webnovel

Big Hit's New Girl Group: I'm a K-Pop Star?!

**Important Note: This is about a fictional OC girl surviving in the music industry and set in real, modern times. ** ------------------------------------------------------- Synopsis: BTS, Bangtan Sonyeondan, Bulletproof Boy Scouts, Beyond The Scene. The idol group had various names, but to Iris, BTS would forever be her inspiration, both in music and in life. She had first encountered them by accident during BTS’s American Hustle Life. Curious and smitten by the adorably awkward boys who couldn’t speak English very well, she later discovered that they were K-pop idols. Upon discovering K-pop, she realized her passion for singing and dancing. She joined the Korean Culture Club at her university and participated in K-pop dance covers. But as a practical girl, she never pursued music seriously. As a second generation American to Thai and Chinese parents, she felt a responsibility to graduate college and be a successful businesswoman. But BTS was the wildcard in her life. When she fatefully met them again during their Wings world tour, her life would never be the same again. Tossed into the brutal world of K-pop, she became somehow became a Big Hit trainee! ------------------------------------------------------- Genres: Fan Fiction, (side) Romance Fiction Question: Why is this listed as Realistic Fiction instead of Fan Fiction? 1) The MC is Iris Huang, a fictional character along with her family and the other Big Hit trainees. Any k-pop idols included in this story are secondary leads. 2) BTS are not the only k-pop included in this story; thus, this is more of a k-pop fanfic if anything. With that said, they are more integral to the story than the others. But because this story began as an entry into the BTS writing competition, I have since after its end gotten some hate for writing it merely due to BTS fanfics swamping the Fan Fiction section. (I really don't see the case for it because the top popular fan fics listed only showed 3 BTS fan fics including mine much lower down the browsing results. But with the contest, the sudden influx probably messed up the New section.) In short, imagine this as a fictional story that's realistic in being set in the modern world and time with real-life people's names. This story was never completely about BTS, it was about Iris surviving in the music industry. It's like saying a fantasy story can't also be a romance; even though, the story may be listed under Fantasy as the main genre. 3) I see stories on here not listed as fan fiction when they're based on TV shows and series, and the story MC is clearly the MC of that original show. Since I think my story follows Realistic Fiction more than as a BTS fan fiction since it isn't totally centered around them, I changed it two weeks after the competition ended. Additionally, now no one can complain about their favorite fan fiction being overrun by BTS ones.... I don't want to inadvertently add to the hate that BTS receives for stupid reasons like this. ------------------------------------------------------- Note about the realism in this book: All of the realism is to allow readers to be able to insert themselves as the MC as if living this reality for real in the modern world. I hope to share BTS's inspirational message to love yourself. May you gain the strength to also believe in yourself and follow your dreams~! Please support the continuation of this story by voting, and enjoy reading! (: TAGS: Music, Idols, Modern Day, Celebrities, Female Lead, Inspirational, Romance, Fan Fiction, BTS, K-pop

Chryiss · ดนตรีและวงดนตรี
Not enough ratings
102 Chs

Many Firsts

"So, how're you all feeling now with your first music show win, multiple wins actually," the variety show host asked LUXIA with a chuckle, "and your perfect all-kill?"

The five girls sitting on the modern, scoop-seat stools on the mostly white show set looked at one another to see if anyone wanted to speak up first. As the leader, Jiyeon felt compelled to answer this question for her team.

"Thank you," she began politely but sincerely, impressing the hosts with her good manners. "We're really grateful to our fans for all their support and interest in our music. We wanted and worked hard to do well with our debut, but we would've never guessed that we could top the charts with our songs."

Jiyeon laughed softly with a trace of embarrassment, making her words and reaction appear more genuine to the audience. While she was indeed bashful a bit about their great success, and her expression wasn't forced in order to appear humble, Jiyeon truly felt extremely proud and shocked yet wanted to scream in joy from the top of her lungs that they made a perfect all kill on their first album.

"We're so so happy and humbled by the positive response, and also any criticism as it's how we can grow, learn, and improve. But we'll always strive to be who we are with our own musical identity and refine our group's unique color. We believe it's our effort to demonstrate our abilities and full creative process that's allowed us to connect to people."

Jiyeon turned to the camera, away from the host, to give with one last appreciate nod of a bow while remaining seated. "So again, thank you so much everyone for your interest and support in us. Watch out for LUXIA."

"Wow, you're very well spoken, Jiyeon-ah." One of the hosts complimented. "Certainly, it shocked all of us too, but in a good way!" He added with with a quick wave in order gesture that he meant no insult about their abilities.

For the four other LUXIA girls, they too felt that their leader had spoken well and were pleasantly surprised and impressed by Jiyeon's poise. But then again, that's why they all agreed that she should be leader. She was cool as a cucumber, composed but knew what to say in concise words or with enough to get the job done based on the situation.

In this case, LUXIA had immense success to celebrate, but it was also a double edged sword. As they were rookies, the more popular, quickly or sudden they became successful, the more eyes watching, judging, and hating on them.

"You're now one of the few groups that have ever gotten a PAK, and even fewer for a girl group debut. Do you know who else got a PAK with their debut?" The host leaned forward a bit in his chair in anticipation.

Jiyeon gave a small smile. "Yes, who comes to mind in recent times is Black Pink sunbaenims (seniors in their industry)."

The man nodded his head. "Yes, yes, now that they 'finally' come back at the end of 2020–" Here, the LUXIA girls grinned along with the laughter resounding on the set about YG Entertainment finally giving Black Pink a comeback after so long. The host's comical tone when he stressed 'finally' is what made everyone smile and giggle.

"—many people have been comparing you to Black Pink; even though, it's been 5 years now from 2016 to 2021 since they debuted. What do you think about these comparisons?"

Jiyeon thought for a moment and then noticed Iris next to her looking like she wanted to speak. So she considerately passed the microphone to her.

Giving a subtle nod of thanks upon receiving it, Iris then replied. "Comparisons are bound to happen in this industry where everything is scrutinized and picked apart. We are very honored to be compared to one of the biggest girl groups of all time. But we want to demonstrate that we have our own color and musical identity as Jiyeon-ah said. So we hope that everyone can soon see us as just LUXIA."

With a humble nod-bow, Iris laid down the microphone gently in her lap.

"Wuh~~" The host uttered loudly. "You both speak so well. Do all of LUXIA speak so well like this?" He joked.

The girls smiled along, knowing that the host meant well. He was only doing his job, so even if he was a little rude or direct with his somehow insensitive questions, that was part of the show and idol music industry. LUXIA would have to get used to being compared and criticized.

Besides, this was a good chance to express and assert themselves. While it was okay to be related to an existing, successful group, the LUXIA members never wanted to be labeled a copycat.

Although none of the comments actually called their music or concepts copycats, considering what they went for was pretty unusual for a debut, now that Big Hit was in a leading financial and high status position in the k-pop industry, becoming their new girl group secured LUXIA instant success.

Additionally, they came at a good time when popular girl groups like Red Velvet and Mamamoo were in or just passed their seventh year, meaning their contracts expired. Although many groups renewed, it was still a good window of opportunity as re-signed groups often were less active together due to branching out into solos or acting activities.

However, unlike BTS who had started out as underdogs, now Big Hit had made a name for themselves, so LUXIA was actually in a privileged position like others in top entertainment companies.

Thus, their situation of power was similar to Black Pink when they debuted, perhaps, even more. They could even be related to the likes of 2NE1, YG's former girl group before Black Pink. They too were highly successful upon debut having received Song of the Year in 2009 upon debuting.

Now, LUXIA was well on their way to achieving great things with their well received and anticipated album. The fans were also elated by the fact that it was a full album and not a mini-album like many debut ones. This showed that both Big Hit and LUXIA were in it for the long haul and serious about their music.

Additionally, LUXIA had the added benefit of creative power. They played a part in every aspect of their music. So this was impressive and noteworthy to the public which often saw k-pop as being "too produced."

Thankfully, they had Iris to verify these creative acclamations due to her previous achievements in composing and during Produce 48 and IZ*ONE. Otherwise, some might argue that their company was just saying that to make their idols seem talented and unique for marketing and mass appeal.

"Well, I think you'll have great future success like Black Pink, so fighting!" The host ended with a fist cheering them on. And the five girls thanked and cheered after him.

"Now then, let's move onto something more fun and probably more interesting for our viewers." The host shifted to another segment of their show. He gestured toward his host partner to speak.

"Yes, it's time for the dancing portion!" He announced excitedly. "It's~~~ random play dance!"

Except for Iris and Jiyeon, the other three girls had visible looks of apprehension on their faces. Noticing this, the host remarked on it, and Ahreum quickly answered by waving her hands.

"Ah, no! It's just, dancing isn't my strongest suit haha. I'm the slowest learner in my group, so I'm just a tad worried, hehe~"

With her cute giggle and bright demeanor, Ahreum could get away with her words without being bashed in the comment section later online.

"It's okay, Ariel-ah. Your other teammates look not as worried as you, so you'll probably be fine! It's a group effort after all." He laughed heartily. "But Ariel, that's such a strong name compared to your appearance. Is this a hidden charm of Ariel that we haven't seen yet?"

Ahreum grinned sunnily. "Yes, Ariel's namesake is a brave warrior, a knight, but I'm also a little quirky~"

"Like Disney's The Little Mermaid," Cindy quickly added to clarify the connection.

"Ahhh!" Both of the hosts exclaimed in understanding.

"All right. So let's get the music going! Are you all ready?"

The five girls nodded their heads, and Iris in particular shimmed to the edge of her seats in dance preparation and focused on what song would pop up first.

Looks like the reveal of the fandom name and explanation didn’t actually make it into this chapter. That’s okay. It’ll come sooner than later lol~ (or, find out now in the Discord server)

As noted within the chapter, end 2020/2021 is a big year of changes where many well known groups’ contracts will be ending. So I had to guess who would re-sign or suffer the fate of the seven-year curse of breaking up as a group. I’ll touch more on this later as Iris will be interacting with them. ;)

Chryisscreators' thoughts