Spotlights swept across the audience.
PD Kwon stepped into the light.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the grand finale of RISE OF THE IDOLS!"
The audience erupted into cheers.
"From one hundred and one hopeful trainees, only sixteen remain!"
The roar intensified.
"Tonight, seven of them will earn the opportunity to debut as the next generation of global idols!"
I watched from the backstage monitor. PD Kwon's theatrical delivery was familiar, but tonight his announcements felt overwhelming. Beyond the screen, I could hear the crowd responding to every word.
"The journey ends here. But for seven young men, an entirely new journey is about to begin!"
The screens faded to black.
A montage began.
All 101 trainees entering the competition on the first day. Nervous faces, confident strides, the enormous evaluation hall. I caught sight of myself standing among strangers, gripping my application folder as though it could keep my hands from shaking.
