y what she felt."Who is the male lead"Jeong Eun-ji's words captivated everyone's attention, and several members huddled close to her."Well... the male lead is just confirmed. My manager oppa has check..."This week" lame.

“I feel like it’s really possible. I just checked, and the first-day sales in the US iTunes store were 18,000. That's already very impressive, especially for a Kpop song. It's been a long time since any group from the peninsula has achieved this kind of result.”

As soon as Kim Jun-myeon said this, the other members in the van immediately became interested. A few of them took out their phones to check something while excitedly chattering away.

"Give it up, it's impossible this week."

But before they could even get excited for two seconds, Ji Jingyuan took his gaze away from his phone, glanced back, and with a lazy word, he cut off the just-rising enthusiasm.

"Why is that impossible" Wu Shixun frowned at him.

"Can you have some common sense B-list rankings about data statistics and calculations are generally put on weekends, so whether it's domestic singers from America or other countries with singers trying to make the top charts, they all release songs on Friday…"

“The statistics for this week ended two days ago. We only released our song on the 1st, how could we possibly make it onto the chart this week Besides, songs like Kpop from outside the country are disadvantaged because they don't have radio airplay points, which carry a lot of weight in the ranking. It's unrealistic to even think about getting on the chart early... And besides, this week’s chart was already updated this morning. Go check if you can find our name...”

Ji Jingyuan glanced back with a look of amusement, sneering slightly. Especially when he saw Wu Shixun actually took out his phone to check if it was on or off, he rolled his eyes in disbelief: "Axi, you really checked... If it really was on, wouldn't we see it And if it was, the media here in the peninsula would be all over it, they'd have reported it already."

Hearing this, the others couldn't help but nod in agreement.

Although his tone might be a bit harsh, Chi Jingyuan's point is not entirely wrong. After all, America is the biggest center for pop entertainment in the world. Plus, with many subjective and objective factors, the entertainment market on the peninsula has always looked up to and yearned for America. From K-pop's development to now, many companies have tried to break into the American market, but none have been very successful.

It's incredibly rare for a Korean artist to reach the HOT 100 chart. This is why PSY's global fame, thanks to his mega-hit "Gangnam Style," allows him to do so consistently.

Other combinations and artists basically have no hope. Although EXO's popularity has gradually exceeded Asia in the past two years and is growing higher, they also have a certain number of fixed fans and loyal fans in Europe and America, but they still haven't had one song on HOT100.

As pool Jingyuan said, compared to other countries' singers, domestic singers are at a disadvantage in terms of data and weight. Moreover, the audience for K-pop music is not very large, and there are some objective reasons such as discrimination, so it's really difficult.

However, some other minor charts have been topped many times, including album charts. But compared to the HOT100, these lackluster charts have significantly less weight. Many people don't pay much attention to these secondary charts at all, they are practically ignored.

And whether it's really popular in Europe and America, the company and they themselves actually know very well. It's just something fans can use to boast a little.

If this time, thanks to "", we can actually make it onto the charts and achieve a good ranking, then the media here on the Peninsula will definitely make a big deal out of it. It would be significant for both the K-pop music scene and EXO itself.

If the ranking could be even higher and stay on the charts for more than a week, that would be even more impressive. It would truly prove that Ji Jingyuan and the others have made quite a name for themselves in America. This would be hugely beneficial for their future development and market expansion, because this isn't something that can be achieved just by fans spamming the charts. It takes real people who actually like you or your music.

Regardless of whether they can actually achieve it, just creating this buzz will have a huge impact in pushing the competition between them and Big Bang forward.

Although this comeback so far, EXO has been leading the way.

Wu Shih-hsuan twitched the corners of his mouth, probably feeling a little ashamed because of his ignorance. He didn't dare to retort and instead turned his head to look out the window.

Seeing that several other members also seemed disappointed, Ji-yeong raised his eyes and thought for a moment before adding: "However, our sales on the US iTunes chart this time are already very impressive. It's really not easy for a Korean group to achieve this. Next week, we're still likely to have a chance."

“Next week Next week will be a week since we released our song, and that's when we'll be competing with Big Bang on music shows. Maybe the promotional effect will be even bigger.” Upon hearing this, Kim Jun-myeon secretly calculated the time and nodded his head with some anticipation.

I wonder if it'll really make the list...

"How did you know that Did you go look it up just to put on a show Or are you actually interested" Wu Se-hun seemed a little indignant, staring at him and mumbling a question that wasn't entirely friendly.

"Sigh..."

Chen Chen let out a deep sigh, and Chi Jingyuan looked like he had been defeated. He shook his head and then looked at him with a strange expression. His mouth opened and closed as if he was hesitating. After going back and forth twice, he finally said: "Because... I went to school there..."

"Aha ha ha..."

A wave of laughter erupted, and the various undertones within it immediately caused Wu Shixun to fall silent. Shame.

"That's enough..." Li Cheng Huan, the manager sitting in the passenger seat, also smiled twice. After a few seconds, he spoke up to save someone some face, and at the same time, with some excitement, turned to say, "Regarding our unexpected sales and performance in America, the company has actually been paying attention for a while now. Since the release of the second mini album last year, we have already made some corresponding plans, and in the past year, we've also done quite a bit of promotion..."

“However, because the cost of developing the American market is very high, I understand that some promotion expenses are several times higher than those of their domestic artists…… At the same time, including some senior groups in the company before, all K-pop groups venturing into America have not been considered successful. Currently, the company does not have plans to develop that market. For now, our main focus is still on our home turf and our debut in Japan in the second half of the year, but……”

It is clear that ** has always been ambitious about the European and American markets, and has been closely following EXO's rapid rise in popularity and recognition there. They are also quite surprised by EXO's popularity and considerable fan base in America. However, due to several unsuccessful attempts in the past, they have been somewhat hesitant.

But Li Chenghuan's words weren't definitive. After a pause, he added, "However, if we can achieve some unexpected and surprising results this time, such as getting onto the B-list and ranking relatively high, the company might also adjust our strategy."

“Alright, let’s not dwell on that for now. We just got back and there's a ton of schedules to run through once we're back on the peninsula. We’re going to be super busy these next few days, so get mentally prepared.” After briefly explaining things, Lee Seunghwan felt he was going off track, patted himself lightly to end the previous topic, and picked up his notebook to start assigning tasks:

"Tonight, Chanyeol and you will have a radio broadcast."

"Tomorrow Suho has an M interview, in preparation for the day after tomorrow's [Music Show] *M!Countdown*, and then there's the debut stage on the 4th, the recording of 'I Am The Peninsula' on the 5th and Music Bank…"

"Got it, got it."

Although Lee Seung Hwan said that, the members who had already gotten started didn't take his words to heart. They absentmindedly listened to him and perfunctorily responded with a sound, including Ji Kyeong Won. In fact, all the members, had their minds elsewhere, starting to look forward to seeing their names on the B list update next time.

Next week...

……

Even just paparazzi photos of EXO arriving in Seoul at the airport made headlines, showing how incredible their momentum has been since releasing their song on the 1st. These past two days, EXO's popularity has been truly astonishing. Compared to previous comebacks that were already very successful, this time they not only surpassed Bigbang but also achieved a level of heat noticeably higher than before.

It's possible that the continuous hype leading up to their comeback caused their reputation and popularity to truly explode. It could also be because of the back-and-forth interaction between them and BIGBANG, as well as the competition between the two top boy groups, old and new, which caught most people's attention. Or it might be that this time around, the song quality is good enough to please more people.

Anyway, just returning to the Peninsula, Ji-yeong and other members, upon hearing the sound of 'ohyyy' that could be heard on every street corner in Seoul within just two or three days, truly felt an extraordinary sense of momentum. It was overwhelming.

Meanwhile, under the watchful eyes of countless fans, EXO made their appearance on M Countdown on June 4th, recording their first stage performance for "M!Countdown".

"Greetings, seniors! This is our new album for this comeback."

In the backstage karaoke room of , Ji Kyeong followed Kim Jun Myeon, watching as he slightly bowed and handed the CD in his hand to Han Seung Yeon who greeted them.

It's customary for every idol group in the K-pop industry, especially when they debut or make a comeback, to visit fellow guests and seniors during their first week of music show appearances and exchange albums as a courtesy. EXO has experienced countless such instances over the years. It usually involves leader Kim Junmyeon taking the lead, followed by one or two other members. This time, it was池景源's turn.

"Oh my, Suho and Yuan are already this close. No need to be so polite," Kara's four members burst into laughter as soon as they saw the two enter, greeting them cheerfully. Han Seung Yeon stepped forward from the side, took out two of their own CDs, and came over with a smile, waving her hand, exchanging CDs with each other.

"We're definitely going to listen to it... actually, we already have. You guys are really amazing this time, so popular! And Hala has always been your fan, she bought the album and played it in the dorm for days!"

Including Han Seon-yeon, several members of Kara looked very friendly and chatted warmly with smiles. Goo Hyo-ra, who was named, wasn't shy at all. She openly waved to Ji Chang-wook and nodded with a smile, confirming her fan status. Fail

"Kang Sang-Mi..." Ji Jingyuan also broke into a happy smile, lightly bowed his head, but in his heart, he couldn't help but sigh.

As expected of a senior... As expected, business and social skills are essential skills for an artist.

I distinctly remember that the atmosphere in the house wasn't good when I first walked in. Before entering, I vaguely heard sounds of what sounded like an argument or a heated discussion.

Kara, the second-generation girl group that was once hugely popular in both Japan and Korea, has long since lost its former popularity and fame. Especially after Nicole and Jiyoung left the group last year and the new member, Seo In Young, failed to gain fan recognition, their decline has been steady. Now, they have had several comebacks without any significant improvement.

This time, Mini7's comeback results were also mediocre. The serious drop in performance made many fans very sad and worried. Pool Jinsung saw a lot of KARA fans online worrying if this was the group's last comeback because Han Seungyeon and several other members' contracts are expiring soon.

As an idol who debuted in 2011, Ji Chang-wook has personally witnessed the peak periods of girl groups like Kara and Tara. He recalls that when he first attended MAMA, he happened to be sitting behind Goo Hara, during which time Kara was truly at its hottest.

In three years, the situation has undergone such a drastic change that one can only say the collective decline and even the downfall of the second-generation group is truly inevitable. Decline...

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, they bid farewell and left. The closing door separated their smiles and gazes. Ji Jingyuan followed Jin Junmian to visit other seniors, but his mind was on the state of Kara's resting room after they had left.

After exchanging a few albums, they quickly arrived at the door of a closed-off lounge. Instead of knocking directly, they exchanged a knowing glance.

Chi Jingyuan nudged his lips, and Jin Junmian hesitated for a second before starting to knock. Soon, a voice called out from inside, "Come in."

As soon as the door opened, Quan Zhi Long's head of fiery red hair immediately caught my eye.

This is the bigbang's resting room.

"Greetings, seniors..."

Just like the other fans, as soon as they entered, the two immediately flashed their sunny business smiles, greeting each other with a set of actions: bowing, saying hello, and handing over the album – all done seamlessly. However, Ji-yeong felt something strange in his heart.

EXO and BIGBANG, the two veteran groups, are currently in an intense competition. Although they haven't explicitly stated it or had a public feud, the rivalry between their agencies and fans has already escalated to an unmanageable level.

Fans' squabbles and attacks don't actually affect the private relationships between idols at certain times, such as when they already have a good private relationship, or like Park Ji-hoon and Irene.

The little sister was scolded by Alice, it was a complete mess, and she wasn't even wearing ultra-short shorts in the passenger seat on her birthday to show off her soft and tender white legs.

But if it's EXO and BIGBANG like that, as the main characters, meeting in private in real life is actually quite awkward and embarrassing.

Moreover, there isn't that much friendship and closeness between boy groups. The jealousy between the same sex is particularly strong. For example, within EXO, many people actually dislike BIGBANG quite a bit, and Choi Seunghyun's hostility towards them has been evident for a long time, almost impossible to hide on camera.

Luckily, Ji Jingyuan glanced over and didn't see Choi Seong-hyeon and Lee Seung-ri, only the other three.

"Here they are…" Seeing Ji-won and Kim Jun-myeon, all three members of BIGBANG nodded their heads and greeted them. Taeyang walked up holding their album and smiled as they exchanged it.

But it didn't say much.

Chi Jingyuan stifled a chuckle in his heart, watching Jin Junmian stiffen and awkwardly utter a few polite greetings before following him to say goodbye and leave. He returned to their own resting room.

"How's it going What's the situation at bigbang"

As soon as he went back, Bian Boheng and those gossipy guys were very curious and crowded around.

"That's all there is to it, no different from anyone else... You really expect them to fight like those internet onlookers who make a spectacle out of it"

Chi Jingyuan slumped onto the sofa. Feeling the expectant gazes of others, he said something annoyed and then took a drink from the bottle of beverage handed to him by his assistant.

Two groups performed their first stage on today, and many internet trolls and haters are online making all sorts of wild guesses and speculations about whether EXO and Big Bang will fight backstage. That's so sad.

Although it's said that way, if a real conflict happened and was exposed, it would definitely be EXO who gets scolded. After all, BIGBANG is a senior group that debuted almost ten years ago.

"It's alright... Besides, TOP isn't here." Kim Junmyeon also added a sentence. The team was all too aware that Choi Seunghyun didn't like them, and having been in the industry for a few years, Seoul wasn't that big. They had heard about Choi Seunghyun's private behavior and hobbies early on.

"Oh…" A few people responded, but Ji Jingyuan always felt that their tone seemed a little disappointed.

"Take a break, they've just notified us that we're going to pre-record soon."

At this time, the agent glanced at his watch and reminded everyone in a tone:

"There's also a mini fan meet in the afternoon. Those who haven't signed their albums yet, hurry and sign them now. Sign as many as you can, because we're giving away lots of goodies in the afternoon."

When a popular group returns, they often hold a mini fan meeting on the 4th floor of M building to perform their debut stage on . The official staff selects about thirty fans to attend and interact with the idols, along with some interviews. Some groups also offer simple giveaways. This time EXO is preparing to give out autographed albums by all members.

Alas, sign now...

…………

"Love is not greater."

"woo~~woo~~woo~~woo~~woo~~"

"Thanaboywith…"

"Thanaboywithv."

Watching the ongoing live stream of 《M！tdown》 on her phone, Tzuyu paused, her gaze fixed on the final shot of EXO《boywithv》's debut stage. In particular, she was captivated by Kei’s profile as he turned his head, extending an arm in a mock gun gesture. Tzuyu stopped swaying her head gently, which had been going on throughout the performance. Her legs, which had been cramped from sitting for so long, felt a little better, and she shifted her position with a hint of satisfaction.

She really liked the melody and feel of this song when she heard the preview version at the concert. After the audio was released, she played it on repeat many times. And for this long-awaited debut stage, although Ji-sung and they didn't copy the hair color and outfits from the MV, she still found it very enjoyable to watch.

Especially that turning shot at the beginning, it felt completely different live than in the MV.

Just as Tzuyu saw the VCR of BIGBANG appearing right after, she slightly pursed her lips when suddenly a surprised voice came from beside her:

"‘This EXO comeback is just average, the title track and "Bang Bang Bang" are not in the same league musically. To have these results, it's like ** has gone crazy buying promotions and chart manipulation…’. ‘Yuan is a cancer in EXO, really annoying…’"

"Ajia, Nayeon, you didn't watch the hype online about XO and BigBang's debut stage, and you're here liking posts online that bash EXO... Oh, you even posted one yourself!"

After Yu Dingyan read the words on Lin Naien's phone, he was probably so surprised that he didn't lower his voice. Even Zhou Tzuyu, who wasn't sitting close by, could hear him clearly.

After thinking about the meaning of this Korean phrase for a moment, she couldn't help but turn her head and look over. At a glance, she saw Lin Na-yeon's cat by the wall holding a cell phone, frowning, with her finger pressed to her lips as if urging Yu Dingyan to be quiet. Yu Dingyan immediately reacted, and the two of them huddled together and whispered quietly.

With a barely perceptible eye roll, Zhou Tzuyu retracted her gaze as if she hadn't seen anything.

For Lin Naien, the company's most prized trainee, having become a target of Park Jeong-won and EXO's hate, something that was well known to her long-term roommate Zhou Tzuyu, it was hard to ignore. The constant black remarks about Park Jeong-won she heard from the other girl in their dorm alone were enough to make her stomach turn.

Although the other party actually intended to avoid her and would not say it openly, Tzuyu could still hear some things from time to time.

Although she didn't like what Lim Na-yeon was saying, she couldn't feel much resentment knowing the real reason behind her turning into a black fan, and having witnessed how badly she had been scolded by Ae-li and chastised by the head of the dormitory. All she could do was pretend not to hear it.

And she was a foreign little girl, so she couldn't say much to anyone.

Just as Zhou Tzu-yu lowered her head to take another look at Big Bang's stage, her phone suddenly vibrated. A call came in, and when she saw the caller ID, Zhou Tzu-yu's eyes lit up. She immediately stood up from the floor and dashed out in three steps and two hops.

"Mom~" (faint)

It was her mother who called.

As soon as the call connected, she sweetly called out, her voice carrying that unique accent of hers, which sounded a bit cloying to my ears.

Huang Yanling, also known as Zhou Ma, was clearly delighted to hear Zhou Tzuyu's voice. She gently began to inquire about her beloved daughter's recent well-being.

"..."

"Mom, are you really coming next week Because in a few weeks I might have to come again because of the show. Would that be too much trouble"

Although Tzuyu was very happy to hear that her mother would be visiting next week, she still asked softly.

After the last episode was finished, the production team mentioned in a meeting that they hoped for the parents of the competing trainees to appear on camera in the next few episodes if they were available. This would not only enhance the show's effect but also evoke some emotion. 衰

Of course, they wouldn't say that directly. Of course, it's euphemistically said to give parents some support and encouragement for their children.

And her mother will be visiting next week, and she'll need to come back again in a while. This means she'll have to travel back and forth constantly. Since work is already so busy, Tzuyu is a little worried about the trouble she's caused for her mom.

"Of course not, how could it be troublesome to celebrate a baby's birthday"

Being far apart for a long time, plus the mother and daughter already had a very good relationship, even though Tzuyu was already a teenager, they still called each other affectionately in private. When Zhou's mother heard this, she immediately replied with a smile: "Besides, didn't you say last time that you were under a lot of pressure from participating in the show recently Mom just happened to come and visit you. I bought a lot of local specialties, all the ones you liked before, and a few new face masks and whitening creams, they work especially well..."

The mother and daughter chatted happily for a while, Zhou Tzuyu enjoyed the warmth of her family's attention with a cheerful smile. But as she listened, she suddenly heard her mother bring up something else:

"By the way, you mentioned that friend you take special care of many times before, will he be free in the next couple of days Mom wants to treat him to a meal as a thank you..."

(

) Please note that the original content was already in English. I have only removed the unnecessary parentheses and brackets.

This novel is first published by

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