A New Career Singer Who Can Read The Future [EN]: Chapter 10

[Exclusive] Famous Singer Booked on Charges of Habitual Marijuana Use

A famous singer, identified only as ‘A,’ has been booked on charges of habitual marijuana use.

According to police reports released on the 17th, A is accused of smoking marijuana approximately 165 times.

(Omitted)

[Comments]

Hey, I know who that is. It’s GNH.

┗Who’s that?

┗If you don’t know, just Google it.

┗Huh? If we’re going by initials, isn’t that a really famous singer? Famous for ditching his group [referring to a member leaving a group, often unexpectedly].

┗He was already a bit of a troublemaker, but this is a whole new level… My former idol…

┗No, please tell me it’s not true… My entire timeline is in chaos right now…

┗I can’t believe I used to stan [support/be a fan of] someone who would end up on the social issues page ㅠㅠ [Korean emoticon for crying].

┗I’m literally crying real tears… Why live like that… My brain knows I need to unstan, but it’s driving me crazy.

┗Unstanning is the smart move.

* * *

Do Hyun woke up feeling refreshed for the first time in a while. Since he didn’t have to be at practice until later, he stayed in bed and checked his phone.

“Do Hyun, are you awake?”

It was a message from Cha Hyun-ho, a former member from his debut days as a ‘beastly idol’ [a K-pop idol known for their muscular physique and powerful performances].

Do Hyun, who rarely heard from Hyun-ho, wondered why he was contacting him so early and decided to call him.

“Hey, Hyun-ho. What’s up? Asking if I’m awake this early? Sounds like a jilted lover.”

“Dude, this is huge.”

“What’s huge?”

“Kim Nam-hyun, you know him? He’s been booked on charges of smoking marijuana 165 times! Right now, only an initial article has been released, but the comments are blowing up with his name. The agency isn’t answering calls.”

“Huh? Him? He seemed perfectly fine yesterday when he was a judge on my audition program?”

“Apparently, the police were investigating drug dealers and checked all the transaction records, which led to him. I knew he was trash when he pulled that ‘pigeon’ act, but 165 times is insane. That’s like, more than once every other day. He made money by ditching the group and became a drug addict.”

“Wait a minute, if that’s the case…”

Do Hyun quickly started calculating in his head.

If drug charges are confirmed, there are restrictions on appearing on broadcasts.

If that happens, the segment that Kim Nam-hyun judged yesterday will be completely cut.

“Hey, if that happens, will my footage be cut since I was judged by him?”

“Uh, um. Probably?”

“Ah, seriously.”

*Is it true you can’t escape ‘obscurity’ if your name literally means ‘obscurity?’*

No. After thinking it over, he realized it might actually be beneficial.

The production team wouldn’t edit out Do Hyun, who was challenging his fourth debut. Besides, the news of his exclusive contract with HU Entertainment had also been released.

HU Entertainment was also promoting him as a hidden card, so they would want to prevent a complete edit. In that case, the conflict between Do Hyun and Kim Nam-hyun would likely be cut, and only Do Hyun’s singing would remain.

Once he finished calculating, Do Hyun felt better again.

“Ah, never mind.”

“What do you mean ‘never mind’? You don’t think Kim Nam-hyun is a drug addict?”

“No. I think this has actually become more advantageous for me.”

“Why? Did Kim Nam-hyun embarrass you on the audition stage? That bastard? What gives him the right to do that?”

“I was wide awake when he was being mean. That scene would have been perfect for an ‘evil edit’ [editing footage to make someone look bad], but thankfully, only the part where I sing will be shown briefly.”

“That bastard’s mindset is something else. Anyway, I felt so relieved this morning when I saw the news about him. Trash always fails eventually. He ditched the group and ruined it, tsk.”

“Don’t try too hard to hate him. Look, he failed in the end. He’ll probably make a comeback later, saying he’ll repay the fans with songs because he’ll regret it. Will he even have any fans left then?”

“I guess you’re right. Hey, I’m getting a call. It must be about Kim Nam-hyun. I’m hanging up.”

The first thought that came to Do Hyun’s mind as soon as he hung up was the [DEATH] card he had drawn yesterday.

It had acted as a negative energy for Kim Nam-hyun, but not for Do Hyun. Scenes that could have made him a victim of evil editing were being cut.

“The difference between death and life is really a hair’s breadth. Someone was so arrogant and ended up like that, and someone else had their worries resolved so refreshingly.”

He felt relieved, but Do Hyun had another thought.

Whenever he draws cards for people who are negatively involved with him, negative events occur.

Like clockwork.

*Is his luck improving because he’s reading tarot cards?*

Do Hyun had that thought.

It was as if the tarot cards were whispering to him to believe in himself.

It even felt like the luck was working by pinpointing the target of the reading.

From Yoon Hyun-seung to Kim Nam-hyun.

Both of them were people who picked a fight with Do Hyun first. Both had negative cards, and both faced rapid changes.

The tarot cards were right again.

It’s hard for coincidences to happen so easily.

*I’m really lucky. It’s hard to believe even if it’s a coincidence.*

On the other hand, he wondered if that’s why there was a three-day penalty.

In case it would become a leak of divine secrets if things went too smoothly.

He wondered if there was fairness in the three opportunities and the three-day penalty.

*It’s better to draw cards carefully. Even if I have resentment, I should be as careful as possible. I should use it for myself as much as possible, not for those who are holding me back.*

Do Hyun resolved to do so.

If his luck changes because of the tarot cards, he should be careful.

* * *

HU Entertainment’s Lee Jun-hyuk PD [Production Director] and the public relations team were sitting in the conference room, having a serious meeting.

Lee PD’s face, who had been working until dawn and had only gotten a short nap, was etched with fatigue.

“So, you’re saying that Na Do-hyun was judged by Kim Nam-hyun, and that segment is scheduled to be mostly edited out?”

The public relations team waved their hands dismissively at Lee PD’s words.

“Of course not. Who do you think we are? We’re the HU Entertainment public relations team for a reason. I called the PD in charge earlier to confirm, and they’re planning to focus mainly on Do Hyun’s singing. However, they’re planning to use the title ‘Na Do-hyun, challenging his fourth debut.'”

Lee Jun-hyuk PD nodded at the public relations team leader’s explanation. It would be troublesome if it was completely edited out since he had taken the time to direct it.

“That’s a relief. By the way, are there any calls coming into the company? If reporters know about the Na Do-hyun/Kim Nam-hyun connection, they’ll be calling.”

“We’re getting so many phone inquiries that everyone has either turned off their phones or put them on silent.”

“I see. It’s a relief that it won’t be completely edited out. I’m looking forward to seeing how our hidden card performs on the audition program.”

The public relations team leader smiled brightly at Lee Jun-hyuk PD’s words.

“Even today, there are a lot of heartwarming stories about Na Do-hyun being posted online. ‘Best fan service,’ ‘Knows how precious fans are,’ ‘Cool to see him working hard,’ and people who had bad feelings about Kim Nam-hyun are mentioning Na Do-hyun’s loyalty regarding his past agency transfer.”

“That’s a relief. Only heartwarming stories are being heard. Is that what they call ‘digging up only good deeds’? We should push that angle.”

“We’ve already taken care of the viral marketing. He’s our only hidden card, so we can’t afford to use him as a disposable one. Don’t you think?”

The public relations team leader’s words were sharp and to the point. They were commodifying Do Hyun, but there was nothing wrong with what they said. Crafting a celebrity’s image, especially a positive one, was notoriously difficult.

The fan service that Do Hyun had provided was generating a lot of positive buzz. Do Hyun couldn’t have imagined the extent of it.

“Well, please take good care of Na Do-hyun. I’m going to go prepare because it’s almost time for him to arrive.”

“Yes, PD-nim. Let’s cultivate our hidden card diligently. Fighting!” [A Korean expression of encouragement, like “Go for it!”]

* * *

1 PM.

Do Hyun arrived in front of HU Entertainment right on time.

As Do Hyun was about to enter, someone shouted his name.

“Na Do-hyun! I love you!”

Laughter rippled around him, and Do Hyun turned around.

It was a face he had never seen before.

He knew most of the faces of his small fandom, but a new fan had come to visit.

“Thank you! I love you too!”

Do Hyun made a heart shape above his head.

At that moment, sasaeng fans [overly obsessive fans] waiting in front of the company were busy taking pictures of Do Hyun. Flashes were going off everywhere, and Do Hyun covered his mouth and laughed, feeling embarrassed to receive such attention for the first time in a while.

*I’m having days like this too. I’m not completely unknown anymore.*

Do Hyun was pleased.

“Everyone, don’t stay too long! Make sure to eat! You know I love you, right? Thank you so much!”

“I love you too!”

“Do Hyun, you’re the only one for us!”

“Congratulations on passing the first round!”

Do Hyun was slightly surprised that the fans already knew that he had passed the first round. The information spreads so quickly. He felt the need to be number one again. He didn’t want to disappoint his fans.

“Everyone, I’m going in to practice! Thank you!”

Do Hyun greeted them again and entered the company.

Do Hyun pressed the button for the floor where Lee Jun-hyuk PD was and waited for the door to close.

The moment the door was about to close.

“Wait a minute!”

He heard someone running up in a hurry.

Do Hyun pressed the open button. The door reopened, and the person who ran up was panting and catching their breath, then thanked him.

“Thank you so, so much. I almost got scolded for being late today!”

“It’s okay.”

Do Hyun observed the person. They were wearing a comfortable hoodie and jeans, but their clothes looked expensive. Their proportions suggested they were a celebrity.

But it was a face he had never seen before.

“Oh! You’re Na Do-hyun, senior [a respectful term for someone more experienced]! Hello!”

The person who raised their head called Do Hyun ‘senior.’ Do Hyun thought, *Did HU Entertainment have a male trainee like that?*

“Ah. Hello. May I ask your name?”

“Kim Jae-ho! I’m still a trainee! I’m really glad to see you like this, senior!”

Do Hyun looked at him, worried that it might be a situation like with Yoon Hyun-seung, but Kim Jae-ho spoke.

“Senior, I’m so glad to see you, but can I get your contact information?”

“Ah, yes. Contact information is fine. How old are you?”

“I’m 23 years old. I’m the leader of the group that will debut soon! Please take care of me, senior!”

“Ah… the one Yoon Hyun-seung belonged to…”

At Do Hyun’s words, Jae-ho nodded with a bitter expression.

“That’s right… Senior, about that contact information…”

“Give me your phone. I’m the one who’s grateful.”

Do Hyun entered Jae-ho’s contact information into his phone. Jae-ho called and left his number for Do Hyun as well.

“Senior, I became a fan during your ‘Empty House’ activities. It’s true!”

Just as Jae-ho was about to say more, filled with excitement.

The elevator door opened, and it was time for Do Hyun to get off.

“I have to get off. Let’s have a long talk next time.”

“Yes! Senior! Have a safe trip!”

A cheerful voice. He seemed to know why he was the leader of the debut group.

*I used to be like that.* Do Hyun recalled and smiled contentedly as he stood in front of Lee Jun-hyuk PD’s studio.

Ding-dong.

He rang the bell, and the door opened.

Do Hyun took a deep breath and went inside.

“Hello, PD-nim.”

“You’re a little late today.”

“Ah, that is…”

“Excuses are not important. If the appointment is at 1 PM, you should be here at least 10 minutes before.”

“I’m sorry!”

“It’s okay. Apologies are not necessary. What are you going to sing in the second preliminary round?”

“I’ve chosen Marilyn Paige’s ‘When I Fall in Love.'”

“Hmm.”

Lee Jun-hyuk PD made a face as if he wasn’t satisfied with the answer. Do Hyun was flustered because he had always seen him with an indifferent expression, so seeing an unsatisfied expression was new.

*Did I choose the wrong song?*

“Na Do-hyun, it will be difficult to handle the high notes in this song. Can you handle it?”

It was the question that came back about a minute later.

Do Hyun answered in a loud voice.

“I can do it well!”

“Then sing it, without accompaniment.”