Chapter 1107: I am New Black, Class of ’18 (31)

Biju hurried over in alarm and reached out a hand.

"Are you okay, hyung? You're not hurt, are you?"

"I'm fine."

Still lying in the proper breakfall position, I chuckled.

"As you can see, I landed perfectly."

With a grunt, I pushed myself back to my feet.

Jiho looked flustered.

"Hyung! Why have you gotten so weak?!"

"You've just gotten way too big..."

Back when Jiho was in high school, if he'd come charging into me like that, I would've laughed, Haha! Our adorable youngest! Then I'd have spun him around without a problem.

Honestly, now he'd grown far too much.

I used to have to look down at him slightly.

Now we were practically eye to eye.

"But anyway, congratulations. Seriously, this is amazing."

"Right?? I was completely shocked when I heard. I'd already lowered my expectations because I thought it was just a cameo..."

Jiho pumped both fists into the air.

"I really think it's because of you, hyung. They contacted me right after the news about you joining Guardians came out."

"You think? Maybe the timing just happened to overlap. Or maybe they simply liked your acting."

"No way."

Jiho answered without the slightest hesitation.

"Based on every Hollywood person I've met so far, there's absolutely no way."

I couldn't help laughing.

Considering Hollywood had basically responded to one of Korea's biggest stars, Lee Gyeonwoo, with Why should I care?, he wasn't exactly wrong.

Once I turned off my built-in filter against getting carried away...

Jiho's reasoning actually sounded pretty plausible.

"So... it really was because of me?"

"That's probably the most likely explanation."

Ri Hyuk nodded.

"Korea's a major market for superhero movies. And we've got a huge fanbase. Silver Comics saw the tide coming in, and Wonder Comics probably decided they wanted to ride the wave too."

"Oho..."

A satisfied grin spread across my face.

"So it's thanks to me."

I crooked a finger at Jiho.

"Jiho!"

"Hyung!"

"Feeling grateful?"

"Seriously, you're the best!!"

"Woooooo!"

The two of us bounced around together in celebration.

Ri Hyuk shook his head while Junghyun and Biju joined in.

"Our youngest is getting a major role in a superhero movie!"

"Straight to your own solo franchise!"

"Become a world star through your acting!"

We all laughed, ruffling Jiho's hair as we celebrated.

Then I spread my arms again.

"Come on, Jiho. Run at me one more time. Hyung's ready this time."

"Hyung!"

I lowered into a stance I'd learned from watching acrobatics on MyTube.

Just as I was getting ready—

Tap.

A hand landed on my shoulder.

I turned around.

Manager Yoon Seokhwan was smiling like an evil spirit.

"Wooju."

"...Yeah?"

"Tokyo Dome concert."

"I'll behave."

I answered politely before turning back to Jiho.

"Alright. Our adorable youngest."

I gestured.

"Vertical jump only."

"Okay!"

Boing!

Jiho obediently jumped about four inches straight into the air.

I caught him, spun him around once, and did a ridiculous little celebration dance.

Watching us, Seokhwan hyung burst into laughter.

While NewBlack was entering Japan...

The Korean media had exploded into chaos.

"Have you gotten hold of NewBlack's agency yet?"

"No luck. They've taken the phones off the hook. Even the executives' numbers are constantly busy."

"What about NewBlack themselves?"

"They're in Japan for a concert. Should we send our Tokyo correspondent to try getting an interview?"

Not only the entertainment press but the mainstream media had all sprung into action.

[Exclusive] Foreign media report that NewBlack's Wooju has joined Guardians 2

People weren't excited simply because a Korean actor had landed a role in a superhero movie.

The reason both reporters and netizens were paying attention...

...was because Wooju had been cast as the main villain.

NewBlack's Wooju confirmed for Guardians 2... cast as the main villain, Fang

At first, most people reacted the same way.

"No way! Did you see this? Wooju's going to be in a superhero movie."

"Seriously? Just a cameo?"

"Maybe a supporting role? He must be insanely popular in America."

Most Koreans assumed it was the sort of promotional casting Hollywood occasionally did with famous celebrities.

Show them briefly, get the fans to buy tickets—that kind of thing.

Then—

"Wait... it says he's the main villain?"

"...????"

The reports coming out of overseas media became increasingly bizarre.

"It says Sun Wooju is playing Silver Comics' famous villain..."

"Seriously?"

"They're saying he's the central antagonist."

"...?!"

It wasn't just a big role.

It was a massive one.

People who had initially reacted with nothing more than Wow, that's cool found their eyes widening by the second.

Holy crap holy crap holy crap

This is insane.

LMAOOOOO this is huge

Wait, that's actually a major role??

I was wondering when Wooju's next project would be... and he goes straight to Hollywood LOL

My patience finally paid off!!

Everyone excitedly began talking about it.

The problem was...

When did Guardians 1 even come out?

That movie completely bombed lol

Didn't only around a million people watch it here?

Hardly anyone in Korea actually knew Guardians.

The first movie had flopped so badly that it barely had any public recognition.

That also meant there were plenty of people pouring cold water on everyone else's excitement.

Isn't this the sequel to a dead franchise?? Obviously they hired SWJ because they needed fandom power.

I've never seen a sequel succeed after the first movie bombed LOL. Guess the studio's desperate.

It's not even Wonder Comics. It's Silver Comics LOL. Aren't they practically dying?

Koreans seriously get excited over anything.

They're freaking out just because an Asian got cast in a superhero movie LOL.

None of the foreign media even care. Only Korean media are making a huge deal out of it. Embarrassing.

Most people simply tilted their heads.

...Wouldn't it be great if the movie succeeds?

They couldn't understand why others were already rooting for it to fail.

That alone showed just how major an issue superhero movies had become.

Next up: National idol NewBlack's leader Wooju has reportedly been cast in a major role in Silver Comics' upcoming film Guardians 2. Guardians is one of America's best-known comic franchises...

Television news covered the casting.

Cable movie channels immediately began replaying Guardians.

Guardians (Part 1) — Curious about the movie that came before his new film?

MyTube was no different.

Videos featuring sensationalized thumbnails of Wooju appeared almost instantly.

Sun Wooju joins Guardians — Everything you need to know

Comic summary of Fang: "He's insanely overpowered."

Comic Guy Explains: Villain Fang (Part 1)

Information flooded into the minds of Korean viewers.

A MyTuber narrated.

"Fang has been one of Silver Comics' regular villains for decades. He first appeared during the environmental movement of the 1970s, making him one of the franchise's oldest villains."

Images showed Fang's earliest design, complete with a rather bizarre fur cloak.

"The story begins with a wolf whose family is killed by humans. One day, the wolf gains extraordinary powers and becomes capable of transforming into a human. According to the official guidebooks, Fang ranks as an A-Class villain. Other A-Class villains include all the famous names everyone already knows..."

In short—

He was ridiculously powerful.

"His signature ability allows him to use the powers of every animal in nature. At one point in the comics, he survives a nuclear explosion by using the abilities of a tardigrade."

Panels showed Fang wrapped inside a cocoon-like shell amid the aftermath of a nuclear blast.

"He's trapped heroes inside spider webs, deceived satellites using camouflage, and displayed countless different animal abilities. He's a supervillain whose very existence demonstrates how insignificant humanity is before the power of nature."

Koreans listened with sparkling eyes.

Just as they became instant experts whenever a Korean athlete excelled in an obscure sport...

They rapidly became experts on the Guardians franchise as well.

The Souffles were no different.

Oho... so that's how it is.

As they continued searching, smiles kept spreading across their faces.

"Hehehehehe!"

"Calm yourself, Souffle."

"Guys! Rabokki's on me today!"

"Thank you, Souffle!"

How could they not be excited?

Their favorite idol had landed a central role in a superhero movie.

And the reactions were overwhelmingly positive.

Most people were simply fascinated—or cheering him on.

The only thing that worried them was...

The comic fans aren't going to explode over this... are they?

Whenever a live-action adaptation was announced, original fans were always the harshest critics.

Just as people endlessly compared drama adaptations to their original webtoons...

The Souffles worried Silver Comics fans might react with,

"NewBlack's Sunny? That's not the Fang I know!"

Instead...

A banner appeared online.

(Congratulations) On behalf of all Silver Comics fans, we sincerely welcome Wooju.

The Korean Silver Comics fandom was celebrating.

Pleaseeeee... let this be the one that revives us.

If Guardians 2 flops too, we're completely finished...

Director Edwards, we're counting on you.

Do you know how long it's been since anyone paid attention to us? LOL

Why's everyone acting like this?? Elementary school kids and fangirls are going to flood in now.

You idiot, our franchise is practically dying! Every single new fan matters right now! And you're worried about what fandom they're from?? Do you only feel alive supporting doomed franchises?!

Calm down LMAOOOOO

Why is this so hilarious LOL

Spring has finally come for us!!

The Souffles nodded.

Not exactly the same... but it feels like when a small idol group finally breaks into the daily charts.

Silver Comics occupied a somewhat weaker position compared to Wonder Comics.

Fans overseas felt much the same.

A few complained that Fang should've been Hispanic or Black rather than Asian...

But those voices were quickly drowned out.

Most people simply replied,

"The first movie already bombed. Is now really the time to argue about race?"

Looks like we don't have to worry.

Just then—

A new notification appeared.

Director John Edwards' interview for Korean audiences — Guardians 2

The thumbnail showed a calm-looking man sitting inside a studio.

When they clicked it—

A familiar face appeared.

Hm?

He'd put on some weight over the past few years, making him difficult to recognize at first.

Then it clicked.

"Many Korean viewers probably know me as the director of Nostalgia. Hello. I'm John Edwards."

The middle-aged director winked at the camera.

No way—it's Mr. National Pride!

"Mr. National Pride"? LOL

He definitely made an impression.

When he'd visited Korea to promote Nostalgia years earlier, John Edwards had enthusiastically thrown himself into every imaginable promotional event.

Now he was courting Korean audiences once again.

"By now, you've probably heard that Korea's pride and joy—NewBlack's Sunny—has been cast as the main villain, Fang."

John Edwards calmly introduced the Guardians franchise.

"To be completely honest, we know the first film didn't leave much of an impression on Korean audiences. But I promise you—the second film will be completely different."

He explained that viewers wouldn't need to watch the first movie to understand the sequel, and asked everyone to give it a chance.

Somewhere in the background...

A faint instrumental of "Arirang" began playing.

The Korean viewers burst into laughter.

Director... tell us the Korean break-even point.

Almost as though responding to them, John Edwards gazed wistfully into the distance.

"If more than five million viewers come to see our film..."

Five million.

Got it.

Everyone was enjoying the interview uploaded by Silver Screen.

Then, inevitably—

Look at Guardians' worldwide box office LOL. Nobody's even heard of it.

Already making patriotic clickbait content? Totally predictable.

This much hype over Silver Comics instead of Wonder Comics? LOL

If it were Wonder, maybe...

Some continued mocking everyone for getting excited over Guardians 2, which wasn't even Silver Comics' flagship franchise.

Then another headline broke.

[Exclusive] NewBlack's Jiho cast in Secret Agent 3 as a supporting character... role undisclosed

Wonder Comics clearly had no intention of letting Silver Screen enjoy all the attention.

We've got NewBlack too.

Everyone stared in disbelief.

"...?"

"...??"

People had responded to Guardians 2 with,

"Wait, that exists?"

But everyone knew Secret Agent.

It was one of the flagship superhero franchises.

Those who had mocked everyone for celebrating Silver Comics quietly disappeared.

Koreans simply stared.

First NewBlack's leader.

Now one of their actor members.

What's going on?

Is Korea having some kind of unbelievable lucky streak this year...?

"The trending searches are weird."

[Real-Time Trending Searches]

#1 — NewBlack Birth Charts

"...What's 'NewBlack Birth Charts' supposed to mean?"

"I think it's become a trend online."

At Junghyun's explanation, I looked at my phone.

"Since both you and Jiho got cast in movies, people are saying everything NewBlack touches turns into gold. They're curious about your fortunes."

Screenshots from MyTube showed fortune tellers discussing lucky cycles and destiny.

I frowned.

"But birth charts don't make sense. There have to be plenty of people born on the exact same day and time as me."

"For once, I completely agree with you."

Ri Hyuk laughed and held up his hand for a high-five.

Instead, I looked at Junghyun.

"I think I was being too narrow-minded. Maybe birth charts contain principles of the universe I simply don't understand."

"So just admit you don't want to high-five me."

"No. I'm saying birth charts really might be right."

Ri Hyuk glared at me with his eyes.

I laughed and went back to reading the online reactions.

Then I stretched.

"Ugh... I can't focus on the words."

"I can't either."

The younger members and I shivered while sipping bottled water.

It had been a long time since I'd felt this nervous before a performance.

The place where we were desperately trying to moisten our dry throats...

...was Tokyo Dome.

Congratulations on your Tokyo Dome concert — From TeenSpirit

The dressing room was overflowing with flower arrangements sent by fellow artists, including TeenSpirit.

Tokyo Dome.

One of Japan's greatest concert venues.

A stage countless senior artists had dreamed of reaching.

Maybe things had changed these days.

But back when I was a trainee at TJ...

Tokyo Dome had been the dream.

Every trainee in the late 2000s had shared roughly the same career goals.

Win first place on a music show.

Hold a concert at the Olympic Gymnastics Arena.

That was the realistic dream.

Aim a little higher...

Win the Grand Prize at the KMA!

And if you became an unbelievable worldwide sensation?

Then there was one ultimate destination.

Perform at Tokyo Dome.

That was the highest realistic dream imaginable.

Naturally, an Olympic Stadium concert belonged to an entirely different realm.

Only generation-defining legends reached that level.

Tokyo Dome had always represented the finish line of a dream that ordinary artists could realistically pursue.

"So... we finally made it."

"Seriously."

Ri Hyuk smiled.

"All those people online who kept saying, 'You're not the real deal until you've done a Dome Tour' should quiet down now."

Jiho immediately replied,

"Apparently not anymore. Now they're saying you have to perform all Five Domes before you're really popular in Japan."

"...They added another requirement?"

The staff and members burst into laughter.

Normally we'd have grumbled about such pettiness.

But standing on the verge of performing at Tokyo Dome...

None of it mattered anymore.

Just then—

Click.

The door opened.

Wonseok hyung and Mingi hyung returned with the managers.

"What's it like outside?"

"There are so many people it's unbelievable."

"Seriously?"

The managers showed us videos.

Crowds of Souffles poured into the venue.

The younger members and I watched with wide eyes.

"Wow..."

Just then, the concert staff called us.

"Everyone, get ready!"

"Yes!"

We straightened our outfits, received final touch-ups from the makeup artists, and headed into the hallway.

As we walked alongside the dancers and security staff, everyone called out,

"Fighting!"

"You look amazing!"

"Good luck!"

They were clearly trying to ease our nerves.

We did the same by chatting casually.

"Do you think we'll catch the final episode of New Universe after the concert?"

"We'll probably miss the beginning if we watch it live."

"That's a shame."

While we talked about tonight's university festival finale of New Universe...

The cheers grew louder.

"WAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!"

The roar greeting the Overcook music video playing on the screens echoed through Tokyo Dome.

The music pouring from the speakers pounded against my chest.

The five of us crouched together inside the rising platform.

The deafening cheers washed over us.

My entire body tingled.

"So we really made it."

Four years after our debut...

We had finally reached Tokyo Dome.

As I savored a feeling I'd never experienced at any other dome venue, I suddenly looked at our main vocalist.

"Is Tokyo Dome the biggest venue in Japan?"

"There are bigger places. Stadiums, for example."

"I see."

I smiled and held out my hand.

"Then next time..."

I looked at the members.

"How about we aim for a stadium?"

"I'd love that."

Biju placed his hand on top of mine with a grin.

Standing in the place that had once represented the very end of our dreams...

We decided to dream once again.

Stand by.

Three... two... one...

Clunk.

The lift slowly rose.

The five of us exchanged bright smiles.

The cool air of the arena washed over us.

"Everyone."

Over the opening notes of White Night, I spoke softly.

"We've finally made it."

The lights exploded to life.

Fireworks erupted.

Amid a thunderous roar from the audience...

NewBlack's Tokyo Dome concert began.