Jin-Hye consciously eyes her brother’s team by the other side as the famous President Yang enters because she knows this is the ultimate challenge that he would have to face to achieve his dreams and she wants him to know that she’s there for him. Everyone stood up and greeted them with a bow. Different spectators took a seat on their respected places as President Yang sat in the center who immediately caught a glimpse of young Jin-Hye at the corner.
“Why do you think there are so many cameras here today?” President Yang immediately asked the trainees.
“I think we’re shooting something.” Seungyoon who stood beside Team B’s leader, Hanbin answered.
“Shooting what? You know the cameras are rolling but you don’t know what they are for. No one here knows.” It was the beginning of WIN: Who is Next.
“Line up.” President Yang instructed which the trainees immediately followed.
Team A was on the left side of President Yang and Team B on the other. Luckily, a cameraman stood in front of Jin-Hye which kept her hidden from Seunghoon who was closest to her side.
“When do you think you’ll debut?” The trainees were surprised with the sudden topic about their debut which no one was immediately able to answer. “Hanbin, say something. Be honest.” Since no one was able to talk, President Yang chose a representative of the group.
“I was hoping, maybe late next year?” Hanbin hesitantly answered with a small smile.
“So that’s Team B’s leader, Kim Hanbin.” Jin-Hye thought as she observes each member of both teams.
“What about you, Seunghoon? You can be honest.” President Yang then turned to Team A.
“Last year, I thought maybe late this year but this year, I’m thinking early next year or so.” Seunghoon confidently answered.
All eleven trainees were cautiously watching everyone in the room. The tension suddenly rose up as the topic of their possible debut was opened.
“Frankly, I’m sure you all know YG doesn’t produce many new groups. Eight years ago, BigBang, four years ago, 2NE1. A team should debut this year. First I thought of a girl group but I’ve changed my mind.” All eyes were on President Yang. “Two teams are here. I’ll make one debut this year.” With the sudden announcement, everyone was on their shoes. “The winning team will make their debut as soon as the program ends.” Unlike the trainees, Jin-Hye wasn’t very nervous until she heard a news she wasn’t aware in the first place. “The losing team may get divided up. Members might get changed. If unlucky, debuting might get put off for four years.”
It was the wicked side of this industry. The uncertainty. The unjust treatment for those who trained so hard. For a moment, Jin-Hye got scared for her, her brother and her friends but she wanted this. And she will push forward. At that very moment, she saw in the trainees' eyes, determination, fear, and sadness. This was the moment they had been waiting and training for all those years but it will only happen by going against the friends they treated as brothers. It was heartbreaking but it’s do or die.
“Let’s begin.” Without further ado, President Yang opened the competition.
Jin-Hye’s POV
Mino-oppa’s team was the first to perform for their monthly assessment. I’ve seen Mino-oppa’s past video assessment from the video clips that Manager Taewoong gave me and it made me feel proud of how much he had improved ever since. I can’t help but feel so excited to see perform live once again.
Team A took their respective positions for their vocal assessment. As the beat drops in and Mino-oppa started his rap I immediately got goosebumps but Seunghoon-oppa seemed to lost his rhythm which caused him to request for a replay.
“I’m sorry, I was too nervous. Let me start again.” I kept looking back at Team A and President Yang who was obviously not happy with what happened.
Team A restarts their performance.
Heart Attack – Trey Songz
“All the times when I know I should be smiling seem to be the time that I frown the most.” Mino-oppa starts once again which was cleanly followed by Seunghoon-oppa.
Looking at how confident and relax Mino-oppa goes makes me happy that I can finally fully support him. Seungyoon-oppa’s vocals were so strong as usual but more stable now. Taehyun-oppa’s vocal range keeps on surprising me everytime I hear him. Seunghoon-oppa’s rap style matches very well with Mino-oppa’s style which makes them a good rapper duo. Jinwoo-oppa’s vocal really holds a great support on their song. Their team was very much balanced in every way that I can see. By near the end of the performance, I saw President Yang simply nodding his head to the beat of their song.
The dance assessment follows the vocal assessment immediately while some members of Team B headed out to get changed for their turn on the assessment. Team A performed Double Down of Vybz Kartel. I knew my brother can dance but I never saw him dance this serious. It was very serious that I cannot see if he was having fun or not. Everyone in the room gave their applause as Team A finishes their performances. Team B then took their respective places to prepare for their performance. Just like Team A, they start off with the vocal assessment.
The beat started. It was Hard by Rihanna. The team was split into three groups. The leader, Hanbin was paired with a guy who started off the songs. He had this manly look and a solid voice. As the leader and the guy with the solid voice moves up, the rest of the members takes their positions in the back. Donghyuk and Yunhyeong-oppa took the center with another guy who has a sweet voice. It was the first time I heard Yunhyeong-oppa sing and damn, how I liked his voice! I knew that Team B had two rappers just like with Mino-oppa’s team but their chemistry was to die for! I never knew I can like a rapper duo other than Mino-oppa and Seunghoon-oppa. Team B had the YG aura that I’ve always known. They looked like they were ready to take on the stage with their confidence.
As for Team B’s dance assessment, they prepared The Motto by Drake. While watching Team B’s performance, I tried to look at Mino-oppa and the others who was also enjoying Team B’s performance. It didn’t look like a competition to me. Everyone was enjoying each performances despite the announcement from earlier.
In the midst of Team B’s dance assessment, the leader walked towards President Yang with his evident swag and looked at him squarely in the eye, something that President Yang visibly liked. As Team B’s performance came to an end, it was just then that I started to feel nervous. It was almost time. I kept glancing over Mino-oppa, nervously thinking on how he would react since I specifically asked Mom and Dad to let me tell oppa myself.
There was a moment of silence as President Yang takes note for his deliberation. The eleven trainees once again lined up in front of the president.
“First, Team A.” President Yang faced Team A who looked absolutely disappointed. “You were boring.” It hurt. It hurted me but I knew it hurted my brother’s team more. This was the brutality of this industry and I have to face the same thing. “Your dance was supposed to be fun but you didn’t look fun. When you had to dance powerfully, you didn’t. You just pretended to be fun or powerful.” President Yang continuously stated his comments on Mino-oppa’s team. “To start off with Team A, Kim Jinwoo, I’ve already told you, your facial expressions are too much given on your performance. Just too much. You don’t look natural. Don’t overdo it. Try to look effortless.” Along with the critics are his demands with his idols. This was President Yang Hyun Suk of YG Entertainment. “And for Seunghoon, I’ve told you to drop your accent, remember? For some reason, you sound awkward. You have this awkward feeling even when you dance. I’ve told you to lose your accent for months now. I don’t see much improvement.” I’ve only seen their performance videos that’s why I’m not aware of the possible comments that President Yang may have told them. “Nam Taehyun, you’re over the top. I’ve already said all those weakness over and over again.” President Yang gave off a heavy sigh. “Your team lacks unity. You need much better teamwork. As you all know, Team A doesn’t have a leader. That’s the biggest problem. You know Team B’s leader is Hanbin. I think Hanbin is doing well as the leader. He help his team band together. For now, Song Mino is the leader of Team A, understood?” I almost had myself clap on the announcement. Good thing I was able to hold myself back. The rest of Team A just nodded on the president’s instruction. “For now, I should say Team B is doing better than Team A. I will not pick winners. Viewers will. Sharpen your skills to become winners.” Both team answered quick yes to the president. I noticed the president nod to Manager Hyuk Jin as he quickly guided me along with the president who headed outside of the room.
“Nice to finally meet you, Ms. Song Jin-Hye.” President Yang reached out for his hand as I immediately receive it with mine.
“You too, President Yang. Thank you for your patience on me.” I gave Mr. Yang a small smile to hide my nervousness.
“I hope you have something good prepared for me. Amuse me, will you?” It would seem like President Yang was teasing but I know deep down that he was not. He was challenging me and I was up for the challenge. “Hyuk Jin would tell you when to enter.” I gave President Yang a nod as he once again head in the assessment room.
Third Person POV
The tension was high as President Yang left the room. Team A was in a bad mood. Team B was simply glad that the assessment ended good on their part. Both teams were feeling the awkwardness in between due to the clash that was about to happen between them. They were being interviewed one by one as part of the survival show when the president suddenly entered the room once again which put the trainees’ attention on him. He sits back to his seat earlier.
“Trainees, take a seat.” He points out the floor in front of him which the trainees immediately followed.
“I’ve already announced to you earlier about the survival show which both teams would be taking part but there is also something else in it. I am about to have a new songwriter to debut in this company. I had this new trainee decide on her own the team which she would want to join.” Along the lines that the president announced, it was the term ‘SHE’ that took the interest of the trainees.
There were also female trainees under YG but why was the president putting her in the boy’s group?
“Things may even become more awkward because of this but I decided to put her in show because I see her being able to match her music more with you guys than the girls. Today would be the first time I would be hearing her sing live. She hasn’t officially auditioned yet so I would need to have you, eleven trainees of YG to be an audience.” Curiosity filled the trainees as they feel the confidence that the president has for the new trainee.
“Her fate on being a songwriter lies on the team that she chooses. She debuts as her team debuts. All rules that apply on you apply to her also. Leaders, take a good look on your possible new member. ” The door once again opens as Manager Hyuk Jin enters the room and left the door open, signalling the arrival of the new trainee. The beat drops in. A beat that was somehow familiar to Donghyuk and Yunhyeong.
“Hey~C’mon now!”
The girl in black hoodie and black cap had her face looking down as she enters the reason which unable the trainees to see her face. However, the swag in her movement to the beat was very evident.
“I said 1,2,3~”
She swiftly removed her cap and gazed at President Yang with a smirk in her face.
Stop misunderstanding, thinking I’m still yours
I’m not like I was in the past
Shock was an understatement for the whole Team A , Donghyuk and Yunhyeong while the rest was amazed with the presence of the young girl in front of them.
At the clear sound of morning, the flowers have bloomed
But you still can’t snap out of it, why?
The song was clearly not a known song which gave off the hint of it as an original composition which amazed Team B’s leader more. Even with just the beginning, the music was already amazing.
I’m sick and tired of your hypocrisy
Clumsy liar, now just piss off
I think I’m going, going crazy
I think I’m going, going crazy
Even the firmness of her voice amazed everyone. Mino had always know his sister was good but he had always heard her sing mellow songs which surprised him with how his sister developed more of her musicality. Even the hidden vocals were her own voice was so beautiful to listen to.
Don’t behave so dejectedly, Disappear Far away, No no
Don’t cry so miserably, forget it all forever, No, No
Listen, Don’t worry about others and mind your own business.
I don’t need your sympathy or anything else uh
Her voice sounded sexy but so innocent. Her moves were so simple and yet it displays swag, one of the greatest factor for YG Entertainment.
I said a-1 and 2 and 3 and 4
Time will fix everything
1 and 2 and 3 and 4
Game over, Game over ooh Game over
At that moment, Jin-Hye decided to throw away all the timidity in her body. This was the moment to show President Yang that he wasn’t mistaken on getting her. She glided behind Team A as she traced them by their shoulders.
A woman like me, wherever you go
Even if you wash your eyes and look, she’s rare to see
She then walked over to Team B’s side wherein she sits beside Donghyuk who was seated on the farthest side while snapping her fingers to the beat of her music. In amazement to his friend, he snaps his fingers along with Yunhyeong.
Because I’m sometimes sexy, sometimes pure
Men pass by, Crying childishly
I’m sick and tired of your hypocrisy
Clumsy liar, now just piss off
I think I’m going, going crazy
I think I’m going, going crazy
Seeing Donghyuk and Yunhyeong snap to the beat, the rest of the trainees followed with Mino in all smiles as he watches her sister enjoy performing.
Don’t behave so dejectedly, Disappear Far away, No no
Don’t cry so miserably, forget it all forever, No, No
Listen, Don’t worry about others and mind your own business.
I don’t need your sympathy or anything else uh
She once again stood up and took the center position with her own little made up steps.
I said a-1 and 2 and 3 and 4
Time will fix everything
1 and 2 and 3 and 4
Game over, Game over ooh Game over
It amazed Mino on how great his sister can actually perform despite lack of official training. She was already moving like an idol with her own original song.
It hurts so much
I guess you’ve already forgotten
Hey baby
Go away~
With that high note, Mino couldn’t help but stand up in amazement to his sister as he gives his applause which was followed along by the whole Team A who couldn’t believe how doting Mino can be.
I said a-1 and 2 and 3 and 4
Time will fix everything
1 and 2 and 3 and 4
Game over, Game over ooh Game over
I said no no
I said no no no
It’s over
It’s over
Game over
As the music fades away, Team B also rises up to give their applause as Jin-Hye bows as the end of her performance. Once Team A’s excitement died down they all return to their sitting position to have President Yang comment on her performance. Mino anxiously awaits as if he was the one to be deliberated on. There was silence for a while as President Yang writes something on her profile in his hand.
“Just like what I’ve told you, I’ve always had my eyes on you just like how I did with Jiyong and Hanbin and you did not disappoint.” Jin-Hye bowed and expressed her thanks to the positive comment the president gave her. “On the on-going survival show, you would be living in the same dormitory with your chosen team. You would undergo trainings with them, how you would do it would depend on what you and the team decide on.” Mino expectantly looked at his sister who was just looking directly at President Yang. “But introduction’s a must. If you will.”
“Hello. I’m Song Jin-Hye. Born May 23, 1998. I’m 16 years old. My hobbies include making music and recording them myself.” As if all the swag in her disappeared as soon as the music stopped, Jin-Hye appeared to be a shy girl in front of the trainees.
“Is there any more questions for the new trainee?” President Yang asked. Hanbin was the first to raised his hand. “President Yang, if she’s going to debut as YG’s songwriter, why put her with us who are training to be idols? Shouldn’t she be training under Teddy-hyung?” It was indeed weird on why a songwriter would undergo training with idols.
“Good observation, Hanbin. The answer to that is because I also want her to be an idol. A new soloist under YG however I respect her dream and decision to be a songwriter and producer hence, we compromised to this. She trains as an idol as she also works hard to become a songwriter.” Once Hanbin’s confusion was cleared out, President Yang continued to ask the trainees for further questions. “How about you, Mino? Do you have any question for the new trainee?” Camera crew focused on Mino in confusion to the direct question towards the trainee. Mino hesitantly smiles as he doesn’t know what to say. Their relationship was unknown to everyone except Team A, President Yang and the managers.
“Hyung got eyes on the new trainee!” Bobby teases Mino as the tension from the assessment earlier was gone already with the arrival of the new face. The whole Team A laughed at what Bobby said in disbelief.
“He definitely got eyes on her, Bobby!” Seunghoon added to tease Mino as Mino tries to reach Bobby who was still teasing him. Jin-Hye’s embarrassment went over the roof as she immediately tried to clear out the confusion.
“It’s not like that!” Jin-Hye immediately intervened which only added some teasing from the other members of Team B which the members of Team A didn’t try to clear out.
“You got no chance, hyung!” Junhoe added to Bobby’s teasing.
Jin-Hye took a deep breath as she exclaimed, “Mino-oppa is my brother.” This stopped the teasing from Team B but gained more laughs with the rest of Team A. Mino stood up beside Jin-Hye as he bows down. “Thank you for taking care of my sister.” This was another revelation for Team B.
They remembered how Taehyun was exclaiming how much of a visual Mino’s sister and there was definitely no room for arguments.
“Please take care of me in the future.” Jin-Hye took a bow alongside Mino.
There were no more questions on whose team Jin-Hye would go. That was what all the trainees thought. Although Team B would have wanted that strong vocal and amazing swag, the moment they knew she was Mino’s sister, the decision have been made.
That’s what they thought but when President Yang dropped the question. “So Ms. Song Jin-Hye, your chosen team would be?” Jin-Hye looked at his brother, his whole team, at President Yang and lastly to Donghyuk and Yunhyeong which didn’t escape Hanbin’s eyes. She took a deep breath as she exclaimed.
“Team B.”
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I’m slowly surpassing my previous word counts. Yey!
Italized and Bold are lyrics in this chapter.
Song used:
1,2,3,4 - Lee Hi