Becoming An Idol Wasn’T On My Plan [EN]: Chapter 119

119.

I was fiddling with a bizarre song concept called ‘Joseon Demian’ in the studio. Ryu Iden and Chae Hamin were forcibly listening to the song after being summoned by me.

As always, a pleasant groan echoes in the studio. Hmm, I cautiously think that perhaps the reason I prefer composing over acting is because of these screams.

“Oh, Dong-hwa. This song is good. Are we singing it?”

A medium-tempo song characterized by a slightly melancholic introduction based on the sounds of the Daegeum [large transverse flute] and Gayageum [Korean zither]. It seems Chae Hamin liked it, perhaps because I tried to capture the tranquility and subtle vitality felt at dawn.

“…Well, actually, it might end up being a solo song.”

After consulting with music director Lee Ye-ji, the opinion came up that it might be better for one main vocalist with a cool voice to sing it rather than the whole group. I’m still considering it, though. Maybe it would be good for the group to release a separate song and have the A&R [Artists and Repertoire] team produce it together, while Lee Hyun-jae includes it as a solo track on the OST [Original Soundtrack].

“That’s right. ‘Monthly Ji Dong-hwa,’ of course, has changed a lot from the initial plan, but the original intention was something like that.”

Of course, I actually held a broadcast once a month where I arranged songs requested by fans, but originally, the plan was to create songs for the members.

“It’s a little sad that the only way to meet fans is through the W app.”

I nodded at Chae Hamin’s words. I’m not sad, but I do have a desire to show you more.

While we were having such small talk and continuing to work on the song, a knock was heard from outside the door.

“This is team leader Jang Hae-jin! Is Dong-hwa here?”

“Yes, there’s a cat here!”

Ryu Iden looks at the door with eyes searching for a savior. He’s fallen into the vain belief that he can finally escape the endless cycle of work.

Jang Hae-jin, who opened the door and came in, greeted me happily as soon as she saw me, put a box of Bacchus [Korean energy drink] on the table, and immediately got to the point.

“I just got a call, and it seems the writers liked the tutor character you played.”

Ugh. I feel like I’ve heard all the follow-up remarks without even listening.

“So, what came up was, Dong-hwa, there was talk about increasing your screen time, and just like I asked Hamin for his opinion, I thought I should ask you for your opinion.”

I think for a moment.

First of all, I definitely knew that the writers were people who didn’t hesitate to make uneconomical choices beyond my expectations. And what’s also certain is that increasing the screen time means that I, along with Chae Hamin, will face death. Whatever it is, it won’t be a problem.

“…Well, I’m fine with it, but the songwriting might be a little delayed.”

“That’s definitely true. I’ll talk to the production team about that issue.”

Jang Hae-jin, who was about to turn around and leave after saying that, stopped when she heard the music that was playing.

“Is this the new OST?”

I simply nod once.

“This is good. It feels a bit overwhelming.”

She laughs once, saying it’s like an OST, leaves a greeting to enjoy the Bacchus, and goes back.

“Dong-hwa, you acted really well.”

Chae Hamin claps cheerfully next to me, and Ryu Iden claps along. Quiet, everyone. The writers are close to being extraordinary, this is.

* * *

Lee Ye-ji couldn’t help but admire Ji Dong-hwa while listening to the work together.

“This line is crazy.”

“I like it too.”

“No, how do you just whip up songs like this? My career is going to cry.”

Lee Ye-ji, who naturally started speaking informally after working together to some extent, threw out various stories cheerfully.

“…Wow, just now, the sound of the Daegeum and Gayageum coming out together, is that sampling?”

“I composed it.”

“The lines you’ve composed are very unique. It feels like a New Age genre. Very commendable. I’m going to have to learn from you.”

Of course, when we actually work together, I steal more techniques, but I’m grateful just for the words.

“Ah, but this is this, what should we do? Just one main vocalist? I personally think that would be better for the song’s atmosphere.”

“I… I think so too for now.”

It would be nice in its own way if we could all sing the song together, but since I’m not working alone, it’s difficult to optimize it for each member. To improve the quality of the song, it might be better to produce it to match Lee Hyun-jae’s voice.

“Well, this is something that the two of us should decide first since I’m the music director and you’re the composer, but still, ask the members for their opinions once. I heard that there’s a war of nerves among idols.”

…Is that so?

I recall the faces of the members one by one in my head. I wonder if there was anyone among those people who was suitable for the word ‘war of nerves.’ At best, Ryu Iden subtly engages in a war of nerves with other idol groups while smiling, but that was ultimately closer to an intention to protect the other members. Just like Ye-eon did for me at the sports competition.

“Um, I’m sorry, but even if I’m insensitive, I don’t think a war of nerves is unfolding among the members.”

“Ah, no. I didn’t mean it that way, I was just saying that it could happen— well, that’s what I was talking about!”

Lee Ye-ji spoke as if trying to quickly fix it, but from my point of view, there was no need to fix it. They are animals that are too excessively friendly to have a war of nerves.

* * *

When I arrived at the dorm, I first brought up the story that this OST might be Hyun-jae’s solo song.

“…Really?”

Lee Hyun-jae answers in surprise.

“Yeah.”

“Oh, our Hyun-jae wanted a solo song written by Dong-hwa so much, finally!”

Ryu Iden immediately claps and strokes Lee Hyun-jae’s head.

“…Hyung, I told you not to say that!”

Well, if you wanted it that much, you should have told me, Hyun-jae.

I continue speaking while watching the scene of Lee Hyun-jae and Ryu Iden bickering—actually, it’s a scene where Lee Hyun-jae’s anger and Ryu Iden’s slyness intersect.

“But, we’re all going to sing it too.”

“Huh? What do you mean by that, Dong-hwa?”

Along with Chae Hamin’s question, Seok-joon’s head also tilts.

“The version that will be inserted into the drama is Hyun-jae’s solo version, but the OST album will also include a version that we divided and sang.”

Of course, it’s not that I’m worried about a war of nerves, it’s just that my opinion of wanting to leave a trace that we all participated in this drama was accepted.

The members’ faces all brightened up.

“So, I’m going to produce the group song.”

After hearing my words, they immediately turned pale.

“I’m planning to make it a little less strict than when we made the last album.”

Even with my continued words, everyone’s pale faces didn’t change.

“Ah, I’m going to become a ghost in the studio again this time.”

Everyone nods at Ryu Iden’s gloomy voice. This is all for our own good.

“Perhaps… any objections?”

“No! Objections? If I can sing in Dong-hwa’s studio and die, that’s a legend that will be passed down through generations.”

There are cases where such a futile death becomes a legend.

“Right, guys?”

Ryu Iden asked the members, perhaps thinking that he couldn’t go alone, and everyone forcibly raised the corners of their mouths and smiled.

“First, Hyun-jae, let’s prepare the lyrics to attach to the song. If you write something good, we decided to use it as is. Of course, you don’t have to if you don’t want to. And Joon, I want you to be prepared to work with me on the arrangement… any opinions?”

Then, the guys shake their heads with their forcibly raised mouths still in place. It’s a subtly funny sight. Why don’t they express any opinions on my words?

Well, looking at it now, I feel like I’ve become a dictator. It’s a very unfortunate thing. Why did they escape from freedom even though they had it?

“Well, you don’t think my words are unconditionally right, do you?”

When I asked quietly, Ryu Iden immediately answered.

“Well, I can’t help but think that way. You don’t think something is right if it’s not right.”

What kind of logical nonsense is that, Iden?

“Dong-hwa, at least I’m not just following your opinion unconditionally, but when I listen to the basis of your opinion, I naturally become convinced? Don’t think of it as a dictatorship like last time.”

…In contrast, Ryu Iden’s eyes were filled with strong trust. Trust that if I say something, there will be a valid basis. Subtly, it feels good.

“I— am unconditionally— following you!”

In contrast, Seok-joon smiled, admitting that nothing but Wizney [likely referring to their fandom name or a related inside joke] occupied his brain. You disgusting guy.

* * *

The filming of ‘Pomegranate Will Bloom Again’ and the OST work proceeded smoothly.

“Dong-hwa, let’s rest for a bit!”

“No. Your vocal condition is good, so let’s do it one more time.”

I don’t know why our leader, who knows very well that resting while working actually reduces work efficiency, is acting like this.

Ryu Iden hits his neck repeatedly, shouting for his condition to worsen, but Ryu Iden’s self-management was too thorough for it to worsen just because of that.

“Oh, is this team always like this?”

Music director Lee Ye-ji, who came to the company studio out of curiosity about the work, laughs.

“No, these guys are funny. It’s no wonder there’s no power struggle. You’re just eating up all the energy.”

“Haha, Dong-hwa is like that when he’s working, but he’s very gentle in real life.”

You’ve become like a dog owner explaining, ‘Our dog doesn’t bite,’ you damn puppy.

“Oh my, really? Still, with that kind of spirit, it doesn’t seem like you’ll be ignored anywhere.”

I don’t know exactly what it means to have a strong spirit. Anyway, right now,

“Iden, what are you doing? Get ready quickly.”

Working is the priority.

“Ugh, Dong-hwa hyung! We’ve been recording for 3 hours now!”

“If you don’t want to do it for 5 hours, shouldn’t you do it now, Iden hyung.”

“See, he’s got a really strong spirit.”

Lee Ye-ji made a fuss and teased, ‘Oh my, scary,’ but it’s okay not to pay attention.

* * *

After the OST work was finished, the final version was made. Perhaps because I and Seok-joon are the only ones who have heard all the songs, everyone had excited expressions.

“Hyung—nim, can I play it now?”

“Yeah.”

What we’re playing now is the group version that will only be included in the OST album. A song that I and director Lee Ye-ji composed together, arranged to fit our group.

A bizarre concept called Joseon Demian. The oriental style itself is easy to compose, but it was difficult to make it unique and special, and I had no idea how to utilize the Demian material.

Then, after the director explained the overall plot of the work, I was able to know how to write the song.

The pomegranate in the seed breaks through the shell surrounding it and the wasteland pressing down on it, and grows brilliantly. And finally, it blooms and looks down on the land that suppressed it.

Perhaps that’s the element that the director had in mind when presenting the keyword Demian.

When the song starts, it gives off a loneliness reminiscent of a woman walking alone in the imperial palace. Looking around, she confronts her weak past, regretful choices, and those who tried to suppress her.

At the end of that walk, when she sits on the throne and looks down on everything, the song becomes quiet and only the sound of the Gayageum plucking remains. And then, like a fanfare announcing the start of a banquet, it leads to an energetic melody, and the woman stands up from her seat and looks down on everyone.

…That’s the thought I had when I made the song. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the OST as a popular song, I couldn’t write the lyrics as I pleased, so I couldn’t incorporate this into the story.

“Wow, these lyrics are good too, Dong-hwa, Hyun-jae.”

Fortunately, the lyrics written by Lee Hyun-jae were of good quality and were immediately adopted, so I was able to write lyrics that matched the song’s atmosphere.

“Now, all that’s left is for the drama to be a success, right?”

Everyone nodded at Chae Hamin’s words. I hope that there will be a reward corresponding to the hard work of filming and composing.