Chapter 967: I Am the King of Singers, But...? (2)

"...Then shall we proceed with that plan?"

"Yes."

I rose from my seat after shaking hands with PD Park Yeonhee from .

The other woman spoke with visible anticipation.

"I don't know how today's competition will turn out, but I'm really looking forward to it. If Ri Hyuk actually wins...."

I simply smiled and nodded.

Apparently pleased with my proposal, the PD personally walked me all the way to the office door.

"This way."

The moment I stepped outside, a security guard wearing sunglasses guided me down the hallway.

Soon, the waiting room door came into view.

[King of Singers Sun Wooju]

I couldn't help laughing at the ridiculous sign as I entered the room.

I was chatting idly with our staff when the door opened and Ri Hyuk returned.

"Oh?!"

My eyes widened instinctively.

No.

This was...!

"You're adorable!"

Wearing a sunflower mask with a huge grin painted across it, Ri Hyuk genuinely looked like a flower in bloom.

The flashy suit.

Every little movement made him resemble one of those tiny sprout dolls wobbling around on a car dashboard.

[Hehehehe. I am pretty cute, aren't I?]

Laughing through the voice changer, Ri Hyuk struck a flower pose beneath his chin.

[Ahhh~ The whole world envies the beauty of me, King of Singers Sun Wooju! I'm just too beautiful~]

The staff burst into applause and laughter, and I found myself laughing too.

Maybe because he was copying me, Ri Hyuk kept throwing out exaggerated lines while striking ridiculous poses.

King of Singers Sun Wooju strutted toward me and lifted my chin dramatically.

[Let's see here.]

"Hm?"

[How pitiful... such an unfortunate looking child.]

What an infuriating little brat. I genuinely wanted to flick him in the forehead.

While the staff exploded with laughter, I asked with a smile,

"Uh, but seriously...."

"? "

"I don't actually act like this in real life, right? We don't resemble each other, right?"

"......."

What was this?

Why wasn't anyone denying it?

King of Singers Sun Wooju continued acting smug for quite a while.

Click—

Ri Hyuk finally removed the mask, revealing his real face.

Sweat glistened lightly along his sharp jawline.

It was almost impossible to imagine that this calm, handsome visual had been the same person clowning around moments ago as King of Singers Sun Wooju.

"Hoo...."

After taking a deep breath, Ri Hyuk set the mask down and collapsed onto the sofa.

"Ah. This is exhausting."

"Hot?"

"It's no joke. Visibility is way worse than I expected, and singing in this thing doesn't seem easy either. Feels like I'll only be able to use about thirty percent of my actual skill."

After complaining for a while, Ri Hyuk shrugged.

"But the advantages make up for all of it."

"What advantages?"

"Anonymity."

Ri Hyuk continued,

"Wearing a mask kind of makes me feel like a completely different person."

"...You really did feel like someone else."

"The difference is bigger than you'd think. If I were bare faced, I would've never said half those jokes."

For someone like Ri Hyuk, who was usually shy and awkward around people, it seemed to be an incredible advantage.

"Especially for someone like me who cares too much about how other people see me. Nobody's going to screenshot and analyze every expression I make, and I don't have to keep worrying about how my face looks to others."

"Oh, so that's the kind of thing you normally worry about."

"Yep."

"...You don't exactly look like someone who's considerate of other people's feelings, though."

"Kyaaaak!"

He clamped both hands over his ears.

Anyway, Ri Hyuk's conclusion was simple.

"I like it. The concept."

"That's a relief."

I'd honestly been worried.

What if our baby gets nervous?

But after seeing him transform completely once he put on the mask, I felt much more reassured.

"So you'll be fine on your own now, right? While you're recording later, I need to go somewhere for a bit—"

"No...!"

Ri Hyuk immediately grabbed my arm.

"Come on, why are you being so clingy? I've supported you enough already. I'm a busy person too."

"But I'll be too nervous if I'm alone!"

Like a tiny detective holding a voice changing bowtie, Ri Hyuk pitifully clutched the mask.

[Wooju is small and fragile and needs help...!]

I burst out laughing.

"I'm letting it slide because you're cute. Seriously."

[You think I'm cute?? Kyaaargh!]

The staff laughed again as he instantly went from gloomy to cheerful.

I asked once more,

"Do I really act like this? Seriously?"

"Uh...."

"Yes, Mr. Minsu. Go ahead."

Our sturdy manager, Minsu, scratched his head awkwardly before answering.

"It's not that Wooju actually behaves exactly like that, but somehow... the vibe still kind of feels like Wooju...."

"So in the end, you're saying we do resemble each other."

"Ah, uh... yes."

So this was mirror therapy.

Watching Ri Hyuk wave around the King of Singers Sun Wooju mask while acting obnoxious, I quietly reflected on myself for a moment before smiling generously.

Well, there would be plenty of opportunities for revenge later.

"What is that expression? You look like you're plotting something."

"It's nothing."

I smiled warmly and patted Ri Hyuk on the shoulder.

"For now, I'm just going to cheer you on."

"? "

After saying that, I kept him company.

There was no need to give him any special advice or strategy.

We had already discussed everything necessary together beforehand.

Right now, all I needed to do was support a teammate preparing for a new challenge.

-I want to show people my singing ability.

I knew better than anyone how much thought Ri Hyuk had put into deciding to appear on this program.

A top idol group.

People usually viewed that position as the final destination. A place where you no longer needed to prove your worth.

And yet Ri Hyuk was willingly stepping back down into the role of challenger to prove his skill all over again.

-I'm going to show them. That I, and we, aren't confined to the narrow category people label as idols.

He wanted to shatter the prejudice surrounding us.

Personally, I never thought the label idol was a bad thing. If we were idols, then we were idols.

For example, I wasn't the type to believe actors should compete using acting ability alone.

Even if someone didn't possess terrifyingly good acting skills, if they had visuals and performance that fit the character well, didn't that still make them a good actor?

However—

What if someone possessed enough talent to amaze others, yet remained unrecognized because of preexisting bias?

-Lmao people keep calling them the ultimate idol vocalists, but doesn't that only work inside the idol industry??

-They're good for idols. Big difference.

-Yeah they're top tier among idols, sure. But putting them beside actual singers feels weird to me.

-I admit NewBlack makes good music and they're skilled, but calling them professional level vocalists is ridiculous lol

-Stop trying to compare them seriouslyㅋㅋㅋ

-People keep bringing up the 15 Legendary Songs performance, but they only won because of Noh Jaehyun's storyline anyway

-NewBlack fans still talking about something from three years agoㅋㅋㅋ same old script every time

-Popular worldwide (O) world class skill level (X)

If prejudice was preventing skill from truly shining—

Wouldn't it also be fun to crush those prejudices and shock people?

"I think today's going to be fun."

I smiled and nodded at Ri Hyuk's words.

And so, while keeping our lonely main vocalist company as we passed the waiting time together—

[Hooo.......]

At 2 PM sharp, Ri Hyuk finally stood up fully dressed for the recording.

[Uuuugh!]

"Come here, my baby."

[What are you talking about? It's not like I'm Wang Jiho. Do I look like a baby to you?]

"To me, you're all babies. And besides... would King of Singers Sun Wooju really react like that to something I said?"

[Ah!]

The sunflower mask nodded solemnly.

[I am quite youthful looking. Kyaaargh!]

"Everyone, tell me honestly. Do I really act like this??"

"......."

Yeah.

I really needed to reflect on myself a bit.

While the stylists taped Ri Hyuk's shoes so they wouldn't slip off during filming, I opened my arms.

"Come here. Let's hug once before you go."

[Ehh~ That's embarrassing~]

"Come on, little Wooju."

I gave Ri Hyuk a brief hug.

I could feel the trembling gradually calming down.

"You can do this."

[I can do this.]

As cheerful laughter leaked from beneath the sunflower mask after we separated—

"Oh right."

I called out to King of Singers Sun Wooju before he left the waiting room.

"And one more thing, King of Singers Sun Wooju?"

[Yes?]

"I don't care what kind of nonsense you say while imitating me today. You can say literally anything you want. But!"

"? "

"Any comments involving Madam Kim Deoksun are strictly forbidden. If you violate that rule, you will immediately witness a deranged man storming the stage. Hehehe...."

[.......]

"Remember. Deoksun is miiiiine......."

For a brief moment, I could practically feel the sunflower mask looking at me with disappointment.

1:30 PM.

As recording time for the 2 PM broadcast approached, the audience seats inside Sangam TBC Public Hall gradually filled up.

"Oh my...."

"This is so cool. It looks exactly like TV."

The giant LED screen behind the stage displayed the floating logo for .

Staff members wearing intercom headsets hurried around with scripts tucked at their waists.

Every time the production crew adjusted something, the lights spread open like giant fans before narrowing again.

"There are celebrities over there too."

Several celebrities were already seated at the panel section, chatting with the audience.

Famous entertainers, rookie idols, music critics, professional singers, and more.

While audience members in the front rows bashfully interacted with celebrities—or shamelessly played along confidently—

Others opened the booklet distributed by the production team.

[Mission Singer : Today's Program]

The booklet resembled a program pamphlet handed out at classical performances.

[Champion] Romantic Voice Olive Oil (★3 Consecutive Wins)

[1] Mill Cat

[2] Luxury Supporting Actor Jangjorim

[3] Rockstar Sock Princess

[4] Alice in Wonderland

A tournament bracket complete with profile photos.

It included the names of surviving contestants, including Mill Cat, who had ranked first during the previous competition but declined to challenge the champion.

'I wonder how today will go?'

The audience's eyes sparkled.

typically filmed two full episodes every two weeks.

Recording alone took seven to eight hours, including dinner.

The fact that these people still attended meant most of them were dedicated viewers deeply invested in the show.

"Who do you think will win?"

"Hard to say, but Mill Cat and Olive Oil definitely feel destined to clash, right? Judging from last time, Mill Cat totally gave off future champion vibes."

Mill Cat was actually ballad singer Dokgo Young, who had chosen survival over challenging the champion in the previous competition.

A survival audition winner.

A singer with seven years of experience and exceptionally solid vocals.

Today's strongest contender.

"But Olive Oil has been singing insanely well lately."

"True."

"Seriously, his form has become ridiculous recently. I was shocked. Thought he was a completely different person."

The current champion was Yoo Jaechan, a third year rookie ballad singer.

Known for his intelligent visuals and sweet vocals that supposedly captured women's hearts.

Recently, he'd been growing more popular through drama OSTs, chart placements, and award show wins.

'If we're comparing pure skill, Dokgo Young might be slightly better... but honestly they're both amazing.'

Both were excellent singers.

The difference between them was negligible.

Which meant today's theme could heavily influence the outcome.

During the previous competition, the songs had mostly been sweet love songs, which gave Yoo Jaechan a massive advantage.

-The quiet cat finally climbs onto the stove

-The age of cats has arrived

-Olive Oil. I love you..♡

Fans and regular viewers alike waved their slogan banners enthusiastically.

-Jorim!! Let's become champion!!

-Being average is best, but aiming higher once in a while isn't bad either - Jangjorim Fan Union

-Go Sock Princess!

Fans of long term survivors like musical actor Jang Jaerim and Cherry, vocalist of indie band Socks, waved banners too.

'Let's survive another round today!'

'Long and steady...!'

Contestants who weren't quite champion level, but remained popular thanks to solid vocals and strong personalities.

Ordinary underdog participants barely hanging on among monsters.

As viewers continued cheering for their favorites, their eyes moved toward the profile for Alice in Wonderland, who had survived the previous competition.

"But who's Alice?"

"They said she's the vocalist from Lucky Girl or something. American girl named Allie."

"? "

"You know. Bada bing bada boom~ That song."

"Ohhh... she was good. Hope she sticks around for a while."

The viewers nodded in understanding.

'A lot of idols are appearing these days too.'

Unless you were a top tier idol known to the general public, this kind of program was incredible promotion.

Even if they weren't champion level singers, lasting several rounds helped build recognition and establish a reputation for skill.

While thinking that, the viewers flipped through the pamphlet again.

"Hmm...."

"Mmm."

Based solely on the available information, the prediction seemed obvious.

-A two horse race between the two ballad singers.

Dokgo Young, who ranked first last competition, versus reigning champion Yoo Jaechan.

But—

The true charm of this program was its unpredictability.

Everyone's gaze shifted toward the tournament chart.

[?] [?] [?] [?]

Question marks were placed beside the profile photos of the new challengers facing the previous survivors.

Only the photos were shown because people could often identify contestants through their nicknames alone.

"Huh?"

"What?"

"Hey, look at this. There's some weird flower thing here."

One audience member pointed toward the grinning flower mask, prompting a friend's reaction.

"Ew, what is that?"

"It kind of looks like Haerumi. Honestly it'd probably be creepy in real life...."

A clown-like visual wearing a flower mask.

It looked exactly like something Sun Wooju would love.

"Maybe it's a comedian?"

"Probably."

Contestants with champion level vocal skill usually chose serious looking masks.

On the other hand, entertainers and actors aiming for attention often picked bizarre masks for impact.

'That one's definitely a comedian... wow, the rest of these masks look pretty intense too.'

There was even a handsome wolf and some kind of fairy.

The devoted viewers smiled excitedly while examining the masks.

Usually, if someone postponed challenging the champion, the next competition naturally became a rematch between last week's challenger versus the champion.

-Will the challenger reclaim the throne after enduring humiliation, or will the champion defend it?!

But sometimes completely unimaginable scenarios unfolded.

Unexpected contestants would suddenly appear and seize the crown.

That unpredictability was the real fun of .

'I'm excited.'

No matter who they supported, everyone in the audience hoped to witness something unforgettable.

At last, the recording began.

[Never before has there been a competition like this! Trust only in your song, trust only in yourself, and fight! Mission~]

[Singer~!!]

After the panelists and audience shouted the show's slogan together—

The MCs seated at the commentary desk like wrestling announcers began speaking.

[Let's review the highlights from the previous competition!]

As the sports caster style narration continued, highlights from the last competition played on the screen.

A newly appeared contestant rampaging through the rankings.

[Mill Cat's momentum is absolutely terrifying right now!]

[An incredible vocalist indeed.]

Scenes of returning contestants surviving yet again.

[Ahhh! He survives once more! Jangjorim!!!]

[Just like a side dish that never disappears from the table!]

And finally—

Footage of Mill Cat declining the champion challenge, followed by reigning champion Olive Oil's solo performance.

After enthusiastically building up today's major storylines, the MCs continued.

[And today we've got another batch of scorching hot challengers prepared, don't we?]

[That's right.]

[The names alone are enough to make your heart race. These dazzling new challengers—]

While the stage buzzed with excitement—

The masked contestants waited backstage, warming up in silence.

Among them stood Luxury Supporting Actor Jangjorim.

Usually the musical actor would be joking around energetically, but today he looked completely deflated.

Olive Oil—Yoo Jaechan—asked him,

"Hyung."

"Hm?"

"What's wrong today? You look completely out of it...."

"I think this is where my journey ends...."

"? "

The singer wearing the olive oil bottle mask tilted his head.

'This isn't like him at all.'

Normally he laughed everything off with, 'Maybe I'll win if I'm lucky~' no matter who appeared.

'Is his first round opponent really that terrifying?'

Olive Oil cautiously stepped closer.

"Who is it?"

"You'll see."

To make someone as vocally skilled as Jangjorim look this defeated—

Olive Oil instinctively glanced toward the cat mask silently stretching nearby before looking back toward the stage.

[Now then! Let us introduce today's challengers!!]

Waaaaaah—!

The doors burst open with thunderous applause.

Thick dry ice smoke flooded the stage as contestants wearing elaborate masks appeared one by one.

One contestant wearing a wolf mask danced alongside red hooded dancers beneath a full moon backdrop.

"Hmm...."

The audience tried guessing identities each time a nickname was revealed, though most felt they needed to hear the actual singing first.

Then the third challenger finished their introduction.

[And now! Allow us to present today's final challenger!]

A lone figure emerged through the thick smoke.

Unlike the other contestants who had arrived with props and dancers, the flower mask simply walked forward alone.

A black cloak and wide brimmed hat made him resemble a gunslinger from a western.

Dong—

Dong—

A sound like the bells of hell echoed through the venue.

'...This feels like The Undertaker's entrance scene.'

As the stage turned ominously dark, the flower masked man removed his hat and slowly loosened his cloak.

Four dolls sat upon his shoulders.

And then—

'T-This is!'

A sinister wrestling style remix of the children's song began playing.

Audience members widened their eyes and stared at one another.

Murmurs spread through both the audience and panel sections.

[Greetings.]

Breaking through the chaos, the sunflower mask raised a flower shaped microphone.

[There is a saying: if you must strike someone, strike them with flowers. Such words exist because flowers are beautiful.]

'Even the natural nonsense is perfect...!'

The person flawlessly recreating Sun Wooju paused dramatically.

Then—

Flash!

The lights suddenly brightened.

And the figure who had been acting ominous until now suddenly began bouncing around energetically.

[But sometimes there are people even more beautiful than flowers themselves. Huhu! Allow me to introduce myself! The man more beautiful than flowers—King of Singers Sun Wooju~! Kyaaaaargh!!]

Everyone shot to their feet.

'Holy shit!'

'It's Seo Ri Hyuk!'

'Why is NewBlack here?!'

The audience and panelists alike stood in shock.

Meanwhile, the contestants who had spent all day mentally preparing for the competition stared blankly at one another.

"? "

"??"

For a moment, nobody processed it.

But the realization arrived quickly.

'We're screwed...!'