A New Career Singer Who Can Read The Future [EN]: Chapter 178

Hello, this is HU Entertainment.

We are releasing our official statement regarding the assault allegations against Na Do-hyun, which have recently been circulating on social media and YouTube.

The rumors are false, and we will be filing defamation lawsuits against those spreading false information in connection with this matter.

We also plan to take strict action against any media outlets that report on these rumors.

Thank you.

* * *

Following the release of the official statement, all articles about Na Do-hyun’s assault allegations were deleted.

The media knew better than anyone that getting entangled with an entertainment company in a lawsuit would be a headache.

Instead, the official statement was reported in its entirety.

If it weren’t for HU Entertainment’s quick response, Do-hyun would have been branded as a violent person.

Of course, even in that situation, cyber bullies did not delete the videos related to the alleged violence. I heard that YouTube respects this as ‘freedom of expression’.

Do-hyun was a little frustrated by this, but he felt better when staff members he had worked with posted anecdotes about their experiences with him on social media.

[Na Do-hyun is really nice, don’t believe the strange rumors]

[Na Do-hyun treats everyone well, whether they’re fans or staff, so what are these ridiculous rumors?]

[Do-hyun is known for never raising his hand even in frustrating situations, and always handling things gently and flexibly]

These posts turned the tide of public opinion.

Social media posts that had branded Do-hyun as an assailant based solely on YouTube videos began to be deleted.

[Honestly, *sasaengs* [obsessive fans who stalk celebrities] aren’t fans]

They’re stalkers. It’s absurd to call them fans.

And this seems like reverse marketing.

After one cyber bully uploaded a video, other cyber bullies uploaded similar videos around the same time.

Not only that, but screenshots were posted simultaneously on online communities with the same title and content.

They were all deleted around the same time the lawsuit notice was posted. It means there’s someone manipulating public opinion from behind.

┗I saw it too. I’m on several communities, and they were all posted at the same time.

┗I think it’s either crazy antis or another agency trying to keep Do-hyun in check.

┗Only good stories have been spreading until now, so it didn’t make sense that assault allegations suddenly came up.

┗I know some *sasaengs*, and even they’re praising Do-hyun on social media.

┗I feel relieved that the agency posted a notice. He would have suffered if they hadn’t, really.

* * *

“So… all of this is because of forces trying to slander Do-hyun? It’s true that reverse marketing was done by part-timers hired by another agency?”

Do-hyun’s assault allegations were discussed at an executive meeting.

As a result of the investigation, circumstances were discovered that another agency was trying to undermine Do-hyun’s recognition.

“…So, that agency is running famous social media and YouTube channels, and they’ve been spreading conspiracy theories to discredit Na Do-hyun through those channels?”

“That’s right. That’s what we’ve found so far. It seems they’ve done additional work as well. It seems they even hired part-timers to spread information simultaneously in online communities.”

Sighs escaped from the mouths of those attending the meeting.

“Why do they have to go that far? I don’t understand. It’s not like what Do-hyun has done will disappear because of that.”

“I know, right? It’s easy to criticize. This is the first time there’s been a case where only good stories have been pouring out since his debut. In cases like this, they want to see if there are any flaws. It’s a mean-spirited thing to do. Sigh… Isn’t this all a phenomenon that’s arisen because social media has become so active?”

“I just feel sorry for Do-hyun. He only heard unfair things. Fortunately, the company took strong action, so we were able to prevent the spread of even bigger rumors.”

“That’s what I’m saying. There must be a lot of people who are jealous because of the album release and essay publication.”

* * *

As the series of events concluded more quietly than expected, Do-hyun prepared for the book talk and meet-the-author event. He also had about ten album fan signing events scheduled.

Since he would have the opportunity to meet fans up close for the first time in a while, he also worked out diligently.

And then came the day of the book talk.

Do-hyun put on lighter makeup than he usually wore on stage and headed to a cafe near Mangwon Station in Seoul with his road manager, where the book talk was to be held.

The book talk was scheduled to start at 7 p.m., but Do-hyun arrived early to chat with the publisher’s staff.

In particular, Hyung-joon, who had planned this project, had become a huge fan of Do-hyun in the meantime.

“Do-hyun! It’s really amazing, amazing! We’re just grateful that you’re working with our publishing house like this!”

“That’s right! Do-hyun has played a part in reviving the dying publishing industry!”

“More than 5,000 people applied for today’s book talk. Our staff stayed up all night drawing lots from among them, you know?”

Hyung-joon and even the team leader added their words. Do-hyun smiled at the words. The sales index in online bookstores exceeded 20,000, and a whirlwind of enthusiasm for Do-hyun’s essay was blowing.

Considering that a well-selling book usually sells around 10,000 copies, the interest in Do-hyun’s essay was significant.

“I’m looking forward to it. I wonder who I’ll meet today. Actually, this is the first time I’ve stood in front of people as an author, so I’m very nervous.”

“You’ll do great! Just think of it as going on stage!”

“Yes. I’ll think of it that way. But, would it be okay if I showed you a little bit of my raw side?”

“Do-hyun’s raw side… what would that be like?”

“A slightly more honest version of myself? The way I am in the essay.”

Hyung-joon’s face lit up at Do-hyun’s answer.

“Of course! You can show us as much of that side as you want! On the contrary, many people will be looking forward to that side of you!”

“Thank you. Hearing you cheer me on like this makes me think I should show you a side of myself that lives up to your expectations.”

“Please take good care of us today!”

After chatting, Do-hyun moved to the second floor of the cafe when it was time to start. The space where Do-hyun was waiting was on the third floor, and as he came down one floor, he was able to meet the sparkling eyes of his fans. Some fans seemed to be covering their mouths and holding back screams.

“Hello, I’m Na Do-hyun.”

Do-hyun went out in front of them and greeted them. Then, a thunderous applause was heard. Hyung-joon was to be in charge of today’s proceedings. The publisher had decided that they could proceed without a separate MC [Master of Ceremonies].

“Many people applied to see Na Do-hyun today, and as a result, we were able to invite 100 people to this event! Do-hyun, would you like to say a few words? Even a simple greeting would be great.”

“Hello, I’d like to greet you once again. I’m Na Do-hyun, who has been reborn as a singer and writer. How was my book?”

“It was great!”

“It was really the best!”

“Na Do-hyun is the best!”

Do-hyun smiled at the messages of support.

“Thank you. Thanks to you, I can feel energized. I also think about the process of working calmly for those who will read this book, and I feel good to see that the book is getting a good response. I think I’m gaining strength thanks to you all.”

Do-hyun began by calmly talking about his feelings about planning this book. The readers were drawn into his calm voice.

He also read some parts of the book and talked about the moments when he was happy and the moments when he was struggling while writing this book.

“I mainly worked on the book in hotels. As those of you here know, I was on an overseas tour when I was working on the book. When I was working in hotels, there were times when I felt lonely and sad. But this writing gave me strength.”

Some fans’ eyes turned red at Do-hyun’s candid and lonely words.

“But it was okay. I felt like I was meeting you all while writing this book. If it hadn’t been for the work on this book, I would have been even more lonely.”

As his calm and sincere words continued, applause and sobs were heard one after another.

“Thank you so much for being here with me. I’m so grateful that you’ve read a corner of my loneliness.”

After about an hour, the book talk came to an end. Do-hyun signed each person’s book.

“Do-hyun, I really enjoyed reading your book! I laughed, cried, and sympathized a lot while reading it.”

“Thank you! Thank you for reading my book, for choosing my book.”

He talked to one or two people. It had been a long time since he had received messages one-on-one.

He was nervous because it was his first time meeting them in person in a long time, but it was good.

That’s how Do-hyun’s first book talk came to an end.

On the way home, Do-hyun left a thank you message to his fans on social media.

[Thanks to you, I was happy to have a happy day. Thank you. Thank you for taking the time to be here.]

┗Do-hyun, it was nice to meet you today

┗Today was a good time, my love 🙂

┗Do-hyun, I love you~

Do-hyun was pleased as he looked at the comments that were being posted one by one. After reading the comments with a good feeling, he arrived home.

“Manager, you worked hard today too. You can go now.”

“Yes! Do-hyun. Then I’ll be on my way.”

Do-hyun was about to get out of the car, but he stopped for a moment, making a sound.

“Manager, you can call me Do-hyun comfortably. It’s only been a short time since you came, so it’s a little burdensome for you to call me Do-hyun. It’s better if you call me comfortably. Got it?”

“…Ah.”

Do-hyun added to the manager’s short answer.

“Then I’ll see you tomorrow, *hyung* [older brother/male friend].”

“Ah, yes, ah, okay! Do-hyun! Get in safely!”

Do-hyun smiled and waved at the car that was moving away. After saying goodbye, Do-hyun entered his house.

Kang-ho was busy preparing for the wedding, so it had been a while since he had seen his face. Not only that, but since they lived separately, he couldn’t see him unless he made an appointment.

Do-hyun opened his laptop and started writing. After publishing an essay, he gained confidence in his writing. He was planning to work with Doseo Publishing Tempo on his next essay as well.

‘Writing is quite fun… It feels like writing comforts me when I’m lonely.’

Do-hyun wrote down what he had been thinking about for the past few days.

As he was writing, it was already 2 a.m. Do-hyun closed his laptop and lay down on the bed.

Do-hyun fell asleep while reading his essay.

Ding-dong, ding-dong!

Just as he was about to fall into a deep sleep, the bell rang at Do-hyun’s house.