translation by mourningmoor
Taei received help from Producer Rayson, known as the best hitmaker at Mega Entertainment, for the second round of the <Survival, Music Genius> competition.
Given what was seen in the first round, Kang Ichan's arrangement skills were far from ordinary.
In fact, it was hard to believe that it was solely his own ability.
The level of completion was too high for it to have been done alone.
It was clear that PD Pyo Cheonhee must have had a hand in it. Otherwise, such a song wouldn’t have been possible.
This time, too, the agency must have intervened, so Taei had no choice but to be on high alert.
Thus, he poured his heart into the song selection.
He received considerable help not only from Rayson but also from other staff members.
On the day the broadcast cameras followed him for the sketch video shoot, he pretended to be deep in thought alone. After all, he had to show the demeanor of a musical genius.
The preparation was perfect.
The arrangement and his vocal condition were at their best. He had even undergone psychological therapy, so he was confident he wouldn’t falter. All that was left was to leave a stunning moment on stage.
But as luck would have it, during the draw to decide the performance order, Kang Ichan drew number 1.
And so, he took the stage first.
Kang Ichan stood at the center of the stage with a face that showed no emotion whatsoever.
The back of Taei’s head tingled slightly.
On the first day, he had appeared as if he were busking on the streets, but today he was completely different.
He looked like the perfect idol.
He wore black skinny jeans, a white vintage T-shirt, and over it, a bomber jacket adorned with sparkling embellishments.
With chunky rings and ear piercings as a given, he even held a glittering custom microphone, standing with his back to the audience, ready to begin.
Even though only his back was visible, an inexplicable energy filled the studio with palpable tension.
And then the music began.
‘Is this a new song?’
What on earth did he arrange?
Taei frowned.
Just then, someone in the waiting room recognized the original song and spoke up.
“Oh, this is Senior Jo Sehui’s <To You>, right?”
This is Jo Sehui’s <To You>?
That slow, old-fashioned ballad had been completely transformed into a sophisticated EDM style with a Moombahton vibe.
“Wow. It’s a completely different song now.”
“Right. I didn’t know it could be done like this.”
“Is that guy a genius? I never would’ve thought of this.”
Praise poured in.
Then, Kang Ichan, who had been standing with his back turned, began his performance.
Taei felt a pang of frustration.
He had worked tirelessly for the past week to shed the label of being just an idol attached to him. He had prepared thoroughly to erase the dismissive gazes of those who looked down on idols.
So, he had created a highly polished piece of music and finally felt like a true professional.
But Kang Ichan was actively embracing his identity as an idol and dominating the stage.
He even prepared backup dancers and showcased flawless group choreography.
On top of that, he performed a fairly difficult dance while singing without a single break in his breathing.
What a monster.
The most annoying part was how Kang Ichan, who was usually expressionless, would completely change the moment the spotlight hit him.
In the first round, as soon as the music started, he wiped off his blank expression and flashed a captivating smile, and today was no different.
Effortlessly switching between a blank face and a smile while executing the choreography, he melted not only the cameras but also the hearts of the judges.
“Damn it.”
Taei clenched his fists tightly.
* * *
On the TV screen, Ichan’s back was shown in a close-up.
As the lively Moombahton-style intro began, Ichan, wearing the sparkling bomber jacket, lightly shook his shoulders.
Then, he turned his head to look at the camera and smiled with a playful glint in his eyes.
Behind Ichan stood four backup dancers.
Even though it was a solo performance on a competition stage, it gave off the vibe of a full L.I.T. performance.
The song was said to be a remix, but it turned out to be a complete transformation of Jo Sehui’s <To You>, a ballad synonymous with melancholy.
The original song was a heartfelt ballad about longing for a deceased lover, but the rearranged version perfectly captured the excitement of running toward a crush.
Kyaaaah. My artist is the best. How can he be so cool?
Was this song always this good? It’s the same song, but it feels completely different.
Wow. I’m not even his fan, but he’s so cool. My heart’s racing a bit.
Huh. Is this the same guy from yesterday’s jungle? The king of spears.
Yesterday in the jungle, he was completely wild, but today he’s the epitome of an idol. Isn’t his style too sharp?
ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ, everyone’s talking about yesterday’s jungle. It’s amazing how the same person can have two completely different sides. Seriously.
The day before, the second episode of <King of the Jungle> had aired.
The members, slightly tanned under the sun, roamed the jungle in shorts and rash guards. Fans were thrilled by their down-to-earth demeanor, completely devoid of any idol self-awareness.
They diligently carried out the missions given by the tribe leader, and they did it so well.
Later, they even tidied up the camp, guarded the bonfire, and gathered food without being told.
No wonder Lee Hanwoo wanted to keep them as permanent members.
Moreover, they blended naturally with Kim Seokhwa and Kim Hyunsoo, showing impeccable manners without a single rough edge.
It was enough to win over the older viewers of <King of the Jungle>.
And that enthusiasm carried over to the next day’s broadcast of <Survival, Music Genius>.
Questions flooded in asking if this was the same guy they saw yesterday.
I’m in my 40s. I noticed Ichan in <King of the Jungle>, but I had no idea he had this side to him. I came to support my favorite indie artist, but I ended up falling for Ichan.
When such comments appeared in the live chat, the Filaments quickly flooded the replies.
Welcome to the world of Ichan. Age and nationality don’t matter. Let’s light up the fire together.
ㅋㅋㅋㅋ, our boys’ recognition is something else. Even my grandpa is watching this and saying, “Isn’t that Spear Ichan?”
Spear Ichan ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ. My mom even stopped doing the dishes to watch Ichan.
Inyoung’s mom was the same.
Oh my, oh my.
She kept exclaiming as she watched Ichan’s performance, and eventually, she took out her phone to vote.
Starting from the second round, <Survival, Music Genius> was broadcast live, and text votes were reflected in the scoring.
Judges’ scores accounted for 60 points, text votes for 30 points, and audience votes for 10 points.
This was a highly encouraging evaluation criterion for each contestant’s fandom.
The moment Ichan’s performance ended, the live chat fell silent for a moment.
What the. Did everyone go to vote? ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ
I’ve already decided Kang Ichan is this season’s number one.
Me too. He seems like the most genius.
Of course, as soon as such praises appeared, One Tier showed up right away.
What are you talking about? If Kang Ichan is a genius, then everyone here is a genius.
Just wait. When Taei comes out, everyone will be floored.
A genius? That’s low. He’s just a copycat.
Naturally, the Filaments stepped in.
Where’s this confidence coming from? Didn’t you see the first round? Your oppa got exposed.
Copycat? Just because you insist he copied doesn’t mean he did. That’s just your insecurity talking. If you’re nervous, just say so.
LOL, One Tiers think face masks and band-aids are the same. Why don’t you try sticking a band-aid on your face?
Is that why you think they’re the same? Your fandom’s level is showing.
As the two fandoms clashed in the program’s live chat, the viewers naturally began to see the two as rivals.
And when Taei’s second-round performance ended, some viewers quickly concluded.
Who’s whose rival? They’re on completely different levels.
Literally, the levels were different.
No, Taei once again delivered a performance that fell short of his usual abilities.
Before long, One Tier disappeared from the live chat.
* * *
After the second round, the names of the 21 successful contestants were announced.
And the names of the top three from the second round were called.
“Third place, Kwon Taei.”
As Taei’s name was called, the set buzzed with murmurs.
Today’s performance by Taei didn’t have the impact to make it into the top three.
He did well, but there were others who did better.
There were even criticisms that he had put too much effort into the arrangement itself.
Yoon Jooeon didn’t hesitate to make a pointed remark.
[Kwon Taei. You should only do what you’re capable of handling.]
The moment that comment aired, One Tier, who had disappeared from the live chat, came back foaming at the mouth to attack Yoon Jooeon.
It was thanks to their fervent text voting that Taei managed to secure a half-hearted third place. That’s why the other contestants were murmuring.
“Second place is Seo Hanul.”
Seo Hanul, a singer-songwriter known as the idol of the indie scene, was a person of immense talent. It was only natural that he made it into the top three, and everyone sincerely congratulated him.
And first place went to me.
The contestants nodded and clapped.
It was an atmosphere of unanimous acknowledgment.
Except for one person, of course.
And that evening, chaos erupted in the Filaments and One Tier fan communities.
The arguments from the <Survival, Music Genius> live chat spilled over into their respective fan communities, and then spread to idol fandom communities, escalating the fight.
Why are you blaming Ichan for Taei losing because he lacks skill? That’s ridiculous.
Lacks skill? They keep pressuring him, giving him looks, and almost bullying him because he’s a global star, so of course his mental state is suffering.
Global star, my foot. And who’s pressuring him? He’s the one feeling the pressure. He keeps losing to a junior he used to ignore, so of course he’s stressed.
This was the general atmosphere.
As the fight grew bigger, the two fandoms eventually declared war on each other, staking everything on the third round.
If you lose in the third round, shut up. One Tier.
Who’s losing? Taei is going to win the third round.
Just try it. If you lose the third round, be ready to post an apology. You guys.
Perhaps because the fan communities were so heated.
In his haste, Taei ended up making a reckless move that would backfire.