Chapter 177
KangYoon had a leisurely expression, unlike Jung MinAh whose eyes were burning .
“They all seem to be exceptional trainees . It looks like we should watch out today . ”
KangYoon’s words made Jung MinAh widen her eyes, but he put his hands on her shoulders lightly .
‘Calm down . ’
Understanding what his intentions were, Jung MinAh calmed down a little .
President Choo ManJi replied to KangYoon’s words with a smile .
“I’m happy to hear that from you, president Lee . They are still quite lacking though . I’ve brought them here today to have them feel what it’s like to stand on stage . I’ll have to thank SeGyung for this . Perhaps you may be able to see them more frequently on TV soon . ”
Unlike president Choo ManJi, Kang SeGyung’s eyes were cold .
‘They’ve come prepared . ’
Their objective might be to have the boys experience the stage prior to their debut, but the bigger objective was to support Kang SeGyung .
In KangYoon’s eyes, these 8 boys were all st.u.r.dy and well trained . They aged from their late teens to early twenties and focused on president Choo ManJi’s words and did not speak a word .
‘I’m envious of their trainees though . The number of trainees is the power of the company . ’
The cost of maintaining a trainee for one year was around 30 million won (30,000USD) .
Being able to hold many trainees meant that the company had power . It also meant that there were potential new singers anytime they wanted .
“……”
“……”
Unlike the bosses, who were speaking nicely with each other, Jung MinAh and Kang SeGyung were still glaring each other in the face . KangYoon turned Jung MinAh around before it could get out of hand .
“Oops, it looks like MinAh has become nervous . President, please go easy on us today . ”
“That’s for me to say . Then, see you later . ”
When president Choo ManJi, Kang SeGyung, and the boys left, Jung MinAh spoke in a pouting tone .
“That miser . What? You didn’t prepare much? Ha, that’s funny . ”
This was like how the top student at a school lied about how he or she didn’t get that much study after having pulled several all-nighters . Jung MinAh was flabbergasted by her actions .
KangYoon tried to console her softly .
“We already predicted that she should have prepared a lot . Actually, I believe that they shouldn’t have partic.i.p.ated in this… I don’t get why Kang SeGyung decided to partic.i.p.ate . If I was her boss, I would not have let her do this . ”
“Why?”
“It’s a loss . DiaTeen is already a top-tier idol group, and there’s no need for them to prove their skills in a one-shot program like this . In my opinion… I think she’s here because of you, MinAh . ”
“Oh… . ”
Jung MinAh came to a realization . It was understandable since they were being compared from the very beginning .
“She was compared to you with her dancing until now… so both president Choo ManJi and she might be thinking that they would settle this once and for all . That’s the only plausible reason I can think of . Moreover, giving the trainees’ stage experience is not a bad idea either . ”
“Well, I’m fine either way . I’ll win after all . ”
KangYoon patted Jung MinAh’s back hearing that she was confident .
“Yes . Now that’s my MinAh . ”
“Fufu . ”
Jung MinAh smiled confidently .
At that time, the ‘incident’ back then with KangYoon flashed through her head again . She was worried about how to face him again, but it all became natural as though such a thing had never happened .
‘…Perhaps this is for the better?’
Jung MinAh lightly sighed .
Does he not even look at her as a woman? He was treating her like nothing had happened . Just what was on his mind…
Is he hiding his emotions? If so, then what kind of emotions? She wanted to ask a ton, but…
She did not .
Right now, it was better to be cheered on by him .
“Okay then . Good luck and see you later . ”
“Yes . ”
KangYoon left the waiting room and Jung MinAh started getting make-up .
“…That idiot . ”
“Eh?”
“…It’s nothing . Please continue . ”
The make-up artist widened her eyes when Jung MinAh grumbled, but she closed her eyes and urged the make-up artist to continue .
…Even though it was better like this, she was still slightly disappointed .
***
HMC station’s studio .
The recording of the Dance Revolution was getting heated up .
“The win goes to Lestime and the score is now 3:3!”
The host, Kang DeokJoong, tried to heighten the tension with an excited voice .
The score was even as both the dancing teams were on par . Thanks to that, producer Han TaeYoung, who wanted more content above all else, was smiling brightly .
“Now, for our final round . It’s also the deciding round of the true dancing queen . Please welcome! MinAh of Eddios in the Blue Corner, and Kang SeGyung from DiaTeen in the White Corner!”
“Oooooh!”
Along with the applause from the other partic.i.p.ants, Jung MinAh and Kang SeGyung proceeded forward with a lot of tension .
“This is the battle of the aces and it’s also the deciding round . Miss SeGyung . What do you wish to take if you win today?”
The host asked Kang SeGyung who had a cold expression on . Kang SeGyung thought about it for a moment before speaking in a quiet voice .
“Hanwoo (Korean beef equivalent to wagyu)?”
“Oh, beef? Can I ask you why?”
“It’s been a while since I last ate meat…”
Laughters burst out from many places . Although Kang SeGyung was very tall, she was also quite skinny .
The host turned around to the front where many of the staff were moving around busily .
“Oh my . President . Dieting is good and all, but I think she needs some meat right now . Please treat her to some meat after the recording . ”
President Choo ManJi, who was standing next to KangYoon, gestured in the air an okay sign . It was a flexible action from the president .
The host then turned around to Jung MinAh .
“Miss MinAh . What do you want to take if you win?”
“I want Hanwoo as well . ”
“Hm, I think you’re more well-off… Why don’t you leave the beef for Miss SeGyung over there?”
Jung MinAh was definitely a lot more voluminous than Kang SeGyung . They had similar heights, but she had a more ‘healthy’ look .
The host’s words made everyone laugh a little . Jung MinAh said she refused and did not relent on the beef .
After interviewing the two ladies that were about to battle, the host did not wait anymore and had Kang SeGyung step into the stage .
“I won’t drag things out anymore . Please welcome . Kang SeGyung!”
“Ooooh!”
The partic.i.p.ants and the staff all applauded, and the lights in the studio dimmed out . At the same time, 7 men surrounded Kang SeGyung and one lightly hugged her .
“Oh, it looks like this will be something to watch . ”
KangYoon’s words of curiosity made president Choo ManJi smile in response .
“They are still lacking, but please do watch over them . ”
A rhythmical accompaniment along with an electronic sound effect started flowing out the speakers .
At the same time, the man’s hands lightly stroked down his own cheeks and Kang SeGyung and the man moved in unison . The men that surrounded her all went into formation and moved forward .
– I know this voice is love -please let me hear your soft sweetness —
Along with the song belonging to a veteran singer named Jihyun, ‘But It’s Love’, Kang SeGyung and the partnering man started doing flashy moves . The men that surrounded her complimented her using their formation .
‘They’re good . ’
Although she did not show any changes in her expression, Jung MinAh was surprised .
This song focused on extreme s.e.x appeal to grab attention . Her costume that was neither too short nor too long but emphasized her body’s curves made her dances move out even more .
‘She didn’t practice just normally . ’
KangYoon, who was watching from below, also exclaimed .
7 men supported Kang SeGyung without a gap, and the 1 partner emphasized her feminine beauty . The partnering man had an extremely fine body and some of the women in the staff were slack-jawed when the veins on his arms twitched .
“Hahaha, how is it? They’re still far from enough, aren’t they?”
President Choo ManJi obviously didn’t mean those words literally, but KangYoon replied calmly .
“Not at all . They are all exceptional . I knew that SeGyung had her way with dancing, but… she’s good alright . ”
“I’m happy to hear those words from you . But I’m not sure if she can chase MinAh with it . ”
“I’m worried instead, whether MinAh can match her . ”
KangYoon also replied humbly . Of course, the two were thinking completely different in their hearts .
Distancing from her partner, Kang SeGyung appealed with her fancy dance moves to her heart’s content . She showed off a popping dance to grab attention then switched to the s.e.xy dance again to grab even more attention . Although it was only around 10 seconds, this short but drastic contrast made everyone gasp .
After sticking to her partner again, she softly waved her body and played around with her partner’s chin . Meanwhile, the other men were emphasizing her movements around her .
‘Amazing…’
‘She’s no joke…’
The other partic.i.p.ants all gasped at Kang SeGyung’s dances . Although all the people here were veterans in singing and dancing, Kang SeGyung’s dancing mesmerized them all .
Kang SeGyung’s dances soon entered its peak .
She grabbed her partner’s chin with her hand, waved with her shoulders, and pulled him towards her . At the same time, the partner wrapped his hands around her waist and showed pretty dynamic moves .
“Oh!”
The other partic.i.p.ants all exclaimed out loud . At the same time, Kang SeGyung’s hair flipped backward and her partner neared his lips towards hers .
The two created a thrilling moment of not-so-touching lips and the dance finished there .
“Oooh!”
Applause and cheers erupted from everywhere . Regardless of the team, everyone was overwhelmed by her dance . Even the staff, who had to stay quiet during the recording, started clapping .
“Thank you . ”
Amidst the applause, the host approached Kang SeGyung who was out of breath .
“Thank you for your wonderful stage . Miss SeGyung, how much practice do you need to dance like that?”
Kang SeGyung heaved a few breaths before replying coyly .
“Fuu, fuu… It’s embarra.s.sing to say, but I haven’t practiced a lot due to my busy schedule . About… two days I think?”
“Wow, you can dance so well with just two days of practice? You’re amazing!”
The host exclaimed several times as he continued the interview .
Seeing that, Jung MinAh snorted .
‘What two days… She’s at least done a week of practice . ’
The interview was a mix of pretense and humbleness, and Kang SeGyung gave glances to Jung MinAh every now and then .
‘Can you beat this?’
‘Hmph, let’s see about that . ’
The sparks between the two were all captured by the camera .
KangYoon made a difficult expression since the two ladies were getting out of hand .
“This… this is going too far . This is not what I wanted…’
President Choo ManJi scratched his cheeks . He thought the same .
“You’re right . Kids grow up by fighting . I hope us adults don’t interfere and turn this into chaos . ”
“I think the same . ”
The evaluation of skill would not be done by them but by other people . There was no need to get their hands dirty with this .
‘She’s definitely prepared a lot . ’
KangYoon crossed his arms after seeing that the two ladies had calmed down a little .
Unlike what she said, it was clear that Kang SeGyung had prepared a lot in this battle against Jung MinAh .
‘Well, the contents of a pot is never set in stone until it’s opened . ’
KangYoon grinned as he watched Jung MinAh who had her interview before her stage .
“Is there a need to speak anymore? Miss MinAh . Are you ready?”
“Yes . ”
As soon as the interview ended, Jung MinAh took out a beanie and put it on . Her shoulder-length hair was slightly shortened and the atmosphere around her changed .
‘What is she going to do?’
‘What has she prepared?’
The partic.i.p.ants all held their breath after seeing Jung MinAh completely change in style with just a single prop . Kang SeGyung’s breathtaking performance also raised their expectations of Jung MinAh’s performance .
The lights dimmed and Jung MinAh raised her hand .
– My eyes close – in my dreams – my lovely oppa–
Jung MinAh did a turn .
That was all she did, but the other partic.i.p.ants widened their eyes . It wasn’t because of her move but because of the music .
“Isn’t this My Sweety Darling?”
“It is . ”
“Isn’t this DiaTeen’s song?”
While everyone was surprised, Jung MinAh softly stroked down her thin legs . This was how ‘My Sweety Darling’ started . She waved her hands in the air and kicked . This was the exact same moves of ‘My Sweety Darling’ that was reminiscent of a cheerleader’s moves .
This wasn’t the end, ‘My Sweety Darling’ started with an EDM, but Jung MinAh’s version of ‘My Sweety Darling’ switched from an EDM for other acoustic sounds . The song had completely changed into something else
– Ugly to others, Cute to my eyes, my lovely oppa, my eternal love –
Jung MinAh lightly shook her waist to appeal her cuteness . It was similar to DiaTeen’s original ch.o.r.eography yet different . Her fluttering white skirt emphasized her charm greatly .
“Wow!”
The male partic.i.p.ants were already head over heels for Jung MinAh who was showing a completely new side of her . Jung MinAh winked towards the other partic.i.p.ants and one of the male partic.i.p.ants’ hearts seemed to have skipped a beat as he fainted .
“Tch . ”
…Though, the ladies were uncomfortable with that .
However, the cuteness dance only lasted for a brief moment .
– The world is a wide place – but only you — enter my eyes –
The atmosphere changed .
Deep saxophone sounds rang out and a jazz-style accompaniment began . However, this song was also familiar to the people in the seats . It was another one of DiaTeen’s songs, ‘Story’ .
“This feels very different jazz style . It has a different feel to the original . Moreover, the transition was smooth as well… Did you rearrange it yourself?”
“Yes . I did have a hard time, though, since the original had strong colors . ”
“That’s amazing . Can we use this song for ourselves?”
President Choo ManJi’s eyes widened .
He was worried when Jung MinAh asked him if she could use DiaTeen’s songs . However, he permitted it since he believed that even Jung MinAh wouldn’t be able to win against the original, but… he did not think that the rearrangement was so well done .
KangYoon shook his head hearing the compliment .
“Sure . We’ll be thankful instead . ”
“I realized from the moment it started with ‘My Sweety Darling’ . So it’s a medley . Looks like I took a hit . ”
President Choo ManJi scratched his head with an awkward expression .
Jung MinAh, who was emphasizing feminine beauty along with cuteness with her cheerleader-like dance, picked one in the audience and dragged him out .
“Whoaa!?”
The man that was dragged out stood in the center of the stage with a panicked expression . Jung MinAh skimmed her hand around his body .
“Oooh!”
Being cheered on by the others, Jung MinAh turned around the man once . The other partic.i.p.ants, who were envious of that, started calling out .
“Me, me next!”
“There’s me too!”
However, luck did not find its way to them .
Jung MinAh lightly pushed away the lucky man and the man returned to his seat with a dumbfounded expression . Continuing on, Jung MinAh sultrily looked towards the camera and continued with a mature type of dance .
Unlike Kang SeGyung, she did not have a single partner with her, but she absorbed the gazes of everyone present with each of her moves . Moreover, the rearrangement of the songs was completely different from the original and added to the power of her dance .
The long sax sounds were then covered by the loud drum beats and the atmosphere changed again .
Accelerating, Jung MinAh’s steps sped up . She induced the others to clap and everyone started clapping .
Eventually, the final song came out after a ringing sound effect .
– Today is the day for you — and me–
The last one was another one of DiaTeen’s songs . It was their signature song t.i.tled ‘I Love You’ that contained the story of a couple in love . DiaTeen wore a school uniform-like costume to appeal their cuteness and it received a lot of love from the public .
However, Jung MinAh’s version was completely different . The fast beat influenced her into doing a popping dance .
“Waaaa!”
The other partic.i.p.ants all cheered . The ladies that were envious of her trying to act cute were all but gone . They were all mesmerized by her dance moves that even most male dancers had a hard time doing .
‘No way! How can she be so good at changing the mood?’
Kang SeGyung was flabbergasted .
Jung MinAh freely played around amidst 3 completely different songs . She thought that she would show breakdancing moves at best…
Cuteness, Feminine beauty, Power .
Jung MinAh showed everything .
‘… I’ve lost . ’
Seeing Jung MinAh performing breakdance moves, Kang SeGyung bit her lips .
Jung MinAh’s dance reached its peak . She did steps to spin around her body before turning upside down and spun her body with her head at the bottom .
“Waaaaa!”
When she did a headspin, one of the most difficult moves in breakdancing, everyone erupted in cheers . Even the staff, who were supposed to stay quiet, exclaimed out loud .
After spinning around on her head, Jung MinAh sat down on the floor and gave the camera a V with her hand and a big grin on her face .
“Phew . ”
“Waaaa!”
Along with her panting, everyone erupted into cheers .
The stage that befitted that of the t.i.tle of ‘Dancing Queen’, ended like that .
***