A New Career Singer Who Can Read The Future [EN]: Chapter 14

Future-Reading Rookie Singer with a History – Episode 14 (14/225)

[Exclusive] Na Do-hyun of HU Entertainment, Will He Succeed in His Fourth Debut… Advances to Finals

Singer Na Do-hyun is making waves on an audition program.

According to a broadcast insider on the 25th, Na Do-hyun has successfully advanced to the finals of KBC’s ‘I Want to Be Your First Singer,’ which is scheduled to air in June.

The insider added that despite this being his fourth attempt, Na Do-hyun approached it with the attitude of a beginner. This earned him high praise from the judges.

(Omitted)

Meanwhile, Na Do-hyun recently signed an exclusive contract with HU Entertainment, sparking interest in whether he will rise as a trending singer.

[Comments]

┗ Seriously, is it because he’s with HU Entertainment? They’re making news out of everything.

┗ I didn’t want to get spoiled, damn it.

┗ This reporter always spoils things. According to what I’ve heard, they’re a reporter who always spoils dramas and the music industry, so people are wary of them.

┗ I think people would be wary of them even if you didn’t hear that.

┗ HU Entertainment’s media play is over the top.

* * *

First day at the dorm.

Everyone was given matching tracksuits. Pink tops and bottoms. It was also Do-hyun’s favorite color.

Putting on the tracksuit made it feel real that he was participating in an audition program.

“Those who have changed into their outfits, please gather in the auditorium following the staff’s guidance.”

The announcement played, and those new to audition programs were nervous.

Being told to gather meant the first mission was about to be given.

Hyo-seop, who shared a room with Do-hyun, was trembling and pacing around the room.

“Ah, hyung-nim [older brother/term of respect]. What should I do? What do you think the first mission will be? Hyung-nim, do you have any idea?”

Do-hyun shook his head at Hyo-seop’s question. He had no idea.

Usually, they start with team missions and then move on to individual missions, but there was no knowing how this program’s production team would direct it.

“Hmm… If we follow the usual audition program procedures, it seems like a team mission will come up.”

“Team mission? Then do I have to stand out in the team?”

Listening to Hyo-seop, it was clear he had no interest in audition programs and was only focused on the determination to re-debut.

“No. Harmony is the priority, and then individual skills. And…”

Hyo-seop and Do-hyun, along with the other members of the room who had debut experience, were all ears to their conversation. Information was key.

“Team missions are perfect for ‘evil editing.’ They call it ‘악편’ [akpyeon – malicious editing]. During team missions, opinions are divided over part distribution, and emotions get hurt, which leads to adjusted screen time. The side with the deeper emotional conflict will likely get more screen time, right?”

“Wow… So, even if it wasn’t up to the third preliminary round, from now on, it’s a screen time war? We even have to coordinate with other participants to show some kind of rivalry.”

Hyo-seop nodded at Do-hyun’s explanation.

He seemed to understand the system to some extent.

“But, hyung-nim. I’m so nervous. Ugh….”

Do-hyun massaged Hyo-seop’s tense shoulders and suggested they go to the auditorium together.

The others had also changed their clothes, so the entire room ended up heading to the auditorium.

The staff were mostly holding cameras, trying to capture as much footage as possible.

Among them, Do-hyun stood out the most.

The titles of HU Entertainment and fourth debut were definitely attractive. It was also good for evil editing.

Of course, as someone challenging a fourth debut, he wouldn’t be easily swayed.

The auditorium was crowded with participants wearing pink tracksuits.

Some participants were already in tears, saying they were nervous even before the mission started.

The staff were busy filming those participants.

‘Everyone is wary of each other, so if the first mission is a team mission, it will be divided into those who get a lot of screen time and those who don’t. First of all… HU Entertainment said they would support me, so I should be able to secure a reasonable amount of screen time.’

Do-hyun hoped he would meet good teammates.

Meeting a teammate like Hyo-seop would make things go smoothly.

Soon, the lights went out and then came back on after a moment.

In the meantime, national MC [Master of Ceremonies] Ha Yeon-ho was standing on the stage.

“Wow… It’s Ha Yeon-ho!”

“Ha Yeon-ho is the MC… This program’s casting is insane….”

“Doesn’t Ha Yeon-ho usually only appear on SBC…?”

Everyone was surprised. Of course, Do-hyun was also surprised. He should have known when Coast was said to be a judge in the finals.

That Ha Yeon-ho, beloved as the national MC, would be the main MC of ‘I Want to Be Your First Singer.’

“Hello, participants. From now on, you will be called by the number on your uniform. For example, if it’s number 22, you will be the 22nd singer. Ah, you might be wondering if it has anything to do with the ranking, but it doesn’t at all. It’s just simple numbering, so you don’t have to worry about it.”

Ha Yeon-ho continued his explanation.

“You were surprised to see me, right? Of course, the fact that I’m here is also confidential. Today, reports were released about one participant’s participation status, but of course, that participant doesn’t know because they submitted their phone. Even when you use your phone once a week, spoilers are strictly prohibited. If you leak spoilers, the production team has the right to remove that participant.”

‘Feels like they’re talking about me.’

Ha Yeon-ho’s gaze briefly turned towards where Do-hyun was standing.

But soon, the gaze was withdrawn. Ha Yeon-ho smiled gently and said something chilling.

‘This program seems to be going pretty hard. The casting is impressive, and it seems a bit tougher than other audition programs.’

That was the thought that crossed Do-hyun’s mind.

Other programs often thrived on noise marketing, even giving some participants spoiler privileges. That, too, was a fact that was never aired on TV and never made public.

But ‘I Want to Be Your First Singer’ was definitely different.

The fact that they were thoroughly managing security meant they were definitely going to do some evil editing.

“Don’t worry, everyone. The first mission is easy. You all know when you watch audition programs, right? It’s a team mission. Hip-hop auditions form teams with rappers to complete a song, and idol auditions form teams to receive existing or new songs.”

‘So far, it’s no different from existing auditions.’

As it went according to his predictions, Do-hyun let out a sigh of relief.

But he had to stay alert in case there was a twist.

“But! Our program’s team mission has a different aspect.”

A participant raised their hand.

“Yes, number 30, you’re wondering what’s different, right?”

“Yes! That’s right!”

“We absolutely cannot sing existing songs. There are already numerous songs that many composers have worked on overnight for you. You will be singing those songs.”

‘Oh, they put in some effort.’

Usually, it depends on the situation, such as production costs. Using existing music is cheaper and easier, so that’s how it’s done, but it seems KBC is determined.

Everyone buzzed. It was the first time they had seen an audition program that was so different from the start.

“Teams will be formed by random draw. Like a lottery. We will draw numbers and divide them into teams of five. So, you know what you need to do first, right?”

‘Assess the vocal skills and strengths and weaknesses of the team members and allocate parts. That’s where the screen time will be divided, and the judges’ scores will be given.’

“Why do we have to do it that way? I don’t know what we need to do first! Please tell us!”

Participant number 30 raised the question again. It could have been a rude question, but Ha Yeon-ho smiled and answered.

“Saying more would be close to a spoiler, so I won’t say it. Now, let’s start the draw.”

The staff brought in something that looked like a lottery machine.

Seeing that it was different in shape from a lottery machine, it seemed like it was newly made.

Do-hyun looked around. To observe the expressions of the other participants.

Even if the other participants were talented, many of them were participating in an audition program for the first time, so they looked very nervous.

‘It would be nice to be in the same group as Hyo-seop… One person is Hyo-seop, and it would be even better if I could avoid participant number 30.’

He wanted to avoid participant number 30, who asked questions as he pleased.

Not only would he not be helpful, but he seemed like he would suffer from evil editing rather than showing his true skills.

“Now, let’s spin it!”

The numbers started spinning around in the drawing machine.

Do-hyun’s number was 23.

While thinking about when his number would be called.

“Now, the first member of the first team! Participant number 23! Please come forward!”

“……!”

‘I’m the first member of the first team?’

All eyes were on Do-hyun.

He could hear people whispering.

“Ah, I wish I could be on the first team. The first team seems like they’ll win. I heard he’s really talented.”

“How can we beat someone who’s challenging a fourth debut… Sigh.”

“If he’s the leader, the remaining teams are screwed.”

Even after hearing the other participants’ words, Do-hyun’s expression didn’t waver.

He just hoped his wishes would come true.

‘Please let Hyo-seop be next!’

As he was thinking that, MC Ha Yeon-ho spoke to him.

“Participant number 23, nice to meet you. We’ve met several times, haven’t we?”

“Yes. That’s right. Nice to meet you!”

“We’ve decided not to reveal names. This is a rule that applies to all participants. Until the TV broadcast, your name is your number. Please hide and conceal your real name or stage name as much as possible.”

“Yes….”

“Yes! I understand!”

“Anyway… Participant number 23. Come this way. We’ll start the next number draw!”

Once again, the numbers began to spin around in the machine.

Do-hyun closed his eyes tightly and thought of the numbers of the people he wanted to be on his team.

And then he heard.

“The second member of the first team is… Participant number 30!”

‘Damn it….’

He trusted the tarot cards, but they betrayed him.

He ended up on the same team as participant number 30, who he absolutely didn’t want to be on the same team with.

Participant number 30 confidently walked out and offered Do-hyun a handshake.

Do-hyun shook his hand, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that something had gone wrong.