In This Life, The Greatest Star In The Universe

A black hoodie and a cap.

The moment my image working in “project mode” appeared, jeers poured in immediately.

The younger members all went “eh~” in unison.

“Wow, what a dramatic shot. Since when have you been wearing makeup when you’re working, hyung?”

“Makeup? That’s just my bare face, everyone.”

“It doesn’t look bare.”

Junghyun peered at the screen with hawklike eyes.

“Your eyebrows are different, hyung.”

“My eyebrows just fluctuate day to day. Apparently they were in good condition that day.”

“Wow, so shameless.”

With Rihyeok’s admiration, Bijoo burst out laughing.

His long fingers holding dried sweet potato chips pointed at the screen.

“By the way, mister, which shade of BB cream is that? Shade 13?”

“Rihyeok. Fans are watching right now, so please stop.”

“Our Soufflés deserve to know the truth.”

“Right.”

I smiled brightly at the chat window, where “ㅋㅋㅋㅋ” was rising in real time.

“Who here wants to know Ri­hyeok’s or Jiho’s dark, secret side? Raise your hand and I’ll tell you.”

Immediately the chat window buzzed, like a crowd of little breads raising their hands here and there.

–Hand!

–Here’s my hand!

–ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ look at Jiho and Rihyeok’s faces

I placed my hand near my mouth and made a whispering gesture, and the two younger members spoke politely.

“Oh, my mistake. Looking again, it really is bare.”

“I thought it was makeup, but maybe it’s mineral skin. Ah, they call it dewy glow?”

I chuckled at my style-flip siblings.

Maybe because I usually don’t dress up, my siblings tend to resent when I appear on TV all made up and pretend it’s how I normally look.

Of course, not all of them.

“Bijoo.”

“Yes?”

“Let’s hold off on screenshots for a bit. It’s too hectic.”

“Okay. But you looked really cool from that angle just now...”

Bijoo, who kept tapping the capture button, looked disappointed.

My laptop’s storage was already low, so keeping more screenshots would be a problem.

Last time at Music Café, she spammed captures so much that one folder ballooned in size.

Junghyun pointed at the laptop screen.

“Oh, the scene changed.”

A&R team staff appeared on the screen.

Weird.

They don’t usually dress this neatly...

Stylishly dressed composers were being interviewed for the broadcast.

“It was all so surreal. Woo­joo brought fireworks as an original track, and the moment I heard it, my head went numb.”

“Tears came to my eyes. (Why?) I’d already planned out everything—even lined up title track offers—and it all fell through.”

“I think his development speed is amazing. I’ve watched him since ‘Something’, and by ‘Night Sea’ I was completely moved.”

I had nowhere to look because of the embarrassing praise, so I stared briefly into space.

While fans and my siblings banded together to tease me, the scene changed again.

This time it was our members.

“He was exceptional from the start. He suddenly claimed he’d finish a difficult arrangement in one day, and he did it.”

“Rihyeok hyung lost badly on that bet. (No, I didn’t! I just lost a little.)”

“We always say that among us. Without Woo­joo hyung, we wouldn’t have come this far.”

I smiled and said,

“Now it’s tit for tat.”

“Right.”

We all laughed warmly and stared into the distance together.

Next came the footage of the ‘Night Sea’ composer on the company’s MyTube, and headlines about the success of Fireworks and Night Sea.

Even the grand BGM played.

This was truly embarrassing.

It felt like watching the heroic biography of Comrade Sun Woo­joo made by a dictatorship.

“Everyone, please don’t misunderstand. The reality show producers really hyped me up because it’s a broadcast.”

I cooled my slightly flushed cheeks with a water bottle as I waited for the next scene.

“...Huh?”

“It looks like the screen suddenly went off?”

That’s what I thought, but a hazy voice popped up on screen.

–Seokhwan hyung.

It was the call that started it all.

“Oh no!”

That shameful call to the Director echoed.

For security, only the first note of the humming melody played, followed by a bleep.

Every time my voice came through, the laptop speaker’s loud “Aaaaah!” sound drowned it out.

Junghyun tilted his head and asked,

“Hyung, fans aren’t watching on this—they’re at home watching on their own TVs, right?”

“Oh.”

“Smart, aren’t I?”

“......”

Meanwhile “Seokhwan hyung, I’ll buy you tonkatsu~” played, and my siblings beside me burst into giggles.

Seeing the chat flooded with tonkatsu, tears pricked my eyes.

Next, Director Jo Gyu­hwan sat in his office being interviewed as NewBlack’s producer.

The crew’s laughter came first.

“(Did you have the tonkatsu?) Yes. I even took a proof shot.”

Immediately a proof photo popped up on screen with a camera click.

So that’s why they said to take it that day.

I downgraded the gifticon I planned to send after the broadcast from a tiramisu set to a bagel.

“While our kids have received a lot of attention during their activities, there are also many parts that have gone unnoticed. As a producer, I always feel regretful that I can’t show the true talent of these gifted kids.”

Interviews continued.

“...For that reason, through this reality show, we want to show NewBlack’s fans how the members participate in album production.”

In plain terms, that was the meaning.

Since the gap between the June debut and November comeback is long, they’d drop hints about the second album bit by bit over eight episodes of reality show.

At the same time, they wanted to properly show my side as a composer-idol, which fans always wonder about.

The remaining fifteen minutes were scenes inside the studio.

“Hello. It’s Woo­joo.”

I smiled and waved at the camera.

“Um... we originally planned to just film me working on a song, but it might feel unfamiliar to our Soufflés. So I’ll teach you some very basic things about composing.”

Holding a guitar, I demonstrated various chord progressions and explained basic harmony theory, but no one seemed to understand.

“I don’t know what it is, but Woo­joo is doing something complicated...”

“ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ”

“As long as the voice is good... we’re happy”

“You don’t have to know everything to be happy... right? (Tearful)”

I laughed at the fans’ responses.

Our fans are truly kind.

If it were me, I’d be bored and yawn, but they responded even to my dull explanation, and I was grateful.

And then.

“Junghyun.”

“Yes.”

“How can you use your smartphone while I’m on screen?”

“...Ah, it was a bit dull.”

I delivered a factual blow with a straight face, and the chat exploded in laughter again.

“I can’t live like this. Seriously.”

While I lamented, scenes of me composing continued.

From why we call it the Pig Song among ourselves to me sitting Jiho down and working on the melody.

It was edited humorously.

As I excitedly spoke, Jiho sat beside me nodding off and waking up every hour, then nodding off again, suffering through it.

At comments calling me a wicked boss, I shook my head.

“That’s just how the broadcast editing made it look. Jiho actually enjoyed it, too.”

“The hardest time of my life.”

“People grow through hardship.”

I cleared my throat at the youngest member’s glaring look.

Meanwhile, toward the end of the production footage, fans were puzzled.

When I closed my eyes imagining the stage in my head, or spread dozens of A4 sheets and pondered alone.

When I explained tone colors to Jiho and adjusted the song’s tonal quality.

Scenes that were everyday for us seemed unfamiliar to our Soufflés.

At first some joked, asking if it was scripted, but soon they realized the scenes on screen were real and were left speechless.

I imagined their flustered expressions beyond the chat window.

Come to think of it, it was the first time I revealed how I truly make music.

Someone commented,

–Is that really how composing works..?

I answered,

“I guess it differs by person. But that’s my style of working... it was a bit different for ‘Something’, but I made Fireworks and Night Sea like this. Basically I visualize it in my head first, then once I have the result, I keep refining it.”

Somehow it felt less like watching a reality show and more like a Q&A session.

While replying to questions climbing rapidly, my guys beamed.

“Finally....”

Finally?

“Our Soufflés have realized how strange hyung is.”

“A historic day indeed.”

Watching my delighted siblings, I thought we were all screwed.

Friday evening at 7 PM.

As NewBlack’s first reality show “It’s the NewBlack” ended, posts began appearing actively on the fan cafe.

–Gif of the kimchi pot explosion omgㅋㅋㅋ

–Woo­joo’s face watching the placard at the training groundㅋㅋㅋㅋso realㅋㅋ

–Does anyone know what the relationship is between TNT’s Taehyeon and Woo­joo?

Reactions to the reality show varied.

Some mentioned scenes so funny they joked it was a sitcom; others were curious about TNT’s Taehyeon appearing mid-show.

In response, someone posted from March’s MusicOn broadcast: “They were close as trainees,” along with verification photos.

Overall, there was an overwhelming feeling of joy, to the point of complaining of indigestion from all the new teasers.

But what fans were most interested in was the album production footage at the end.

–Does anyone here know about composingㅋㅋㅋ I was pretty taken aback watching it..

–Glad I wasn’t the only oneㅋㅋ

Fans who until now thought “Woo­joo’s good at composing~” felt both happy and bewildered.

They’d seen hints in Music Café or self-produced reality shows, but they’d never watched it in such detail before.

There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing your favorite idol excel in another field, but today’s scenes exceeded expectations by far.

That’s why it still felt dreamlike.

On the other hand, there was some regret.

–But you can’t really promote this anywhere, right..?

–Yeah, it feels scripted, you’d get flak..

–I’m still a bit in shockㅋㅋㅋ

–Think positively ^^! Honestly there’s plenty from today you could use to promote them

It was awkward to post “Check out our kids!” on idol communities. 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

The atmosphere comes through in video, but screenshots alone would invite mockery for seeming scripted.

With their recognition higher after Jusehahn, there was subtle competition from elsewhere.

So NewBlack’s fans started promoting mainly the kimchi pot explosion, reserve forces lunchbox, and gopchang mukbang across idol communities.

Meanwhile, Episode 1 of NewBlack’s first reality show, after circling idol communities once and becoming a digitally weathered meme, spread to other communities.

Scenes like the kimchi pot explosion, which would’ve been funny on any variety show, received praise, but the unexpected reactions came from strange places too.

“What is this?”

Comedian Seo Jihyung, who ran a gopchang restaurant in Hongdae, frowned while checking his sales records.

His younger ➤ NоvеⅠight ➤ (Read more on our source) sibling asked,

“What is it?”

“Well, it feels like sales have been increasing little by little...”

“It’s just your imagination.”

But day by day, customers steadily increased.

It wasn’t explosive growth, but it was encouraging that the downward trend had ended.

“Why are there so many female customers...?”

Searching online yielded nothing, so he started asking customers how they’d found the place.

Each time, he got startled reactions.

“What is this?”

Not long after, a couple visiting told him the truth.

“I saw that meme going around online recently.”

“A meme?”

“Yes, the idol eating a lot.”

“Ohh.”

He remembered.

Two weeks ago, NewBlack came in to film for their reality show, and they boosted his record sales.

Only then did he understand why customers answered so startled when he asked how they’d heard.

“So they were NewBlack fans.”

As his sales records gradually rose, the faces of NewBlack members flashed through his mind.

“So then...”

The next day.

Seo Jihyung printed huge capture memes from the reality show featuring NewBlack members and plastered them on the wall.

On the wall by the table where they sat, he wrote:

[↓ NewBlack members ate here]

He looked at it with a satisfied smile.

Then he thought of someone.

Someone who had arranged this great opportunity.

“Woah, you scared me.”

I gasped in the company lounge, and the younger members leaned over.

“What is it?”

“Senior Seo Jihyung sent a text message.”

“Why?”

He sent a long thank-you message, saying our visit boosted his gopchang restaurant’s sales.

He also said he’s been praying every night with bottled water for our success—whether that was a joke or sincere, I just blinked.

He attached a photo titled [The spot where NewBlack members sat], and we burst out laughing.

Junghyun said,

“The reality show is getting reactions from unexpected places.”

“That’s true. And about the album tracks.”

I nodded.

We worked hard on the reality show for the fans, and it got unexpected responses.

Before the reality aired, few people sent songs for the second album’s track submissions, but after Episode 1, the number jumped.

Some were quite famous.

According to Director Jo, among composers, the reality show scenes with me became a hot topic.

It was more curiosity—“what a unique kid”—than praise, but either way, it was good for us.

We could make the second album even richer.

Of course, what was most important to us now was the official fan meeting coming up before the album.

“Okay, let’s discuss what to give the fans again.”

Sitting in the lounge with papers spread out, we talked over various ideas for gifts.

From snacks to photo cards, even giving another eco bag.

“No. Let’s go a different direction this time.”

I said,

“Eco bags or snacks are only for events like fan signs or music show recordings where you have to be there to get them.”

Rihyeok understood.

“That’s true. You can only get them if you come in person.”

“This time I want to widen the scope. There are fans who want to come to the fan meeting but can’t.”

“And what about those who do come?”

“Of course we’ll give them something separately.”

“Oh, now I get it.”

Only then did the younger members look understanding.

I meant that alongside gifts for those who attend, we want to care for Soufflés who can’t make it.

To share our hearts equally with everyone.

“That might be difficult.”

Bijoo said,

“I talked briefly with the PR team. They didn’t say it outright, but I guess the budget’s already been overshot.”

“Of course. Upgrading the venue for the weekend live hall rental and coverage fees makes it solemn just thinking about it.”

Junghyun asked,

“Should we fold paper cranes? Paper is cheap.”

“Do you have the confidence to fold as many as there are fan cafe members?”

“Just a second.”

He tapped on his phone calculator, then nodded.

“If we eat now and then fold paper cranes, it’s possible.”

“...I see.”

“But cranes aren’t it. Let’s think of something else. Something that makes fans go ‘ooh’ when they hear it.”

“Should I film an aegyo video?”

“Save it.”

I shook my head.

Various ideas came up, but nothing felt right.

As expected, the issue was money.

What gift could we give without exceeding the budget, like last time with the eco bags?

Then Rihyeok seemed to recall something and asked me,

“Right, speaking of gifts, remember on Chuseok you said you’d buy me a vacuum cleaner?”

“Oh, that.”

“When are you going to buy it?”

“Wait a bit. They said it’ll go on sale this week. Buying now would be a waste.”

As Rihyeok agreed, a thought flashed through my mind.

The keyword was “weekly sale.”

An event where items go on sale for a set week—what they call Black Friday and “Black Friday Week” overseas.

My mind raced.

Since the fan meeting event is called Soufflé Day...

I immediately explained to my siblings what I’d thought of for a realistic, budget-friendly event that everyone could join.

“Sounds good.”

Our picky main vocalist agreed, and Bijoo spoke seriously.

“Hyung, but let’s keep that idea sparked by the weekly sale a secret among us.”

“Got it.”

Naturally, we decided to keep it secret.

Some time later. NewBlack’s fan cafe.

[The New Black 1st Fan Meeting - Soufflé Day]

Exciting news to make fans jump.

As everyone rejoiced at the group poster announcing the date and place, another notice was posted.

A post titled [Soufflé Week].