In This Life, The Greatest Star In The Universe

Friday night.

Idol fans sat in front of their TVs.

‘I have to watch this.’ 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

Seeing the I MOVE logo at the top of the screen, each fan’s heart pounded with anticipation.

Their favorite appeared on a dance competition show.

Perhaps because of that, the idol community boards were bustling.

– Today’s lineup of 15 idols appearing on I MOVE (repost)

– Among the I MOVE contestants, who has the most years of experience?? Is it Ran??

– Wow haha but TJ is amazing, they threw barely debuted kids onto a show like this

– What do you think the ratings will be?

– Has anyone heard how they’ll rank them? If it’s expert scores it’ll be insane

Despite the crowd, a tone of competitiveness and mild dissing underlay the chatter.

SNS reactions were even stronger.

Idol fans staring at their phones clicked their tongues.

‘They’re already draining energy.’

Fifteen contestants meant fifteen idol groups.

They could already picture posts after episode one like “Screen time by contestant on I MOVE episode one.”

Some would have little screen time for unknowns, some would hog time for big names.

‘I can see it. I can see it.’

SUPLEs frowned at their phones.

After the broadcast, a thread titled “Screen time for Biju of NewBlack today” would appear, with complaints of unfairness.

‘Ah, that’s probably going to happen....’

While imagining trolls’ reactions and planning counterposts in their heads, today’s broadcast held a different meaning for SUPLEs.

‘This show has Biju, so it has to do well.’

They hoped it would succeed because it was Biju’s first solo activity and his chosen program.

But they wondered if it really would.

It wasn’t a one-off singing show but a dance competition airing for two months.

The problem was...

‘Can a terrestrial broadcaster even produce this well?’

Unless it were a music channel like K-net with survival show expertise, could TBC really pull off a dance competition?

‘The PD doesn’t seem to have a clue either.’

Shows like this usually focus on six or seven contestants. Why invite fifteen?

All they could imagine was chaotic audio and distracted editing from too many participants.

If drama relies on writers and film on directors, variety needs a PD’s editing magic.

‘Well. They might still do well.’

But even if the PD edited skillfully, worries remained.

Because it was Biju of NewBlack.

As a top-tier idol who could gather public interest, the producers would inevitably give him lots of screen time.

Then after airing, they’d get blamed unjustly.

‘They’re building it up already, these guys.’

Watching fans preparing to preemptively hate on boards and SNS, subtle jabs appeared.

– Ah shit, here we go

– My chicken hasn’t arrived yet

– It’s starting aaah

– I’m freaking out

Finally, episode one of I MOVE began.

The opening teaser was exactly as expected.

“Presenting the world’s best K-pop, the greatest dancers on the dream stage...!” with overblown narration and subtitles.

– Biju is really handsome..

– Ha ruㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ

– The tree makeup is too light and looks awkward haha they should call him Branch

– My idol’s not on but why did I turn this on

– Isn’t that the one who got famous for hating Kevin? Aplphi leader

– Woju looks like a Doberman

As fans got excited when their favorites appeared, the footage suddenly shifted tone.

[...Forget everything you know about survival shows.]

While viewers tilted their heads, an entirely different vibe appeared.

Contestants wearing chicken headbands roaming a picnic-like setting, doing slapstick pranks.

– ??

– What am I even watching..?

– Is the PD crazy?

– hahahahaha why is this suddenly a weekend variety show

Everyone laughed in bewilderment. Then a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it shot sealed the deal.

A table lifted high, eight legs moving like Mr. Roach.

It lasted barely a second but burned into their memories.

– Wait, teacher, what was that just now?

– hahahahaha what is that???

– I thought NewBlack might show up haha

– My sister and I locked eyes while watching, you too..? That was the vibe

– What on earth is happening there

SUPLEs, oddly familiar with eight legs, stared off into the distance.

‘It can’t be.’

It couldn’t be.

Their kids were so popular now, always showing off cool moves.

It probably wasn’t them.

[Guess who I am~]

[Kyahahaha!]

They forced themselves to forget the Mentor Guessing Game on ONTHEUS as they continued watching.

In any case, the teaser’s clickbait worked.

– What is this show’s concept..???

– The PD must be crazy but the editing is tight and good

– This feels nothing like I expected

– I don’t even know how they’ll handle a survival format

Idol fans began to engage with the show.

They couldn’t predict the content.

Usually an idol competition show has tense BGM and a sacred atmosphere.

But this program...

‘Feels a bit off.’

Not unfun, but a different tone than expected.

As viewers’ attention locked in, the show progressed briskly.

– In tone, it’s more like weekend variety

– Yeah, episode one feels like gathering members, not survival-style interviews

– Who’s the PD?? The editing is clean and nice

– No obvious evil edits to stir drama so it’s chill

Like in Welcome to the Ballroom or Move to Mi, the show collected members and introduced them.

It built each contestant’s character and showed pre-interviews alphabetically.

‘It’s Biju!’

On screen, the pale-skinned pretty boy wriggled in his pre-interview.

“I really love dancing. Every time I dance, I feel liberated? I love that feeling.”

“I saw this program and had to be on it...!”

“I want to become friends with the seniors and juniors appearing here.”

When he spoke calmly, but reddened when talking about dance, fans smiled warmly.

‘Yes yes. Do whatever you want, Biju.’

If haters appear, we’ll clobber them with the Ohamma.

While they felt pleased, other idol fans admired Biju’s visuals too.

– It’s sudden but Biju is really beautiful

– I now understand why a girl group didn’t want to sit near him because of his face haha

– If you mix prettiness and handsomeness half and half, you get Biju

– He actually wants to make friends, so cute

The boards softened with warm comments. Yet embers remained.

“How dare these rookies? What connections do they have? If music charts ranked them, who’d be top? Is he a popular member?”

Arguments reignited as the show cut to the first shoot, gathering everyone in the conference room.

“Hello!”

Biju greeted brightly, sat down, and others greeted him coolly.

Interviews showed contestants exuding an aura in person, and when Biju sat alone, SUPLEs cooed at his slightly downcast eyes.

‘That’s his sad face.’

Fans found his loneliness cute when no one talked to him.

Then one by one, videos played on screen.

Warm video messages from each group to their members, encouraging them.

– Ran’s message had me moved instead

– Twinkle endures because they never stray from what they say

– Why is the atmosphere so warmㅠㅠㅠ

– I got teary when I saw rookie messagesㅠㅠ they must have been nervous to appear

Online boards warmed like the show.

Everyone knew it wouldn’t last.

Because soon...

[Do you know who this cutie is?]

[It’s our very own child...!]

Alongside childhood photos of Biju, NewBlack’s gushing voices played.

Fans cried “My babies...!” for a moment, then the “Bijuya” song composed by Woju exploded, turning boards into laughter.

– So cute hahahaha

– Reason NewBlack succeeds: cuteness

– Thanks to other groups, but this member caring for others is so heartwarming every time

– Honey drips from Biju’s eyesㅠㅠㅠ

– Kim Junhyun, who harshly disciplines this adorable Biju, is a moral exemplar..

Meanwhile, contestants perked up when they heard Biju say on screen, “I have your videos and photos!”

“Really you have our videos?”

“Yes......”

Shyly smiling, Biju pulled out his phone like showing a child’s treasured snacks and played the videos.

“Oh... this is Woju hyung’s photo.”

Laughter broke out over the folder boasting Woju hyung’s massive haul.

– Extreme Sunwoo obsession hahaha

– Anyone screencap that?? The folder count must have been three digits???

– As a SUPLE I feel guilty

– Wait, I feel like my phone’s being spied on haha

– Suddenly I feel close to him

– To unlock Kim Biju’s phone, enter Woju’s birthday 1109

Idol fans felt kinship and warmth knowing Biju kept fanchants on his phone.

Then videos from other artists’ galleries showed up, delighting non-SUPLE idol fans.

‘It really exists?’

It had footage of Ran of Twinkle, Wild Woju, and everyone present.

Even clips of top dance idols who couldn’t attend due to schedules.

Thumbnails showed these weren’t concept promos but real fan-shot clips.

‘Only insiders would know this fancam...?’

The close-up list felt like discovering hidden gems from alleyway snack stands to tasty highway rest stops.

– True taste connoisseur, I acknowledge haha

– That list is perfect

– If someone posts that list from Biju’s phone it won’t spark any fights

– Good dancers recognize each other

Knowing a top dancer had these precious fan cams gave unexpected affinity and pleasure.

Fans who’d felt nothing toward Biju now felt affection.

Just as people like those who like or treat their faves well.

Wild Woju fans, who hailed his fancam as legendary, looked kindly at Biju.

– Now I get why he was class president haha

– Not just kind but genuinely benevolent

– Member insider: I’ve never seen Biju angry

As boards warmed to Biju, SUPLEs nodded.

‘Anyone who doesn’t like Biju is a bad person.’

Biju, destined to be loved, naturally bridged friendships among contestants, making them proud.

Surely everyone would love Biju...

[Team Apple]

Scenes of Ran and Ha ru growing distant played as a future teaser, SUPLEs staring off.

As they revealed team selections and competition format, idol fans eyed it curiously.

‘Is it like High School Musical?’

Like a group of high schoolers banding together to create a musical, it seemed they’d unite to stage a performance.

Victory mattered less than the collaborative effort.

Some expecting cutthroat survival expressed disappointment, but most viewers who’d stuck around seemed satisfied.

‘It’s worth watching.’

Though the actual competition felt next week, the preparation process looked entertaining.

As idol fans enjoyed gushing over their fave’s antics...

Ordinary viewers also tuned in steadily.

“Hmm...?”

Viewers flipping channels saw I MOVE, an unfamiliar show.

‘Those faces look familiar. Oh! Biju.’

Pause, as they recognized faces from various shows and Biju. Interest sparked.

‘This is watchable.’

Not wildly exciting, but pleasant to follow. Unless something more entertaining aired elsewhere, this was worth continuing.

They needed a hook...

“What the—?”

Just as the plot of the film Eratreia, which they planned to express through dance, began, it cut off mid-explanation, jolting both idol fans and casual viewers.

– So what happens to the princess???

– It’s on MeTube, yes, but no subtitles

– I’m so curious about the rest

Some searched MeTube for the black-and-white film Eratreia. The portal’s real-time search showed Eratreia creeping /N_o_v_e_l_i_g_h_t/ up.

And to drive home “watch next week,” instead of a usual trailer...

‘Oh....’

After the broadcast ended, a brief clip played.

A stained-glass–style image swept by with a professional narrator.

A game-cinematic of dragons and humans at war.

Then a close-up of Scarlet’s Lina on the opening stage set, lifting her head and opening her eyes, the clip ended.

Her red-lensed eyes flashed under heavy makeup, leaving afterimages.

“.......”

Viewers all thought the same thing.

‘I have to watch next week.’

A new Friday-night variety contender had arrived.

Episode one rating: 5.9%.

I MOVE’s first episode, featuring Biju, opened with strong numbers.

“Isn’t 5.9 percent basically no one watching...?”

“This seems like a big problem.”

It wasn’t.

Seokhwan hyung, hearing us, looked incredulous.

“What do you consider a good rating?”

“Still, shouldn’t we hit 15 percent to feel good...?”

He chided us heavily.

“Other networks’ shows in the same slot get two or three percent. Starting at six percent is huge.”

Our senses were numbed by ratings of other shows and dramas we’d appeared on.

In recent years few Friday-night variety shows reached that level.

And word of mouth was spreading.

– The new I MOVE is worth watching haha

– It’s mildly fun but next week’s competition will be epic

– Yesterday on I MOVE they showed Eratreia and I looked it up on MeTube for a long time

Some who skipped thinking “idol dance show” became intrigued by the unexpected content.

But overall reaction was still modest.

Without the main stage, most comments were “it’s okay,” “worth a watch.”

“Eratreia trended briefly yesterday?”

“Really?”

Apparently “Eratreia” popped in portal searches. MeTube views spiked, and the original director’s granddaughter posted thanks on SNS.

While reactions trickled in, some immediate good feedback appeared.

“Biju, Biju, look at this. Tons of posts about you.”

“Really...?”

URLs of posts sent by TF team’s Manager Hong, praising the show.

[I MOVE true fans’ impressions]

(Under an image of an anime fight, Biju in a red hood grins brightly.)

Before watching: expect hellish spicy-chicken survival

After watching: cute-cute land haha

– Literally a cuteness party haha

– That’s exactly right haha

– Look, our kids are so cuteㅠㅠㅠ

– [Shock] All idols turn out to be gentle...

– PD: Cute, right? Still not cute?

Biju’s scenes were especially highlighted.

[Do you want an apple...?]

[I brought some apples...]

His apple-offering to everyone’s interest seemed adorable.

We found our second child equally charming.

“Hyung, I have to save this.”

“This is perfect for profile pics. Let’s change it.”

“Why? Why change it? We just changed it...”

They switched the four of us’s profile pics from Ri Hyuk’s photoshoot shot to Biju holding an apple basket, beaming.

“It was okay before...”

“You heard him? He said it’s okay not to change.”

“It’s fine either way...”

Biju blushed with pleasure as they pored over Manager Hong’s links.

‘The world knows our hyung is adorable...!’

‘Our second is pure cuteness.’

Episode one of I MOVE portrayed Biju so affectionately that one wondered if any producer was his fan.

If only one thing was lacking: no one noticed Biju’s dancing. But that would surely change when the real competition began next week.

Meanwhile, we squeezed in monitoring each other’s work between busy album prep.

“Oh...! So Woju hyung is an alien?”

“Junhyun, you haven’t watched the drama, right?”

“Sorry. Actually I haven’t.”

Our 12-episode Our Family Is Alien had reached episode four, a third of the way.

Meanwhile, one show we could never monitor ourselves played on.

“Seriously, it’s not scary.”

“Really?”

“Yes, I’ll give you ten thousand won every time it’s scary.”

“......”

It was the second episode of the web drama Shin-i, now titled Modern Horror Stories in English.

A story of an ageless being investigating modern legends with a secret government agency.

Unshaken by episode one’s shock, we asked,

“You really said it’s not scary?”

“Yes, ten thousand won every time it scares you.”

Believing him, we finally watched.

Episode two opens outside a dark apartment complex.

A child who’d wandered off alone on a playground stares blankly. His mother approaches.

“Seojun, what’s wrong?”

“Over there......”

He pointed at the apartments, but saw nothing. The mother followed his gaze, and at that moment flickers of light appeared on the stairwell.

With each person ascending, lights came on, and in under five seconds from first to twentieth floor they glowed.

Then on the top floor appeared a dark, vague shape, hanging upside down as if smiling.

As the stairwell lights flickered...

“Aaaaah!”

We all screamed and switched off the TV.

“Here’s your ten thousand won!”

“You can have it!”

“Why won’t you watch my part...?!”

Our maknae’s web drama was content we could never monitor ourselves.