Idol Life: ON Stage

Ch. 9 - Juseung

KOREABOO: Rea Lim, Solo Artist, is participating on the survival show <Song of the Girls> and is recently caught in a controversy of bullying.

by Seola Kil

Rea Lim, a solo artist who has won over thirty awards as a young girl, has recently decided to participate in the survival show <Song of the Girls> to try to win a spot in the debut group. She has been popular for quite some time and received many votes on the show, awarding her twelfth place.

However, a recent video was released from the survival show, revealing Rea Lim arguing immaturely with her fellow contestants just to receive the position of the leader. When girls started to scold her of her actions, Rea threw herself at one of the contestants(Chaewon Ahn), and got into a physical fight.

Rea's fans are claiming that the video is fake, and that Rea would never behave this way. Chaewon's supporters have also gotten involved, requesting the show to expel Rea Lim from the show and further activities.

Not only is this a controversy, but it is a bump to Rea Lim's career. If she gets kicked off, this incident has already damaged her life as a solo idol.

Other sources have revealed that Rea Lim's entertainment is considering to let her go, and this is the final decision we anticipate. Her entertainment posted an apology letter:

Hello-

This is — Entertainment.

We would like to sincerely apologize for the actions and damage that artist REA LIM caused to you. We will speak to her and try to resolve this matter.

Regarding the incident, we do admit that the scene shown on the camera is true. Rea did physically fight with her fellow contestant, and also exchange hurtful words. Rea has been a solo artist for a long time, and she is not accustomed to "team work" yet. She has always been the center of her songs, and we ask you to understand this.

Through communicating with our young artist, we will be through a decision to remove her from the entertainment or suspend her.

Consequences will be made soon.

Comments: 17.2K

gao*** no way, did Rea really do that? lmao

suzy** haha, she totally got what she deserves. I mean, did you see that aggressive personality of hers? grow up sweetie.

sun* gosh, what's up with kids these days? *face palm*

ele*** I hope she understands what she did wrong. Chaewon literally deserves none of that :(

___

It got leaked. The producers just had to spice up the show, leaving Chaewon and Rea to the spotlight.

Suddenly, having both of them in our mission group was a huge hit. Having two people who did not get alike at all caused an uproar in the comments section as well.

"We can start off with an apology to the crowd." The PD of the show stood near the doorway. "After all, what you guys did was wrong. Our views did increase, but our ratings have dropped. Guess who's fault that is?"

Rea lifted a trembling hand. "I swear, I'm just a victim of all this, PD-nim!"

PD-nim shook his head. "Rea, I have already watched all of the footage."

There was silence in the room before PD-nim sighed. I raised my hand, willing the PD to look in my direction. Luckily, he did.

"Yes?" He probably doesn't know my name since I'm just a trainee. "Go on."

"Does the rest of the ground also have to apologize or is it just Rea unnie?" I politely asked. The PD-nim just sighed once again and rubbed his forehead.

He waved his hands at the whole group. "I'm afraid that Chaewon and Dayeon will also-"

"Why me? I'm the victim here! I just wanted to help the group!" Chaewon burst into tears. "This is so unfair!"

PD-nim shook his head. "Chaewon, once you bind yourself to a company by contract, you have to act the exact way they wish for you to. You knew of this and still decided to sign the piece of paper, and your entertainment is wishing this."

Chaewon's eyes had turned red. "Is it my fault that I wanted to be the leader? And why does Dayeon have to apologize? It makes no sense! I'll apologize, but leave Dayeon out of this!"

Dayeon quickly spoke up. "No, it's fine, PD-nim." She nudged Chaewon, but Chaewon brushed her arm away. "Chaewon unnie!"

"PD-nim! Even you have to admit that Rea is the only one at fault-"

"ENOUGH!" PD-nim shouted. He was clenching his fists. "You should not be talking like this to your senior, Chaewon Ahn! Have you got no respect? I have debuted ten years before you, I have got experience, and this is what is best right now!"

Chaewon wiped her tears with the back of her hand. "You know what is best for this situation, but you know nothing about me, which is why I refuse to listen to you."

I grabbed her arm, trying to make her stop yelling. "Chaewon unnie, please stop."

Rea finally spoke up. "If I leave the show, I request for Chaewon Ahn to leave with me."

"How are you in any position to make requests?" I yelled.

"EVERYONE!" The PD-nim screamed from the doorway. He realized that he was being too loud, and he stepped in and shut the door. "Please listen to me first."

Chaewon opened her mouth but the PD-nim glared at her harshly and she closed her mouth.

"Rea and Chaewon are the ones that are demanded for an apology. Dayeon, you were let off with a warning. Due to the uproar, Rea, you can choose to leave the show or stay. However, no matter how many votes you receive, we will have to manipulate them to eliminate you. I will not allow you to be on the group after this incident. I have already watched the footage, and I need you to know that this is completely unacceptable."

Rea remained unfazed. "If people still love me after my scandal, I clearly have enough popularity to lead the group."

The PD-nim scoffed. "After months of going through this process, if you still have a mindset like that, just leave and remain a solo singer. No company will want you no matter how talented you are. Idols aren't only known for their talents, you know. There is no 'leading the group with popularity'."

There was a slight giggle. "There is with me. You should know that by now, sir."

All of us gasped at the flirty manner that Rea was showing. Me and Dayeon exchanged glances, as if asking, what is she doing?

"PD-nim..." Rea giggled tightly as she stalked towards him. "You can't kick me off."

His face was red by now. Even from my view of the ground, I could feel his face burning.

"Rea Lim..." His voice was dangerously low. "You're officially kicked out from the show. The exit is to your right."

There was tension, and then silence.

"PD-nim..." The mischievousness was gone from Rea's tone, replaced by a pitying tone. "You need me on the show."

"Do I really?" He crossed his arms. "Prove it."

"This show is only running because I'm here. The show is sponsored by me, you know?"

PD-nim laughed. "The show will have to go on without you, Rea. I hope you understand what you've done wrong, and in the future, I hope to see you again." He didn't comment further on her actions as he left the room.

Rea looked at the ground as she walked towards the door, but stopped. "You guys will never be successful. I hope you know that."