A New Career Singer Who Can Read The Future [EN]: Chapter 55

The post claiming that Do-hyun was the main perpetrator of school violence spread to other large online communities, even without verification.

Netizens are often like that. While it’s reasonable to criticize someone after all the facts are confirmed, many just see the headline and leave malicious comments, saying things like, “That kid did that.”

Do-hyun couldn’t escape this cycle of negativity. He had built a huge fan base with ‘You First Singer,’ but he also attracted a significant number of haters. Those who believed the rumors immediately turned against him. Hyo-seop’s fans, in particular, seemed to harbor even more animosity towards Do-hyun.

Do-hyun learned about this around lunchtime, after sleeping in later than usual.

He had numerous missed calls: HU Entertainment PR Team Leader, HU Entertainment PR Team Leader, HU Entertainment PR Team Leader…

“…What’s with this ominous feeling?”

Do-hyun called the HU Entertainment PR Team Leader.

The PR Team Leader answered almost instantly, as if anticipating the call.

[Do-hyun, don’t look at the internet right now.]

“Why? What happened?”

[Someone from your high school has posted that you were a school bully.]

“Me?”

Do-hyun was stunned. He had never acted that way, not even once. He might have argued with his parents about his career choice, but he had never bullied anyone.

Besides, his grandfather had always warned him that bullying others would eventually come back to haunt you, so Do-hyun had always been careful to focus on his dream without harming others.

[They say there’s additional evidence too…. Can you think of anyone who might have a grudge?]

“There’s no way I can think of anyone. Team Leader, I swear, I never did that. I was already preparing to be a singer, so I was very careful about my image.”

[Everyone says that when something like this happens. That’s why I’m asking.]

“It’s really not me. If something like this had happened, wouldn’t there have been rumors even when I debuted? This is so out of the blue; I can’t even guess who it could be.”

[We’ll look into it first. Don’t respond to any SNS messages or other contacts. This is something we need to handle internally.]

The call ended, and Do-hyun lay back on the bed, muttering.

“Ha, it’s so hard to become a singer.”

No matter how hard he thought, he couldn’t identify anyone who might have a reason to make such an accusation. Unlike some kids his age, Do-hyun had never played serious pranks on anyone. He was more of a focused kid, completely absorbed in singing and dancing.

“What is this? As popularity rises, all sorts of things come out of the woodwork. Is this the path of a singer I dreamed of?”

While pondering, Do-hyun decided to tackle this problem head-on.

If the agency released an official statement, he knew there would be a flood of malicious comments accusing him of hiding behind the company, and it could even trigger a second wave of accusations.

Before taking any action, Do-hyun called the agency’s PR Team Leader again.

[Yeah, Do-hyun. What is it? We’re still looking into it.]

“No. I think it would be better for me to go to the company and post something on SNS myself, to set the record straight!”

[Hmm, are you absolutely sure you’re innocent? Is this post completely fabricated?]

“Yes. No matter how much I search my memory, I never did anything like that. If I had lived so recklessly, I wouldn’t have been so desperate to become a singer.”

[Okay. Then come to the company first, and we can organize what kind of statement we’re going to make. The company lawyer is here too. And I have something else to tell you.]

“Yes. I’ll be there soon.”

* * *

Pulling on a hood and covering his face, Do-hyun entered HU Entertainment, knowing he wouldn’t be in a good enough mood to greet any fans he might encounter.

“Do-hyun! We support you!”

“Don’t look at the malicious comments! Just focus on our support!”

“Do-hyun! I love you!”

Although he heard the cheers, they didn’t offer much comfort at the moment.

Do-hyun went up to the floor where the PR team was located.

“Oh? Do-hyun, come to this conference room.”

A PR team member spotted Do-hyun and led him to the conference room.

Once inside, Do-hyun finally removed his hood and mask and sat down.

The PR Team Leader explained that they had identified the accuser while Do-hyun was on his way. The agency had contacted him directly, but the only response they received was a demand for Do-hyun’s retirement and an official apology, bypassing the agency.

“…So, who is it?”

“He’ll be here soon. We suggested a three-way meeting today. We told him that if our Do-hyun really did something wrong, we’ll comply with his demands, so he agreed to come right away. Before that, we need to confirm a few things with Do-hyun. It’s better to meet face-to-face than to rely on phone calls and risk misunderstandings.”

“That’s right. But I really didn’t do anything wrong. My middle school life was so ordinary that I can barely remember it.”

“There’s a kid who got kicked out. Do you happen to know him? Yoon Hyun-seung.”

“Ah, him….”

“Yeah, you seem to know him. Anyway, he got kicked out of our company…. Well, we can terminate the contract at any time if school violence is proven true. I think you know that well.”

Even with the PR Team Leader’s warning, Do-hyun’s eyes didn’t waver. He was confident because he was innocent.

For about an hour, Do-hyun sincerely recounted his school life….

In the meantime, the person claiming to have been bullied by Do-hyun arrived.

The moment the door opened, Do-hyun couldn’t help but be shocked.

“…Jun-seok? You’re Lee Jun-seok, right?”

He was part of the group that Do-hyun used to hang out with in middle school; they even visited each other’s houses. Do-hyun was completely taken aback. In particular, Lee Jun-seok had once dreamed of becoming a singer and practiced auditions with Do-hyun.

He was someone who had faded from memory after they were separated into different classes and Do-hyun began his trainee life in earnest.

“What the hell are you doing to me? My retirement? My official apology? I don’t remember bullying you. I only prepared for company auditions with you. Your mother always welcomed me too.”

Then, a vile smile spread across Jun-seok’s face. At least, that’s how Do-hyun perceived it.

“You really don’t remember? How you always bullied me.”

“When did I bully you? Jun-seok, let’s get the facts straight. Huh?”

“Okay, Lee Jun-seok and Na Do-hyun, please sit down first. Lee Jun-seok, you claim you had a very hard time because of school violence, but Na Do-hyun’s past is remarkably clean. There aren’t even any common alcohol or cigarette photos to be found.”

At the lawyer’s words, Jun-seok couldn’t hide his agitation and blurted out.

“Of course. That’s how cowardly he bullied me! Everyone thinks he’s a normal kid! Of course! He only bullied me when they weren’t looking!”

“Calm down; this is a place to resolve grievances and determine the truth. Anyway… I contacted the school, and there’s no record of him being punished for school violence. Lee Jun-seok raised an objection, so let’s hear what he has to say first.”

“He bullied me when my mom wasn’t looking, and my mom still thinks he’s a good person whenever he’s on TV! Of course! Because he bullied me when she wasn’t looking!”

“Jun-seok….”

Do-hyun felt a sense of futility. He had never bullied Jun-seok, not even once.

He had once been a friend heading in the same direction. But now, all that stood before him was someone intent on ruining Do-hyun’s future.

“Hey, Na Mu-myeong [Na ‘No Name,’ a stage name]. You must be happy that people like you? You must be happy that you’re gaining popularity by pretending to be nice? Huh?”

“I’ve never pretended to be nice. I was sincere with you back then too. Even if we go to legal battles, I can prove that there’s nothing wrong with me.”

“Ha, are you crazy? Legal battles for something that can be silenced with a few bucks? Do you have too much time on your hands?”

“Yes. I can do that to reveal the truth. From what you’re saying, it seems like you want money.”

Then, Jun-seok showed a clear sign of embarrassment.

“That’s not what I mean!”

The lawyer seized the opportunity.

“Money is often the motive. There are many cases of fabrication for financial gain. It’s a common occurrence in this industry, although few cases are publicized. This is the first time Na Do-hyun has been accused of school bullying in his four debuts.”

At those cold words, Jun-seok jumped up from his seat and cursed.

“Na Do-hyun, you X bastard! Do I look easy to you because you’re famous?”

“No. I’ve never even thought of you in my life.”

It was an extremely cold statement.

The first negotiation had clearly broken down. Do-hyun chuckled as he watched Jun-seok leave the conference room, huffing and puffing.

“Okay, Do-hyun, now we can establish some kind of framework, right?”

The lawyer and PR Team Leader presented guidelines for the post to be left on SNS, but Do-hyun refused. He wanted to include his sincere feelings.

* * *

Hello. This is Na Do-hyun.

I am writing this post to share my sincere position regarding the recent school violence allegations.

After investigating the source of the post, it turned out to be a friend from my middle school days, a friend who once shared the same dream as me. I only learned recently that my friend had given up on that dream.

Of course, this fact is irrelevant to the school violence accusations. We gradually drifted apart as we were placed in different classes, and I began my trainee life. That’s why I only found out about this friend’s current situation because of this incident.

I’ve been recalling my past memories. If you’re wondering why I’m posting my statement so late, it’s because I’ve been carefully reviewing all my past interactions, wondering if any unintentional words or actions might have hurt others.

Because of this incident, the agency contacted my acquaintances and classmates from that time, and the responses they received were consistent: “Na Do-hyun? He’s the shaman’s grandson and an aspiring singer named Mu-myeong.” This suggests that I was a memorable figure in the class.

I was a unique individual from a young age, due to my grandfather being a shaman [a religious figure believed to have access to the spirit world], the name Mu-myeong, which my grandfather gave me to ensure a long life, and the fact that I was an aspiring singer completely absorbed in singing and dancing.

That’s why I had to be careful with my actions. I understood early on that skills were essential to becoming a singer, but so was having a good character.

I grew up under the strict guidance of my grandfather and parents, and I was taught that harming others would always come back to haunt you. There’s no way I would intentionally harm anyone. The friend I met today demanded my retirement and an SNS apology, but I cannot apologize because his claims are simply not true.

This is not a post intended to elicit sympathy. However, I simply wanted to state clearly that I did not bully anyone. I am acutely aware that any mistakes I make now will eventually come back to affect me. I will continue to strive to live an honest life that does not cause harm to others, just as I have always tried to do.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story.

Sincerely,
Na Do-hyun.

After uploading the post, Do-hyun turned off his phone. It is said that those who wear the crown must bear the weight of the crown, but Do-hyun felt a little overwhelmed by the pressure.