Chapter 796: Fishing is Life (1)

After my father's performance ended, I returned completely to everyday life.

The first schedule was the Gold Disk Awards.

The first award ceremony of the new year, where awards were given based on the previous year's performance, divided into the digital music and album categories.

"Congratulations! Grand Prize in the Digital Music category, Serenity's Party Girl!"

"And the Grand Prize in the Album category... NewBlack! Congratulations!"

Serenity, the girl group considered the undisputed top group, took the Digital Music Grand Prize and washed away the disappointment of not winning a grand prize at the Korea Music Awards.

And in the Album category, our second full album, which had recorded the highest album sales of the previous year, took the award.

"Wooju hyung's gaze looks sharp. Very sharp. What do you think, Jung caster?"

"Perhaps the look of someone thinking they could have taken the Digital Music Grand Prize as well."

"So that's what it is. Does that mean the spaceship will return this year with even more venom than usual?"

"The moment you said that, a petty glare just came toward us... uh, Jiho, hyung is running first."

"Hyung!"

Aside from that, there was not much noteworthy news in the music industry during January, which was considered the off season.

There was the news that the rookie girl group Lucky Girl's song released in December had climbed the charts thanks to word of mouth as a "good song to listen to at the start of the new year."

Apparently it even took first place on a music broadcast recently. It had always felt like a song that would eventually become popular.

Aside from that, Hong Saetbyeol, famous as a digital chart powerhouse, had recently made a comeback with a winter themed album.

Han Taehyun [No hyungㅠㅠㅠㅠ]

Taehyun, who had made his comeback in January, was sending crying emoticons every single day.

The reason was obvious.

-Sun Myungju's album lines up across multiple charts... Music industry says "When the son left, the father arrived"

It was because my father's album had lined up from first place all the way down to twentieth place on the charts.

The strange phenomenon of jazz music dominating the top of the charts.

The Sun Myungju craze was sweeping through the industry so strongly that singers preparing January comebacks were postponing their releases.

"According to people in the music industry, the Sun Myungju craze is expected to continue for some time."

Ri Hyuk's voice could be heard reading the article.

"Industry insiders predict the Sun Myungju craze will not easily fade due to factors such as the performance achieving nearly fifty percent viewership, the father and son duo Sun Myungju and Sun Wooju becoming known as a national father and son pair, and the public's extremely favorable perception of NewBlack... that's what it says."

"The situation got pretty big."

"Everyone we met at the Gold Disk Awards talked about it too."

"That's true."

Every senior and junior artist we encountered in waiting rooms or hallways said they enjoyed the performance. I thought it was just polite talk.

But even now, nearly a week after the performance ended, the entire country was still buzzing.

Especially within popular culture, the impact of my father's performance was enormous.

-The agency of the late Kim Pyeonghwa announces a concert after thirty years... "Now is the age of longing"

-[Music Industry Focus] Why are singers who passed away returning?

-[Critic column] The music industry must stop exploiting the Sun Myungju phenomenon without reflection

Perhaps because my father's concert, which returned after twenty years, had achieved overwhelming success, both the music industry and the arts world were suddenly filled with plans for memorial concerts.

Not only concerts, but television as well.

Recently, a competition program asked whether it could use my father's music as its theme songs.

Travel programs quickly selected Gunsan as a destination, while an educational documentary about world history chose jazz as its subject.

Everyone was rowing hard now that the tide had come in.

The film industry was also moving.

Apparently a famous director was planning to make a jazz themed movie.

-Director Oh Jemun confirms production of Balsan dong Blues, "A story of jazz and love in old age"

Along with this wave of popular culture influence, interest in jazz itself was also increasing.

Just like how when an athlete from an unpopular sport receives attention at the Olympics, training academies suddenly fill with students dreaming of becoming the next star, jazz academies across the country were reportedly filling up with students.

Every time I opened a portal site, there were articles profiling university students or entrance exam candidates majoring in jazz.

-[Experts Ask 30 Specialists] Why hasn't a second Sun Myungju appeared?

Whenever a genius appeared, the direction of the articles naturally turned toward nurturing future talent for the twenty first century.

I simply laughed as I watched it all.

And.

Among everything, there was one thing I had never predicted.

One sentence my father left behind had become a viral catchphrase.

"What kind of country has Korea become?"

The phrase he had asked the public while introducing the performance was spreading like a social issue.

Though most people were using it in their own way.

-The past half century of dynamic economic growth... "What kind of country has Korea become?"

-The phrase "What kind of country has Korea become?" floods political social media accounts

-[Field Report 6] Has Korea truly become a just country?

In politics, it was used during debates.

"What kind of country has Korea become? Please answer."

It appeared frequently in economic and social news as well.

Elsewhere, people on internet communities were using it as a joke.

[You aren't supposed to microwave aluminum foil????]

(photo of something that no longer resembles food.jpg)

I'm screwed

-"Father... this is the country where even idiots like this live just fine..."

-"Father... this is the country we became"

-"Father, we're sorry"

-"What kind of country has Korea become?"

-"Sun Myungju: damn it"

I saw posts like that.

[What kind of country has Korea become?]

(photo of mint chocolate foods.jpg)

A country of mint chocolate.

If you disagree, you have bad taste.

-"No, heretic"

-"This is not the Korea that should exist, demons"

-(Han Taehyun meme: If you want mint chocolate, eat toothpaste.jpg)

-"Protect mint chocolate"

-"People who hate mint chocolate are corrupt officials??? lol"

-"Comments like that are exactly why mint chocolate fans exist"

Seeing netizens happily playing around with endless variations like that made me laugh.

Biju asked,

"Did you find something funny?"

"People playing around on the internet look really funny. Look at this."

"HAHAHAHA!"

As expected of someone with a low laughter threshold, Biju burst out laughing.

While the two of us were laughing loudly, a sulky voice came from the side.

"Can you be quiet? That's why the fish aren't biting."

"Interesting."

"What is?"

"I was wondering how you can't recognize a pirarucu even though it's your own kind."

"......!"

Some kind of insult flew my way, but I covered my ears.

Then I looked forward.

The calm surface of the water.

A game character stood where a fishing line stretched across the water.

It was the fishing expansion pack newly added to the fitness game console O2 that I had promoted last year.

"......."

Ri Hyuk stared at the TV screen with focused eyes.

Soon, Ri Hyuk shouted while holding the controller like a fishing rod.

"It's here. The vibration just hit."

"Ohhhh."

He raised his arm triumphantly as if reeling in a fish—

But an annoying BGM played.

[Oh dear... were you excited?]

[You scraped the bottom!]

"Ughhh! Again!"

Instead of catching a fish, he had dragged the hook across the bottom.

Ri Hyuk collapsed onto the sofa and kicked his legs in frustration until he fell off the couch.

Then Jiho stepped forward.

"Ri Hyuk hyung just doesn't understand games. This kind of thing should be done by someone good at games..."

The youngest swung the fishing rod controller behind him.

Whoosh!

Along with cheerful music, the fishing rod itself flew away.

[Failure!]

[Isn't controlling your strength the basics?]

More furious kicking erupted on the sofa.

Biju said,

"I heard they made the game really realistic, but it really is realistic."

"Yeah. They say it's exactly like the real thing."

Strictly speaking, it was a game where your fishing motion with the controller was scored.

The higher the synchronization with real fishing movements, the better the chances of catching fish.

Junhyun took the controller from Jiho and extended the rod.

Everyone went "Ohhhh."

Soon, a huge ninety centimeter flounder appeared.

[That's a big catch! Congratulations!]

[Achievement unlocked: "Wait... maybe I have talent for fishing?"]

"Hmm."

Junhyun smiled with satisfaction and handed the controller to me.

"Biju, aren't you going to try?"

"No. If I start once, I feel like I won't stop until the end."

"That's understandable."

Holding the controller equipped with a rod shaped attachment, I looked at the monitor.

Of course, I didn't know how closely this cyber fishing resembled real fishing.

But any physical activity begins with posture.

I smoothly imitated the postures of veteran fishermen I had seen on MyTube.

"Here it comes. Thirty year veteran of the sea!"

"Your expression suddenly looks old and worn out!"

Ignoring my members, I released the fishing rod.

I pulled my arm back, then cast forward.

Plop.

The float dropped perfectly into the water.

A flawless motion.

Sure enough—

Soon the controller vibrated and I began reeling the fish in.

[Congratulations!]

[Achievement unlocked: "You caught Jaws"]

A great white shark filled the screen.

Ri Hyuk hid behind Junhyun.

Looking at the legendary fish that could only appear with perfect movements, I smiled at my underlings.

"Did you see?"

"We saw."

As they chanted "Spaceship! Spaceship!" I spread my arms proudly.

Junhyun and I would write legends in fishing today.

Finally, the decisive day had arrived.

"Have a good trip!"

"When you come back, bring watermelon smoothies! Pack them in an icebox! And Thai mangoes and fruit... and if you can, bring nasi goreng too."

"Nasi goreng is Indonesian food. At least know what you're talking about..."

I smiled warmly and waved at my members who were just saying whatever came to mind.

"Thank you for worrying about us."

"Honestly, we're not worried."

Ri Hyuk pointed at Junhyun and me.

"If only one of you went out alone, I'd be nervous. But when you two are together, there's something about it."

"It feels like you'd survive even on a deserted island."

Junhyun and I looked at each other.

We each thought of what the other lacked.

"Strength."

"Intelligence."

"......!"

"......!"

Our eyes widened.

"Junhyun!"

"Hyung!"

We felt overwhelmed by how perfectly complementary our combination was.

Jiho spoke.

"But honestly, you're going on this variety show not to become even more successful or anything, right? It's just to improve the parts where we lack variety show skills."

"That's right."

"So don't overdo it. Just treat it like a chance to relax."

Watching our youngest, who now took care of others at twenty one, I smiled proudly.

After a short farewell, I said,

"And while we're in Thailand, please take care of things in Korea."

"Don't worry, hyung."

"Alright. I'm counting on you."

While we were in Thailand, the three members remaining in Korea had their own special tasks to handle.

Even though he said he wasn't worried, Ri Hyuk followed us to the elevator hallway.

"Ah-choo! It's cold."

Then he slammed the door and went back inside.

I'm not buying him souvenirs.

Junhyun and I chuckled as we dragged our suitcases toward the waiting car.

"Good morning, Wooju!"

"Hello."

After greeting Jongwan, who was driving us to the airport today, I fastened my seatbelt.

Looking in the mirror, I brushed my hair back and faced the camera.

"Hello, Dear Fishing viewers."

"I am Junhyun."

"And I am Wooju!"

Looking at the cameras installed throughout the vehicle, it really felt like we were filming a variety show.

"When was the last time we did variety?"

"I think the last time was that show on H Network last year."

"It feels like ages ago."

Junhyun and I made heart gestures toward the camera.

We sang songs as we headed toward the Gimpo Airport Business Aviation Center.

When we arrived, the manager spoke.

"The production team says the opening shoot is ready. As soon as you get out, put on your microphones and start filming."

"Okay."

Just as Jongwan said, cameras were waiting the moment we got out of the car.

But it wasn't what we expected.

Trumpets blared.

The staff cheered loudly.

"Waaaaaa!"

"Rejoice! Our saviors have arrived!"

"Uh...."

As I stood there confused, a writer rushed over and placed a flower garland around my neck.

Staff members scattered flower petals as we walked.

And a banner fluttered.

[Dear Fishing welcomes Wooju and Junhyun!]

Junhyun and I burst out °• N 𝑜 v 𝑒 l i g h t •° laughing at the enthusiastic welcome after providing a private plane.

As we approached the fixed cast members, the PD shouted.

"Everyone! NewBlack has finally come to Dear Fishing!"

"Waaaaaa!"

The fixed members greeted us with bright smiles.

Three men and one woman.

"My goodness, our Black boys. It's been a long time."

The first person to hug us was a middle aged trot singer with white hair.

"It's been a while, Baek Sanggyo. Have you been well?"

"It's really been a while. I couldn't sleep for days after hearing you'd appear."

He had featured on our special album in 2015.

He was also the one who introduced us to Shin Maeda, the man who famously said in Japan, "You will be divorced! Definitely!"

After greeting Baek Sanggyo, another middle aged entertainer welcomed us.

Thin and sharp looking.

"I'm Kang Manho. Nice to meet you, Black."

"Hello."

He had recently returned to broadcasting with Dear Fishing after a long hiatus.

His last activity had been around the time Teen Spirit debuted.

His concept was usually sarcastic and sharp tongued, but today he looked unusually friendly.

Baek Sanggyo grinned.

"Hey Manho, you're awfully quiet today."

"Of course. If he messes up here and gets a million antis, he'll have to quit broadcasting again."

"He becomes nice whenever actors or idols appear."

As people teased him, Kang Manho snapped back irritably.

Then I turned to the person who had just teased him.

"Hello."

"Oh dear, I'm not old enough to be called teacher. But goodness, you're so handsome."

"Haha."

"My eyes feel purified."

She was a middle aged actress with softly waved hair and hiking clothes.

The veteran actress Oh Hyunsuk, once famous as a great beauty and now active in morning and weekend dramas.

And then—

"NewBlaaaack!"

"Sunbaenim!"

"What is this! Really! The moment I heard NewBlack would appear, I ran to the PD to ask if it was true..."

The handsome actor spoke rapidly.

He was Chu Giseok, who had debuted as A Ten through Mister Producer and once called himself Fake Souffle.

"And I am no longer Fake Souffle."

"Oh!"

"I should update the news. Farewell to my Fake Souffle past. I am now a full Souffle member."

"Ooooo!"

Junhyun and I applauded enthusiastically.

It was the first time we had seen a real Souffle among variety show entertainers.

Chu Giseok showed proof on his phone and shouted toward the camera.

"This isn't someone else's story. Everyone watching this right now should immediately join the NewBlack fan club. You need membership to participate in fan club presales for ticketing!"

"Whenever NewBlack comes up, his mouth starts running like a motor."

"But it's cute."

Everyone laughed and applauded the man who was enthusiastically promoting Souffle.

A trot singer, an entertainer, an actress, and an actor who also appeared on variety shows.

At first glance they might seem like an unlikely group.

But the one thing these four people had in common was their intense love of fishing.

Oh Hyunsuk asked with sparkling eyes.

"So why did you come here? Do you like fishing? Can you fish?"

"I studied hard before coming!"

Our company director and CEO even gave me crash course lessons, and I watched tons of videos on MyTube.

"You've never actually tried it?"

"No... that's why I'm worried. I hope we don't become a burden."

The others immediately protested.

"A burden?"

"The person who provided the private plane has already done everything."

"Please don't say such frightening things..."

They insisted the overseas filming would not even be possible without us.

Baek Sanggyo brushed his white hair back and joked.

"But Wooju... even though he says he's just learning, I feel like he'll do well. There's nothing this kid can't do."

"Look at him casually putting his arm on your shoulder pretending you're close."

"Hey! We are close! Right?"

I nodded.

Then Chu Giseok turned to Junhyun.

"What about you, Junhyun?"

"Uh, well...."

Junhyun scratched the back of his head.

"I had a line I wanted to say, but people online already predicted it."

"Oh, I saw that."

"So it's embarrassing... but being a fisherman was actually my third dream job."

His first and second dreams had been farmer and agricultural worker.

Everyone burst into laughter.

Then Baek Sanggyo suddenly remembered something.

"Come to think of it, Junhyun is from Goesan, right?"

"Yes."

"Oh! That's perfect. Manho here is from Goesan too."

"Really?"

When Junhyun looked delighted to meet someone from his hometown, Kang Manho nodded.

"I even went to the same school as Junhyun's father. We were classmates."

"Oh really?"

Everyone looked surprised.

When people asked what Junhyun's father had been like, Kang Manho's expression darkened.

Chu Giseok asked,

"Did Junhyun's father beat you?"

"Hey!"

"No, it's just because you suddenly look scared."

"Well...."

Kang Manho waved his hands.

"There might be misunderstandings, but he was a very kind guy. It's just... one day..."

"Yes?"

"I saw him catch a wild boar that came down from the mountain behind the school."

"......."

"With his bare hands."

"......."

Everyone stared at Junhyun as if looking at the descendant of a legendary hero.

Why wasn't I surprised at all?

Baek Sanggyo turned to PD Lee Junhee.

"PD Lee."

"Yes?"

"You said the goal of this overseas trip was to catch a giant fish, right?"

"Yes."

Placing a hand on both Junhyun's and my shoulders, Baek Sanggyo laughed loudly.

"Strength. Skill. Nothing lacking. I think the game's already over."

"Hahaha!"

Already celebrating victory, the fishing enthusiasts laughed together.

"Dear Fishing - NewBlack Special"

Baek Sanggyo's face appeared with his arms around Junhyun and Wooju.

"PD Lee. I think the game's already over."

"Hahaha!"

"Ahahaha!"

They laughed like third rate villains.

But with the sound of film rolling, the screen shifted into cinematic proportions and sad music began to play.

"Sob!"

"Waaah!"

The members of NewBlack and the fishing cast appeared crying loudly while leaning against the boat.

And bold text appeared across the screen.

[The game begins now.]