The Trashy PD Has To Survive as an Idol

This chapter is generously sponsored by Jaynne.

[Title: (Preview) “Hoping to Get Closer” – Joo Woosung and Seo Hoyun’s Hilarious Telephone Mission?????

Joo Woosung: “A phone mission without the members???” (Pupils dilating)

Woosung, who has no friends outside the members… eventually decides to make a call!

Joo Woosung: “I don’t think he’ll pick up…”

???: (ringing) “Yes, this is Seo Hoyun.”

It was Seo Hoyun from The Dawn!!

The keyword is: Very handsome.

Joo Woosung: “Yeah, yeah. Bro, I don’t really want to hear that you respect me so much… And I don’t really want to hear that I’m handsome either…”

Annoying since two in the morning!

Seo Hoyun: “You shouldn’t ask others about how you look. Live independently.”

Joo Woosung: “???”

A surprisingly accurate response!

Seo Hoyun: “Oh… It’s a bit overwhelming…”

(1 minute later)

Seo Hoyun: “Daejeon, Daegu, Busan, Incheon, Gwangju, Ulsan.”

Production team: “…????”

(What is Seo Hoyun’s identity?)

Production team: “What is Joo Woosung’s favorite food?”

(Past variety show clips where Woosung was a fan of kimchi fried rice flashes by.)

Joo Woosung: “I love kimchi fried rice so much♡

Joo Woosung: (satisfied) “Of course, he’ll guess it right? Ahaha”

Seo Hoyun: (silence)

Joo Woosung: “…?”

(Seo Hoyun hesitating…)

Seo Hoyun: “That, do I really need to know that”

Joo Woosung: “??!”

Wrong!!!

Seo Hoyun: “…Should I hang up if you have nothing to say?”

Joo Woosung: “Yup, let’s end the call and also our relationship.”

A quick severance!

Joo Woosung: “It’s my mistake to call this (beep) Seo Hoyun, (beep)…”

(Joo Woosung’s cursing has been censored)

(Our program adheres to broadcast censorship standards. ^^)

Joo Woosung: “Who is Seo Hoyun? Who said to call him in the first place??”

(Joo Woosung… We hope you make up soon.)

└ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋI laughed so hard like a dog… shit… ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ (likes 4911)

└└Joo Woosung: “Of course, he’ll guess it right? Ahaha”

Seo Hoyun: (bewildered)

This amazingly awkward business relationship!

└└ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋAh, so cute, Hoyunㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ

└└They must be really close friendsㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ Joo Woosung is lucky to have a friend

└How did Seo Hoyun answer all the trivia questions? Was it scripted?

└└Famous for no script

└└If it’s real, it’s amazing. And knowing the debut date based on that music broadcast standard means he’s a real fan of Joo Woosung

└└Isn’t he a K-pop veteran….

└But why doesn’t he know about the kimchi fried rice even though he’s a fan? ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋEven my mom knows that Joo Woosung is a fan of kimchi fried rice after watching all his variety showsㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

└Seo Hoyun, turns out he’s a scary guy….

└└From being pointed out in Shining Star to Today… suspicious…

└└Can’t read the context? When did I say that?

└└(This comment has been reported)]

As expected, I got a good response. Joo Woosung has been in the industry for years, and his popularity with the public was quite high, so it’s not bad.

But….

[What… Why is Seo Hoyun doing a variety show alone? Don’t they know that in the early days of being an idol, you have to work hard as a group? Is the agency not taking care of them?]

[Seo Hoyun is probably trying to make a name for himself among K-pop idols. I’ve seen a million guys like that]

[So sick of seeing Joo Woosung being leached on by fansㅠ Cut the sucking up~ (vomiting emoticon)]

How was the content of the hate comments so similar to what I thought they would be?

I hesitated for a moment while scrolling through the hate comments. It was fine to be scolded like this since it was a part of my daily life as a PD.

Individual schedule….

If the other members also hesitated because of individual schedules, that would be a bit of a problem.

Teamwork shouldn’t be compromised.

I gave Kang Ichae a proper answer with a bright smile.

“That’s right. The response is pretty good for a preview.”

“I have to work more on my song today… Are you doing a variety show with Joo Woosung today?”

“Yeah. What about the other guys?”

“Dajun is practicing with Jiwon.”

Kang Ichae listed the members’ schedules. I couldn’t gauge the other team members’ reactions then. While nodding my head, Kang Ichae showed me something with a grin.

“Look at this.”

“What is it?”

“Seonghyeon’s photo.”

Kang Ichae showed a picture of Kim Seonghyeon wearing a police uniform.

[Police Promotion Ambassador, Kim Seonghyeon]

Because of the previous incident, he became an important icon for eradicating school bullying. Kim Seonghyeon repeatedly refused with a troubled expression, but after a long persuasion from Seong Jiwon that he could have a positive influence on many people, he finally gave in.

“I should post this on the group chat too.”

– Kang Ichae: (photo)

– Kang Ichae: (photo)

– Kang Ichae: Kyaa! You look so cool, hyung!

– Jeong Dajun: Is this the dazzling “God Seonghyeon”?

– Kang Ichae: Huh? Is this…  “me”?

– Kim Seonghyeon: ………………..

– Kim Seonghyeon: Stop it.

– Seong Jiwon: Oh, it’s today! Cheer up!

He sighed softly as he looked at the group chat messages that kept coming in without a break.

I have to maintain this as is.

All of The Dawn members were good-natured.

Compared to Today, who failed miserably and were now under police investigation and running to the army… No, anyone would seem like a fairy compared to those bastards.

Anyway, the bond between the members was strong, probably because they all knew how much they we struggled together.

“…”

If teamwork was going to break apart, it would come from within, not from the outside. So, what internal trouble could cause that?

There was only one answer at this point.

Individual settlements.

Honestly, it’s an important issue.

Only my contract had been renewed under favorable terms. The members were likely unaware of this matter.

What if they found out that my contract was different from theirs? They wouldn’t sue the company, would they?

No, at the very least, it would cause discord in the team. Such unfortunate events must be prevented in advance.

I should modify the entire contract at some point.

But lately, the CEO seemed to be nowhere to be found. I heard from the manager that he’s busy with business because of Daepaseong Entertainment’s top actor Min Jiheon’s filming in China.

The CEO is really trying to pull a fast one.

The best timing would be when our comeback song got first place. At least with good conditions, it could be negotiated.

“Hyung.”

Even if I told them I changed it just for myself now, there would be no good outcome.

“Hyung!”

“Huh? What?”

“What are you thinking so deeply about? You can’t even hear me.”

“Ah, sorry. What did you say?”

“Hyung, you’re weird sometimes.”

Kang Ichae clicked his tongue.

“When will you be back later?”

“I think I’ll be back in the early morning.”

Ichae narrowed his eyes and looked at me. From what I had seen so far, Ichae’s intuition was lightning-fast, like Usain Bolt.

I quickly averted his gaze.

“Ichae, what will you do with the settlement money?”

“Huh? All of a sudden?”

It was sudden, but—

I couldn’t ask, “I changed the contract for myself, and you’d be really pissed off about it, right?” so, I went with a settlement-related question instead.

“Well, I don’t really want anything right now. I have all the game consoles, and it hasn’t been long since I upgraded my computer to the best specs.”

“Game console…”

I remembered that Kim Seonghyeon desperately tried to take all of them away last time. Ichae was only able to save his consoles after promising to play no more than 5 hours a day.

Usually… what do kids like? I tried to recall the tastes of the 20-something celebrities I saw during my PD days.

“Hmm, don’t you want to buy a watch or a car? Kids your age usually like that stuff.”

“What the… No, before that.”

“…?”

“You’re talking like you’re not my age.”

This kid was frightening. Cold sweat ran down my back.

“People want to buy something when they get money.”

“Well, about that….”

Ichae hesitated and shrugged his shoulders.

“I’m not really interested in money.”

“What?!”

Is this possible?

Could such a person exist in South Korea, a country that’s capitalist to the bone? I, a small citizen of South Korea, was shocked. I could find happiness in looking at my account balance when things were tough…

Ichae, who was casually flicking his ear due to the shock, even looked noble for a moment.

“…Why? Are you planning to devote your life to a religion?”

“Yeah. Just pray that it’s not a cult.”

“Don’t suddenly contact me to buy a water purifier.”

“Ahahaha.”

Seeing him engaged in trivial small talk, it seemed like he was just joking. Ichae frowned slightly and tapped his phone with his index finger.

“It’s just… I’ve seen too many people getting endlessly ugly because of money… I’m sick of it.”

“…”

I stepped on a landmine.

Wasn’t this about me?

I missed the timing to answer as cold sweat dripped down. It seemed that Ichae realized his mistake and quickly changed the subject.

“No, I mean, that’s just how I am.”

As if he made a mistake in his words, he lowered the ends of his eyebrows and smiled gently.

“Anyway, hyung, we’re gonna be late. Let’s go quickly.”

“…Alright.”

Following Kang Ichae’s words, I was about to head out when I suddenly turned around. At that moment, Kang Ichae’s eyes widened as he looked at me.

“Hey.”

“Huh?”

“…Should I buy you something you like on my way there?”

As if he knew the intention behind those words, Kang Ichae burst into laughter.

“What are you going to buy, anyway? Do you even know what I like?”

“…Chicken?”

“…”

Was I wrong?

“Hamburger? Pizza? Or Jjajangmyeon?”

“If we had a phone mission together, we would’ve failed.”

I admitted awkwardly. Everyone seemed to expect too much from me lately.

“I’ll just buy anything.”

“Awww~”

I quickly mumbled and left the dorm, walking briskly when a system window popped up in the corner of my vision.

Beep!

[If there’s something wrong, try to appease with food… No wonder Kang Ichae doesn’t like that.]

“…Well, at least it calms me down a bit when I give him food.”

[As if…]

I lamely listed off a bunch of lame excuses.

But in one part of my head, several thoughts were tangled together urgently.

We must get first-place as soon as possible so that I can negotiate with the CEO.

If not, this team would be ruined.

***

“Hello, please take care of me.”

“Ah! Welcome, welcome.”

I must have answered the trivia quiz well; the show I entered this time was a newly created school-themed variety show.

Seeing the familiar face of PD Choi, I slightly tilted my head.

“Seo Hoyun, you look great in a school uniform! Just like a real student.”

At the age of thirty-three, wearing a school uniform made me feel shameless… but I quickly dismissed that thought. Entertainment people wear whatever they were told to wear, be it a school uniform or a monkey mask.

“It’s your first solo variety show, right?”

“Yes, it is.”

“My program being your first solo variety show is an honor! Ahaha!”

“I should be thanking you, PD. I’ve been following your recent mystery-solving program closely.”

“Oh, you know about that. It was so minor that it flopped!”

PD Choi was famous for making interesting programs, contrary to his innocent-looking face and twisted personality.

That meant he wouldn’t be satisfied with just having stars dressed as students.

“Today is the first recording, so I’m a bit nervous. But I’m relieved that Hoyun and Woosung are starting the show. Especially since Kim Heeyeon praised you so much, Seo Hoyun.”

I smiled and quickly changed the subject.

“What about the other guests?”

“They’ll be here soon!”

Seeing his vague smile, I could tell it wasn’t just a happy-go-lucky variety show with everyone in school uniforms. Usually, even with reality shows, there would be some prior communication about the concept and how the filming would proceed, but this time there was none…

All they told us was to act naturally while following the moving route.

As I chatted with PD Choi about various things, I turned my head to the sound of noise.

“Oh, Joo Woosung!”

As expected, it was Joo Woosung. He smiled brightly and greeted the staff members, then looked at me and frowned.

“Ugh, Seo Hoyun…”

“Hello.”

“Why do I have to be on a variety show with you? Why don’t people know that you blackmailed me?”

“Do you want them to know?”

“…You jerk.”

With the now quick-witted Joo Woosung by my side, I looked at the school in front of us. The set was incredibly realistic.

“You’ve been on variety shows quite often lately.”

“It’s because of the good views. Something about chemistry with my hoobae… they said they’d like to have me as a guest, and if the atmosphere is good, they’ll have me on for a while with you.”

“I’m kind of busy…”

“What about me? The guy from Blackcall?”

Woosung grumbled, but my default response to his words was to ignore him.

“So when are you guys making a comeback?”

“It’s just a few weeks away. We still have some MV filming left.”

“Really? Should I visit the practice room?”

I suddenly stopped walking and looked at him. Woosung scratched his cheek, looking awkward. I asked with a slightly bored tone.

“Living like that… haven’t you been scammed yet?”

“Shut the fuck up, seriously… Cheongbeom-noona asked me, okay?”

“Right.”

Lim Hyeonsu was really lucky… I was a relatively nice scammer, so Woosung and Hyeonsu were fortunate.

“Don’t worry about helping… it’s fine.”

You’ve already helped me enough, anyway.

How could a rookie like me have appeared on such a variety show without you? As I thought that, I heard the familiar sound of a school bell ringing, and I saw a camera with a red light on following Woosung and me. The filming had begun. And then…

“Hey! You two over there!”

We turned around at the sudden voice.

A man in his 40s with a strong physique, dressed in a gym uniform, looking like a typical physical education teacher, was shouting at us.

“What are you doing not going to class!”

“Us?”

“Yeah, you two. Huh? Write your names on this paper and go.”

Joo Woosung and I glanced at each other as we were dragged along. As soon as the paper was handed to us, Woosung grabbed the pen and signed it out of habit. Peeking at the paper, it read:

[Always be happy~ Joo Woosung]

“What are you doing?”

“Ah, oops. I just signed it out of habit…”

I thought it was a gag, but Woosung’s genuinely clueless face showed he was serious. His ego was invested in being an idol.

“What are you guys doing! Not writing it properly? And with dyed hair, too…”

“I wrote it properly.”

“…Right. Joo Woosung! Come here!”

“This shit’s gonna hit me too?”

Woosung, who was pouting and glancing at me, changed his expression quickly as the man in his 40s crossed his arms and began scolding him.

“Eh, teach~.”

The middle-aged man hesitated as he watched Woosung pretend to be pitiful and wipe his hands. Woosung’s popularity was so immense that it seemed the wrath of his fans was frightening.

“Hmm! Hmm! I’m just! Doing my job diligently!”

“…”

“I absolutely! Have no ill feelings towards this student! Hmm!”

“We’ll get going.”

To save the pitiful actor, I quickly grabbed Woosung and hurried to the designated classroom.

Creak.

“…”

Quiet.

It was quiet.

Cameras were set up everywhere, and actors pretending to be students were studying in their seats.

On the blackboard, the words “Self-study” were written in large letters.

…What were we supposed to do?

For now, I sneaked out of the classroom and looked at the doorplate.

2nd grade, Class 1. Ah, we were pre-high school seniors.

Only the sound of solving math problems could be heard. Woosung approached quietly with an awkward face and sat in an empty seat. I found an empty seat and started talking to my seatmate.

“Excuse me……”

“He, huuh!”

“…?”

“Seo, Seo Hoyun!”

But as soon as I started talking, he was startled, got up, tripped over the chair, and fell on his buttocks.

“What, what is it? Seo Hoyun!”

“…??”

As I was about to ask if he was okay, my seatmate pointed at me with trembling fingers.

“Are you back from that underground fight?”

“…”

What?

“I heard you fought with the neighboring high school… and you came back unharmed!”

What kind of nonsense was this?

As I looked over at Woosung, he also raised his eyebrows as if he couldn’t believe it.

“Hey!”

“There’s Joo Woosung, one of the Four Heavenly Kings, too!”

“Is it really?”

I wanted to ask if it was really true.

Following my seatmate’s words, the quiet atmosphere in the class suddenly became lively, as if it had been a lie.

Woosung, as an ordinary person (aka “godly” person), shuddered with genuine chills and brushed his arm.

“What’s going on…?”

That’s when it happened. Suddenly, a strong wind blew in, and the curtains fluttered. As the dancing curtains lifted, Yu Jia, who had been the MC for Shining Star, was sitting by the window.

“Lucifer’s appearance in the school of demons…”

“…”

“How interesting.”

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