The incident began when I declared that I wouldn’t participate in variety shows for this activity.
“Director, can I skip the variety shows this time around?”
“Why, are you feeling tired?”
“It’s not that.”
The director looked at me with concern, despite asking calmly.
“Well, album preparation is usually a tough and exhausting job.”
I knew the director was generally lenient with me, but they seemed to empathize based on their own experiences.
“I thought even Do-hee, no matter how strong her stamina, would get really tired.”
“Uh… yes.”
“Then how about you just skip the physical stuff, like talk shows? Remember that program where composers gathered to talk about music?”
“Oh, the one I turned down?”
“Yeah, they said this time they’d match the fee with Lee Sang’s, and they really wanted you to come on just once.”
“Hmm.”
Of course, I felt exhausted while preparing the album and had a strong desire to rest.
“You articulate well, and you haven’t gone on a talk show alone yet, right? I think everyone would love it if you went this time.”
Well, if someone like me, who talks well, goes on a talk show, it would be no joke.
I might get underestimated because of my looks, but that’s why this ‘Do-hee fever’ became a trend—this natural humor and charisma, phew…
Ah, but let’s be real; even just by looks, I could be the top laughter hunter in Korea, but if I start talking as well, then what will happen? Why did my mom have to give birth to me as the ultimate beauty?
But thinking about it, I took more after my dad than my mom. My physique, the shape of my nose, and even my lip lines—they all resemble him.
Indeed, daughters tend to look like their dads. I think Do-ah looks a bit more like dad too. No, does she look like me?!
Ah, but then again, I can’t give my mom the credit she deserves for that.
“Do-hee?”
“Ah.”
Still, I couldn’t help but put on a guilty face.
“I just want to take a break this time.”
“It’s okay; you need to rest when it’s time to rest. You’ve worked hard recording all day, so go home and get some rest.”
“Yes! Thank you.”
Everything was for a goal.
Also, it was for the older sisters.
Since I didn’t start as a pianist or a solo artist, but as an idol, it made perfect sense that to hit Billboard No. 1, the group had to be recognized, not just me.
As expected, for this album, I was bound to receive a lot of attention even without stepping forward, and thus, it was beneficial for the group as a whole that my older sisters shone more on screen, absorbing that attention.
However, after watching this video, regrets about my choice surfaced.
“I thought that way back then…”
YouTube’s trending video.
[Review….]
Starting with high-quality music reviews, reaching the conclusion that I was behind the album’s planning.
These album review videos from active producers must be spreading across every community.
I really lost count of how many times I replayed it.
“Of course, those who’ve done this work really interpret it well.”
While there were more details in the music and album that weren’t even mentioned in the video, at that point, it was something only I could know.
For days, my heart had been racing.
“Ah…”
My lips were tingling.
Why did I work so hard for months?
“Sigh, I want to brag… I want to brag…”
But here I am, unable to even go on a single entertainment show with an interview, just feeling choked up.
Currently, my Instagram was strictly a gallery showcasing only my selective Do-hee collection photos.
Though messaging apps are great for sharing with fans, it’s really just a communication channel for them, so it wasn’t the right stream for me, who wishes for everyone to recognize my work.
You fool.
But now, bragging about it and appearing on a variety show feels so awkward.
Sigh…
So my conclusion was this.
“With my mouth?”
I nodded.
“You want me to say it with my mouth?”
I nodded again.
“With my mouth?”
I couldn’t nod this time.
“Are you out of your mind?”
Looks like the useless Kim Seo-yoon is about to smack me.
Seriously, so annoying.
But I know.
“No…”
I know my older sister Seo-yoon is secretly weak against my looks and charm.
“Sister, it’s too embarrassing for me to say it myself. It’s so cringe…”
“Are you out of your mind?”
Well, not today.
“Ugh, seriously. It would be nice if you just went out and said it. Honestly, how can I brag about being a crazy genius myself, huh? Right-”
“Nonsense, you say that to me all the time.”
Geez, she’s not going to help me.
“Na-eun Unni!!! This person is cursing again! That’s a bad word penalty!! You’re going into recycling!!”
Bragging is out of the question now.
“You, you-”
I shook off Kim Seo-yoon, who grabbed my wrist, and ran away to my room.
Knock, knock.
—Do-hee, just come out; I won’t say anything.
“You’re going to commit violence, aren’t you?”
—I’m smiling right now.
Who are you kidding? You look serious.
In the first place, I mean? This whole thing is because of that stupid Billboard No. 1!
Of course, going on a variety show is a bit annoying, but still, I can’t go because of that!
I can’t even say sorry to older sister just in case.
“Sigh…”
Kim Seo-yoon banged on the door again with my groan.
—So why should I go on my variety show to brag about you? You can go out, you can! If you just say a word, there are directors who will change the lineup!
—Hey, guys?
Why am I asking Kim Seo-yoon for help?
It’s all for my older sisters, you know?
“Ugh!!”
Our older sisters still need a little more spotlight since they are rookies! Huh? Our Seo-yoon has plenty of variety shows and is doing well!
—Hey, can you calm down a bit?
—No, sis, it’s so annoying when she only shows her charm at times like this…
—Chiyo, you know it gets even harder when you wake up. If Woo-ah wakes up and gets sensitive…
—I can’t sleep with all this noise. Do you live alone in the dorm?
“…Hmm.”
—No, it’s because of that Do-hee… Sis, where are you going? Sis?
—No matter how I look at it, I’ve been too lenient these days since I see both of you looking tired. Do you want me to show you what it’s like doing it alone?
—No… Hey Do-hee, come out and talk; Chiyo seems to have woken up because it’s too loud…
“…….”
—Hey, don’t turn off the lights and come out.
I should sleep soon.
But why does it feel like Kim Seo-yoon’s grip is stronger than before?
These red marks left on my wrist.
Is it because she’s been working out lately?
I used to have more physical strength than Seo-yoon.
Oh, could it be that I lost some muscle while trying to lose weight?
Ugh, nothing ever works out.
*
“Ah, that annoying Do-hee.”
Seo-yoon was tormented by Chiyo.
Unlike Do-hee, who locked the door and jumped into bed.
“Did you fight again yesterday?”
Rather than scolding, Manager Young-ho just laughed, as if he was used to it.
“I mean, they want me to boast about myself since I’m going on a program.”
“Haha, really?”
“I don’t know; I couldn’t sleep much because Chiyo kept waking up…”
“First, just sleep for a bit until we leave.”
“Please attach it.”
Seyoon arrived at the terrestrial broadcasting station studio after stopping by the shop.
“Cute, pretty, cool, and also sparkling in speech, the idol! Kim Seyoon!”
“Hello, this is Debonaire’s Kim Seyoon~”
Of course, it was another talk show for promoting ongoing activities.
“Among today’s guests, the youngest is Seyoon. This is her second appearance, and expectations have risen significantly.”
Seyoon naturally made a flower pose with the title of being the youngest and started her familiar variety reaction.
“Ah, last time I was with my disobedient younger sibling, but this time I’m alone. Oh, but I have to point out that I’m not a baby anymore, you know? I’m 22 years old!”
“Twenty-two? That’s Tu Tu!”
“Oh, how cute.”
The atmosphere of teasing and laughter was naturally created by the guests and MCs.
“But I’ve already been debuted for five years.”
“Wow, it’s already been that long?”
“I’ve been in it for 41 years.”
“…Ah, I guess you’re right.”
And Seyoon eagerly responded to the mood.
“Haha, so how does it feel to feel the weight of time while being an idol?”
“Since I’m only in my second year as a rookie, I sometimes end up talking about ‘back in my day’ to my members.”
Everyone, as loyal talk show participants, effortlessly flowed through the filming.
“Seyoon almost debuted at Repro.”
“Oh, yes. But actually, it wasn’t so much a debut. I loved K-pop so much that I attended a nearby music academy, and by chance, that place held group idol auditions.”
“Oh, does such a place exist?”
“Yeah, I heard casting teams were going around to that academy.”
“Yes, that’s right. But the Principal asked me, ‘Seyoon, do you want to audition?’ So I thought it would be really fun and casually went for the first audition, and among the officials that day were Repro staff and the current Topist staff.”
“Wow, so you passed both auditions on your first try?”
“Uh, yes! I got lucky.”
“Right from the start? That’s amazing!”
“But why did you go with Topist? Repro is a huge company with NND and all.”
“Oh, here’s the thing that fans know well: I really pay attention to people’s faces.”
Everyone burst out laughing at the ridiculous answer.
“Right, facial features are important!”
Seyoon’s response was indeed guided, but she pretended to be flustered and corrected herself.
“Ah, oh! I mean, it’s not about facial features, it’s about the vibe, you know? The real feeling. The Topist casting team seemed to have certain requirements.”
“Oh~ that kind of vibe?”
Since it’s a variety show, bringing fresh stories is important.
“Yes, exactly. But those people are trying to pick me? Oh, if I go there, does that mean I’ll be on the debut team?”
“Wow~ So then you had a great intuition!”
“Exactly! Repro has a lot of trainees.”
“But back then, Topist’s Pastel Love seniors were really popular. I thought I wouldn’t get in at all, but I decided to just practice once I got in.”
And there were still a few words left unspoken. At the point when Debonaire was clearly on track, there was no reason to hide anymore.
“On the first day, I just felt it.”
“Oh really? What was it like?”
“Were the current members there?”
“Ah yes, apart from Chiyo, who joined late, I met the current members right away.”
And as expected, such a fresh story seemed to resonate well.
“Na-eun Unni and I were hired at the same time, and actually, the only two seniors were the younger Do-hee and Woo-ah.”
“Oh, so! What was your impression?”
“What kind of vibe did you get from it?”
“Well, how should I put it? Setting aside the looks, the atmosphere is just so full of confidence? The expressions are really relaxed? It’s like an elementary school student.”
“The MCs were also reacting with interest and constantly guiding the conversation.”
“But because of that, if they debut here, oh, I definitely feel like they’re going to do well.”
Thanks to that, Seo-yoon was able to wait for her turn in a cheerful atmosphere even after finishing the Q&A.
“This time, Debonaire is back with their jaws clenched.”
Naturally, it was time for promotions after that.
“It’s already crazy right now. As of the filming date, we’re ranked 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 7th on the music charts!”
“Wow, is it really that big? They’re totally the trend!”
Honestly, it wasn’t even necessary to ask.
“I heard that all the tracks in this album were done 100% by the members, right?”
In the first place, even these kinds of questions felt somewhat meaningless, as anyone who had watched a broadcast featuring Debonaire at least once would know.
“Wow, then they must have earned a ton of money, huh? How much did they make?”
“Oh~ I’m a bit curious too, but it hasn’t been released yet.”
“And what about the copyright distribution? Is it the same for all members?”
Seo-yoon had anticipated these questions, so she responded with familiar answers, smiling politely.
“Of course, we all created it together, but we need to keep the business and personal separate, so it depends on the contribution…”
“Ah, right, contribution needs to be well calculated.”
However, what was slightly off from Seo-yoon’s expectations was that the review video had already been turned into an article by this point.
“But Seo-yoon, isn’t there a producer who reviewed the Debonaire album that’s become a huge topic right now? There’s a rumor that one of the members came up with the planning document and turned the album concept into reality.”
“Yeah, I saw it in an entertainment article on my way here, and if it’s true, that’s really impressive. Is that true?”
Seo-yoon casually glanced at Manager Young-ho outside the studio.
Just to get a sign that it was okay to say it.
“Yes, it’s true. One of the members did it.”
You could feel the camera zooming in even more.
“Do-hee brought the planning document by herself last year.”
“Oh! Seriously?”
“That’s amazing!”
Even the celebrity who usually plays around seemed to focus.
“So? Is the review content all true? I saw it.”
Suddenly feeling the urge to keep quiet.
Mainly because of Do-hee, who wanted to brag.
“I can’t disclose that, since Do-hee said she wants everyone to interpret it however they like.”
“Oh, really?”
“Well, there’s nothing we can do then.”
Seo-yoon let out a light chuckle as she replied.
“But she sets rules for herself yet acts like this. I watched the video and grinned all day.”
Thanks to that, laughter began to fill the set again. Seo-yoon unwittingly opened up to the mood.
“Actually, Do-hee is funny because when she talks about music, she often gets lost in her own world and goes off on a wild tangent.”
“Oh, really?”
“Yeah, it’s really funny to watch. If we respond, she feels proud; if we don’t, she gets depressed completely.”
Laughter erupted among the staff as well.
“But there are times when she can’t respond, because she tends to act logical and systematic normally…”
However, Seo-yoon gestured as if she was in a dilemma.
“Sometimes, she gets trapped in her own world and just determines the song’s direction by herself, figuring out the melody, lyrics, and title haphazardly.”
And that gesture pointing somewhere was just an extra touch.
“This might come up in our Producer Behind, so please check it out on our YouTube channel.”
Seo-yoon, rationalizing herself while promoting the channel, definitely looked like an older sister proudly boasting about her younger sibling.
