Do Hyun’s popularity soared to unprecedented heights.
Moreover, the news of his selection as the global ambassador for Adion’s fashion brand, AD, thrilled everyone.
After completing interviews with American magazines and recording several talk shows, Do Hyun returned in triumph.
“Do Hyun, how do you feel about setting an unprecedented record of winning eight awards?”
“What are your future musical plans?”
“The press conference isn’t far off. Will you answer all the questions then?”
“It’s known that you’re good at tarot readings. Did you do a tarot reading before going to the Grammys?”
Do Hyun responded to all questions with a smile.
Since a press conference was scheduled anyway, he could answer them then.
After pushing through the reporters and fans who came to greet him at the airport, Do Hyun finally got into the car and let out a long breath as the door closed.
“Should we head to your family home today?”
Do Hyun nodded in response to Kang Ho’s question.
“Yes, hyung [older brother or close male friend]. I should buy some Korean beef and wine.”
At Do Hyun’s request, Kang Ho agreed and directed the road manager to a department store.
As soon as they arrived at the department store and started looking around, people began to recognize Do Hyun.
“Wow, it’s Na Do Hyun!”
“Didn’t he just arrive today?”
“He’s even more handsome in person….”
“He’s so good-looking. I wish my boyfriend looked even half as good….”
Do Hyun felt his face flush at the embarrassing comments. However, he pretended not to notice.
After quickly finishing his shopping, Do Hyun got back in the car and told them to hurry to his family home.
“Let’s go quickly. There are too many people recognizing me here.”
Kang Ho had been with Do Hyun until just now, so he knew the situation.
“What is it? Aren’t you a little too shy for a superstar who has turned the world upside down?”
The tips of Do Hyun’s ears, which had turned red, proved it.
“No, it’s just too embarrassing. Everyone says something every time I pass by, and it makes me feel awkward….”
“What’s wrong with that? Enjoy it. If I were you, I’d be too busy enjoying this moment.”
“Hyung… it’s really embarrassing. I still can’t get used to this.”
Kang Ho chuckled and replied.
“Isn’t it just bragging in the end? You heard everyone saying you’re handsome and cool, right?”
“No, that’s not my point….”
Kang Ho was already enjoying teasing Do Hyun.
“I want to hear it once too. That ‘handsome’ compliment.”
“Ah, hyuuung… I really can’t get used to it no matter how many times I hear it… It’s nice, but….”
Kang Ho burst out laughing because of what Do Hyun added at the end.
“So, it’s good in the end. Share some with me later. Let’s straighten the shoulders of the groom and look handsome and cool.”
Kang Ho teased Do Hyun until the end.
* * *
When he arrived at his family home, it was like a party.
Do Hyun’s parents had already distributed rice cakes with the number 8 on them throughout the apartment complex, and there were many people who came to get his autograph.
His parents wouldn’t usually do this, but this time was different. Do Hyun, having seen how happy they were with his own eyes, resolved to boost their spirits.
He was tired from getting off the plane not long ago, but he had to provide some fan service, considering his parents’ reputation.
“Oh, Do Hyun. Congratulations. Eight awards… They say no other Korean singer has ever set such a record?”
“Amazing, amazing.”
“Thank you. Should I sign it here?”
“I’d be grateful if you did. I’m even taking rice cakes and getting an autograph. I’m so thankful… My son is an aspiring singer and keeps saying he wants to be like you, Do Hyun. Can I ask you to say a word to him? My son’s name is Seung Hyun.”
“Of course. I’ll write a short letter to Seung Hyun.”
“Everyone, come and try some rice cakes. Oh my, the rice cakes are really well steamed. They’re so delicious.”
Do Hyun’s mother’s voice rang out cheerfully.
Following her, Do Hyun’s father’s voice was also heard.
“Everyone, come and try some meat. We were originally going to eat it just among ourselves… Is it because it’s Korean beef from the department store? It’s very delicious.”
Do Hyun chuckled at the voice mixed with subtle boasting.
‘My mom and dad. I always want to see them smiling like that.’
Do Hyun made a small wish.
* * *
After spending a few days at his family home, Do Hyun returned to his daily life. He immediately began preparing for his Korean concert and press conference.
“Do Hyun, didn’t we schedule too much? I feel sorry because I wonder if the PR team overdid it.”
Do Hyun shook his head at the PR team leader’s words.
“Not at all. I was somewhat prepared to be this busy since I received the awards. I should be busy with joyful things. I don’t think it’s right to be still even when there are joyful things.”
“Haha… That’s Do Hyun for you. That’s what a workaholic would say. Thank you. Thank you for saying that. I was wondering if we scheduled too much… I don’t have to worry about that!”
The PR team leader was newly impressed with Do Hyun.
In this industry, there were many who tried to become the ‘gap’ [one in the position of power]. Especially, the more they climbed to a certain position, the more there were those who tried to become the ‘gap’.
Do Hyun had been in the industry for well over 10 years since his debut and had set an unprecedented record of winning eight Grammy Awards, yet he maintained his original self. That’s why the PR team leader and team members couldn’t help but admire him. Usually, at this point, they would complain about having too many schedules.
However, such a thing could not be found on Do Hyun’s face.
After Do Hyun disappeared into the studio.
The PR team and other team members began to talk about Do Hyun.
“Wow, how can he be like that? Is he a living Buddha? There’s no way a celebrity can be like that otherwise….”
“Isn’t it possible because it’s Na Do Hyun? Seriously… wow. There are many kids who change their attitude as soon as they get a little famous… It’s amazing just to see that he’s not like that.”
“Maybe we’re too jaded in this industry. We’ve seen too many cases that aren’t like that. Right? From today, one thing is certain. Even if you don’t believe the words of people who are just putting on a show, it’s different if the other person is Na Do Hyun.”
“I’m going to engrave that in my mind too. I don’t know about other people, but I know for sure that Na Do Hyun is sincere.”
* * *
Time passed quickly. Do Hyun’s press conference was successfully concluded. It seemed that Do Hyun taking some more time to think played a big role.
After Do Hyun organized his thoughts and held the press conference, the words flowed naturally. There were questions that embarrassed him, but he handled them without any fuss and received praise from the reporters.
After the press conference schedule was finished, he headed to the 88 Gymnasium. The concert in March was scheduled to be held at the Jamsil Olympic Stadium. Prior to that, the rehearsal was scheduled to be held at the 88 Gymnasium.
Kang Ho, who had been with him on the US schedule, was transferred to Icarus from this schedule. So, he couldn’t see him. All he did was receive a wedding invitation while eating a meal in passing.
In this concert, according to fans’ requests to see Do Hyun’s stage without guests, Do Hyun carefully considered and created a set list.
“If I were a fan of Do Hyun, I think I’d cry if I couldn’t come to this concert. But the DVD and Blu-ray release are prepared, right?”
“Yes. They say they’re proceeding with the second and third day’s performances. It seems like they’re not doing it on the first day because there’s a press viewing.”
“Keu… you’re really cool, Na Do Hyun. It’s fun to work with you, Do Hyun.”
“Hey… the concert has to be successfully completed first. Hyungnims [older brothers or close male friends], please take care of me until the concert!”
“We’re the ones who should be grateful to you for trusting us and coming this far! In that case, how about a pork belly dinner today?”
“Sounds good! But… I won’t eat too much because it’ll be hard to sing if I’m too full! Of course, I’ll pay!”
“Keu… you’re so cool? You immediately understood Hyungnim’s witty words!”
Do Hyun chuckled at the band session’s banter. This much was nothing. They were the band session members who did their best for him, so he could treat them like this.
“Okay, let’s go then.”
* * *
One day, as the concert preparations were steadily underway, Do Hyun went to work at the 88 Gymnasium as usual.
Kyaaaa?!
As soon as he got out of the car, he heard the voices of fans.
Normally, fans wouldn’t follow him to such a practice venue.
But today… it was different.
What’s the reason?
Do Hyun tilted his head.
“Do Hyun! Thank you for debuting!”
“Today was the day I became a fan of you from the ‘You’re My First Artist’ trailer!”
“Time has already passed like this, Do Hyun! I always love and support you!”
‘…Ah! Time has already passed like that.’
It was then that Do Hyun realized how much time had passed.
It had been more than 5 years since he appeared on ‘You’re My First Artist’ Season 1. The achievements he had made during that time were beyond words.
Billboard Awards, VMAs [Video Music Awards], AMAs [American Music Awards], Grammy Awards… He had swept all the famous awards ceremonies in the United States. As a singer, he had completed the pinnacle of his career.
‘When did time pass like this… My dream is somewhat complete, and I want to go to a better, higher place….’
“Everyone, thank you all! Thank you for congratulating me like this! I even forgot that today was the day the trailer for ‘You’re My First Artist’ Season 1 came out. Thank you so much for discovering and loving the tiny Na Do Hyun! I will always be Na Do Hyun, who does not forget or lose his original intentions!”
Click, click!
Do Hyun’s appearance of bowing his head and greeting them caused a stir among the fans. In addition, the media also took the photos and made articles, and Do Hyun’s fan service was mentioned once again.
‘Fan Lover’ Na Do Hyun, the real lover is different [SNS Star]
‘Grammy 8-Crown King’s Way of Love’ Na Do Hyun, I want to receive this love too
‘8-Crown King’ Na Do Hyun’s Fan Love, this is the real thing
“Do Hyun. Did you check the article about you? The reporters are always in the community these days, and it’s already been made into an article.”
Do Hyun’s new manager said. Do Hyun smiled and asked if it had already been made into an article.
“Yeah. It’s already been made into an article. Do you want to see it? The title itself is… just….”
Do Hyun laughed when he saw the title of the article that the manager showed him, and then laughed even louder when he saw the reporter’s name.
Reporter Yoo Hana.
She had written it.
‘She was also at the scene earlier… She wrote the article already. She’s really fast.’
Do Hyun was newly impressed with her professional attitude.
‘I’m glad that such a person is my fan.’