Chapter 847: Is This the Land of the New Black? (23)

A frenzy of dancing erupted inside the Olympic Stadium.

Athletes.

Spectators who had risen from their seats.

Everyone shook their bodies wildly to the EDM remix, laughter bursting out everywhere.

lmaooooooo

this feels like a tour bus from hell

the athletes are really going hard lol

but this is honestly so fun lol our whole house is dancing too

this remix is killing me lol

“The Captain’s Song” was supposed to be a masterpiece about life being like a voyage... now that ship turned into a sightseeing cruise

we were just drowning in national pride and now suddenly EDM lol I’m dying

No one had expected this performance.

As veteran singer No Jaehyeon laughed heartily while singing, athletes who had untied their hair ties danced like maniacs.

Even the announcers chuckled awkwardly.

[Yes... this is certainly... quite the lively atmosphere.]

[We’re having this much fun just watching from afar—imagine how it must be for those there in person. Hahaha.]

The chorus continued.

Trot queen Gyeon Seonghwa and ballad singer Cha Woohyeon joined in harmony, triggering more laughter.

Gyeon Seonghwa and Cha Woohyeon doing chorus ㄴㅇㄱ

the most expensive chorus in the world lol

so smooth, so smooth

but considering who’s singing... even combined, their careers are still shorter than No Jaehyeon’s lol

born in ’45, even counting from his 20s that’s like 50 years

It was hilarious that singers who could sell out arenas on their own were providing chorus—but at the same time, it made perfect sense.

And even funnier were the idols standing behind them.

[As we speak, NewBlack’s Wooju and TNT’s Han Taehyeon are dancing with light sticks in hand.]

[You are currently watching the top members of K-pop... dance.]

[Ah. How unique!]

Each singer held a light stick, dancing wildly behind their seniors.

Jiho and Seok Jihoon tangled together in chaotic moves.

Daylight spun their heads and danced like they’d lost their minds, drawing more laughter.

the most expensive backup dancers in the world lol

wow No Jaehyeon really made it

what do you mean made it lol

the vibe is so goodㅠㅠㅠ I wanna be there dancing too

whoever planned this deserves an award lol

Daylight+TNT+NewBlack as backup dancers... whoever planned this, well done

kinda feels wasteful to use that lineup like this but also perfect lol

As NewBlack and TNT kept dancing, Daylight doubled over laughing.

Imitating the skeleton event that had gone viral, TNT and NewBlack lifted Seo Rihyeok and pretended to throw him forward.

Han Taehyeon and Sun Wooju did a curling dance.

Biju spun like a figure skater, and senior singers clapped, laughing [N O V E L I G H T] loudly.

It was pure excitement.

With thunderous cheers shaking the stadium, the EDM medley continued.

[Yes... this is truly a moment of global unity.]

[This might just be what K-pop is.]

[That’s right! If it’s fun, it’s K-pop.]

The hosts rambled awkwardly, overwhelmed by the unique stage.

As the entire nation swayed their shoulders together, idol fans smiled proudly.

‘Whoever planned this—well done.’

Intentional or not, this was exactly the outcome they had hoped for.

Especially for TNT and Daylight fans, whose biggest concerns had been completely erased.

The headlines they had been seeing:

“Idols again?” Pouring K-pop onto an already-finished feast... netizens ‘outraged’

How long will national events rely on K-pop? Shouldn’t we show a more ‘advanced 21st century nation’ image?

Special stage made up of unknown actors... netizens: “100 times better than idol stages”

As obvious as it was— not everyone liked idols.

Especially at national events.

Many people resented K-pop idols appearing in state ceremonies.

That was why TNT and Daylight fans had been so anxious.

‘Thank goodness NewBlack took the lead.’

NewBlack’s immense public goodwill had cushioned everything.

If not for that, the backlash would have been brutal.

idols again???

does the country not function without idols?? lol the people in charge are legendary

no wonder they call it a state-funded project

embarrassingㅠㅠㅠ national shame

why can’t idols appear? I like it

your oppa can’t even dance lol

fangirl detected lol go study, your dad’s back must be breaking

There would always be people who attacked idols on principle.

So the anxiety had been massive.

But now—

‘At this point, whatever.’

Fans of all three groups giggled.

There had been worries from every angle.

But the moment they saw the performance, those worries evaporated.

“Wow.”

“Th... wow... they’re good.”

“Aren’t they supposed to be the best among idols?”

Even casual viewers reacted like this.

‘Man. My patriotism is overflowing.’

It was the kind of stage you wanted to show a foreign friend and say, “This is K-pop.”

Shoulders puffed up involuntarily.

It felt like everyone had poured their entire being into it.

National pride swelled across the country.

That was why this EDM stage felt like a bonus.

Not essential—but perfect.

‘Whoever planned this is smart.’

Ending the main stage with K-pop idols, then closing with a festival atmosphere everyone could enjoy.

Honoring seniors while letting juniors have fun.

Whoever it was—well done.

btw anyone know who the DJ is? heard he used to be a slave

A slave in his family registry?

Fans tilted their heads.

he’s Lemon Entertainment’s youngest composer, Kim Hyeongseop

yeah people joked he got kidnapped after appearing on Mister Producer

been working as Sun Wooju’s personal slave for 3 years

saying it like that sounds weird lol

Hearing that a Lemon Entertainment staff member was DJing, fans murmured in realization.

‘Wooju.’

Behind No Jaehyeon’s stage like a puppeteer, someone’s silhouette seemed to flicker.

Everyone imagined NewBlack’s ambitious leader and nodded.

‘This is 100% Wooju’s planning.’

You could almost understand why antis hated him so desperately.

He never left an opening.

Of course, it sounded like some mastermind pulling strings.

‘There is a bit of dissonance though.’

They averted their eyes as Wooju—wearing floral sunglasses like a lunatic—danced wildly.

Just as idol fans were finally shaking off their last sliver of worry—

“Hmm?”

Viewers across the country, dancing in front of their TVs, rubbed their eyes.

“Did I see that wrong?”

“Wait... isn’t that the human-faced bird dancing in there?”

“There’s a bear and a white tiger too.”

Among the frenzied dancers and athletes—

The human-faced bird mascot, wearing sunglasses, and other mascots were dancing to the beat.

It was truly unforgettable.

“Finally!”

“It’s overrrrrr—!”

They all cheered with raised arms.

Sore bodies loosening, sweat-soaked singers embraced and shouted.

“Done!”

“It’s over!”

Well—not completely.

Even though the TV broadcast had ended, the EDM after-party continued on stage.

Athletes and volunteers danced together in chaos.

Hyeongseop, who had handed the headphones to a famous DJ, sat down, stunned.

“Wow... insane...”

I crouched in front of him.

“You okay?”

“W-wow...”

“That’s what your first stage does. Heart pounding.”

I helped him up.

“Aigoo!”

No Jaehyeon approached, laughing heartily.

Then he hugged Hyeongseop.

“Thank you, composer!”

“Ah—yes! It’s an honor!”

“Thanks to you, I performed so well. Feels like ten years of indigestion cleared out. I was so excited.”

No Jaehyeon rarely praised so lavishly.

He must have loved it.

While Hyeongseop stood dazed from praise, I leaned in.

“Did you like it, sir?”

“Of course.”

“Lemon Entertainment’s doors are always open, sir...”

“Well... is that so...”

He looked tempted at the suggestion of joining.

“Come work with me—”

“My back! Mrs. Kang!”

He fled toward his guardian.

“So close...”

“Why are you making that scary face, hyung?”

Han Taehyeon slung an arm over my shoulder.

“Let’s eat.”

“Yeah.”

After two weeks of intense rehearsals, someone suggested they shouldn’t part so easily.

They found a barbecue place in Pyeongchang.

“Toast! Toast!”

“Wooju, you do it!”

Charcoal smoke rose.

The room filled with alcohol scent.

Between tipsy staff and idols, I raised my cola.

“Thank you for your hard work! Pyeongchang! Pyeongchang!”

“Fighting!”

As soon as I sat down, Taehyeon handed me a huge lettuce wrap.

“Thanks.”

Hanbyeol and Ri Hyuk quickly made more wraps and held them out.

Expectant faces.

“Greeting?”

“Not happening.”

“....”

I laughed, thanked them, and flipped the meat.

The noisy warmth of people freed from heavy work.

Different group members mingled freely.

Biju talked seriously with Baek Seungje.

Jiho acted cute between Daylight and TNT, getting fed.

“Oh right.”

Ri Hyuk rummaged in his bag and slipped me something.

Letters labeled “To. Cha Hyeonjeong sunbaenim.”

“Give these to her for me later.”

“You do it.”

“Hyung.”

“...That tone weakens me.”

I accepted the bundle.

“Junhyun.”

“Yes.”

“Wait here.”

After handing the tongs to Gu Seonung, I distributed the letters.

Daylight’s eyes sparkled.

“What’s this?”

“Oh my—handwritten letters? It’s Ri Hyuk!”

“Rare letters from NewBlack TV... rarer than wild ginseng!”

After finishing, I signaled Junhyun.

“Open them now!”

“Ahhh!”

“Please read them!”

Ri Hyuk covered his red face.

Staff cooed.

Then—

“Waaaah!”

Daylight suddenly burst into tears.

“...Why?”

“They cry when drunk.”

“Ah.”

Already tipsy, they dragged Ri Hyuk into hugs.

Gu Seonung thanked him emotionally.

The mood warmed further.

Later, as the dinner wound down, groups naturally reformed.

Daylight giggled over drinks.

Our members gulped soda and meat.

It was time to part.

“Let’s go back to the dorm.”

“My stomach’s so full...”

“Dessert?”

“Yes.”

They left the restaurant.

The last night of the Olympics.

As the singers left the after-party, the world still buzzed.

Foreign media including NYT praise “K-pop that perfectly dominated the stage”

“Unbelievable collaboration” NewBlack, Daylight, TNT receive global acclaim

“Fun and message captured” historic praise for closing ceremony stage

Online and offline, Korea trembled.

that was insane K-pop is legend

proves why top singers are top

when METRO came on my patriotism hit lethal levels lol

Daylight♡

I was so nervous before it started but our singers did amazingㅠㅠㅠ

hanbok was fire

Not just Korea.

Other countries too.

「That was insane...」

「What just passed by... seriously.」

「Who’s the handsome one in the middle?」

Live vocals you could hear breathing.

Brilliant choreography.

Stunning visuals.

SNS buzz exploded.

‘I want to watch it again.’

Just as newcomers were curious—

Daylight and TNT fans prepared to promote.

‘It’ll take time for official videos.’

No agency teasers expected.

They edited gifs and photos—

Then blinked.

Trending on MyTube:

[4K Fancam] TNT Han Taehyeon - Cycle (2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics)

[4K Fancam] Daylight Dabom - Cupid (2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics)

[4K Fancam] NewBlack Wooju - Nine (2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics)

Uploaded by Lemon Entertainment and the official Olympic channel.

‘What... is this timing?’

Perfect.

As the world asked “Who are they?”—

Fancams appeared.

‘Olympic fancams...?’

‘What is this content.’

‘Do agencies usually upload this quickly?’

Daylight and TNT fans stared blankly.

Meanwhile—

Souffle casually lay back and watched fancams.

“....”

“....”

While the other fans felt faintly deprived—

The views skyrocketed.

And soon—

The phenomenon called “Olympic conversion” began spreading worldwide.