Kpop Club

by YR Choi

  “Kim Hyejin from the Korean Echo. Hello Mr Kim. Kpop Club looks like a very international group – where are the members from?”

  KYM smiled, took a sip of his water and picked up a microphone.

  “Kpop Club is a truly international group; nine out of the ten members are from countries other than Korea. We have Hannah from Australia, Nadia from Algeria, Celine from France, April from the US, Maya from the UAE, Priya from India, Pooky from Thailand, Jennifer from the Philippines, Rosa from Peru and finally, Krystal from Korea.”

  Ben gave another journalist permission to speak.

  “Lee Nam Il from the Seoul Star. Do the girls speak Korean? What language will they be singing in?”

  KYM cleared his throat.

  “Krystal is fluent in Korean and the rest of the girls have been studying Korean intensively for the last six months – their Korean is more conversational, right now. All the girls speak English and their first single will be in English. However, they will also be bringing out songs in Korean and will eventually have songs in many languages including: Spanish, French, Thai, Tagalog, Arabic and Hindi.”

  Another man raised his hand.

  “Choi Young Soo from the Busan Post. Your label has a reputation of bringing out innovative groups, what’s the story behind Kpop Club?”

  “Kpop music has a certain feel – a vibe. That vibe is starting to gain popularity abroad, but people often can’t completely appreciate it because of the language barrier. Kpop Club songs will have that same kpop vibe, but will be sung in different languages so that they’re more accessible to people in other countries. The name Kpop Club reflects the fact that people from all over the world are coming together to produce and enjoy kpop,” said KYM, looking very pleased with himself.

  “Lee Moon Sae from the Hanguk Sun. With all due respect, big bands often have a lot of dead weight. Can all the members sing?”

  KYM chuckled; he was clearly enjoying the press conference.

  “I agree with you, a lot of big bands carry dead weight. This is not the case with Kpop Club – all the girls are extremely talented multiplayers.”

  The girls were very happy with KYM’s comments and were actually enjoying themselves. The press conference continued for another 20 minutes with KYM answering a number of generic questions about the band and their contracts. Krystal was very impressed by KYM; he answered tricky questions effortlessly and had the journalists eating out of the palm of his hand.

  Once the press conference was over, Ben directed the girls off the stage to a photo shoot area. The girls stood in front of a KYM Entertainment branded screen and posed for the cameras. After about 20 minutes, KYM called time on the photographers and took the girls back to the coffee shop at the KYM offices.

  “How did you find that, girls?” asked KYM.

  “Great!” chimed the girls, still on a bit of a natural high.

  “I’m really pleased with how that went. The press seemed really interested in you. I just wanted to say well done on your progress so far. You’ve done a lot in a week: working with our styling team, Sebastien in the gym, training with Yeung-1 and now a huge press conference. I’m very proud of you.” said KYM.

  The girls looked delighted.

  “As I keep saying, these things get easier with time but you’re already doing very well. Your Plastic Eyes single sounds great and I think it’ll be a big hit. We’re releasing it in 3 months, so we’ll have to do a lot of hard work now to make sure your stage performance is killer! You must be exhausted after all that - I’m going to give you the weekend off - come in on the Monday and we’ll pick up where we left off. Thank you girls!” said KYM.

  “Thank you, oppa!” said the girls, clapping.

  KYM left and the girls stood up to and started to make their way out of the coffee shop. Just as Krystal was almost out the door, a hand grabbed her from the side. It was Andrew. Krystal jumped back in shock.

  “Hey, how did your press conference go?” said Andrew, trying not to laugh.

  “It went really well, thanks.”

  “I was just wondering what you’re doing this weekend? I thought… I thought we could maybe grab lunch?”

  “Yeah sure, that’d be cool, I guess,” said Krystal, trying to hide her excitement.

  “Great, can I give you my number?”

  “Sure,” she said passing him her phone. Andrew typed in the number and gave himself a missed call.

  “How about we meet tomorrow at Seoul National University station exit 3 at midday? I’ll buy you something tasty for lunch.”

  “Um, sure. That’s a bit of a strange place to meet though, isn’t it?”

  “Kind of, but I want to show you something,” said Andrew, grinning.

  “Okay, tomorrow at Seoul National University it is,” said Krystal, cracking a smile.

  “Great! Well, I better get back to rehearsals. See you tomorrow,” said Andre, before jogging off down the hall.

  Krystal could hardly contain her excitement and quickly texted Rebecca.

  Hey! Sorry I’ve been so M.I.A. recently – can you do a coffee today? x

  As usual, the reply came back almost instantly.

  Sure! I’m sat in the Coffee Bean in Shinchon right now – can you make it over now? x

  Krystal pinged over a quick reply.

  Yup! On my way Becs! x

  Krystal said goodbye to the others and made her way to Shinchon. As she approached the coffee shop she felt a sudden rush of excitement – she hadn’t seen Rebecca since starting at KYM and suddenly realised how much she’d missed her.

  Rebecca was fixated on her laptop screen when Krystal arrived; so much so that Krystal had to give her a little pat on the shoulder to get her attention.

  “Oh! You’re here! Sorry darling, I’m in a world of my own at the moment,’ said Rebecca.

  “Come here,” said Krystal, leaning down and giving Rebecca a big hug.

  “I’m sorry I’ve been so quiet, Becs,” said Krystal, as she took a seat in a wing-backed chair opposite Rebecca.

  “That’s okay – I know you’ve got a lot of things on right now.”

  “Still, I should’ve made more of an effort – I have been thinking of you though,” said Krystal.

  “I know you have,” said Rebecca. “Now that I have you here though, I’m not letting you go until I’ve got the full update!”

  Krystal grinned widely, finally she could share it all with Rebecca.

  “Well! I have some great news – I’m going on a date with Andrew tomorrow!”

  “Oh, are you now?!” said Rebecca, performing a little clap. “You lucky girl! How did that happen?”

  “Well, we’ve seen each other around the KYM building and he basically just came up and asked me!”

  “Amazing! So where’s he taking you?”

  “Well, it’s quite random, but he wants me to meet him at Seoul National University tomorrow – apparently it’s a surprise.”

  “Very mysterious!”

  “Yes, indeed! Anyways, we’re always talking about me these days, how are you?” said Krystal.

  “Your life is much more interesting than mine, darling! We’ll get on to me later but first, I want to know how all the training has been going? What are the other girls like?”

  “Well, okay I’ll update you first but then I definitely want to hear about you,” said Krystal with a warm smile. “The training has been fun so far – hard work but fun. We’ve basically had an introduction to everything – the recording studio, the gym, the canteen, etc. We’ve also met the styling team and recorded our first track!”

  “Oh, wow! What’s the song like?”

  “It’s really catchy – I really like it! I think you will too.”

  “And the other girls?”

  “They’re all lovely. KYM has been really good and made sure that we’ve had a chance to get to know each other – I’ve met them all alone for coffee and things and they seem like a really nice bunch.”

  “Well, th
at’s a relief. Just don’t go getting too close to any of these girls – I don’t want to lose my status as BFF!” joked Rebecca.

  “That would never happen, Becs!”

  Rebecca grinned.

  “Seriously though – no one could be a better friend than you, Becs. You’ve been here for me the whole time and I wouldn’t have even known about the KYM audition if it wasn’t for you.”

  “Ah shucks! Don’t worry about it – what are friends for?”

  “I do worry about it! I feel like all I do is take from you these days.”

  “Nonsense, Krystal! You’ve done plenty for me and always have my back.”

  “I definitely have your back, Becs, and your front! I’ve got you covered!”

  Rebecca giggled.

  “Now, can you please tell me about you? What’s new?”

  “Well, okay then – there is one interesting development.”

  “Yes… go on!”

  “Well, I’ve been talking to my parents recently about what I should do now that we’re done with school. You know I’m not the academic type?”

  “You’re very brainy, Becs, but I know you don’t like studying and would rather do something more hands on, yes.”

  “Well, you know how I love coffee right?”

  “Do you?” said Krystal, jokingly.

  “I can tell you’re going to be hard work today! Well, my parents have offered to help me open up a little coffee shop somewhere in the city!”

  “Really?! That sounds awesome!”

  “Yup! I’m totally stoked!” said Rebecca brimming with joy. “I’ve been looking at potential places online today – there’s lots of cool ones out there!”

  “This is amazing news, Becs. You would do an amazing coffee shop!”

  “Thank you! So yeah, that’s me at the moment – no potential kpop star boyfriend just yet, I’m afraid.”

  “Hey, you’ve just given me an idea – I don’t want to get ahead of myself but do you like any of the other guys in the Andre Project?”

  “Well, they’re all very good looking aren’t they? I don’t know that much about them as group to be honest, though.”

  “That’s on my list now – I’m going to try and hook you up, Becs!”

  Rebecca burst out laughing.

  “Me and a kpop star? Why on earth would they want to date a nobody like me?”

  “First of all, you’re not a nobody - you’re Rebecca! Second of all, you’re a total hotty yourself and any guy would be lucky to even think about dating you!”

  “That’s very kind of you,” said Rebecca, chuckling. “Okay then, I’ll let you try and work your match-making magic!”

  “Leave it with me,” said Krystal. “Now, I need to get a coffee and when I come back I want to hear more about your ideas for your coffee shop.”

  “Sure thing.”

  “Can I get you another drink?”

  “I’ll have whatever you’re having, hun.”

  “Cool beans!”

  15

  The date

  Deciding what to wear on her date was difficult. After mulling things over with Rebecca the night before, talking with the girls in the house and putting on a mini fashion show, Krystal opted for a pair of washed blue jeans, black heels and a purple short sleeve top. Following a few last minute words of advice, she did her make-up and left the house.

  It was a nice sunny day, less humid than usual, which made things that little bit more bearable. Keeping with tradition, Krystal arrived early and stood waiting outside exit 3 of Seoul National University subway station. She surveyed the surrounding streets to try and find a clue as to where Andrew would be taking her. There was nothing that stood out, just a number of businesses catering to students: cheap restaurants, internet cafes, small coffee shops and book stores.

  Krystal’s stakeout didn’t last long as Andrew showed up bang on time. He looked gorgeous - wearing a pair of khaki chino trousers, boat shoes and a short-sleeved plain white shirt that hugged his torso. His hair was slicked back, giving him a completely different look to anything she’d seen before - she liked it.

  “I hope you haven’t been waiting long,” said Andrew.

  “No, not long at all and besides, I was early!”

  Andrew laughed.

  “Good good - let me show you where we’re going then,” he said, pointing towards the university gates.

  As they started walking their hands accidentally knocked. Neither of them said anything but Krystal wished he’d grab her hand.

  They continued walking until they reached the main gate where they found themselves at the bottom of a footpath and road that snaked around a mountain.

  “I’m afraid we’ve got a bit of a walk – I hope that’s okay?” said Andrew.

  “Yes, that’s fine but where are you taking me?” said Krystal, wishing she hadn’t worn her heels.

  “It’s a secret, you’ll find out soon enough,” said Andrew, looking quite pleased with himself.

  Krystal grinned and they began their ascent. Once they were half way up the mountain, Andrew stopped abruptly and turned to face the bushes that lined the footpath.

  “I hope you’re going to be okay in those shoes?” he said, “We’re going slightly off-piste.”

  “I should be fine,” said Krystal, excitedly.

  To Krystal’s delight, Andrew took her hand and guided her through a gap in the bushes into a relatively flat, forested area at the side of the mountain. They ducked and dived their way through a number of pine trees until they reached a stone slab footpath.

  “We’re almost there,” said Andrew.

  They continued walking along the path until the forest opened up to a reveal an emerald green pond. At the bottom of the pond was an elegant wooden pavilion that looked out over the water.

  “This is what they call the secret garden,” said Andrew.

  Krystal was lost for words.

  “Come, have a look at these guys,” he said, pointing to the pond.

  Krystal walked over and peered down to see a number of brightly coloured carp gracefully gliding around in the water.

  “They’re so pretty,” said Krystal.

  “Yup! Koi are some of the most beautiful things in the world, in my opinion. You see that white one there?” said Andrew. “His name is Monty.”

  “Oh yeah, and how do you know that?” said Krystal.

  “I’ve been coming here for ages. Monty’s my favourite – I could watch him for hours. Who’s your favourite then, Krystal?”

  Krystal walked around the pond, examining the fish as they showed off the patterns on their scales.

  “I like this one here, with the red markings.”

  “That’s Mandy - she’s a beauty too.”

  “Yeah, she’s elegant but she also looks powerful.”

  “A bit like you, then,” said Andrew, with a cheeky smile.

  Krystal giggled.

  “Come, let’s go have a seat in the pavilion,” said Andrew, again taking her hand and leading her to a wooden bench that looked out over the pond.

  Krystal’s heart started beating twice as fast as normal.

  “This place is amazing – how did you find it?” said Krystal.

  “My parents met at Seoul National and came here all the time when they were dating. They used to take me here to feed watermelons to the fish in the summer. Did you know that koi like watermelons?”

  “No I didn’t – that’s a bit random isn’t it?! Why don’t you come here with your parents anymore, then?” said Krystal.

  Andrew paused as he thought about the best way to explain things. Krystal’s whole body went cold.

  “They’re not with us anymore,” he said.

  “I’m so sorry – I… I feel awful for bringing it up,” said Krystal.

  “That’s okay,” said Andrew, “it was a long time ago and it’s not your fault.”

  There was a brief silence before Andrew continued. “Do you know that a lot of people think that ko
i symbolise love and friendship?”

  “No, I’ve never heard that before,” said Krystal.

  “Yeah, so whenever I’m feeling down, I come to this pond and the fish help me to relax and remember all the good times I had with my parents.”

  “That’s really nice.”

  “I know you’ve got a lot of hard work ahead of you and I just wanted to show you this place so that you can come here too – you know, if you’re ever feeling down or just want to get away from things. I guarantee you’ll leave feeling better about stuff. I came here before the Andre Project launched and it helped me a lot – I hope it helps you too.”

  “I don’t know what to say,” said Krystal. “This must be a very special place for you - thank you for sharing it with me.”

  “It’s my pleasure,” said Andrew.

  Krystal felt awful for Andrew and gave him a big hug. As she did, she couldn’t help but notice how solid his chest was; it was like hugging a brick wall. She warmed up again.

  “Right, well if you don’t mind. I’d like to check on the fish for a while and then I’ll take you for that lunch I promised you?”

  “Sounds great,” said Krystal. “I want to say hello to the fish too.”

  Krystal went into a bit of a trance as she watched the fish. She began to ponder a number of things: did the fish swim about when no one was watching or did they only spring into life when they had an audience? What were Andrew’s parents like and where were they now? Were they with her mum watching down on them?

  After about 15 minutes it started drizzling with rain.

  “Come on, let’s go,” said Andrew, putting his arm around her and leading her back down the path.

  Just before they got to the main gates at the bottom of the hill, it started to pour down with rain. Resourceful as ever, Krystal reached into her handbag and took out a mini umbrella. The umbrella was hardly big enough for one person but this was fine as far as Krystal was concerned; it provided them with the perfect excuse to walk arm-in-arm.

  “I originally had somewhere else in mind but as it’s raining, you know what Koreans say you should eat right?” said Andrew.

  “No, what?” said Krystal

  “Bindae ddok.”

  “Oh, yeah! I’ve heard my Dad say that before.”