Reading the Future as an Experienced Rookie Singer – Episode 73 (73/225)
Without hesitation, Do-hyun answered. It was an expected question, but there was no need to hesitate when asked about the reasons for success and his feelings, rather than being asked about the reasons for failure and his feelings about a failed album.
“Thank you, reporter. Firstly, thank you for such a great question. I’m very nervous and excited because of the unexpectedly explosive response. I think I can receive this excessive love because my fans have been watching me work hard, and I have also grown. Is that a sufficient answer?”
When the reporter nodded in his seat, Do-hyun received the next question.
The question prediction list also included a phrase warning to be careful of questions with malicious intent.
The second reporter who raised his hand introduced himself and asked if the stalker incident had affected the album work.
“Hello, reporter. The official position of me and the company regarding the stalker damage was delivered, right? It wasn’t that there were no problems related to it. There was a time when it was difficult to concentrate, and I needed time to brace myself to overcome it. This matter has been resolved well, and I will provide more details through the company. Thank you.”
Do-hyun thought about whether to talk about the difference between a fan and a stalker, but he decided that it was not something to say to a normal fan. Therefore, he did not mention fans in his answer to the question.
After the stalker-related questions, everything felt bland, and light questions came out.
Feelings about the fourth debut in 10 years, the difference between the previous agencies and the current agency, these were the main topics. Since they were all expected questions, Do-hyun talked without hesitation.
Rather, the answers came out so smoothly that it was almost embarrassing to be nervous.
‘I’m more worried about meeting the fans later. I need to show a good performance in front of the fans.’
While thinking that, Ha Yeon-ho said that he would take the last question, and a reporter wearing glasses in the corner raised his hand.
“Yes, the staff will bring the microphone to that person. Our reporter with glasses. What are you curious about?”
“Hello. I’m Lee Jae-chan, a reporter from Daily Top Star. Do-hyun, you have given great answers to every question today.”
At that time, the staff’s urgent voice was heard in Do-hyun’s in-ear.
[Be careful, that reporter is very malicious.]
‘…I see. So, he was waiting to ask the last question. Well, you can’t be too careful these days.’
Do-hyun thought so and looked at the reporter. He was very much looking forward to what kind of question would come out.
“Actually, there have been slight controversies in every program you’ve appeared in. You’ve often been at the center of the controversy. ‘Neocheotga’ [a fictional reality show] was especially like that.”
Even though there was no controversy in ‘White House,’ the reporter was trying to create one. Having grasped his intention, Do-hyun calculated in his head what kind of answer would be good.
“In ‘White House,’ if you look closely, even though Jin Wook-je suggested forming an alliance, you insisted on your own way and didn’t form an alliance, and I think there were people who were harmed because of that. I actually think you were selfish. And there’s a stalker controversy, but I wonder if this is a real controversy. So, what I mean is…”
“Yes, reporter. I understand what you are trying to say. So, you think I deliberately create controversy to do noise marketing, right?”
Then the reporter grabbed the microphone and answered.
“Yes, well… that’s it.”
Do-hyun judged that he had to be strong in times like this. If he didn’t, difficult things could happen at future activity showcases. He had seen the effect of one malicious reporter causing trouble in the cases of other celebrities.
“If you had watched ‘Neocheotga’ in detail, you would know that I didn’t create the controversy. But I’m not going to blame the other person either. I think there were misunderstandings between us, and it couldn’t be helped. ‘Neocheotga’ and ‘White House’ were both programs where individuals competed, so it’s natural for participants to argue or have discord due to differences of opinion. But regarding the controversies surrounding me, I don’t think I am the cause of the controversy.”
Do-hyun took a sip of water and continued.
“I think that’s the same for any broadcasting program. Not only the programs I’ve appeared in, but such things can happen. If one performer does that and you label that one person as the cause of the controversy, who would want to appear? I think that’s a thought that doesn’t consider the other cast members. Is this answer sufficient?”
“…Wow, that’s strong.”
The reporter sitting in the front row muttered. The showcase site was so silent to that extent.
The reporter who asked the question didn’t raise his head, perhaps embarrassed, and returned the microphone to the staff.
Do-hyun’s expression still maintained a smile. Ha Yeon-ho, who was watching this, said to lighten the atmosphere.
“As expected, it’s our Do-hyun. You can feel the 10 years of experience in the entertainment industry in that answer, right? Well, then let’s wrap up the Q&A session. Do-hyun, if you have anything to say, please do.”
“I’m singer Na Do-hyun, who has returned with his first full-length album [Serendipity]. I think the fans have been waiting a lot since ‘Neocheotga,’ and I’m really grateful. I will become Na Do-hyun who comes back with better songs and better music. Thank you!”
Soon, Ha Yeon-ho went in, and the stage was set. Do-hyun chose to sing ‘Your Days,’ one of the songs on the album.
He expected that it wouldn’t be full of cheers because it was in front of reporters, but everyone was busy working, leaving Do-hyun singing. They were probably busy sending out articles. Do-hyun looked at them and only hoped that his answer to the last question would be reported without malice.
* * *
“Wow, hyungnim!” [Korean honorific for older brother or male friend]
As he came down from the stage, Do-ha approached Do-hyun, making a fuss.
It seemed to be because of the answer to the last question.
“I was really gaping at you! Hyungnim’s answer was amazing. I honestly wouldn’t be able to answer anything if I received such a malicious question… You were really cool. Thanks to that, hyungnim’s name went up to number one in the real-time search rankings.”
“There’s no strange reporting, is there?”
“I’m scanning all the articles that are coming out, and it seems to be coming out as hyungnim intended. I think we’ll have to wait a little longer for the on-site comprehensive coverage articles to come out.”
“Okay, I understand. Thanks for the hard work monitoring the articles, Do-ha.”
“No, hyungnim. What else is a manager supposed to do? Oh, and the CEO wants to see you.”
“Okay, I understand.”
As soon as he took out the in-ear and handed it to the staff, he went into the waiting room.
The CEO of Hue Entertainment jumped up and hugged Do-hyun.
“Wow, you gave Daily Top Star, which is famous for writing malicious articles, such a blow! Wow, our singer is amazing!”
“Thank you, CEO. I was actually worried that I might have spoken too strongly.”
“No, no. Rather, if you had spoken like a clueless rookie, that reporter would have continued to do that in the future. You have experience in the entertainment industry, so it’s natural to speak strongly to such questions. It’s a big deal if you let it go.”
“Thank you for seeing it positively.”
“Why is someone so humble? You’ve successfully completed the showcase for the most difficult reporter, so you can be a little arrogant. Isn’t that right, Do-ha?”
Do-ha, who was organizing his luggage next to him, raised his body at the CEO’s words and nodded.
“Of course! The CEO’s words are entirely correct!”
Only then did Do-hyun feel relieved. Until just now, he felt like his stomach was knotted up because of the tension, but now he felt like his muscles were relaxing comfortably.
“Our singer! You did a great job. Keu… Team Leader Lee’s eye for bringing in such a singer is also amazing. I wonder where he got the idea to bring in such a treasure. How is it?”
“Right now, I feel like I’m just dreaming. I don’t know how to do more than say it’s good.”
“I don’t know how to do it. Just do well. Anyway, that’s it. Good job. You can do well until the fan showcase, right? Especially today, I’ve invited celebrities to the fan showcase as invited guests, so you have to pay attention to it.”
“I’ll try harder!”
At Do-hyun’s energetic words, the CEO patted him on the shoulder and left the waiting room, saying he had something to do. Only then could Do-hyun go to the sofa and lean back slightly, feeling exhausted.
“Hyungnim, the celebrities coming today… well, it’s a bit much to call them that, but the next Hue Entertainment male debut group is also coming. It seems like hyungnim and the debut group will continue to be involved. Didn’t you say that you know someone named Hyun-ho in the debut group?”
“Of course. I know him. I always forget to contact him. He must have had a hard time because his debut was delayed because of me.”
“The head of the PR team also said to post on hyungnim’s SNS and promote them. And the other celebrities coming today will be filming with hyungnim in the waiting room, so he said it’s an opportunity to be known in many ways.”
Only after hearing those words did Do-hyun realize how much of an opportunity today was.
It was also the day to show himself as solo singer Na Do-hyun in front of fans with the album [Serendipity], and it was also the day when an opportunity came to increase his awareness by filming with celebrities.
“Hyungnim, you must be tired. How about filling up with a salad for a meal?”
“I was hungry anyway, so I should eat a salad lunch box. What about the staff’s meals?”
“The company gave them a corporate card. Everyone will be going to eat soon.”
“I see. Where’s the lunch box? I’ll go get it.”
“No, hyungnim. I’ll bring it.”
Do-hyun felt a little awkward that Do-ha was doing everything for him. It wasn’t that Do-ha hadn’t been doing this as a manager for a day or two, but today it felt really unfamiliar.
When Do-ha brought the salad lunch box, Do-hyun started eating after sprinkling only a little sauce. It was the first time he had eaten something seasoned since he had been on a diet.
“Hyungnim, it’s more delicious to eat with sauce, right?”
“Uh… I feel like I’m going to live. I used to have a hard time managing my diet with chicken breast and eggs without sauce, but it’s good to have at least some sauce. Even if it’s a full diet, I like this.”
“Then should I ask the people above if we can change to a salad lunch box?”
“It’s okay. I’ve started full-fledged activities, so I have to do this. Don’t worry too much. Thank you, Do-ha.”
“Hehe… hyungnim, you’re too good of a person.”
“Well, is that so….”
Do-hyun was embarrassed by the compliment and avoided his gaze and emptied the lunch box.
After eating everything, Do-hyun took a nap.
7 p.m.
Now, there are only about 6 hours left.
A meeting with beings who cherish him.
His heart was pounding.