Chapter Twenty-Five: First Movement Public

been unable to attend due to filming. This time, there was no way out of it. They had rehearsed for many days in preparation for the stage.…………On October 1st, the Seoul Jamsil Stadium had already been...The Korean Peninsula

After chatting for a while, several people were called to get their makeup done and change into their clothes.

Exo was alright, the few VCRs we filmed today didn't have any close-up shots, so I didn't need to draw them too delicately. However, Kang Seobgi got severely styled by dy. When she reappeared in front of Ji Kyungwon, she was simply a completely different person.

A crimson tight dress, with hair on the right side of her head curled gently down to her shoulders, and delicately applied makeup. She didn't look like a trainee just entering the industry, but rather a chorus girl performing on a Broadway stage.

"How do you think it looks"

Although she dressed very ladylike and retro, the moment she moved, her true nature was immediately apparent. Jiang Shubi twirled her skirt, wearing high heels, as she tap-danced over to Chi Jingyuan's side, peering at him expectantly with wide eyes.

Looking at her expression, she seems quite satisfied with her outfit.

"Well... I think this style isn't quite right for you."

Chi Jingyuan hesitated for a moment before delicately expressing his commentary.

He thought it was too gaudy, a little tacky.

"You're still better suited for jeans." After a moment of thought, Ji Jingyuan added.

“Right, add a tracksuit and a ponytail, Se-qi, that style suits you best. That’s enough for now…” Woo Shi-hoon chuckled and added his commentary.

Having just been smiled at and waited to be praised, Jiang Sheqi drooped her face, pouted her lower lip and looked at them with displeasure.

" Tch, you guys just don't understand fashion. I'm not going to bother explaining it to you." Jiang Seqi glanced at the two of them, then picked up her skirt and ran to the mirror. It seemed like she really liked this red dress.

Soon, the staff was ready and began filming the concert VCR.

This tour of EXO is indeed highly valued by the agency, with a significant portion of their VCRs featuring extensive post-production effects to enhance the visual impact and grandeur.

Gazing at the EXO members surrounded by cameras and cheered on by fans, performing various non-physical acts, Jeong Se-qi, who was still waiting for her turn in the corner, had envy and longing in her eyes.

When will I be able to be like them…

…………

Because of this incident, many industries on the peninsula have been thrown into turmoil and stagnation. The whole place seems to have become much more depressed.

But life has to go on after all, as it involves many industries and countless related professionals. Even for the sake of livelihood, it's impossible to stay stagnant forever. As time goes by, many places have become lively again.

After May arrived, some entertainment programs gradually began to resume broadcasting. Although many variety shows on the three major television stations are still suspended, it is estimated that this situation will not last for several days.

By May 3rd, ** Entertainment officially announced the title of EXO's second mini album as "Overdose" and revealed the album cover art for both units along with a series of concept images.

It also publicly released the song title "dope" for the advance track and the cover art of V.

The mini album includes 6 songs in total, and s specially noted that the title track was co-arranged by member yuan, and both of the included tracks, including the pre-release song, were completed by yuan.

Meanwhile, s also announced Exo's specific comeback date and promotional schedule, including a pre-release stage performance, showcase, fan signing events, and the specific times and locations for these activities.

However, due to the previous ban on entertainment activities, s didn't have any large-scale promotions. It only released the news and there wasn't much follow-up afterward. The remaining resources will be invested later after the entire entertainment industry has fully recovered in a few days.

Even without much promotion, EXO's official announcement of their comeback ignited a strong response among fans. Especially this time, the style differs greatly from last year's "XOXO" era. In the released album cover image, each member showcases a unique and rarely seen charm.

Under the embellishment of exaggerated hairstyles and eyeliner, that group of EXO students who wore western school uniforms last year have now become mature and sentimental young people deeply immersed in love yet confused. This also perfectly highlights the theme of the album 'Obsession'.

The album cover concept is intriguing, and the maze-like logo design is also refreshing.

Speaking of EXO, from their debut to now, every album has a brand new 'EXO' logo, and each design is very thoughtful and has received a lot of praise from fans and passersby.

The design department is really quite talented. While other parts of the company are being heavily criticized, they still have people praising them from time to time.

And the most anticipated and hotly discussed was the promotional poster for the pre-release song "dope", which features all six members of EXO-K dressed in various professional outfits they wore during the filming of the music video.

Six people were in a room, decorated but slightly messy. Some stood straight and tall, some sat on the sofa, and others leaned against the table. Under the soft, yellowish yet clear lighting, they gazed silently at the camera. The intense clash of ink colors made it feel like looking at an oil painting.

In the center-left of the poster, Chi Jingyuan is sitting by a table with one leg straight and the other bent, looking very relaxed. He has a smile in his eyes, while his right hand covers his mouth, and you can faintly see the corner of his mouth turning up.

Dressed in a signature police uniform, he exudes an air of coolness and seriousness that gives you quite a jolt. You might mistake him for a character from a crime drama promotional photo if you didn't know better.

And the other members each have their own characteristics as well. Although they are all different occupation costumes, standing together in a frame somehow feels harmonious.

It was this photo that made the discussion about the pre-release track "Dope" so high, it even overshadowed the main title song's popularity.

"Yuan looks really great, especially eye-catching. He seems to be able to pull off all kinds of styles."

"Oh, Officer Chi sy! You're so handsome, I'm going to die…"

"The style of the pre-release song is really special, and the promotional photos are also very good. Everyone is so handsome. I've never seen this kind of EXO before, I'm looking forward to it! Looking forward to it!"

"I really hope we can fast forward to the release of the V-source and special stage on August 8th, I can't wait at all... But looking at the company's announcement, it seems like there's only one stage performance for this song Isn't that a little too few..."

Within various online forums and fan communities, EXO fans eagerly anticipated the pre-sale launch of their second mini album "Overdose." The first day saw a surge in orders, with both Korean and Chinese versions reaching a staggering 300,000 copies and continuing to climb rapidly.

Looking at this trend, I estimate that by the official release date, the number of pre-orders could be astounding.

Meanwhile, the team also bid farewell to Team K and boarded a plane to Xia Guo. They will perform their pre-release track "dope" on the Music Billboard on May 8th alongside Team K, and will remain in Xia Guo for an extended period to carry out comeback activities. The plan for the two teams to operate separately has officially commenced.

…………

On May 5th, two days before his return, Ji Chang Wook had just finished a solo magazine cover shoot and was riding back to the company in a chauffeured car. Meanwhile, Park Bo Gum was briefing him on some recent work arrangements.

“LG has been very sincere in their negotiations. The conditions they offered during several meetings have been quite good, and this time the endorsement isn't just for LG phones, but encompasses their entire range of electronic products, including mobile electronics, mobile devices, and home appliances.”

"At the same time, it's not just a spokesperson within the peninsula, but also for the entire Greater China region. Being LG's full-line electronic spokesperson in the peninsula already belongs to the top level of endorsements.... LG internally and the advertising company have done detailed market research. Most of the commercials you shot have shown a significant increase in sales, and your popularity and image within the Xia Guo region are excellent, with very good commercial value. They are very optimistic about you."

Chi Jingyuan sat in the back seat, listening attentively and occasionally nodding.

After talking about LG, Park Jae-hyun paused for a moment, flipped through his notepad, and then began speaking about the other side: "Samsung is currently not considering a full-line endorsement of electronic products. They are primarily looking for an advertising spokesperson for their upcoming Galaxy Note series of phones. However, this phone is Samsung's flagship product and they are very invested in it. There will be significant investment across all aspects."

"The competition is fierce, and currently, Kim Soo-hyun is leading among all the candidates, after all..."

"After all, he's been incredibly popular lately." Ji Jingyuan saw a huge billboard of Kim Soo-hyun outside the roadside shopping mall just now and nodded in agreement with a smile.

"Well, it's really hot right now... The products endorsed by LG and Samsung have conflicts, so in the end, you can only choose one. This also depends on your opinion and s's opinion, Jingyuan. But if you want to get the endorsement from Samsung side, maybe you need..."

Park Jae-hyun didn't finish speaking, but his meaning was very clear.

"Forget it, it's not necessary. Whatever comes our way is fine." Chi Jingyuan considered for a moment.

Okay.

Pu Zai-xian nodded in response and after jotting it down in his notebook, continued, "Also, Yen-she University has invited you to participate in their school anniversary performance in mid-May."

"Me Did you invite our xo group or just me"

"It's a personal invitation. The other party said that because you are an undergraduate student at Yanche University, they want you to perform solo... Jingyuan, will you go"

Let me know if you need anything else translated!

"Dude, isn't this nonsense"

"That's my alma mater. I'll be there for a few more years, how could I possibly miss it"

After he finished speaking angrily, Chi Jingyuan added: “Tell the company that we don't need the performance fee… That would be too inappropriate. Just tell them to press the performance fee down to the minimum.”

"If it's about performing songs, I'll discuss it with the company. Some group songs need more than one person to sing, so I might choose a few solo-able ballads from our group's repertoire."

"ok."

Park Jae-hyun gave a thumbs-up to indicate that he understood.

Then there's your birthday, Jingyuan. You were born in 1994, so this year's birthday is especially important. The "s" means renting a hall on that day, picking out some loyal fans, and having the fans and members celebrate your birthday together with a party.

"Just coincidentally, the 13th is two days before your official comeback, so you can take this opportunity to do some promotion." Park Jae-hyun smiled as he looked at his notepad.

"Can't we not do this" Ji Jingyuan leaned against the back of the chair, feeling a little tired.

He doesn't really like throwing these kinds of parties; they're too much trouble and a bit insincere.

Just have a meal together and upload a selfie as proof. It's so convenient!

"The company side is fine, but your fans will definitely have an opinion. Without this kind of event, there's a chance they'll misunderstand and think the company doesn't value you. And then you can expect some excited fans to go on a rampage again, which wouldn't be good."

"But they're probably used to being scolded by fans over there, so it doesn't matter." Park In-hwan smiled broadly. Since the day he joined s, this company has been scolded by fans every few days, never stopping.

And many of the company's staff and managers don't care about being scolded, some even enjoy it, feeling that it is a great form of attention. For entertainment companies, this is a kind of recognition to a certain extent.

Why don't they go and criticize other companies instead, choosing to pick on us....

"Sigh, let them handle it..." Ji Jingyuan closed his eyes and rubbed his temples. He felt like he had finally relaxed for a few days, but now that he was back, he would be busy again right away.

Then Pu Zhixian said a few more things, Chi Jingyuan nodded to indicate that he remembered them. Suddenly, he thought of something:

"By the way, Jung Eun-ji joined a TV drama cast. Bro, send a support truck to her on my behalf."

After giving a brief explanation, Ji Jingyuan curled his lips and complained: "Aiya, she has filmed so many dramas in the past two years. Don't even mention catching up to our previous "Answer 1997", not even one that was a bit popular. I guess this one is definitely going to flop, she's really the number two ratings poison..."

"Bro, remember to get a higher-tier support car, it's like me comforting her in advance."

"Haha, I understand." Park Jae-hyun gave an 'OK' hand gesture and smiled, looking in the rearview mirror and nodding.

He knows that the relationship between Chi Jingyuan and Zheng Endi is very good, they are considered one of the few close friends.

After that, there wasn't much left to explain. The nanny car fell silent for a while. Just as it was about to arrive at S company, Park Bo-hyun suddenly spoke up:

By the way, Jingyuan.

"Hey, what's up"

I've read through your comeback plan and the recent online discussions, and

“Dope” is a really anticipated track among fans. Many people expressed interest in EXO’s style and professional outfits for this concept, but some felt that having only one stage performance for "Dope" was a bit lacking.

Puzai Xian thought for a moment and then said: "The dance and the MV for this song are both really good, and I think you're really handsome and charismatic in it. It just feels a bit of a waste to only have one stage performance."

"Well, it's a bit... I actually really like this song, but the company's arrangement makes sense too. After all, when something unexpected happens, plans get disrupted and there's nothing you can do about it."

The song style is so unique, the choreography is also very good, the stage costumes are so cool, he looks good in his police uniform even when he sees himself, but there's only one stage.

Ji Jingyuan is also quite disappointed, but he can understand this kind of arrangement after all, it's not the main song, and the style of the song is not mainstream on the peninsula either, it may not necessarily be liked by the public.

"I was thinking that we shouldn't waste your performance inside. Could you arrange for someone from the company to film your individual performances in their entirety during your debut stage Then, upload them to YouTube."

"As for others, I don't know, but Jingyuan’s performance in this song is definitely outstanding. He will surely be loved by fans. Even when filming the MV, I watched from the side and thought he looked really cool." Park Bo Gum expressed his thoughts, seeming to have pondered them for days.

"Brother...are you saying straight-cut"

Chi Jingyuan was taken aback for a moment before he reacted.

During stage performances, the official livestream by the organizers will focus on each member and highlight the center position and group dances.

While fancams are essentially recording a specific member's performance in its entirety during idol group performances, regardless of whether they are the center, or if it's their part. They use a DV camera or mobile phone to constantly follow that individual, capturing all their movements, expressions, and stage presence throughout the entire performance, excluding everyone else on stage.

This method, because it doesn't film other people, lacks the overall unity and diversity of an idol group dance in the official camera shots. Also, due to equipment and lens issues, it appears more rudimentary. However, comparatively speaking, it is more advantageous for showcasing individual skills and highlights.

This kind of shooting mode, called "direct-shooting," has also been heard by Chi Jingyuan. It only recently became popular in fan circles and among viewers. It's a self-directed shooting method initiated by fans and audiences.

But those videos didn't really take off after being uploaded online, and the number of clicks was average.

Now, most companies and artists don't really care about this stuff anymore. It's purely fans who love their idols so much they use their own passion to create these videos.

"Inside, that's it." Park Jae-hyun nodded, apparently having done some research himself.

"Okay, bro, you talk to the company and see if we can arrange something."

Chi Jingyuan didn't give it much thought before nodding in agreement. After all, it wasn't any trouble at all, just finding a few people to sit on their stage during their performance.

Of course, he didn't have much hope either.

Okay, I'll arrange it.

…………

The program team attaches great importance to our comeback this time. Although it's just the return of the pre-release song, they have still arranged a lot of supporting activities.

"Just wait, once we get to the parking lot, the filming will begin. There will be a special interview segment while we wait backstage. The specific question-and-answer process has already been explained to you beforehand. Are you all ready"

All members of EXO-K were on board the van, and Lee Seong Hwan was giving them final instructions.

"Inside."

Everyone responded in unison.

Today is May 8th, the day EXO's pre-release track "Dope" was released. The music and video were officially released at 1 p.m., and they are currently on their way to participate in this week's episode of "! ".

As the highly anticipated comeback pre-release track "dope" was released, EXO's massive fanbase and the growing public interest in the group due to their rising popularity led to a phenomenal surge in streams. The song immediately topped all major real-time music charts upon its release.

And on YouTube, the v is also just uploaded and the click count immediately skyrocketed. The comments below are swiping one page after another.

While people listened to the song, their reactions were varied.

Some really like EXO's new style of music, feeling that it has a great vibe. The attempt at rapping for long sections also catches the eye, especially the unique accompaniment melody and slightly mischievous singing voice, which really gives a fresh feel. It's as if we see another side to EXO.

However, there are also quite a few people who don't like the style of this song, feeling that it is too different from xo's previous song "Rage" and they can't accept it. Moreover, just listening to the song, the melody isn't particularly catchy either. Overall, it feels somewhat disappointing.

It's not just that people's senses are different, even the loyal fan base has divided opinions. Some people love it, while others find it just average.

This is the evaluation after only listening to the song, but on YouTube's V, there are full praises. After watching the V, all the fans were pleasantly surprised and felt that this V was really well done.

"" is also a dance track K-pop song, and even the melody is somewhat not in line with mainstream trends. Just listening to it, it's still difficult to feel the overall charm of this song, it still needs to be paired with v or stage.

"

But some viewers felt it was average after listening and turned it off, they didn't even bother to watch.

But more importantly, they clicked on V and were even more excited about EXO's special stage for the advance song tonight.

The nanny car pulled up to the designated spot in the parking lot. The moment the door opened, several filming crew members outside were seen waiting for a long time. The VJ held a camera that had started operating and kept shooting at the car non-stop.

"Annyeonghaseyo..."

Park Chan-wook was the first to get out, waving at the camera. The other members followed suit, with Ji-sung walking last and smiling as he waved hello to the camera.

To prepare for these shoots, they had already gotten their hair and makeup done at a beauty salon before coming over. Compared to the stage, they were just wearing casual clothes.

Under VJ's follow-up filming, they entered the backstage and into the resting room. Everyone took a few seconds of close-up shots before it ended.

"Oh my..."

As soon as the vj finished filming and walked away, the members let out a collective sigh of relief. The tense atmosphere from earlier and their forced business-like smiles vanished.

Even though I've been in the industry for a long time and am used to being on camera, of course, it's more comfortable when I'm not filming.

The Samsara Paradise

"By the way, how is our current progress on the song going"

A few people were sitting relaxedly on the sofa, Kim Jun-Myeon asking with concern.

"I just took a look and it's pretty good... Bro, you asked so many times along the way, why don't you just take a look at your phone..."

Park Chan-wook looked at him wordlessly: "Besides, the audio was only released a few hours ago, and there hasn't been much promotion. If you want to see the results, wait until tomorrow or after the stage broadcast."

"Grrr..." Hearing the complaint, Kim Jun-myeon made a menacing face and grinned at him.

"Just preparing, I have an interview in a moment."

Li Chenghuan walked in from outside and greeted them: "After this is the rehearsal, we'll start recording after the stage set is complete. Don't be nervous, you've all been here so many times already."

"Don't worry, bro. Now we're so familiar with the backstage of singing shows that it's even more familiar than our dorm room. When it comes to 《！c》's backstage, I could walk around blindfolded."

"When can I eat"

"The assistant has already gone to buy food. Let's eat after the interview…" Lee Seung Hwan smiled at the listless children: “It’s okay, just stay in the rest room, don't run around even if you want to visit someone else.”

"Okay, I understand."

…………

The prepared interview consisted of a few questions about their comeback, and having the members read out fan messages. They were well-prepared beforehand and it went smoothly.

After the k team finished interviewing, they rushed back to eat because they were starving. After eating and resting in the lounge for a bit, they were called to rehearsal by the staff.

I met quite a few familiar idols near the stage and we exchanged greetings.

This week's 《！c》 is the first music show to air again after the ban on Hallyu. Aside from EXO's pre-release song, there were no popular artists making a comeback. All participants were idols who debuted in April but had their comebacks halted due to the show's hiatus.

Among them are 4ute, the children's music group "Le Tong Yin Jia," and the Crayon Pop who announced their single return in early April.

Last year, the Crayon group was hugely popular in the second half of the year. "barbarbar" can be said to be on par with "Roar." After several months of cooling down, this time's comeback has been very weak and has become somewhat neglected.

Besides the difference in personal abilities of idols, the company's operation is also very important.

Apart from that, there's also ecaral, the orange caramel female idol group after school's sub-unit. The reason why Park Kyung-won has a deep impression of them, besides some members having good looks, is mainly because this sub-unit is one of the few rarely seen in the peninsula, where the popularity and heat of the sub-unit are even higher than the main group.

That's really interesting.

EXO's rehearsal was still quite eye-catching, and many idol groups around didn't leave, instead lingering on the side to watch.

However, because their stage setting wasn't ready yet, the rehearsal was just to walk through and get familiar with the choreography. They didn't practice much; they danced twice and then returned backstage.

The six members of the K-team, panting and chatting, walked to the backstage. Just as they were about to return to the rest room, Ji Jingyuan saw Zheng Endi waving at him from a distance. Two APK members stood beside her, smiling cheekily at this side.

By the way, today's k also came.

Ji Chang Wook told the members to go back first, then turned and walked a few steps to where Jung Eun Ji and the others were.

Before she even had a chance to greet him, Jeong Eun-ji immediately mimicked the gesture of holding a machine gun with her hands, recalling Ji Chang-wook's part in the music video for "dope". She pointed it at him and fired a few "shots" while grinning widely and shouting:

"Amazing!"

Originally published on the Traditional Chinese Novel Networkasked the question she was most curious about: ""Jingyuan, I heard from seniors about some things regarding you. Could you tell us about something special about your family's daily life and social in...