translation by mourningmoor
Following the instructions, we headed to our assigned seats, where DAS17 and Möbius, who had arrived earlier, stood up to greet us.
“Ichan-ah.”
Kim Jeongsoo and Yang Seokwoo waved at me when they saw me.
These two had rushed to the company as soon as I returned to Korea. Since then, we’ve been meeting regularly and have become close enough to go watch movies together.
After greeting the guys, I sat down and glanced over at Möbius.
Our eyes met briefly, and Junhee, startled, quickly bowed his head.
That guy’s still the same. He still hasn’t been forgiven by Jaewon.
I let out a small laugh and then sat down, observing the atmosphere among our members.
These guys have really grown into their roles now.
They’ve become bold enough to never doze off in such settings, and they’ve matured enough to know their place without being told.
Their manners are good, and they handle cameras and interactions well.
Moreover, they’ve shed the immature freshness of rookie idols. LIT, who is now called “respected sunbaenim” by some, has also gained a certain level of experience.
They were dignified even when they went up to receive the TOP 10 award.
When they held the trophy and calmly gave their acceptance speech, they were composed.
Roa and Jaewon, who delivered the TOP 10 acceptance speech on behalf of the group, didn’t falter and conveyed everything they had prepared.
After receiving the award, instead of returning to our seats, we went backstage to change our outfits.
Our stage was about to begin soon.
Dressed in black turtlenecks and black pants with red jackets on top, I was busy checking on the kids while fixing my makeup.
Everyone quickly changed into their outfits and checked their in-ears and microphones.
Then, following the staff’s guidance, we headed backstage.
On stage right now, T.I.ONE’s performance had just ended.
Another TOP 10 award ceremony followed, and after that, it was our stage.
Shortly after, our pre-recorded song filled Gocheok Sky Dome. Even though it was just a video, the Filaments continued to cheer without pause.
“Gather around here.”
At my call, the kids huddled together.
“Don’t be nervous, let’s crush the stage today too.”
I extended my hand in front of the kids.
Then, one by one, they placed their hands on top of mine.
“Nice. Let’s smash it.”
The maknae’s aegyo-filled words made the rest laugh.
“Like today is always the last.”
“We’ll create the best stage.”
“Good. Let’s show them everything.”
Then, with bright smiles, they cheered “Fighting!” and scattered to their positions.
* * *
After the sixth TOP 10 award was given, Kim Hyunsoo announced the next performer.
“The fiery performance that set the world ablaze, LIT! <It’s Okay>, .”
Instantly, the heat in Gocheok Dome soared.
<It’s Okay> had been pre-recorded two days ago. The stage that LIT will be performing live today is another song.
As <It’s Okay> ended, a low mist spread across the stage.
The large screen displayed a deep blue sky.
A calm song played, and a firework shot up, drawing a white parabola high into the sky.
On the top left of the large screen, where the parabola stopped, a light turned on, revealing Kang Ichan in a red jacket.
Of course, an ear-splitting cheer erupted.
Hanging by a thin wire, Ichan descended slowly onto the stage in a cool pose.
This time, on the top right of the large screen, Jaewon appeared.
Jaewon also made his way to the stage via a wire.
Moving in sync with the mysterious music, the two, like spy agents, surveyed their surroundings and walked toward the extended stage.
On the extended stage, Roa was rising on a lift.
“Crazy. There are three dancers.”
“They’re probably going for a dance break first.”
Kang Ichan, Park Roa, Kim Jaewon.
LIT’s vocal line and dance line trio.
The fact that these three were moving in this atmosphere meant a spectacular dance break was prepared.
At that moment, the music became more vibrant, and Ichan and Jaewon’s steps quickened.
The fans’ predictions were correct.
To the rearranged song, a dazzling dance performance unfolded.
Then, the lift on the main stage moved, revealing Hanjoon and Siu, who joined the performance. Alternating between the main stage and the extended stage, the performance built up to the climax of .
Fireworks erupted at the edges of the stage, and flames shot up fiercely on the main stage, where the five members, accompanied by backup dancers, continued their sharp choreography.
The fans’ cheers were as impressive as the grand and flawless performance.
The cheers were so overwhelming that it made you wonder if there was anyone in the venue who wasn’t a LIT fan.
As if proving the saying that even fans of other groups can’t help but be drawn in when they see LIT’s stage live, people holding light sticks other than the official ones screamed and cheered for LIT.
The expressions of other artists watching their performance were also an interesting point of observation.
Idol groups who are on good terms with LIT, the team that won the Rookie Award, the singer who received the OST Award, and even MC Kim Hyunsoo all exclaimed in admiration as they watched the stage.
Of course, that scene was broadcasted live to everyone watching.
And so, LIT’s stage came to an end.
* * *
Drenched in sweat, we returned to our seats, where Kim Jeongsoo greeted us warmly.
“As expected. LIT’s stage is always the best, no matter when you see it.”
Yang Seokwoo, sitting behind us, nodded in agreement.
Then, as if out of habit, he brought up the topic of asking for a song again.
“Ichan-ah. Don’t just focus on Hanul-hyung, give us a song too. I’m also from Survival Music, right? I’m your same-year.”
The boy group that Seo Hanul and Kim Wooyoung belong to will debut in a month.
Two of the songs on their debut album are mine, and one of them is the title track.
“What are you talking about? What does Survival Music matter? Hyung, just terminate your contract with Melody and come to our company. Then I’ll give you a song and even choreograph it.”
Then, Yang Seokwoo adjusted his posture and whispered to me.
“Hey, Hanul-hyung has been bragging nonstop that Roa finished the choreography for them. They’re already acting like they’ve made it. Your song, Roa’s choreography. They’re just glowing, glowing.”
Even though their song was pushed to a sub-title because of my song, Hanul is just completely satisfied. That’s how good the title track is.
Actually, it was a song I had intended for LIT, but as a celebration of my return, I gifted it to Kim Wooyoung. Hoping for their success, of course.
So, Seo Hanul’s reaction is understandable. Even PD Pyo listened to it and loved it so much he was practically breathless.
“Ichan. You know you should give us a song before Seokwoo-hyung, right? I’ve been waiting since the year before last? At least respect the first-come-first-served rule.”
Kim Jeongsoo also coveted my songs.
As I listened to Kim Jeongsoo and Yang Seokwoo’s chatter, a huge cheer erupted. At the same time, the LIT members stood up from their seats.
Director Gong Seokho had been announced as the winner of the ‘Best Performance Director’ award.
We had expected it. After all, the performances we’ve pulled off this year are no small feat.
I also stood up, clapping.
Director Gong Seokho went up on stage, received a small trophy, and stood in front of the microphone to give his acceptance speech.
His gaze naturally lingered on us.
“First, I want to thank LIT for making it possible for me to receive this award.”
Even though it was a predictable thank-you, the fans’ reaction was enthusiastic.
“No matter what I do, LIT always exceeds my expectations and thoughts, making every project enjoyable.”
This was something Director Gong Seokho always said. That it’s because of LIT that he can do this much. That it’s rewarding to work with them.
“Next year, I sincerely hope this award goes to Park Roa instead of me. And LIT!”
Then, he stretched his neck to make eye contact with us.
“Thank you for always working hard. You guys are truly the best.”
With Director Gong Seokho’s words, thunderous applause erupted.
Starting with Director Gong Seokho, Blade Entertainment staff began sweeping up awards one by one. Creative Art Director, Album Cover Design, Music Video Director.
It was as if the Pumpkin Music Awards had become Blade Entertainment’s own event, with them endlessly sweeping awards.
Of course, ‘Album of the Year’ also went to us.
The second time we went up on stage, we didn’t hide our joy.
Siu and Hanjoon gave the acceptance speech on behalf of the group and returned to their seats.
And finally, the ‘Artist of the Year’ award, equivalent to the grand prize at the Pumpkin Music Awards, began.
The ‘Artist of the Year’ award, which ARCHE had dominated for years, was about to welcome a new winner this year due to ARCHE’s absence. T.I.ONE and LIT were the strong candidates, but everyone already knew.
Even if ARCHE had been in the competition, it wouldn’t have been easy.
And shortly after, the CEO of Pumpkin Music’s parent company came out as the presenter and opened the envelope containing the winner’s name.
A tense BGM played, heightening the suspense.
“Congratulations to the ‘Artist of the Year’ award.”
With majestic music, fireworks filled the large screen on stage.
And then, our name was called out loudly.
“L.I.T.!”