In This Life, The Greatest Star In The Universe

Encore stage.

We began to ride the moving platform, singing “Merry Christmas,” and started circling every corner of the stage.

“Waaaaa—!”

Every time the platform came close, the audience seats swayed as if dancing.

The Suflé fans in the second floor shook their DaLBongs wildly and shouted as if in a roar.

In the first-floor seats everyone cheered and waved their hands.

They called out something, but their voices all mixed together, and with the in-ear monitors on, it was hard to hear.

“Waaaaa—!”

We turned our heads toward the tremendous cheers rising from behind the platform.

The maknae had pulled out his in-ear monitors and closed his eyes.

Then, as if wanting to hear the audience’s roar up close, he tossed his sweat-damp hair back, exposing his ears.

“Kyaaaaa—!”

He even formed a subtle smile with his eyes closed.

It was an obvious ploy anyone could see through.

At that moment, our four pairs of eyes, all aimed at the maknae, met for an instant.

“Hyung, Jiho is pulling a stunt.”

“I can’t stand it.”

“It’s so transparent, literally a trick.”

After exchanging those looks.

“Ahem.”

We all pulled out our in-ear monitors and wore subtle smiles.

The Suflés, amused by our transparent trick, briefly laughed before erupting into louder cheers.

Thus, holding microphones atop the platform circling the first floor of the venue like a track around a stadium, we sang:

“Sleigh ride- ta ta- ta ta-”

After energetically singing the chorus of “Merry Christmas,” we removed our Santa hats and tossed them into the crowd.

Amid boisterous cheers, hands reached out from every direction.

The Suflés’ passion was so intense that each time the platform passed in front of them, we felt our bodies heat up.

“Wow.......”

So this is the fervor of ten thousand people.

Feeling the tingling on my skin, I stepped off the platform pressed right against the stage.

One by one, with Viju and Junghyun leading, the other maknae members also safely landed on the stage.

Shivering.

It seemed Rihyuk was frightened by singing on a moving platform; I saw his legs wobble briefly.

While Viju patted him on the shoulder, I laughed and took the mic.

“There’s a saying that praise makes even whales dance, but the audience’s energy has my legs shaking.”

“It’s a misunderstanding. I absolutely am not shaking.”

Rihyuk’s hand holding the mic trembled.

“And that’s not a proverb but the title of a book.”

“That’s supposedly true.”

When I smiled and nodded at the audience, laughter rippled back.

I lifted the mic again.

“How was the carol? Did you enjoy it?”

When the roar of approval returned,

I pointed downstage at the Korean and Japanese staff wiping sweat in their Rudolph headbands.

“First, let’s give a round of applause to our Rudolphs who worked hard circling the venue!”

“When we say ‘Rudolph!’, please reply ‘Thank you!’”

At Viju’s cue, we led the chant.

“Rudolph!”

“Thank you!”

With our harmonies added, the fans’ chorus was answered by the headband-wearing staff with beaming faces.

Meanwhile, backstage, Mingi-hyung gave a nod as if everything was ready.

I grabbed the mic.

“Now that we’ve sung an exciting song, it’s time to set a sentimental mood, right?”

“Please come up.”

At Junghyun’s words, the staff came up and handed over the DaLBong.

And then.

“Hohohohohot!”

As the Suflés’ laughter thundered through the concert hall, Wonsoek-hyung appeared with a solemn face.

He held an enormous club in his hand.

Junghyun received the Wangbong with both hands as if being knighted, then turned his body to show it to the Suflés.

“Waaaaah!”

We signaled the lighting director.

“Director! Please lower the spotlight briefly.”

The lighting director, signaling OK, immediately flooded us with a spotlight from above.

Ooooh—

Oooohhhhh—

As we laid down an eerie harmony,

Junghyun stood center stage, gripping the Wangbong with both hands, and recited a narration from some film.

“The one and only cheering stick to rule all cheering sticks.”

“Bong-bong.”

When we intoned “bong-bong” like an amen, the Suflés and staff burst into laughter.

As if setting an ominous atmosphere, Jiho mimicked the sound of wind “sho-shak-shak-shak” with his mouth.

We spoke with serious expressions.

“And that ultimate bong is right here.”

“Come forth! Kim Wangbong!”

The moment Junghyun hit the ON button,

At our glance, the staff prepared to climb the stage, and the front-row Suflés craned their necks.

Flash—

At the blinding light, the front-row Suflés screamed and shielded their eyes.

“Aaaagh!”

A brightness so intense it triggered screams before cheers.

Like yokai struck by light, they covered their eyes and cried out at the glare from the screen.

Then, at that moment.

Click—

The lights and the Wangbong went dark, and staff wearing sunglasses instead of Rudolph headbands swiftly emerged onto the stage.

Rustle-rustle.

Feeling hands tugging at my clothes from all around.

Junghyun switched the Wangbong back on.

Flash—

With a more tempered brightness, Junghyun holding the Wangbong made the Suflés laugh again.

-Ta-da~!

With the staff’s help we quickly changed costumes and spread our arms in surprise.

Instead of Christmas outfits, we wore the black concert T-shirts for the encore.

Rihyuk spoke like a detective explaining the trick.

“The cheering stick was actually an illusion, everyone.”

“We changed our clothes!”

As the Suflés laughed, I said,

“The Wangbong sure is bright, huh? This friend here is the super-giant cheering stick that even local fishermen requested with love calls.”

“There are only two in the world, truly rare cheering sticks.”

At the maknae’s line, the interpreter softly translated.

“However, this is ours.”

The fans voiced a collective “Aaaah” as if disappointed.

No matter which country they go to, the Suflés always gaze at the Wangbong with longing.

Viju smiled and took the mic.

“As I mentioned on Y-App a while ago, if things go well this year, we might unveil the Wangbong officially.”

“Please look forward to it. At the next concert, we’ll return with the Emperor-bong!”

When I called it the “Emperor-bong,” the fans responded with laughter and cheers.

In surveys of Suflés in Korea and abroad, Wangbong consistently ranked first in the “most desired merch” category.

After our visit to Ulleungdo, the idea was brought up once.

The company is positively considering releasing a downgraded version.

While talking about that with my brothers, I said,

“We still have a few more stages to go, but for now, I’d like to give our closing remarks.”

The interpreter’s calm voice echoed.

“Sad, indeed. So sad that you want to stamp your feet.”

At the fans’ “Cute!” response, the maknae smiled brightly even though I had no idea what was said.

“Thank you so much for finding me cute. In Korea they call me ‘sejelgwi.’”

At the French-style nickname “sejelgwi,” we laughed and taught the interpreter and Suflés the term.

Then I addressed the fans with our final remarks.

“Well, first of all, I want to say thank you so much.”

Perhaps because it was in a foreign language,

The words I wanted to say burst out in Korean, then I had to pick them one by one to translate, which took time.

“When languages differ, so do thoughts, culture, and many other things. Loving someone is a process of understanding them, and when languages are different, that much more difficult.”

That was a thought I often had when communicating via Y-App or reading English comments on MyTube content.

“Even in that situation, you love and cherish NewBlack, thank you truly.”

With cheers and waving DaLBongs, I slowly shook my own name-tagged DaLBong.

At my glance, my brothers raised theirs too.

“As you can see, in this wide world, our faint lights alone cannot shine fully.”

I said to the fans with a smile.

“Thank you for adding your light to ours.”

“Waaaaa!”

“And Junghyun, please turn off the Wangbong now.”

Junghyun clicked it off with an “Ah,” and we all burst into laughter.

As I was about to say “in this faint light...,” the Wangbong beside me shone like a noble sun.

After my line, the roar of cheers that followed was immense.

“I’m sorry for calling you scary people at the airport.”

Starting with Viju, each took turns sharing their thoughts.

Then it was Rihyuk’s turn.

His ears red, he held the mic and cleared his throat.

“The original name of this concert was ‘With You,’ right?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Usually, people think of fans and singers as a ‘for’ relationship—one serving the other. But I....”

Perhaps because we performed in front of nine thousand people, our main vocalist seemed more excited than usual.

As Rihyuk rambled, Jiho tilted his head, sidled next to me, and signaled by eye, ‘What’s he saying?’

‘I’m about to make a comment I’ll kick myself over later.’

I answered with a proud expression.

Jiho quirked his lips and made a gesture to Rihyuk as if saying “That’s right! That’s right!” Rihyuk, even more fired up, continued speaking.

Each time he earnestly explained the difference between “For” and “With,” Viju wiggled his fingers.

“So I hope we become a ‘With’ relationship, going together. I love you all!”

Our sweet Suflés responded with an excited “Waaaaah!”

After finishing his speech, Rihyuk, satisfied, passed the mic to Jiho.

Once even the maknae finished his closing remarks,

“All right, shall we set the mood now?”

At my signal, the velvet cloth covering the prop on stage was swiftly pulled away.

A grand piano.

Securing the mic to the piano, I sat down and pressed the keys softly, prompting cheers from the Suflés.

“Second song.”

Gazing at my brothers holding their DaLBongs beside me and the thousands of lights,

I smiled.

“This song is called ‘Starlight.’”

A thunderous roar greeted the announcement.

Amid the members’ humming, I began to play the gentle melody.

@thenewblack.official

(A photo of the members sitting on stage holding slogans, with the packed audience filling the concert hall in the background.)

Kobe Concert Day 1.

“With You.”

▶ For more details, please refer to the link: “NewBlack Main Vocalist’s Emotional Story of the Japan Concert?!”

February 19.

Starting with the first concert at Kobe World Hall, the Kobe shows continued for four days from Friday through Monday.

Across the four days, over 36,000 attendees.

Each time we entered the venue from Day 1 through Day 4, an immensely packed audience welcomed us.

We were excited from the start, but we became even more thrilled toward the end. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

Getting used to the banter and stage setup seemed to let us perform more comfortably and joyfully.

“You all did great!”

“Thanks for all your hard work!”

Amid the lively atmosphere, we wrapped up the Day 4 concert.

Although the Yokohama concerts remained, having completed a major event, we all wore happy faces.

We high-fived and took commemorative photos.

“All the staff and stylists who helped prepare the Kobe concerts, thank you for your hard work.”

Team Leader Yoon clapped his hands and said.

“Tonight, dinner is on the company card. I hope you all enjoy wrapping up the day. Good work.”

“Thank you so much! Everyone!”

As the staff boarded the vehicles, we chose cars bound for the hotel.

Seokhwan-hyung asked,

“Aren’t you coming with us?”

“We’re tired, so we’re managing our condition.”

Feigning exhaustion, we lay back against the car seats groaning, then sat up with bright eyes when Seokhwan-hyung smiled warmly.

“I know you’re going to do Y-App when you get there.”

“.......”

“When you refuse meat, there’s always a reason.”

We, pretending to be too tired, perked up at his words, eyes shining.

Jiho asked,

“How did you know?”

“Because of Junghyun.”

At the Team Leader’s nod toward Junghyun, he tilted his head.

“Me?”

“Your act of being tired was too unconvincing.”

“I see.”

It was such an understandable explanation that we all nodded.

Seokhwan-hyung, seeing us with bright eyes in the car, laughed and said,

“You all did great these four days. Get some rest in the hotel.”

“Yes!”

“And don’t overdo the Y-App. Stop by midnight.”

His line warning not to be on the computer too long felt like a line from a drama’s parent, and we laughed.

Then he waved his hand as if to say “eat well.”

“Yay! Concert’s over~!”

“But we haven’t even started~ and it’s over already~”

We hummed a song together in the car as we headed to the hotel.

Though drenched in sweat, our faces looked fresh, eyes and expressions full of life.

That post-concert excitement persisted.

Riding that momentum, as soon as we arrived in our hotel room, we gathered and turned on Y-App.

“Hey!”

We had turned it on at the end of Day 1 and Day 2 but were too tired to stay long.

Today, we were ready to stay online for hours.

We waved our hands at the Suflés.

“All right, everyone. Finally, NewBlack’s Kobe concert is~”

“Over!”

Ba-mba-ba ba-ba ba ba-mba-ba-bam!

At Junghyun’s perfectly timed “Congratulations” BGM, we danced with bent bodies.

“Now we can finally do Y-App for a long time.”

“Did you miss us?”

We grinned and stared at the chat window.

“So happy.”

“I’ve been waiting.”

Each time someone tried to read the entire first part, the chat sped up crazily.

It felt like being swept away.

I don’t know when the Y-App chat got this fast.

“Uh, anyway! Everyone seems so happy to see us!”

“Seems like it!”

“You guys couldn’t read a single comment, right?”

When Rihyuk said that and we coughed,

Jiho adjusted so his face filled the screen and winked.

“Hello. Jiho cam!”

“Hey! Hey!”

“That’s nonsense.”

“Did Jiho say we’re going to hell?”

With Junghyun’s embarrassed voice added, the chaotic situation triggered insane “ㅋㅋㅋㅋ” from the Suflés.

By now I imagined Seokhwan-hyung at an Osaka barbecue joint dropping chopsticks as he watched the live stream.

Amid that chaos stew, Jiho asked.

“Everyone! What time is it in Korea now?”

Comments scrolled by and the maknae’s eyes widened.

“No way! It’s the same time!”

“What did they learn in school, anyway.......”

As Rihyuk and I clicked our tongues, I saw Junghyun furtively searching something on his phone.

“Junghyun-hyung’s googling right now!”

“Hohohohot!”

We clapped and rolled with laughter while Junghyun nonchalantly stowed his phone.

He continued chatting with the fans.

Because the concert was over and seeing Korean text felt so comforting.

It was the first time I’d ◈ Nоvеlіgһт ◈ (Continue reading) spent over a week abroad, and homesickness crept in.

“All right, anyway, today’s Y-App content is——!”

“Kim Junghyun’s overseas late-night snack journey.”

We held up various snacks we’d bought at a convenience store, smiling as if to say “aren’t you jealous?”

Criticism poured in the chat.

“We’re doing a mukbang again, aren’t we?”

Rihyuk continued my line.

“Well, since we’re planning to eat very deliciously, if anyone’s still hungry, please enjoy with chicken, pizza, jokbal, etc.”

“NewBlack won’t be responsible for your stomachs!”

“Ah, this is so much fun~!”

At the remark “too much,” we snapped wooden chopsticks like magic wands and waved them around.

Jiho swung one at Rihyuk and said,

“Avada Kedavra.”

“.......”

Rihyuk, staring at him as if disgusted, silently tapped the maknae’s forehead with the chopstick.

As we giggled, the maknae, full of mock indignation, launched into the rest of the segment explanation.

“And after we finish eating, we’ll play New-Academy with you live.”

“At 11:09 there’s a Space event, so please remember that!”

After the fans’ responses,

As we exchanged looks, Rihyuk began to tremble as if warming up.

“All right, shall we do the Y-App opening lines we did over the past four days?”

“Our Seowide said this.”

“For vs. With: It’s the relationship between you and me......!”

While someone’s face turned bright red, we clinked our cups of cola and toasted:

“With You!”

Watching Rihyuk blush in embarrassment, we burst into laughter.

After the Day 4 concert ended,

Reviews of the final Kobe show began pouring in.

– Kobe concert was the best. Those going to Yokohama, please look forward to it.

– Before seeing them, they looked like cute dolls, but after seeing them, they felt familiar, like the kid next door. Like your first love is a comedian...?

– Two and a half hours of live. It felt like wandering in a dream with Viju.

– I was the only ajusshi in my row, shaking with fear, but everyone was kind and the show was amazing!

– It felt like a live performance that made me want to keep supporting them..! I’m so glad I’m a fan. Love you, NewBlack.

– Every time Junghyun threw a signed ball, I felt my life was in danger... Well, when you actually face your bias, the thought “I’d even take a hit from them” disappears. It feels like I’d just vanish...

While these glowing reviews that made onlookers smile appeared,

Discussions about the concert also surfaced among idol fans.

– Wow.. the reaction was amazing from the start

– Fans’ reactions are so cute lol but I get what they mean about the signed balls

– (Gif of Junghyun lifting a book-filled shelf)

– I saw a photo of the crowd in the concert hall just now—it was insanely packed

– Where did all the haters go;

– They must be grinding their molars hardcore; I came prepared! Here’s a dental clinic link

– Are you insane lololol

– Se.o.wi.de. love you

– As expected, With over For~

As comments like those rose,

Most Suflés were crying while watching the live stream that began after the final concert.

‘Ah, it’s great but it’s annoying.......’

Watching our biases slurp snacks and various treats while giggling was unbelievably tantalizing.

– Oh, this flavor is......!

– Everyone, you’re honestly jealous, right~?

– You need to diet? It’s fine. Normally people accumulate fat in January and February.

Amid the slurping and sweet whispers,

Suflés across the country abandoned their diets and ordered late-night snacks, laughing.

‘......I like it.’

Even though MyTube reserves content uploads daily, nothing beats seeing your bias live in real time.

Each time I found an angle where the members’ faces looked good, I hit the capture button.

Wooju smiling brightly as he snapped a piece of chocolate, joking with his brothers.

In high spirits, he even patted Rihyuk’s shoulder—his face flushed bright red......

‘Red face?’

Just as I wondered,

Wooju blinked, looked at the chocolate,

Then gradually closed his eyes.

“......?”

Soon, the leader lay slumped on the bed with an arm draped over the pillow.

– What the?!

– What’s happening?

The members were stunned.

As the sudden incident paused the fans’ chats and widened their eyes,

The members checking his breathing caught the chocolate’s aroma and exclaimed.

– Th-this is alcohol chocolate!

– It says it’s jeotgangju chocolate? Where did this come from? Seems it has alcohol content.

– Didn’t the director give that earlier?

The members stared blankly at the leader, who was snoring half-asleep, then gently laid him down.

– Hello, everyone.

– This is SBlack.

Against the background of our sleeping leader, the remaining members continued the broadcast with solemn faces.