From Thug to Idol: Transmigrating to a Survival Show Chapter 1043: The Reunion You Didn't Ask For

The festive season had finally arrived, enveloping the air in a vibrancy unique to this time of year.

Snow blanketed the streets encircling the towering arena, a massive stadium illuminated in glory, welcoming fans and idols alike to one of the most anticipated spectacles of the year.

While every iteration of this grand stage established new benchmarks for live production, this particular night felt significantly more immense. An undeniable shift had taken hold within the idol industry.

For the first time, ensembles from a diverse array of companies—ranging from the obscure to the industry titans—united to grace the same stage.

Setlists were refined to prioritize peak highlights, ensuring that every group, regardless of their status or fan count, enjoyed a fleeting moment in the limelight.

Every performance carried genuine weight; it was a clear sign of evolution for a sector long dominated by a select few.

Behind the stage, the atmosphere offered a warm reprieve from the frigid outside temperatures. Groups navigated the corridors between dressing rooms, their laughter and spirited conversations filling the air as they rehearsed their choreography one final time. DAWN, having ascended to the top of the charts following a truly explosive debut year, was deep in preparation for their own set.

Yet, they were hardly the only ones contemplating the distance they had traversed.

Deep in the audience, Jia sat alongside her circle—Bora, Soomin, Nari, and Wei—positioned near the stage, savouring a rare break from their respective professional lives.

Still a university student, Bora observed her friends, all of whom were now fully immersed in the grind of adulthood. "It is truly wild, isn't it?" Bora remarked. "We are sitting here as adults watching this unfold. Just a year ago, we were students frantic over whether we could even secure tickets."

Soomin offered a nod, a nostalgic grin playing on her lips. "It feels like an entire lifetime ago. Goodness, I feel ancient."

Wei chuckled, sinking back into her seat. "True, but let's be honest—our responsibilities are heavier now, but at least we are actually compensated for them."

"That is coming from you?" Nari questioned. "You are definitely overcompensated by your father!"

Wei started to retort but promptly sealed her lips. "I will not dispute that point."

"Well, it remains true regardless," Jia agreed, offering a soft laugh. "But do you not find yourselves missing it? Being back in school?"

"Not at all," the rest of the group replied in unison, forcing Bora into a fit of laughter.

"Not even in the slightest?" Bora pressed, grinning broadly.

Soomin gave a nonchalant shrug. "Fine, maybe a little bit. The lack of adult concerns, certainly. But truthfully, this is far better. Money makes everything superior! Now, I can attend this event without needing to pester my mother for funds."

"Yes, and here I am, destined to eat rice and kimchi for the next few days," Nari added, shaking her head.

Wei reached out to pat her hand. "Do not fret! I can cover your expenses if your budget is insufficient." The group broke into hearty laughter.

Nearby, in the exclusive VIP section, a different reunion was unfolding.

Gun, Ji-hyun, and Minho—three of the most revered mentors from the hit survival program Rising Stars—found themselves seated as neighbors.

"Observe this," Gun said, shaking his head in amusement as he gestured toward the trio. "A genuine reunion, hm? Here we all are."

Ji-hyun giggled, crossing her legs as she leaned back into her chair. "It has been an eternity since we were all gathered in one location. The last time was..."

"Rising Stars," Minho completed the thought, sporting a smirk. "Ah, it has only been a year, but it already feels as though a thousand chapters have passed by!"

"It certainly does," Ji-hyun concurred, casting her gaze toward the stage. "Back then, we were the figures in the spotlight. Now, look at us, idling in the audience while our former trainees dominate the stage."

Gun huffed, folding his arms. "Do not pretend you are not filled with pride. You are practically radiating light over there."

Ji-hyun rolled her eyes yet maintained her smile. "Of course I am proud. It is just... dreamlike. When we were mentoring those youths, did you ever imagine they would reach this level of fame?"

"DAWN in particular," Minho commented, his expression thoughtful. "They are the biggest act here tonight. It is surreal to consider we had a hand in sculpting their success."

Gun let out a low chuckle, his gaze softening as his mind drifted to those past experiences.

"Recollect when I detested June? I simply could not stand the fellow. Too arrogant, too obstinate... but my word, he certainly proved me wrong."

"You adore him now," Minho teased.

Gun wore a faint smile. "I will not deny that."

Minho leaned forward, planting his elbows onto his knees. "What about you, Ji-hyun? Now that the show has long concluded, I feel free to inquire. You held a torch for June, didn't you?"

Ji-hyun groaned, shielding her face with her hands as the two men broke into peels of laughter. "Oh, come on. Are we really revisiting that subject right now?"

"Absolutely," Gun declared, grinning. "It is a fundamental part of our history. Besides, it is not as if you were alone. Half the trainees harboured a crush on him."

"True," Minho admitted, his laughter fading as he looked toward the stage.

Ji-hyun tilted her head curiously. "The trainees were all male."

"You grasp my meaning," Gun stated. "They admire him in the same capacity that I do."

"Somehow, that makes the situation even more peculiar," Ji-hyun muttered.

"Regardless," Gun continued. "We have traversed such a long path. From acting as mentors to bearing witness to their rise as world-class stars... it is truly remarkable."

The three fell into a brief silence, reflecting on every event that had transpired over the preceding year.

Just as the VIP trio commenced their reminiscence, another group arrived—only to immediately launch into a heated debate.

"The performances have barely commenced, yet I am certain June will be absolutely flawless," Choi Pablo declared as he stomped into their row, dragging Jenny, his ever-patient assistant, with him. His dramatic entrance drew many eyes, though most were already accustomed to his larger-than-life persona.

"Obviously he is flawless," Lee Sik retorted. "He is my mentee. It is only to be expected."

"Your mentee?" Pablo exclaimed, spinning to face the older man. "He is my muse. Thus, his perfection is my doing. Do not misunderstand the situation."

Lee Sik raised his eyebrows in astonishment, crossing his arms firmly over his chest. "Oh, is that the path you choose to take?"

"Why do we not discuss who truly molded June into the person he is now, hm?"

"Clearly, it was me," Lee Sik insisted. "The rigorous discipline I instilled provided him with the foundation to succeed. Without me—"

"Without you, he would still be belting out high notes perfectly well," a cheerful voice interjected. Magic Mama, June's vocal coach, arrived with her oversized scarf trailing behind her. "I am the catalyst for his stage magic. It is literally in my name!"

"Magic?" Pablo repeated, looking skeptical. "You jest, surely? June's stage presence is what matters most, and that is entirely due to my guidance."

Jenny groaned, burying her face within her palms. "Not this again..."

The bickering escalated quickly, with each mentor defending their contribution to June's triumph. Ji-hyun, Minho, and Gun exchanged amused expressions, their shoulders shaking with suppressed laughter.

Then, as if an identical signal had rung in their minds, they all fell silent in unison.

[It is because of me, you idiots!]