Jung Jihoon, The Original Maknae: An H.O.T/Shinhwa Story

Looking for a new recruit

The nation of South Korea has grown over the past few decades thank to the post-war economic boom. With support of the U.S, they experienced huge growth. While initially being suppressed by the military regime of the past, fortunes change during the 80's when Korea hosted the 1988 Olympics when Korea showcase their talents to the world. With the rising tide allowed democracy to establish itself for the first time.

It was that idea that gave burdening musician Lee Sooman the idea to establish his company, S.M in 1989. His desire was to recreate that magic which he did when signing young artist Hyun Jinyoung. Unfortunately, due to a drug scandal, his career was cut short and he had to leave the industry.

Stuck with what to do in an industry that was growing thanks to the rise of Seo Taji and Boys, Sooman had to come up with a new strategy to release competent artists. He looked at the Japanese idol system that have been popular in Asia. Groups like Smap had the youthful appearance and were dressed handsomely for the girls to go crazy at them. He rewatched the television to see what else he was missing.

"They seem to have charisma especially that Takuya fellow." Sooman commented.

The boys were actively smiling towards the crowd. There was something about the image they were portrayed like the fans were drawn like them.

"That's it!! If I can train idols of my own and debut for the Korean youth perhaps this could give me the group I'm looking for!!"

Sooman immediately got to work setting his own version of the idol training system. Like with Jpop, the audience will be targeted for the Korean youth. These boys are supposed to represent the ideal youth, dressed well to a tee with the latest styles worn.

He got to work in finding his best candidates. The first one he met was a handsome highschool student named Kangta. From his looks and academic records, he definitely fit the ideal criteria. The next was highschool senior Moon Heejun who had a notaibly bulkier build.

Lee Jaewon was the third due his sheer height and charming looks while Jang Woohyuk the fourth candidate for his unusually deep voice and witty rapping. He might prove to be useful not to mention his athletic prowess that could help him in the long run. Weeks later he managed to scout an American teenager named Tony Ahn who had to fly to Korea to begin his training.

Sooman stood in front a large gym where the five boys were looking at him with nervousness and anticipation.

"Good job for coming with me to the gym. In short the five of you will begin your training. The reason why I chose you five is because you all show promise and I feel you all have some level of talent, but talent alone won't help you. If you want to become like idols like Seo Taji then you will work hard during these few months by the end of the year for your debut. With Seo Taji already disbanding this gives us an opportunity to take their place. You have any questions?" Sooman asked them.

"We have a few actually." Jaewon asked nervously.

"Go on."

"You haven't told us much what our particular skills are?"Kangta asked.

"That's up to you to find out. The point of training is to find your own strengths."

"What if we don't make the cut ajusshi?" Woohyuk asked.

"Then consider yourself kicked out from the program. Look I'm not trying to run a boot camp, but I do want to see if you're persistent enough to overcome something as simple as this." Sooman replied.

"Ohh like a sports boot camp. I have no problem with that ajusshi." Heejun said with a challenging smirk.

"So we get to keep our names or we get stagenames?" Tony asked.