The Trashy PD Has To Survive as an Idol - Chapter 133

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

133

“Oh, here he comes! Here he comes!”

After another grueling practice session, the members returned to the dormitory and turned on the television while tearing open a box of chicken—their regular go-to meal. It was December 30th, and they wanted to watch the Acting Awards being broadcast live.
The members’ faces brimmed with anticipation.

“Ho-yoon’s brother got nominated today?”
“Yeah. Newcomer Award.”

Unlike the year-end stages conducted like grand festivals, this event had a more dignified atmosphere, so everyone was dressed formally.
Just then, Seo Ho-yoon stepped out of the van and walked across the red carpet, filling the screen.

“Oh! Brother’s here.”
“That suit really suits him!”

[Seo Ho-yoon is entering! In “Please Camera,” while his character Lee Jung-hoon as a producer was morally questionable, his exceptional abilities made him impossible to hate—a role he portrayed brilliantly!]

Despite the ambiguous introduction—whether praise or criticism—Seo Ho-yoon walked forward with an expressionless face, each stride confident.
But when he spotted some fans of The Dun waiting beside the red carpet and saw people cheering for him, his expression transformed completely. A subtle smile crossed his face.

“Wow….”

The members marveled at the sight.
Though not at his face.
At his shameless act.

“Seo Ho-yoon really… if we didn’t know his personality, he could’ve pulled off a good-person image without any trouble.”
“He’s quite the skilled actor, isn’t he?”

The members, unconcerned since Seo Ho-yoon could survive anywhere, cheerfully divided the chicken wings and legs among themselves according to preference and chatted away.

“By the way, hasn’t Ho-yoon been acting strange lately?”
“Oh!! I was about to say that.”
“Hm? Why?”
“Last time when we came back to the dormitory, he brought food and said, ‘You like this, don’t you?'”

Everyone stared at Kim Sung-hyun with expressions of disbelief.

“Yesterday he told me not to overdo it and to take things easy.”
“…??”

At Jung Da-jun’s words, Kim Sung-hyun shook his head as if getting goosebumps.

“This sounds crazy, but you know what.”
“…don’t do this.”
“Lately Seo Ho-yoon seems to be a bit diff—.”
“Ugh!! Nooo!”
“—erent, starting with ‘da’ and ending with ‘jeong.'”
“I told you not to say that!!”

Jung Da-jun spat out the piece of chicken he’d been chewing, whining and complaining, then set down even his beloved chicken leg on the table despite not having finished it.

“Excuse me, but the youngest member also has the right to eat chicken in peace?! Please, let’s talk about this stuff after we eat.”
“…sorry.”

The members, having lost their appetites, whispered among themselves that whoever had wronged Seo Ho-yoon should confess quickly.

“What did you do? Tell me quickly.”
“I ate ramen yesterday and didn’t clean it up….”
“That must be it. Let’s apologize properly when he gets back.”
“You guys, what exactly do you think Ho-yoon is?”

Sung Ji-won muttered in exasperation.
Of them all, only Kang Yi-chae remained unusually quiet today. He rested his chin on his knee, staring intently at the television.
After a while, the acceptance speech of the Acting Awards’ Rookie Award winner continued, and Min Ji-heon’s face briefly appeared on screen before shifting to another actor.

‘Hmm.’

Kang Yi-chae spat out a bone he’d stripped clean inside his mouth.
Separate from Seo Ho-yoon, who had been walking around the dormitory with a refreshed expression these past few days, something was stuck in Kang Yi-chae’s chest.

‘Drama…. Min Ji-heon. Seo Ho-yoon.’

Seo Ho-yoon had said nothing and moved past it matter-of-factly, but Kang Yi-chae still remembered that day with perfect clarity.

‘And hyperventilation.’

The way Seo Ho-yoon had looked then reminded me of a scene from the past, and it became something I couldn’t simply overlook.

‘It’s confusing.’

“Yi-chae, want to watch while we drink?”

At Sung Ji-won’s question, Kang Yi-chae reflexively flashed a bright smile and nodded.

“Sounds good~.”
“I’ll grab some.”
“Huh! Um, what about me?”

Sung Ji-won turned his face slowly and asked kindly.

“Da-jun, want to say that again?”
“I’ve only got two days left until I’m an adult…?”
“Hmm?”
“….”
“….”
“…Cola.”
“Aha, alright.”

With adulthood just around the corner, Jung Da-jun couldn’t overcome the wall that was Sung Ji-won in his current state, and sipped his cola with a dejected expression.
It was only natural.
These days, even Seo Ho-yoon found Sung Ji-won unsettling.
By the time the other members had drunk enough beer to catch a pleasant buzz, Seo Ho-yoon was finally called as the winner of the Newcomer Award.

[Despite it being your first work, you’ve delivered an impressive performance. The Newcomer Award goes to Seo Ho-yoon! Congratulations!]

“Ah, does the Newcomer Award pick up to five people?”
“Yeah, apparently. They usually give idols a spot anyway.”
“Ah~, well then.”

Five award recipients stood in a line, each delivering their acceptance speeches in turn. Seo Ho-yoon was last.

[Hello. I’m Seo Ho-yoon.]

“Wow, he really sounds like an actor.”
“Is your brother going to keep acting?”
“He said he absolutely hated it.”
“What?!”

[I’m truly grateful to receive the Newcomer Award for my first project.]

“Seriously! That would be such a waste of talent. I’m putting my entire nineteen-year career as a drama enthusiast on the line here, and I’m saying this objectively—Ho-yoon’s acting is genuinely incredible.”
“Did you start watching dramas when you were born?”
“I’m telling you, I’ve been watching since I was a newborn!”

The other members half-listened to Jung Da-jun muttering that if you counted from when his mother conceived him, you’d have to add nine more months, keeping their attention fixed on Seo Ho-yoon’s speech.

[To the cast of Please Camera, I’m so grateful….]

Seo Ho-yoon, who was usually grumbling or sharp-tongued with the members, or cold and expressionless—even sarcastic and smug—to those outside the group, spoke with remarkable composure at official events.
After offering brief thanks to the cast, screenwriter, and staff, Seo Ho-yoon took a slight breath and added one more thing.

[And to The Dun members who are probably eating chicken at the dormitory right now.]

“Wow, he’s like a mind reader.”

Seo Ho-yoon smiled faintly.

[You all worked hard.]

“…!!”

[Let’s do our best again next year.]

Seo Ho-yoon, who had spent an unforgettable Christmas, spoke warmly with the intention of showing he’d do his part, but the members dropped their chicken pieces with soft thuds.

“…Why is he like this?”
“…My appetite just disappeared.”

And I found it deeply unsettling.

“Is this some new form of harassment?”

Seriously, Seo Ho-yoon needed to get his act together.
Kang Yi-chae clicked his tongue disapprovingly in his mind.
After Seo Ho-yoon’s final comment, the members had debated among themselves before ultimately concluding it was “fan service for the Noeul fans.” Had Seo Ho-yoon known they’d dismissed his sincere words as a performance, he would have been genuinely upset.
But the real shock came from something else entirely.
It was the congratulatory stage performance in the first half that Seo Ho-yoon, Min Ji-heon, and Yoo Ji-a had prepared so diligently.

[Please Camera Hot Stage:
Let’s Love Starting Today
Min Ji-heon, Yoo Ji-a, Seo Ho-yoon]

“Wooooow!”

They all shed their formal attire and took the stage in white knit sweaters and jeans, launching into light choreography synchronized with the music.
Bashful expressions and simple movements were the key elements.
Yoo Ji-a sang the opening verse.

[Petals flutter on this day
I want to match my steps beside you
One, two, three, four]

“Yoo Ji-a is genuinely talented.”
“What can you say? She’s Yoo Ji-a.”
“…Don’t be so serious about it.”

Sung Ji-won, now an established fan of Yoo Ji-a among the members, couldn’t tear his eyes from the television.
At that very moment, the internet was ablaze with activity.

Hahahahaha this is so fucking hilarious hahahaha!!!!
If you’ve watched Please Camera, you absolutely have to watch this too lol. I’m smiling so hard my face hurts because it’s so good.
[Senior legend Yoo Ji-a
Rising idol Seo Ho-yoon
Successful actor Min Ji-heon (special skill: quick-witted)]
It’s so refreshing and cute seeing the drama cast members do this with each other lol

Since the Acting Awards drew viewers beyond just idol fans, reactions poured in from every corner of the internet.

[Today, when love begins
I want to hold your hand with you
One, two, three, four]

[Lee Jung-hoon, I love you—I love how you’re so straightforward. Marry me.]
[I’m so grateful that being an idol is my main job.]

“Wow, Ho-yoon really finds the camera like a knife.”
“He’s improved a lot with his dancing lately. His timing is spot-on.”

His dancing had improved, but this was the result of Seo Ho-yoon—acutely aware of his own shortcomings—desperately calculating every movement to appear natural and effortless.
While the members who were idols by profession offered their candid assessments of the stage, most viewers watching the same performance reached similar conclusions.

[Guys, Seo Ho-yoon and Yoo Ji-a really nail finding the camera
Wow, people who’ve been on stage are just different
└But Min Ji-heon lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol]

However, Min Ji-heon—

[Min Ji-heon
There’s no camera on the ceiling.]

—truly could not find the camera.

[Seriously, this guy is driving me insane
└Stop grinning at the ceiling like that]

[Min Ji-heon really is something else
└There’s a reason he’s close with Seo Ho-yoon
└Seo Ho-yoon: (so unfairly treated)]

[Ah, he’s given up on finding the camera and is just laughing to himself lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol
└Right though..
His true personality…
He was so mysterious that I really didn’t know anything, but after seeing the Cabu behind-the-scenes, he seems like such a flirt..
Is this a scandal?
└No, you’re right
└Especially to ㅅㅎㅇ, are we close friends.. ㅠㅠ
He’s so cute I’m losing my mind]

“Oh, Min Ji-heon is coming out.”
“Yeah, mm.”

Min Ji-heon walked to center stage, commanding every eye despite the dancers moving behind him, and traced a heart shape with his hands.
The members watching the scene blankly felt their expressions stiffen. They all knew the relationship between him and Seo Ho-yoon wasn’t particularly good.
As if by unspoken agreement, they all held their tongues.

[I want to give you all of my heart
Let’s start loving each other today]

“….”
“….”

Actually, I wanted to hold back.

[Excuse me]

Until I witnessed Min Ji-heon’s absolutely catastrophic vocal abilities.
If Seo Ho-yoon had checked Min Ji-heon’s stats, his singing would’ve been rated F-.

[I’ve never seen tone-deafness like this before]
[Seriously, this is hilarious—Min Ji-heon looks like he can do everything but he’s this tone-deaf?]
[Please just stick to acting, Min Ji-heon]

“…Is this supposed to be part of the performance?”
“Doesn’t seem like it.”

Meanwhile, The Dun’s pride, sub-vocalist Seo Ho-yoon, standing on the same stage, burst out beside him with a bright, refreshing smile, clearly delighted by Min Ji-heon’s off-key disaster.

[I want all of your heart
My shy confession to you
Let’s start loving each other today!]

[Wow]
[Wow, Seo Ho-yoon;;]

“Phew, that’s soothing.”
“It feels cleansing… not a single off-beat….”

The anger that had nearly erupted because of Min Ji-heon finally subsided, and the members went back to gnawing on their cold chicken.
As expected, the reactions flooding the internet were identical to The Dun’s sentiment.

[I already knew Seo Ho-yoon could sing well… but seeing him after Min Ji-heon, he looks like a celestial being
└That’s too harsh on Ji-heon
└└We all know he’s smiling the moment he lowers his hand
└└└(laughing)]

As the performance entered its highlight, Yoo Ji-a’s high notes moved Sung Ji-won so deeply that his eyes grew slightly misty.
Of course, whether it was Yoo Ji-a showcasing her insane vocal prowess on stage for the first time in ages, or a thoroughly satisfied Seo Ho-yoon displaying the perfect example of an idol beside her, it hardly mattered….

[Let’s start loving each other from today~♡]

Min Ji-heon steadfastly carved his own path, and with a bright smile, he nailed the final pose with impeccable timing.
Though he still hadn’t found the camera.

“Sigh….”
“Hold it in.”

The Dun members, whose irritation was about to flare up again, simply turned their eyes away and quietly cleaned up their finished chicken.

“…Should we just head to practice?”
“Yeah, let’s do that.”

After all, they still had one final year-end stage remaining on December 31st.

***

[Title: Did you see Min Ji-heon’s acceptance speech yesterday

I obviously thought he’d win the Grand Prize lol
His speech yesterday was short but I loved it so much I’m saving it..

(video)

He said he’s truly grateful for receiving the acting award
but that it’s all thanks to the people he loves
And at the end he said it so matter-of-factly

“This year has been tough on everyone. Don’t overdo it—make sure you’re eating well.”
“I hope each of you finds happiness in your own moment.”

Are you insane?????

Ugh
Don’t do this to me, a faucet that cries just hearing harmonies

└Are you having a rough time lately?
└└ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋQㅠㅠFuck it’s so fucking hardㅠ
└└Pat pat..
But Min Ji-heon’s mystery vibe completely shattered this year..
└Someone teach me how not to love Ji-heon..
└└His face is sparkling even in the midst of all this handsome guy energy…
No wait.. it’s so blinding I think I’m getting LASIK]

[But at the end, “♡I love you, our youngest princess♡”<hahahahahahahahahahahaha all of a sudden, she becomes so charming hahahahahaha
Does Ji-heon have a princess at home?]

The youngest princess at home clenched her teeth.

["I'm also grateful to Seo Ho-yoon for always bringing big laughs on set"<<what's this

└why are those two so close
└└I watched the behind-the-scenes and they really seem like genuine friends
though Seo Ho-yoon mostly looked annoyed]

Naturally, Seo Ho-yoon, who heard that remark right in front of him, barely managed to lift the corners of his mouth while internally chewing over words that would violate broadcast standards.
The people who had no idea that both of them were trembling from Min Ji-heon's provocation went wild calling it sweet.
Moreover, since the "Please Camera" congratulatory performance had come across as fresh to viewers, attention naturally flowed toward Seo Ho-yoon's next stage.

[Title: Summary of the process of becoming Noeul from Cabu

Whoa Min Ji-heon's in it? Turning on Cabu right now.
→ Lee Jung-hoon has no manners but the more you watch the cuter he gets.
→ Huh? An idol? Looking up The Dun fancams. (This is where it goes wrong)
→ Doesn't stop on stage. Seeing the aegyo, totally smitten
→ Seo Ho-yoon looks like a rabbit.

Phew…
You have crossed a river from which there is no return.
Welcome to K-pop…]

December 31st. As befitted the final day of the year, people celebrated their safe passage through the past twelve months in their own ways, but the Noeul who had bet their lives on The Dun were different.

The Music Festival!!

The Dun had made the list for that December 31st stage where only selected idol groups performed,
and this was the moment to put a final punctuation mark on the Apocalypse trilogy they had worked so hard on throughout the year.

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