A New Career Singer Who Can Read The Future [EN]: Chapter 100

Dohyun and Numbers 16 and 45’s performance was met with a standing ovation.

Numbers 16 and 45, overwhelmed by their first standing ovation, wept backstage, prompting the staff to capture their emotional reactions in close-up interviews.

Inevitably, the spotlight shifted to Dohyun, the architect of their success.

“Dohyun, Mentor, what are your thoughts on this performance? Please share your honest opinion.”

“First, I want to express my gratitude to Numbers 16 and 45 for their trust and willingness to follow my guidance.”

“And?”

“I’m also incredibly grateful for the standing ovation. It was a surprise, even to me. Seeing Numbers 16 and 45 crying backstage, I was so touched I almost shed a tear myself.”

“Yes, I can imagine. You must feel immensely proud as their mentor.”

“Absolutely! I remember how much I trembled on stage during the previous season [of ‘Find Your First Song’]. To experience this as a mentor is a completely different feeling. I’m truly grateful, and I thank my mentees for their faith in me. Is that sufficient?”

“Yes! Thank you!”

Dohyun concluded the interview and escorted Numbers 16 and 45 back to the waiting room.

“So, how was it? What does it feel like to perform on a stage that earns a standing ovation? I’m eager to hear your thoughts.”

Number 16 responded, her eyes still red and her voice thick with emotion.

“I’ve never… I’ve never performed on a stage like that before. It made me realize, ‘This is what a real stage feels like.’”

“Right? Once you’re hooked on the stage, there’s no turning back.”

Number 45 confessed, her eyes equally red, “I realized through this opportunity just how incredible the sound of people cheering can be.”

“You both worked incredibly hard. I believe you’ll achieve great results, having delivered such a fantastic performance.”

Dohyun patted them both on the back in encouragement.

* * *

Number 16 secured first place in the voting results.

Number 45 landed in an ambiguous fourth place, but Dohyun felt no disappointment.

He believed they had both showcased their full potential.

After the broadcast, Dohyun made sure to give them his personal contact information.

He encouraged them to reach out anytime they faced difficulties as singers or entertainers.

With the program recording complete, Dohyun returned to his studio.

The album was nearing completion.

All that remained were the album photoshoot and the music video.

Hue Entertainment was eager to release the album while Dohyun was still enjoying heightened attention as a judge on ‘Find Your First Song’ Season 2.

This urgency explained the tight schedule.

“Dohyun, are you holding up okay?” PD [Production Director] Lee asked, noticing Dohyun’s wide yawn.

Dohyun had come directly to the studio after the broadcast, so he was understandably tired, but he shook his head, assuring PD Lee he was fine.

“Maintaining your condition is also a virtue for an artist. Don’t hesitate to admit when you’re tired.”

At PD Lee’s encouragement, Dohyun admitted he could use a little rest.

“Then let’s just listen to one mixed version today. There are several versions, so you might find one you particularly like.”

“Yes! I understand.”

PD Lee Junhyuk played five mixed versions and asked Dohyun to choose his favorite.

Dohyun favored numbers 3 and 5.

While his first full-length album represented him as a solo artist, his second full-length album carried a different significance.

Dohyun felt it was time to showcase the aura of a Korean Music Awards Grand Prize winner.

His goal was to achieve both popularity and artistic merit.

At the same time, he wanted to maintain a connection with his previous album.

It was a challenging task.

Dohyun approached the project with the idea that, regardless of the order in which his albums were listened to in the future, they should all feel interconnected.

“I like the third and the last ones the most.”

“I agree. Let’s aim for a mix that falls somewhere between numbers 3 and 5.”

“Yes!”

“Go and get some rest. You have dark circles under your eyes.”

“Thank you.”

* * *

Hello, this is Hue Entertainment.

We are pleased to announce the cities for singer Na Dohyun’s second solo concert national tour.

The national tour will include stops in Seoul, Incheon, Daejeon, Daegu, Gwangju, Busan, and other locations.

The detailed schedule will be announced following the album release.

In addition, at Na Dohyun’s special request, a free fan signing event will be held. The schedule for this will also be released later.

* * *

└Did you see Hue Entertainment’s announcement? A free fan signing event in this day and age? Usually, you have to buy albums to attend, which boosts sales.

└If it’s free, will it be a lottery or first-come, first-served?

└Definitely a lottery. First-come, first-served would have people camping out a week in advance.

└Please let it be a lottery! I just want to see Dohyun in person once ㅠㅠㅠㅠ Seeing our Hyuni [affectionate nickname] in person is my life’s dream ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ

└Dohyun, I miss you ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ

└Why is everyone only focused on the fan signing event? He’s planning a national tour like his last US tour! Aren’t you excited?

└I’m a Honey [fandom name] living in the provinces, and I’m so excited ㅠ I’m going crazy, this is amazing!

└I was crying at the phrase “at Na Dohyun’s special request” ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ then I realized he’s coming to our city ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ He’s really doing a national tour, it’s what the fans have always wanted!

└Our baby ㅜㅜ thinking of his fans even in his busy schedule ㅜㅜ so proud.

└Our baby ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ March 9th is Dohyun’s birthday, and it’s a Saturday. It would be amazing if we could celebrate it at a concert…

* * *

Dohyun was meticulously maintaining his condition by taking various nutritional supplements and exercising to build stamina.

With only a few weeks left of ‘Find Your First Song’ Season 2 and the upcoming national tour, he needed to be in peak physical condition.

Kangho was amazed to see Dohyun waking up at 6 AM every morning for an hour-long run.

“Wow, seriously, Dohyun. I’ve never seen anyone so dedicated to self-care among the celebrities I’ve worked with. Aren’t you exhausted?”

“Actually, I feel less tired because I exercise and take care of myself, hyung [older brother/male friend]. Want to join me for a run every day?”

“No, you’re good. I’m happy with my body as it is.”

Kangho said, patting his protruding belly.

“Building stamina is crucial. Right. ‘Find Your First Song’ is ending soon, and the album release is next week.”

“There are a lot of broadcast schedules, so it’s understandable, but……”

“I just have to manage. I don’t think I can handle any more than this.”

“You’re doing plenty. If you told me to take care of myself like you, I’d run away screaming. Anyway, you have the album concept photoshoot today. Wash up and get ready, quickly.”

Dohyun quickly washed up and came out.

The album concept photoshoot was located in Gangwon Province.

They had to leave early due to the two- or three-hour drive.

“Hyung, what kind of perfume should I wear?”

“Whatever you’re in the mood for?”

“Hmm, I guess so. I’ll just spray this one and go.”

Dohyun grabbed a perfume that caught his eye and headed downstairs to the car.

Once in the car, Dohyun reviewed the concept on his tablet, considering the poses and atmosphere he wanted to create.

‘If the last album was Na Dohyun as a solo artist, this one adds a touch of decadent charm. The makeup is darker, too. I need to emphasize that charm… Hmm, I should approach it like this!’

“……Hehe.”

Kangho glanced at him in the rearview mirror.

“What are you looking at that’s making you laugh to yourself like that?”

“Ah, it’s nothing… I was just brainstorming the concept.”

“You think you can pull off this decadent concept?”

“My cheeks are a bit sunken from losing weight, so isn’t it perfect? My appearance already exudes decadence. I think it’s definitely possible.”

“……Oh. Good to see you so confident.”

“An artist has to be confident.”

“Anyway, get some rest. You must be tired. Close your eyes for a bit. I’ll wake you up when we arrive.”

“Yes, hyung.”

* * *

As soon as they arrived, Dohyun completed his makeup and styling and practiced poses in front of the mirror.

It was while Dohyun was deeply focused on his practice that Kangho spoke.

“Hey, Dohyun… I’m sorry to bother you, but could I ask you for a favor?”

Kangho’s expression was awkward.

“What’s wrong?”

“Well, it’s just that…….”

Kangho explained that a third-generation chaebol [conglomerate heir] woman was a fan of Dohyun and had discovered the shooting location and followed them. She also happened to be friends with the CEO of Hue Entertainment, who had contacted Kangho, relaying her desperate plea to meet Dohyun on set and requesting that he facilitate the meeting.

“Hmm… I don’t really feel like it.”

Dohyun’s brow furrowed slightly.

Seeing his reaction, Kangho repeatedly apologized but asked if Dohyun would at least agree to take a picture with her.

“Hyung, you know how I feel about attention-seekers. I can’t understand why she would come all the way here and act like that, knowing my personality. Just send her back. Tell her I said I don’t want to.”

“O-okay… I’ll go and tell her.”

Dohyun had often heard that chaebols have extensive networks and enjoy flaunting their connections with celebrities.

He was aware of cases where such interactions had gone wrong, damaging or ending celebrity careers.

Dohyun felt fortunate that he hadn’t encountered such attention-seekers until now, but it seemed Hue Entertainment didn’t share his concerns.

‘I should seriously consider my contract with Hue Entertainment when it’s up for renewal.’

“Hey…… Dohyun.”

“Oh my! Na Dohyun!”

As soon as Dohyun turned around, a woman rushed towards him and embraced him.

The staff on set were shocked.

They hadn’t anticipated such a brazen intrusion.

Confused, Dohyun quickly pushed the woman away.

“What do you think you’re doing?”

Dohyun asked, his voice low and menacing.

“Wow, is he getting angry at me? Seeing this side of you is so sexy. Oh my, is that my lipstick on your neck? What should I do?”

The woman acted provocatively.

Dohyun’s gaze shifted from the woman to Kangho.

It was clear the woman was acting out of line. Kangho’s face was a mask of embarrassment.

“Who authorized you to enter?”

“Is there anywhere I can’t go? I came because I wanted to see Na Dohyun. Is that not allowed? Is there anything I can’t do in Korea?”

It was unbelievable.

Dohyun was about to give her a firm answer.

“Let me tell you what you can’t do in Korea. You can’t be on this set. I assume you gained access through your friendship with the CEO. I’ll say this once. Whether you’re a fan or whatever, please leave. Oh, and… Kangho hyung.”

Dohyun’s gaze landed on Kangho.

“If this is how it’s going to be, please inform the CEO that I can’t continue working with him. I can’t work under these conditions.”