The song “Green Rain” echoed through the spacious practice room. The dozen or so members of GN Entertainment’s in-house choreography team were clustered in one spot. For reference, the four dancers at the front were standing in for Rojun, Sihu, Gangmin, and Dogyeong. The several people positioned behind them could be seen as backup dancers.
Anyway.
-Swish.
Following the spreading notes of “Green Rain.”
-♬♪
The choreography team slowly began to move. The start was a motion like clustered people spreading open wide, like a flower blooming. Hands and feet that were slightly slow yet smooth, matching the dark-styled intro of “Green Rain.”
Then the dancer taking Dogyeong’s part stepped forward.
When the dancer took actions as if rapping, the members in the back repeatedly formed circles and spread apart, heating up the atmosphere. Naturally, detailed choreography was included here and there. Then, around the time the rap ended and clap sound effects and keyboard notes came in, the dancer playing Dogyeong naturally fell back, and the dancer playing Rojun came to the front.
Everyone strongly stomped the floor with their feet two or three times, then spread out as a whole before narrowing back in.
It wasn’t intense.
Rather, it was clean and smooth.
A choreography with quite a lot of smooth waves inserted rather than sharply broken moves. However, there was a wild beauty smeared across the dancers’ gaze control and each and every hand gesture and footwork. Meanwhile, Gang Rojun and the members of “Vanguard” watching the dancers’ choreography didn’t take their eyes off them for a single second.
“······”
“······”
Everyone’s concentration was high, but especially Gangmin, whose specialty was choreography, had a deeply focused expression. Gang Rojun was earnestly appreciating the choreography while—
‘The song I composed and wrote lyrics for came out as choreography. Fascinating.’
—experiencing slight chills.
‘They totally nailed it, didn’t they?’
Gang Rojun judged that the choreography was a perfect fit. He liked that there were many somewhat restrained movements. Sticky and yet mixed with powerful motions here and there. It was exactly the choreography Rojun had imagined while writing “Green Rain.”
The choreography for “Green Rain” finished the first verse and moved into the second.
The second verse also maintained the overall structure of flowers blooming and withering, smooth waves, and restrained movements, but the size of the motions grew slightly larger. Could you say the concentration grew thicker? The members watching this offered their own evaluations internally. Sihu had fallen for the choreography.
‘It’s sticky and has so much flavor. I want to dance it quickly.’
Gangmin projected himself into the movements.
‘Should I try to emphasize a more restrained feeling?’
Dogyeong, who was in charge of the intro choreography, continued to remind himself of the concept of “Green Rain.”
‘Fantasy, dreamy, dark but intense. What kind of expression would be good? For now, should I just try to do it true to my personality?’
Right around the time all the “Vanguard” members had fallen deeply into the choreography, the in-house choreography team’s movements stopped. The demonstration of the “Green Rain” choreography had ended. However, the choreography team repeated the “Green Rain” choreography once more, and after catching their breath for a few minutes, gathered again in the center of the practice room.
This time, it was the turn of “Windveil,” composed by Sihu.
The in-house choreography team members had their hands in their pockets, turned around, faced forward, looked up at the sky, and so on. Each assumed their desired posture, and then the song was played.
-♬♪
An intro beginning with an intense drum solo. Then one dancer came forward and performed fierce choreography. It was the dancer playing Gangmin. The others remained in their standing poses. Then, at the same time as a shattering sound effect burst out after several dancers’ bodies trembled—
-Swish.
They naturally matched the same movements as the dancer playing Gangmin. The choreography for the song “Windveil” was completely different from “Green Rain.” Properly explosive and intense, the movements were generally large and overflowing with energy. Rather than smoothness, there were many sharp, broken movements that were rough. In a way, it could be seen as the most idol-like choreography.
The choreography for “Windveil” was also repeated two or three times.
The choreography team caught their breath again and began the choreography for the final song, “Flying Bell.” It was the most lively song among Vanguard’s debut tracks. Therefore, both the song and the choreography’s atmosphere were bright, cheerful, and mixed with a lot of smiles.
-♬♪
From small motions like dancers high-fiving each other or exchanging talk, to mostly connected movements with one another. “Flying Bell” could be described as cute. Vanguard’s completed choreographies were high-level, and at the same time, the point choreographies that could be called killing parts were highly addictive.
Anyway.
“Hoo-uk. Heo-heok—”
Around the time the in-house choreography team members were exhaling rough breaths, Director Gim Gibaek, who had checked all the choreography, spoke to the Vanguard members.
“Mm— vocal practice is practice too starting today, but we’ll be focusing more on choreography practice, so just know that. For your reference, I’ve sent the choreography videos to your phones.”
Afterward, the members’ individual practice began. A trainer was attached to each one, and the priority was first to learn the overall choreography rather than the detailed moves. Thus, Sihu, Gangmin, and Dogyeong followed the movements step by step in a small practice room.
“First, try dancing once exactly as you saw.”
“Understood!”
As everyone knew, Gang Rojun was left alone. Watching Rojun quietly disappear, the GN Entertainment in-house choreography team members were slightly worried.
“Is he, is he really training alone?”
“Is that okay?? There are plenty of kids who can’t manage even with a trainer attached to them... and they say there isn’t much time either.”
“Wouldn’t it be better to just persuade him to get a trainer or something??”
It wasn’t a needless worry. Even pro choreography teams who made a living with dance had practiced like hell to learn the choreography. So the fact that he was training alone without anyone’s help was incomprehensible.
“I heard rumors... if he can’t learn it alone like that, he’ll be kicked out.”
Meanwhile, Director Gim Gibaek, who had watched Gang Rojun even if briefly, shrugged his shoulders as if it wouldn’t be a big problem.
“There’s the contract too— for now, we have to watch. But I don’t think any big problems will arise.”
“Huh??”
“The members who should be worrying the most aren’t bothered at all, are they?”
Indeed, Sihu, Gangmin, and Dogyeong had eyes that held no anxiety or dissatisfaction regarding Gang Rojun. Unable to stand it anymore, one of the in-house choreography team members asked Sihu, the eldest.
“Is everyone really okay??”
Sihu, who had been scratching his baby-permed hair, wore an awkward smile as if it was hard to explain.
“Yes. Because it’s Rojun.”
Meanwhile.
The internet was overflowing with “Vanguard.” Because the “debut show-con” and Gocheok Dome bait dropped around yesterday were so powerful.
《[Star Issue] “Vanguard” to hold debut showcase + concert at “Gocheok Dome”?》
《Debut on the “stage of dreams”? “Unprecedented” rookie Vanguard’s “unprecedented” announcement!》
《Vanguard’s debut is different too! Holding a “show-con” at the 20,000-seat “Gocheok Dome”! / Photo》
The video on Vanguard’s YouTube channel that had dropped the debut show-con had already—
-Vanguard TALK EP.3｜Vanguard (Vanguard)
-Views: 5,988,266
—surpassed 5 million views in a day. Korean and Japanese comments dominated the comment section. There was no way the media could stay still with the bait that had already spread through communities and such.
《“Trending” Vanguard, is a sell-out possible for the Gocheok Dome showcase?》
《With news of the “Gocheok Dome” show-con, Vanguard’s official fan club “Guards” is abuzz / Photo》
With the support of GN Entertainment’s PR and marketing team mixed in, they were boasting tremendous firepower.
《[Issue Talk] Debut at “Gocheok Dome”? There has never been an idol like this until now, is “Vanguard” writing a legend from the start?》
Well, there were also quite a few articles viewing Vanguard’s Gocheok Dome debut show-con negatively.
《“Vanguard” Gocheok Dome debut, jackpot if successful, ruin if failed》
Could they fill all 20,000 seats, isn’t Gocheok Dome too much right after debut, isn’t it too early for a concert without any experience, and so on. This was similar in public opinion, not just the media. If 100 people expressed anticipation, 20 people hurled abuse.
But GN Entertainment had already anticipated this, so they didn’t slow down the pace of their media play, and numerous people who had ties with Gang Rojun or “Vanguard” also checked the articles.
PD Jeong Suryeong, for one.
“Wow— Gocheok Dome. I’m trembling just thinking about it?? I want to go, but will I be able to?”
Writer “Geubaekpeu” or PD Wu Hanseok.
“I was nervous because they said they were doing a mini concert, feels like yesterday, and suddenly Gocheok Dome?? The scale has gone crazy.”
“PD-nim! Don’t you totally want to go?!”
“Are your fingers fast?”
“......They’re slow.”
“The media is going crazy over whether they’ll fill 20,000 seats or not, but in my opinion, the tickets will sell out immediately the moment they open. Try to squeeze in if you can in the meantime.”
Various entertainment agencies were also abuzz. And amid all this, those talking about “Vanguard” the most were, as expected, other idols.
“OMG— they’re debuting at Gocheok Dome??”
“We haven’t even done that yet... I’m jealous.”
“But isn’t doing a showcase at Gocheok Dome a bit overboard?”
“They said it’s a show-con because they’re attaching a concert too.”
“That’s what I’m saying is overboard. What do you mean kids who just debuted are doing a concert.”
“TBH— what if they slightly flop?”
Both male and female idols chattered endlessly about “Vanguard.” While they purely exclaimed admiration or gasps, they also honestly spoke of jealousy and envy. It made sense—debuting at that “Gocheok Dome,” of all places.
The attention was beyond imagination.
In a way, the “unrivaled” image of “Vanguard” had properly taken root in the entertainment industry.
Around this time.
-[Hello, this is GN Entertainment. We thank you for the interest you have shown in “Vanguard”! As we have informed you, Vanguard’s show-con will be held at “Gocheok Dome,” and the ticket reservation page will open within a short period...]
GN Entertainment issued its official position.
At the same time.
Gang Rojun stepped into an empty practice room carrying his phone, laptop, tablet, and so on.
“Hoo—”
Rojun, who had exhaled softly, checked his appearance reflected in the mirror before connecting his phone to his laptop. He immediately played the completed choreography videos.
First, “Green Rain.”
“......”
For now, he sat and took in the “Green Rain” choreography performed by the choreography team. If earlier the wonder had been great, now his eyes were filled with greed. Rojun, who had watched the choreography video for several tens of minutes like that—
-Swish.
He got up and slowly moved his body. His eyes were closed. Gaze control and expressions were for later. For now, he would think only of the choreography movements. The copied “Green Rain” choreography flashed through Gang Rojun’s closed eyes, and though it was still lacking, Rojun forcibly performed the movements.
10 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour.
Continued repetitive practice.
‘Copying has definitely gotten faster than before.’
Sense? Instinct? Whichever it was, Gang Rojun’s choreography skills had improved. Well, it was only natural since his “Choreography” stat had surpassed 70 points from the start. The images rising in his head were conveyed directly to his body. Around the time two hours had passed, Gang Rojun opened his eyes. He watched himself reflected in the mirror as he unfolded the choreography.
“Fun.”
He was drenched in sweat and his breathing was rough, but Rojun felt good. Because it felt like his racing heart was cheering him on. Rojun, who had been so immersed in practice that he skipped meals. As his body moved as he desired, his reflection in the mirror took form.
‘It’s still a bit lacking.’
However, it was regrettable. He was merely following the video sent by the choreography team; he didn’t feel like he was surpassing them. What could you call it—just a guy with decent dance lines? About that level.
“Still, compared to when I was a dance klutz, it’s absurd how much better I am now.”
Gang Rojun smiled wryly and continued his practice. The shift from “Green Rain” to the “Windveil” choreography was around the afternoon. After eating a brief meal, he only started “Flying Bell” late into the night.
Gang Rojun, who had been immersed in choreography all day, around 9 p.m.—
“Hah.”
He lay sprawled in the center of the practice room. The squelching sound of his soaked gray short-sleeved shirt. Gang Rojun, who had been staring at the ceiling for a moment, closed his eyes. The choreography he had hammered through today naturally came to mind.
‘I’ve got the feel down.’
Rojun, who had muttered internally, picked up the phone lying nearby. What he turned on was the “AI Simulation” app. Among them, he touched the “AI Automation” button. Familiar phrases appeared, and Gang Rojun meticulously wrote out the instructions for “AI Automation.” The text was long, but simplified, it was simple.
Perfectly learn the choreography for “Green Rain,” “Windveil,” and “Flying Bell.”
-[AI Analyzing...... Analysis Complete!]
Soon, three sharp pains were felt on Rojun’s wrist.
-[Applying...... Application Complete!]
He had used roughly 70 coins for the three choreographies, but Gang Rojun didn’t think much of it. Because he had no time to think of such things. Things that had never been there before were exploding in his brain and throughout his entire body right now.
And so Gang Rojun stood before the mirror once more and danced.
-♬♪
This time, there was no need to watch the choreography team’s video.