Chapter Nineteen: Album Postponement

rly awaiting the wrap of the filming crew, and after wrapping tomorrow, he would head there immediately to start his activities.All other TV dramas of the same period, including , were completely over..., Peninsula Asteroid

At this time, other agents and assistants all saw the sudden situation and rushed over. With their help, Ji Jingyuan was quickly transferred away.

...and the commotion Exo caused at the edge of the stage also captured the attention of all the reporters in the hall. Their eyes lit up, like they had seen fresh prey, and they quickly raised their cameras to frantically film. For a moment, flashlights swept past like a hailstorm.

An EXO member fainting during an activity, that's a huge news story for sure, one that would definitely cause a lot of buzz and discussion.

Especially this member is still the hottest yuan in the K-pop world recently. His song "so" which just finished its promotion period is still topping all major music charts, providing a continuous stream of heat and exposure to Ji-yeong every day.

Seeing the crowd hurry away from the scene, all the reporters immediately went to work.

Soon, a news story shot to the top of search engine trends at an astonishing pace:

"EXO member Yuan fainted suddenly during an activity and was rushed to the hospital, suspected of being overworked."

The news also included several pictures, some of crowds panicking and gathering together, and one of Ji Jingyuan being helped away. Though not very clear, you could still make out who everyone was in the images.

This message immediately attracted the attention of countless people after it appeared on the hot search list. In an instant, countless clicks poured in, causing its popularity ranking to soar. Before long, it surged to the top spot.

The number of comments under the news article has also surged, with many new comments being posted every second.

"What the hell, you piece of crap! Seriously..."

"The dog company is still this way, exploiting its artists in all sorts of ways. Yuan must be on a devilish schedule lately, right"

"Can EXO's manager just die Can't they see the idols are exhausted like this They have to faint during an event before they realize"

“I said yuan and suzy last week's singing show how come no microphone, every interview and acceptance speech he didn't say much, it turns out that there was a physical problem, s company is really inhumane, quickly shut down.”

"I hope oppa is okay. He's been blacklisted his whole life..."

There are all kinds of comments, some have nothing to do with me and just watch the drama unfold, some are gloating, some are watching the spectacle, and some are concerned.

However, most of it was cursing, and the target of the curses was naturally company S. Basically, all EXO and Yuan fans were cursing.

Actually, it's not really big news when a peninsula artist faints during an activity because artists already face a lot of pressure. Coupled with the pressure from their companies, strict dieting for body management, and high-intensity schedules, many idols' physical conditions haven't been good. Basically, every once in a while, there are a few cases like this.

There are many similar cases. For example, Zheng Xiujing has fainted on stage more than once.

This time's huge popularity is mainly due to Ji Jingyuan's personal nationality and popularity, which are really high. He is currently a top figure in the music industry, and as an actor, even those who don't follow boy bands know him. As soon as the news came out, it easily attracted public attention.

When such news happens to other people's idols, it's natural to watch the drama with glee. But when it happens to our own idol, we can't help but get upset. A massive wave of xo fans instantly flooded s's official website and SNS.

Especially some hardcore fans and stan accounts who are close to the EXO members and often receive firsthand information have also started to reveal that 'EXO's album preparation work has been very stressful recently because the return period is too close, so they have to work overtime until 2 or 3 in the morning every day, and the members are all working very hard.'

...because of his collaboration with Suzy, he trained later than the other members, so his body had problems and he has been having a fever for a long time without getting better…

After this news came out, all the ancestral graves of the managers of company S were dug up online within half an hour and floated around in the sky above Seoul, dancing gracefully.

On the peninsula, as soon as an artist has a problem, it's always right to blame their agency.

While the online world was buzzing with anger, Ji Jingyuan had already woken up.

…………

"It's nothing serious, just a virus causing a fever and some other symptoms. This fainting spell was because I've been exercising a lot with practice and dancing these past few days and haven't been eating much."

In the special ward of Seoul Samsung Hospital, Ji-seong was sitting on the hospital bed receiving an IV drip while talking on the phone with his second older brother who had called him as soon as he heard the news about his condition.

As he said, there's no serious illness, just that he hasn't been resting well, causing common ailments to worsen. He woke up after being taken to the hospital by his manager and felt much better after being given an IV.

"You're making it sound so easy, do you know that Big Sister just called me"

When Chi Jingxu heard that there was nothing wrong, he obviously let out a sigh of relief, but soon started to retort with anger and sarcasm: "Besides, are you so passionate about your work that you can keep working even when you have a fever Is being an idol so addictive When were you in school, why didn't you see you working so hard"

Chi Jingyuan couldn't explain to his second brother that getting sick in the idol circle was a common occurrence. Many idols worked even when they were ill or injured.

Although they are both idols, his identity is still somewhat different. And the second brother definitely wouldn't understand, or be too lazy to understand these things, so Chi Jingyuan just kept listening to the other person's complaints without trying to explain anything.

Although the second brother's tone wasn't very good and he kept criticizing and mocking him, this kind of family concern still made him enjoy it.

After all that talk, Chi Jingxu confirmed again that there was nothing wrong with his brother, and he got too tired to scold anymore. He casually said, "It's fine then…"

"By the way, I called Li Xiuman before calling you. His attitude wasn't very good and I put some pressure on him."

"

‘Hmm…’ Ji Jingyuan was a little speechless.

"

"Although it's not a big deal, we still need to show our attitude here." Ji Jingxu simply said, without much explanation, but Ji Jingyuan understood what he meant.

"Uh-huh, I understand," he replied.

“Okay, you should take a few days to rest. If you don't feel comfortable staying in the dormitory, come back home.”

After finishing the serious business, Chi Jingxu relaxed and suddenly remembered something, his tone became strange: "By the way, that female idol you've been collaborating with recently seems to be pretty good-looking and quite popular. Have you...

"Goodbye."

Chi Jingyuan bid farewell without emotion, then immediately hung up the phone.

My second older brother can't keep a conversation serious for too long. He always ends up bringing it back to this topic, which drives me crazy.

After the call ended, Chi Jingyuan's phone kept ringing. All were friends who had seen the hot search and sent messages to check in and offer well wishes.

Not only Sunny, Taeyeon, Jung Eun-ji, Jiang Se-qi and a few other close relatives, basically anyone who had exchanged contact information with Ji-hyeong received a message from him. His phone wouldn't stop buzzing for a while.

This being a downtime for him, Chi Jingyuan took his phone and replied to each message one by one, expressing gratitude for the other party's concern.

After a while, the door to the room was knocked on, and Lee Seung-hwan and Park Jae-hyun walked in together. Seeing that Ji Kyeong-won's condition was not bad, Lee Seung-hwan let out a sigh of relief and said with some fear, "It's good that nothing happened. I really got scared just now."

"Next time, I definitely can't do this again. Just now, Chairman Chi called and scolded me."

"Jingyuan, you really... Even if you don't have much time to rest, you still need to eat. The doctor just said that besides lack of sleep, dizziness is also caused by not eating properly."

Pu Zai Xian smiled wryly and said a lot, then walked over to pour a glass of water and handed it to Chi Jingyuan.

"Drink some water."

"...Chi Jingyuan took a sip, then curiously asked, 'Where are the other members'

"

"After giving you a ride, they went back to the company first. All subsequent arrangements for today were canceled. They seemed quite worried seeing you like this, and I guess they didn't have the heart to go to any events."

Lee Seunghwan said as he took a document from his briefcase and handed it to Ji Kyungsun: “This is the statement that the company has prepared for your situation to release to the public, Kyungsun. Take a look and see if there’s anything wrong. If you have any opinions, tell me and I will convey them to the company.”

Chi Jingyuan put down the water glass and picked it up again to examine it carefully.

This is a normal company announcement, stating that Chi Jingyuan is fine and explaining some reasons why he fainted during the event.

What's particularly special is that the announcement actually apologized to fans at the end. You have to know that company S basically never apologizes for these kinds of things in announcements. They usually just make a random notification and get it over with.

"That's fine, no problem."

Qi Jingyuan nodded and returned the document.

"Then I'll communicate with the company right away. After you were taken to the hospital, fans went crazy. Jingyuan, you don't know how crazy your fans are. The website and SNS are full of insults, and now there are fans demonstrating at the building entrance against it."

Lee Seung-hwan sighed after remembering the comments he had seen online earlier. After putting the document away, he continued, "You should take a good rest these days. You definitely won't be able to work for the next few days. Your album might be delayed, and the company is probably having a meeting right now to discuss this…"

…………

On the fourth floor of the company's small meeting room, Lee Xiu-man and Kim Young-min, as well as staff from the planning department responsible for EXO's preparations and the publicity department responsible for external communication, were all present. This impromptu meeting discussed the center of attention: Ji Kyoung-won's current situation and what to do with EXO's album.

We communicated with the hospital, and the doctor said it was a viral flu. The symptoms were initially mild, but they dragged on for too long, and the patient's overwork worsened the condition. Now, they need to rest properly for five to seven days.

A head of department is explaining to everyone the news they just received from the hospital.

"Is this diagnosis reliable Could it be..."

"The special ward at Seoul Samsung Hospital is normally closed to the public, we wouldn't even be able to find the entrance. The top medical professionals in our country are treating Jingyuan, there won't be any problems," the department head said with a deadpan stare at the dissenting voice, a hint of sarcasm in his tone.

The person with the suspected diagnosis was speechless, unable to say a word back. They sat there awkwardly pretending to look at the documents.

“......” Lee Xiu Man nodded, indicating she understood. Then, her gaze shifted to Lee Chang Chan in the record department: “What’s the situation with XO's mini album”

"EXO's second mini-album preparation has reached the final stages, and according to the previous schedule, it can be completed by the designated time. However, if Kyungsoo rests, many things cannot proceed without his participation, and the progress will completely stagnate, including the filming of the title track and pre-release song 'V'. He is the most important person." Lee Chang Chan bowed and said.

Has the return time been confirmed yet

"Inside, according to the previous progress, it has been confirmed that on April 15th, we will officially release this news on April 1st and conduct the first wave of publicity warm-up."

“…………”

Lee Soo-man took a pen and scribbled on the A4 paper in front of him. Then, he glanced at Kim Young-min beside him, exchanged a nod, and put down the pen in a low voice: "Then let's postpone it. Let Jingyuan rest for a few days, and the other members relax too."

"But director, if we delay it, EXO's comeback time will be late April or early May. Then the comeback period will overlap with their first Asian tour."

Li Changcan was a little anxious and quickly said, "Moreover, the coordination between departments within the company, including the overall publicity plan and the pre-sale opening time, as well as communication with the television station, has all been completed. If we postpone it now..."

"How about you take Jingyuan's place and film the V"

Lee Xiu Man smiled, looking at him and interrupting Lee Chang Can's words. Her tone was playful but made everyone sit up straight.

"My meaning is..."

"Okay..."

Lee Soo-man tapped the table three times with his finger, seemingly impatient. He narrowed his eyes and swept a glance around before emphasizing: "EXO's comeback will be postponed for now. The specific return date will be determined after Kyungsoo recovers and returns to the group, based on their progress."

"The propaganda department should prepare, and tomorrow release the news about the delayed return."

“Come on, ah, give me Simida.”

Li Changcan and the surrounding managers immediately bowed in greeting.

…………

The company issued two announcements in two consecutive days. The first one explained the cause of Ji Jingyuan's accident and his current physical condition, while also apologizing to fans and stating that they would pay more attention to the health of their artists.

The second announcement was that due to the members' health reasons, EXO's original comeback scheduled for mid-April would be postponed. The specific time has yet to be determined, and an apology was also offered.

Tomato Novel Network

The first announcement quelled the wave of online abuse, and many fans also toned down their criticism. As long as Chi Jingyuan was unharmed, it was good enough for them. They had vented their anger and had a good scolding session.

Moreover, this time s surprisingly took the initiative to apologize to the artists and fans for the first time. This unexpectedly made many fans feel a little surprised and excited, thinking that their efforts had worked and led to this result. Besides being happier, they even developed some affection for s, and at the same time, they prepared for the next battle.

And the announcement of the second album's delay also caused a lot of discussion. Some people expressed dissatisfaction with the album's delay after waiting for so long, but more people praised this action. After all, proactively postponing it due to the physical health of their artists is commendable and considered a conscience in the industry. Many people expressed their anticipation for XO's comeback this time and said they would definitely buy their albums to support them.

The most interesting thing is that through this incident's apology and album postponement, s company actually gained the favor of many fans and passersby. Public opinion strangely improved online. It's really ironic.

After spending two days in the hospital, Chi Jingyuan returned to his dormitory and rested comfortably for a few days.

He wasn't seriously ill to begin with. After treatment, rest, and having his meals taken care of, he recovered quickly. The day after he returned to the dormitory, he was almost back to normal and could have rejoined the team, but the company insisted on giving him two more days off. Anyway, the album release had been pushed back so it wasn't as urgent anymore. They just wanted him to recover completely and not cause any more trouble.

Although the other members aren't taking a break with him, they are still practicing and keeping up with their schedules. However, because of his good fortune, they have all been feeling much more relaxed these days. They don't have to work overtime until 2 or 3 am every day like they did before to catch up on the progress.

These days, members can return to their dorms to rest before midnight. After getting enough sleep, everyone feels more energetic.

But some people seem down and not very happy.

It wasn't until March 22nd that he finally got a few days off. Fully recovered, Ji Jingyuan sat on the couch in his dorm room. The TV was on, blaring a variety show, but he wasn't watching it. Instead, he listened to the sound while scrolling through his phone, keeping up with the latest interesting happenings in the entertainment industry.

BTS has concluded a month-long promotion period. Although they did not achieve a first place win on any music shows this time, their return garnered positive reviews for their unique style and charismatic performances, leading to a noticeable increase in fanbase.

After finishing their song, the economic company bighit announced that BTS would officially enter the Chinese market in April.

Idol groups' earnings on the peninsula are not really high, so basically once an idol gains some name recognition on the peninsula, their company will usually choose to expand into overseas markets.

As of now, there are no successful precedents for entering the US. Generally, people opt for Japan or China instead.

Originally, bighit was hesitant about whether to choose Korea or China. However, since EXO was doing very well in China and they had a Chinese member within their team, after some discussion, they decided to debut in China. Moreover, the title track for their comeback is a bilingual version.

At this moment, Ji Jingyuan realized that the title song "Man" for BTS's comeback actually had a summer version. The lyrics were still written by Fang Wenshan, a well-known lyricist in Xia Kingdom. Through this, it can be seen that they have long been coveting the Xia Kingdom market and are confident enough to prepare in advance.

With a touch of anticipation, Chi Jingyuan specially went online to watch the Summer Wen version of "Man's" v. Two minutes later, he silently closed the webpage in a smile that was hard to contain.

I hope they all do well. He remembers that there are still two good-looking members in BTS, plus Wu Sike as the Chinese representative, their development momentum should be quite good.

After Suzy's "So" ended its promotions on yuanap, Girls' Generation let out a sigh of relief. With the cloud lifted, they swept all music show wins this week, bringing back joy to SONE after two weeks of disappointment and reigniting their spirits.

Although Girls' Generation experienced a noticeable drop in rankings this comeback, it's unlikely they would have achieved a first-place finish. This is mainly due to the overwhelming popularity of "so" 's sound source and the high popularity and public recognition of the pairing of Ji-sung Choi and Soo-ji Bae. If they had faced different competition, Girls' Generation could have secured at least several first-place wins in the previous two weeks.

After all, although the source of " . " lacks aftertaste but has high burst, and the current album sales of 140,000 are indeed a sharp decline compared to last year, it is still significantly better than other girl groups.

However, the good times for some don't last forever. 2NE1, who faced much criticism last year due to poor performance, made a very strong comeback with their second regular album "CRH" this time around. Both sales and digital scores have rebounded, and their two title tracks, "Ebae" and "Gotta Be You," performed exceptionally well on the digital charts, even surpassing Girls' Generation's popularity.

Especially the former, if it wasn't for the release of "so" a month ago, it would still be too strong, firmly occupying the top spot on the weekly chart. "" might be able to win the weekly crown in its comeback week.

Apart from the battle between these two veteran girl groups, 4ute's performance with their title track "What to Do Today" on their mini album released on the 17th was also quite good.

Additionally, acube also announced that APK will be making a comeback on March 31st. The title song has already been released with a teaser video, and it has received a very good response.

The competition among these girl groups is really fierce. Ji Jingyuan looked at the one after another news of their comebacks and couldn't help but sigh.

By the way, the theme song for the apk also has 'r', so it's possible that like Girls' Generation, there could be a dating scandal, which would be interesting.

In Chi Jingyuan's view, the word 'r' has already become a curse.

"Ringtone..."

Suddenly, a phone rang. It was Park Jae-hyun calling.

"Brother, what's up" Chi Jingyuan picked up the phone casually and turned down the TV volume with the remote.

"Jǐngyuán, how are you doing"

"It's fine, actually I was okay the day before yesterday... These past two days suddenly being free feels really strange."

“I’ve already told the company, I’m going back tomorrow.”

Qí Jǐngyuán glanced at the television and chuckled in response.

After a full recovery, I really felt like I was reborn. I felt so much more energetic and alive.

"That's good, I just wanted to tell you this. S has received several invitations already. 'Seoul Fashion Week' is almost over, and after you return tomorrow, go to the company first. Your first schedule will be to attend the show."

"Watch a show" Chi Jingyuan was taken aback, somewhat surprised.

"Inside, this 'Seoul Fashion Week' was held on March 21st at the Seoul Design Culture Park. You guys (EXO) were the opening performance and runway guests, but you couldn't come to the hospital that day, and the other 11 members performed..."

Park Jae-hyun started explaining, “I heard that several designers who collaborated with the organizers really appreciate you. They think your temperament and figure are particularly good and suitable for runway shows. The organizers also highly value your popularity and have sent you many invitations.”

"Don't, big brother, I can't walk the runway." Chi Jingyuan let out a wry smile.

"The runway show requires rehearsal beforehand, and you don't have that time. This time, just go for the interview and enjoy the show. It's a very relaxed itinerary, perfect for someone who has just recovered."

After you come back, EXO's album production will start again, you'll definitely be busy. Park Jae-hyun's tone also sounded quite relaxed.

"Okay, I understand."

"By the way, Jingyuan, I've already registered the two songs you gave me, "ifyou" and "Jiāyóu". Do you need them added to the music library"

At the end of his statement, Park In-hyeon remembered something that Ji Kyeong-won had told him a few days ago, and hurriedly added.

"If you don't want to, it's fine, we can sing ourselves..."

Chi Jingyuan pondered for a moment and said into the phone, "The other one is a girl group song, just put it in the music library."

"Okay."

First released on the Traditional Chinese Novel Network that he might have considered things a little less."Yuan is the member of all EXO with the most fans. His popularity and fame also lead the team. Moreover, because of many aspects including his outst...