A New Career Singer Who Can Read The Future [EN]: Chapter 186

The atmosphere was electric.

Dohyun had the distinct honor of winning in every category he was nominated for earlier in the ceremony.

Best Pop Vocal Album, Best Pop Solo Performance, Best Country Album, Best Country Song, Best Alternative Music Album… He’d managed to snag five awards across a diverse range of album concepts.

And finally….

The moment arrived to announce the awards equivalent to the Grand Prize at the Grammys!

Record of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year….

“Na Dohyun! Congratulations! Wow! I honestly didn’t expect you to sweep all three awards. It hasn’t been long since you won the Rookie Award, and now you command this much influence… You are a truly amazing artist! It’s a great honor to present these awards to such an accomplished artist.”

The presenter beamed at Dohyun, clearly impressed.

“…Dohyun, what are you doing? You need to get up there!”

Dohyun, stunned by the announcement, remained seated with a dazed expression. Kangho quickly nudged him to his feet.

Dohyun straightened his suit and made his way to the stage.

“Ah, um… I’m a little lost for words. I’ve already expressed my love for those who listen to my music, my love for my parents who brought me into this world, and I feel like I’ve said everything I wanted to say so far… This opportunity has only strengthened my desire to grow and evolve as an artist. Thank you. I will continue to share more love through my music. I hope love fills everyone’s hearts.”

* * *

At the after-party that followed, Dohyun, having won a staggering eight awards, was undeniably the star. Everyone clamored to take pictures with him, and champagne flowed freely in his direction. People were even following him on social media in real-time.

Just as he began to feel overwhelmed, someone approached him, informing him that ADON was looking for him. Guided by the person, Dohyun made his way to the room where ADON was waiting.

“AD! I didn’t see you at the after-party, so you’re hiding out here drinking alone?”

ADON sat before a bottle of whiskey on the rocks, surrounded by his signature flamboyant clothing.

“Yeah. I have something to discuss. Dohyun, I mentioned I had an offer for you.”

“What is it? I’ve been curious since you brought it up. What kind of offer could you possibly make after an awards ceremony like this? I’m intrigued.”

“Become the global ambassador for my brand, AD.”

“…What?”

AD, the fashion brand created by ADON, the world-renowned rapper. The brand was experiencing explosive growth in popularity. Dohyun had heard rumors that it was planning to enter the Korean market, but a global ambassador… The unexpected offer instantly sobered Dohyun from the champagne he’d been enjoying.

“Exactly what it sounds like. Dohyun, I think you have the perfect physique for a model. Plus, your influence is undeniable. From the first time we collaborated, I knew that if I ever launched my own brand, I’d want you to be its ambassador. And now that the brand is stabilizing, the timing feels right.”

“…Wow. Thank you so much. I’m flattered that you think of me that way. I accept your offer.”

Dohyun accepted without hesitation. There was no reason to refuse. ADON’s fashion brand was gaining global recognition, and Dohyun, fresh off his eight Grammy wins, would undoubtedly generate significant promotional impact. Moreover, it was a mutually beneficial opportunity for Dohyun.

“Thank you. Actually, I was a little worried that luxury brands would come knocking with ambassadorship offers. Most people would choose a luxury brand over mine. But you remained loyal. Thank you. You’re a true friend.”

“Haha… Being an ambassador for a luxury brand would be nice, but you know, priorities matter, right? And you were my first thought. It might be presumptuous of me, but thank you for this opportunity, AD. I’m really looking forward to our future projects together.”

“Then shall we have a glass of whiskey and discuss it in earnest?”

* * *

“Well, the Grammy Awards have concluded. Na Dohyun has rewritten the history of Korean pop music by winning an astounding eight awards!”

Music critic Kim Hwijin’s voice vibrated with excitement. He had been following Dohyun’s career from the start and was overjoyed by his success.

Announcer Lee Nayoon and composer Double H also expressed their amazement.

“Na Dohyun is truly incredible. I never imagined he would win in categories like country or alternative. It just goes to show how diverse his musical range is. Na Dohyun is really something else!”

“That’s right. I’m even feeling a strong urge to collaborate with Na Dohyun on a song. To be honest, I expected him to win maybe three awards at most, but he exceeded all expectations. I really want to thank Na Dohyun! He’s a guiding light for K-pop, proving that success is possible if you follow his example. And on a side note… Na Dohyun is also known for his tarot card reading skills, right? I’m curious what the tarot cards revealed before the Grammys!”

Lee Nayoon responded, “I imagine a very favorable omen appeared. Na Dohyun seemed remarkably relaxed from the moment he arrived. Oh, and we have some breaking news. Na Dohyun, a close friend of rapper ADON, the founder of the fashion brand AD, has been selected as the global ambassador for AD! I’m so excited I can barely speak! This is fresh off the press!”

“Wow… amazing. Shall we take a look at the reactions in the chat window?”

┗Na Dohyun 8 awards ㅠㅠㅠ

┗Congratulations Dohyun on 8 awards. You are the history of Korea

┗How can a Korean singer win 8 awards ㅠㅠ

┗If Na Dohyun hasn’t gone to the military, give him an exemption or send him to the Dokdo [a set of islets claimed by both South Korea and Japan] defense force ㅠㅠㅠㅠ

“Haha… Dokdo defense force. That’s quite an idea. But unfortunately, Dohyun served as an active duty soldier when he was still relatively unknown.” Kim Hwijin explained gently.

“Is that so? Perhaps he could be a public relations ambassador for the Ministry of National Defense again?”

Kim Hwijin responded honestly to Lee Nayoon’s suggestion. “Actually, it’s rare for a global singer like this to emerge. I believe politics and art should remain separate. I don’t think it’s wise to mix them. This is the first time a Korean singer has won eight awards, but… well, I hope people see it as unrelated to politics!”

“Ah, I see. I understand what critic Kim Hwijin is saying. It’s best to let art be art. Well, let’s connect with our reporter in the field, Na Minhee.”

[Hello, this is KBC’s Na Minhee. The atmosphere here is incredibly charged. It’s buzzing with excitement because of Na Dohyun’s eight-award win. Some are calling it a ‘clean sweep,’ and looking back at this year, it’s clear that no other singer has achieved such remarkable results as Na Dohyun. It’s safe to say this is a record that won’t be broken again anytime soon in Korea. Movies and dramas have won various awards and set records, but… unfortunately, music has often stopped at nominations. Na Dohyun has shattered that barrier! The fans are incredibly enthusiastic. Those who left as soon as the Grammy Awards ended are already lining up, waiting for Dohyun to emerge! Indeed… Na Dohyun is demonstrating extraordinary popularity!]

“Thank you, reporter Na Minhee. It’s exciting just listening to you. Let’s wrap up today’s broadcast here!”

After Lee Nayoon’s closing remarks, critic Kim Hwijin and composer Double H added their final thoughts, and the broadcast concluded.

* * *

“Oh… how many media outlets are on the list right now?”

The Hu Entertainment public relations team was on high alert. Despite having a sizable team, everyone was scrambling to manage the constant influx of phone calls.

“There are 152. The interview requests for Na Dohyun are overwhelming… We can’t even handle them in shifts… Should we schedule a press conference? And there are also inquiries about the global ambassador announcement for the fashion brand AD….”

“Well, that was Dohyun’s decision… For now, keep all responses on hold. Make sure you contact every outlet on the list and confirm their requests. This is a joyous occasion for the company, and you know what will happen if you make a mistake at a time like this, right?”

The public relations team leader was working feverishly. The planning team next door even brought over coffee to help them out.

“Wow… eight awards… Writing this press release is going to be a monumental task.”

“We just need to state the facts. No unnecessary embellishments, just the facts. Understand?”

“Yes, of course. We stick to the facts. Otherwise… we’ll be called out for inaccuracies in the press release.”

“Good. Now, what’s Dohyun’s arrival date?”

“If he makes a few more appearances on American broadcasts, he’ll be back next Monday.”

“Then find a hotel with a conference room that can accommodate over 200 people for next Wednesday. No, find several.”

At the public relations team leader’s direction, the team members sprang into action. A celebration like this was rare. Dohyun’s stadium tour had already been a massive success, generating billions of won in profit for Hu Entertainment. And now, Dohyun had set an unprecedented record in K-pop history by winning eight Grammy Awards.

Dohyun, who started with a contract fee of 100 million won, had become an entity worth hundreds of billions of won. He had enough wealth to buy any house he desired with cash. Yet, Dohyun remained the same humble person he was when he first signed the contract. This sentiment would be subtly woven into the press release. To promote Dohyun effectively, this kind of narrative had to be included to make it appealing.

“I’ve confirmed the hotel. The WH Hotel has a conference room available, so I booked it!”

“Good job. But check COEX [a large convention and exhibition center in Seoul] as well. Isn’t it bigger?”

“The sound quality there isn’t great, so I focused on hotels!”

“Good thinking. COEX can have a bit of an echo during press conferences unless you’re participating in a booth. Oh, and starting today, prepare non-sale signed editions of Na Dohyun’s essays to be delivered to each media outlet. Our Dohyun will have to start signing as soon as he arrives….”

Despite his demanding instructions, the public relations team leader couldn’t hide his smile. He even started humming.

The team members exchanged whispers.

“…The team leader seems really excited, right?”

“Anyone can see that. It’s the first time I’ve seen someone so happy while being so busy.”