136 - Upki Girl

< Role Model Mission (Feat. Eunsol and Hayun) > After what barely felt like a break, Upkey Girl returned to the practice room, and I headed back to the office. The first task on my agenda was organizing the videos and photos of the kids that I'd filmed over the past month and sending them to the writer in charge of Replay Girl. These would serve as supplementary footage to enrich the kids' stories and characters. Once I confirmed the email had been sent, I messaged writer Jeong Sojin. She replied saying that they had emailed the theme for the first competition mission and recording details to the company email as well. I was the first to check it. ―――――― Role Model Mission —Theme: Compete by covering songs from the seniors you look up to as role models. —Judges: Taejin, Rayena, Jason, Juho, LIMY, Song Hyunwoo —Producers-recommended role model suggestions available… ―――――― The lineup for the judges is truly insane. I was already surprised when I heard about it, but seeing the names in text rekindled my astonishment. Each of them has incited a phenomenon in the Korean music scene at least once, and the title of 'icon' fits them like a glove. Taejin and Rayena, LIMY were the undisputed representatives of male and female solo artists in the 2000s, while Jason and Juho led iconic groups of the 2nd and 3rd idol generations, respectively. Song Hyunwoo is a producer who debuted as part of the 90s dance duo 'Non-Title' and was famous from the beginning as a super rookie, inheriting the lineage of genius musicians. He's rarely seen on TV, and this will be his first appearance in 18 years since Non-Title disbanded. It's a major event having even one of them, but all six gathered here. Just from the judges' lineup, it was clear that the broadcasting network held high expectations for this season of Replay Girl. For example, Taejin's first official activity before releasing his album after two years is appearing on Replay Girl, which says it all. "An email came from Replay Girl. Please check it." After relaying the message to the staff, I dug into the details. The theme for the first competition was the Role Model Mission. Who were our kids' role models again? Oasis? We've long moved past that era. We're only doing it for the money. Just buy some merch on your way out, you damn bastards. Okay, that went too far. Perhaps the outsides contenders? No, Slam Dunk would be a better fit. 'Manager, I want to be an idol...' No, seriously, are there no valid singers? Maybe anticipating this situation, the production team recommended a few role model candidates. While one doesn't have to select from the recommended options, choosing one from them allows us to record practice sessions and pre-interviews, so most will likely choose from those. The selected role model team also benefits from the effects of their music regaining popularity and broadcast appearances, so it’s a win-win. I briefly skimmed the suggested teams. Along with the six judges, a total of 25 teams were on the candidate list. A diverse range of ages, from trot singers to currently active idols. Regrettably, Neptune, which the Upkey Girl kids adore, wasn't there. I read an article about their domestic activities resuming two months ago, but it seems they're still focused on overseas tours. Among them, 'Atenation' caught my eye. They're the hip-hop group that Soowonriya commented on at a salon back in the day, which incidentally became public gossip. Things turned out amicably then, so should we give it a try? If contacted, we might film a scene at the 3S building, giving us a chance to indirectly learn from a top agency's system. I immediately searched for news on Atenation. Recently, many of 3S's signed artists have been embroiled in scandals, but fortunately, there wasn’t any controversy involving Atenation. Fans were somewhat disgruntled, though, due to their recent inactivity. Seems alright, doesn't it? Their concept and musical style fit well with Upkey Girl. Shortly after, a full team meeting with the kids began. I planned to push for Atenation. However, the children’s choice takes priority, so I asked the members for their opinions first. The kids had already made a decision, and Yona answered as their representative. "We think Atenation would be great." Chills! Are we connected like avatars or something? Just as I marveled at our synergy, a warning notification appeared in front of my eyes. ―――――― —Atenation X Upkey Girl: Very Bad ―――――― Nope. It's a no-go. “I’m against Atenation.” Given the past atmosphere of respecting the children’s opinions, they couldn’t help but be puzzled by my opposition. Everyone looked at me, waiting for an explanation of why I opposed it. It was then that my phone rang. It was Jeong Sojin, our writer. “Yes, writer.” —Hello, Manager. Is this a good time to talk? “Yes, it’s fine. Go ahead.” —Just wanted to check if you received our email. “Yes, I confirmed it.” —Have you decided on a role model? “Oh, we’re in the middle of a meeting about that.” —Well, actually, there’s a team among the ones we suggested that expressed interest in working with Upkey Girl. “Really?” —Yes. They reached out to us first. “Who are they?” —Do you know VNF? “Of course. But VNF wasn’t on the list—oh! The Hayun and Eunsol unit?” —Yes. A unit made up of the central line from the nine-member girl group VNF, ‘Hayun X Eunsol.' Despite being a unit, they’ve gained more popularity than the main group, VNF, which is quite unique. Member Hayun is one of the top three visuals of the Girl Group Battle Royal Era (GBG), excelling in singing, dancing, and acting, a complete idol. Eunsol is renowned as one of GBG's most endearing figures, boasting the quirky accolade of winning a bartending competition and capturing hearts with her irresistibly charming appeal. Both albums released by Hayun X Eunsol had hit the top of the charts. But they reached out first? I told them I’d discuss it with the company and return the call before hanging up. Director Yum, in disbelief, asked again. "Did HC Entertainment contact us first?" "Yeah, that's what they said." "Well, that’s great news for us. What about you guys?" The Upkey Girl members hadn’t given it much thought, but they were eager to proceed, especially since Hayun X Eunsol reached out first. The members had used Hayun X Eunsol's songs as practice pieces, so preparing wouldn't pose much difficulty. Thus, the cover team for the Role Model Mission was set as Hayun X Eunsol, and I informed writer Jeong Sojin of the decision. Only after everything was settled did Yona speak up. "I actually know Hayun unnie…” *** Three days later. The Replay Girl intercut filming was taking place in our Hum Hum Hum office. It was a typical setup where Upkey Girl would be practicing as usual, and then Hayun X Eunsol would make a surprise visit. Starting early that morning, cameras were set up throughout the office, and we conducted movement checks. "Kyaa! Hello! Sorry Sorry, it's Eunsol here!" "Hello, I'm Hayun from VNF!" "Oh, you’re here?" The lively greetings echoed from the entrance. It seemed Hayun and Eunsol had arrived. Before the main recording, it was planned for the teams to exchange greetings. Men busy at work or in the middle of composition started to twitch their noses in anticipation. Usually, people like Hoon Min and Bicon, who don’t often come unless it's for the weekly meeting, also showed up upon hearing about their visit. Everyone was curious to see the level of visual appeal these top stars would bring. We exited to the entrance lobby, slightly flushed, to receive the two who were talking with the writer. Eunsol, who was so energetic she could be suspected of having mania, greeted us first. “Hello there!” I was stunned. What’s this aura? Just like our kids have a purple aura, Hayun and Eunsol emitted a pink aura, something we hadn’t seen before. It was distinctly pink, separate from the red aura which signifies performance. Videos didn’t capture this. Why now? Hayun definitely radiated a strong aura in music and acting, while Eunsol was a versatile entertainer with a blend of three colors. What could the pink aura signify? Is it also somehow related to me, like the purple aura with our kids? “Where should we wait?” Their manager asked writer Jeong Sojin, and after Yum and I greeted them on behalf of our side, we guided them to a prepared recording studio room to wait. "Manager, it might be nice if they first met the Upkey Girl members." "Oh, should we?" "I'll bring them." Jangwoo went to get the girls from the choreography room. Meanwhile, I stood at the open entrance of the recording studio, attempting to decipher the pink aura by closely observing Hayun and Eunsol. There's definitely something different. Perhaps a sense of femininity? When I looked at other girl groups at the Replay Girl set, they mostly gave off vibes of youthful innocence like Eunbit and Riya—Haneul felt the same—but this team exuded an appeal that was more like Jehee and Yona’s mature charms. First, Eunsol. Her face was cute, yet a subtle allure flowed beneath, creating a curious atmosphere. The term 'sexy-cute' fit perfectly. The more striking issue was with Hayun beside her. This is insane. She's the real deal. If Eunsol is sexy-cute, Hayun is pure-sexy. Like a lady by day and a seductress by night kind of vibe? It's hard to imagine a man disliking such a woman. Wow. While talking to writer Jeong Sojin, she glanced at me, and for a moment, it felt like I was swept away into another world. “Upkey Girl has arrived.” “Hello! We are Upkey Girl!” Yep. Here come the five squid sisters. Well, they're in full makeup while our girls have only basic makeup, so maybe that's why, but seeing Hayun first and then our girls felt a bit bitter. At least Yona and Hong did fairly well. "Kyaa! So pretty! Love you, smooch smooch smooch!" Eunsol stood up abruptly and hugged Riya. Or rather, she nestled into Riya’s arms. "Ssolie just adores Jinyeong the most!" So there are people on that side who refer to themselves in the third person too. Eunsol continued to give each girl a turn to hug as she called them out one by one. "Wow! The first runner-up in the first girl group competition! Shining Hong who rose above the feminist goddess!" Naturally, since the show was unprecedented, she was the first girl group runner-up. Hong turned as red as a tomato. "I cried when I heard Seowon’s song on the duet show! So good!" Seowon almost couldn't keep her expression composed but managed to reply, "I’m a fan too." "I’ve been a fan since Yona's eye contact! Oh, do you dislike talking about this?” "No, it's okay." “I like Upkey Girl’s Yona too, but I especially loved Solo Yona. Please release another solo album!” The world is vast, and there are plenty of quirky and lively people. Our girls are not pushovers when it comes to energy, but Eunsol was dominating them all on her own. If Eunbit were like that, I’d feel a bit awkward, but Hayun and their manager seemed unfazed, as if used to the scene. Finally, our team’s spirited Eunbit and Eunsol greeted each other. "Hi, Red Drum!" "Yes! It’s Upkey Girl's Eunbit here!" "Kyaa! I’m the entrance to VNF too!” “Waaaah!” They screamed and spun in circles, holding hands. This is giving me a headache. Amidst the chaotic atmosphere, Yona, who apparently knew Hayun, greeted her. "Unnie, hello. You might not remember me... but I'm Sara's younger sister." "What are you talking about? Of course, I remember. We've met several times." Hayun responded as if it was ridiculous to think otherwise. "Sara's contact changed, by the way." "Oh... yes." "But aren’t you so pretty now? You’ve grown so tall. You used to be such a tiny little thing." "You’ve become more beautiful too, unnie. I'm really happy for your success." It turned out that Yona's sister, Sara, and Hayun were once part of the same girl group. The problem was with their company, not the members, as they had maintained a close relationship and even their families knew each other well enough to have had several gatherings. Yona doubted she would be remembered, but Hayun recognized her immediately. Though Hayun didn't exhibit large swings of emotion, it was clear she was genuinely delighted. Eunsol, who had switched to 'selfie mode' with Eunbit, chimed in. "Yeonnie unnie wanted to work with Yona because of you." "Oh, really?" Even writer Jeong Sojin was unaware of this backstory. She quickly jotted it down in her notes while asking, "Can we include this in the broadcast?" Hayun said she didn't mind, and asked for our company's opinion. Director Yum believed that the richer these stories, the better they fare in airtime battles, so we readily agreed. With that sorted, the filming began in earnest. "Upkey Girl members, you know you have to act as surprised as possible, right?" "Yes, we’ve got this!" Eunbit shot her hand up as if making an announcement and shouted confidently. And she translated that confidence into action immediately. Upkey Girl was engrossed in dance practice when, a moment later, the rehearsal room doors opened, revealing Hayun and Eunsol. "Hello." "Kyaaaahhh! Oh my gosh!" Whoa, what a fright! Eunbit, you little reaction genius. She stomped her feet as if she'd faint at any moment, eventually bursting into tears. "Huwaaah, I really am a VNF fan!" It was true. At the Hum Hum Hum audition, she performed VNF's debut song 'Getting Prettier and Prettier'... suddenly, she began dancing the choreography to 'Getting Prettier' live. "Whenever I see you, I freeze, but my cheeks flare up like strawberry syrup!" Oh dear. Riya joined in, singing along. "My body keeps twisting, my words stumbling!" "You say I'm pretty every day, saying it so casually!" Not to be outdone, Eunsol, the top beagle, jumped in, completing the dynamic trio of cuteness and energy. The atmosphere of the shoot lifted instantly. Writer Jeong Sojin and the crew stifled their laughter with their hands. Feeling uplifted myself, I jokingly whispered to writer Jeong. "We originally thought about choosing Atenation. That could have been a huge mistake.” “Oh, really? Seems like our tastes align. I thought Upkey Girl and Atenation would suit each other well.” “Hmm.” “But then Eye Contact snagged Atenation, and just when I was lamenting over it, HC Entertainment contacted us." < End of Role Model Mission (Feat. Eunsol X Hayun) >