Auditions and Training Part 1

After waking up, I spent 2 years researching about the world I was in while synching my memories with it too.

I realized that a lot of things were different.

For example, this earth had World War III and President John F. Kennedy was not shot. And those are just two examples.

Of course, while I was doing my rehabilitation, I also maintained my business, and re-learned and refreshed my music producing skills.

It turns out this brain is pretty much a genius. It can easily adapt to whatever I try to learn. No wonder this kid was a prodigy.

This world also pretty much more advanced in technologically but not much on other things like cooking, music and fashion.

I also kept tabs on the k-pop industry for a year and researched everything I could. There were a lot of things that shocked me.

First, it turns out it was still exploring the techno, dubstep, pop and EDM genre. They were still developing the kind of music that we had back on earth.

Second, some of the k-pop groups that were supposed to debut did not debut yet.

Or some groups that DID debut but lack the original members.

Or they had more members than they should have.

I even saw members of one group debuting in a different group. An example of which is the famous Wonder Girls. They still consisted of 7 members, but you won't believe who the members are.

Hyuna, Sunmi, Sohee and Yubin were still there, but now, Fei, Min, and Suzy from Miss A were now part of Wonder Girls.

The line-up is great and all but I'd miss the songs of Miss A.

But… this also brings me to my next point…

Third, all the songs from the previous world DOESN'T EXIST in this world.

Yeah… you heard me…

It's not just in the k-pop industry but the entire world itself. I know... No awesome songs by the Beatles.

Well… not that they existed in this world anyway.

Fourth, there are only five major k-pop companies in all of South Korea. SM Entertainment, YG Entertainment, JYP Entertainment, Pledis Entertainment and Big Hit Entertainment. I really don't know what happened to the other companies but since these five companies were so large, they probably swallowed the smaller companies.

This was so messed up that some of the supposedly k-pop groups from the smaller companies actually debut in these companies.

And lastly…

I didn't know how I was supposed to take this one…

But here it is…

Idols and dating… this was a thing on this earth.

In fact, it's encouraged. But the Idol's themselves either don't want to do it, or are too busy for it.

There's also an unspoken rule that majority of the fans must like the person their precious idols are dating. That's probably something that didn't change in this world – fans dictating the lives of their idols. But it's quite different here because the fans are very supportive.

But this also means that saesang fans exists as well… and a lot of them at that. I swear… there isn't a week that there wouldn't be news about a saesang fan harassing idols.

Anyway, I didn't just sit still in the past 2 years. Like what I've said, I decided to invest in the music industry again.

Since our family owns multiple businesses around the world and are also big investors to major corporations and companies. I decided to invest on the 5 major companies and actually are part of the major shareholders of each company. But I decided to name it under my father to keep a low profile.

*Knock Knock!*

The door to my office suddenly opens.

"Ya! JayB-ah! You said that you were picking me up at 9AM so we could go together to SM's auditions at 2PM today?" Sooyoung came barging into my company's office which snapped me back to reality.

So…

Yeah…

I became close with THE Park Sooyoung in 2 years. It was weird at first, but now it's quite normal.

And yes, we both decided to audition to become k-pop stars.

Well…

It was her who decided it.

I hesitated at first, but since I was given a chance to start a brand new life. I decided to audition and see if I could make it into the scene.

I wanted to audition for Big Hit Entertainment, but when I didn't see the names of the BTS members I decided to start my own k-pop group.

I looked at my watch and saw that it was already 11AM.

Oh shoot…

I then stood up only to be stopped by Sooyoung. "Sooyoung-ah…"

"Don't… I know you're busy. I'm used to it. We'll leave in a while so go get changed." She replied.

"But what about…" I was stopped again as she raised a couple of plastic bags filled with food.

"Now go! I'll set the food while you're getting ready." She said.

I quickly changed into comfortable clothes before joining her to eat.

After eating, we got on one of my cars and went straight to one of SM Entertainment's audition building.

The moment we entered the building, we noticed that there were a lot of people inside. Most of them were about our age. While others were younger than us. Only a few people were older than us.

We submitted our forms and got our audition numbers which was 151 and 152. They are really professionals in handling auditions since they really started on time. Though there are a lot of people, the auditions are moving faster than expected.

There were 5 rooms which have 5 judges inside. 5 people would then enter each room to show their talents.

After about an hour of waiting, it was finally our turn to audition. We were brought to room E together with 3 more people.

The judges were really serious while checking out our profiles and were asking us all these questions. One judge in particular got me all nervous.

It was Taemin-hyung.

In my previous life, we were good friends since I wrote some of his songs.

But here…

He was now a sunbaenim.

"Okay, let's start with your singing first." He clapped his hand as he said that and it only made me tenser.

Since Sooyoung was number 151, she was the first one up. She then approached the mic and started singing.

No wonder she passed the auditions in my previous world. She already had a very solid foundation before her training.

I could see the judges nod their head and I knew they were pretty much impressed. Even Taemin-sunbaenim was smiling.

"That's good for now 151. Umm… Park Sooyoung-ssi… right? Good, you stand over there and wait for a while. 152, you're up." One of the judges said after they whispered among themselves.

I slowly walked towards the mic. And I thought…

Wait a minute?

What am I going to sing? I don't even know the songs of this world!

"152, you may begin." One of the judges started to get impatient.

I looked at Taemin-sunbaenim who smiled at me and gave me a thumbs up. Well, I guess I'll go with their song then.

I breathed out and began singing the first song that came in to my mind.

The moment I started singing, everyone in the room turned their heads towards me. Joy was now smiling from ear to ear while the judges had their mouths wide open. I even heard one of the auditionees say "wow".

After the song ended, I heard one person clapping and when I turned to see who it was, it was Taemin-sunbaenim who was now standing.

"Waaa… Nice! What's the title of that song? It sounded great! It's the first time I've heard something like that!" He said cheerfully.

"It's called 'Juliette'."

Yeah, of course you'll like it.

It's Shinee's song.

"Did you write that?" the question from one of the judges shocked me.

I did not know how to answer it.

What should I do?

I mean it wouldn't be a lie since this song doesn't exist in this world. Right?

Man…

I'm sorry k-pop Idols and fans from my previous world!

"Yes…" I lied…

They all turned towards each other and started whispering.

"152, you did great! We would like to talk to you about that song later. Would you mind joining Park Sooyoung-ssi, Kim Jinbo-ssi…?" The judge began to trail off.

I could see that something was wrong…

The other judges began to whisper to one another.

"Kim Jinbo-ssi? Do you mind if I ask you a personal question?" Another judge finally turned to look at me and asked.

I don't like where this is going.

"How are you related to Kim Stephen-nim?"

I knew it…

Well…

There's no point in hiding it now, right?

"Oh… He's my father." The moment I said that, all of them began standing up except for Taemin-sunbaenim who clearly didn't have a clue to what was happening.

The moment they bowed deeply and apologized for not recognizing me, I stopped them and told them that I was here on my own, and being his son should not affect their decision. I also promised them that I would not hold this against them.

I wanted a fair audition.

Although being a shareholder has its perks, I definitely didn't want to take advantage of people like that.

The moment they understood that, we went through with the audition.

_____________

The day soon ended with me and Sooyoung passing the auditions, camera tests, and the interviews completely.

We would be starting our training next week. The organizers also gave me permission to get out of training if I needed to whenever business was involved.

I rejected the offer at first since it was unfair for the other trainees but they insisted and no matter what I said, I could not stop them.

I ended up having more privileges than any trainee in the company, but I told them not to give me special treatment during the training and to keep my identity a secret at all cost. They all agreed to do so.

Sooyoung and I exited the building at 10PM and decided to have a late dinner before going home.

"You know… I was thinking of having a stage name since there would probably be a lot of people with the same name as I do when we debut." Sooyoung suddenly brought this topic up.

I smiled at her and replied, "Oh? Well do you have something in mind?"

"I don't know. Nothing seems to stick. I feel like the names I've thought of were either cheesy or cringy, ya know?" She said while slowly putting a spoonful of rice in her mouth.

She is cute and I can't believe that she's my best friend. It's so weird.

"Hmm… usually idols use names relating to their personality or skill. What were the names that you've thought of?" I asked her.

"Hmm… let me see. First there was Sunny, then there was Sugar…" She couldn't finish what she was saying because I accidentally spat out my drink because it was so funny.

"YA! What's so funny, huh?" She angrily asked.

"Nothing, nothing. It's just so cringy. I'm sorry." I said as I hastily wiped off the spilled drink on the table.

"Right? Ha… I just don't want to use my real name, ya know?" She said in a sad tone.

Then my mouth just had to open itself…

"What about 'Joy'?" I asked

"Joy?" She stared at me in surprise.

Me and my big mouth…

I decided to play it off.

"Yeah! Because you seem like you're the happy type and you make people happy." I replied.

"Joy? Huh… Joy… Hmm… I like it!" She exclaimed after thinking about it.

"Seriously? I just gave you a random name and you like it?" I could not believe how easily that went.

Of course she'll like it! That was her stage name in Red Velvet!

"Mm-hm!" She replied cheerfully as she nodded her head while sipping on her drink.

"You're weird…" And with that I earned a hard slap on my shoulder.

_____________

1 year later…

"Finally!" Joy shouted as she got out of the dance studio.

I was leaning on the wall outside the studio door where Joy was training in while replying to some important emails from my secretary. I also just finished my rehearsals.

It was now 2 in the morning.

"Hey Joy. Where do you want to go eat?" I asked her.

And yes, I started calling her Joy after that day to help her get used to it.

She obviously didn't notice me as she snapped her head towards me. "Ahh! JayB! You're here!"

"Joy-ah! Let's go eat ramyeon!" Another voice came from inside the room and suddenly, an older girl appeared beside her.

She was shocked to see me and just bowed and greeted me.

"Joy, I think you have other plans so I guess I'll see you some other time." I smiled at her and just bowed at the woman before turning my back and walking away.

I wanted her to make friends since she only ever hangs out with me..

"JayB! Wait!" She grabbed my hand and pulled me back.

This girl…

Really…

"Seulgi-unnie, I want you to meet my best friend Jinbo. Jinbo, this is Seulgi-unnie. She's an amazing dancer!" She introduced us to the girl who greeted me.

The reason why I ran away after seeing the girl was because I knew her.

She was THE Seulgi of THE Red Velvet. One of the greatest dancers of all time. THAT Seulgi!

I was supposed to be a dancer myself, I really looked up to her. Just wow!

"Hello Noona, It's really an honor to meet you." I really meant it.

"H-hello, Jinbo-ssi. It's a pleasure to meet you too. Is it really an honor to meet me? Have you seen me somewhere before?" She asked slightly flustered.

Yes… Yes I have…

I have watched all your dance videos.

But of course… I can't say that to her.

"I saw your dance practice a while ago. You really are as amazing as what Joy said." I lied.

"HAHA! No! Come on! Stop… you're making me blush." She said as she covered her face.

Joy and I just laughed it off and we all decided to go together and grab something to eat.

___________

We are now inside my car and are heading to the nearest restaurant which we hope is still open.

"Are there any restaurants that are actually open at this time?" Joy said as she was obviously the hungriest one among us.

"There is but it'll be a while before we get there." I replied.

"Waa… for a trainee, you're pretty much rich aren't you Jinbo-ssi? I've never seen anyone drive a car at your age. In fact, I haven't seen anyone drive a car like this. Are you even allowed to drive?" Seulgi bluntly bombarded me with questions.

She's practically right. Since when did a 14 year-old kid drive in Korea?

I laughed before I answered, "You probably wouldn't believe me if I tell you, Noona. And please, call me JayB."

"Try me then... JayB-ah." And with that Joy and I told her everything.

In the previous world, she was pretty much polite with me when I recorded "Little Little "with Red Velvet. I also saw her take care of her members the most. Although she's a dancer, I looked up to her because she was very kind.

"WAA! REALLY? SERIOUSLY? AMAZING! You're technically one of my bosses! I'm sorry, sajang-nim." She said apologetically and sarcastically.

"Noona, please don't do that." I laughed at her reaction.

"HAHA! Okay, okay. Seriously though, Joy, why aren't you going out with this guy? Are you sure you guys are just best friends? Because that's how it all starts." As soon as she barraged us with a number of questions, joy became redder and redder.

Of course, for me. Joy and I were just friends. The real Kim Jin Bo also felt that way too. Sure, she's Joy from Red Velvet, but even in my previous life, I've only seen her as an acquaintance.

Besides…

There was somebody that I'm waiting and looking for…

I just hope that she's here and she didn't change.

For me… I really liked this woman a lot.

"Come on, Noona. Stop teasing Joy. We both know that we're just best friends and we won't be more than that." I answered her while laughing it off.

"R-right…" Joy sounded disappointed.

"Okay! Right! So… that means I have a chance with you now JayB-ah? Hehehe!" She suddenly said.

"EHH?!" Joy and I screamed as I suddenly hit the brakes.

____________________

AN: So…. In every chapter, there will be k-pop idols that I would be introducing. Hope you like it!