The S-Rank Paparazzi Reincarnates as an Idol - Chapter 20

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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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Chapter 20
“Wow. Spring must be the peak season for weddings. The market is absolutely booming.”
As always, Park Mo-yang had become a professional wedding guest, pulling an invitation from his bag.
He never imagined he’d return to the same wedding hall where an acquaintance’s ceremony had taken place just five days ago.
‘When I saw the address on the invitation, I thought for a moment I’d misread it.’
There had been rumors that this venue was currently the most sought-after wedding hall, and now he could feel the truth of it firsthand.
‘That part-time worker I saw back then was really my type.’
Park Mo-yang found himself recalling the part-time worker who had appeared like a savior when he’d accidentally broken a plate.
Despite wearing a mask, the handsome aura that couldn’t be hidden had an exceptional quality to it.
His long eyelashes and deep, captivating eyes had nearly drawn me in at first glance.
‘I feel like I’ve seen him somewhere before, but I can’t quite place it.’
Hoping he might see that kind part-time worker again today, Park Mo-yang entered the Athena Hall Wedding Venue.
True to its reputation as a luxury wedding hall, the venue was decorated lavishly with fresh flowers, and it never failed to draw admiration.
With the entrance of his classmate friend, the groom and bride exchanged their marriage vows.
Now the moment had arrived for the congratulatory song that the alumni association had been boasting about so confidently.
‘They said some incredibly famous singer would perform. I wonder who it’ll be?’
“Next, we have the congratulatory song. With heartfelt wishes for the couple’s bright future, our special guest has prepared a song befitting this precious moment. Please welcome them with warm applause.”
A tall young man walked onto the stage amid the audience’s cheers.
“…Why is he here?!”
The part-time worker with distinct features, long eyelashes, and deep eyes stood at one side of the stage.
‘How could I forget those eyes.’
“What? Do you know him?”
“That’s the part-time worker I saw a few days ago?”
“Huh?”
The neighboring friend, who had been oblivious until now, suddenly lit up at the appearance of this strikingly handsome man.
The part-time worker picked up the microphone with a slight smile.
“First, I’m truly honored to be able to sing a congratulatory song at such a meaningful occasion.”
A sweet, melodious voice that seemed to whisper directly into the ears filled the hall.
“I wish the bride and groom a future always filled with love and laughter, and I’ll sing with my heartfelt congratulations.”
Clap. Clap. Clap.
‘A congratulatory song sung in that voice…!’
Whatever song he performed, it was certain to melt hearts effortlessly.
‘I absolutely have to record this!’
Watching the part-time worker bow at a ninety-degree angle, he pulled out his phone.
As the applause faded, a bright, cheerful, and spirited song poured through the speakers.
…?
As everyone looked at the part-time worker with bewildered expressions, he responded by making a heart shape with his fingers.
“…Huh?”
Boom-boom-boom, ping-ping-ping!
The unexpected song caused the pupils of not only the bride and groom but all the guests to visibly tremble.
The Part-time Worker swayed to the upbeat, cheerful opening of a familiar cartoon theme song.
I’m going to be a princess~
Heart Ping, fallen for me!!
As the princess-themed cartoon theme song, which had become wildly popular among children, blared through the Wedding Hall, several children seated in the Guest Seating Area stood up.
“Kyaaaah.”
“Heart Ping Ping Ping.”
“I want to dance too!”
The Part-time Worker flashed a radiant smile at the children’s dolphin-like squeals and demonstrated the choreography, prompting them to dance with even greater enthusiasm.
As he sang the high-register highlight section cleanly yet charmingly, the atmosphere of the Wedding Hall reached a fever pitch.
Watching the children’s laughter and the guests beaming with warmth, the bride and groom finally broke into satisfied smiles.
Heart Ping Love Ping Ping Ping!
“Woooow!”
The response was explosive as the Part-time Worker threw hearts in all directions.
As the song reached its final section, the Part-time Worker glanced in my direction.
The moment our eyes met, the camera shook violently as he threw a heart and winked.
My heart began pounding wildly like it had lost its mind.
‘Is the Part-time Worker seriously insane?’
As the backing track ended, applause erupted loudly as if from a concert venue.
☆☆☆
“How have you all been doing this past week?”
Since they couldn’t always call in first-tier idols, the PD in Charge picked up the microphone today.
“Great!”
After successfully completing the final part-time job, I arrived on time for the Star picking5 filming schedule.
Thanks to working without rest, I’d managed to ease my worries about Hospital bills for the time being.
‘The congratulatory song brought in decent money.’
It was thanks to the bride and groom generously compensating me for the congratulatory song, expressing their gratitude.
‘I even received a business card and a bonus from the Event Coordinator.’
The Event Coordinator’s expression had turned favorable when he mentioned asking me to sing again whenever I had time.
‘I should contact him once this filming wraps and I start another part-time job.’
“Today is a historic day. It’s the very first broadcast of Star picking5!”
“Woooow!”
“Since this is such a meaningful day, we’ll all watch episode one together.”
That was right.
Inside the high-ceilinged Auditorium, trainees were seated by rank as filming proceeded.
The production team’s determination to capture reactions to the first broadcast episode was evident.
On the large Screen on the Stage, the TX Channel was playing advertisements.
“Just sit back and watch comfortably. Enjoy the viewing!”
As the PD in Charge descended from the Stage, the trainees’ attention turned toward the Screen.
After the advertisements ended, the opening briefly showed first-tier idols including Yu Hae-in performing.
[We’re beginning the survival competition of trainees striving to become K-pop idols!]
According to the caption, all trainees’ profiles would be revealed on the website after the broadcast ended.
Accompanied by TX Net’s distinctive narration, a drone shot of a gymnasium in Seoul appeared on screen.
The camera transitioned into the gymnasium, and soon a trainee came into sharp focus.
[Hello. I’m Participant 1000, Yoo Ho-seung.]
With the appearance of the most recognized participant in Star picking5, exclamations erupted throughout the auditorium.
‘Of course, drawing attention works best when it’s the most famous person.’
[No way…!]
The judges stirred noticeably at Yoo Ho-seung’s confident smile, his striking visuals commanding their attention.
[Why would such an esteemed person appear at this humble audition venue…?]
With sensational captions, the screen switched to Yoo Ho-seung’s DalStagram.
[Second-generation child of a top couple with 10 million followers.]
DalStagram was filled with Yoo Ho-seung’s selfies and daily photos.
In other words, he was a master at building 10 million followers through nothing but his face and controversy—no special content required.
‘That’s a skill in itself. Quite impressive, actually.’
When photos of Yoo Ho-seung, blessed with exceptional looks, aired, the auditorium stirred once more.
“Wow. He’s really handsome.”
“He looks like a perfect blend of his father and mother.”
“His childhood photos are so adorable.”
Trainees, watching the red-lit cameras positioned throughout the venue, began reacting with a mix of genuine emotion and camera consciousness.
Turning my head to look at C-rank, I noticed Yoo Ho-seung’s ears had turned bright red.
The screen transitioned to an interview segment.
[Q: What motivated you to participate?]
[A: Honestly, I’ve dreamed of being an idol since childhood. Rather than other factors, I want to stand as an idol recognized purely for my talent.]
‘Hmm.’
Those “other factors” certainly carried implications that would spark controversy.
‘But his buzz factor is genuinely top-notch.’
After the brief interview, the screen switched back to the audition room.
[Now, let’s see Trainee 1000, Yoo Ho-seung’s performance.]
The trembling of low strings began to resonate gradually.
The screen transitioned as one of the tense judges visibly swallowed, his Adam’s apple moving.
“Ah~”
“Does the protagonist really appear last?”
The production team’s determination to milk the dramatic tension was evident.
The camera shifted perspective to the waiting room where trainees were gathered.
Trainees wearing large name tags waited for their numbers to be called, their nervous expressions unmistakable.
[I’m so nervous. But I’ll do well.]
[I practiced so much. I really hope I make it.]
[I want to become a successful idol like those famous seniors!]
As trainees entered the audition room, harsh criticism and praise poured out in alternating waves.
‘The editing is well done.’
The editing was masterfully crafted to draw viewers in—alternating between tension and relief, like chasing bitter with sweet.
[Hello. I’m Participant 1805, Rua.]
Rua brought a violin and showcased his live performance skills with a brilliant rendition, making quite an impression.
‘What the hell is this guy?’
“Wow. I was seriously so nervous back then, you know?”
Rua, sitting beside me, flashed a cheerful smile and struck up a conversation.
“Ah, I see.”
“Absolutely! When does Charming Man come on? I’m so curious about his audition scene!”
“…Don’t get your hopes up.”
Rua received his passing notice accompanied by the judges’ enthusiastic praise, his bright smile earning him a solid amount of screen time.
[Hello. I’m Participant 1308, Seo Ha-yul.]
Seo Ha-yul, with gray hair and dressed in black, had silver accessories dangling all over his outfit.
‘What is this, like some child of darkness.’
Seo Ha-yul’s deep voice resonated through the auditorium, matching the rapid beat.
His superior rap skills sent a wave of excitement through the hall.
[…!]
The astonished judges couldn’t close their mouths until his rap ended.
To be honest, even someone like me who knows nothing about rap could tell his skill was genuinely exceptional.
[Trainee Seo Ha-yul really does have impressive skills.]
[Dancing to the beat like that—I got hyped just watching!]
[You mentioned three years of trainee experience, right? His fundamentals in dance are solid, and his rap skills are honestly good enough to drop an album right now.]
‘Right. This guy definitely shouldn’t be in the E-tier.’
[Thank you!]
Seo Ha-yul also received a decent amount of screen time without any awkwardness.
After a string of rejections and unremarkable trainees passed by, Kim Sun-yu finally appeared.
[Hello. I’m Participant 1, Kim Sun-yu.]
[…!]
[Didn’t you debut as an idol?]
[Yes. Five years ago, I debuted as the maknae of the group Luminous Stars.]
The screen switched, and a brief clip of Luminous Stars’ activities played.
Since the other members had caused social controversy, they were pixelated out, with only Kim Sun-yu’s image shown.
[But then, why are you here…?]
Kim Sun-yu offered a melancholic smile to the puzzled judge.
[I want to keep standing on stage.]
He pulled out a worn pair of in-ear monitors from his pocket and showed them.
[I still haven’t been able to throw these away. Every single day, I imagine it—stepping back on stage.]
Kim Sun-yu, who received proper PD picks, was edited into a touching narrative.
[I see this as my last chance. I want to challenge myself as an idol one more time. I participated in this audition because I want to give my absolute best without any regrets.]
One of the moved judges shed tears.
‘The editing was really well done.’
[Let’s take a look at Kim Sun-yu’s trainee performance.]
With a flawless narrative and polished dancing and vocal skills, Kim Sun-yu received the most screen time in Episode 1.
As Episode 1 drew to a close, Yoo Ho-seung, who had appeared in the opening scene, took the stage once more.
Compared to the hype he’d generated, his performance fell flat—unremarkable and lacking impact—bringing Episode 1 to its closing remarks.
“Starting today, the profiles of all trainees featured on Star picking5 will be released on the TX Net official website. We appreciate your continued interest, viewers!”
After the closing music played, the screen transitioned.
‘…What about me?’
Not appearing even once throughout Episode 1 was rather disconcerting.
‘Wasn’t my rendition of the national anthem quite innovative?’
Then, from the darkened screen, the preview for Episode 2 began.
[Hello. I am Participant 2031, Cha Si-woo.]
☆☆☆

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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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