While the laptop was being set up on the studio table, I tapped out a message.

Me [Grandma]

Me [You know your grandson’s on Ju-se-han today, right...?]

Me [(emoji)]

As soon as I sent the little rice-cake emoji tapping its finger with “I have something to say,” a reply popped up immediately.

Kim Deok-soon [I’ve got it on]

Kim Deok-soon [How much of you is in it...?]

Me [About five minutes?]

Me [More than three minutes of curry, haha]

Kim Deok-soon [Call me when you’re on]

Kim Deok-soon [Lots of customers]

I wondered if a hiking club tour bus had rolled in. Smiling at the thought of her busy restaurant, Bi-joo handed me the snacks he’d bought at the convenience store.

Chips and drinks in hand, our faces lit up with excitement.

“Wow, it’s been ages since we watched a broadcast together.”

“Right?”

Mid-hyun popped open his non-alcoholic beer.

“I feel like the last time was that Music Café thing. How long ago was that? Three months? Four months? Really been a while.”

“My memory’s already fuzzy.”

“At what?”

Ri-hyuk sneered.

“I still remember you being all snot-soaked.”

“I can do that impression.”

Mid-hyun mimicked the crying maknae’s face and we burst out laughing.

Ji-ho pouted.

“How is that even the same?”

“......”

After a beat of silence, we all looked at each other and spoke at once.

“It was exactly the same.”

“Synced a hundred percent.”

Watching us laugh and clink cans, the maknae sulked—then suddenly grinned mischievously.

“Ri-hyuk hyung shouldn’t be laughing now. Soon everyone will see your ridiculous basketball shot on TV.”

“Oh.”

“I can see it in your expression now.”

Our main vocalist’s ears flushed red. Sure enough, that shot had been hilarious.

Not just me—everyone glanced away, grinning.

“Oh, this is bad.”

Ri-hyuk, suddenly serious, asked me, “Do you think this is going to air?”

“Of course. You sacrificed yourself to make everyone laugh. Why wouldn’t they use it? We’re not going to tease you all day.”

“...So you mean they’ll milk it for half a day?”

“Exactly.”

He chuckled and grabbed a chip.

While our crestfallen main vocalist accepted a consoling chip from our team’s housekeeper, the Ju-se-han logo finally appeared on the TV screen.

In the opening, the family-sized cast moved around like a sitcom ensemble. That was followed by non-stop sponsor spots.

And not just ordinary commercials.

First, Teacher Woo Jae-yong, the oldest member, pounded his back with “Haha, I can’t keep going!” Next, others launched over like bullets, “Teacher! We’ll carry you!” in a telecom spot.

Then Yuh Hee-chan and Yuh Hee-yeon quarreled and then made up as they cooked ramen, ending with the siblings slurping broth and “Ugh!” in a ramen ad.

“It feels different from Music Café.”

I spoke up.

“Back then it felt like we were big shots on a music show, but this... I don’t even know how to describe it.”

“Right? I’m so nervous.”

The maknae shivered, rubbing his palms together. The others looked the same—like actors seeing their own movie premiere for the first time. Heart pounding, nervous about how they’d look.

I swallowed dryly and asked, “Did everyone tell their families?”

“I just got a text.”

Bi-joo showed his phone.

“My sister said she’s out in front of our house at a restaurant watching it with samgyeopsal delivered. She even sent a proof pic...”

In the photo, his sister, mother, and father grinned and flashed peace signs alongside little Min-jun, who looked perfectly healthy now. I remembered him pale and sick in the hospital. His parents’ faces were bright as a clear sky. Especially Mom—she looked like a schoolgirl on an outing, cheeks rosy.

“Your mom looks so happy. She’s got a glow.”

“She had a shot of soju...”

“Oh.”

We exchanged embarrassed laughs.

“They all look great.”

“This was the show Mom used to watch with Min-jun during ◆ Nоvеlіgһt ◆ (Only on Nоvеlіgһt) hospital days. She’d watch every Sunday and laugh.”

“It must mean a lot to them.”

“Mom and Dad were so excited. When we told them about Ju-se-han, they called all the relatives...”

Our appearance wasn’t just meaningful for us.

When your child says “Our album’s doing well,” or “We’re performing,” parents can’t be sure unless they actually see you on TV. When they finally hear it’s Ju-se-han, their feelings must be indescribable.

Then, Mid-hyun suddenly held out his phone.

“My dad sent me something too.”

I thought it was a low-res photo, but when he tapped play, a video ran.

A community center filled with old and middle-aged villagers.

–Okay, everyone, give a big round of applause!

When Mid-hyun’s dad shouted, hearty clapping followed.

–Friends, today our Mid-hyun is on TV!

“TV!” everyone cheered and clapped.

–Now, let’s do the wave—hup hei–

Why they did the wave, I don’t know.

“What is this?”

“My dad said they’re watching together, sending encouragement.”

“Did I not tell you that you only have about five minutes at the end?”

“You did, but look at this.”

Mid-hyun sighed.

“Looks like they’re using that as an excuse to slaughter a cow and drink soju today.”

“Yeah. When else would they party? Good on you for filial piety.”

“I like it too.”

I smiled at him, then noticed the maknae busily tapping his phone.

“What are you doing?”

“Talking with friends in our class group chat. Everyone’s buzzing about Ju-se-han today. Especially Gil Chae-kyung.”

“Oh, a classmate?”

“Yup. She keeps promoting: ‘ㅋㅋ Ji-ho’s gonna be on too!’ It’s making everyone compare. So annoying.”

As we gurus of attention peered over, Ji-ho held up his phone.

Gil_Chae-kyung [It’s not just me on TV lol Ji-ho’s on too]

Gil_Chae-kyung [Hope you all get lots of screen time hehe]

Gil_Chae-kyung [ㅋㅋ You’re all watching, right? I’ll be on later and Ji-ho too!]

...That was spiteful.

Ji-ho pouted.

“She does this because she’s more senior and expects more airtime. Ugh, so annoying.”

“Just ignore her. What can you do?”

“Yeah. If she hadn’t insulted my looks while confessing, this wouldn’t be happening.”

“Wow. Nobody’s on my side.”

“Don’t worry, hyung. We’re on my maknae’s side. That’s harsh.”

“Whatever. I feel so sulky right now.”

While consoling the sulky maknae, I realized one person had been silent during all the family updates.

Ri-hyuk.

I remembered from composing “Night Sea” that he seldom contacted family aside from his sister.

...Looks like I messed up.

I should have been more careful talking about family. Nervous, I’d blurted it out.

Only then did Bi-joo notice my discomfort and fidget.

I glanced over, and Ri-hyuk met my eyes and narrowed them—then let out a small laugh, as if forgiven.

“Don’t worry about it.”

He said with a smile.

“Let’s just watch together.”

At last, the show began.

Continuing from the last episode, the cast was back in the Gapyeong French Village for a mission.

Like street painters in Europe, they each became one-day portrait artists, sketching visitors.

The hilariously poor drawings, the subjects’ shocked reactions, and banter with passersby were today’s fun points.

At the end, the cast assembled.

–Alright, let’s roll the dice to choose the next destination!

They rolled the dice to finish the episode.

But that wasn’t all.

With the [2014 Chuseok Special] logo, the screen switched.

We gulped. The intro videos streamed one after another.

The first team’s guests were comedian Seo Ji-hyung and model Han So-ra.

Ji-hyung got mock-scolded for dry jokes, while So-ra’s elegant walk was the highlight.

...But something felt off.

Because non-broadcasters were included, it felt like they had less time.

Next came the second team’s guests.

Why Entertainment’s building appeared, and Girls On Top rushed out of their practice room.

–Oh, hello!

Their innocent expressions made the cast beam.

After a quick plug for their new song, the mission started with nearby pedestrians.

It looked fun—raising heart rates of same-gender participants with words or actions.

But it wasn’t fun.

Girls On Top held back. They needed to go all out, but they just sat and cooed, so it fell flat.

We all thought, “Please finish already,” and it did.

“...Really?”

“Is that it?”

“That’s the end?”

We looked grave.

“This is bad. Girls On Top is this bland—what if we get cut entirely?”

“Nah, that won’t happen.”

“How much time left?”

I checked my watch.

“Fifteen minutes still.”

“That’s weird. Including the intro, only Hes-hun and us are left.”

“Maybe they’ll tease the next special in the ending.”

“Mid-hyun hyung, how can they tease if we didn’t film it?”

We were baffled.

The previous segments ended abruptly, too—like you wring a cloth once, then drop it in the basket, instead of squeezing every last drop.

We worried we’d get just two minutes then end.

And of course, our families and friends were watching.

If we got a two-minute cut, that’d be downright embarrassing.

Because of that, we couldn’t even laugh at the Yuh siblings and rapper Hes-hun doing the “봉춤” dance.

Then...

“Hoo... We’re up next.”

The moment we’d dreaded arrived.

Ri-hyuk covered his eyes like he couldn’t bear it, and I almost joined if I hadn’t still been clutching my shrimp snacks.

Mid-hyun pretended to watch calmly but was squeezing his can.

Finally, New Black appeared on screen.

“There we are...!”

Surprisingly, I felt calm.

Like facing a real exam after practicing on OMR sheets: “Alright, lost cause,” and you relax.

And it wasn’t as bad as I’d feared.

We were clumsy, but we looked pretty decent on TV.

Actually, the strangest part came next.

After the handshake between Ju-se-han members and New Black in the auditorium, we stared at each other in shock.

Even Mid-hyun looked dazed.

“Hyung.”

He pointed at the laptop clock.

“...They used a full two minutes just to introduce us.”

As always when a top-rated variety show airs, online communities buzzed with live comments.

In one forum’s freeboard, it was like a live talk.

–That kid cried at the drawing lol

–Ju-se-han) Yuh Hee-chan is nuts lol

–Ju-se-han’s chemistry is insane today

–Putting those three together saved the show

–French Village must be packed now; my wife and I planned a trip there...;;

–Keep the thread tags

At last, the intro video corner began.

–Ju-se-han) Today’s lineup’s kinda weak

–Seo Ji-hyung is so unfunny...

–Honestly, letting him go on is the real problem

–Ah... is it never gonna end

–Oh, Han So-ra ㄷㄷㄷ

–Ju-se-han) Wow, modeling demands real talent

–Keep the tags

–Rewatching the fashion show: Han So-ra walking.gif

Comments flew as Girls On Top appeared.

–Girls On Top is here 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

–Oh wow Ju-ha-na ㄷㄷ

–Keep the tags

–Ju-se-han) Ju-ha-na—is that the one in dating rumors?

–Today’s mission looks fun

As a popular girl group, Girls On Top generated many comments, but their cute segment quickly disappointed viewers.

–Ju-se-han) Pretty but not funny

–I’m satisfied just seeing their faces...

–They said it’s been a while since they did variety... they don’t look really into it

–Ju-se-han) What lol these girls are in their fourth year

–Keep the tags

–Old PD’s lost his touch

Then Hes-hun’s segment flipped the mood.

With EDM and his reggae hair, the rapper danced the “봉춤” in the street, making everyone laugh. The siblings joined in wholeheartedly.

–ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ what is that

–They’re all nuts, honestly lol

–Ju-se-han) Keep the tags

–I laughed so hard I missed it lol

–MVP today is definitely Hes-hun...ㅋㅋㅋ

Meanwhile, amidst laughter, a few puzzled comments appeared.

–This feels weirdly short today?

–It’s ending so fast... does it tease the special in the ending?

–Looks like there’s more intro videos left

–Are the rest unknown rookies?

Various guesses flew, but no one thought New Black would take that full two minutes.

So when we appeared, complaints exploded.

–What unknowns need three minutes... damn

–I’d say PD Koo Jae-young got paid off for this airtime

–What agency is this group from??

–Three minutes of this unfunny stuff lol

–Girls On Top must be livid after that “unfunny” comment

The pacing difference was obvious. Other guests breezed through, but New Black’s segment built up deliberately. We got special treatment.

Some even swore at how a small-agency rookies got so much time on a top variety show.

Fortunately, that hostility vanished when the mission revealed itself.

–Ju-se-han) Wow... look at that difficulty

–They expect us to do that??? It’s almost a full-court shot

–Full court is an exaggeration lol that gym looks small

–With the Heart Sutra playing...??

–I’ll buy chicken if they make that shot

–Ju-se-han) It’s not that hard. When I was in basketball club I did it too;;

Debate raged over success chances. Some said it was possible, others said only athletes could do it, but a few predicted success.

And by now, viewers familiar with Ju-se-han sensed it.

–Look at how they’re focusing airtime—must be making it

–That??

–If that goes in, it’s a real miracle lol

–Ju-se-han) PD Koo Jae-young usually ignores crap segments except when he’s obsessed

Amid the mounting anticipation, New Black members began to attempt it one by one.

Starting with Yuh Hee-yeon’s kick and on through the New Black lineup.

–Wow... lol almost a delivery cross

–Soccer player class is no joke

–Looks like New Black really practices—they actually danced, not for show

–All failed;;

–Only one left

Finally, the last member stepped up.

Tense BGM played as New Black’s Sun Woo-joo took the ball.

The camera zoomed in on his calm expression.

He dribbled with practiced ease, caught it softly, then flicked his wrist skyward.

As the BGM’s drums pounded like a heartbeat, his shot defied all expectations.

Not a kick like Yuh Hee-yeon, nor a one-hand or two-hand shot.

Like a pitcher he drew his right arm way back and hurled it.

A full shot captured the perfect parabola.

On message boards, the buzz quieted.

Faces of the Yuh siblings, New Black members, and watching staff froze in slow motion.

They all widened their eyes in disbelief.

But whether they were shocked by a miss or by the success, it was hard to tell.

Then the full shot returned.

The ball arced beautifully and settled in the hoop.

Not a rim bounce—it dropped in like a dunk.

Swish—

The net’s snap echoed clearly.

Along with on-site gasps, “!!!” flashed boldly as a subtitle.

Crew members rushed to surround Woo-joo.

–Wow lol

–It went in!

–Meanwhile, Yuh Hee-yeon’s gummy smile lol

–What happened to the chicken-guy?? Deleted his comment?

–So it was possible all along???

Complaints about our airtime had long since vanished.

On screen, Woo-joo, clutching the golden key, delivered his closing line.

“Thank you. We’ll keep working hard!”

He wiped cold sweat from his brow, making viewers smile.

After filming, the Yuh siblings teased him, “Wow, you’re sweaty,” approaching him.

His “I just wanted to do well...” caught on mic.

We saw him pressing chapped lips together, modestly drying off—such earnest rookie spirit, warmly edited.

That teaser for the next episode rolled, but viewers were left with that image imprinted.

At home, people in front of TVs; on subways and buses via DMB; in train station waiting rooms—everyone searched “New Black” on their phones, curious.

As a number-one variety show boasting 23% average ratings, the search rankings shot upward.

Of course, the happiest people weren’t us. They were waiting backstage.