Debut or Die - Chapter 466
7 figures ascended onto the stage.
It was TeSTAR’s first comeback performance on public broadcast since its formation. Internet users were already setting the stage and chatting away.
-TeSTAR not appearing on Tnet’s music show feels even stranger when you say it like that.
-Can we watch TeSTAR not getting first place on Music Bomb next week?
-Is today’s TeSTAR’s ending?
It was inevitable that Tnet would be mentioned even before the performance aired.
TeSTAR had been an icon of T1’s KPOP business success. That image hadn’t faded even after parting ways with T1. So, as long as that image lingered, unless there was an overwhelming upheaval, the public broadcast had no reason to be excessively friendly towards TeSTAR. Thus, TeSTAR was slotted just before the second-to-last performance.
-is TeSTAR up already?
-If it were me, I’d seize this opportunity and give them the ending. Look at the public broadcast’s pride, lol.
Despite their popularity, the line-up order was ‘strictly’ by seniority. But people thought the highlight of this week’s KBC music broadcast was TeSTAR’s comeback stage.
That was enough.
-It’s starting.
A single stage.
In the buzz of the comeback that made every effort to be seen by people, TeSTAR’s stage began.
[Doong…!]
A minor riff melody that sounded like a modulated ship’s horn. As the lights came on, the ‘KIS’ logo appeared on a glamorous set resembling a study or lab. And in the middle of that elegant and conceptual stage, figures were standing in a symmetrical triangular formation. Only, they were facing backward.
The seven men in that state slowly moved their heads. The leather texture shone under the lights. Tight-fitting leather hugged their body.
-It’s a group thief costume.
-Crazy.
Then, as the minor MIDI sound and electric guitar sound intensified and rose… With a crackling effect, the drop was a powerful major introduction.
[Your hand touches
And catches my tape]
As the formation broke apart, the group dance moved in accordance with Park Moondae’s crossing arm solo movement. And the next member slid out to the front of the camera from the right outer edge.
[The moment my heart beats
All my senses became slow]
Kneeling and spinning, then smoothly extending an arm, Ryu Chungwoo executed the choreography with dynamic control. Even there, the group dance and formation moved in sync with his arm gesture.
-Oh, wow.
-Look at Ryu Chungwoo’s arms; they are insane.
That’s right. The choreography themed around the ‘butterfly effect’ was structured so that the formation changed with the solo gestures of the member singing the part.
-Wow.
-Please, focus on the camera.
-They need to capture this well ㅠㅠ.
In the scene that made everyone yearn for a fixed full cam, the stage rushed on. The drum beat rose as if the heart was racing.
[A thrilling contact
In your silent eyes
Looking for the sure answer]
Kim Raebin, who took on a vocal part after a long time, wore a unique high-neck turtleneck thief outfit. He narrowed his eyes as he finished his part and high-fived the next member who was to take over. It was Cha Eugene.
Cha Eugene.
[One choice
Yeah, take it all (one more)
Even if you let go of this tight grip]
His paired choreography with Kim Raebin unfolded sharply like a battle. And with Park Moondae and Ryu Chungwoo’s backing, the live rap soared.
-The live sounds so refreshing.
-I can’t even hear the AR.
-As expected, TeSTAR should always do challenging songs.
Then, a pause to control the tempo. A low voice was heard in one phrase.
[Let’s start, the chaos begins]
Kim Raebin was zoomed in as he held his chin and neck at the center.
–ㅠㅠㅠㅠ.
-Ahh.
And the pre-chorus.
[Find the face
I don’t care what’s next
Chaser, today too
Don’t stop your hand]
A complex offbeat rhythm and challenging pitch transitions. As if to match, the choreography difficulty surged, becoming more elaborate. Initially, Lee Sejin, with his strong power, led this part, followed by Seon Ahyeon, with exquisite control of intensity.
[Figure out everything
Don’t be scared of what’s next
Chaser, tomorrow too
Don’t end the twist]
-Who chose Keunse’s thief costume… wow, with a thin black lining.
-Seon Ahyeon, how many times did he change the beat? What was that move? I couldn’t even see it.
Just as the visual appeal peaked, it was time for the chorus. The beat dropped.
[Just roll the dice
Trust, take my side]
Contrasting with the pre-chorus, simple rhythm, and a striking main melody. And a catchy riff melody. The easily memorable chorus was filled with a visually pleasing dance break.
-If we could hear their footsteps, it’d match perfectly.
-Crazy.
-When did TeSTAR practice all this while filming the game? They’re superhuman.
The signature arm movement that seemed to accelerate unexpectedly matched perfectly with the thief’s costume. Decisive yet subtly sexy. It elicited such exclamations.
-TeSTAR is still the same.
-Self-producing is legit.
-Wow, the feel is the same, but they’re even more agile.
-Where are the people who said TeSTAR’s success was due to T1’s planning and capital?
It was thrilling and satisfying to meet TeSTAR’s expectations.
Why does this happen? Let’s give an example. A group changes companies. Even if most members remain… can the group’s identity change?
The answer is ‘yes.’ Changing the production team and planning team can make that happen. It’s a matter of quality, but also whether the fans and the public feel that ‘same vibe’ they liked.
The group’s unique color. It was what the public expects from that group. The absence of certain personnel and resources could prevent the group from maintaining that. However, TeSTAR has proven the opposite at this stage.
TeSTAR delivers what you expect! Thus, viewers subconsciously realized and enjoyed it.
-I’ve been in awe throughout the whole first verse.
-Lololol. Hey, regardless of anything else, their stage is fun.
TeSTAR was still soaring high on the track they debuted on.
[Yes, this Final round]
The stage proceeded boldly into the bridge.
As the rough electric sound faded, the slightly uplifting keyboard sound built up with the drum sound.
Matching the atmosphere, Bae Sejin smoothly and solidly took the melody from low to mid-high notes without unnecessary tricks.
[Pull it tight]
In the end, Cha Eugene sprang out like a feline predator, landing on both feet and stepping slowly with strength. Then, the final dance break.
[Just roll the dice
Trust, take my side]
-Ah, it’s so heavenly.
-Seriously amazing.
TeSTAR, as if determined, didn’t lose energy till the end, filling the stage without missing a single move or note. Until Ryu Chungwoo, standing at the center in the ending, turned around and playfully lifted his gloves. It was the thief costume-appropriate ending member selection.
Whoaaaa! And just like the fans’ cheers filling the screen, the chat window on the internet was scrolling rapidly.
-Hahahaha.
-TeSTAR! TeSTAR! TeSTAR! TeSTAR! TeSTAR! TeSTAR! TeSTAR!
-They killed it.
-Wow.
-Give us the replay.
And on SNS, fans, excited, poured out words, onomatopoeia, and emoticons expressing their impressions. They couldn’t help it. It was very thrilling! When they returned to coherent sentences, it was when their rationality returned a bit.
-I’m saving all the edits as they come up. When I came to, I had saved the same Chungwoo ten times.
-I’m really looking forward to this activity.
-Wasn’t there a prison uniform in the prerecording spoilers? Tell me there was, I’ll beg.
-Will they be on public broadcast variety shows a lot this time? I actually have my eye on some.
The moment they sensed this activity’s success, their happiness expectancy hit MAX, and they started pouring out their expectations for the schedule.
In the midst of it, truth and rumors casually passed by.
-I wish they’d film another variety show with that director who did Carrot Coin lol. They’re friends, aren’t they? lol.
└Oh right lol.
└They probably already filmed it? ㅎㅎ.
└Um… sorry to intrude, but that director belongs to T1, so I’m not sure if it’ll be possible. From the schedule, it looks like TeSTAR isn’t appearing on T1-affiliated channels.
└Oh, please.
└Could T1 really block them?;;
└No rumors yet. Maybe the schedule hasn’t been announced yet, so let’s wait a bit.
Most were filled with anticipation, waiting for the next stage, or busy looking at the responses to this comeback stage. For instance, this is the best comment.
-TeSTAR must know they’re good at this, right? Hahaha.
└No way they don’t, lol.
And while giggling, one fan suddenly thought. What feelings did TeSTAR have after that stage ended?
* * *
“Thank you for your hard work~”
“Waaaa!!”
The cheers filling the waiting room were louder than at their last comeback. Even the staff joined in the cheer, creating a warm yet passionate atmosphere.
The first album they released after facing unprecedented obstacles in a new company and a new environment. Everyone felt a fresh sense of emotion. Even the members rushed over to Park Moondae, who had been monitoring the prerecording responses.
“Moondae, did you see the responses?”
“Yeah.”
“H-How is it…?”
Park Moondae simply said, “Good.”
“…!!”
His declaring the public’s reaction without any additional words was rare. And that meant…
“Really?”
It meant the reactions were overwhelmingly positive, even considering they were fans!
The members, bewildered at first, soon burst into wide smiles.
“Wow… TeSTAR is still alive!”
“Haha, we showed something today!”
“Oh~ Chungwoo hyung!”
Even Ryu Chungwoo, usually quiet, echoed their pre-stage chant of ‘TeSTAR is showing something today!’ in excitement. Bae Sejin also flushed, caught his breath, and approached to see the screen Park Moondae was looking at. Seon Ahyeon stepped aside with a bright smile.
“Ah, h-here…!”
“…”
Bae Sejin read the contents of Park Moondae’s smartphone, which he didn’t bother to cover.
‘So good I can’t express it in words, must watch live.’
‘I feel like I might cry from happiness.’
‘I hope this activity lasts long.’
‘I have a strong feeling that I won’t have a seat at the concert.’
The genuine reactions filled with anticipation and happiness… they really resonated.
“…Good.”
“It really is!”
That made Bae Sejin feel happy too. That was great. It felt like he had done well. It meant he followed the choreography well and conveyed the song adequately. The discomfort of the leather costume that didn’t allow sweat to escape didn’t even bother him after years of stage experience.
“…”
So, Bae Sejin couldn’t help but make a certain decision. It was something that couldn’t be helped.
“TeSTAR members, change your clothes~”
“Yes!”
Bae Sejin quickly changed clothes among the busy members… and headed for the corner sofa. Then he reopened the note he had been writing. He had tried to write it before the stage to calm my nerves but closed it in 30 seconds, wondering if he was doing the right thing.
[Thank you so much for the offer. I would really love to be part of your work.]
Bae Sejin had written up to that point, and now he gritted his teeth and continued.
[…I would really love to be part of your work. But I think I would regret it if I didn’t focus on group activities now.]
This is the right choice. If it overlaps with the activity period… it’s not okay. Even if he hadn’t done it for all the other album activities, now wasn’t the time. Considering how everyone started new.
And this time, Bae Sejin really felt like he had contributed to the completion of work, not just barely keeping up. He didn’t want to spoil it with his personal actions. Moreover, he had a fair understanding of the idol group ecosystem by now.
Now is the time to focus on group activities.
Bae Sejin continued writing. To refine his words for when he would respond to the call.
[I’m sorry to decline when you offered with such goodwill.]
It was then.
“Hyung, what are you doing?”
“…!!”
His heart almost stopped. Turning his eyes, Bae Sejin saw Park Moondae looking at him with a puzzled face.
“…?!”
The look on his face was like, ‘What were you doing to be so startled?’ That made Bae Sejin feel his feet go numb.
“No! Just texting!
“It’s a note.”
“…”
“I’m sorry, but because of the position, I saw some words.”
Park Moondae sat down on the sofa at a decent distance. Bae Sejin stiffened.
“Did hyung get a role offer from that director?”
“Lower your voice.”
“…?”
Park Moondae thought it wasn’t necessary but played along.
Bae Sejin continued in a serious, low voice. “…Yes. But I’m going to decline because right now is the activity period.”
“It doesn’t seem like you don’t want to do that.”
Bae Sejin felt a lump in my throat. Of course! But he knew he shouldn’t get angry. Park Moondae wasn’t at fault. So, after taking a deep breath, he responded more calmly.
“…I’m saying it’s not the right timing, regardless of what I want to do!”
“Hmm….” Park Moondae made a noise without expression, then nodded after a few seconds. “Then let’s ask everyone what they think.”
“…??”
TeSTAR meeting reopens.