K-Producer C62 Spotlight

Jin-ae greeted Min-ji and Seul-gi with a polite smile, briefly explaining the collaboration between Cool Girls and Ascend. As she finished, Min-ji stepped forward, extending her hand.

"It's great to meet you, Jin-ae-ssi. I'm curious about how you and Byul-ho-ssi came to this collaboration," Min-ji said, her tone friendly but professional.

Jin-ae's smile faltered slightly, a frown creasing her brow as she glanced between Min-ji and Byul-ho. Her eyes seemed to ask, "Who is this girl?"

Byul-ho, noticing the confusion, chuckled softly. "Ah, I should explain. Min-ji-ssi is also a business partner of sorts. Her mother's company is being endorsed by Ascend."

As soon as the words left Byul-ho's mouth, Jin-ae's demeanor changed visibly. Her eyes widened slightly, and her smile returned, this time with more warmth.

"Oh, I see! I'm sorry for the confusion," Jin-ae said, taking Min-ji's hand and shaking it enthusiastically. "It's always wonderful to meet other young people involved in the industry. Perhaps we could exchange ideas sometime?"

Min-ji, perceptive as ever, noticed the sudden shift in Jin-ae's attitude. She maintained her composure, returning the handshake with equal enthusiasm. "Of course, I'd be happy to," she replied, her voice betraying no reaction to Jin-ae's change in demeanor.

As Byul-ho and Seul-gi moved closer to watch the rehearsal, Min-ji and Jin-ae found themselves slightly apart from the others, engaged in conversation.

After a few minutes of polite small talk, Min-ji suddenly changed the subject, her voice low but direct. "Jin-ae-ssi, what do you think of Byul-ho?"

Jin-ae blinked, caught off guard by the unexpected question. She glanced at Byul-ho, who was engrossed in the performance, before turning back to Min-ji.

"Byul-ho-ssi?" Jin-ae paused, choosing her words carefully. "He's... impressive, to say the least. His business acumen is far beyond his years. During our negotiations, he was always three steps ahead, never letting his true thoughts show. That poker face of his is quite formidable."

She chuckled softly before continuing, "To be honest, I underestimated him at first because of his age. That was a mistake I won't make again. He's shrewd, strategic, and surprisingly empathetic when it comes to managing his group. It's a rare combination in this industry."

Jin-ae's eyes narrowed slightly as she studied Min-ji's reaction. "He's also fiercely protective of his company and Ascend. I get the feeling he'd do almost anything to see them succeed."

Min-ji nodded, her expression neutral as she absorbed Jin-ae's words. "I see," she said simply, her tone giving nothing away.

Jin-ae, curiosity getting the better of her, couldn't help but ask, "And what about you, Min-ji-ssi? What are your thoughts on Byul-ho?"

Min-ji's lips curved into a small smile. "I'd like to keep it to myself for now." she replied, her gaze drifting to where Byul-ho stood, leaving Jin-ae to wonder about her true thoughts of Byul-ho.

***

The day of the SBS show appearance finally arrived. The air was thick with anticipation as two vans pulled up to the back entrance of the SBS building. It was just past noon, giving them plenty of time before the 8:40 PM live broadcast.

Byul-ho stepped out of the first van, followed by Ascend and their manager, Roh Sang-ook.

From the second van emerged Jin-ae, Cool Girls, and their manager. Despite the early hour, everyone was alert, the gravity of the opportunity ahead keeping them focused.

Jae-sung and Sun-hi were comparing notes on vocal warm-ups, while Min-jae and Min-jung discussed last-minute choreography tweaks.

"Alright, everyone," a staff member called out, clipboard in hand. "We need Ascend and Cool Girls for makeup and wardrobe now."

The groups were ushered into separate dressing rooms, where a team of stylists descended upon them. Hair was styled, makeup applied, and outfits adjusted to perfection. The air was filled with the scent of hairspray and the low hum of hair dryers.

As they were finishing up, there was a knock on the door. A production assistant poked her head in. "Gang Suk-ssi would like to meet with you before the rehearsal."

Moments later, both groups found themselves face to face with Gang Suk, the charismatic host of the show. His presence filled the room, a mix of friendly warmth and professional authority.

"Welcome, Ascend and Cool Girls," he said, his trademark smile in place. "I wanted to quickly run through the flow of the show with you."

He outlined the structure - a brief interview segment followed by their performance. "During the interview, I'll ask about your collaboration. Keep your answers concise but engaging. And remember, even when you're not speaking, you're on camera. Stay alert and responsive."

Gang Suk then turned to Jae-sung and Sun-hi, who had been designated as the main speakers for their respective groups. "You two will take the lead in answering, but I may direct questions to others as well. Be prepared."

As he finished, Gang Suk's expression softened slightly. "Relax, you'll do great. This is your moment to shine."

With final nods of encouragement, Gang Suk left them to continue their preparations.

***

As the clock struck 8:40 PM, the familiar jingle of "Idol Spotlight" filled living rooms across Korea. The show, known for its in-depth interviews with popular idols, had been teasing a special guest all week.

Gang Suk's face appeared on screen, his signature smile in place. "Good evening, everyone! Tonight, we have a unique treat for you. We're not just showcasing one idol group, but two! And they've got something special to share with us."

As Ascend and Cool Girls were introduced, viewers began to buzz with confusion and curiosity. Who were these rookies, and why were they on prime-time television?

The interview progressed, with Gang Suk expertly drawing out the story of their collaboration. Jae-sung and Sun-hi took the lead, their chemistry apparent as they described the challenges and joys of working together.

"It's been an incredible learning experience," Jae-sung said, his sincerity evident.

Sun-hi nodded in agreement. "We've pushed each other to grow in ways we never expected."

As the interview segment wrapped up, anticipation built for the performance. After a brief commercial break, the stage lights dimmed, and the opening notes of their collaboration filled the air.

The music started with a synth-heavy intro reminiscent of retro pop, but with a modern K-pop twist. Jae-sung's voice cut through the darkness:

"I'm incredibly, undeniably blue because of you
Our love's a poison, corrupting our hearts, Your smile's a lie, I can see right through
This love we built, it's tearing us in two"

As the lights came up, Ascend and Cool Girls were revealed in retro-inspired outfits with modern touches. Their choreography was a perfect blend of classic moves and contemporary K-pop precision.

Sun-hi's voice joined in for the pre-chorus:

"Late nights, we're screaming inside
But when morning comes, we swallow our pride"

The chorus hit, and both groups moved in perfect synchronization:

"We're a mess, but we're ours
Can't let go, even if it hurts
It's not healthy, it's not right
But we'll hold on through the night"

As the performance continued, many audience across Korea were surprised with the catchy melody.

In one particular home, two friends sat watching, their eyes glued to the screen.

Suddenly, one of them, a man in his early twenties, pointed excitedly at the TV. "Hey, that's Min-jung! She used to be my classmate in high school!"

His friend, lounging on the couch, raised an eyebrow skeptically. "Really? That Min-jung?" He gestured at the screen where Yang Min-jung was executing a complex dance move. "She's gorgeous. You went to school with her?"

The first man sneered, not bothering to hide his annoyance. "Believe it or not, I don't care. But yeah, that's her alright. She was always into dancing, even back then."

As they continued watching, both found themselves nodding along to the beat. The friend leaned forward, intrigued. "You know, this song is actually pretty good. It's about a toxic relationship, right? But man, it's so upbeat."

The other nodded, tapping his foot to the rhythm. "Yeah, it's weird. The lyrics are kind of heavy, but the music makes you want to dance. It's... catchy."

They fell silent again, absorbed in the performance. As the song reached its climax, the friend turned to the other. "So... did you ever ask Min-jung out in high school?"

The man threw a cushion at his friend, but he was smiling. "Shut up and watch the show, will you?"

The friend leaned in, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Yah, if you really know Min-jung, maybe you could get her number for me?" He nudged the other man's shoulder playfully.

The man scoffed, giving his friend a swift kick to the shin. "Yah! Don't be ridiculous," he laughed, shaking his head. "As if I'd do that even if I could. Aish, this guy..."

His friend dramatically clutched his leg, feigning injury. "Aigoo, so violent! Is this how you treat your sunbae?"

"Sunbae? You're only three months older than me, you punk," the man retorted, reaching for another cushion to throw.

The friend raised his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. But seriously, she's really something on stage, isn't she?"

The man nodded, his expression softening as he watched Min-jung on screen. "Yeah, she always was. Even in school, she had that... I don't know, that star quality, I guess."