Prince From Another Dimension Becomes An Idol [EN]: Chapter 180

#180.

The Battle of Hansan Island, one of the three major victories of the Imjin War [Japanese invasions of Korea, 1592-1598].

In 1592, the Joseon Navy, led by Admiral Yi Sun-sin, decisively defeated the Japanese Navy off the coast of Hansan Island.

To commemorate this victory and honor the spirit of Admiral Yi Sun-sin, Tongyeong hosts a festival celebrating the Battle of Hansan Island, a great naval battle considered one of the world’s four major naval engagements.

MOST was invited to perform at the opening ceremony of this year’s festival.

This marked the first time an idol group had performed at the festival’s opening ceremony, which was in its fifth year.

Previously, the opening ceremony featured mainly trot singers [Korean pop music genre popular among older adults], choirs, Korean traditional music groups, and various traditional arts groups.

This was largely due to the festival’s purpose and the age demographic of its attendees. In reality, popular singers were often too expensive, and even if the festival could afford them, many were hesitant to travel to Tongyeong.

Amidst all this, MOST, fresh off their comeback and incredibly busy, had a special connection that brought them to Tongyeong.

“Hyung [older brother or male friend], isn’t your father coming?”

While Jeong Gil-ju and Ki-jun checked in, Woo-cheol, lounging on the lobby sofa, yawned as if bored and sleepy, and asked Heung-min.

“Why would my father come all the way here?”

“Because he has a friend here, and his son is coming too, right?”

“He has to work.”

“Ah, I see….”

One of the public officials in charge of the festival in Tongyeong happened to be a former roommate of Heung-min’s father from his study hall days.

Officer Lee, despite claiming he would disown his eldest son, bragged about him almost daily and jokingly asked if he could get some help from him, which somehow materialized into a real opportunity.

Of course, the deal wasn’t solely based on Heung-min’s father’s acquaintance.

The festival held significant meaning, and considering MOST’s journey to popularity after their debut, it seemed like a meaningful performance for them as well.

However, only Kingdom, who coordinated the schedule, and Do-jae were truly mindful of that meaning.

‘A performance at the Battle of Hansan Island following Haengju Fortress…’

Do-jae muttered to himself, lost in thought.

“Are we going to Pearl Harbor now?”

The members looked at Do-jae with puzzled expressions.

“Why Jinju?”

In response to Gyu-sung’s question, Do-jae, drawing on his knowledge, answered.

“Because Jinju is the only place left of the three major victories.”

“The three major victories? What’s that?”

Woo-cheol asked, wide-eyed.

Louie also chimed in, seemingly clueless, “What is it?”

Heung-min and Gyu-sung, who had ‘somewhat’ neglected their studies, fell silent, recognizing the term from somewhere.

“The three major victories of the Imjin War: The Battle of Haengju, the Battle of Hansan Island, and the Battle of Jinju.”

The members’ jaws dropped at Do-jae’s answer.

“Ah, the Imjin War….”

Heung-min scratched his head, perhaps embarrassed that he had finally remembered.

“Hyung, do you memorize all that stuff?”

“As expected of Do-jae hyung….”

The two younger members admired him, as if ready to applaud.

“Ah, that’s how he got first place in 1 vs. 99 [Korean quiz show].”

Gyu-sung nodded, agreeing with Heung-min’s words.

“I’m proud to be a member who stands shoulder to shoulder with hyung.”

“I don’t think it’s that big of a deal.”

Do-jae coldly dismissed Woo-cheol’s exaggeration.

The members chuckled.

“Wow, but it’s true that we’re on a quest to conquer the three major battles!”

“It’ll be fun if we ever go to Jinju later!”

While the members were chatting excitedly.

Jeong Gil-ju and Ki-jun returned with the room keys.

The performance was scheduled for the following evening, and the company had booked accommodation to ensure the members were in good condition. The rest of the staff were scheduled to arrive the next afternoon.

“How are we going to divide the rooms?”

When Ki-jun asked, Heung-min yawned and replied.

“Let’s decide quickly because I’m tired.”

“Then it’s ladder climbing again!”

At Woo-cheol’s suggestion, Louie pulled out his phone with the ladder climbing website already open, anticipating the game.

“I’m 1!”

“2!”

“5!”

The order was quickly determined as if playing a game of timing, and the roommates for the night were decided.

***

The next morning.

The members, having each enjoyed breakfast in their rooms via room service, changed into casual clothes and gathered in front of the hotel on time.

With time to spare before the performance rehearsal, the members decided to explore the festival, having come all the way to Tongyeong.

This was a suggestion from the energetic Woo-cheol and Louie.

Ki-jun, on the other hand, wanted to rest a little longer, but he had no choice but to join in, given his younger members’ enthusiasm.

‘When I think about it, I’ve been trapped in the practice room for almost two weeks preparing for my comeback….’

“Did everyone sleep well?”

Jeong Gil-ju asked as the members piled into the van.

“Yes!”

Louie replied in a very energetic voice.

Do-jae, sitting next to him, also looked much brighter than the day before.

“The hotel bedding was excellent, so it was good.”

“Oh, hyung felt it too? I also slept really well!”

Woo-cheol agreed with Do-jae’s assessment.

“Kuh, the weather is nice.”

Heung-min muttered contentedly, resting his arm against the window.

Without any fine dust, the sky was a clear blue, making it the perfect weather to enjoy in a van with the air conditioning blasting.

“Everyone seems to have slept well. Then let’s go!”

“Where are we going?”

“We’re going to head out to the sea. It’s also the way to the performance hall.”

“Oh, the sea! Good, good!”

Louie shouted happily.

Woo-cheol, who was checking the event schedule on his phone, announced.

“Wow, there’s going to be a turtle ship [Korean warship] rowing competition in the sea in a little while! We can see it if we go now!”

“They do things like that….”

Gyu-sung showed interest in Woo-cheol’s words.

On the way from the accommodation to the beach, a parade announcing the festival was in full swing.

People in naval uniforms, citizens dressed in Joseon Dynasty attire, and children holding Taegeukgi [South Korean flag] flags and walking excitedly could be seen in the distance.

There were even people blowing bubbles, adding to the festive atmosphere.

The road where the parade was taking place was closed to traffic, so they couldn’t get a good view, but Do-jae, watching the scene through the window, was lost in thought.

‘I was always in the middle of processions like that….’

It reminded him of the imperial family processions he had participated in with his family.

That time when he received the awed gazes of so many people… it wasn’t entirely unpleasant.

However, watching this peaceful scene, with people laughing and chatting freely, seemed much happier than sitting like a doll, stiffly upright according to strict etiquette.

‘I miss my family, but….’

He didn’t miss them as much as he thought, because the other members were filling that void.

Perhaps it was because he had already left Cheongju Haenggung Palace [a detached palace] and become independent.

‘I hope everyone is doing well….’

He wished for the peace of his family, as well as his own peace as ‘Kang Do-jae’.

The van, diligently making its way through Tongyeong, soon arrived at the beach.

***

“Fantastic! The sea!”

Louie shouted as soon as he got out of the van and saw the open sea.

The blue sea of the South Sea, shimmering under the sun, refreshed the tired members’ minds instantly.

A large turtle ship [a Korean warship notable for its armored deck] was floating on the sea, making the scene even more spectacular.

“Turtle ship! I’ve only ever seen them in textbooks!”

“Are you sure you’ve even seen that?”

“Hey, I’ve at least glanced at a textbook!”

Do-jae smiled lightly as he watched Woo-cheol and Heung-min bickering, and took out his sunglasses from his back pocket.

The blazing sunlight was hurting his eyes.

“Wow….”

“Heol [Korean slang for ‘Oh my god’].”

“Do-jae….”

The members, who had been captivated by the sea and the turtle ship, turned to Do-jae and exclaimed.

Do-jae was wearing a white short-sleeved T-shirt with a very small brand logo on the left chest, well-fitting jeans, and black sandals.

In a way, it was an ordinary outfit, but the saying ‘fashion is completed by the face’ held true; no, the body; no, the face… anyway, Do-jae made the outfit work.

Do-jae, who had grown taller during his trainee days and was well over 180cm [approximately 5’11”], had perfect proportions with his small face.

Just standing there was like a painting, and with sunglasses on, it was like a photo shoot.

“I’m always impressed.”

“I think he gets better looking every day….”

Do-jae smiled familiarly at the members’ cheesy comments.

“Eugh.”

Louie clutched his heart and made an exaggerated reaction.

Gi-jun paused and put the sunglasses he was about to take out back in his pocket.

It was clear that he would pale in comparison if he wore them at this point….

Do-jae was Do-jae, but it was natural that people’s attention was drawn to the six handsome young men.

“Could it be MOST?”

“Kyaaak!”

“Mommy!”

“It’s MOST!”

“How can they be so incredibly handsome?”

Some of those who were glancing at the members quickly recognized MOST.

Some had even found out MOST’s schedule in advance and followed them from Seoul.

As the commotion grew, Jung Gil-joo led the members away.

“Let’s go quickly. The competition is about to start.”

“Yes, yes.”

Protected by Jung Gil-joo, the members quickly moved on.

They made sure to give pleasant smiles to the people who recognized them and seemed unsure of what to do.

***

A little later.

The members, especially Heung-min, who had come to the turtle ship rowing competition venue intending only to watch, were taken aback.

“Why is my father here…?”

“Heung-min! Oh, my baby!”

“Even Mom?”

The members quickly greeted Heung-min’s parents.

They had met several times at the concert hall, so it wasn’t too awkward.

They were just surprised to meet them here in Tongyeong.

Only Jung Gil-joo, who had been contacted in advance, was smiling.

Heung-min’s parents had contacted only Jung Gil-joo without contacting their son, worried that it would interfere with his schedule.

“Why else would we be here? We came to see you.”

Lee Gye-jang, who had once vehemently opposed Heung-min becoming a singer, was now supporting Heung-min more enthusiastically than anyone else.

“Oh, your father said he wanted to meet his friend and come. He said he wanted to see your performance again.”

“What about work?”

“I took a vacation day.”

Lee Gye-jang answered firmly, and Heung-min’s mouth dropped open.

“We came for a summer vacation, so don’t worry about us! I can’t stop your dad, anyway!”

It was while the members were laughing at Heung-min’s mother’s words that Heung-min’s father spoke.

“If you have time, it would be nice to go and say hello to your friend.”

“Are you going to brag about your son again?”

Heung-min’s mother shook her head, saying she couldn’t believe she lived with him.

Of course, it was good that he had achieved his dream, but wasn’t he working hard to be a proud son at times like this?

Heung-min sighed and asked, “Where are they?”

Heung-min’s father pointed to the front of the sea, where preparations for the competition were in full swing.

“Wait…. Is it okay?”

Heung-min asked the members with an embarrassed look, but the members took the lead as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

That’s how they reached the starting point where six small turtle ship-shaped boats were floating.

Most of the participants were local people, but there were also foreign participants.

Among the participants who were holding paddles and moving them around, someone recognized MOST.

“Look!”

The first to recognize MOST was a foreign participant.

He had been impressed by the music video, recognized Louie, and was now excitedly pointing them out to his colleagues.

Department Head Hak, who was Heung-min’s father’s friend, came running over in a hurry.

“Oh! You’re here! Let’s say hello later. Something’s come up now…. Oh, I’m going crazy…….”

“What’s wrong?”

“That’s…….”

Department Head Hak’s eyes twinkled as he was about to explain, looking at the members.