As expected of a variety show that rivals the popularity of Jusehan, real-time posts began flooding the internet.
Thump-thump… Thump-thump…
I was going to watch the rerun, but I ended up turning on the TV.
Looks like today’s episode is going to be epic.
Who’s the guest today?
┖NB
┖They’re starting a new special, haha, an idol debut project.
Oh, haha, this is going to be so fun.
The program, known for its variability depending on the guest or theme, had already sparked anticipation among the viewers.
The preview from last week already looked amazing, haha.
Whenever NB appears, as a variety show enthusiast, it just warms my heart.
This is definitely going to be at least a moderate hit, haha.
Can’t wait to see Chugiseok’s expression, haha. He’s always wanted to do something with New Black during recordings.
He’s actually going to sing, haha.
Posts filled with curiosity about Chugiseok’s reaction, who had repeatedly listed ‘New Black’ as his desired guest, were everywhere.
The program’s avid fans were brimming with excitement for this project.
However, some were worried about the high expectations.
Two months? That’s a long-term project; I wonder if it’ll be okay…
Having New Black as guests is reassuring, but honestly, I can’t help but worry… Music specials are notoriously boring.
Can they really make an idol debut project interesting? I can’t even imagine it.
Fans of the show, Mip, were concerned about the all-too-familiar format.
Could practicing and recording alone truly extract any fun?
For a long-term project airing over two months, the start was crucial.
Despite being a national favorite with a solid fanbase, the show wasn’t without its fair share of critics.
One misstep, and entertainment reporters and naysayers would be singing the show’s downfall, citing ratings trends.
We’re also nervous about the ratings, and NB fans must be feeling the pressure.
Yeah, really… One wrong move, and we could be labeled the year’s most boring show.
But that wasn’t the case.
Guys, let’s not hurt anyone.
Wonder what’s coming up next, haha.
After the seagull-catching, now I’m expecting a people-catching segment.
Our kids, who turned ‘My Hometown’ into a wild party, are heading to Mip.
Haha, it’s like they’re going to ruin the show.
Ah… But everyone’s joking around, I really hope it turns out well. It’s Mip, so I’m a bit nervous.
Just act normal, guys. There’s no need to be nervous about being a national favorite… But I do want to see Junghyeon shake it up a bit.
Unless they were too nervous to perform as usual.
The Soufflés, as the fans were called, weren’t worried about the entertainment value or the fun.
‘It’s out of my hands now…’
Initially, they had hoped for the idols to do something cool and pretty, but now they were content just to cheer them on warmly.
Was there ever an idol who talked to cows on a lifestyle show or caught seagulls on a healing trip?
Despite the unremarkable format, the Soufflés guessed something would surely come out of it.
They were just excited, not knowing which member it would be.
While Mip’s viewers and Soufflés waited eagerly online,
Ordinary people were either having dinner or flipping through TV channels after their meal.
“Let’s watch Mip today. They’re starting a new special.”
“Last time it was boring… What’s on today?”
“New Black is appearing. Some kind of singer special.”
“New Black…? Let’s just turn it on.”
The keyword ‘New Black’ elicited a positive response from the viewers.
While the middle-aged demographic, shaped by ‘Song Corps’ and ‘My Hometown,’ pressed the remote with fond anticipation,
The last commercial rolled.
Speed decides everything.
As the telecom ad featuring New Black in cool poses ended, the ‘Mr. Producer’ logo descended from the top of the screen.
Following the unnoticed age guidance notification,
A preview for today’s episode appeared.
This project is the ‘Idol Debut Project.’
What? Idols?
The members of Mr. Producer blinked in surprise at the producer’s words.
Then came the check on their wild dance skills.
As laughter ensued from their dance moves, the members wore expressions of ‘what do we do now.’
Hello!
The producers for this project made their entrance, faces hidden with question marks (?).
“It’s NewBlack,” someone remarked.
“I can tell just by their voices; they have a distinct sound,” another added.
“You can recognize them by their size alone. The biggest guy over there works like an ox from my hometown.”
The trailer skipped rapidly through training scenes as the real conversation began.
‘I wonder if today’s show will be fun?’
While I was deciding whether to watch another variety show, the last scene of the trailer played.
[Aaaaah!]
The sound of something whirring.
The members of Mip were in the practice room, their faces a picture of panic as they scrambled to escape something.
“Ha ha ha!”
“What was that? What did they dodge?”
“Looks like it’s going to be a funny episode, doesn’t it?”
Their expressions were so desperate that I couldn’t help but laugh.
The preview ended, and the logo for [Mr. Producer – Idol Debut Project] appeared.
The TV channel remained fixed on PBS2.
The first 20 minutes didn’t feature NewBlack.
It was time to justify why this project was undertaken.
The youngest member, Hong Seok, made a wish in Jeongdongjin, saying, “Becoming an idol was my dream.”
The members, resolute, began their search for a producer in earnest.
First, they gathered industry insiders to discuss, ‘Who should we choose as the producer?’
Since it was footage from November last year, everyone was dressed in winter fashion.
“Me? Choose me.”
“Do our ties mean so little? I’ll do it for 500 won, okay?”
“I’m in a bit of a hurry these days.”
Ignoring the persistent phone calls from the CEO of KM Entertainment, the scene shifted to laughter.
Then, Oh So-hee, a reporter on the entertainment beat, spoke up while holding her pen.
“We need a professional producer’s opinion, but at the same time, we’re considering mentoring from current idols, right?”
“That’s correct, ma’am.”
“What if there’s an idol group that meets both criteria?”
“Really?”
While the Mip members looked on wide-eyed, the industry insiders exchanged knowing glances.
“Is there such a group?”
“…Do you know NewBlack?”
“Who doesn’t know NewBlack?”
The entertainers looked at each other with joking disbelief.
“I thought you were talking about some group we didn’t know!”
“I know their names. Seon Woojoo, Kim Bi Joo, Kim Junghyun, Seo Rihyuk… What was that one guy’s name, Jiho?”
“Was it Hwang? Ah, I shouldn’t get this wrong. Sorry, NewBlack fans!”
“I once met a naturalist guest who lived in the mountains, and they were watching NewBlackTV.”
While the entertainers continued with their witty banter, the experts began to speak seriously about NewBlack.
“Woo Joo is really famous in the industry for his composing. He composed all of NewBlack’s title tracks.”
They mentioned the songs that shook the first half of last year, Baramkkot and Nine, and this year’s early hit, Winter Sleep, as Nine played in the background.
The song Thousand Dreams from the movie Nostalgia, which stayed on the Billboard Hot 100 for nearly 20 weeks, also played.
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Not only the Mip members but also the viewers watching TV were astounded.
“Did he really create all that?”
“It’s true. His name is on all the compositions when you check Mango.”
“How much money is that? Enough to buy a building.”
The members on TV also marveled at the potential earnings.
People in their 20s and 30s, who knew Woo Joo as one of the ‘top copyright idols’ on social media, looked on with renewed interest.
Those who knew him as a talented idol singer from song festivals were pleasantly shocked.
The experts continued.
“You may know them for Black Goat or Unicycle, the Special Forces, but they’re known in the industry as ‘self-producing idols.’”
“Really. Even if you don’t pay attention, you hear a lot about NewBlack.”
“Honestly, their visuals and comedy… I mean, their stage presence has led to their producing abilities being undervalued.”
“Just go to MiTube, and you’ll find a plethora of videos related to their album production. The making of Winter Sleep video was quite a surprise.”
As music critic Hwang Ho Cheol finished speaking, a video credited ‘Source: MeTube NewBlackTV’ played.
The members were fiercely debating concepts and music.
Before the project began, they explained to the viewers ‘Why NewBlack?’
‘I thought they were invited just for laughs, but there was a deeper meaning that caught me off guard. LOL’
‘There was a greater purpose for Murok after all.’
Watching the work video, I couldn’t help but laugh. “Haha, this is quite different! Aren’t these guys already famous after their winter hibernation? The fierceness in their eyes is no joke.”
In the comics, it’s always cool when the funny character gets serious.
I believe there’s always a reason for reaching the top.
I felt a bit embarrassed; they seemed like YOLO YouTubers to me, but they’re actually hardworking kids.
Those who aren’t fans or interested in idols would be surprised by these unknown facets.
After consulting with the expert panel, articles about NewBlack’s recruitment flooded the screen.
On April 5th, the members visited Lemon Entertainment. They looked around the lounge at the YouTube plaques and awards and complained, “When are they coming?”
During a terrible acting sequence, the camera captured the five-member group standing behind the equipment.
NewBlack struck a cheerful pose, shouting, “Yay!” Their refreshing smiles brightened the room, winning the viewers’ favor.
“Wow! NewBlack!”
A lively group of handsome guys burst in, enthusiastically welcomed by another group of good-looking men.
The viewers felt the same way.
“Handsome plus handsome is great… I love it when super attractive people appear on ‘MiPro.’”
“Sorry, Hong Seok. From today, Sun Woo Joo is my favorite.”
“Their images are somewhat similar, haha… Handsome entertainers versus idols who do variety shows.”
“Suddenly, I’m okay even if it’s not funny.”
“Haha, but how can their faces all be so different? It’s amazing.”
Admiration was evident for NewBlack, each member with a distinct charm yet together forming a picturesque ensemble.
“They’re funny, that’s why. But they are handsome, right?”
“Da Young, bring home a guy like them for a son-in-law. Handsome and obedient, not some worthless guy.”
“…Yes.”
While NewBlack chatted with the members on TV, the Soufflés felt a strange catharsis from the absence of any performance or choreography introduction videos. It was as if everyone already knew the group, so there was no need for explanations.
Meanwhile, “That’s me! I’m part of the NewBlack TV fan club. A fake Soufflé!”
The viewers laughed at Chu Gi Seok’s crazy jokes and explanations, and the Soufflés began to burst into laughter too.
“The fandom name is being broadcasted nationwide, haha…”
“Mom just asked me if I’m the saint they’re talking about on TV, haha…”
“Embarrassed, haha… but proud.”
“Gi Seok looks at us with such admiration, calling us saints, haha…”
“Suddenly, we’re saints, haha…”
“My greatest achievement in life) I’ve been a fan of NewBlack since the fireworks show.”
“But that is a significant achievement… If you became a fan during the fireworks, aren’t you at least a royal patron?”
“I became a fan during their winter break, so I guess I’m not of noble rank.”
The members reading their self-introductions from cue cards was a sea of laughter.
Especially when the ‘Idol You Want to Date’ rankings came out.
The mention of being outside the top ten if personality was included caused laughter in living rooms and online.
“Haha, that must be genuinely baffling.”
“Ah… I get the feeling when personality is included.”
“NewBlack used the [Cry Like a Cow] skill! It was incredibly effective! Charm -100.”
“But seriously, it seems like people know their personalities that well. Honestly, unless they’re like Kevin, who appears on variety shows, how would ordinary people know an idol’s personality?”
“TMI) That Kevin is also Sun Woo Joo’s junior in the military.”
Throughout the show, edits showcasing NewBlack’s charm flowed.
They exchanged sweet glances among themselves, polite yet confident in their laughter.
They looked adorable, like the youngest member being teased by mischievous uncles.
Even those who usually didn’t think much of NewBlack found these aspects endearing.
Then, in the practice room, the real talent evaluation segment began.
And…
“Wow…”
The viewers erupted in laughter at the unexpectedly impressive dance skills.
“Amazing.”
Even those who couldn’t dance gained confidence from their lack of skill.
The expression management of NewBlack, ending just with dilated pupils, was admirable.
Even the snide critics who had come to mock their album promotion fell silent.
“Man… how did they even debut?”
“Stepped in it. Really stepped in it.”
“Don’t talk about poop while I’m eating.”
So when Bi Joo joked about their ‘Dance Skill: S Rank,’ everyone laughed and accepted it.
As an S-rank, they must have been quite generous with me.
Curiosity piqued about Bijoo’s skills, who modestly called themselves C-rank.
Then, pushed by the cast, Bijoo rose to the stage.
And…
“They really dance well.”
The audience agreed with the Mip members, who couldn’t see how this was C-grade.
Though gentle and cute in demeanor, their dancing eyes told a different story.
Like the sudden appearance of a national song contest remix, changing the dance energetically.
Even on a simple stage, their dedication was visibly commendable.
Suddenly, it’s a national~~~!! LOL
Isn’t that the super hot remix from Mitube? LOL, seeing it here again.
The remix was awesome.
Listening to that makes Nine feel bland.
On TV, Woojoo spoke with a bright smile.
“You’ve made it so well, wow.”
“I’m amazed. Really.”
“No joke, if the producer of this remix is watching, please contact us.”
“Please do~!”
As Woojoo expressed a desire to collaborate, a cool caption flowed, “New Black is waiting for you.”
Meanwhile, comments like ‘Pilgrimage here’ and ‘Watch Mip!’ flooded the live video.
As the first special episode of Mr. Producer’s Idol neared its end.
“It’s fun.”
The consensus among viewers watching the first episode was similar.
The cast’s synergy was good.
Though not the start of the official project, the first episode alone was enough to spark anticipation for what’s to unfold.
It didn’t explode as expected, but if this is the level from the first episode, it promised to be an entertaining special.
As the internet communities buzzed with reviews saying today’s show was fun and looking forward to more.
The last five minutes.
Members were seen practicing routines created by New Black.
-??? What’s this… Isn’t it the rule of Mip to end with ‘Let’s work hard, fighting!’?
Feels like the scene will cut off awkwardly.
The routine video made by New Black is hilarious LOL.
“Try following along,” the screen suggested, showing the dance routine.
The enthusiastic Mip members’ moment was brief.
A few hours later, the TV screen skipped to exhausted men, eliciting laughter.
Amidst a peaceful scene.
[Trilling recorder sound]
The sudden recorder sound startled the viewers.
“…?”
In the TV within the TV, Woojoo played the recorder briefly and then vanished.
Then Bijoo appeared, saying they had been watching live, and everyone burst into laughter.
LOL
So funny LOL
The cast’s expressions LOL
Are they crazy with practice LOL
That’s so New Black LOL
-??? What’s happening with Mip?? Why all the LOLs
Did something legendary happen today?
As ‘LOL’ flooded the live chat and online communities.
A legendary moment was born from the first episode.
Ziiing-
[Aaaaah!]
It was a scene of a wheeled TV chasing people.
“Hahaha!”
While all the viewers across the nation laughed watching Mip.
People eating in real-time choked or spat out their food, covering the nation with sounds.
And amidst the chaos at the dining table, the laughter didn’t stop.
After the live broadcast of Mr. Producer ended.
Team TF’s manager Hong Seo-young summarized the audience’s reaction in three phrases.
“It appeared~ We saw~ It exploded!”
The response was as good as an explosion.
Thanks to the angelic editing, we appeared more likable, but Bijoo’s last-minute performance was truly impactful.
As soon as the broadcast ended, our phones vibrated non-stop.
“Finally… I did it! Bro!”
“Bijouuu!”
“Thuuuung!”
Finally, a proper burst of laughter erupted. Bijou, surrounded by happiness, was celebrated with a twist dance by everyone.
“And next episode, it’s my vocal lesson.”
“Woaaaah!”
Next week, surrounded by the beloved Rihyuk, who claimed to be the core, we celebrated by playfully slapping his back.
“Ouch! Ouch! Why are you hitting me! Why!”
“Woaaaah!”
The variety show brought us great laughter, a welcome relief from the fatigue of concert and album preparations.
It seemed to have a good reception from the audience too.
Mr. Han, having watched the broadcast, begged to be featured on MiP.
Madam Kim Deoksoon also encouraged us, saying she enjoyed it.
Even during dance practice, when we occasionally checked our phones, our name was at the top of the real-time search rankings.
With ratings nearing 20 percent, this national variety show’s impact was palpable even just from internet reactions.
“Wow…”
But we decided to monitor it later.
With the atmosphere overly heated, it seemed better to review the responses through the PR team after things had settled down.
After all, there was something more pressing at hand.
“Alright! Let’s practice for now! Practice!”
After confiscating phones from the younger ones, who couldn’t peel their eyes away from their screens.
We calmed the excitement and continued our concert practice with composure.
And then.
The next day, we received a call from the producing team before the PR team.
“Guys!”
“…?”
To our bewildered faces, the producing team members burst into triumphant laughter.
“What’s going on?”
The staff, elated, answered.
“The person who made the remix has come to the company!”
“He walked in on his own! Hot stuff!”
“Hey! Is a newbie joining today? Come on in, newbie~?”
Hearing that the unknown composer who made Nine’s remix had come to the company, we all smiled brightly.
It was truly good news.
“Giggle!”
“Hahahahaha!”
We joined the producing team’s hearty laughter, sharing in the joy.