novelnext Chapter 1482 Huh?
Chapter 1482 Huh?
Chapter 1482 Huh?
Although EXO has been in the industry for many years, stage experience is ingrained in their bones. They have participated in countless performances and ceremonies, big and small, and performing on stage is a natural thing for them.
But when Ji Kyung-won actually stepped into the Pyeongchang Olympic Stadium as a performer, he still felt a sudden surge of nervousness for no apparent reason.
The stadium was vast and grand, brightly lit, with busy staff everywhere, and the air was filled with a strong Olympic atmosphere.
There were cheers and laughter from athletes from various countries, hurried footsteps from staff, and national flags representing different countries were everywhere.
Every breath reminded him that this was not an ordinary concert venue, but an Olympic stage that held the world's attention.
He was a little nervous, let alone the other EXO members from the Korean Peninsula... I bet their families are all waiting in front of the TV tonight to watch.
Fortunately, the tension didn't last long. In addition to the stage performance at the closing ceremony, they also had an important event before the opening ceremony: a "Meet & Greet" meet-and-greet.
I need to meet with Winter Olympic athletes from all over the world, exchange pleasantries, and share our stories and insights during the Olympics.
Although SM Entertainment has always referred to them as "world-class idols" in its press releases, it turns out that most foreign athletes don't recognize them at all. Every time they introduce themselves, the other party still looks blank, and in the end they can only awkwardly smile and nod. The scene was quite embarrassing at times.
Chi Jingyuan could only sigh, saying that the progress in Europe and America was still in its early stages and there was a long way to go.
In contrast, most of the local athletes on the peninsula knew them. However, after chatting with them, Ji Jingyuan could clearly sense that most of the male athletes were not really interested in male idols. Their attitudes were mostly polite and courteous, and some even had a hint of resistance in their eyes. They probably felt that idols and their status as athletes didn't have much in common.
In stark contrast to the aloofness of the male athletes, they were exceptionally popular among the female athletes.
The young female athletes' eyes lit up instantly when they saw them. They took the initiative to greet them and ask for photos, their tone full of admiration and affection. Some even shyly inquired about their comeback plans, chattering about their favorite songs and performances. A few of them were even bold enough to ask for autographs, their excitement impossible to hide.
What was initially a somewhat awkward meeting became lively thanks to the enthusiastic female athletes.
Besides, many athletes from East Asia actually knew them and were more friendly and approachable. Many would even bring up their overseas performances and works, and they had very congenial conversations.
As night fell, the closing ceremony of the PyeongChang Winter Olympics officially began, and EXO took to the stage as scheduled. This was a grand performance that attracted nationwide attention, and the spotlights focused on the world.
Before going on stage, Chi Jingyuan was nervous again, his legs even trembled slightly, and his palms were sweaty.
But as he stepped onto the stage, the cheers of the audience filled his ears, and all the tension was instantly replaced by a biting cold... The arena was unusually spacious in the middle, and the temperature was much lower than the surrounding area. They wore thin stage costumes for the sake of the stage effect.
Once he stepped onto the field, he only had one thought in mind...
cold!
The chill seeped into my body through the seams of my clothes, and the trembling of my legs was no longer due to tension, but rather from being frozen uncontrollably.
Fortunately, everyone was determined, and even though their fingertips were numb from the cold, they still gave their best and successfully completed the stage performance.
The effect seems to be pretty good... at least the atmosphere at the event was great, and there was a lot of discussion online, with many saying that EXO is the representative of K-pop and has brought glory to the Korean Peninsula.
As for what glory he was fighting for... Chi Jingyuan didn't feel it.
However, having successfully completed a difficult task, they were relieved of a burden.
Next, while filming, he can fully focus on preparing for his upcoming comeback and facing the direct challenges from rising stars in the music industry.
………………
In the following days, EXO and Wanna One dominated the music scene. SM Entertainment, well-versed in promotion, released comeback materials every few days, either new concept photos or vague comeback teasers, and occasionally released some behind-the-scenes photos of the members practicing. Each time, it attracted attention from the entire internet and whetted the appetites of fans and casual viewers alike.
YMC, however, was equally determined and released Wanna One's comeback materials and member interviews, and also arranged several public events. They even used the previously announced charity concert to continuously improve their public image.
Fans on both sides were exceptionally supportive, showering them with encouragement, voting, and competing with each other. In an instant, all eyes in the music industry were on these two boy groups, and their news flooded the internet, leaving almost no room for other artists.
Just as EXO and Wanna One were busy preparing for their comebacks, and a highly anticipated showdown between boy groups was about to take place, another boy group quietly announced their comeback...
On February 27, JYP Entertainment officially announced that GOT7 will make a comeback on March 12 with their new album "EYES ON YOU". This is their first comeback in five months since the release of "7 for 7" last October. The first set of promotional photos and pictorials were also released at the same time.
EXO's comeback was on March 10th, Wanna One's was on March 15th, and GOT7 suddenly jumped in and chose to make their comeback on the 12th, also within the same timeframe, clearly wanting to join the fun.
But... it seems like nobody's paying attention.
After the news was released, there were very few comments on the official fan cafe, few active fans, and very little online discussion. Aside from the fans' excitement, few others paid attention. It didn't even trend on social media on the day of the announcement, unlike the earlier news item, "EXO member Kai confirmed to star in KBS's new drama 'The Miracle We Met'".
In the year or two after their debut, GOT7 gained popularity with their "Flight Trilogy" and was compared to several top boy groups.
However, due to limitations in company planning and operations, as well as staffing, its development has declined year after year, and now it is gradually losing attention.
This left JYP's operations staff feeling frustrated and disappointed.
They originally thought that by riding the wave of EXO and Wanna One's comebacks, they could at least gain some attention by making their comeback during this time slot. Even if they couldn't compete with the two top boy groups, they could still make a name for themselves.
Why does nobody seem to care?
We want to compete too!
Hey?
……
"I heard your XO is about to be surpassed?"
During a break from filming "The Spy" in Gyeonggi Province, Seoul, Ji Kyung-won was leaning back in his chair drinking water when Kim Ji-won, who was scrolling through her phone next to him, suddenly asked a question.
Upon hearing this, Chi Jingyuan's lips twitched slightly, and he asked helplessly, "Where did you get all this nonsense from?"
"It's being talked about in many places online."
Kim Ji-won waved her phone in her hand: "These past few days, I've been browsing forums, and all I see are discussions about you guys and Wanna One. Everyone's saying that Wanna One is going to step over you to reach the top."
Chi Kyung-won couldn't help but roll his eyes slightly, secretly thinking to himself... Kim Ji-won is clearly a successful actress, but after getting to know her, I found that she is particularly interested in the music industry and always likes to browse various entertainment forums. Right now, she is obviously being bombarded with the recent public opinion.
"The forum you're looking at might be incorrect."
Chi Jingyuan thought for a moment, then deliberately probed, "Try another forum; you might see a different result."
"what is that?"
"Wanna One has disbanded and all the members have become male escorts."
Chi Jingyuan remained expressionless, but was actually suppressing a laugh. This was a news article he had seen yesterday, a story spread by an EXO-L.
It's absurd and fake, but it reflects the purest hatred and dislike fans have for their rival idols.
"Hahaha……"
Kim Ji-won couldn't help but burst out laughing: "You fans are really funny."
"Since you've seen so much news, don't you care about our situation and ask us if we can win?"
Chi Jingyuan glanced at her and asked deliberately.
"With you here, of course there's no problem. Do I even need to ask?"
Kim Ji-won waved her hand, her tone very firm.
Chi Jingyuan raised an eyebrow... This woman seemed even more confident than he was.
However, it feels good to be seen as a good thing.
"By the way, how's your preparation for that scene you memorized?"
After chatting for a while, Kim Ji-won seemed to remember something and asked more seriously, "You've been taking a lot of leave lately, and I feel like the director is getting a little anxious."
The filming of "The Spy" has now entered its most crucial stage.
Ji Kyung-won plays Jung Ba-reum, who suffers from amnesia after undergoing a brain transplant and naively believes he is a good person, even taking on the role of a patrol officer.
However, in his work, he unexpectedly displayed unparalleled talent in criminal investigation, as well as a bloodthirsty sense hidden deep in his bones.
Jung Ba-rin firmly believes that his strange traits are due to the brain transplant surgery that implanted the memories of a serial killer. The production team also uses clever filming techniques to guide the audience, making them mistakenly believe that he is only affected by the memories.
However, as the plot unfolds, more and more evidence comes to light, and the truth gradually becomes more and more cruel.
When Jung Ba-rin finally found a girl he liked, recognized a caring older brother who looked after him, and made genuine friends, he experienced the long-lost warmth and affection, and his memories suddenly flashed back.
In a state of extreme terror and chaos, he found the place where he had murdered and buried the body, and finally discovered a cruel truth...
I am the one who is the heinous, deranged killer.
The girl he loved, his godbrother whom he regarded as his own brother, and all his closest friends and confidants were all killed by his own hands.
This part of the story is emotionally charged and full of intense conflicts. It is the climax of the entire series and demands a high level of acting skills from the actors.
The requirements for Chi Jingyuan are also very high. During his recent free time, Chi Jingyuan has been trying to find the right state of mind and get into character.
But once he actually put himself in that role... he felt like he was really breaking down.
The protagonist is clearly a heinous serial killer, a truly evil person, but as the story unfolds, it's impossible to hate him; instead, it evokes only pity.
This is the most brilliant part of the script.
"I'm starting to feel it, it should be fine."
Chi Jingyuan was silent for a moment before speaking slowly.
Although the task of returning to the screen is arduous, the filming of "The Spy" cannot be delayed.
“Fighting…”
Kim Ji-won smiled and winked: "I'm waiting to see you cry, to see you break down~"
"..."
…………
Time flies, and it's already the end of February. All the EXO members went to JTBC Ilsan Studio in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, to record the variety show "Knowing Bros".
Although there are still about ten days until the comeback, many variety shows will be recorded in advance to ensure that they can be broadcast in the week of the comeback or the following week, maximizing exposure.
The studio was bustling with activity. Staff were busy adjusting equipment and setting up the venue. The air was filled with the soft warmth of the lights and the low murmurs of conversation among the staff.
The filming location for "Knowing Bros" is very unique, carefully decorated to resemble a classroom. The hosts wear school uniforms and play the role of mischievous students, while the guests join as transfer students.
This novel concept is one of the reasons why this variety show went from being unknown to becoming a long-term hit.
As soon as the EXO members entered the JTBC studio, they were met by another group of people.
Chi Jingyuan glanced at the scene, his expression subtly changing.
It was none other than Wanna One!
Both sides saw each other, and the air seemed to freeze for a moment, creating a slightly awkward silence.
"Senior, Annyeonghaseyo~"
However, soon after, the members of Wanna One took the lead in bowing and paying their respects, speaking in a respectful tone and displaying a very polite attitude.
EXO members nodded in response, their faces bearing faint smiles, neither overly enthusiastic nor deliberately cold, maintaining a calm demeanor.
After they separated, Kim Jongdae couldn't help but ask in a low voice, "Why are they here too?"
"Wanna One is also making a comeback. They are currently a very popular boy group, so naturally they will arrange a lot of variety shows to promote them."
Manager Ahn Seung-won explained, "This studio isn't just for 'Knowing Bros,' other JTBC variety shows are also filming here..."
Ji Kyung-won understood that EXO would appear on many variety shows, and Wanna One would naturally do the same. Moreover, due to their popularity, they would certainly not refuse popular variety shows, and many would even actively invite them.
Upon entering the recording studio, Ji Kyung-won and the members greeted the MC and staff one by one.
Although Kang Ho-dong and the other MCs weren't exactly close friends, they were familiar faces, and they were all very enthusiastic when faced with a group of EXO's caliber.
Kim Heechul was particularly enthusiastic, and after greeting everyone, he came over to chat with Ji Kyung-won.
"Aigoo, we've finally managed to get you guys here~"
Kim Heechul patted Ji Kyungwon on the shoulder: "You said you were going to come to our show last time, but you never came. I even told the other MCs that you were coming. It made me so embarrassed."
He handed Chi Jingyuan a glass of water and said affectionately, "I heard that you're going to release a solo album this year, Jingyuan. Remember to come to our place then."
"Brothers, your shows are already top-rated, why would you need me?" Chi Jingyuan said with a smile as he took the water.
Kim Heechul laughed and said, "Only if we can get you to come can it be considered a top-rated show."
Ha, that's a bit harsh.
"...What have you been playing lately?"
After exchanging pleasantries for a while, Kim Heechul, who also loves games, started talking about his favorite topics.
"I don't have much time lately, but I'll play Overwatch when I have some free time."
After Chi Jingyuan finished speaking, he paused slightly.
I don't know why, but whenever I think of games, I always inexplicably think of Mina.
"Have you played PUBG yet?" Kim Heechul asked with a hint of excitement in his eyes.
"No, but I heard it's very popular?"
"It's a huge hit!"
Kim Heechul spread his arms wide in an exaggerated manner: "I've been too lazy to work lately, I've been playing all night every day."
He rattled off a bunch of gaming jargon, things like "killing" and "chicken dinner," and although Chi Jingyuan couldn't understand it, he still obligingly played along for a few moments.
"Is this fun?"
"Of course, I'll show you a couple of rounds when I have time, it'll be really fun." Kim Heechul readily agreed, enthusiastically inviting Ji Kyungwon to join the PUBG family.
Uh~
Upon hearing this, Chi Jingyuan didn't think about playing with this guy... but instead suddenly had the idea of playing with Mina.
He smacked his lips and nodded in agreement:
Okay~
The filming went smoothly. Perhaps it was because everyone was holding back their energy, or perhaps it was because they were excited about not being on a variety show for a long time. EXO performed better than expected.
During a break in filming, everyone went to the restroom and ate something to rehydrate.
"..."
Chi Jingyuan was texting with Minatozaki Sana in the lounge when he suddenly heard a faint commotion outside.
It seems like there's been a fight somewhere...
He put down his phone and looked outside the door, through his ear.
Wow, that sounds like they were really yelling at him.