From Thug to Idol: Transmigrating to a Survival Show Chapter 4: Rising Stars

"Rising Stars?"

The television flickered to life on its own, filling the cramped chamber with a light, melodic piano tune—the show’s iconic signal song. June recognized the melody from the previous year. It appeared this dimension mirrored the one he had left behind; even the presenter was a familiar face.

Kang Minho, the generation's premier young actor, stood center stage. June had heard of him, given his fame in China. Bright stage lights washed out his features, giving him a ghostly, pallid look, while in the backdrop, one hundred chairs awaited their occupants, marked in shimmering blue digits.

[Are you acquainted with this program, host?]

Of course, June knew of "Rising Stars." It remained Korea’s most popular idol survival show, its inaugural season having launched the powerhouse girl group GIRLS EVOLUTION. After that success, the producers pivoted to a boys' season, which proved even more lucrative than the original.

The franchise had suffered scrutiny during its third season, however, due to allegations of trainee exploitation and rigged vote counts. The resulting group vanished, disbanding only months after inception.

June was privy to these details because his sister had sobbed uncontrollably when they broke up. Mei Ling harbored an obsession for such programs, following every debut group with fervor and even begging Jun Hao to secure tickets for their final performances.

"Rising Stars" served as the industry standard for idol competitions in Korea. Despite a flood of copycats, the show maintained its dominance, largely due to the station’s penchant for dramatic, manipulative editing and a knack for cherry-picking the most visually striking and distinctive trainees.

Even with the disastrous third season, public appetite for a fourth installment remained unexpectedly strong.

According to Joon-ho's status window, he had been recruited specifically to provide "comic relief." The producers understood that not every participant needed raw talent; personalities like Joon-ho were essential for keeping the runtime entertaining.

June refocused his gaze on the screen as the music faded.

"100 boys. 100 dreams. Only 10 will see their aspirations become reality! Rising Stars has returned for a brand-new season. Ladies and gentlemen, buckle up for an experience you won't soon forget! Prepare to be captivated by unparalleled talent, stunned by electrifying stages, and moved by the sheer tenacity of these 100 hopefuls. We invite you to witness the genesis of the next generation of idol icons! Welcome to the arena, welcome to the magic, welcome to the ultimate idol survival show!" Minho declared with fervor, the piano melody building to a dramatic crescendo.

June could already visualize the public outcry.

Public consensus was fractured. While some cheered for a fresh season, others remained bitter regarding the previous scandal. Regardless, the broadcast achieved precisely what it intended: it grabbed the nation's focus.

The moment the commercial aired, the show vaulted to the top of the trending list on Navel, the country’s largest social media platform.

June had no desire to enter such a cutthroat competition, but he couldn't deny it offered his fastest route to stardom. Perhaps through status and wealth, he could provide a better life for Mei Ling and eventually secure a way to return to his former existence. He longed to find the mastermind behind his death and exact his vengeance.

As the advertisement concluded, the debut date flashed on the screen: July 24, 2023.

June exhaled a sigh of relief. A full year remained! Why were they promoting so aggressively already?

[It is next month, host.]

His eyes widened in shock. Checking the battered phone in his grasp, he realized the date was indeed 2023. Had an entire year truly transpired since his passing?

[That is correct, host.]

[The preliminary auditions commence shortly. Ensure you make a favorable impression so they do not disqualify you, understood?]

"How soon are we talking?"

[Tomorrow.]

"What?" June shouted. "Tomorrow? I lack any qualifications! And have you forgotten my current appearance?" He pointed at his mangled face. His injuries rendered his expression repulsive; he felt certain he would be cut before the show even commenced.

[Oh, dear. I nearly forgot, host. Allow me to apply a potion immediately.]

June studied his reflection in the mirror, waiting for the supernatural intervention.

[System error. Potions depleted.]

[System error. Recharge healing essence.]

"Well?" June demanded. "This is taking quite a while."

[Apologies, host. It seems my healing stores are empty. A recharge is required.]

"Then recharge. You have until tomorrow."

[...]

[That is the complication. I can only initiate a recharge once your skills reach at least Rank D. Until then, you are stuck as you are.]

June rubbed his temples. He observed his disfigured visage before beginning to pace. He wasn't exactly a natural beauty to begin with, but entering a competition with severe facial trauma seemed impossible.

He paced until his foot struck a soft, solid object. Looking down, he discovered a cute cat mask discarded on the floor, decorated with pink, glittery accents. It looked like a trinket Mei Ling would favor. Why would Joon-ho possess such a thing?

He reached to toss it into the bin, then stopped, a brilliant idea forming. He pressed the mask against his skin; it fit perfectly.

Gazing into the mirror, he smirked as the mask effectively obscured his wounds. It actually enhanced his appeal, drawing all attention to Joon-ho’s naturally striking and charismatic eyes.

"Fine, we shall adopt this gimmick," he resolved.

If his wounds couldn't heal in time, he would simply hide behind the mask until he was restored.