The Reincarnated Idol Hard Carries an Indie Band - Chapter 88

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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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A Former Idol Carries an Indie Band
Episode 88
Royal Band, launched four years ago by CP Lee Jong Myeong.
Not many people remembered that broadcast anymore.
It had been popular when it aired, but it lacked staying power, and most people had no idea what the show’s champion was doing now.
“Anyway, I was just watching some clips from that old broadcast, and I found something interesting.”
Dampa shared the scene he’d been watching on his PC and played it back.
A scene of Lee Do Hyun’s teammate playing guitar.
Suddenly in that scene, Lee Do Hyun jumped in with an unscripted performance.
“Hear that sound? That’s the sound of plucking with a pick, right? But look here.”
Dampa caught that brief moment and paused it.
“He’s plucking with his fingers, isn’t he? This isn’t actually the same scene.”
-So what?
-Okay, but what are we supposed to do about it
-I don’t really hear the difference
-Why is he suddenly showing us this anyway, let’s just watch the broadcast
-What’s the actual difference then?
-Suddenly acting like he knows something?
-Oh! Yeah, you’re right, there is a difference
-Holy shit, you don’t think… that’s creepy
-So what about it
-What the hell is this anyway
-Wait, you idiots, aren’t you following what Dampa’s saying? This sounds like something serious?
Most people didn’t understand what Dampa had suddenly brought up.
But a few viewers were already putting the pieces together.
“This person was hit with malicious comments over this incident years ago and took an extreme measure, and the CP who produced this broadcast is the same one—”
-What??? Really??
-Wait, so what Seo Ha said about answering to the CP earlier—
-And the CP’s answer was something like apologies and tropical trophies ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ
-Wait this is insane, is this a movie?
-Didn’t the lyrics have something about hidden forces earlier?
-Did the CP kill Lee Do Hyun?
-Holy shit what is this, this is terrifying, was it malicious editing?
“Everyone, but we can’t be certain about this. It’s possible Lee Do Hyun actually jumped in, and they just used footage from a different moment.”
-Yeah that could happen, but why use a different scene? Sounds like malicious editing to me
-Dude stop, you could get in trouble
-Hyung, let’s stop. I’m worried
-What if the broadcast station goes after you
-Stop talking now!
-So malicious editing actually killed someone?
-Hyung please stop there
-I’m nervous……
“Okay, I’ll stop here. Remember—I’m not certain about any of this.”
Dampa had thrown out the possibility that he might be wrong.
But inside, he was already convinced.
Every detail pointed to one place alone.
And he hoped his mention would help Okdap achieve justice.
* * *
The full story hadn’t yet rippled through public opinion.
But those who’d watched Dampa’s live broadcast,
or the few who remembered the broadcast from four years ago,
or the many who’d become suspicious after today’s on-air incident—they were already preparing to act.
The world was probably just getting its engines started, but the atmosphere at the finals venue was like a completely different world.
Yoo Hwan had apologized to the viewers for the on-air accident,
but the audience members watching the stage in person and the contestants felt no sense of that severity.
They only built anticipation about who would win.
-Now, we’ll begin the voting!
The live broadcast was now being directed by the CP, who had stepped in for Lee Jong Myeong.
“How’s the text voting looking?”
“Maruru Band is ahead. Considering Okdap’s stage was cut off, they’re doing pretty well, but Maruru’s higher right now.”
The fact that Okdap’s stage wasn’t fully shown on the live broadcast was devastating.
Okdap had been the overwhelming favorite to win.
If Maruru Band beat Okdap and took the championship, the broadcast station would have a major problem on its hands.
And if Okdap won, that would be a problem for them in a different way.
They’d be branded as a band that won on fame alone, regardless of actual ability.
The broadcast station would prefer Okdap to win.
But the results of the real-time text voting couldn’t be manipulated by the station unless they outright rigged it.
“Damn it, why did that lunatic Lee Jong Myeong pull such a stunt and create this mess?”
Just then the junior writer opened the door to the Control Room.
“Hello, CP. I’m Yoon Jong Chan, the junior writer for this broadcast.”
The staff member whose main role was monitoring online communities and public reaction during the broadcast.
His face had gone pale, but the CP kept his gaze fixed on the screen and didn’t notice his expression.
“Oh, we’re live right now, so let’s talk later.”
“……CP. I’m sorry, but I think you need to hear this now……”
“Jesus……”
The junior writer shrank back at the CP’s irritation.
“What is it? Explain.”
The CP ordered a briefing without lifting his gaze from the screen.
“Sir, apparently there was malicious editing in Royal Band, which CP Lee Jong Myeong launched four years ago. One of the contestants was hit with malicious comments and… died. And that person was Lee Do Young’s older brother.”
“Lee Do Young?”
“Yes, Okdap’s bassist……”
“……What?”
The CP felt a chill run down his spine.
Since he hadn’t been monitoring every aspect of this broadcast, there was still much to confirm.
But even from this alone, the picture was starting to form in his mind.
“And it’s already spreading…… A YouTuber who appeared on this show posted a video, and it’s already on the communities……”
“Go find Lee Jong Myeong right now and bring him here.”
“Yes, yes! Understood!”
The junior writer left the Control Room, and the CP grabbed his throbbing head.
* * *
“Yes, the voting has concluded.”
The real-time text voting had ended.
The audience held their breath waiting for the announcement, and the contestants on stage steadied their nerves and calmly awaited the result.
Glancing to the side, our team looked a bit nervous too.
The audience and contestants felt on edge, but the production staff did not.
The broadcast was already ruined, and the incoming waves of public criticism and accountability from above awaited them.
No matter who won, the optics would be terrible.
“Well then, I’ll announce the results.”
Suspenseful music began to play, and the lights started to spin.
After all that buildup, Yoo Hwan picked up the microphone.
He announced the result.
“We’ll reveal it after this commercial break!”
“Noooooo!!!”
The audience groaned, and a commercial appeared on the small monitor screen at the front of the stage.
The beverage ad that had been shown when our stage was cut off.
And behind that screen.
The staff members below the stage washed their faces with their hands and whispered to each other.
After what had just happened, airing another commercial had to feel awkward.
I just wanted the results announced and to get out of this studio.
What was happening in the world right now?
At the very least, people would be making a fuss about the broadcast incident itself.
Being such a historic accident, there would definitely be people trying to uncover the truth behind it, and everything would eventually come to light.
I couldn’t say exactly how long it would take—that was something I’d left to this world to decide.
But I was curious how far things had progressed by now.
I really wanted to know.
I wanted this to end cleanly and see how the world was moving.
“Now, let me reveal the true band that Who’s The Real has identified.”
The commercial had ended and the live broadcast resumed.
The music flowed again, and the lights spun once more.
“The true band is just one team!”
“Woooo!!!”
“So who will be the true band?”
“Kyaaaaaaa!!!”
The audience squeezed their racing hearts and screamed.
“And the winner is……!”
-Maruru Band
The faces and name of Maruru Band appeared large on the scoreboard.
The lights brightened and confetti burst into the air.
“Congratulations! The true band of Who’s The Real is Maruru Band!”
The voting percentages weren’t disclosed.
I was curious what the actual results had been to not release the percentages, but for now I had to focus on the broadcast.
We gave sincere applause to Maruru Band.
But Maruru Band’s expressions weren’t particularly pleased.
“Congratulations! Maruru Band, would you share your thoughts?”
At Yoo Hwan’s words, Min Hyun Ah picked up the microphone and shared her comments.
“Yes, before my remarks, I’d like to offer words of encouragement to the other two teams who also put on wonderful performances.”
Since they were on air, she didn’t show obvious displeasure, but a subtle sense of regret was evident in her expression.
She knew this crown wasn’t won fair and square.
After Maruru’s calm remarks, Yoo Hwan handed the microphone to us.
“We should hear from the two eliminated teams as well. Okdap first, please.”
“Yes, we really wanted to win, but we’re also happy that an even more impressive team took the championship.”
At my comment, Maruru Band gave a perfunctory nod.
“Regardless of victory or defeat, we’re grateful for this opportunity to show the world a stage rooted in truth. We hope you’ll continue to support Okdap in the future!”
I raised my voice loudly at the end, and the audience answered with cheers.
Then Lee Do Young took the microphone.
Before he spoke, Lee Do Young paused to compose himself.
“Uh, um……”
His voice trembled as he fought back tears.
The audience responded with a great cheer of comfort.
“Ahem. Yes, I started playing bass after watching my older brother’s performance. Even though he can’t be here now, throughout this competition I felt like he was with me.”
Lee Do Young barely held back his tears with each word.
Seeing him, I too felt like I might cry.
And then Lee Do Young began to shout into the microphone.
“Brother! Are you watching? Your brother’s on TV!”
At that innocent outburst, the entire audience broke into tears.
Our stage had already moved them to tears anyway,
but hearing the music followed by the performer’s sincerity directly only doubled the emotion.
“This was a grateful stage where we could prove that our brother’s music was right! Please continue to support Okdap! Thank you!!”
Lee Do Young, whose very face radiated a sense of earnestness and decency.
His heartfelt remarks and loud voice were enough to move everyone.

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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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