< 123. Forever Tormented >
[Nohaeil, you son of a bitch]
Until now, the reactions hadn’t been this intense.
If they weren’t malicious commenters, the worst they’d say was that he was a little devil.
But this time, even the fans couldn’t hold back.
Already heated from the 830-seat concert followed by a 1,050-seat fan meeting, the fan meeting reviews and merchandise really set them off.
The exotic concept, live performances, Q&A, and signing session all acted as catalysts, but the physical merchandise was the biggest trigger.
Someone uploaded a blog or YouTube video with photos of the merchandise, including a music box video, and it quickly led to the current situation.
[WTF, a Welcome to my world music box is too much]
Even if the music box’s quality, design, sound, or music were bad, they’d still be upset just because it’s Nohaeil’s merchandise.
No matter how much he spent, the music box was more elaborate than most. The music box production cost was definitely higher than the ticket price.
A boy sitting against a red brick wall,
and the audience surrounding him. The melody of ‘Welcome to my world’ filling this small world was worth owning, and even music box enthusiasts who weren’t Nohaeil fans wanted to have it.
The problem is the quantity of Nohaeil’s merchandise. It was only released to the 1,050 people who attended the fan meeting. Since Nohaeil’s fans would likely keep it, the amount released on the used market would be at most a couple of dozen.
[Someone on the used market listed the fan meeting special for 890,000 won [approximately $670 USD], and I’m seriously considering it]
└ 900,000 won [approximately $677 USD]??? No, that’s not right
└ Is it even right for a music box to cost as much as a smartphone???
└ Poster: I’ve bought dozens of albums to go to fan meetings, so isn’t 1 million won [approximately $750 USD] for merchandise a bargain?
└ This guy’s head is completely broken
└ Surely they didn’t only make a thousand music boxes; they’ll probably sell them in the merchandise shop later
└ I think so too. Just wait a little longer; they’ll probably release more
└ Poster: If Nohaeil had an agency, I wouldn’t even do this. Anyway, I’ve decided to buy it. Bye
└ This guy’s a sucker
└ LOL, he’ll regret it when he sees his credit card statement next month
[Anyone selling a hologram postcard? ㅠㅠ]
└ It was buried by the music box, but the crescent moon turning into a full moon is pretty
└ Isn’t the full moon too bright? It turns night into day in an instant
└ I heard the cafe president suggested this; praise him
Nohaeil’s unconventional merchandise had a big impact, but the fan meeting reviews themselves were also significant.
[Things I remember]
1. The Nohaeil members came out as MCs [Masters of Ceremony, hosts], and they didn’t seem like teachers at all (e.g., what school principal has a perm?), and it was hilarious when they rushed to play their instruments ㅋㅋㅋ [Korean slang for laughter, similar to ‘lol’]
2. Fans who couldn’t forget Nohaeil laughing at the festival brought all sorts of cheesy lines and jokes to make him laugh—but that laugh didn’t come out···.
3. Nohaeil’s interactions with female and male fans are also a highlightㅋㅋㅋ He’s very smooth with female fans who are cheesy, but very formal with male fans. Example: I enjoy your music – Thank you
4. Nohaeil Antoinette ;;
MC: What will you do if you fail to get a ticket?
Nohaeil: Just get it for another date <???? : NN. He promised to hold a concert at the Seoul Arena next year ㅎㅎ [Korean slang for laughter] (I've started a savings account for all the concerts; you're all dead~) P.S. Oh yeah ㅋㅋ [Korean slang for laughter] Some idiot brought up the old Halo rumors and ruined the mood From people who left reviews of impressive scenes to stories about the setlist and disappointments (the number of seats and fan meeting time were the biggest complaints), the reviews written from various perspectives were fun to read, but there was one thing they all mentioned in common. Well, the overall system of the fan meeting regarding the concept and theme was one thing, but it was the story about the person who brought up a story that didn't need to be brought up to the boy at the end. [What exactly did he say?] └ He said, 'What do you think about the word Halo?' └ Who is that bastard to speak informally? └ Why bring up a story from so long ago? Nohaeil's fans and those interested were sharp enough to realize that he was one of the reporters lurking in front of the Nohaeil label. [There were already not enough seats at the fan meeting] [Honestly, isn't it a story worth bringing up? Everyone was cautious, but Haeil has probably heard it before, right?] └ Is bringing it up in an official setting different from hearing it? └ I just don't like the fact that a reporter came to the fan meeting And if there were people who were cursing the reporter's existence or the reporter's rudeness, there were also people who were focusing more on Nohaeil's answer. [But am I the only one bothered by Haeil's answer?] └ Why? I thought it was a reasonable thing to say └ Doesn't it mean, 'What were you thinking to say something like that?' [I was honestly a bit bothered too. He could have just said no, but 'What do you think?' is very open to interpretation] └ No, think about it. Someone tells you something ridiculous like, 'Are you the sun?' Wouldn't it be weird if you asked, 'What do you think?' └ It wouldn't be weird, but wouldn't it sound plausible even if the real sun said that? [What was Nohaeil's expression at that time?] └ He was just smiling └ How was he smiling? Tell me in detail └ What else can I say but he was smiling? It was just Nohaeil's usual expression [What did the reporter say?] └ He stammered, what else └ Reporter level lol [laughing out loud]. Look at how he lost his subjectivity after copying and pasting every day Some people tilted their heads, trying to find out in detail Nohaeil's words, expressions, and actions at the time, regretting not being there. [Did everyone know that Haeil participated as a composer for the musical 'Rock'?] └ ??? └ Is it really Nohaeil? └ Official announcement ㄱㄱ [Korean slang indicating a request for official confirmation] December 1st, which seemed like it would pass quietly due to Nohaeil's hiatus. The day after Nohaeil's fan meeting, an article was uploaded. [Blockbuster Musical 'Rock' Number Composer Shin Joo-hyuk, Nohaeil, etc. Employing K-Pop Stars] [Do K-Pop Stars Really Have the Qualifications to Be Musical Composers?] [Musical Scene Buzzing. Which Numbers Did Shin Joo-hyuk and Nohaeil Compose? Pros and Cons of Parachute Appointments] This was clearly an article that would cause a stir in the fan community and change the upcoming musical ticketing. [??? Shin Joo-hyuk Nohaeil? The Nohaeil I know???] └ WTF [What the f**k], it was a highly anticipated work, but suddenly they're burying an idol └ Who's the idol? Shin Joo-hyuk? Nohaeil? Since when were they idols? └ Shin Joo-hyuk is a rocker, so isn't it okay? └ I don't care as long as the song is good └ Look at the name of the Rock music director. Can't you see it? Nepotism sucks └ These days, actors from idol backgrounds are good at acting, so I'm positive. Of course, I don't know about them as composers, but I'll know when I hear the numbers. More than that, Shin Joo-hyuk and Nohaeil have pretty big fandoms, so is this okay;;; The musical community was immediately in an uproar. That's because the creative musical 'Rock' was the work that musical fans were most looking forward to recently. It might have been different in the past, but recently, creative musicals that aren't licensed have been quite successful, and the musical 'Rock' had three elements: a script that received an award, a casting lineup of 'trustworthy' actors, and a famous director, so musical fans couldn't help but look forward to it. Above all, ticketing was in a few days. The staff list, which had been kept secret, was finally released. When the composer lineup was revealed, the public opinion was divided, just like in the article. Some said to speak after seeing it, while others said they were greedy for marketing regarding a work that was already well-marketed. Some thought it was reasonable to call a rock band vocalist since the genre was 'Rock,' while others thought they were just trying to get fandom support by including their names. Of course, it wasn't an actor but just a composer, so fandom support might not have worked that much. However, judging from the current Nohaeil fandom reaction, it didn't seem like that would be the case. In a way, it's a matter of timing. In the meantime, fans were angry due to Nohaeil's 'no communication' policy, ticket wars, and merchandise, and their interest and desire have been trending upward until now. If Nohaeil had appeared on TV more often, done more events, and not prepared the merchandise so diligently, they might have listened to the numbers uploaded to the music platform with a relaxed mind. [···How long do I have to suffer?] Currently, Lee, who lives as a Jaws [referring to someone deeply invested in ticketing] during the day and a musical fan at night, can't help but lament. The musical ticketing date was approaching. # "Everyone worked hard at the fan meeting!" "Fan meetings aren't easy either." "Please just let me do the session next time." I don't know how the atmosphere can be so different under the same sky, but unlike the fans who were bursting with frustration, the atmosphere within the label was friendly. The satisfaction was doubled because it was a fan meeting that everyone suggested and participated in together. Of course, it's uncertain whether they'll hold the same fan meeting next time. There's a lot to prepare, and it's hard. The members all thought the same thing in many ways. "How was the fan meeting, CEO?" Seo Yeon-hee, who enjoyed the fan meeting the most, asked Halo with a bright smile. Like the music box placed by the window, Halo was sitting on the sofa, holding a guitar. "It was fun." Halo thought. Fan meetings in this world were more focused on conversation and communication than simply meeting him or listening to his music. It felt like holding hands, talking face-to-face, and having a party with fans. "I guess school isn't my thing after all." Han Jin-young chuckled, recalling how the boy was subtly uncomfortable in his school uniform. The fan meeting itself wasn't bad. The reactions and rapport of the fans who liked him. However, if they were going to do this, it would be better to narrow the distance more actively than maintaining a distance as if watching him on television. For example, playing while fishing on a ship or having a campfire on an island. "Oh! I'm in favor." "That would be fun." "···That would be difficult with 83 people, let alone 830." Seo Yeon-hee muttered quietly, watching Nam Gyu-hwan, who unconditionally agreed with Halo's opinion, and Han Jin-young, who agreed with him. That's not a fan meeting; it's impossible even on the scale of a fan signing event. If they did, the fans might really go crazy. "More than that, the merchandise is getting a good response. It's what I expected, though." Seo Yeon-hee quickly changed the subject. "What kind of merchandise do you want to do next?" From handwritten letters to music boxes and hologram postcards, the limited edition and high quality naturally led to a good response from fans. Some fans wanted to get the merchandise, but they also talked about what kind of merchandise would come out next. Seo Yeon-hee was also curious. She couldn't imagine anything as ingenious as a music box. However, she soon realized why she couldn't imagine it when she heard the words that followed. Her boss had a scale that ordinary people couldn't reach. "I'm thinking about wristwatches." "W-Wait, watches?!" Not a desk clock or a wall clock, but a wristwatch? Judging from the quality of the music box, she thought the quality of the wristwatch the boy wanted wouldn't be ordinary either. Seo Yeon-hee imagined the boy going bankrupt from being addicted to merchandise, and then she realized his identity again. At least he wouldn't go bankrupt from making merchandise. Unless the fans were crying out for a limited edition that would never be released. Seo Yeon-hee encouraged the fans who would be tormented forever. Halo was talking with the members and playing the 11th album when he saw an email that came to him. Monday is the day to check the offers that come to him. As he scrolled down, he found a familiar name. He would have skipped it if it was just a variety show, but he clicked on [Spring Again], HALO's 2nd album name. And he soon realized that 'Spring again' was the name of a variety show based on HALO's 2nd album title, just like the title he hadn't read properly. -Music is the language of the gods. : Can our music be understood even in foreign countries where language is not understood? -We aim to depict the process of outstanding Korean singers spreading our songs widely by performing busking [street performing] performances on overseas streets. – Let's spread our wings and fly freely! Our special journey of communicating and empathizing through music begins! Halo, who quickly read the kind introduction, paused at the word 'travel'. Unfortunately, he plans to send a reply in the format that it will be difficult to accept the offer due to schedule, but not right now. He remembered what he had to do right now. The next step after successfully finishing the fan meeting. The plan to see the HALO album and the musical premiere remained, but there was something just as important. "I have something to say." The members focus on his words. He said at the fan meeting that he would go on a European trip, but he had never properly notified the members about this. "As I said at the fan meeting, I'm planning to go on a trip this winter. I don't have any exact plans yet." The departure date will be right after seeing the musical premiere, so it will be from the end of December to the beginning of January. "However, I haven't decided on the return date." Rather than setting a tight schedule, he's thinking of traveling as much as he wants. "Except for having to record HALO's 13th album, there are no schedules planned, so I'm going to give you guys a vacation." He's thinking of giving the members an indefinite vacation until he returns. After all, they've been so focused on his work activities that they haven't been able to rest properly, and - as Seo Yeon-hee did - other members would also have a desire for their own music. -Only your music is important, right? Like the keyboardist who was his session in the past shouted. – When did I? – Have you ever properly listened to the music we made? You always laughed at it, saying it was trash. – I said it was bad because it was bad. Are you telling me to sing your trashy practice pieces? – You're the only one who thinks that! People's reactions might be different! – I guess I didn't realize that you wanted me to be honest. – I never thought that all music except your music looks like trash to you. – Did I? – Don't talk about your trashy song as if it's representative of all music. He forgot all the feedback he gave and was talking nonsense, so when he snapped at him, he ran out like that. He doesn't regret fighting with him until now. He still thought he was right. However, he also realized that the session also had a strong desire for his own music like him. Halo wanted to help the members if they had anything they wanted to do. Whether they rest or work, he wanted them to do what they couldn't normally do during the vacation. "What are we going to do then?" "Anything." "So, you mean we can take a plane or a boat and do whatever we want?" "That's right." "Can we follow you?" "That's good too?" Halo didn't expect the members to accompany him. It's not that he doesn't want it. Traveling is more fun when there are people to be with. However, as always, he's notifying them less than a month in advance, so they may have their own schedules, and above all, Halo wanted them to rest as much as he wanted to travel with them. But the reaction is, what should I say. It was a face that seemed to have a lot to say. Halo asked just in case. "Do you want to go on a trip together?" The members shouted as if they had been waiting. "Were you planning to leave us behind?" "Oh sun···." "I'm a little disappointed, Haeil." He didn't know that the answer would come back so quickly. When Halo didn't say, 'Let's go together,' they looked at each other and complained one by one. "You said you'd look at my composition!" Seo Yeon-hee, who had never composed from morning to dawn during the trip, made a reason to accompany him. "What else would I do in Korea but talk nonsense with Bae Gong-hak and Kim Deok-soo?" Han Jin-young said something that Bae Gong-hak and Kim Deok-soo would be upset to hear, and finally, Nam Gyu-hwan added seriously. "Humans cannot live without the sun."