The Trashy PD Has To Survive as an Idol - Chapter 23

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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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23

Jung Da-jun and Kang Yi-chae were playing around excitedly in front of the dormitory, apparently waiting for all the members to arrive before heading inside together. The Planning Team Junior and Manager stood nearby.
Lee Ji-hyun, right? That was her name.
I bowed slightly in greeting and approached the members.

“Hey, move aside.”

Don’t be annoying about it. With two guys already crowding the narrow entrance, there was no way to pass through. Kang Yi-chae jumped in surprise.

“That’s my spot?!”
“I’m… I’m sorry!”
“Hey, stop taking pictures and move out of the way already!”

These guys… what kind of mental state is this? Should I call this good?
I’d been worried they might be suffering from internet hate comments due to their sudden popularity, but it was unfounded.
The Manager and production staff were already chuckling at their back-and-forth banter.

“Ow! That hurts!”
“I told you to stop, you brats.”

While I was delivering flicks to those two, Kim Sung-hyun and Sung Ji-won appeared.

“What are you guys doing?”
“They must’ve done something worth hitting them for….”

Sung Ji-won regarded us with bewilderment, while Kim Sung-hyun read the members perfectly.
I gave them a casual nod in greeting, then turned my attention to the sketchbook that Planning Team Junior Lee Ji-hyun had hastily written on.

[Please show your reactions as you enter the dormitory!]

Okay.
Everyone dragged their luggage with excited expressions on their faces. Kang Yi-chae punched in the password we’d been briefed on moments earlier and turned on the background music.

“Dun-dun!”
“…Dun-dun?”
“So, what’s The Dun’s dormitory like?”

‘…This is shocking.’

I’d naturally expected the opening theme of some house-themed show, but hearing the Netflix startup sound left me feeling both familiar and oddly out of place.
Through the door Kang Yi-chae playfully opened, the dormitory came into view.
Two bedrooms and one living room—cramped, certainly, but spacious enough for five people to live comfortably. With only one bathroom, mornings would be chaotic… but that was manageable.
Since they said they’d be filming behind-the-scenes content, what mattered was the cameras.
Where were they positioned? I scanned with hawk-like precision. One on the stuffed bear, one on the TV stand, two beside the sofa….

‘They actually did a decent job.’

I was about to give an appropriate reaction when Kang Yi-chae suddenly rushed at the sofa with a clatter. He struck a pose and delivered his line.

“Why are you looking at me like that…? Do I look like a man who owns a dormitory?”
“It’s dazzling…!”
“This is actually perfect?!”

‘…?’

Even Sung Ji-won entered the living room with a flushed, excited face.

“Why are they so hyped up?”
“Huh, huh?”

When I spoke to Kim Sung-hyun and looked at him, he was in no position to judge. He was too busy scanning his surroundings with the same flushed expression. A sudden wave of bitter sympathy washed over me.

‘You guys…. You really weren’t treated well at the company….’

Even I, who was famous as an unscrupulous PD, could see that the treatment of this unknown idol was really serious. Though it’s possible that Daepaseong was just particularly bad about it.
I set my luggage in the corner of the living room with a hardened expression.
The Planning Team came in and filmed Kang Yi-chae with particular focus.
The larger bedroom would be for Jung Da-jun, Sung Ji-won, and Kim Sung-hyun. The smaller one for me and Kang Yi-chae. When our eyes met, he broke into a grin. I felt uneasy.
Lee Ji-hyun from the Planning Team, noticing the atmosphere, carefully broached the subject.

“Everyone, how do you like the Dormitory?”
“Yes!”
“That’s a relief. Um… the cameras won’t always be rolling, so don’t worry. We’ll only film when there’s actual content to capture, and our company will handle all the editing, so please don’t be concerned.”

I felt uneasy.

“Today we’ll film you unpacking your luggage, choosing roommates, and reacting to the music video. For the music video behind-the-scenes footage, you just need to do some light monitoring.”

Lee Ji-hyun flipped through the sketchbook several times. Everyone answered obediently like good children, then gathered around the suitcases they’d stacked in the corner.

‘They’re filming unpacking luggage?’

What was even entertaining about filming someone unpacking a suitcase?
Maybe fans would find it interesting. After all, fans were curious about what idols ate for meals.
Still, I worried there wouldn’t be much content to work with.
And exactly one minute later, my worries crumbled.

“Puhahahaha! Hyung, what is all this?”
“Red ginseng sets and ginseng extract….”

Sung Ji-won went first. Half his suitcase was filled with red ginseng. He laughed sheepishly.

“Hyung, how are you supposed to fit anything else with half your suitcase being red ginseng sets?”
“My Elderly Woman packed them for me. She said to share them with everyone.”
“Your Elderly Woman is truly considerate….”
“Oooh~ Hyung Yi-chae, you’re too much~”
“No, no, that’s not what I meant.”

Kang Yi-chae, who had been joking around, suddenly scrambled to explain himself. I seized the moment and casually approached Sung Ji-won to ask.

“Can I have one?”
“Yeah, of course.”

I tore open the ginseng extract Sung Ji-won handed me on the spot and squeezed it out carefully into my mouth.
His Elderly Woman was truly wise… During my PD days, I used to keep boxes of this stuff and drink it every morning.
Sung Ji-won carefully repacked his suitcase.
Next turn.

“Me!”
“Yeah, go ahead, Jung Da-jun. Give it a try.”
Jung Da-jun eagerly unzipped his suitcase.
“…There’s nothing but snacks in here.”
“Snacks are all we need!”
“Just pull him out of there.”

Sung Ji-won was next. Then came Kang Yi-chae.

“Ta-da! Video games!”

A laptop, mouse, PlayStation 5, Switch… nothing but gaming equipment filled the entire suitcase.
Kim Sung-hyun immediately shut the suitcase.

“Throw it away.”
“What? Why would you—”
“Practice instead of wasting time on that.”
“Agreed.”
“No way, you guys….”

When even Sung Ji-won sided with them, Kang Yi-chae protectively wrapped his arms around the suitcase.

“Next, Ho-yoon.”
“Sure.”

I ignored their banter and opened my suitcase. It was so plain it wouldn’t make for good footage anyway.
Then silence fell over the room.

“Hyung, what are these clothes?”
“What about them?”
“….”

The members stared at my suitcase, then began whispering among themselves.

“Did you notice the suitcase is completely black? I thought it was a black hole. I should’ve realized when I saw you only wear black clothes every single day….”
“Exactly. It’s all shadow fashion from head to toe.”
“Hyung, that’s not idol material….”

Even Jung Da-jun criticized me. I frowned. I’d never been called out for my fashion sense before.

“Why? Black looks good.”
“Next batter! Hyun-sung!”

My opinion was brushed aside without a second thought, and Kim Sung-hyun, the final batter, let out a long sigh before opening his suitcase. And truly…. he was Doraemon.

“These are Kang Yi-chae’s and Jung Da-jun’s. I figured they wouldn’t pack clothes. Sung Ji-won, you’re a heating pad.”
“I wanted that one!”
“Seo Ho-yoon, you’re vitamins.”

For some reason, I received the most. Watching vitamins pour out endlessly, I asked awkwardly.

“Why am I vitamins?”
“You collapsed last time, hyung.”

That was because of the System Window.

“Yeah, Ho-yoon hyung is apparently pretty weak.”
“Exactly. Ho-yoon needs to take better care of himself.”

No, that’s because of the System Window?
But I couldn’t say anything, so I kept my mouth shut. It was obvious I’d be treated like a lunatic.
Kim Sung-hyun handed out the necessary items to everyone and then closed his suitcase with satisfaction.
Hmm… I wish they’d edit that out.

I’d already monitored the music video countless times, but sitting on the sofa in the dormitory with everyone to watch it felt different somehow.
The problem was these troublemakers—the juniors.

“…I’m sorry.”
“Taaang!”
“Stop it, you guys….”

Kang Yi-chae and Jung Da-jun were giggling as they targeted Sung Ji-won. He was sprawled across the sofa, dying from embarrassment. Since they all appeared in it, but Sung Ji-won was the main character of the music video, it seemed easier to tease him about it.

“Yi-chae, you look so cool! Like Hollywood.”
“Yeah. I got a casting offer last time, but I turned it down.”
“…Yi-chae, sometimes I envy your shamelessness.”
“That’s my charm.”

Sung Ji-won launched a weak counterattack, but it didn’t land on Kang Yi-chae, whose mental fortitude was unshakeable. Sung Ji-won already had his fists clenched.
At this rate, wouldn’t the day come when I’d end up throwing a punch at Kang Yi-chae?

“Seo Ho-yoon hyung, you really shuffle cards well.”
“Hyung, are you secretly a card sharp?”
“Stop moving around… are you doing a bottom deal?”
“Puhaha!”

Once I played along with their banter, the guys erupted into laughter and chaos.
The behind-the-scenes footage came out edited in the style of a human-interest variety show, just as I’d suggested.
The title “The Grueling Daily Life of an Idol” in that rainbow-colored, whimsical font looked quite satisfying.

[Today, Kim Sung-hyun also commutes to the practice room.
Q. What do you think about while practicing?
A. (Kim Sung-hyun) What am I thinking about? I just do it….]

The behind-the-scenes footage was packed with every meme circulating on the internet.
The more seriously the members approached it, the funnier it became. The highlight came when Joo Woo-sung appeared.

[Joo Woo-sung: Hello~.
Members: (blank stares) Why is hyung coming out from there…?
Seo Ho-yoon: (deadpan) Let’s practice.]

“I was genuinely shocked back then.”
“He’s the celebrity of celebrities.”

Joo Woo-sung was just a guy whose mind was entirely preoccupied with romance.
I clicked my tongue and focused on the video. Before long, the behind-the-scenes footage transitioned into the music video.

[Today, The Dun approaches the shoot with utmost seriousness. Suddenly, Kang Yi-chae springs to his feet.
Kang Yi-chae: Hyung! How tall is a monkey?!
Kim Sung-hyun: (with a defeated expression) About 121 centimeters…?
Seo Ho-yoon: (hearing the answer) Monkey.]

“That gives me chills….”
“That was hyung’s doing.”

Since this reaction wouldn’t make it into the final cut anyway, everyone laughed comfortably. The Planning Team left looking quite satisfied with how well the shoot had gone.

“You’ve worked hard! We have music broadcast filming starting early tomorrow morning, so get some rest.”

While greeting the Manager and Planning Team, my eyes met those of the Planning Team Junior. I naturally flashed a business smile, and she flinched.

“Lee Ji-hyun.”
“Yes, yes. Seo Ho-yoon.”
“Thank you. Thanks to your excellent planning this time, we got great results.”

Lee Ji-hyun awkwardly scratched the back of her head. Her expression clearly read: ‘Why is he talking to me?’ She’d only recently joined the company and couldn’t understand why the team leader wasn’t the one approaching her—why me instead.

“No, not at all. Everyone worked together so well that it was even more rewarding for me.”

But why was I focusing on Lee Ji-hyun?
Obviously, I was laying groundwork.
Brilliant planning was crucial—especially in competition programs.
Though wary of this sudden trust, Lee Ji-hyun answered readily.

“Would it be okay if I asked for your advice on planning later on?”
“…Excuse me?”
“You understand this stuff well, Lee Ji-hyun.”
“…Well, then.”

Lee Ji-hyun’s fists clenched tightly.
I waited. A promotion? A bonus? Was she going to ask for more? It wasn’t my authority to grant, but I was prepared to advocate as strongly as possible to the CEO or team leader.

“Can I pour out all the settings I’ve been dreaming up?!”

‘….’

“…Yes, of course.”

My response came half a beat too late. Perhaps I was being too pragmatic.

“Kyaaah! Thank you! The settings I’ve been imagining move in 3D, no—4D, and it’s so amazing! Actually, I’ve already thought up a sequel to this apocalypse project, and the way it connects is….”
“Ah, I’m quite busy right now.”

I cut her off quickly. I had no intention of spending the entire day listening to otaku settings. Lee Ji-hyun looked disappointed but said goodbye and walked away with an excited expression. …Well, that worked out.
This much was sufficient here.
I turned around to look behind me.

“Ugh, this is exhausting, so exhausting.”
“Should we grill some pork belly?”
“Let’s practice.”
“Practice maniac….”
“Let’s practice.”
“…Yes, understood.”

So it came down to me.
I left Kang Yi-chae to his muttering nonsense about whether the loser would be an idol for life, while Sung Ji-won, the practice maniac, was already gathering his training clothes for another session. I wanted to see Sung Ji-won’s stats—he had the best balance among us.

‘Sung Ji-won’s stats.’

[Displaying Sung Ji-won’s stats.]
[Singing: A0
Dancing: A-
Entertainment: C-
???: ???
??: ??
Charm: B-]

Wow, what are Sung Ji-won’s stats? A0 in singing? What’s with the A- in dancing?
I knew he was talented, but seeing it confirmed like this was shocking. His trainee experience clearly paid off.
Entertainment and charm would naturally develop once we started appearing on broadcasts anyway.

“Hey, you really were born to be an idol, weren’t you?”
“Huh? What’s that about? That’s more like you, Ho-yoon.”

‘Unbelievable, even humble about it….’

Sung Ji-won scrunched his eyebrows and laughed. I decided to push forward with Sung Ji-won as our tank. I gestured to him.

“Sung Ji-won, come here for a second. You guys too.”
“Huh? Oh, yeah.”

I had something to tell them. Kim Sung-hyun stopped organizing his luggage and sat down in a circle in the living room with the rest of us.

“What is it, Hyung?”
“The cameras are off, right?”
“Yeah, they took everything.”
“Good.”
“What’s going on? Why are you setting the mood like this? You’re scaring us.”

This was important. I recalled the warning I’d given them on the first day when we entered the Practice Room.
I swallowed hard, wondering if they all remembered that day clearly. I slowly scanned each member’s face before speaking.

“We got an offer for a variety show.”

Their jaws all dropped.

“Really?”
“Hyung, if you’re lying, that’s seriously not funny.”
“You don’t trust me?”

Not a single one of them looked convinced.

“I’m hurt….”
“…Let’s get to the point.”

Even my feigned hurt didn’t land with them. Even Sung Ji-won was eyeing me skeptically.

“We got an offer for a Competition Program. The CEO said it’s a Cable Network show where we compete against other Idol Groups to take first place.”
“Really? For us?”

Their eyes widened. Then Jung Da-jun started bouncing excitedly. As I explained the details, some grew excited while others wore worried expressions.
Kim Sung-hyun fell silent for a moment, thinking, then spoke.

“We could end up with even worse damage if we rush into this.”
“Right, and the editing can be brutal. There are quite a few Idol Groups that went on similar programs and destroyed their image. Some even disbanded afterward….”
“So we can’t just think positively and hope for the best….”
“It’s all or nothing, then? Either way, we’re getting roasted online.”

Kang Yi-chae shrugged. At his words, everyone’s expressions grew even more gloomy.
The Dun had so few successes that they were already spiraling into negative thinking.
How was I supposed to handle this?
Should I give them a shock treatment like last time?

“Hmm….”

As I pondered what to say next, Sung Ji-won suddenly turned his head toward me.

“Ho-yoon, what do you want to do?”

At Sung Ji-won’s careful question, the members’ gazes naturally fixed upon me.

“Of course….”

My answer was already decided.

“If they say jump, I jump.”

This was precisely the moment to leap into the fire.

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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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