From Thug to Idol: Transmigrating to a Survival Show

If they weren’t paying attention just moments ago, then they were definitely paying attention now. 

They looked at June with big, wide eyes. Despite the smile on his face, there was an underlying annoyance in the tone of his voice. 

Everyone was stunned to silence. 

“People are starving, dying, and the economy is slowly turning to shit,” he continued. 

“We are also currently facing a very apparent problem—Global Warming.” 

Casper, despite still feeling shocked, chimed in when June nudged his side. 

“That’s right. The refreshing autumn should have started by now. However, we are still in the midst of the hot summer. And the heat will continue until November,” Casper said. “That is why, for our debut, instead of bringing the heat with intense songs like the other members had presented, why don’t we bring the people what they want—to feel refreshed?” 

They fully paid attention to their presentation. 

“Oasis,” June boldly said. “The planet is heating up, and it’s time for us to provide an oasis—a refreshing escape from the heat.”

“We have devised three reasons as to why Oasis needs to be our title track,” Casper said. “And the first reason is the lyrics.” 

“The lyrics of Oasis are meaningful, and the timing is perfect for the hot weather. It exudes a beachy vibe that can transport the audience to a tranquil paradise,” Casper charismatically said. 

The members haven’t paid attention to the song before. However, as they read the lyrics from the papers the employees had kindly provided, they found out that Casper was right. 

It was, indeed, very well-written.

“Second,” June said, walking back and forth in a relaxed manner. “Impact.” 

Zeth raised his hand. June nodded in acknowledgment, silently allowing him to speak. 

“I don’t remember this song at all, actually,” Zeth said. “So, how can it be impactful?” 

“That’s because you weren’t paying attention,” June truthfully said. “You guys were dead set on having a fierce concept—a trending concept. However, these days, most groups opt for epic and strong concepts, but we’re daring to be different.” 

“Our refreshing concept will stand out. The catchy melody and easy-on-the-ear tune is the key to our success. It will, if done well, become a hit song,” June confidently said. His confidence was backed up by Fu’s analysis. 

“The last reason—our concept,” Casper said. “We’re a young group, but we’re not the youngest.” 

The members and judges were once again intrigued by this statement. Most of the members merely looked at the surface level, and they didn’t take these issues into consideration. 

“In our group, Sehun, the oldest, is 25,” Casper said, pointing to Sehun, causing the latter to slump his shoulders since he knew he was considered old as a rookie idol.

“And our youngest members, which are Jisung and June, are both 21. In other rookie groups, 21 is already the age of their oldest member—as more companies are now debuting minors.” 

The judges nodded in agreement. 

“However, that’s not something we should be ashamed of,” June continued. “Instead, it’s our edge. Oasis is a refreshing song. However, we can twist it to something…sexier.” 

“And this is where our outfits come in,” June said, presenting the next slide. 

The others were expecting a lot..so when a white t-shirt was displayed on the screen, they couldn’t help but chuckle in disbelief. 

Chul frowned deeply. “A white shirt? Do you think this is a joke?” 

June matched his steady gaze. “No,” he seriously said. “I’m very serious right now.” 

Chul was about to refute once again, but June spoke before he could even open his mouth. 

“Oasis—what’s the first word that comes to your mind when you hear that word?” June asked. 

“Water?” Jisung asked. 

lightsΝοvεl ƈοm “Correct,” June chimed. “Water,” he presented the next slide, which showed a beautiful beach. 

“Imagine this,” he continued. “A hot summer day in a cool, sandy beach. Eight trainees with refreshing visuals wearing simple white t-shirts.” 

June painted a vivid picture of their concept, and it was as if the listeners were transported to the beach itself, feeling refreshed with the mere thought. 

The judges, too, couldn’t deny that it painted a very beautiful picture. 

“Splashing around the water…with the sun kissing their skins,” June narrated. “It’s a concept that has never been done for a boy group debut before… It’s wet, wild, and fun.” 

They finished their presentation with that impactful sentence. The members of EVE, who were originally uninterested in Oasis, now had intrigued looks on their faces. 

June and Casper were about to sit down. However, Chul’s voice broke through the silence. This was the first time he had asked a question to the presenters.

This strengthened June’s thought that their manager wasn’t too fond of him. 

“This was originally a rejected song from Phoenix Entertainment,” he said, looking June in the eyes. The other staff members were alerted by this statement. 

Originally, it seemed like they had taken a liking to June’s and Casper’s presentation, and they were convinced that Oasis might be the best bet for the title track. 

“A reject?” one of the members of the marketing team asked. 

“Yes,” a producer answered. “This was originally for CHAOS.” 

“Exactly,” Chul chimed in. “How can a rejected song become the title track? Moreover, this song is from an unknown young artist. The other songs were made by more renowned producers.” 

Something clicked in June’s mind. So, that’s what it was? Despite it being a great song, it didn’t get the attention it deserved because it came from an unknown producer. 

“All the more reason why we should make it our title track,” June said, not being fazed. “A rejected song becoming a hit song? That’s like a slap on the face for Phoenix.” 

Chul scoffed. “And how are you so sure that this is going to be a hit song?” 

June shrugged. “I just know.” 

And Fu told him so. 

Although Fu wasn’t the best system—he was awful, even. However, he has significantly helped June until now, so June knew that his analysis wasn’t for nothing. 

June sighed, looking at the unconvinced faces of their manager and the judges. 

“I’m saying this with all due respect,” June started off.

“Red Moon is a great song—there’s no doubt. However, the werewolf concept could be easily perceived as cheesy. It’s also been done before by a senior group called XO before.” 

Zeth and Sehun nodded, getting June’s point. 

“Caffeine also employed a new concept. However, if we’re basing it on the overall concept we have, which is ‘beginning,’ then it’s not ideal. It’s not fresh, and a rebellious concept for a debut wouldn’t leave a good impression.”

“Lastly, Restart—you guys had the best concept out of the three. However, you’ve already mentioned it in your presentation—this has been done before by many boy groups. Don’t you want to start a new trend?” 

“So, now, I want you to think,” June meaningfully said.

“Oasis may be our greatest shot.”