Childhood Friends

Chapter 8

We finish stating our vows to each other. Then, we take turns putting our rings on. Finally, the pastor says,
"현진 씨, 신부님한테 뽀뽀해도 돼요."
The translator says, "Hyunjin, you may kiss your bride."
Before the translator was even finished translating, Hyunjin kisses me passionately and beautifully. This is like a K-drama moment come to life. All I need is for it to snow outside and then it would be perfect, but unfortunately, it's February, on Valentine's Day, so it's not snowing. Hyunjin exclaims,
"THIS IS MY WIFE!"
"THIS IS MY HUSBAND!" I exclaimed, following him.
"Aww." The guests said.
Now with the wedding ceremony over, it's time for the post-wedding dinner. As it's in the culture, Korean weddings are short and sweet, and right afterwards is a dinner.

All the guests pile into cars and we drive to the restaurant where there are other wedding parties. There are more than usual because a lot of couples get married on Valentine's and similarly, White Day, which is a holiday in South Korea that is celebrated on March 14th, a month after Valentine's. I learned that Valentine's is for the girls to gift her significant others chocolates and White Day is for guys to give candies and chocolates to their significant others. It's so cute that Koreans have so many holidays that surround couples. It's pretty lonely if you're single, but good thing I have Hyunjin.

While at the dinner, there is an assortment of foods from all over the world: South Korea, The Philippines, The USA, and Germany. I wanted to make sure that there was food from these various countries. When the dinner is finished, everyone is allowed to go home or to their hotels. I am so glad that my parents and my older brother were able to make it. If my family couldn't make the journey to Korea, then I wouldn't know what to do.

♡A Few Months Later♡
Since I've befriended Stray Kids, they have open my eyes to the world of producing, singing, and dancing even more. Bang Chan even taught me how to produce my own songs. I have a job now, but my dream has shifted. I want to be a singer now, and I believe that it's not too late to start. I'm actually at a good age, at 19, I feel like it's a great time to start pursuing a music career. Through Stray Kids, I was able to meet one of my favorite soloists, Jeon Somi, and eventually AleXa. These girls were able to give me advice about being a soloist in Korea. I would first need to find a good company to back me up. I asked Hyunjin if auditioning for JYP Entertainment, in hopes of being a soloist, was a good idea.
"It's good. You should audition. They are having them today." Hyunjin said.
"Oh, good. Then, I'll head over there for auditions." I said.
"Good luck, baby." Hyunjin said, kissing me.
"Thanks." I said. I hug him before I am on my way to JYP. Hyunjin has the day off today, so he's hanging out at my apartment.

I arrive at JYP Entertainment with the intention of becoming a solo artist. I grab the proper documents to fill out for my audition. It says they need photos at various angles to act as my profile photos. Then, once I'm finished filling out my audition papers, I wait in the long line to audition. There are so many people here who are younger than me, who I know are beyond talented. More than I am, and it's making me anxious. I shouldn't focus on comparison because that's what's not gonna get me in. Finally, it's come to my turn. For my vocal auditions, I needed to choose two English songs and two Korean songs. For my English songs, I chose This is Gospel by Panic! At The Disco, and I'll be playing the electric guitar to it.

I plug in my trusty blue Stratosphere electric guitar and begin playing as I begin singing This Is Gospel. All the other auditionees are blown away by my guitar playing, matched with my belting of the lyrics. I began taking guitar lessons from Bang Chan as well, and he was able to teach me enough to where I got good at guitar. Now, I'm here at my audition, playing electric guitar, playing one of my all-time favorite songs from my teen years. While I could never top Brendon Urie's incredible vocals, I can try my best to pay homage to him.

Right after playing This Is Gospel, I transition to my first Korean song. Since I have an electric guitar with me, I decided to play Time Of Our Life by Day6. Their songs are pretty guitar heavy, so I thought it was a good choice. As I'm singing Time Of My Life, JYP is nodding his head, knowing I'm doing really well. I have some of the best coaches out there, Stray Kids. I was also able to find an amazing dance teacher and vocal coach. They have helped me get to where I want to be. The auditionees are yet again shocked by how well I can play the guitar. I also sing along and they cheer. I'm a foreigner, with zero Korean blood, and yet, I can sing a Korean song almost perfectly. I won't say I'm perfect because nobody's perfect.

I finish up my vocal audition portion, and I wait for JYP's comments,
"Wow, just wow. You are just incredible. I love how you belted during This Is Gospel, and then you were able to keep up the right tempo during Time Of Our Life. You are looking to have a lot of potential. You are 19 right?"
"Yes, sir." I said.
"Usually, that is the age where it is getting too late to become an idol, but you have shown me that age doesn't matter. You can still be good, whether you are in your late teens or late 20's." JYP said.
"Thank you, sir." I said.
"Now, please proceed with your dance audition." JYP said.