A New Career Singer Who Can Read The Future [EN]: Chapter 129

In the case of the Grammys, each music label submits recordings for their artists to be considered for nomination. Approximately 150 experts then categorize these submissions by genre.

Following this, genre-specific experts conduct a preliminary voting round to select the nominees. After further screening, the final nominees are announced in early December.

While this method has drawn some criticism for being subjective or overly focused on American artists, the Grammys are still considered a historic and prestigious American awards ceremony.

After researching the process, Do-hyun was stunned.

His music streaming numbers had indeed gained unexpected traction in the United States, but to the point where recordings were being submitted to the Grammys…?

“Hyung, you’re not messing with me, are you? No, more than that, I probably don’t even stand a chance of winning…”

“Just being nominated is a huge deal. You know how much a Grammy nomination means in our country. We’ve had achievements in movies and dramas, but very few in music have made such an impact. You’re about to be one of them, Do-hyun. Wow…”

“Hyung, I appreciate it, but… do I even deserve to be nominated? I know the company is pushing for it… but honestly, I’m not so sure.”

“In that case, you should consult the tarot cards! Your readings are always spot-on.”

“…Ah!”

The word ‘Grammy’ had left Do-hyun momentarily speechless.

At Kang-ho’s suggestion, Do-hyun retrieved his tarot deck.

Do-hyun’s parents watched him prepare for the reading, a first for them.

“Son, what are you doing?”

“I’m going to predict the near future using tarot cards. My readings have never been wrong.”

“…Tsk. Your grandfather performed a *sin-nulleum-gut* [a traditional Korean ritual to suppress bad fortune] for you… and now you’re using tarot cards to predict the future, undermining his efforts?”

Do-hyun’s dad reacted negatively.

Do-hyun’s mom added with a worried tone, “Do-hyun, shouldn’t you avoid things like that if possible? Huh? I’m worried you might undo what your grandfather did with the *sin-nulleum-gut*, honey.”

Suddenly, Grandpa Kim Chun-rye’s words echoed in his mind.

Although the Grammys were a monumental matter, not to be taken lightly, he decided to proceed with the reading.

“I’m not using this reading for anything major. I know very well that Grandpa performed a *sin-nulleum-gut* for me… and I have no intention of counteracting what he suppressed.”

Do-hyun answered firmly.

Do-hyun’s parents were about to protest further, but they stopped as Do-hyun shuffled the cards with a serious expression.

‘Let’s see. Which card stands out…’

Do-hyun closed his eyes and selected a card that felt right.

[Ace of Wands]

“Oh! Do-hyun! I’ve been glancing over, and even I can tell this looks really good?”

“That’s right. It’s a card that signifies good fortune. Especially since the wand represents work, it means good fortune in your career… so I think I have a good chance of making the final nomination list. It feels a little strange to say it myself.”

Do-hyun’s mom spoke up, “Then, if our son gets nominated, does that mean he’ll be going to America?”

“Probably?”

“Wow… our son is amazing. Just being nominated is a huge accomplishment! And you already won the grand prize at the domestic awards ceremony.”

“Mom, there are still about 3 months until the final nominees are announced. Let’s not count our chickens before they hatch… [Let’s not be too hasty in celebrating]”

Do-hyun’s mom smiled brightly and replied, “No, your tarot readings have never been wrong. Even with Grandpa’s *sin-nulleum-gut*, the tarot readings have always been accurate, which means… you’re just that good, right? So, your tarot is right.”

“That’s right, that’s right, Do-hyun,” Kang-ho chimed in.

Do-hyun felt overwhelmed and dizzy.

“So, which categories did they submit for?”

“I think they submitted for a variety of things, starting with the music video… but I guess we’ll have to see how it’s categorized? I’m not an expert, either.”

“I guess so. Ugh… I’m so surprised, I can’t eat any more, Hyung.”

“But you should eat a lot. I know you went to Lollapalooza and you have a concert schedule every month, so you’re managing yourself strictly. You’ve lost too much weight.”

“This is all muscle, Hyung.”

“Our son. And Kang-ho. Eat a lot. There’s plenty of Korean beef. Actually, it’s not us who should be eating Korean beef and red ginseng, it’s our son who should be eating well…”

Do-hyun waved his hand, dismissing his mom’s worried expression.

“I’m really okay. My recent health checkup came back with excellent results. It even said I was younger than my actual age. Everyone, don’t worry. I’m taking good care of my health!”

Do-hyun felt burdened by their concern and emphasized his point again.

“Anyway, I’m going to stop eating here today. I think I’ll get indigestion if I eat any more.”

“Eat a few more pieces of meat, son.”

Mom placed more meat on Do-hyun’s plate. Do-hyun drew a line, indicating he would only eat that much.

‘Ace of Wands, huh. The key is whether I can be a finalist. Still, being nominated is already a huge achievement… Isn’t it the first record as a solo singer, when only one or two groups in Korea have been nominated!’

Thinking that far ahead, Do-hyun put down his chopsticks, feeling a knot of tension in his stomach.

“I’ll only eat this much.”

The parents didn’t press him to eat more. However, they reminded him to eat well in the future for his health.

“Our beloved son, you have to be in good shape to travel overseas, so take good care of yourself. Got it? It’s okay to come to Mom and Dad’s house sometimes… but video call us more often!”

Mom emphasized video calls, as if she had been hurt by her son’s infrequent contact.

Do-hyun understood the underlying sentiment and resolved to do better.

“I will. From now on. So, don’t worry too much. Got it?”

“We always believe in our son!”

* * *

Time passed, and winter arrived.

Do-hyun had been performing every month without fail.

Some months, he even performed twice a month.

His goal was to reach 100 performances.

Do-hyun was proud of himself for having completed 20 performances so far.

The demand to see his performances had increased, so the venue was upgraded from a live hall to the Olympic Hall at Olympic Park.

In addition, Do-hyun received numerous advertising offers.

His image was particularly appealing after filming a financial advertisement that emphasized ‘loyalty’ and focused on long-term customer relationships.

In particular, when news broke in November that Do-hyun had secretly submitted his music for Grammy consideration, it became a major topic not only for his fandom, Honey, but also worldwide.

Sam Malark’s past comment, “Like a clumsy Oasis,” was also revisited.

As a result, Sam Malark posted a message on his social media stating, “I am not a racist, and I respect him,” but it only fueled Do-hyun’s fandom’s anger.

In Hollywood, Sam Malark’s past remarks were met with reactions such as “foolish remarks,” “racist remarks against Asians,” and “arrogant remarks by Sam Malark, who is falling behind in musicality.”

Consequently, Sam Malark suffered the humiliation of being replaced as a radio DJ on the program he was hosting.

“Ah. The Grammy announcement is so late.”

Kang-ho said, barely keeping himself awake, while watching YouTube on TV.

“Hyung, you know it can’t be helped because of the time difference.”

“Still… we were invited to the United States, but it’s a bit much to have to watch the nomination announcements on TV, right?”

Do-hyun had formally received an invitation from the Grammy organizers to perform.

Of course, Do-hyun’s team had confirmed that he would perform.

“It’s good enough to walk the red carpet and perform. This time, I’m working with ADION, but next year, I might be invited as a solo…”

That’s right.

They had requested a collaboration stage with ADION.

It wasn’t a request for Do-hyun to perform his own song completely.

It was a somewhat disappointing aspect, but there would be more opportunities in the future. It was like opening the floodgates for a full-scale entry into the United States. If he performed well here.

“Oh! It’s starting now!”

After a long commercial break, the Grammy nominees began to be revealed one by one.

Do-hyun felt cold sweat on his palms.

Kang-ho was equally nervous.

Kang-ho grabbed Do-hyun’s hand and made a fuss.

“Shouldn’t we be watching this with some alcohol? I’m too nervous to watch it sober.”

“Hyung, the youngest [his girlfriend] told you to quit drinking, right?”

“Ah… that’s true. But still, Do-hyun. Should I go buy some beer quickly?”

At Kang-ho’s suggestion, Do-hyun shook his head firmly.

“No. I’m not going to drink. I don’t want to get scolded by the youngest later.”

Kang-ho, who was in a relationship with the youngest stylist, had promised to quit drinking.

Do-hyun, having witnessed this, didn’t want to tempt him.

Maybe if he were alone.

He refused to be swayed by the atmosphere and drink together.

“Oh! Do-hyun! It’s out, you’re nominated!”

Do-hyun was also watching the TV screen, but Kang-ho was making a scene.

The categories Do-hyun was nominated for were Best New Artist and Best Pop Solo Performance.

“Wow! You’ve been nominated in two categories! See! I told you I saw good fortune in the tarot reading! It turned out exactly as it was! That wand or whatever, that good fortune follows! It turned out exactly as it was!”

Do-hyun had goosebumps all over and couldn’t speak.

‘I’ve been nominated? In two categories at the Grammy Awards? Is this even possible? A Korean solo artist?’

Do-hyun stared at the TV screen in a daze.

“Now that we’re here, let’s go get an award while we’re performing! Do-hyun!”

Kang-ho put his arm around Do-hyun’s shoulders and shook him excitedly.

Do-hyun was shaken and lost in thought.

Beep, beep.

Do-hyun’s cell phone began to ring incessantly.

Starting with Icarus’s Hyun-ho, Seok-won, and other colleagues who had worked with him, congratulatory messages poured in.

[Hyung, congratulations!]

[Hyung, that’s awesome! Nomination, congrats!]

[Hyung! Please get an award! Please be an example!]