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K-Producer C17 Talent Audition I
🕑 Added 2024-08-01 02:23:25 +0000 UTCAscend took its place in the long queue, a fact that was not lost to each member of the group.
“This line does not end,” Sung-ho said as he twisted his neck around to see how far it went.
Jae-sung nodded and added, “Well, it is understandable. In its first season ‘Korea’s Rising Stars’ was a huge hit. Now everyone wants their piece of pie.”
Min-jae joined in the conversation by saying, “Yes, I heard they had insane viewership for the finale episode. No wonder there are so many queuing up here.”
Other contestants near them were chatting excitedly which created an almost electric atmosphere where hopes and dreams seemed to hang all over the room.
“Hey guys I just got off the phone with my family back home,” Do-hyun suddenly spoke up grinning. “So they should expect me on television soon!”
Byul-ho and other members of Ascend could not help but burst into laughter at his excitement.
“I did that too actually,” Hyun-woo confessed. “My mum has already told everyone in our area to watch out for me.”
“My sister says she’ll throw a party if we pass this stage,” Yoon-seok laughed.
The stories flowed among the group as they laughed away their anxieties; Byul-ho watched them with a smile. They faced pressure from within themselves but were still in high spirits and supporting one another.
***
For some reason; time went by with anticipation still filling up every corner of the waiting room.
Suddenly, there was a commotion near entrance that drew attention from everybody. An interviewer moved through crowd with a camera crew stopping at various points talking to different contestants.
In production rooms, directors and producers looked into multiple monitors seeing different singers who couldn’t hide their nervousness; dancers who wanted more than anything else to break into showbiz at any cost and some groups of two or three.
On reaching Ascend, the interviewer checked his list of names and then quickly went through it again for correct information. “Seven members?” he asked in surprise as he looked up at Ascend.
In the production room, eyebrows raised. "A seven-member group? That's unusual for this show," one producer commented.
Back in the waiting area, the interviewer's interest was piqued. "Which one of you is the leader?" he asked, looking at the group.
The members unanimously pointed to Jae-sung. "That would be me," Jae-sung said, stepping forward slightly.
"Interesting," the interviewer nodded. "So, what can the audience and judges expect from your performance today?"
Jae-sung took a deep breath, his voice steady as he responded, "We're an aspiring K-pop idol group, and we promise to bring a performance that will entertain both the audience and the judges. We're here to show what Ascend is capable of."
At this mention of K-pop idols, the reporter’s eyes lit up. He read over their papers again more carefully. "Hold on a minute," he shouted at them suddenly looking up from his reading material. "According to these ones right here you guys are actually under an entertainment company as a real idol group? This is so against our norm."
The producers looked at each other for confirmation that they had just heard what was said by one of them: “An actual idol group? That hasn’t happened.”
It was at that very moment that Byul-ho took a step forward with his youthful face and upright stance. “That is right. I represent Golden Star Entertainment, their agency.”
The interviewer's jaw dropped slightly, his gaze darting between Byul-ho and the registration form. He had initially dismissed Byul-ho due to his age, assuming he was just another member of the group. The revelation that this young man was actually the CEO caught him completely off guard.
"You're... the CEO?" the interviewer repeated.
In the production room, there was a flurry of activity. "Did he just say he's the CEO?" the director asked, leaning closer to the monitor. "How old is he?"
The cameraman zoomed in on Byul-ho, capturing his composed expression as he stood among his group members.
Byul-ho nodded confidently, maintaining his composure despite the interviewer's obvious surprise. "Yes, I am the CEO," he confirmed. "Our group, Ascend, is incredibly talented. We're here to show Korea what we're truly capable of."
The interviewer, still processing this unexpected twist, nodded along. "Well, you certainly seem confident. This is quite unprecedented for our show."
Meanwhile, in the production room.
"An idol group joining the competition? This could be huge for ratings," one producer said enthusiastically.
Another chimed in, "And a CEO that young? It's a compelling story already."
The head producer stroked his chin thoughtfully. "We need to consider how to handle this. Should we make it harder for them? They're professionals, after all."
"Maybe we should instruct the judges to be extra critical," suggested another. "Really put them through their paces."
"Or we could play up the David versus Goliath angle," a younger producer offered. "The established idol group competing against raw, undiscovered talent."
The director raised his hand, silencing the discussion. "Let's see how they perform first. But keep the cameras on them. I want to capture every moment of their journey here. This could be the storyline that defines this season."
Back in the waiting area, oblivious to the stir they had caused in the production room, Ascend continued their interview. The cameraman made sure to get shots of each member, paying special attention to Byul-ho, the unexpected young CEO.
As the interview wrapped up, the interviewer couldn't help but feel he had just stumbled upon something special. "Well, Ascend," he said, "I think I speak for everyone when I say we're looking forward to your performance. Good luck!"
***
After another half hour of waiting and a brief session with the show's makeup artists, who helped polish Ascend's appearance, it was finally their turn to perform.
Backstage, Byul-ho gathered the group for a final pep talk. "Remember," he said in a low, serious voice, "stay calm no matter what happens. If the judges are particularly hard on us, don't let it get to you. Just focus on giving your absolute best performance. You've got this."
The members nodded, their expressions a mix of determination and nervous excitement. With a final group huddle, they made their way onto the stage.
As they faced the judges and cameras, the group felt a flutter of nerves. They bowed in unison and introduced themselves, "Hello, we are Ascend!"
The judges looked at the seven-member group with interest. One judge, a middle-aged man with a distinguished air about him, leaned forward. This was Cheon Sung-min, a popular veteran singer from the 2000s known for his soulful ballads and commanding stage presence.
Cheon Sung-min spoke into his microphone, his deep voice carrying across the stage. "Ascend... that's an interesting name. Can you tell us why you chose it?"
Jae-sung as their leader took a step towards him. “Surely yes sir.” Our name is Ascend because it signifies our determination to rise as one team by growing together; we want to be better over time in our music career.”
Cheon Sung-min’s head nodded thoughtfully with a touch of approval in his eyes. “That seems like quite an admirable objective.”
When things seemed to be getting on well, another judge suddenly interrupted. It was Mun Kang-dae, a notoriously critical music producer known for his sharp tongue and unforgiving critiques. His face looked like he is frowning all the time with piercing eyes that seem to cut right through the contestants.
Mun Kang-dae leaned forward, his voice dripping with disdain. "What does a hopeful rookie K-pop group have to do with our talent show? This isn't some idol factory, you know. We're looking for raw, undiscovered talent here."
Everyone could sense the change in atmosphere; some other judges squirmed on their seats while members from Ascend tensed visibly.
Jae-sung's smile faltered for a moment, but he quickly composed himself, remembering Byul-ho's advice to stay calm no matter what.
The air in the studio suddenly felt thick with tension, as everyone waited to see how Ascend would respond to this unexpected challenge.
