K-Singer Star’s competition songs are no longer in the headlines; instead, Kang Hajun’s first solo single, “Yunseul,” has just been released.
It is a time when everyone should be insanely busy, yet…
“It’s so quiet, so quiet.”
“Really, it is.”
Several employees from the publicity team had gathered, enjoying a rare lull. Each of them held a paper cup with instant coffee sloshing inside.
“I think this is the first time an album launch has felt this relaxed.”
A colleague, fiddling with her phone, chimed in.
“Wow, the K-Singer Star firepower is amazing. Netizens are basically doing all the promotion for us.”
“Why else do you think Director Park pushed Kang Hajun into the show? He knew exactly what he was doing.”
Just as they said.
Director Park must have predicted K-Singer Star’s success. He also must have calculated that the profit would far outweigh the investment he made in placing Hajun there.
Indeed, without burning many of the in-house promotion channels, entertainment reporters focused all their attention and the public poured out fervent interest.
Soon…
News articles, community forums, and social media were plastered with the name Kang Hajun.
“Man, he really is ridiculously handsome, isn’t he?”
The PR staff member added while scrolling through an article she had sent out herself.
“No wonder people go crazy. Look at how fast the comments pile up.”
“And he’s supposed to be the son of some big, well-regarded company, right?”
“This guy has everything, right? Face, family, personality, talent – nothing missing.”
Yes.
“When you look at it, the guy’s life started on third base.”
Hajun’s smooth path was not solely thanks to K-Singer Star. He already had perfect visuals, solid skills, and dazzling star quality.
On top of that, he is reportedly the son of a major corporation with a sterling reputation, and even in school, he was the classic model student with flawless character.
“And now he debuts with an HS song? That is the perfect route.”
“Totally different starting line.”
“I heard his fandom is already on par with established idol groups.”
A tiny hint of envy colored their voices.
Just then Team Leader Gwak tapped his clipboard on a desk.
“Do we only have one entertainer in this company named Kang Hajun?”
“No, sir!”
“So, now that Hajun’s track is out, all our work is finished?”
“No, sir!”
The team members hurried back to their desks. Gwak smirked and flipped to the next sheet.
Rustle.
In his hand was today’s progress report on Hajun’s single.
“Impressive, really impressive…”
It had only been two days since the official release, yet the song had already cracked the Top 100 chart that very morning.
Considering he had not appeared on a single music show and thinking of the modest marketing spend, it was an outstanding result.
Of course, the fact that “Yunseul” was composed by HS surely helped.
HS had long been hailed as a rising star among composers, but after K-Singer Star he was branded a genius, even nicknamed one of “Korea’s top two songwriters.”
Apparently, the public’s trust in the name HS has skyrocketed.
No, it is not just the public. Gwak trusted him too.
Right, from the moment HS’s “Yunseul” was handed over to the distributor…
“Assistant Kim, bring this report up to upper management.”
“Right away!”
“And tell them not to be too shocked before they read it.”
“Will do!”
Gwak had already expected today’s numbers.
“Oppa, you’re the best, awesome, the coolest!”
Hyunseung wanted to smack his little sister’s forehead as she clung to his arm and skipped along.
The reason Hyuna was excited enough to hop around was…
They were at the TV station to watch Kang Hajun’s official debut stage, his first music-show appearance.
“You really are the greatest, the best, number one!”
She had begged so desperately to come that he had no choice but to bring her.
“Is the ‘oppa’ you keep praising actually Kang Hajun?”
“Of course not!”
Hyuna shook her head vigorously, then spoke in a teasing tone.
“My one and only oppa is our Min, Hyun, Seung!”
“Shhh,” her brother hushed, “Why would you shout my name so loudly?”
“Hm? Why?”
“If you do that, what was the point of me sweating under this helmet?”
Hyuna blinked and muttered “Oh,” still puzzled.
“But oppa, we’re not even watching from the audience. We’re backstage. Do you really need the helmet around staff?”
Hyunseung sighed softly instead of answering and handed her a badge that read STAFF.
“Just wear this.”
“Okay…”
Do you have to hide your face even from industry people?
Yes.
Actually, more than anyone, you must be careful of people in this industry.
They know the scene inside out; they can be the most dangerous. In his past life it was not only the public’s criticism that ruined him – it was also reporters, broadcasters, insiders, even his own agency.
He had to be more cautious.
Lately he had grown too lax, relying on the helmet. He had even shown his bare face to Lee Young-ah. ( (╯°□°）╯︵┻━┻ )
Fan sites were already uploading endless screen captures of him in the show, some brightened so his eyes faintly emerged.
Why did people use their talents on such things…
His thoughts were cut off.
“Oppa, look, celebrities, celebrities!”
Far down the hall a group of young men stood together, all in matching outfits, each with striking looks.
“I think I read about them.”
“Those guys?”
“Yeah, a three-year-old boy group called ‘The Moon.’”
Hyunseung murmured the name then added, “So that’s them.”
“Hm?”
“Nothing.”
Every day he received those ‘gentle’ threatening letters.
Meeting the group in person was oddly stirring.
Their visuals were fine. Why had they not broken out in three years? Maybe they lacked skill? Why keep working part-time to stay afloat?
His musings were interrupted by a sharp gaze.
One of the boys stared straight at him.
What is that? A stare so direct it felt hot.
He lifted his shaded goggles slightly.
“Yep, he’s staring at me.”
“Maybe he thinks the helmet is odd?”
“What’s odd about it?”
“Maybe he recognized you as HS.”
“Oh.” That might be the case.
But that young man’s eyes… pitch-black pupils brimming with ambition, desperation.
He had seen such eyes a few times: people who had clawed their way through the concrete jungle of showbiz.
Those eyes usually belonged to one of two kinds.
Either they refused to bend, then snapped and vanished.
Or—
They caused big waves, shook the entire mainstream.
From experience, it went one way or the other.
For a long moment the two locked eyes.
If they never made it, he would not see them again. If they did…
“Jiho, bring the guys, hurry!”
The young man turned away at the call.
Somehow Hyunseung sensed he would meet him again.
“Oppa, can we go see Hajun now?”
“Sure, let’s go see your beloved oppa.”
They headed down the opposite corridor.
He was about to knock on Hajun’s dressing-room door when—
“Oppa, wait, wait!”
Hyuna grabbed his arm, pressing a hand on her chest.
“I’m so nervous, let me breathe…”
Hyunseung snorted and rapped on the door even harder.
Thump, thump, thump!
“Oppa! Seriously!”
“HS here,” he called.
The door opened; Hajun’s manager greeted them warmly.
“Welcome, come in.”
The dressing room was bigger than expected. New singers usually got cramped spaces or shared rooms, but LS Entertainment’s power was evident.
“Look who’s here.”
Director Park and Hajun were chatting inside. They smiled in greeting.
“You, the busy man, actually came.”
“Composer-nim, you’re here!”
“Really didn’t want to come, but—”
He nodded toward his sister.
“She begged me to bring her.”
Director Park glanced at her and clapped.
“Your sister? She looks just like you.”
“Yes. Say hello, Min Hyuna, this is Executive Director Park.”
Hyuna bowed shyly.
“Hello, I’m Min Hyuna.”
“She’s got an actress face.”
“Please don’t say that; she’ll take it seriously.”
Park kept insisting it was sincere.
“If she’s interested, send her to Team 1. You know Team 1 has the actors.”
“No, she needs to focus on school.”
“I thought you brought her to ask me to develop her.”
“No, she’s just a huge Kang Hajun fan.”
At that Hyuna’s face burned red.
“Oppa! Why would you say that?”
“Well, it’s true. Your beloved oppa, right?”
“Min Hyunseung!”
While the siblings squabbled, Hajun took a pen.
“You’re my fan? Thank you. Shall I sign something?”
“Thank you! Could you sign here…?”
She pulled out a slogan banner from her bag.
“This is my slogan?”
“Yes, I had it custom-made for today.”
“Wow, it’s great.”
Hyunseung sighed. He had given her plenty of allowance so she would not feel small, and she used it to print banners with another guy’s face.
“So your name is Min Hyuna?”
“Yes, it is.”
“Your name is pretty too.”
“Th-thank you…”
“Do you want a photo?”
“Please!”
Click.
Looking at the star-struck pair, Hyunseung teased,
“Well, well, look at Hyuna grinning.”
“When did I grin?”
“You sure love your other oppa.”
Another round of sibling bickering began.
“They seem close. I’m an only child, so that looks nice.”
“No kidding. I never thought that cold fellow would joke around like that with his sister.”
They watched in amusement.
If only he had a brother like that, Hajun thought.
Director Park nudged him.
“With such popularity, we should schedule a fan meeting soon.”
“I think the composer-nim should hold one first. His fan-club numbers are almost like mine. And the clip of his judging has passed ten million views.”
Admittedly, at least a hundred of those views were Hajun himself.
“Hmm.” Park frowned lightly.
“Would he even do it? He’d probably show up wearing the helmet.”
Park chuckled at the thought of a “helmet fan meeting.”
Hyunseung asked Park, “Director, what slot is Hajun going on?”
“What are you talking about?”
“He means the performance slot.” Park sighed.
“His stage is already prerecorded. He’s just waiting to show his face during the winner announcement.”
Hyuna glared.
“Oppa…”
Uh-oh.
Hyunseung’s mind raced. How to survive his sister’s wrath?
“How about after the show we all get dinner?”
“Together? Is that okay?”
“Of course,” Hajun brightened. “I’d love to treat the composer-nim. I’ll make the reservation.”
“And Hyuna, you must come too.”
“Yes, absolutely!”
Seeing his sister’s delighted face, Hyunseung finally exhaled in relief.
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