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Chapter 6
“Yes. I’m an individual trainee without an agency.”
“Wow! It must not have been easy to participate as an individual trainee this time. That’s impressive.”
Because of last year’s controversies and malicious editing, everyone knew that individual trainees were keeping their heads down.
Is it really okay to say that so openly in front of the cameras?
“Haha. It’s nothing that special.”
“You seem very straightforward. May I ask why you decided to participate?”
“I joined because I want to debut.”
“That’s cool, hyung. I’m Jin Young-hoon, eighteen years old, a trainee from Planet Agency. Can I call you hyung?”
“Of course. Call me whatever you’re comfortable with.”
“Yes, Si-hoo hyung. That guy standing behind me is from the same agency.”
Jin Young-hoon pulled the gray-haired trainee from the back forward.
“Ha-yul. Say hello.”
“…Hello. I’m Seo Ha-yul, eighteen, also from Planet Agency.”
“Nice to meet you. Please feel free to call me comfortably too.”
“…Okay.”
After greeting the shy trainee, we exchanged quick introductions with the remaining one as well.
Now that names were exchanged, it was time for something truly important.
“Does anyone want to use the bottom bunk?”
I casually sat on the edge of the bottom bunk.
In a new place, you had to mark your territory properly.
“I… don’t mind.”
“Me!”
“I prefer the top bunk.”
With everyone having different preferences, the bed arrangement was settled quickly without conflict.
Jin Young-hoon took the remaining bottom bunk, and the gray-haired trainee climbed onto the bunk above mine.
“Have you all chosen your self-introduction songs?”
“Yes. I’m planning to do a senior’s stage.”
“…I’ve already picked mine too.”
“What about you, Si-woo hyung?”
“Hmm. I’m still thinking about it.”
Until the filming the next morning, we were given time to practice individually for the self-introduction ranking.
But what should I choose?
I needed a song that minimized dancing while properly showcasing my vocals.
There’s really only one option, isn’t there?
While practicing various songs through streaming videos, one unexpected song popped up through the algorithm.
It was perfect—something I could cover dance-wise and was clearly familiar to the public.
Yeah. There’s not much time anyway. Let’s stop overthinking and go with this.
After making a quick decision, I stood up from the bed.
Creeeak.
The old bed let out a loud groan.
All the trainees who were organizing their luggage looked at me at once.
Damn.
I’d meant to leave quietly, but that failed.
Seeing the camera’s red light, my professional work smile came out automatically.
“I need to practice, so I’ll head to the practice room first. Good luck organizing your things.”
“Yes! See you later.”
“Good luck practicing!”
“…Okay.”
After exchanging farewells with my Room 207 roommates, I quickly headed to the practice room.
***
So I ended up not sleeping at all.
By the time I practiced until I was satisfied with my one-minute self-introduction, the sun was already up.
Well, it’s not like I’ve never pulled all-nighters before.
A unfamiliar voice snapped me out of my haze.
“Trainee Cha Si-woo.”
“Yes!”
“Please go to the changing room and change into the group outfit.”
“Yes.”
The stylist handed me clothes without much emotion.
In my hands was the Star Picking signature outfit—a school uniform.
It felt familiar, and upon closer inspection, it was exactly the same uniform used last season.
…Is this a prank?
“Isn’t this the uniform from last season?”
“Oh, good eye. Yes, it is.”
It’s not about having a good eye…
The gold patterns on the uniform were so flashy that it was impossible to forget once you’d seen it.
“Then why…?”
“For environmental protection, we decided to reuse last year’s outfits.”
The stylist looked completely serious—too serious for this to be a prank.
This is actually real?
Seeing the camera’s red light made it even more confusing.
“A broadcast that leads environmental protection—sounds great.”
“Right? We really think deeply about these things.”
You should save money where it makes sense.
“Haha. I’ll do my best to support environmental protection too.”
“We just hope viewers understand our intentions.”
I tuned out the stylist’s words and changed clothes.
This is going to get us roasted online.
Recycled-idol, reused-idol, eco-idol, dirt-spoon-idol—mockery was inevitable.
At this point, should we just fully embrace the eco-concept?
I pinned the silver name badge to my chest.
The moment I stepped out of the changing room, a makeup artist hurried over.
“Trainee Cha Si-woo, come here for makeup.”
“Yes.”
The makeup area looked like a factory—chairs and mirrors lined up at equal intervals.
In the noisy, chaotic space, countless trainees sat getting their makeup done.
Getting makeup for the first time felt strange.
When the brush brushed my cheek, it tickled softly through the fine hairs.
“Look slightly downward.”
“Yes.”
The touch around my eyelids was more delicate.
After a few minutes, the brushing stopped.
After finishing with lip balm, the makeup was complete.
“Hiding your dark circles really brightens your face.”
The reflection in the mirror felt unfamiliar—almost like someone else.
“Don’t waste such a handsome face. Take good care of it from now on.”
“Thank you.”
I stood up and bowed at a perfect ninety degrees.
In society, greetings were always basic courtesy.
“Oh my, handsome and polite.”
I smiled professionally at the pleased makeup artist.
“Your makeup work gave me confidence. Thank you.”
A proper social comment earned me a beaming smile.
After receiving the makeup artist’s encouragement, I followed the staff’s guidance.
Inside the filming hall, cameras were installed everywhere, and the judges’ seats were set up on the stage.
Each judge’s seat had a nameplate and microphone, positioned to overlook all contestants.
Below the stage, rows of chairs were arranged for the trainees.
Cameras were placed between sections, clearly aiming to capture reactions.
From now on, I need to stay sharp and react well.
I took an empty seat.
As grand music signaled the start of filming, Yoo Hae-in appeared on stage.
“Welcome, trainees participating in Star Picking 5!”
“Yeeees!”
The energetic shouts echoed throughout the set.
“Today, we’ll conduct a ranking evaluation through one-minute self-introductions. Show your charm boldly to our National Producers and judges!”
“Woooo!”
The cheers were so loud it felt like my ears would burst.
Youth really is something.
“First, let’s introduce today’s four judges.”
A fast piano melody filled the background.
“The first judge is—!”
A light flute joined in, with strings carefully layering harmony.
“The queen of ballads, Park Chae-young!”
A woman with long, wavy hair walked confidently to center stage.
Park Chae-young, wearing trend-yellow dress and heavier makeup than usual, stood proudly under the lights.
“Hello. I’m Park Chae-young, returning as a judge for Star Picking 5.”
“Waaah!”
“It’s Wasp Teacher!”
Known for her obsessive focus on vocals and emotional expression, Park Chae-young’s nickname was “Wasp.”
Wearing yellow only made the nickname more fitting.
She smiled gently and took her seat.
Next, well-known composers, choreographers, and dancers followed, finishing their introductions.
“The judges’ lineup is impressive!”
Once all judges were seated, Yoo Hae-in raised his cue cards.
“Trainees, we’ll now officially begin the one-minute self-introduction ranking evaluation! The order will follow the sequence of those who passed the first audition.”
Since I auditioned on the last day, I’ll be near the end.
Following staff instructions, a few trainees were called.
“First trainee, please come on stage!”
While I adjusted my posture and clothes, mindful of the cameras, the first trainee stepped onto the stage.
The noisy set suddenly fell quiet.
The space felt like it was holding its breath.
All eyes gathered on the stage.
“Hello! I am—”
Warm eye-smiles peeked through fluttering brown hair.
Whispers spread as the trainee’s silhouette filled the stage.
“That person… isn’t he from Luminor Stars?”
“Why is a senior here…?”
Oh? A veteran.
“I’m Kim Sun-yu, twenty-three years old, formerly from Starlight Agency.”
Even amid the murmurs, Kim Sun-yu confidently held the mic.
His clear eyes looked unusually warm.
He looks incredibly kind.
The judges looked at him curiously.
“Kim Sun-yu, you’ve already debuted once, correct?”
“Yes. I debuted five years ago as the youngest member of Luminor Stars.”
The set erupted in surprise.
“Why participate in a survival show after already debuting?”
“Even after Luminor Stars disbanded, my passion for being an idol remained. I wanted to challenge myself again, so I applied first to Star Picking 5.”
So he cut ties with a failed group and started over.
Luminor Stars was a five-member boy group plagued by scandals from debut.
I remember they disbanded after repeated incidents.
“Your passion is moving.”
“I admire your courage.”
“Thank you.”
“Then, Kim Sun-yu, please begin your one-minute self-introduction.”
With that, the Q&A ended.
A one-minute timer appeared on the large screen.
A powerful beat filled the speakers.
A trendy boy-group song began playing.
The timer ticked down rapidly.
Kim Sun-yu showed no sign of nervousness and smiled warmly at the camera.
🎵 I can’t help but fall for you
🎵 I want to be with you all day
He sang smoothly, blending a catchy bridge with a modern instrumental.
It feels like it’s his own song.
His clean vocal control and sharp dance lines showed experience and composure.
He’s flying on stage.
From rhythmic waves to high-difficulty highlight choreography, he executed everything cleanly, drawing admiration throughout the set.
Hey. Status window.
[Yes.]
Show me Kim Sun-yu’s stats.
