Hot News!
D8's final farewell concert is just around the corner. January 15, 2070.
Brace yourselves, because this will be one of those concerts the music industry will remember for years to come.
One week before the concert
All of us were seated inside the studio of Bezboy Talk. The members of D8 wore relaxed smiles, showing no trace of unease toward the questions that were about to rain down on us.
Park Tae-Un raised a hand and pointed toward the group leader, Mickey.
"Mr. Kai Yejin, how do you feel about D8 reaching its final stretch?"
"Hm~ I think it's a good thing," Mickey replied honestly. "It feels like breaking free from a place that's been holding us in its magnetic pull. Of course, having many members adds color, but when you think about the younger ones… wouldn't it be better for them to step out and chase something that can push them even further?"
Park Tae-Un nodded, then turned to Tan Jaehoon.
"What do you think, Tanny? Do you agree?"
"I do," Jaehoon said calmly. "Because one day, we're bound to part ways anyway. And honestly, D8 has reached a point of fulfillment. It might be better to end the legend now—before we ever have to watch ourselves decline. Right, Minjun?"
Gong Minjun smiled like a true gentleman."Even if we love each other deeply, someday we'll still drift apart. But who knows—fate might bring us together again."
"And how's the tour been?" Tom chimed in.
"We'll just have to see," Moon laughed, answering for his best friend.
"And under the leadership of the new captain, Mr. Cho Jinam," the host continued, "OPP4 is definitely a company to keep an eye on."
Hearing that, Li Hong simply nodded in thanks—to the viewers at home, and to the investors who had placed their trust in him.
"Just to be clear, I'm only the temporary CEO," he joked, patting Siwon on the shoulder as the man dozed off on the couch.
"Zzzzz…"
"And finally," Park Tae-Un said, turning to me, "Mr. White."
"Seokjin is fine," I replied with a smile.
"Alright, Mr. Woo. Since joining D8, how has your life changed?"
"Well… a lot," I said. "I've gained new friends. A new family. Honestly, it feels like moving up from elementary school to middle school."
The entire studio burst into laughter.
"Heh, I can relate to that," Park Tae-Un said. "Right now, you're shining as a rising star, and international audiences are starting to take notice. So what's next for you after this?"
"…What's next for me?" I paused. "I guess… finishing what I started."
"The farewell concert has completely sold out," I continued. "But that's not what we were aiming for. What we truly wanted was freedom. From here on out, no one will outshine anyone else. It might sound sad, but parting ways is what will allow everyone in the group to grow in their own direction. What we're doing may not be what the fans hoped for—but we're deeply grateful to everyone who's supported us all this time. And I can promise you… it'll be full of surprises."
"I can already tell—there won't be a dry eye that night," Park Tae-Un said warmly. "Whatever you choose to do next, I wish all of you success."
"Thank you. Thank you so much," we said together, waving goodbye to the legendary host and to our fans.
We walked out of the studio to a round of applause from the staff behind the scenes. Some of them were already in tears, knowing this would be the final performance under the name D8—the number-one group in the country.
Ahn Su-hee rushed forward and wrapped every member in a tight embrace, smiling through her tears.
"My boys are so handsome… You all did so well."
"Every song we sang was made possible because of you, Su-hee," Tanny said, looking around at the others. "Which means… without you, there would be no D8."
"That's right~~"We answered in unison.