THIS IS NOT THE OFFICIAL TRANSLATION

'Idol Corporation'.

It was a survival entertainment series that was very popular at this time of the year.

Idol Joint-stock Company' was one of many mass-produced programs, but that was also why it became especially popular. After the auditions that attracted hundreds of aspiring idols, participants were pruned through a voting process; many programs followed a similar format.

Capitalism made the competition especially bloodthirsty.

First, let's look at the advertisement from season 1.

[Your idol stock grows as much as you buy!]

Yes, "stock" referred to the amount of money you spent buying votes.

The show was airing their 3rd season this year.

After season 2 was crashed and burned and was treated as if it never existed. The show came back with an aspirational slogan of "Relisting." Because of this, many people ridiculed it for being a pile of garbage and predicted season 3 would fail as well.

... What did I think? I had been too busy preparing for exams to care.

Anyway, contrary to what people expected, season 3 was an all-time hit. Although there was a lot of controversy and criticism, it produces male idols who hold the topic and viewer ratings tightly and with 80 thousand visitors to their website and 600 thousand copies sold in the first week.

So I'm going to try join this show.

Today I took the first step.

"Yes, we are done! As you ordered, I didn't trim the side too much."

"Yes. thank you."

This appearance was much better. I looked at my haircut through the salon's mirror while thinking.

Perhaps eating and resting well these past few days improved my complexion, because the gloomy atmosphere around me had greatly decreased. Thanks to that, I didn't look bad after trimming my bangs and revealing some of my forehead.

As it happened, the lady next to me getting her hair permed gave me some lip service.

"Oh my, student that suits you ~ You look slimmer!"

I said thank you and proceeded to checkout with cash at the counter.

'I was fortunate to have some money in my account when I went to the bank to check it out.'

To be honest, it was money I shouldn't be using because it came from my parent's insurance. Sorry, but it was necessary.

'... If I earn money, I'll return it and donate it to a child welfare organization.'

I started to feel better. I had gotten a copy of my records and investigated my phone, and it seemed the suicide attempt by 'Park Moondae' was not done on impulse.

He had been kicked out from his housing (he was late on his monthly rent and barely received any of his deposit back). Additionally, his phone service had been cut.

And this all happened on his birthday.

He probably truly wanted to die.

... Well, I understand. Because I did too.

'May you rest in peace in a better place.'

I paused for a bit to review my plan, then exited the barbershop. It was almost noon, and the sunlight pierced my eyes. It was close to noon, and the sun pierced my eyes. There was still a lot of work to be done before reaching my goal.

'Let me go over this again.'

I already knew about the show's events, finalists, twists, and theme songs. Of course, I was lacking some details about the time leading up to the official announcement, but it would be hard to find a better opportunity than this. Even just passing the second round of the show could attract the attention of small or mid-sized agencies.

The biggest issue was that the public auditions for this season had already ended. But I knew some secret tips, so I decided to put them to good use.

My goal was to enter the entertainment survival program even though it had already closed public auditions.

And to do it within a week.

Not through a broadcasting station, but a nearby karaoke venue.

- Azusa? Ah, Idol Co., Ltd. One of the writers there is a complete idiot.

This is the bullshit that a certain guy giggled and said at the back of the photo club.

He said he heard it from a relative who worked at a broadcasting station. He was a guy who was always talking about various rumours, so he wasn't my favourite.

– I heard they invited a participant from a place like karaoke. That broadcasting station... You know. Seong X neighbourhood? I heard she wandered around the venue and recruited an ordinary person, upsetting the PD1. What a waste of time. Is she a dumbass?

That guy continued to speak heatedly about the recruitment. It's common to gossip at a drinking party, but it's rare to find someone who talks like this at a group meeting after all.

'Who invited this guy?'

'Let's not call him again.'

'agreed.'

People used their eyes to express their disapproval.

Of course, I didn't believe this nonsense either. I was just concentrating on free alcohol.

But surprisingly, there was someone who verified it.

-The person who was cast is Lee Go-yoon.

-... Eh?

Lee Go-Yoon is a female idol who debuted in season 1 of the show. She had won her popularity for her refreshing way of speaking, and her bright, cheerful, and quirky image.

A few people let out exclamations.

- Wow, she already debuted right?

-Yeah.

-Woah... How did you know?

She, who was a senior in the Department of Journalism and Broadcasting, who was about to graduate, spoke quietly.

-That 'stupid bitch' is my older sister.

The man who had been talking for a moment became muffled. Interest-based contempt poured on him from all around.

-... Ah, haha, I didn't mean...

-– She was never punished by the PD. In fact, she got a bonus.

After that, he shut his mouth and sat quietly.

Thanks to that, I was able to enjoy my drink/s comfortably. I think I drank while listening to the senior explain the story behind the recruitment.

Anyway, it was a pretty fun situation, so I remember it well.

After the show's auditions, if the number of approved participants was lacking, for the next week or so they would wander around the KTVs near the broadcasting station to scout for talent.

– Aren't the kids who sing karaoke better? It's also convenient.

- There are already many aspiring singers, so I heard that they try to avoid it. They said that the reason why they wanted to hire ordinary people is because they need fresh characters that are not like survival contestants.

It was not that we were trying to select participants who would make a debut, but that we were recruiting completely ordinary people who didn't know anything to add fun to the show.

These days, all aspiring idols will be educated by the agency to not talk carelessly.

In other words, the ordinary participants might end up being sacrificed to increase the entertainment value of the show.

'Of course, that's not what's important right now.'

The important thing is that there is a high probability that the writer will continue to use this method in season 3.

'Once you succeed, it's hard to change.'

Since season 2 had been ruined, there could have been a smaller audition pool, so they would need to work harder to find participants. So let's think objectively.

Although 'Park Moondae' was a bit skinny, he had a good face, and his height was no problem. Also his singing was good. If I met the writer, I would definitely have a chance.

furthermore...

'I will need to level my skills.'

I had to collect the achievements and improve my stats. As long as I stood out in some way, it should be possible to be selected. I grabbed the mic and sang a song. And then, I glanced back at the door to the karaoke room where I came in. The door was made of glass.

It was intended to give a bright and open feeling to teenagers and people in their 20s, but it also meant that it was easy for people outside to look in. That's why I chose this karaoke room.

The person I was waiting for was a writer from the broadcasting station. Still,

If she was in a rush to scout more participants for the show, it was likely that she'd pick a place near the station that was easy to observe.

So for now, this place was the best location.

I chose 10 songs without hesitation, pressed skip, and began to sing.

Shortly afterwards, I got the achievement for singing 10 songs. Of course, I knew it would be easy to get because it was the fastest one to do.

I once again put my point into singing, and the C+ became a B-.

Like last time, I sang the same song, and this time I felt as if my fundamentals had improved. The tone became richer, and the volume increased. Perhaps this happens when the letter of the skill proficiency changes.

At this speed, I think I'd be able to raise my skill level ridiculously quickly in the beginning, but before that, I have something more important to focus on.

"Ah, here is what I'm going to do."

I didn't think I would be found so quickly.

The recruitment period for members of the general public began a bit earlier than I had calculated, but unexpectedly, I had accomplished my first goal.

I accepted the business card from the woman with glasses. She carried a tired expression, but she kept her voice bright. She seemed to want to leave a good impression. I must have successfully aroused her interest.

The name on the card was as expected.

[Ryu Seorin]

The senior's name, who majored in the Department of Journalism and Broadcasting, was 'Ryu Seojin'.

'It looks like her sister's name just by looking at it.'

''Student, what's your name?"

"My name is Moondae Park."

"The name is also really unique. Really think about it. I believe you have the potential to be a star. Our group is very good at discovering people with this kind of talent."

"... thank you."

I couldn't appear too happy. If I expressed too much interest, it might seem as if I had planned this situation. They would usually decide who to accept based on the information in your profile, but they would want to filter out those who targeted them. Perhaps it was a good approach, because the woman spoke more.

"Your face is handsome, and you sing well. You'll definitely do well on the show. Hm... do you want to try getting filmed today?"

"Huh?"

The woman spoke as if pushing for me to make my decision immediately.

"Of course, you should tell your parents. If they knew their son was chosen to appear on television, they'd surely be pleased to let you go."

"... I don't have parents."

The moment she said those words, a small spark flashed in the eyes of this woman who was supposed to be the writer. It seems to have been judged as a stimulating material.

After all, in survival, storytelling is an essential element. If it's to the extent of cursing the show for milking the story, that would be even better.

I didn't know if I'll ever be able to use it, so it would have been a waste to miss this chance.

However, the write quickly restrained herself. And she spoke more softly.

"Gosh... sorry. I was talking nonsense."

"it's okay."

"I was just hoping you'd come visit our studio, and I wanted you to be able to watch comfortably. It's not an opportunity that comes often~"

"... Um."

Shall I start to accept it?

I paused for a moment as if hesitating, then nodded slowly. The woman's face immediately brightened.

"Oh, good choice! Let's meet in front of the studio!"

I had completed my first task. It was a smoother start than I expected.

Happy Reading ! ^^