Chapter 1102: I am New Black, Class of ’18 (26)

10:00 a.m.

Souffles trapped in offices across Korea had been hard at work "borrowing company time" since early morning.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

Their hands typed away at their keyboards while their eyes repeatedly drifted toward the phones they'd secretly propped up beside their monitors.

[2018 American Music Awards Special Live Broadcast!]

IBC, a Korean cable network, was airing the ceremony live from the United States.

On screen, a Black comedian was delivering an exaggerated routine while the audience roared with laughter.

...What was that? Was it about our boys?

Judging by the way the NewBlack members were laughing, it seemed the joke had been about them.

Curious, the office-worker Souffles leaned in—

Then, sensing someone nearby, they instantly tapped the screen.

Their manager drifted silently past behind them like a ghost.

Ugh... I really want to know what he said!

Keeping perfectly expressionless faces while continuing to type, they struggled to hide the excitement bubbling inside them.

College-aged Souffles, on the other hand, had it much easier.

Hehehehe...

They sat in libraries with textbooks spread open before them, earbuds tucked discreetly into their ears.

The commentators' voices flowed softly through the headphones.

"The audience is in stitches. As you know, racial discrimination involving American police has been a major issue in the U.S. recently. It seems they're satirizing that situation using NewBlack's latest song."

A well-known music critic calmly explained the joke, while Nathan Webb—the American panelist frequently seen on Korean variety shows—continued in fluent Korean.

"In many ways, it's another sign of how much NewBlack's status has changed. Satire only works when everyone understands the reference. The fact they used Overcooked tells you just how enormous the song has become."

"That's right. And now the performances are beginning in earnest. Kicking things off is the British singer-songwriter often called a musical genius—Kelly Nelson."

As the raven-haired beauty strummed an acoustic guitar and sang a gentle love song, the Souffles minimized the stream for a moment.

Kelly Nelson is insanely gorgeous.

Seriously, she's ridiculously pretty.

Is that the singer dating Colin Evans??? They keep cutting to Colin.

Yep.

Why can't I get attached to Moonlight...

Because we're Souffles lol. But they're insanely popular here in America.

Since NewBlack was the only Korean act performing at the AMA, most Korean viewers watching the ceremony were naturally Souffles.

The rest were mostly Moonlight fans.

Moonlight's explosive popularity in North America and Europe meant they certainly had Korean fans too.

There just weren't very many of them.

They mostly stayed in their own corners of the internet.

There wasn't much overlap with the Souffles.

"Hmm..."

As they skimmed through those communities, the Souffles began noticing something.

Not yet... but...

There were subtle warning signs.

Some of NewBlack's anti-fans appeared to be migrating toward Moonlight's fandom.

No one knew exactly what had drawn them in, but their dislike of NewBlack seemed to be turning into affection for Moonlight.

We'll have to keep an eye on that.

These were the same groups infamous for spreading rumors about NewBlack.

Being cautious was only natural.

After finishing their reconnaissance with deadly serious expressions...

The Souffles immediately returned to their usual fluffy, cheerful selves.

New content!

A new post caught their attention.

[NewBlack's AMA Red Carpet Outfits Celebrating Hangul Day]

Just looking at the photos made them grin from ear to ear.

Centered in the group stood Ri Hyuk, wearing black hanbok with white ribbon ties, while the other members surrounded him.

Wow... these outfits are absolutely insane.

They're gorgeous, but they don't really match each other.

└ Makes sense. Different luxury brands sent different designers lol.

Wooju's outfit is so pretty. It looks like Hangul flowers.

Wait, why is Ri Hyuk standing in the center on the red carpet today???

Interview spoiler: because King Sejong is his favorite historical figure.

LMAOOOOO. Celebrating the release date of your favorite historical figure's "merch."

Watching their main vocalist light up while talking about Sejong the Great during the red carpet interview made everyone melt.

They're all so beautiful.

From Biju's striking earrings...

To Wooju's outfit decorated with blooming Hangul flowers...

Souffles repeatedly mashed the Save Image button with determined fingers.

While happily admiring the red carpet photos...

The commentators suddenly spoke up again.

"Next up is a category our very own NewBlack is nominated for."

The words NewBlack rang clearly through their earbuds.

"This is the Favorite Pop Duo/Group category."

"You could think of it as the Popular Group Award."

"I heard this ended up being the most fiercely contested category this year."

The Korean Souffles already knew that.

North American Souffles had practically been screaming HELP!!!! to fans all over the world.

If anything...

This was the category with the hardest result to predict.

Their fandom's seriously powerful too.

Moonlight's popularity in North America and Europe had exploded.

In Europe—where NewBlack was relatively weakest—they were actually performing even better.

And in North America...

They'd nearly caught up.

It was simply a matter of home-field advantage.

The same way a Korean singer would naturally have an edge over a Taiwanese singer in Korea.

Thank goodness Overcooked exploded when it did...

The Souffles breathed a collective sigh of relief.

They remembered.

Just as Moonlight's remake of the classic hit All I Want seemed poised to overtake NewBlack...

Ta-da! Here comes adorable little Overcooked...☆

Then NewBlack released Overcooked.

The song became a worldwide phenomenon.

Combined with the Supernova Dodgeball appearance and the SNL performance... 𝑓𝑟ℯℴ𝓂

It completely overwhelmed Moonlight's rapidly growing North American fandom through sheer public recognition.

So this is why mainstream popularity matters.

Some Souffles had actually been slightly disappointed when Overcooked was first announced.

I like it... but isn't it too mainstream?

Fans who preferred difficult choreography and powerful performance tracks had found it a little lightweight.

But after seeing the results...

They reflected on their own thinking.

If we hadn't crushed them with public popularity... Moonlight really might've overtaken us in North America.

Even if Moonlight kept growing, they would probably never build a worldwide fandom as large as NewBlack's.

But in North America alone?

They might eventually equal the Souffles.

Or even surpass them.

If NewBlack had returned with a song that lacked mainstream appeal...

Everyone knew exactly what would've happened.

The local media—already desperate to promote a North American boy band made up of Americans and Canadians—would have gone into overdrive.

Moonlight Defeats Super Boy Band Rival

The Next Generation of Boy Bands: Moonlight!

"Their smiles shook the North American continent..." The secret behind seven heart-stealing young men.

Once the American entertainment industry started pushing someone...

It pushed hard.

There was a very real chance NewBlack could've been buried beneath that wave.

"Ugh..."

Fans tended to drift toward whoever occupied the top tier.

Had that happened...

The balance of fandoms in North America could've reversed almost overnight.

The media would praise Moonlight every day.

Kids at school would all be saying, "Moonlight!"

Casual fans would quietly take down their NewBlack posters...

...and replace them.

...That was actually a terrifying situation.

They hadn't fully realized it before Overcooked.

Only now did the Souffles understand how close things had come.

Still...

They smiled with relief.

We can finally breathe.

The worldwide success of Overcooked.

Asia.

The Middle East.

Africa.

Europe.

North America.

South America.

Aside from a handful of exceptions like Japan and the U.K...

NewBlack's latest song sat at No. 1 virtually everywhere.

Even opening MyTube was enough to understand its impact.

[Wait... I'm in Africa right now...??]

A travel vlogger blinked in surprise after hearing Overcooked playing inside a tiny rural café.

[Today we're practicing NewBlack's choreography with my friends >ㅇ<]

A Canadian student's vlog showed classmates of every ethnicity rehearsing the dance for a school event.

"Korea?"

"Yes! Korean!"

"Overcooked~ Overcooked~"

"Wow... everyone here knows it."

Travel shows regularly captured locals recognizing Korean celebrities by immediately doing the famous sugar-sprinkling dance.

No one could deny it anymore.

The song had become a genuine cultural phenomenon.

And because of that...

The rivalry between Moonlight and NewBlack now leaned decisively toward NewBlack.

If it were a relay race...

NewBlack was practically a full lap ahead.

Mainstream popularity really is king.

As the Souffles nodded in newfound appreciation...

The presenters walked onstage.

"And now..."

"Let's announce the winner."

A legendary jazz musician stood beside an Asian actress before the standing microphone.

"And the winner for Favorite Pop Duo/Group is..."

The actress smiled brightly as she opened the envelope.

"The New Black."

"WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Souffles inside the venue erupted into screams.

The camera found NewBlack as the members rose from their seats.

Following their leader onto the stage...

Wooju accepted the trophy, exchanged a quick hug with the presenter...

Then stepped toward the microphone.

"...!"

Office-worker Souffles secretly watching beneath their desks clenched their fists.

We won!

Honestly...

It was the expected result.

The Souffles' overall numbers simply dwarfed everyone else's.

Watching Korean fans celebrate as though it had been a nail-biter left North American Souffles utterly confused.

Unnies?? Why are you all so shocked? This was obviously ours.

Sweetie... in Korea we've seen awards where the fan vote wins by a landslide... and then the judges reverse the result anyway. 😊

Sometimes they even give the trophy to someone who still lost after the judges' score. LOL

The Korean Souffles smiled like wise elders.

The Americans would never understand.

People who'd never experienced biased Olympic judging simply couldn't relate.

While everyone celebrated...

Some Moonlight fans inside the venue suddenly began booing.

"BOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

The jeering became so loud that giving a speech was almost impossible.

Celebrities around the theater exchanged startled looks.

Wooju quietly listened until the noise died down.

Then he smiled.

"Are you done?"

The venue exploded.

The Souffles roared louder than ever.

Other artists applauded.

The Moonlight fans, suddenly embarrassed, hesitated before trying to boo again.

NewBlack calmly finished their acceptance speech and returned to their seats.

YES. THAT'S IT. LMAOOOOOO

The American version of "Please observe proper etiquette."

Yochan, are you watching??? Wooju won another one.

King Chanyoon memes live forever. LOL

The Souffles practically toasted the moment.

Then they quietly wandered over to Twitter to see how Moonlight's international fandom was reacting.

AMA needs to explain whether this voting was conducted fairly.

I'm watching live and honestly the Moonlight fans booing is embarrassing.

└ Those aren't real Moonlight fans. We don't support that behavior.

└ They're just a few immature people.

!!VOTE RIGGING!! AMA

Personally I think Asian voting should be restricted at North American award shows. AMA only cares about money.

Exactly. Has everyone forgotten the "A" stands for American?

AMA = Asian Music Awards. LOL

Reading the racist comments...

The Souffles simply nodded.

Then...

They danced.

AHHHH! Why are you dancing?! I'm already mad!

Wiggle wiggle~

They were very, very happy Souffles.

Five nominations.

Four categories announced so far.

Three trophies.

"Thank you!"

Since the winners were chosen through fan voting after the nominees were selected, our conversion rate had been excellent.

Personally...

Cold Brown and I had won Collaboration of the Year for Answer.

Unfortunately, Best Hip-Hop Song went to a collaboration between two female rappers famous for having an incredibly powerful fandom.

Along with Favorite Pop Duo/Group, the other award we'd won was...

Tour of the Year.

The category honoring the biggest and most successful world tours.

"Wow."

"We actually won this."

Being nominated alone made me realize just how enormous our tour had become.

I remembered what Seokhwan hyung had told me.

"Your world tour ranked third globally this year."

"...!"

"Your ticket sales were around 260 million dollars."

Our world tour had drawn 2.05 million attendees...

Generating roughly 260 million dollars in ticket revenue.

"The artist in second place—Hailey Blue—made about 300 million."

"But if you include merchandise..."

"You'd actually rank second."

"Somewhere around 350 to 400 million dollars."

After selling out stadium tours across North America...

And dome tours throughout Japan...

Our world tour had generated nearly 500 billion won.

No wonder the CEO's been positively glowing lately.

I leaned toward Pointy.

"Wasn't that famous dumpling company's annual revenue around one trillion won?"

"I think so."

"Then we need to work even harder."

Until our tour could defeat dumplings.

That became my new life goal.

Finally...

It was time for our performance.

"Up next..."

"The global superstars currently setting the world on fire!"

"The group that's made all of you Overcooked..."

"NewBlack!"

To roaring applause...

We presented a special stage celebrating Hangul Day.

Instead of our usual vegetable costumes...

Our dancers wore outfits representing writing systems from around the world.

Meanwhile...

We performed wearing costumes inspired by Hangul itself.

"WOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

As the choreography intensified...

Different languages from across the globe gradually came together in a single performance.

I exchanged smiles with Biju, who had conceived the entire stage concept.

Then the performance came to an end.

Returning to our seats...

Hailey gave us an enthusiastic thumbs-up.

"That performance was awesome."

"Really?"

The blue-haired superstar clenched her fist excitedly.

"That was the concept, right?"

"You beat up every other language..."

"...and Hangul came out on top."

"..."

TeenSpirit.

Are you watching?

Your soulmate is right here.

Biju laughed awkwardly.

"That wasn't the concept at all..."

"Really?"

"You guys stood out so much that it looked exactly like that."

Our actual intention had been celebrating harmony between the world's languages.

Apparently what the audience received was...

"Behold! Hangul crushes everyone!"

Well...

Considering it was Hangul Day...

Maybe that interpretation wasn't entirely inappropriate.

"Good work."

"You too. Want some water?"

"Yeah."

We settled back into our seats.

Then...

The Moonlight members sitting beside us stood up for the New Artist of the Year award.

It was presented immediately before Artist of the Year, making it one of the AMA's General Field awards.

"Thank you so much!"

"Sunshine!"

As Moonlight fans erupted into cheers...

We quietly let out sighs of relief.

Thank goodness.

What a relief.

We hadn't really expected it...

But we'd still worried that some Souffles might get swept up in the atmosphere and boo Moonlight in retaliation.

This was the sort of thing that was best handled with dignity.

After Moonlight accepted their award...

And after several legendary tribute performances...

The announcer's voice echoed once more.

"Please welcome Grammy winner..."

"...and the King of Rock and Roll..."

"Sean Travis!"

The rock legend from the 1990s strode onto the stage.

Long black hair.

Dark sunglasses.

A neatly groomed beard.

After delivering a heartfelt speech...

The giant screen behind him displayed two words.

ARTIST OF THE YEAR

We swallowed.

This...

Was the category our agency believed we had an excellent chance of winning.

The AMA's highest honor.

Thump.

Thump.

My heart pounded.

It wasn't fear of losing.

It was what this award represented.

It felt as though we stood before an enormous iron gate.

The final gateway protecting the staircase leading beyond the sky...

Toward the universe we'd always dreamed of reaching.

Silently...

The five of us clasped each other's hands.

Sean Travis slowly opened the envelope.

With his rough, weathered voice, he announced,

"The American Music Award..."

"...for Artist of the Year..."

"...goes to..."

Three words rang through the theater.

"The New Black."

As thunderous applause erupted around us...

The five of us shot to our feet.