Chương 19: Ascend on TV
Presenting a microphone to them, the interviewer - a man with an animated face and sharp eyes, who bears smiles like sunshine greeted them.
"Congratulations Ascend!" he burst out. "What does it feel like to have made it through to the next round?"
Jae-sung came forward. "It's just amazing; we are so thankful for that."
The interviewer nodded then turned to look at Byul-ho. "And you must be the CEO we've heard about. What is your take on how your group performed?"
Byul-ho had been caught off guard but soon got hold of himself. "I'm really proud of what they've done today. They've worked hard and it's great to see their effort being recognized."
"It's quite unusual to see a CEO so young," the interviewer pressed. "How do you manage to lead a company and guide a group like Ascend?"
Byul-ho smiled diplomatically. "Age is just a number. What matters is dedication and vision. I believe in Ascend's potential, and I'm committed to helping them reach their goals."
The interviewer turned back to the group. "So, what's next for Ascend? How do you plan to tackle the competition stage?"
Min-jae stepped forward, his voice steady despite his nerves. "We're going to give it our all. This is just the beginning."
"We have so much more to show," Sung-ho added, determination clear in his voice.
The interviewer nodded, then addressed Byul-ho again. "As a young CEO, what's your strategy for guiding Ascend through this competition?"
Byul-ho met the interviewer's gaze confidently. "Our focus is on growth and authenticity..."
As the interview continued, the other contestants in the waiting area watched with a mixture of curiosity and envy.
Ascend had not only passed their audition but were now getting additional screen time. It was clear that this group was going to be one to watch in the competition.
In the production room, the director leaned back in his chair, a satisfied smile on his face. "That young CEO and his group... they're going to be ratings gold."
The question now was: could they live up to the hype in the rounds to come?
***
Byul-ho and Ascend exited the building, the cool evening air a welcome relief after the intensity of the day.
"I can't believe millions will be watching us in two days!" Jae-sung exclaimed, his eyes wide with excitement.
Min-jae nodded eagerly. "It feels surreal, doesn't it?"
As they made their way to their respective homes, the buzz of anticipation was palpable. They'd be back in a week for the competition's next stage.
Byul-ho's mind, however, was on other matters. The music video DVD released a week ago had only sold 200 copies, with 340 digital downloads. It wasn't the start he'd hoped for.
He arrived at his family home, where Kim Seon-woo greeted him at the door.
"Welcome home, young master," Seon-woo said with a slight bow. "How did the audition go?"
Byul-ho smiled, some of his worries melting away. "It went well, Seon-woo. I think our appearance on 'Korea's Rising Stars' will give our EP and DVD sales the boost they need."
Seon-woo nodded approvingly. "That's excellent news, sir. Shall I prepare some tea while you tell me more?"
As Byul-ho followed Seon-woo inside, he couldn't help but feel a mix of relief and anticipation.
***
Two days later, the much-anticipated episode of "Korea's Rising Stars" was about to air. Families of some Ascend members tuned in, eager to catch a glimpse of their loved ones on national television.
In a small province, Do-hyun's family gathered around their TV set, anticipation building.
"Are you sure oppa will be on?" Do-hyun's younger sister asked, doubt creeping into her voice.
Her father smiled reassuringly. "Your brother wouldn't lie about something like this. Let's watch and see."
As they watched other contestants perform, Do-hyun's mother fidgeted nervously. "I hope he does well," she murmured.
Suddenly, just before a commercial break, the screen filled with an image of Ascend being interviewed.
"Look! There he is!" Do-hyun's sister shrieked, pointing excitedly at the TV.
His parents leaned forward, eyes wide. "That's our boy," his father said proudly, a grin spreading across his face.
In Hyun-woo's neighborhood, a small crowd had gathered in his family's living room. His mother beamed with pride as her son appeared on screen.
"I told you he'd make it," she said to her friends, who nodded appreciatively.
Meanwhile, at Yoon-seok's home, his sister had indeed organized a viewing party. A cheer went up as Ascend came into view.
"That's my brother!" Yoon-seok's sister exclaimed, her face glowing with excitement.
As the interview played out, families and friends of the Ascend members watched with rapt attention, their hearts swelling with pride. The boys they knew were now on national television, taking their first steps towards stardom.
After the interview, the show continued, building anticipation for Ascend's performance. The families of the members remained glued to their screens, hearts racing.
Finally, it was Ascend's turn. The group appeared on screen, introducing themselves with confident smiles.
"That's my boy!" Do-hyun's father exclaimed, leaning forward in his seat.
However, as the judges began to question Ascend's presence on the show, the atmosphere in the living rooms grew tense.
"Why are they being so hard on them?" Hyun-woo's mother whispered, worry etched on her face.
Then, Jae-sung stepped forward, addressing the judges with poise and eloquence. The families watched in awe as he skillfully handled the situation.
"He's so well-spoken," Yoon-seok's sister said, impressed.
As Ascend's performance began, a hush fell over the watching families. Their eyes widened as they witnessed the transformation of their loved ones on stage.
Do-hyun's sister gasped. "I didn't know oppa could dance like that!"
Hyun-woo's mother clasped her hands together, tears welling in her eyes. "Listen to his voice... when did he learn to sing so beautifully?"
The families watched in stunned silence, marveling at the growth and talent of their sons, brothers, and friends.
As the performance ended, they erupted into cheers and applause, their living rooms echoing with pride and joy.
When the judges began to praise Ascend, the families' excitement reached new heights. They hugged each other, laughed, and some even wiped away tears of joy.
***
As the Ascend performance concluded on "Korea's Rising Stars," its impact rippled far beyond the proud families of some group members.
In a small apartment in Seoul, a young man sat on his worn couch, eyes glued to the TV. He had been feeling lost, his own dreams of becoming a comedian fading with each passing day. But as he watched Ascend perform, something stirred within him.
"Wow," he whispered, leaning forward. "They're... incredible."
The lyrics of Ascend's song resonated deeply with him:
"Nune gamchugo usji (We smile while hiding tears)
Uriui duryeoume chumchune (Dancing through our fears)"
He felt a lump form in his throat, tears pricking at the corners of his eyes. For the first time in months, he felt a spark of hope ignite within him.
All across South Korea, hundreds of viewers found themselves moved by Ascend's performance. Some were inspired to dust off old dreams, others found the courage to pursue new ones.
The group's message of perseverance and hope in the face of adversity struck a chord with many who had been feeling lost or discouraged.
***
Back in his home, Byul-ho sat back on the plush sofa, eyes fixed on the television as Ascend's performance concluded. Beside him, Kim Seon-woo stood, his usually stoic expression softened by a look of genuine admiration.
"Young master," Seon-woo said, his voice tinged with excitement, "your group's performance was truly remarkable. I believe they have a real chance in this competition."
Byul-ho allowed himself a small smile, his eyes never leaving the screen. "Thank you, Seon-woo. I hope you're right. We need to catch the public's attention if we're going to succeed."
Seon-woo nodded confidently. "With the judges' reactions and the way the other contestants responded, I'm certain Ascend has made an impact. I wouldn't be surprised if they've already gained a following eager to support them in the competition."
Byul-ho finally turned to look at his butler. "Let's hope so."
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