GIJS

Chapter 68 Academic Value

Gunja was smart. Although he sometimes seemed a bit clueless, his intelligence was undeniably high.

It didn't take him long to grasp the unfamiliar concept of a "worldview."

Even ancient Joseon had its own foundation myths. Goguryeo, Silla, and Baekje all had something similar.

Whether these myths were true or not, they held great significance simply because they sparked interest and gave a nation its identity. Moreover, the people of those nations often felt pride as they learned these origin stories.

In a way, it seemed that creating something like a myth for their group was what was needed.

It appeared that everyone was struggling with this task. However, it wasn't difficult for Gunja.

In fact, the very notion of Gunja, who lived in Joseon 300 years ago, being in the modern world was itself a myth-like event.

At first, he worried that the full story might be discovered. But that was an unnecessary concern. One day, feeling frustrated, he had even revealed his true identity to Yuchan and Taewoong.

"Taewoong, Yuchan. The truth is, I'm from 300 years ago."

"What?"

"The reason I act like a Joseon person is because of that. It's not just a concept."

"...Ah..."

"Where do I even start explaining this... Well, there's a hereditary illness in our Moonwon Yoo clan..."

He told them the truth with great resolve, but Yuchan and Taewoong didn't believe him.

"Sigh, Gunja."

"Hmm?"

"Okay. I won't criticize you for trying to stay in character anymore."

"...."

"Why go so far as to make up lies like that? It makes us feel bad."

"...Gunja hyung must have been really frustrated..."

"No, that's not—."

"Alright, alright. Just do what you want to do."

Since they didn't believe him even when he told the truth, there was no worry about being discovered. Honestly, even Gunja thought it was an unbelievable story. A friend who had jumped through time? It was too unrealistic.

Coincidentally, they said that this "worldview" could benefit from an unrealistic setting. In that case, there was no need to look for stories elsewhere.

When Gunja began sharing his story in earnest, everyone in the meeting room listened intently. The detailed and fantastical story, set in the Joseon era—the age of scholars—instantly drew everyone in.

At first, the staff only listened to Gunja's story, but soon they began asking him questions.

"Gunja, so what exactly is that illness?"

"It's a condition known as Sangtaechang."

"Huh? Sangtaechang? Isn't that something from a fantasy novel?"

"The characters are slightly different."

"Are there separate characters for it?"

"Yes, let me show you how it's written..."

Taking out a brush pen from his pocket, Gunja began writing out the characters as he continued to unfold the story within him.

A young scholar who loved dance and music more than anything, but was forbidden from such activities by his family's persecution.

However, he knew that indulging in dance and music was the only way to cure his condition.

At the moment he found the answer and tried to break the curse, the scholar was caught by his stepfather and locked inside a chest.

Was this how he was going to die? He was in despair, but at that very moment, Sangtaechang shone brightly before his eyes.

As the story progressed, everyone became more and more engrossed.

"What happened next?"

"The spirit, transmitted across time, happened to possess the body of a boy with the same name."

"So, it was possession?"

"And the boy then discovered that in this era, those who excel in dance and music are loved by everyone."

"So that's why he decided to become an idol and enter the audition?"

"Yes."

"...That's pretty convincing."

The planning team members seemed impressed. Especially team leader Seo Eunwoo, who seemed particularly taken with Gunja's story.

They had called him in thinking they might find some answers through brainstorming, but they hadn't expected such a well-formed story to emerge.

"Did Yu Gunja come up with this idea himself?"

"Yes. It's based on a true story, with a bit of fiction added."

Some staff members chuckled at the mention of a "true story," but Seo Eunwoo didn't laugh. Instead, he nodded in satisfaction.

'He's already immersed in the worldview.'

Idols need to understand their worldview better than anyone else.

Seo Eunwoo had seen more than once how a carefully crafted worldview could collapse if an idol failed to understand it properly.

To induce fans to become overly immersed, the members themselves must first be deeply immersed.

Of course, this was still just one member's idea, not the official worldview, but team leader Seo Eunwoo was pleased. His behavior was exactly like that of a Joseon scholar, but his approach to the worldview was that of a perfect fourth-generation idol.

"I like Yu Gunja's idea."

"So do I, team leader."

"It's fresh and seems believable."

"Then, shall we start developing this idea further?"

The team members nodded in agreement with Seo Eunwoo. Seeing the dark atmosphere in the meeting room brighten, Gunja smiled brightly.

It seems his opinion was helpful!

However, the real brainstorming was just beginning.

"Okay, we'll keep Gunja's character as is for now. But we should discuss the other members too."

"Right, Gunja. Didn't you focus a bit too much on your own character?"

"...Ah, I messed up."

At one employee's remark, Gunja smacked his forehead and let out an emphatic aigoo.

Yes, this is a team debut, and He've been thinking only about himself.

A worldview is surely a fictional setting that encompasses all colleagues. If he has a backstory, his colleagues should have something similar too.

"Hmmm—."

Gunja pondered as he glanced at his colleagues. In truth, Gunja had always tried to compare his colleagues to the various human figures he had known in the past.

Gunja's gaze, which had been moving horizontally, stopped at Yuchan.

"Yuchan reminds me of a Sungkyunkwan student."

Yuchan widened his eyes, as if to say, 'Me?'

But to Gunja, it was clear.

The image of a pale-faced scholar sitting in Myeongnyundang, reciting the Four Books and Five Classics. His fair, flower-like face, and the jade-like voice reading the scriptures, fit Yuchan as perfectly as sticky rice cake.


"A Sungkyunkwan scholar? Now that you mention it, I can kind of see that."

"Yes, he has a clear voice when reciting the classics, is quite adept with swordsmanship despite his delicate build, consistently ranks at the top among his peers, but secretly harbors an interest in the music played at the gibang (a place where courtesans entertain)."

"So, he got bored of studying and leaped 300 years forward?"

"That could be the case."

"The gibang, that's the place with the courtesans, right?"

"Yes, and in fact, Yuchan is quite interested in such... worldly things."

Yuchan was utterly shocked and quickly interjected at the scholar's words.

"Wha-what?! Scholar Hyung!"

"Haha, right. Now that I think about it, it was Yuchan's idea to undress Taewoong and me during the third round, wasn't it?"

"T-that was... not what I meant-!"

"It's okay, Yuchan. That's normal at your age."

"N-no, ugh..."

"Seonbi, do the others too!"

"Sure."

It wasn't difficult for the scholar. He just had to express the thoughts he had been mulling over.

Inhyuk -hyung is like a general who has passed the military exam. That robust physique would shine more during times of war than peace.

But who says a warrior can't be interested in music? His free and dynamic body movements, deep and powerful voice, and rich sensitivity, despite his bulky build, are perfect talents for music and dance.

Hyunjae and Hyunsu probably studied at Sungkyunkwan with Yuchan. Hyunjae, who always achieves grades comparable to Yuchan even while playing every day, has many friends and loves entertainment, spending more time on boats than on land. Hyunjae probably sang and danced joyfully even 300 years ago.

Composer Hyunsu was likely engrossed in composing ritual music during that time, too, neglecting his health. Perhaps Siwoo, the son of the city's wealthiest man, would have taken care of his friends' health with a bright smile. He's the kind of friend who quietly looks after others like a mother.

The planning team members and staff were completely absorbed in the scholar's story. Team Leader Seo Eunwoo was no exception.

'Yu Gunja, you have a talent for storytelling too.'

It was only now that Team Leader Seo Eunwoo realized why Gunja's stage performances always had a clear beginning, middle, and end.

Gunja is an outstanding performer and a natural storyteller.

There are artists who merely show the practiced song and dance on stage, and there are artists who skillfully weave them into a story. Gunja is likely the latter.

Now, it was Taewoong's turn. Taewoong seemed to be secretly looking forward to his "scholarization" by Gunja.

"Gunja, so what about me? Huh?"

"Hmm..."

But it was a rather difficult task for Gunja. Taewoong in the Joseon era...

With his broad chest and strong build, he reminded Gunja of Samsik, who swept the yard and cut the grass at the Yoo family estate. With his sociable nature and boisterous voice, he also reminded him of Bangga, the traveling merchant who visited the market every three days.

A scholar... a scholar...

After a long silence, Gunja lowered his head and spoke.

"Um..."

"What is it, what is it?"

"...I think I've done my part, so I'll leave the rest to the planners..."

"Hey! Yu Gunja!"

Taewoong loudly whined, demanding to be made a scholar as well, but Gunja desperately avoided him. Hearing his boisterous voice only made him think more of Bangga.

"Okay, I think that will be enough for today."

"Yes."

"Oh, Manager Kwon. Take the friends and go to an omakase dinner."

"Wow, thank you!"

"Don't mention it. I'm the one who's grateful."

Even Taewoong, who had been sulking, screamed with delight at the word "omakase" and shook Gunja.

"Yes! Omakase!"

Seeing Taewoong, who quickly cheered up after sulking, Gunja smiled with satisfaction. What a simple friend. Just like Bangga, the traveling merchant.

After all the members left, Team Leader Seo Eunwoo stayed behind with the team to wrap up the meeting.

For Team Leader Seo Eunwoo, the meeting was far more fruitful than expected.

He had only called the members to gather some fragments of ideas, but the entire foundation of the worldview had spilled out from Gunja's mouth.

His team members were also visibly pleased with the outcome of today's meeting.

"Hehe, Team Leader, isn't this like getting a free pass?"

"A free pass?"

"Ah..."

However, Team Leader Seo Eunwoo did not intend to simply ride on Gunja's ideas.

"Worldview settings like this rely on detail. Don't work half-heartedly, approach it as if you're starting from scratch."

"Yes-."

An idea is just an idea. If idols are experts in dance and song, the Solar System Planning Team members are experts in planning.

As an employee, but more importantly, as a partner and a fan.

Team Leader Seo Eunwoo intended to work more diligently than anyone else.

"We'll rebuild the worldview based on today's meeting. Let's move on to the next agenda."

"Yes."

"The members' broadcast appearances, we were supposed to schedule those today, right?"

"Yes, Team Leader."

"Let's take a look at the casting list first."

At Team Leader Seo Eunwoo's words, one of the team members brought up a document on the monitor.

The scroll bar on the document was endlessly long. As the program had achieved insane popularity, every broadcasting station was eager to cast "7IN."

However, broadcast appearances are a domain where caution must be exercised. Although they debuted on a broadcast, the kids are still not fully comfortable in front of the camera.

"Hmm-."

This one's out, and that one too.

As Seo Eunwoo quickly sorted through the list, a few unexpected program names caught his eye.

[TV Show 명품진품(Masterpiece Genuine Antiques)]
"...Huh?"

It was a list that even surprised the veteran Team Leader Seo Eunwoo. What kind of program would cast a rookie idol?

"Could you stop scrolling for a moment?"

"Yes? Oh, sure."

"TV Show Masterpiece Geniune Antiques, did they really request to cast '7IN'?"

"Yes. But their offer is a bit..."

"Let's leave the money talk for later. Let's hear the reasoning first."

"Excuse me?"

"Why did that program want to cast '7IN'?"

At Seo Eunwoo's question, one of the employees at the far end of the table spoke up.

"Well... surprisingly, the program's consulting professor personally reached out."

"The professor?"

"Yes. They said the final stage had academic value..."

"What?"

* * *

Professor Kang Yunseong came across 'that video' purely by chance.

He had been working late into the night as usual, and when he got home, he opened the front door.

"You're home?"

His daughter Yuna greeted him without taking her eyes off the TV.

"Yuna, you should go greet your father properly."

"Alright, let me just finish this."

His wife scolded her, but she too couldn't take her eyes off the TV.

"Haha, what could be so interesting that you don't even glance at your father..."

He felt a bit hurt, but he didn't want to show it, so he washed his hands and feet first and then sat down on the sofa. He was a little curious about what could make the family's authority drop to such a low point.

But the moment he saw the boys on TV.

"Uh..."

Professor Kang Yunseong couldn't take his eyes off the screen either.

"...Yuna."

"Yes, Dad? Aren't they cool?"

"Who are those boys?"

"They're trainees from an audition show called 'Ayuksi.' The one in the center is Yu Gunja..."

Yuna continued explaining, but Professor Kang Yunseong couldn't focus on his daughter's words at all.

The boys' costumes on the screen were more accurately depicted than any other costumes he had seen on TV before.

Forgetting the weariness from work, Professor Kang Yunseong was completely absorbed in the video.

"Dad's hooked too! Aren't our scholars cool?"

"...Yes, they are."

"Oh, I want to meet Gunja oppa."

"Indeed, we should meet him sometime."

Four weeks later, with Gunja flashing a dazed expression while touching Joseon white porcelain, [TV Show 명품진품 (Masterpiece Genuine Antiques)] recorded its highest viewership ratings ever.

—

*** I'm not sure about the accurate translation of the show, some trans show luxury genuine products or Geniune and fake.