Chapter 1196: Extremes (7)

My main profession was singing.

"Hahahahahaha!"

"Hahaha!"

Yet whenever I saw people bursting into laughter at the sight of me, I could never understand why it made me so happy.

Was variety entertainment my side job, then?

Bounce- Bob, bounce-

Every time we threw ourselves into the penguin dance, the audience collapsed into laughter.

Suyeon and Amy, both fans of ours, were laughing so hard they could barely breathe, while the members of King Sejong Station clapped and roared.

A few especially spirited researchers from the American station and elsewhere were dancing along with us behind the camera.

Junghyun.

Yes.

Let's go!

With the giant penguin hoisting me high into the air, I flapped my wings and danced in the sky.

Doctor Pang Gwiin and the researchers cried out in astonishment.

"The flight of the emperor penguin...!"

"If emperor penguins really could fly, I imagine that is exactly how they would move!"

"That is a penguin in its purest form!"

After displaying the emperor penguin's flying dance, I gave the giant penguin a signal.

Sliiide-

I slowly descended and landed on the floor.

I had dropped into the sort of landing pose commonly seen in superhero movies, and applause erupted as I rose with solemn dignity.

Hohohoho.

Are you watching, Souffles?

My movements had advanced to an entirely new level since the time we danced in Myeongdong five years ago!

My underlings and I exchanged satisfied looks before removing the mascot heads we were wearing.

Pop-

The memories of that day suddenly flashed through my mind.

Back then, the first sound we heard after removing our mascot heads had been exclamations of admiration at our appearances.

Then came the curious looks that seemed to ask, "Who are they?"

As memories of our rookie days came flooding back, my enjoyment of the present doubled.

"Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!"

People were cheering for us on Antarctic soil.

There was no need for us to introduce ourselves or explain who we were. Everyone already recognized us.

"Hello!"

I swept back my sweat-soaked hair and greeted the phone camera.

[Viewers: 5,041,488]

We were off to an excellent start.

After the frenzied penguin dance came to an end.

While the NewBlack members went to change clothes, the foreign guests' gazes gathered in one place.

Wangbong, which was sitting on the table.

"Fascinating."

They stroked their chins as though examining a magical goblin club.

"So this is what NewBlack's fans use when they cheer for them? It isn't a flash grenade for subduing anti-fans, or some kind of riot baton?"

"Apparently not."

"At this level of brightness, they could sell it to the military."

The people who tested it at maximum brightness looked astonished.

Amy Parkins, a Souffle, told them,

"I have one in my room too. Mine is smaller than this one, though..."

"How is it? Is it useful, Doctor Parkins?"

"It still works to some extent even in subzero weather during a blizzard. It doesn't last very long, though."

"Oho. I would like to get one."

It struck them as a surprisingly practical item.

A flashlight only covered the roughly 180-degree field of view in front of you, but if you carried Mr. Dalbong around like a lighthouse, would it not illuminate all 360 degrees?

Doctor Chen from the Chinese station said,

"My father and older brother used to take this night fishing back home. They dropped it in the water once, but it still works perfectly."

It even had thorough waterproofing so it could be used without trouble at outdoor concerts.

The researchers blinked.

Isn't this a little overengineered for a concert light stick...?

Just as they were thinking that, the NewBlack members emerged after changing clothes.

As the members exchanged various greetings with the camera, the researchers smiled.

"They somehow feel approachable now."

"I agree."

Was it because of the penguin dance they had just witnessed?

Unlike their intimidating first impression, they now felt as familiar as neighbors.

"I suppose this is part of their appeal."

"Must be."

At that moment, Doctor Pang Gwiin stepped out from among the researchers carrying Wooju's guitar.

"Excuse me."

"Ah, Doctor Pang."

"I need to deliver Sunny's guitar. Please be careful."

As the researchers awkwardly made way, Doctor Pang told them,

"I hear it is a custom instrument worth forty thousand dollars."

"Pfft!"

"Cough!"

The people sipping coffee leaped backward.

I take back what I said about them feeling approachable.

Wooju lightly plucked the guitar strings and grinned at the camera.

"Hello, Souffles! We're in Antarctica right now! We're at King Sejong Station on King George Island."

At his glance, Ri Hyuk explained in English.

"King Sejong Station was named after one of Korea's greatest kings..."

He carefully explained a national historical figure to millions of fans, followed by a brief account of King Sejong Station and the history of Antarctic research.

Then they explained how they had ended up sharing lunch with researchers from around the world.

"Researchers from all over the world are gathered here with us. Everyone, say hello!"

"Waaaaaaaaah!"

The NewBlack members briefly turned the camera toward the researchers, who waved.

They felt dazed.

"This feels strange. There are millions of people behind that camera, right?"

"Seven million, in fact."

The thought that they were standing before seven million people from inside one tiny room on this enormous continent gave them a strange feeling.

Their legs seemed to tremble for no reason.

Unlike the scientists, however, the NewBlack members sat comfortably without displaying the slightest sign of nervousness.

"You're probably wondering why we started this broadcast."

Biju smiled calmly.

"We were preparing a performance for our guests from around the world, and we thought it would be a good opportunity to let you hear songs from our new album. This album's theme is cooking, after all."

"In Korean, we sometimes use the word sikgu when referring to family."

Junghyun continued.

"Literally translated, it means 'mouths that eat.' It refers to people who live under the same roof and share their meals. I think that shows just how meaningful it is to eat together. It doesn't only define who belongs to a family. It also brings different people together as one."

The guests from various countries nodded.

That was the power of a meal.

It was the first thing people did when forming relationships with one another.

When making friends, did people not begin by eating together in a cafeteria? And when going on a date, did they not usually start with a meal?

"I think music is similar to cooking. The essence of each country is infused into it, and sharing the same music helps people form close bonds. Just as delicious food becomes a memory, good music becomes one too, doesn't it?"

Wooju gently brushed his fingers over the guitar strings.

"We hope today's performance becomes a memory for all of you as well. With that in mind, let us begin with our first song."

"Shall we go with Overcooked?!"

Everyone answered Jiho's spirited shout with cheers.

Under a simple accompaniment, the voices of the NewBlack members immediately filled the dining hall.

"Wow."

"Whoa..."

There was not a single proper piece of sound equipment.

No speakers, no in-ear monitors, and not even microphones.

Everything about it made it obvious the performance had been hastily arranged.

Aside from the NewBlack members holding spoons like microphones, there were no devices at all.

Even so...

Overcooked- Overcooked-

All I did was cook it a little

The harmony created by the five of them was perfect and rich in itself.

A flawless concert.

As main vocalist Ri Hyuk casually raised the pitch of the song as though it might pierce the ceiling, the air throughout the room began to vibrate.

It felt as though a clear blue aura was spreading through the room on the current of Ri Hyuk's voice.

Exclamations erupted simultaneously from every direction.

So this is...

Everyone witnessing NewBlack's performance from mere steps away had the same reaction.

So this is what a singer is.

Just as the researchers dedicated themselves fiercely to their research, they felt they now understood what kind of people stayed awake night after night writing songs and singing.

The leader, softly humming as he supported the song, continually swept his gaze across the audience.

He adjusted the pace and intensity of the accompaniment according to their breathing, reactions, and exclamations, guiding the members like a conductor.

"Waaaaah..."

NewBlack's leader met the gaze of one astonished audience member, winked with a smile, then opened his mouth.

"Would you like to hear Hot Sauce next?!"

"Yeah!"

Beginning with Biju's distinctive tone in the opening, the members sang their parts one by one.

Wooju smiled as he moved to the rhythm, then added a slight rasp to his voice, drawing cries of admiration from the crowd.

You know it too

That feeling something is missing

A special sensation

You cannot stop

It's like fire.

That was someone's impression.

Like blazing fire.

If the main vocalist's voice was characterized by being clean, straight, icy, and technically orthodox, then the lead vocalist's voice was hot.

Unlike Ri Hyuk, who refined his emotions once before singing, Wooju conveyed the feelings within him exactly as they were, like a burning flame.

When he sang gently, there was a warmth like sunlight. When he sang powerfully, it felt as though flames were surging.

It was a voice perfectly suited to the passionate atmosphere of Latin pop.

He really is the spitting image of his parents.

They thought of the Seon Myeongju couple from the movie.

The singer before them seemed to have inherited half his beauty from his calmly handsome father and half from his dazzlingly beautiful mother, and they nodded as they listened.

Then Junghyun's Spanish rap began, drawing cheers from the South American audience.

This is incredible!

Even the audience members who had initially watched them as though observing something novel were now cheering.

They found themselves glancing at their watches.

The songs were so satisfying that the knowledge they would soon have to return to their stations felt bitter.

Then, at that moment.

Is everyone ready?

NewBlack's leader sent the researchers a look, and they remembered what they had forgotten.

-We thought it might be a valuable opportunity to tell people about Antarctica.

The researchers, who had hoped to use NewBlack's livestream to spread awareness about Antarctica, went pale.

"How many are watching now...?"

"It just passed eight million."

The scientists, who had not known how many people NewBlack could draw to a livestream, were horrified.

Of course, giving presentations before audiences of hundreds or thousands at academic conferences was a routine part of their work, but millions were an entirely different matter.

This... is not quite what I had in mind...

Whether or not they knew how violently the scientists' hearts were pounding, the NewBlack members spoke with perfectly relaxed expressions.

The leader continued playing the guitar as he said,

"If it is all right with you, there are some people we would like to introduce."

Junghyun nodded and added,

"We are only visitors who came to Antarctica once for this occasion, but there are people who remain here for several months, or even close to a year."

Unlike NewBlack, for whom this would probably be their first and last visit, these scientists lived in Antarctica for long periods while conducting research.

After laying the groundwork to introduce them, the NewBlack members beckoned.

"Uh... well..."

"Um..."

The scientists hesitantly approached the camera.

There were only NewBlack's members and their fellow scientists in the room, but thinking about the millions of people watching made them unbearably self-conscious.

Pretending to gesture for them to take their seats, NewBlack's leader whispered,

"Just imagine you're telling us. Tell us whatever you've always wanted people to know about Antarctica."

The NewBlack members told them not to look at the camera, but into their eyes instead.

Seeing the members' eyes shining with a willingness to listen, the scientists nodded.

The viewers watching the livestream.

[Hello. I am a scientist who studies penguins. My name is Pang Gwiin.]

When the Korean scientist introduced himself as their representative, everyone burst out laughing.

-LOLLLLLLLLLLLL

-His real name is Pang Gwiin...???

-A true honored guest

-Doctor, seriously???????

Souffles in Korea and other countries alike laughed loudly before turning their attention back to the screen.

They said these people are Antarctic scientists, right?

The scientists wore solemn expressions as though they had a great deal they wished to say, so the viewers focused.

Of course, part of the reason was that they had not yet heard Souffle, the final track on the Overcooked album.

[We are scientists conducting research in Antarctica, the only continent on Earth untouched by permanent human settlement.]

A calm, intelligent voice addressed the public.

[You may feel that Antarctica is incredibly distant from you. A cold land at the far end of the world. But if you listen to our stories for a moment, you will understand how closely Antarctica is connected to your lives and to the planet.]

Scientists from different fields began speaking about their respective areas of research.

[Are you familiar with microplastics? Plastic particles smaller than grains of sand and invisible to the naked eye have recently been detected in samples collected from Antarctic sea ice and surface water. Soon, plastic snow may fall in Antarctica.]

[The Antarctic Ocean, which plays a vital role in global material cycles and carbon absorption, has recently...]

[Sea ice coverage has fallen to the lowest level ever recorded. We are observing figures and abnormal phenomena never seen before.]

They were saying that they needed the public's attention.

As the NewBlack members, led by Ri Hyuk, asked the scientists questions and listened to their answers, countless Souffles nodded.

So this was why NewBlack went to Antarctica.

It was not.

This was the reason!

Everything was falling neatly into place inside the minds of the international Souffles.

Just as Korean fans of Hollywood stars sometimes encountered inaccurate information, overseas NewBlack fans did not always properly understand news coming from Korea.

They only knew the group had gone to film a special episode of a television show called Newniverse.

They had wondered why NewBlack had traveled all the way to Antarctica, but clearly it had been to raise awareness of these issues.

[Antarctica needs your attention. Antarctica is the new black.]

Doctor Penguin's final line in particular remained vividly in their memories.

Respecting the wishes of their singers, the Souffles began posting about the issue on social media.

A keyword immediately rose to first place among real-time trends.

[#Antartica_is_the_new_black]

As the keyword calling for greater attention to Antarctica became a hot topic on social media, many people took notice.

"Hm?"

"What's happening? Why is Antarctica trending on Twitter?"

People from various fields became curious.

Environmental organizations active throughout Antarctica and the rest of the world.

Hollywood celebrities interested in climate change and environmental issues.

International organizations closely connected to Antarctic affairs.

Oh...? This is actually working?

An issue that normally struggled to attract attention even when people actively called for public interest was suddenly becoming a major topic.

How did this...

As though answering those wondering how it had happened, articles began to appear.

-NewBlack visits Antarctica to film a television program related to Antarctic conservation

It was not true.

However, as several Western media outlets reported the story this way, NewBlack's supposed reason for visiting naturally became accepted as fact.

For one thing, NewBlack themselves had vaguely described their purpose as "filming a television show."

And to people in North America and Europe, "Environmental conservation. Hohoho..." sounded far more natural than the distinctly Korean sentiment of, "It's a national holiday, so we're going to Antarctica to cook the people at the station a nice warm meal~!"

"Uh..."

The Korean core fandom, watching all this unfold, reached out, then lowered their hands.

Th-That's not why they went...

I mean, it's a flattering misunderstanding, but they went there to cook.

Let's just leave them mistaken.

While the fans closed their mouths and quietly pushed "Antartica is the new black" up the search rankings, movement began in many different places.

A formula flashed through the minds of countless people involved.

[Important issue + NewBlack = attention]

Lemon Entertainment immediately learned of the situation as well.

Through a flood of collaboration requests.

"Team Leader."

"Yeah?"

A report arrived for Team Leader Yoon Seokhwan.

"We've received inquiries from the UN, international environmental organizations, and several other groups asking what this Antarctic television show is about. And..."

The employee awkwardly swallowed the words, They only went there to cook, while the TF team leader cleared his throat in embarrassment.

"They also asked whether NewBlack would be interested in participating in future Antarctic campaigns. This is a good opportunity, right?"

"It's an excellent opportunity."

After their dramatic success the previous year, NewBlack was now treated as a global star act wherever they went.

And in any country, people who achieved that level of success were often assigned a certain unspoken responsibility.

Should you not use that influence of yours to accomplish something?

This is a good opportunity.

Team Leader Yoon Seokhwan nodded.

"We should accept. Though we'll have to ask the members what they think."

"Um... Team Leader."

"Yeah?"

"Most of the Antarctic campaigns they're inviting us to participate in include visits to Antarctica."

"..."

"Should we... contact the members?"

They were now faced with telling the members currently rolling around in Antarctica that they might have to return to Antarctica again.

"What should we do, Team Leader?"

"For now... let's leave it alone."

"That would probably be best, right?"

"If we tell them they have to go back to Antarctica right after they finally finish filming and return home, they'll all faint."

The TF team leader and employee exchanged smiles.

The team leader will tell them later. I can't do it.

I'll make one of the employees deliver the message.

The two men smiled warmly at each other.