The Road To Glory [EN]: Chapter 801

< 80. It's Been a While >

MIDDAY SHOW – HALO Special.

To discuss this, we first need to understand the phenomenon sweeping across the United States.

This phenomenon, dubbed the HALO phenomenon or HALO effect, began with a blogger’s critique of an anonymous singer.

A blogger questioned the manipulation of music charts in a post titled [Who is HALO?], and a singer subsequently dispelled those doubts with their music.

The singer’s song, [I AM HALO], climbed to 23rd on the Billboard Hot 100, officially introducing HALO to the American public.

Billboard 23rd might seem like an ambiguous achievement. In a world where new stars are constantly emerging and their songs frequently top the Billboard charts,

how many singers can break into Billboard and reach number one on digital streaming platforms like Spotify, solely on the strength of their music, without any traditional marketing, and while remaining faceless?

Some argue that the ‘faceless singer’ approach is itself a form of marketing, but even so, HALO’s musicality couldn’t be denied.

Listeners of HALO’s music began to speculate.

If a singer can consistently release high-quality songs every month without any promotion, it must be someone already established in the industry.

It seemed likely that they were musicians who had already reached the top.

Who could it be?

Ordinary people became intrigued. Who was hiding their identity and creating such captivating music? The search for HALO’s identity became a fascinating puzzle.

Thus, a short time after I AM HALO reached 23rd on Billboard, around March,

a movement with hashtags like #WhoisHALO or #AreyouHALO slowly gained momentum.

The public responded enthusiastically.

And, most importantly, those who instinctively follow trends and aspire to be pioneers joined in.

Yes, celebrities spearheaded this HALO phenomenon.

[He’s a man as hot as his music]

[He likes three rather than two] – cryptic phrases that suggested intimate knowledge of the artist.

[I have some separate work to do recently]

└ # Are you ···?

└ Well;)

Other singers subtly fueled the speculation while being considered as potential candidates themselves.

It was clear that the name HALO was a sensation in the United States.

Even without resorting to lies or deception, the mere mention of the name generated interest.

In particular, a content creator who attempted to deduce HALO’s identity by tracking down and investigating the suspected individuals achieved viral success.

That content creator faced criticism for blurring the line between investigative journalism and stalking, but ironically, their content gained even more traction.

This wasn’t limited to YouTube.

Broadcast programs adopted a more cautious approach, staying within legal boundaries.

The Tonight Show, a prominent talk show, actively capitalized on the trend, and their ‘HALO Special,’ featuring celebrity guests, became a hit and inspired similar segments on other talk shows.

The MIDDAY SHOW HALO special was also riding this wave.

“I’m Helen, a writer for the Midday Show. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Roh.”

“Nice to meet you too, Helen.”

“I know Korea is quite a distance away. Were there any travel issues?”

“Well, I was hoping to go on a picnic instead of filming.”

“Haha, I understand. The weather is beautiful today. I almost didn’t want to come to work.”

The writer chuckled.

“By the way, your English is excellent. Since the cover was in Korean, I didn’t expect you to be this fluent. I’m honestly surprised.”

The HALO cover that they requested from the boy had attracted considerable attention after being mentioned by Hollywood star Belle Morrison. Without Belle Morrison’s endorsement, they might not have discovered this boy at all.

North Americans generally aren’t familiar with subtitles and Korean language content – some even show resistance – but the song’s atmosphere resonated regardless.

At least, the production team of ‘Midday Show’ unanimously agreed.

The writer briefly regretted not commissioning an English cover from the boy, then remembered that cover singers typically have limited stage time.

“Please give us a great performance today.”

The customary greeting concluded the conversation.

The boy smiled slightly and nodded.

:

The writer led him to the dressing room.

As soon as he entered, he became the center of attention.

From the makeup artist applying makeup to

the guest receiving an unusual makeup (guess),

and even the small cameraman filming the scene.

“?”

HALO tilted his head, observing the group.

The number of people wasn’t the issue.

It was more about the unexpected scene before him.

A person wearing a sunflower or starfish on their head,

a person with their hair styled with wax into sharp spikes,

a person wearing a long tunic reminiscent of Greek and Roman mythology and posing like Jesus. They looked more like performers in a circus than guests on a talk show.

“Hey, you’re the last YouTuber, right?”

The man who approached him from the side appeared the most normal.

The man in a luxurious classic suit was also holding a vlog camera, as if he were a YouTuber.

“I’m Bacchus. I primarily do cover songs on YouTube. I also create my own music. Would you like to say hello to my viewers?”

“Hello.”

“Oh, you’re more cynical than you look. I like it. So, friend, what kind of concept are you planning for your outfit?”

“···Do I have to?”

Bacchus’s eyes widened at the question.

He’s going as he is?

The boy was dressed casually.

He looked like a typical teenager.

“You don’t have to.”

However, he’ll be overshadowed by people trying to outshine each other.

The more guests on a talk show, the more diluted the attention becomes.

“What about you?”

At the boy’s question, Bacchus looked down at his suit.

Unlike the others, he was wearing a classic suit.

Bacchus looked at the designer suit with satisfaction and replied.

“I chose this because it best represents me. It’s what my subscribers are most familiar with.”

At those words, the boy shrugged and replied.

“Me too.”

‘That’s a bit unexpected.’

Bacchus maintained a smile and slowly moved away from the boy.

He pretended not to know the boy, but he had done his research.

Of course, he had to investigate since they were appearing as guests together.

He had already learned about his channel, his concept, his skills, and the songs he would cover.

This boy is definitely below him.

In fact, he has the fewest subscribers among the people gathered here.

A notable point is that he broadcasts from Korea.

But even so, in terms of recognition, is he about a Z-class?

This isn’t Korea, but the United States.

And his skills are around a C?

The boy sang in Korean, not English, making it difficult to assess. If it were English, he would have given him an A- to B, what a pity.

The boy covered Please, lead me not into temptation, which fortunately didn’t overlap with his own repertoire.

‘Wait, why am I saying fortunately?’

Bacchus’s face momentarily hardened.

He didn’t know why he felt fortunate.

He was pretty good, but that doesn’t mean he’s lacking.

Besides, the boy’s song overlaps with other influencers.

In any case, he was in a much more advantageous position.

Bacchus relaxed his face and turned his head slightly.

The boy, speaking with a distinct posh accent, was leaning against one wall, looking around the dressing room.

Relaxed and nonchalant.

He didn’t know what the stage would be like, but his attitude was, well, I’d give him a B+. When their eyes met, Bacchus smiled and said.

“Let’s do well today, Mr. Gentleman.”

#

[O God]

Nam Gyu-hwan blinked.

Seo Yeon-seo, who was sitting next to him, blinked as well.

“He sings well.”

“He’s not good.”

“I think he’s okay.”

Han Jin-young added.

They were sitting in the audience, watching ‘Midday Show.’

Their boss gave them freedom, but ultimately, they chose to attend an American broadcast where they hoped to perform someday.

Unfortunately, they couldn’t appear this time, but they hoped to be on camera in the future.

The reason they couldn’t appear this time was simple.

While the broadcasting station scouted Noh Hae-il, they could only scout Noh Hae-il. It was a very simple reason.

“They said there were no session seats. Really, there’s nothing but a piano.”

“Originally, it’s not a music studio, but a talk show studio.”

“Still, Seo Yeon-seo, didn’t they say they’d prepare a seat for you?”

“I quit the piano.”

Everyone nodded blankly at Seo Yeon-seo’s words.

In the meantime, the cover stage was over.

People got up from their seats and cheered as if they were satisfied. They hadn’t heard properly because they were talking, but they applauded anyway.

As expected with so many guests, each person’s segment was short.

The stage took place immediately after the usual talk.

The most interesting thing was the talk with this guy named Bacchus. While others came out with concepts that didn’t suit Korean sentiments,

Bacchus, who appeared in the neatest and most likable suit, had a gentle and sensible tone with a mid-low voice.

“What is HALO to you?”

“If I say HALO is···Me, no one will believe me, right?”

“Of course, definitely. I recommend changing your vocal cords and coming.”

And then Bacchus’s stage followed.

“Oh, he sings pretty well.”

“He’s not good.”

“You’re going to say everyone but HALO is not good, right?”

“I’m saying it objectively.”

“Are you going to say the boss’s stage is not good too?”

“···If it’s not good, I have to say it’s not good.”

Seo Yeon-seo made a disgusted expression.

This crazy HALO fanatic.

Anyway, Bacchus covered HALO’s second album, When we meet again.

The reaction was the best because it was the song with the fewest likes and dislikes.

“But is the boss singing in English too?”

“I don’t think so?”

“Then in Korean? Is that okay? There are only foreigners here. Wouldn’t it be better to sing in English?”

Seo Yeon-seo, who had been watching the cover stage for a while, was a little worried.

After all, if it’s Korean, the reaction will be less and the delivery will be a bit lacking. Since he’s good at English, wouldn’t it be better to rearrange it and sing it in English again?

“Hae-il said it’s okay.”

“Is that so?”

Seo Yeon-seo adds that he’s like a boss.

Han Jin-young briefly recalled a conversation with Hae-il.

‘I won’t change the song because it’s hard to convey. A good song is well conveyed regardless of language.’

He didn’t feel like stopping Hae-il, who expressed his song was good without any hesitation and was burning with fighting spirit.

As usual, he believes he’ll do well.

Soon, the boy appeared with a comment from the show host, Lucy.

:

“He’s the youngest singer among the friends who visited today! Nice to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you, Lucy.”

“!”

Lucy blinked.

The distinct posh accent was unexpected.

Since the HALO phenomenon, the posh accent has become popular again, but this kind of accent is not something you can easily imitate.

“I really like your voice, Roh. And you’re really good at English.”

“Isn’t it better for us to talk to each other than to have an interpreter?”

“Oh my. Oh my god, look at this friend. I wish I was ten years younger.”

Lucy, not ten years, but twenty years!

Lucy burst into laughter at the shout of one of the audience members.

“Okay, I like you the most among the friends I’ve seen today. Your voice too.

Like. If he was 17 years old, he would have made this voice. Mr. Roh, you have to grow old like this.”

At those words, the boy chuckled.

“I’ll ask you a few things before I go on stage.”

“First, why do you like HALO’s music? Oh, of course, I hope you like it since you came to this place.”

This is obvious.

“Because it’s perfect.”

“···Okay, that was the clearest answer. I like that you’re honest.”

The others used all the adverbs and adjectives in the world.

Lucy didn’t mind this simple answer.

“Do you have a favorite song among HALO’s music? Also, why?”

This is a difficult question.

All the songs were good for their own reasons.

After thinking for a moment, he said this.

“The 6th album that will be released in the future.”

“Oh!”

It’s an unexpected answer. But it was definitely a good answer.

The audience members in this place also clapped, saying it was an answer they liked.

“I don’t know when it will come out?”

This is ad-lib [Improvisation].

“Okay, let’s say the 6th album will be released in May.”

Wow! People who were definitely HALO fans cheered at the boy’s correction.

There are some groups that say that the pace of releasing songs every month is coming to an end. The reason why they can’t easily refute their opinions is because everyone knows that releasing an album once a month doesn’t make sense.

Surely someone will laugh at this boy’s words, but it felt like scratching an itchy back.

Lucy’s face also brightened.

The previous influencers were also fun, but what should I say.

It was nice because he didn’t exaggerate unnecessarily and really showed his fandom as it was.

“I would have continued talking if it wasn’t for the stage. I’m having so much fun right now. You too, right?”

But the end of the talk was approaching.

Lucy introduces the boy’s stage with a half-regretful face.

“This stage is HALO’s 4th album. Please, lead me not into temptation.”

Knowing it was a duplicate name, the audience briefly buzzed. But they applauded the boy, whom they had briefly felt affection for.

Well, he’ll sing decently.

What they expected was the average of the previous four stages.

They didn’t have high expectations because it was already a song they knew.

After all, HALO’s music doesn’t suit anyone but HALO. His music reflects one person’s life, so even if you imitate someone else’s life, you can’t imitate it carelessly.

The familiar organ sound was heard.

And conversely, an unfamiliar sound.

“O Lord”

It was only for a moment that they murmured that the language was not the language they knew. They instinctively listened more to the unknown language.

“Father told me to love everyone”

Ah, this is what it means.

Since everyone already knows the song, the meaning comes to them one beat later.

Someone thought.

He’s okay?

Above all, the sound was heard beautifully.

It’s a very different feeling from English, so it’s even more mysterious.

Then the boy’s clear voice arrived in his ears. A new voice was added over the organ melody that should disappear.

The dazzling light coming in from the window of the cathedral.

And the warm touch felt through that light.

The language they didn’t even know arrived like the voice of God. The more they did, the more they tried to interpret it and somehow crave its meaning.

Also, because it is the voice of God, they cannot understand it, of course.

“Father···.”

Someone puts their hands together and mutters softly.

This is not HALO’s music.

He said it was a HALO cover, but HALO hated God, and he wasn’t the kind of person who would caress him like this.

In a way, he may have ruined HALO’s life shown in the music.

‘This is··· a blasphemy against the sun.’

Some HALO fans thought so.

But at the same time, he admitted that he didn’t hate this song as much as he thought.

The warm touch wasn’t bad.

···If HALO hears this song, what will he think?

Comfort brought by a young boy.

A song for lost lambs.

A soft keyboard touches the clasped hands.

The pianist’s hand stopped, and the stage ended completely with him.

Lucy, who had to give the closing remarks, lost her words.

“Wow···.”

Meanwhile.

The guests who saw the boy’s stage behind the stage.

The guest who sang the same song as the boy’s expression was distorted, and the guest known as a devout believer was clasping his hands and tearing up.

On the other hand, Bacchus was still smiling.

However, his lips trembled slightly.

‘Still, I won in delivery.’

He can’t admit that one side of his chest is warm.

He is a man as hot as the sun.

‘It wasn’t bad. It would have been better if he sang in English.’

The audience reflected by the camera switching.

There was no human clapping.

They are such cruel humans.

If it was moderately okay, they would have clapped to encourage the boy. He’s just putting his hand over his eyes for no reason.

Bacchus turned his body and walked towards the door. There’s nothing more to see.

The loud applause heard behind him must be from the kind dressing room staff. The cheers heard from afar, well, a YouTuber has to be able to do at least one act of buzzing.

“This is the end of··· ‘Midday Show.'”

The ending comment that was heard quietly.

Lucy’s voice, who was cheering for him, was very hoarse.

#

A day has passed since then.

“Talk shows are the same everywhere.”

Hae-il stretched and walked forward.

In the morning, all the members who were praising and praising were drunk and asleep.

Hae-il went out alone to the street he knew best. As always, with a guitar case dangling on his back.

He looked around.

He hoped that this place would be the same as his hometown, which hadn’t changed much.

Time is added to the street he remembers.

Someone approached the boy who was squatting and staring at the crosswalk for a long time.

“Is this your first time here? Would you like me to recommend tourist attractions or restaurants?”

“No, it’s okay. I already know it well. I’m just trying to revive my memories.”

“Oh, it looks like you’re back after a long time.”

Hae-il smiled and replied.

“It’s been a while.”