GIJS

Chapter 140

When Leon mentioned "programs you would excel in," the members' thoughts diverged in various directions.

"A program we would excel in?"

"Maybe something like a survival show?"

"Or something like 'Fake Men'? With me and Hyuk here."

"Ugh, I really hate stuff like that..."

"Ji Hyunsu, you need to enlist in the military."

"Are you talking like you've already done it?"

"I have! I went to Marine Corps camp for three years straight."

"Why three times? Were your parents strict?"

"No, I went because I wanted to."

"What? Are you a masochist?"

"Ha ha, later the instructors begged me to stop coming."

"I really don't get it."

"...Well, I'm a bit confident in kendo..."

"Hahaha, maybe something like eating broadcasts? Our kids eat well~"

"Hmmm, how about something like a cooking competition?"

"Hey, that's something only you can do."

"Ha ha, it's okay. I'll just beat everyone."

"Hyuk, don't you have any thoughts?"

"...Criminal rehabilitation program."

"Eh?"

"Hyuk, hyung?"

"See, this hyung is definitely a secret police."

"No, it's not... I worked at a counseling center for a while..."

"Counseling? Wasn't it physical therapy?"

"Puhaha, it turns out the Truth Room from 'Crime City' was actually Hyuk's."

"...Not really..."

"Ugh, Hyung, I'm curious about the answer. Please tell us quickly."

Listening quietly to the members' barrage of opinions, Leon finally spoke up.

"There wasn't a definitive answer, but the military's opinion is the closest."

"Oooh, so it's a survival—!?"

"Yes."

At the mention of survival, Team Leader Seo Eun-woo slightly adjusted his posture, surprised. He had heard about the survival program Lunatic was negotiating for.

Leon didn't delay and continued with the main point.

"It's the China-Korea-Japan collaboration idol survival [Dynasty]. It's the program Lunatic was negotiating for."

"D-Dynasty? It sounds huge..."

"What kind of program is it?"

"It's simple. Idol representatives from Korea, China, Japan, and the USA compete in a contest."

The members' mouths dropped at Leon's explanation.

"...Amazing."

"We'll be competing with idols from other countries?"

"Oh, it's like an Olympics!"

"Yes. But unlike the Olympics, where the USA and China always rank at the top, in the idol market, South Korea has consistently been number one."

"!"

"Korean idols should naturally be better than idols from other countries. That's the public perception. However, the quality of idols from other countries has noticeably improved every year."

Current nodded vigorously in agreement.

"That's right. Even in evaluations at my previous agency, Chinese and Japanese trainees always ranked high."

"Nowadays, Japanese kids are posting great songs on social media."

"...I think their skills have really improved..."

"Well, those countries have much larger populations than us."

"Still, up until now, Korean idols have had an overwhelming reputation compared to Chinese, Japanese, and American idols."

"Ah, isn't it all thanks to the Lunatic hyungs?"

"Ah, our national pride charger~"

"...I'm embarrassed."

Leon, slightly blushing but regaining his composure, continued.

"In any case, participating in [Dynasty] means representing South Korea and competing against idols from around the world."

"...Wow..."

"Are we really going to do that?"

"Hahaha, we haven't even been debuted for a year~"

"Even as rookies, your performance level is already comparable to any idol. This is my conclusion after watching your performances and activities."

Leon's serious expression conveyed his words with utmost sincerity.

"I also considered many teams after the [Dynasty] negotiation fell through. As a program with a national team competition aspect, I sought the group with the best skills and potential."

"..."

"Of course, there are groups with more experience and stable performance abilities. However, in my eyes, there's no team as outstanding as 7IN."

The members seemed unsure of what to do with the praise from such a senior.

"You're overstating it, hyung."

Gunja scratched his head, but he was more pleased than ever. Despite being sometimes unpredictable, he never spoke nonsense. For someone like him to acknowledge their skills and consider them as a group capable of representing the country was deeply moving.

Yet, there was also a sense of pressure.

It was different from [Ayuksi]. A mistake here wouldn't just affect their debut but could tarnish the group's reputation and even embarrass the country.

Leon seemed aware of this burden and added a few more words.

"Of course, it will be stressful. I felt the same way when I first received this proposal."

"..."

"It's okay to refuse. I understand the pressure you're feeling from this sudden offer."

"Hyung, so does that mean only one team from our country is participating?"

"No. Two teams from our country will participate. The other team is Velocé."

"!"

Velocé was the group led by Hyung Pael.

The members had repeatedly watched Velocé's performance while preparing for the third round of [Ayuksi] until their eyes nearly fell out. Although they had seen it so many times it was tiring, Velocé's performances were never boring. While Lunatic had higher recognition, Velocé was at the same level as Lunatic in terms of performance.

Competing alongside such a formidable team as Velocé was both reassuring and daunting. Representing the country added another layer of pressure.

However, oddly enough, Gunja found the proposal irresistibly exciting.

There was always the option to quietly prepare and promote the regular album with Solar system, which would be less physically and mentally demanding.

But when would such an opportunity come again?

It was remarkable enough that a collaborative variety show involving three countries was being made, and now Leon, who was heading to the military, brought this timing. Such an opportunity might not come around again.

"Hyung Leon."

"Yes, Gunja."

"You won't be going to the military twice, right?"

???

Leon almost flared up but managed to calm himself. He knew Gunja by now. The odd younger brother meant no harm.

"No, I'm not going twice. I plan to serve sincerely and come back."

"Then I can assume this opportunity won't come again."

Nodding, Gunja looked around at the members. While Gunja's eyes sparkled with curiosity and excitement, the members might have different feelings.

However, the members' hearts seemed to align closely with Gunja's.

"I'm definitely in."

"It's a bit scary, but this kind of opportunity doesn't come often!"

"I can stay up all night, whether it's China or Japan!"

"Yeah, that's true. Ji-hyun-su makes good songs."

"Oh, you're giving recognition today."

"Even if I don't acknowledge it, the charts already do."

"...I also want to participate... It's not scary if I'm with the hyungs..."

"I'm not scared either."

"Of course not. You're the scariest one."

"...No..."

"Right, thinking about it, we shouldn't be scared. We have the human weapon, Cha InHyuk!"

The members turned their eyes to Team Leader Seo Eun-woo to confirm the consensus.

"Team Leader!"

Even though the members were united in their decision, the final decision would ultimately be made by the company. If the company deemed the program too risky, they might reject the proposal.

Team Leader Seo Eun-woo, who had been resting his chin in thought, finally spoke.

"Honestly, preparing for the regular first album was in full swing, so from the company's perspective, advancing the album preparation would be more beneficial..."

There were other beneficial paths and ongoing projects.

However, Seo Eun-woo and Solar system had always prioritized respecting the artist's wishes.

"I agree that this is a rare opportunity. I've confirmed your intentions."

"!"

"However, it's not a decision for a minor variety show, so I need to persuade the representative."

The members looked at Team Leader Seo Eun-woo with admiration. Even Seo Eun-woo, who had maintained a professional demeanor, couldn't resist a slight smile at their hopeful eyes.

"Don't worry. I'll do my best to persuade the representative."

"Team Leader—"

The members, now in high spirits, rushed to embrace Team Leader Seo Eun-woo. After calming them down, Seo Eun-woo mentioned the remaining risks.

"First, calm down. The participation isn't confirmed yet, so it's too early to celebrate."

"Is that so..."

"Even if we accept Leon's proposal, the production team might not be pleased with this change."

This time, Leon reassured Team Leader Seo Eun-woo.

"Don't worry about that, Team Leader."

"Leon."

"I've already discussed this with the production team. I heard the Japanese, Chinese, and American sides are positive about this change."

"The Japanese, Chinese, and Americans are welcoming the change?"

"Ha—"

"Maybe they thought it was acceptable to replace Lunatic with 7IN."

"Yeah, it's kind of stimulating."

"Haha, it's exciting!"

"Teacher Ji, can you produce legendary songs like during [Ayuksi]?"

"I'll definitely do it. Just ordered 120 cans of Hot Six on Coupang."

"Hahaha, don't die! A six-member group doesn't fit the symmetry!"

"...Stop making scary comments while laughing, you crazy person..."

"It's just affection~"

* * *

It didn't take long for Team Leader Seo Eun-woo to persuade the Solar system representative.

Given that this program was a collaboration involving four countries, the proposal was of immense scale. There was enough merit for the company to decide to postpone the regular album release to participate in it.

Upon hearing the tentative confirmation of their participation, the members cheered.

"Yes!"

"Our Team Leader is the best!"

"Go and win. We mustn't come last."

"Of course, we have to come in first!"

"...But, can we really beat the Velocé hyungs?"

"Come on, what can't we do? Velocé isn't some supernatural group; they're just people like us."

"Hahaha, that's right~"

"Even if Hyung Pael is great, he's still from the old generation..."

"Oh, it looks like Hyung Pael is calling."

"Yikes."

At that moment, Gunja's phone rang. It was a call from Pael.

"Haha, looks like even the hyung isn't a scholar."

– What are you talking about? Am I some lowly person or what?

"Even if you're not lowly, there are middle class and upper class people..."

– Anyway, you guys are participating in [Dynasty], right?

"Yes, that's right."

– I'll send you an address. Make time to come.

"Eh? What address?"

– Hell Training Ground.

"Eh?"

– Are you going to represent your country in a competition without any preparation?

"Well, it's not like that..."

– You'd better prepare properly.

"Haha, haha..."

– I'll be waiting with a red hat, so come quickly.

"Hyu—"

Before Gunja could say anything more, Pael hung up. Three seconds later, Gunja received an address on his phone.

When he checked the location on a map app, his face fell.

"This is not a good place!"

The address led to a military training ground known for its grueling training sessions.