The Gates Opened on the First Day of Debut - Chapter 90

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com

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The Gate Burst Open on My Debut Day (90)
News of SILK VEIL’s plagiarism allegations spread rapidly.
[The global girl group SILK VEIL’s latest comeback track 【Afterimage】 has become embroiled in plagiarism allegations.
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What’s even more serious is that these allegations may not end with 【Afterimage】 alone. Some netizens are raising successive accusations, pointing out similarities between SILK VEIL’s debut track 【Nocturne】 and songs from their previous releases and tracks by overseas indie artists.
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While concrete evidence hasn’t been sufficiently presented yet, reactions like “now that one song has blown up, I’m listening to the other tracks again” are spreading both within and outside the fandom.]
For the production team and trainees of the EX-Grade K-POP Idol, it was truly a bolt from the blue.
“So here’s the current situation….”
A Staff Member who had hastily gathered the Silk Veil Team trainees began explaining the current state of affairs.
The exclusive article had gone up this morning.
The Entertainment Agency and artist remained silent without issuing any statement, and the plagiarism of SILK VEIL’s title track ‘Afterimage’ was becoming almost a foregone conclusion.
“The problem is that the SILK VEIL Entertainment Agency isn’t even answering our calls.”
The Staff Member sighed heavily as he spoke.
The two pillars of self-produced idols, Nexus and SILK VEIL, were supposed to provide songs for a Hero and Villain concept showdown.
This was the core of the final live broadcast stage.
But a plagiarism controversy that shook the very identity of self-produced idols had erupted from the carefully courted SILK VEIL.
If it had been any other scandal, perhaps it could have been managed, but using a song created by a group mired in plagiarism allegations was an entirely different matter.
“The song we received could also be a plagiarized track.”
No—it wasn’t just a possibility; it was highly probable that the song was plagiarized.
The production team had already identified several overseas tracks suspected to be the originals.
“In any case, we’ve decided not to use the song we’re currently practicing. Or rather, we can’t use it….”
The trainees listening to the Staff Member’s explanation held their breath.
So what are we supposed to do?
The trainees had words on the tips of their tongues but held them back with visible restraint.
“We’ve already contacted Nexus to ask if they can provide additional songs.”
The Staff Member continued calmly, as if to reassure them.
“Fortunately, we received word that they can. They said they’d select suitable tracks and send them over right away, so please don’t worry too much.”
Only then did the trainees let out sighs of relief.
“Still, that’s a relief. If it’s a song made by our Nexus seniors, we can trust it.”
“We’ve already decided on the center and concept, so we’re fine. We still have four days left anyway.”
“Right. We shouldn’t lose heart. Let’s just do our best together, one step at a time.”
“Exactly. We’re the Hero Team after all. We can do this.”
The Hero Team began encouraging one another and building their resolve.
“However, there is one aspect that concerns me somewhat….”
But then the Staff Member, who had been quietly observing the trainees, threw cold water on their spirits.
“Since this was requested on short notice, the finished product might be slightly less polished than our usual work.”
A low groan escaped.
The trainees swallowed hard, their expressions grave.
“Well… since someone from Nexus is supposedly coming, let’s meet them.”
The Staff Member who’d received the call stood up from their seat.
“Is Kim Junwoo coming?”
“I thought Kim Junwoo focused more on lyrics than composition.”
“Regardless, we should be grateful they’re making time for us.”
But the situation unfolded in a direction quite different from what the trainees had anticipated.
The door opened, and an unfamiliar woman entered the Practice Room.
“Huh? Who is that…?”
The trainees, who had naturally assumed one of the Nexus members would arrive, couldn’t hide their bewilderment.
“Ah…”
Of the ten trainees present, only Seo Ijae recognized the woman’s face.
“I’m Jiyu, a composer currently working with Nexus.”
“Ah…”
“I understand what you were hoping for, but the Nexus members are too busy with their schedules to make it.”
The trainees exchanged uncertain glances, shifting awkwardly.
Jiyu immediately sensed what was running through their minds.
‘A complete stranger… can we really trust her?
‘But she seems to work frequently with Nexus, so it should be fine.’
‘At least I thought Kim Junwoo would show up.’
Jiyu swallowed a sigh as she considered the situation.
‘This isn’t going to be easy.’
When the production team had contacted her, Jiyu’s plan was simple: hastily select a few decent tracks and send them over, then be done with it.
She’d had no intention of coming to the Filming Set herself.
‘Jiyu, could you look after the trainee kids for us?’
If not for Kim Junwoo’s request, she’d probably be eating delivery food at her studio right now.
‘Wait, that trainee you like—Kim Chowol or whatever—they’re on the Silk Veil team?’
‘No. Kim Chowol is on the Nexus team.’
‘Then there’s no reason to worry about it.’
Kim Junwoo was the type to be infinitely kind to those he favored, but completely indifferent to everyone else.
‘I don’t want to give him a reason to worry.’
‘Who said anything about worrying?’
‘Anyway, could you go check on them? There’s a trainee there you know.’
Kim Junwoo had deflected the question vaguely and changed the subject.
‘A trainee I know? Ah… could it be Lee Jae?’
Of course, Jiyu knew exactly who he meant, but she’d let it slide.
Besides, Seo Ijae had been on her mind anyway…
Jiyu opened her mouth as she watched Seo Ijae, whose eyes were darting nervously around the room.
“You all understand the situation, right?”
“Ah, yes…!”
“Where’s the outlet? I need to charge my laptop.”
“I-it’s over here.”
One of the trainees stood up and pointed out the outlet’s location.
After plugging the charger into the outlet, Jiyu returned to her seat and powered on the laptop.
“Listen up, everyone.”
Jiyu swept her sharp gaze across the trainees as she spoke.
The trainees, startled by the dramatic shift in atmosphere, tensed immediately.
“From now on, I’m going to play the songs I’ve worked on with Nexus. I won’t repeat anything, so don’t ask me to play something again—just focus.”
“…Yes!”
The trainees straightened their posture and answered with renewed energy.
Jiyu nodded and pressed the spacebar on the laptop.
“Alright, here comes the first track.”
The intro to the first song began flowing from the speakers.
* * *
The Hero Team trainees reviewed all twenty songs Jiyu had selected.
Jiyu set the laptop on the floor and studied the trainees’ expressions.
They were deep in thought, their faces serious.
“Underwhelming, right?”
The moment Jiyu spoke, the trainees jumped.
“It can’t be helped. All the decent tracks have been polished and officially released. What I just played are the ones that are too rough for release but too good to let rot—the in-between stuff.”
Jiyu tapped the laptop lightly as she continued.
“Pick whichever fits your concept from what I played, develop it, and then retrain accordingly. Understand?”
“Yes….”
They understood—they really did—but…
The trainees clamped their mouths shut, their expressions full of unspoken concerns.
‘Can we really pull this off in time?’
Even if they somehow managed it, could they guarantee the quality of the song and the performance?
Jiyu immediately sensed what was worrying them.
“It’s not about whether you can—you have to.”
“Ugh….”
“This is a live broadcast. Are you going to bomb it? Don’t any of you want to debut?”
“No….”
The startled trainees hung their heads low.
“I know it’s not your fault. But that’s how the real world works—sometimes you have to shoulder responsibility even when it’s not your mistake.”
Jiyu sighed and continued in a gentler tone.
“I know it’s tough, but let’s do what we can. We need to debut, right?”
“…Yes.”
“For now, each of you pick three songs from what you just heard that seem decent. We’ll narrow it down to five and discuss further.”
The moment Jiyu finished speaking, the trainees began mentioning one by one the songs they had chosen.
After listening to the five carefully selected tracks once more, they shared their opinions.
“I’d like to hear Seo Ijae’s thoughts too.”
Jiyu directly asked Seo Ijae, who had been lost in deep contemplation since earlier.
“I’d like to blend tracks 2 and 17.”
“Tracks 2 and 17? Their vibes are completely different—you want to blend those two?”
Seo Ijae appeared somewhat nervous but continued in a measured voice.
“Our concept is about being an invincible hero who never yields to any hardship or adversity. So I thought track 2 would emphasize the ‘hardship and adversity’ part, while track 17 would emphasize the ‘invincible hero’ part.”
“Hmm….”
“If we arrange it by using track 2’s top line as the main melody and layering track 17’s beat and drum pattern on top… wouldn’t that work?”
“Not bad. Not bad at all, but….”
Jiyu trailed off and paused for a moment.
“We don’t have time. You know that, right?”
“Yes.”
“If we arrange it that way, we probably won’t have enough practice time. It’s really unfortunate, but let’s think about minimizing the arrangement.”
Jiyu gently reassured Seo Ijae and checked the time.
“Let’s take a ten-minute break and start again. You need rest for your mind to work properly.”
“Okay….”
The trainees staggered to their feet and filed out of the Practice Room.
Only Jiyu and Seo Ijae remained alone in the Practice Room.
“How have you been?”
“I’ve been well. How about you, noona?”
Seo Ijae answered with an awkward smile.
“The last time we saw each other was… five years ago already?”
“Has it really been that long?”
“After Winter Boys disbanded, we barely had chances to meet. We were both so busy we didn’t have time….”
Jiyu, gauging Seo Ijae’s reaction, continued carefully.
“Are you… okay with it?”
“Yes, I’m fine with it.”
Seo Ijae answered without a moment’s hesitation.
Jiyu smiled faintly and spoke.
“Good—your expression has improved so much.”
“Mine?”
“You didn’t know? When I first saw you, I thought you were a different person.”
At Jiyu’s playful remark, Seo Ijae let out a light laugh.
“Um, noona.”
As they exchanged recent updates in a warm atmosphere, Seo Ijae carefully broached the subject.
“Hm?”
“If it’s not too much trouble, could I borrow your laptop?”
“Huh? I don’t mind, but why?”
“That’s….”
Seo Ijae hesitated for a moment before continuing, as if he had made a decision.
“There’s someone I’d like to discuss this with.”

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com

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