possible in public accounts too

└└Real Seo Hoyun fans right there]

In Shining Star Season 2, High Five was considered out of place, and as much as High Five’s fans were dissatisfied, fans of other groups were also worried their idols might be overshadowed.

[ㅋㅋ…]

[ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ Crazy…]

However, as High Five’s song began, everyone had to stop typing furiously on their keyboards.

[They’re good]

Solid skills.

Excellent sense.

Despite the short preparation time, the stage was dazzling.

[Wow…?? So, this is why they’re popular?]

[Annoying…]

This was why Seo Hoyun had hoped there would be at least one bad guy in High Five.

Eventually, The Dawn took first place, and the sight of them bowing deeply to the groups on either side, including the audience, was shown.

[Look at them bowing to their seniorsㅜㅜ Ah, our babies are so polite… ㅜ]

Seizing this opportunity, the Noeuls made efforts through several official accounts to frame The Dawn as polite, even quickly sharing memes on Twitter.

Meanwhile, the program took a commercial break before moving on.

Right away, it was the rap unit that no one knew anything about, except for the fact that Kang Ichae clinched 1st place.

[Ah, Ichae?? I’m looking forward to this]

[Ichae must have done well]

For Noeul, who had seen The Dawn’s self-produced content, this was an expected reaction.

After all, he was amiable enough to survive on a deserted island by befriending monkeys, not to mention his genius had been proven several times through The Dawn’s songs.

[…????]

– “…”

Since the participating groups of Shining Star, except for The Dawn, consisted of at least six members, Kang Ichae was alone in the waiting room.

What surprised Noeul was…

[Crazy]

[Why so quiet]

It was the silent Kang Ichae.

They expected him to comfortably chat with the staff on his own while looking around leisurely.

[AAAAAH It breaks my heart to see Kang Ichae sitting all alone]

[He’s usually the life of the party in busy places…. This is too awkward…… ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ 힝 Ichae ㅠㅠㅠㅠ]

Ichae was busy scribbling something on a piece of paper, so his expression wasn’t visible.

The camera slowly zoomed in on him.

[What Ichae holding was…?]

[???]

In Kang Ichae’s hands was a crumpled piece of paper, its edges almost completely worn out, filled with rap lyrics.

– “Ah…”

Only then did Kang Ichae, noticing the camera, playfully squinted his eyes.

However, he couldn’t hide the momentary pause.

Among fans, Kang Ichae was a “genius.”

This was partly due to the image pushed by Daepaseong Entertainment, but his public appearances supported this too.

His noticeably fewer parts in the dance practice videos or the articles that popped up every now and then about him completing compositions in just a few days backed this up.

Thus, seeing Kang Ichae’s “effort,” which they had never seen anywhere before, SNS was engulfed in madness.

[Kang!!!!! Ichae!!!!!!! Love!!!!!!! Him!!!!!!]

[Kang Ichae practicing??? Here I thought he’d honestly be gaming in the waiting room lol]

[Are you kidding me? Why provoke me all of a sudden, you bastard?]

An interview by a staff member who found his prey came right away.

– Q: “You’re participating alone for the rap battle, how do you feel?”

Listening to the staff’s question, Kang Ichae widened his eyes and shrugged.

– “It’s a bit awkward. I was always with the members.”

The staff quickly threw the next question.

– Q: “Your paper was filled to the brim.”

At that, Kang Ichae looked down at the paper in his hand and stared at it blankly, unknowingly inciting the fans further.

But soon enough, a sly smile appeared on his lips.

– “I want to show a good image to the fans.”

[ㅜㅜㅜㅜㅜㅜㅜㅜㅜㅜㅜㅜㅜㅜㅜㅜㅜㅜㅜㅜ]

[Ichaeaaaaa ㅠㅠㅠㅠ]

Then, with the song of the previous group as the background music, the screen shifted to Kang Ichae waiting backstage.

“…Hmm.”

The expressionless side profile of Kang Ichae checking the opposing stage was shown.

[Guys… I’m sorry to say this in this situation, but can I devour this irresistibly handsome Kang Ichae

└Please, I’m begging (but me too, nibble nibble)

└Fuck, I don’t want to say this kind of thing at times like this, but his side profile is just killer]

[Wow shit, I didn’t realize because he’s always with The Dawn boys, but Kang Ichae alone is like this???? Ah, this ultimate bad boy look, how do I deal with it?]

If Kang Ichae knew fans were writing such posts, he would’ve been chuckling with joy.

But for now, he was just focused on the upcoming performance.

– “Kang Ichae!”

– “Yes.”

Kang Ichae nodded at the staff’s signal and flipped his cap’s hood over his head.

He was ready.

He quietly went up to the stage and waited for the staff’s introduction.

Soon the curtain fell, and he saw the audience sending cheers without knowing who he was.

He slowly lifted the microphone.

– “Hello there…”

Screech—

Suddenly, the screeching sound of the microphone painfully rang in their ears.

The audience’s frowning faces appeared at the same time as Noeul’s heart almost dropped, but…

– “Oops…”

Kang Ichae just grinned softly.

– “Don’t be discouraged.”

Yet, his voice didn’t seem discouraged at all.

Scratching the back of his neck, Kang Ichae raised his hand.

With that as the starting signal…

“It’s chasing time!”

The performance began.

From then on, it was just Kang Ichae’s time.

His efforts seemed not in vain at all, as he quickly captivated the audience.

“Don’t go low on me, push till the end,

Feel the thrill I bring, bow your heads down.”

Even without flamboyant stage effects or editing, it felt like a movie.

“You can’t deny what you are feeling now.”

The highlight of episode 1 was the scene where all the audience, following Kang Ichae’s hand gesture, waved their hands in unison.

[Is this what it was… Is this what it was about…]

[Are you crazy…]

Not only Noeul but other fandoms and general viewers who were watching the broadcast were left speechless by the performance.

Eventually, along with the opening history of Shining Star Season 1 The Dawn, “The Dawn Kang Ichae” trended on SNS in real-time.

[ㅋㅋ Seriously, during the highlight part with “It’s chasing” – looks like he matched it to his own name, “Ichae”][1]

[Wow, crazy guy… So he made the audience follow along and chant his name…]

[The audience probably doesn’t even realize;;; that they’re actually calling out Kang Ichae’s name;;]

As Kang Ichae poured all his energy into his performance, the Noeuls felt their hearts swell.

[This is an emergency…]

[Am I crying right now?]

[Hidden by his genius, the fact that he actually worked hard drives me insane…]

Thus, Kang Ichae received the highest number of votes.

– “Ahaha…”

After revealing his identity and announcing the rankings, Kang Ichae, feeling hot, stripped off his hoodie.

Despite the drenched sweat marks on his short-sleeved shirt and his damp, faded grapefruit-colored hair sticking to his forehead, he still shone brilliantly.

Instead of expressing his thoughts, he responded to the cheers by blowing kisses to the audience.

– “Thanks, Bye!”

Then, with a bright smile, he bent down to give continuous high fives to the audience in the stands as he left the stage.

[Damn cool, crazy]

[If it were me, when the 1st place popped up on the screen, would I say I got into Harvard? Thank you, like laying out a long speech, but this dude just smiles and heads in]

[Going crazy for real, if you like Kang Ichae’s style, you just go crazy for him]

[Kang Ichae’s star quality is freaking amazing, damn…]

For days, various communities were ablaze with discussions about Kang Ichae’s limitless star quality.

.

.

.

“…Is Ichae-hyung really a genius?”

Meanwhile, watching the live broadcast together at the dorm, The Dawn looked at Kang Ichae with deep affection.

Especially Jeong Dajun, who was so moved he even grabbed a tissue to blow his nose loudly.

“When did our little guy grow up like this??”

“…Dajun has a really wide spectrum. So, are you accepting me as a little guy too, hyung?”

Kang Ichae himself probably didn’t give it much thought and wasn’t nervous, but the members were deeply moved.

Of course, I was the exception.

“Jeong Dajun, I get that your tear ducts are exploding, but stop it. Just stop.”

“Sob sob…”

“…Good grief.”

Although Kang Ichae was used to boasting about himself, receiving babying from the members felt awkward.

“Haah…”

After trying to soothe Jeong Dajun a few times, he quickly gave up and sighed.

“Alright, I’ll be honest. Sometimes I get sick of myself too… Maybe I’m afraid of my own talent?”

“…Yeah.”

Kim Seonghyeon, who had been looking at Kang Ichae as if he was looking at a great son, returned to his usual expression.

“Ah~!! Kang Ichae, how did you come up with those lyrics?”

Seemingly amused by the members’ exasperated looks, he became even more enthusiastic in his self-praise.

“Itchaeising~!”

“Can someone shut him up?”

“Dajun has given up.”

“Ah, I’m going first!”

Even Seong Jiwon quickly left Kang Ichae behind, and the members coldly exited the living room.

Lacking energy and sprawled on the sofa, I too got up to return to my room when Kang Ichae scratched his head.

“They’re not buying it.”

“Stop trying so hard. Everyone knows you’re a genius.”

“Hm?”

“What? Why?”

“Uh… I’m not that great.”

I tilted my head, surprised by his unexpectedly firm response.

“I’m just somewhat talented? The real genius is Composer Cheongbeom.”

“…Really, you think so?”

“Yeah.”

What?

Was Kang Ichae a deceiver?

Squinting my eyes, I asked,

“Then what about other ordinary people’s compositions?”

“Trash.”

“…”

“…Ahaha, just kidding. I think it’s just a matter of different tastes.”

Huh…

Really, was that a joke…

Kang Ichae had a pretty accurate sense of self-awareness.

So, this wasn’t about low self-esteem, but just that…

Hmm.

His standards were incredibly high.

Thus, I couldn’t deny Kang Ichae was a genius even more.

Should I give him some support?

I quietly approached Kang Ichae and gently tapped his shoulder.

“Ichae, you really are a genius. A genius who also works hard.”

“…”

“Honestly, it’s reassuring to have you here.”

Blinking, Kang Ichae looked at me as I gave him a sincere and cool smile.

Fall for it, Kang Ichae.

Just like Lim Hyeonsu, I knew he was secretly weak to compliments.

However, Kang Ichae, who had been jesting until now, rolled his eyes and then, as if to show off, deeply sighed.

“…Hyung.”

“What?”

He then looked at me with a slightly pitiful gaze.

“Seriously, fix your habits…”

“…”

“And what’s with that line? Would that even work on Joo Woosung-hyung or Composer Cheongbeom?”

“…”

Yeah…

Damn right it works, you little shit.

[1] In Korean, “It’s chasing” phonetically resembles “잇채이싱,” which happens to include Ichae’s name, 이채.