Chapter 18: Survival Show - Cover Song (3)

Our hour-long meeting was on the verge of being rendered futile.

“Control your expressions,” Joo-Han whispered. All of us tried hard to relax our faces, but the tension was palpable. Also, it seemed like the broadcast team was specifically aiming to capture this very reaction from us.

“Do you think they are trying to kick us out?” whispered Goh Yoo-Joon as he leaned toward me.

I nodded in agreement. “Exactly. There are many other agencies, but why did they choose ours?”

If their intention was to choose a quality song, there were numerous options available from major agencies. Yet, they chose a song from our agency, which only had “Goblin” as a notable hit. It seemed as if they deliberately targeted us, deeming us as the most vulnerable group.

“It looks like they’re planning to get through this competition unfairly. What a malicious agenda.”

I wasn't the only one sharing this sentiment. Reina was caught off guard as well and proceeded to confront the leader of Air Senior. "Why did you choose ‘Goblin?’"

"Just because we like it," the leader replied casually, promptly returning to his seat.

‘What do they mean by like?’

Of course, “Goblin” was good, but there were many other famous songs. Major agencies consistently showcased tracks with dedicated fan bases, and even some smaller agencies had crafted hit songs and successful boy groups.

However, our one and only popular artist was Allure. Beyond them, our roster mainly featured mid-tier ballad singers. They seemed to be deliberately targeting us because we looked like the easiest prey.

Reina glanced at us and asked the director, "What should we do now? Two groups have selected the same song."

It would be unfair if we could claim the song just because we were from the same agency, so the director couldn’t necessarily take our side.

After a brief discussion with the staff, the director called for a break. “Let’s discuss this. Someone should have chosen their song more wisely. Take a 30-minute break!”

Even as he spoke, he shot a meaningful glance at Air Senior. With tense expressions, we swiftly exited the practice room to talk with our manager.

“That’s really underhanded. They obviously know about our internal situation,” grumbled Lee Jin-Sung.

“Let’s just calm down and think this through.” Joo-Han calmed the grumbling Lee Jin-Sung and led us to a corner table in the lobby.

"I spoke to UNET yesterday about steering clear of emotional conflicts for the sake of our image, but I guess some low-quality agencies don’t have brains,” snapped our manager.

Goh Yoo-Joon and I couldn’t help but interject, trying to calm our frustrated manager. Once the atmosphere had settled a bit, I spoke up, “We need to avoid emotional conflicts as much as possible and try to handle this situation with a clear head. The director will also be seeking a fair solution.”

“But what if they end up taking our song after we’ve spent an hour deciding on it?”

“They targeted us because they think we’re the weakest one here.”

Confronting a disruption to our carefully laid plans wasn’t easy. Even as an adult[1], I felt frustrated. Hence, the younger members likely found it challenging to grasp and accept the situation.

Having been silent the whole time, Joo-Han finally opened his mouth. "I’ve thought about it."

"About what?"

"Let's give up on ‘Goblin,’" suggested Joo-Han.

A momentary silence instantly descended.

"Why should we?" Goh Yoo-Joon retorted.

"Hyung, we don't necessarily have to give up," said Lee Jin-Sung.

Following that, Joo-Han leaned in closer and said, "I've given it some thought. ‘Goblin’ is a good song, but it might be hard to get a great reaction from it."

"Why?"

I was surprised that Joo-Han was contemplating the same thing. Despite having suggested the idea, something kept bugging me the entire time.

I answered, "It's a song dear to Allure's fans, so it would be hard to appeal to both them and the public that’s familiar with the original. Moreover, considering that we haven't even debuted yet, it’s almost impossible for us to do a better cover than the original."

I could imagine all the hate comments that would pop out if we performed using that song.

- Allure is much better.

- I am saying this not because I am Allure’s fan, but “Goblin” can only be perfectly performed by Allure.

- They are good, but “Goblin” needs the unique vibe from Allure.

No matter how well we performed, we were bound to face a barrage of comparisons to the flawless Allure, and they would likely overshadow any praise that might come our way. In addition, people who held negative opinions toward reimagined versions of beloved songs existed, not to mention the antis who harbored ill will toward Allure.

Covering a hit song from a popular artist did come with its perks, but it also necessitated thorough preparation. I believe this was the underlying message Joo-Han was trying to convey.

“Can we really guarantee that our rendition will live up to the expectations of Allure’s fans?”

“Well, no matter how much effort we put in, we are still trainees who have yet to make our debut on stage.”

"That's what I'm saying," I chuckled.

Having received an answer to their doubts, the other members turned their attention to Joo-Han. Joo-Han then took a cell phone from the manager and browsed the playlist. "How about skipping the title song and trying this one?"

Joo-Han played a song softly enough for only the members to hear.

"Oh, I know this song."

"Me too. I covered it with my dance team before."

The members started to sway gently to the rhythm. The track that Joo-Han had chosen was a lesser-known song from Allure, a B-side from their debut album. Given that the album hadn't achieved significant success, and this particular track wasn't released as a single, it was rarely performed live outside of concerts. Nonetheless, it had successfully attracted a sizable fan base over time, partly owing to a concert clip uploaded to Allure’s official UTube channel.

“It’s so good!”

Allure's raw and unrefined energy created a striking contrast with the languid, mystical melody and fast-paced choreography of this particular song. It was as if our group had discovered a hidden gem.

"While the general public might not know it, the fans do. It’s a classic. If there's no panel of judges and it's just a public vote, this song might be a better choice."

"You're right, hyung."

Usually, covering songs embraced by both the general public and fans could lead to comparisons or resentment. However, covering less popular songs that held a special place in fans' hearts was a different scenario.

"Why don't people know this great song?"

"I wish this song would make a comeback, please."

Many fans had probably expressed similar sentiments. Giving a song like this a moment in the spotlight could be seen as a win for the fans. Plus, the song’s concept was well-suited for those interested in idol groups.

“I’m on board. It’ll be a challenge to master it in just a week, but with hard work, we can pull it off.”

One by one, the members expressed their agreement, letting go of any lingering attachment to “Goblin.” Choosing a different song might stir up controversy, but it also had the potential to pave the way to a brighter future.

“Filming is about to resume! Please make your way back to the set!”

That was when the practice room door opened, and a staff member shouted to us. Unlike us, who had moved on, the manager still looked frustrated, but he gave us a pat on the back, signaling us to do well.

***

Whether or not we secured some screen time, I honestly wanted to avoid this awkward atmosphere on the first day...

While other groups comfortably occupied their seats, our team and Air Senior stood at the front, looking awkward. Both sides looked displeased, reminiscent of kindergarteners fighting over a toy.

Standing at the center of our group, Reina managed to maintain a professional demeanor. “As it stands, both Chronos and Air Senior have chosen Allure’s ‘Goblin’ as their song. If neither team is willing to back down, we will need to find an alternative solution.”

‘If neither team is willing to back down...’

It was clear that the producers were hoping for a heated dispute over this song, aiming to generate compelling content for the survival show. However, framing the situation this way would make any team unwilling to compromise appear obstinate, potentially damaging their image right from the first episode.

Reina’s tone subtly implied that while they were requesting one team to yield, they were also counting on the teams to provide engaging content for the show.

“I’ll ask once again. Between Chronos and Air Senior, is there any team willing to relinquish their claim on the song?” Reina posed the question, creating a moment filled with tense silence.

Just as she was about to proceed with her next scripted line, Joo-Han raised his hand. “Excuse me.”

“...Yes?” Reina responded, her script momentarily forgotten as she turned her attention to Joo-Han, awaiting his next words.

“We will yield it.”

“Huh? Seriously?” Reina was indeed a professional. Even though she was caught off guard by the unexpected answer, she immediately regained her composure.

To answer her question, we all nodded, and I added, “Our seniors sang many other good songs besides ‘Goblin,’ so it's okay."

‘Where in the world would you find such a gentle and kind response?’

Internally, both I and the other members were gritting our teeth in frustration. However, outwardly, we presented a resigned demeanor with kind faces, echoing my statement. As a result, our tense facial muscles completely relaxed, allowing us to act as well as seasoned actors in front of cameras.

"Oh dear..." Reina eventually loosened her formal expression and let out a regretful sigh.

'How can there be such innocent kids...'

It seemed as if we could hear Reina's inner thoughts. She gazed at us for a moment before flipping through her cue sheet.

"Then, Air Senior will cover ‘Goblin’ as Chronos yielded it to them. Chronos, please write your song on the board up front."

Following Reina's instruction, Joo-Han stepped up and wrote our new cover song.

[Chronos - Allure, ‘Moon Sea’]

We had a week to practice. Considering it was a captivating song that had mesmerized many, we would need to practice hard.

***

The filming came to a close. Following YMM’s training, we made it a point to bid farewell to each staff member loudly and clearly, ensuring no one was left out. Aside from the evident rivalry, there wasn’t much interaction today.

The trainees exchanged polite farewells and quickly dispersed. After the majority had left, as expected, we could hear the loud voices of High Tension fans from outside the building.

Besides our group, Air Senior was the last to leave the practice room. They were the group that had openly challenged us earlier, and as they left, their members shot us irritated glares.

Our members were also in a considerably sour mood, so when we stared back, their leader stepped forward and bowed slightly, mirroring the gesture of the other trainees. "Thank you for giving in. We appreciate it."

Responding to the Air Senior leader's greeting, Joo-Han stepped forward with a polite smile. "You're welcome."

"We were just greedy for the song, no hard feelings."

"We know. We seem to be around the same age, so let’s maintain a good relationship moving forward. See you at the next shoot.”

Just as we were about to leave, one of their members asked, "Hyung, aren't you leaving soon?"

"I will be right behind you. I just need to have a quick smoke."

"Hey, let's go together."

The other members from Air Senior quickly exited the practice room, leaving their leader here. We were surprised, watching them take out cigarettes from their pockets before making their departure.

"...Haha. See you at the next shoot."

Their leader quickly followed his members with a slightly embarrassed smile, while we just stood dumbfounded for a while.

‘What just happened?’

At YMM, such behavior would have been unimaginable. Not just me, but all the members looked quite flustered.

"Did you see them take out cigarettes from their pockets?"

"How can a trainee smoke? And aren't they underage?"

"It's shocking.."

"Hey, did you see? None of them even said bye to us except for the leader. Does their agency not teach manners?"

All of us were throwing comments, staring at the door they had just exited.

"Let’s not dwell on it. There is a chance we will encounter others like them." Joo-Han stopped the members from commenting further and looked around cautiously. When we left the building, frustration enveloped us, and suppressed anger simmered beneath the surface. Personally, I felt a surge of frustration, having been at odds with one of the Air Senior members throughout the day.

'Stupid bastards.'

They claimed they had no hard feelings about taking our song, yet the behavior of the Air Senior members—particularly those standing behind their leader earlier—suggested otherwise.

I couldn’t fathom why they seemed to harbor such disdain toward us. However, if they thought snagging our title track would guarantee them victory in this competition, they were sorely mistaken. From the moment we donned those

red

capes

, we were prepared for anything. After all, we knew we couldn't compete on an even playing field against a group with an already-established fanbase.

1. Although he is now 19 years old as he went back in time, he still considers himself an adult. ?