In This Life, The Greatest Star In The Universe

PBS MusicOn.

With the logo “Christmas Special” displayed, the male and female MCs wearing Santa hats kicked off a special stage.

After the cute choreography to the rhythm of a famous carol finished:

“Merry Christmas!”

“The live music broadcast MusicOn at the heart of the global Hallyu and K-pop~!”

Having delivered their Christmas greeting naturally, the MCs introduced the lineup.

“APLB, Iris, Highcolor, Enoti! We have a joint carol stage with the rookies who’ve received hot responses this year!”

“Serenity! Wild!”

“And in 2015, the trend-setting idols NewBlack are here!”

As bold subtitles flashed NewBlack’s name across the screen, TNT and Teenspirit followed right after.

“Shall we start with our first stage? Music—”

“On!”

The ✪ Nоvеlіgһt ✪ (Official version) signature pose—pointing a finger at the camera—flew by, and immediately the rookie idols’ carol stage began.

Christmas Special.

Since this special covered the year’s most famous songs, some acts performed their own tracks, while many covered classic carols. Iris and APLB’s vocal lines gathered for a chorus of “All I Want for Christmas.” Girl group Highcolor rearranged their title track in carol style and sang it.

On the idol community boards, fans watching in real time posted comments between performances.

“This rookie pool is solid again this year”

“Yeah, last year was nuts, but even a lineup like this is legit good”

“NewBlack, Serenity... given their skills, looking back it really was a crazy year”

“APLB’s main vocal is so good lol that’s gotta be him? The ShinTokki replacement??”

“Uju’s the only idol who ever frowns despite being known for his big smile lol”

“What kind of hardcore training grows a main vocal in the military like that lol”

“The Highcolor kids look a bit like TJ faces”

After chatter about the joint rookie stage, MusicOn’s second half arrived, and when NewBlack’s turn began, comments started pouring in.

“Vijuㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ”

“‘Wind Flower’ is a masterpiece no matter how many times I hear it”

“Maybe it’s because of the album’s color concept, but Viju really shines from the intro”

“Their outfits today are insane cuteㅋㅋㅋㅋ”

“But I’m curious what carol they preparedㅋㅋㅋㅋ something epic’s gonna pop out”

“Remember this; it’s military-roasted sweet potatoes. Military chestnuts. It’s NewBlack.”

As new Souffle fans who arrived after the awards joined in, the once-quiet board exploded. Other idol fans, staring in disbelief, muttered “So many...”

Then the simple subtitle “NewBlack – Merry Christmas” appeared at the bottom of the screen and the song began.

‘Wow.’

They’d known a Christmas carol would be pre-released. But hearing it described as a fan song, expectations had been lukewarm. If they’d really planned to push it as a carol, it would’ve dropped sooner. Souffle fans expected a light, fan-service track—but blinked at what they heard.

‘What is this. It’s so good...?’

On screen, the members in Christmas outfits swayed their bodies like a dance. A fresh melody filled their ears—like the carol drifting from an old speaker as you walked down the street or entered a shop as a child. Combined with a music-show set full of red gift boxes and sparkling Christmas trees, it felt like a Christmas village in one’s imagination. White smoke rising from every chimney, elves busily wrapping presents, Santa riding his sleigh over snowy hills pulled by reindeer.

When Ri-hyeok ended a note staccato—in a playful “ta-ta-ta” sleigh-ride mimic—and smiled warmly, comments flew:

“No wayㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ”

“This song is so good... Uju, thanks for coming to Earth”

“Totally obsessedㅠㅠㅠ”

“The parts Viju and Jiho trade off are so goodㅠㅠ best combo ever”

“Their vocal blend and visuals today are next-level”

Just like offline, the online reaction was positive. Fans are happy no matter what, but it’s a special joy when the song itself is objectively great.

‘Feels like this might actually have an original from way back.’

It wouldn’t feel out of place if the album booklet read, “[This track is the definitive Christmas carol, remade countless times since 1953...].” There’s no identical song out there, but it has a classic vibe—like a cover of some imaginary original arranged in a 2010s style.

‘I hope this doesn’t cause copyright issues.’

That uncanny familiarity sparked worry about a similar song existing. Souffle fans shook their heads, smiling.

‘...No way that could happen.’

They imagined song-nerds on variety shows, hearing 1960s or ’70s tracks and shouting “That one! That one!” Uju surely knows all the actual carols, so if there truly were a match, he’d know—but that the thought even crossed their minds meant the song was just that good.

“The song’s fucking greatㅋㅋㅋ”

“They picked a carol that nails the Korean mood”

“If a stage video goes up, the original will chart”

“They must’ve done a Korean lyric fan-version?? I wanna know the original lyrics”

“Sleigh-ride ta-ta-ta-ta”

Fans who’d been puzzled by odd comments soon realized something.

“Ah...”

Only they knew it was a pre-release; everyone else thought it was just another cover. Once Souffle fans cleared up the misunderstanding, the board corrected itself.

“If that were the original it’d be even crazier???

“It’s not even the title track—just an album cut and it’s this big?”

“?? Why did Gyu-ho release this on Christmas Day? Should’ve dropped it earlier”

“With no backstage shots how’d people know their hair?”

“Gyu-ho: mew?”

“Looks like a one-off event release, but this will 100% chart lol”

Soon snarky posts like “Now NewBlack can chart anything lol” popped up, as if primed to later gloat, “Haha they didn’t even chart that pre-release song!” Meanwhile, Souffle fans hummed “sleigh-ride ta-ta-ta-ta” and scrolled their phones, wondering why such a good song wasn’t released sooner.

The weekend whisked by busily. The day after PBS MusicOn’s Christmas Special, Saturday brought TBC’s year-end review special. After performing “Wind Flower” as the previous day:

“Woooo!”

“Finally the music-show season is over!”

Inside the car en route to the hair salon, they bobbed to the beat, thrilled that all three broadcasters’ year-end stages were now behind them. It felt real that 2015 was coming to a close.

“Hyung, hyung, it’s snowing outside!”

“Wowww!”

“When we stop can I open the window? I wanna catch snowflakes!”

On the dim evening road, traffic lights and headlights painted the air in various colors as snow fell. Suddenly they recalled the day last year when they went to the DNS building to rehearse a joint year-end stage with Street Boys.

“Time flies...”

“Right? Ri-hyeok hyung’s an adult now, and I’ll be a high-school senior next year.”

“You’re not far off either.”

“At least I’m better than being twenty-four next year.”

“...I’ll definitely laugh at you when you enlist.”

While the maknae giggled, they all gazed out at the falling snow. A calm voice on the radio drifted in.

[Next we have a warm, year-end carol that feels like it’s made just for you. NewBlack’s “Merry Christmas.”]

The radio’s trend-sense amazed them. A song released yesterday evening was already on tonight’s radio playlist. Ri-hyeok asked:

“I don’t get why everyone’s treating this like it’s my song. It was made as a fan song.”

“Kind of like your Souffle Bread case.”

“But even my mom loves the carol. She says it makes her feel like winter when she plays it at the café.”

As they chatted, manager Mingi, tapping the steering wheel with his fingers, said:

“Now I get it.”

“Huh?”

“You wrote it for the fans, but it feels like you’re singing it to me. Kind of brings back old memories.”

“...?”

“It means old folks like me love this vibe.”

“Ah.”

They smiled, pretending full understanding, while their thirty-something manager looked wistful. They checked the internet: thanks to fans’ streaming, “Merry Christmas” had entered the real-time charts right after the stage. Maybe because it was NewBlack, its ranking kept climbing, now threatening to rival “Nine.”

“NewBlack’s fan song ‘Merry Christmas’ real-time chart in Mango”

“NewBlack to make a comeback in January, pre-release carol out”

“‘Music-streaming giants,’ NewBlack pre-release carol enters chart”

They chuckled reading comments like “This really feels like a warm song.”

“If we’d known it’d do this well, we’d’ve released it earlier.”

“Exactly.”

No one had expected this. A&R, production teams, even senior producer Ha Seung-ju and Director Jo praised the carol—yet no one predicted such a response. It had been pitched only as a light fan-service drop on Christmas.

The maknae said:

“If we’d heard it back then, we’d have thought ‘Wow, this is good.’ But we only heard it after the title track and other album songs, so it felt so-so.”

“Right. It was overshadowed by the other strong tracks.”

Since the carol season was winding down, they felt a pang of regret—but also a quiet satisfaction. The title track should get an even better reaction.

I beamed and said:

“Military-roasted sweet potatoes.”

“Military chestnuts.”

They all high-fived:

“NewBlack!”

“Hot steamed buns?”

When Jung-hyun muttered “Isn’t it hot steamed buns?” they rallied again, vowing to be the winter’s three great snacks. Their carol continued to ring out merrily.

After sprucing up at the salon, they returned to Yeouido’s PBS broadcast hall.

“Ohhh...”

In the new hall’s public seating, waiting backstage, they marveled at the view beyond the stage.

“It feels totally different.”

“It’s just tables added, but the vibe’s night and day from yesterday.”

Normally, music shows have jibs and camera crews lined up; today it was all seated tables.

[2015 PBS Entertainment Awards]

VCR screens glittered everywhere, celebrating PBS’s variety shows of the year. Audience members held colorful placards as tuxedo- and gown-clad entertainers and actors took the floor.

“Oh...”

Unlike being with six-year-veteran idols, it felt like stepping back into the broader entertainment world.

“Gwok Si-hyun sunbaenim is here. Gwok Si-hyun sunbaenim.”

“Wow.”

Lemon Entertainment’s top actress—called a Hallyu superstar—sat gracefully in a black dress. They’d only seen her in films, so her presence was thrilling.

“She’s hard to catch even at the company. I might try to get her autograph later. Wow.”

“Are you that excited?”

“Her acting is amazing.”

Their aspiring-actor member’s eyes shone. They spotted many first-time faces: cast of the major variety show Mr. Producer, comedian Seo Ji-hyung, Oh Hyung-seok... Even the PD of the hit music-show segment was there, smiling happily at the high ratings. Jung-hyun said:

“This feels like when Mr. Producer first aired. We’d all go ‘Wow’ at seeing new sunbaenims.”

“Did you ‘wow’ too, Jung-hyun?”

“I did.”

“I didn’t think you did.”

As they chatted, savoring the pre-show excitement, an announcer’s voice came over:

“Here are the top-tier singers who’ve come to the Entertainment Awards!”

Assistant director signaled, “Let’s go.” They nodded and strode onto the stage.

“NewBlack’s first-half finale stage! Enjoy~!”

Under spotlights shining like sunbeams, they formed their stage formation with bright smiles. As the intro to “Nine” played, the audience erupted.

“Waaaah!”

Actors clapped gently while variety stars cheered, “It’s NewBlack!” Comedian Seo Ji-hyung almost shouted “Our NewBlack!” before being playfully nudged. Jiho grabbed the mic:

“Entertainment Awards! Make some noise~!”

“Waaaah!”

They danced and sang “Nine” to a roaring response. Some variety stars mimicked the point choreography humorously; when they pointed to award nominees in the crowd, everyone laughed and played along.

“Waaaah—!”

“Thank you! Have a wonderful night!”

As their first-half finale ended, they waved to the cameras. The lights dimmed, and Part One closed. While ads played on the public-viewing monitors, people bustled off to restrooms or touch up their makeup.

And then...

“NewBlack!”

Familiar faces from variety shows approached to greet them warmly—some who’d barely met them praising their recent songs, Maxi holding up a placard from afar. Comedian Oh Hyung-seok asked:

“Can we take a commemorative selfie?”

“Of course.”

“Everybody gather for a selfie with NewBlack!”

As they posed, sending finger-heart gestures, a tall man in a hoodie approached.

“Hello. I’m seeing you for the first time.”

“Hello!”

“I directed PBS’s Mr. Producer. Any interest in appearing on our show?”

It was an on-the-spot offer. They exchanged surprised looks, then nodded.

“Definitely. We’d love to.”

“We’re prepping a new project for next year that we think would be fun together.”

They beamed at the out-of-the-blue invitation, and he laughed, then handed over a piece of paper.

“Could you sign this under the name Shin Myung-soo?”

“Sure!”

Writing “To our Myung-soo” with a smile, I asked:

“How old is Myung-soo?”

“He’s my father. Sixty-six. He keeps asking when NewBlack will appear on Mr. Producer again.”

“Ah...”

As I wrote “Wishing you long life and health,” everyone watching laughed. Just before Part Two began, they headed back backstage.

“Wow. Amazing...”

While they basked in the surprise booking, the maknae—who had disappeared—came bounding over, holding up the signed paper.

“I got the autograph!”

“So excited?”

“More than that...”

Jiho beamed:

“My daughter loves you guys. I did a quick video call—she cried when she saw me talking to you.”

Hearing their doting story, I couldn’t help smiling as they pressed a hand to their cheek.

NewBlack’s year-end schedule raced on. Sunday: a few hours until the HBS Music Awards began, and Souffle fans sat in front of their TVs.

“Dad! Mr. Producer’s starting!”

“Coming!”

“Mom, hurry! You like this show!”

They were watching Challenge: Discover the Masterpiece, voted most popular with middle-aged viewers. After the “All Ages” disclaimer, the MCs appeared under a [Live Broadcast] banner.

“What’s on today?”

“They’re gathering all the singers who appeared this year for live stages and special performances.”

“Oh, looks like a year-end champions special.”

“NewBlack’s on too.”

Their family nodded at the news.

“They’re showing up again? Weren’t they stepping down?”

“They must pop in for a bit.”

“I just want them to do ‘In-saeng.’ They don’t sing anywhere else.”

While they chatted, senior singers took the stage: Cha Woo-hyun, Jo Yu-ri Band, Lisa, Song Bo-hyung, and others who helped build the show in its first season. Then NewBlack’s performance of “In-saeng.”

As the members poured emotion into the song, the audience’s admiration for their improved vocals came through the TV. After the moving “In-saeng” ended:

“We also prepared a special carol performance—may we show it?”

“Yes!”

“We asked the audience.”

When the crowd cheered, NewBlack’s carol stage followed. Just as on music shows, home viewers reacted warmly.

“Oh my, that song is good.”

“They sing well.”

As the “sleigh-ride ta-ta” chorus lingered in viewers’ minds, the stage ended, and home audiences commented:

“For a modern song, that’s really nice.”

“Right?”

Souffle fans beamed.

“Later on HBS Music Awards, NewBlack’s on. Wanna watch together?”

“They’re on again?”

“Yeah, they’ll probably perform the carol again.”

Their parents gave approving nods. Middle-aged viewers, who usually ignore idol year-end stages, were now tuning into the HBS Music Awards thanks to the Masterpiece show’s momentum.