David Schumacher, who lives in San Francisco, tilted his head when he saw the notification that appeared on the Net Plus app.

'From Now On? What was this?'

When I clicked on the new episode notification, a thumbnail appeared.

'hmm? ah... ! 'It's the trailer I saw on MeTube the other day.'

It looked like a new episode of a Korean TV show I had saved had been uploaded.

It was about a group of five young Americans escaping from a gorgeous castle, and it seemed interesting.

'I need to see it right now.'

David Schumacher sat on the sofa holding a bunch of cheese balls and turned on Net Plus.

He quickly skipped the 'N' logo and pressed the play button, and the episode he had been waiting for was played.

however... ... .

"what?"

The moment David saw the 5-member group on TV, he suddenly felt a sense of déjà vu.

'They...' Isn't it them? Billboard this time?'

I knew that a K-pop band called New Black had a spectacular debut stage at the Billboard Music Awards.

I've never seen the stage in person.

However, no matter where I went on social media, I knew their faces because there were news popping up with pictures of them receiving awards or performing on stage with Hailey Blue.

Surprise flashed across his face.

'and. These were the same people. I can recognize it now!'

When I watched the trailer at the time, I had no idea that it was New Black, but this time, I saw that it was indeed New Black.

A five-member group chatting loudly in Korean.

"Um, turn on English subtitles."

I decided to turn on the English subtitles with audio commentary and watch.

Fortunately, the barrier to entry for foreign languages ​​has been lowered due to French and Spanish content being uploaded to Net Plus.

A man in his 30s, melting a cheese ball, looked bored.

"Umm... ... ."

I feel like I'm having trouble immersing myself, perhaps because it's my first time hearing the language.

Compared to Koreans, I was an American who felt like watching a drama or movie in Russian.

But soon his eyes began to brighten.

"oh... ... ."

The fun began as the five people trapped in the Dragon Castle communicated with the English-speaking actors.

Even though the countries are different, fun is universal.

A handsome man in prison, a boy practicing while panting, and a boy with pink hair who suddenly takes on the role of a princess. As they gather in one place and begin to escape, all eyes are focused.

I even stopped eating the cheese balls to look at them.

"Hahaha!"

A satisfied smile appeared on David's face as he watched it for about 20 minutes at first and, if it wasn't interesting, decided to watch something else.

As the full-scale escape section started playing, he turned on his cell phone.

"The new black."

When you search, an explanation appears on Wikipedia.

'It is a five-member K-pop boy band from Korea, and they are singer-songwriter, dancer, actor, and comedian... comedian? aha!'

Only then did I understand.

People who appear to be professional comedians are giving various orders from the situation room.

It was a five-member group that was constantly coming up with situational dramas and really funny scenes. A talent that makes it difficult for anyone to call him a singer. I burst out laughing as situations were more painful than most SNL skits.

But that's natural.

It wasn't a script I was working on, I was just taking a breath and funny scenes were pouring out like dog food.

'... ... 'Is this amazing?'

At the right time, 'Dracula appears!' While doing this, I was impressed by the point where it stopped.

Did we laugh happily for almost an hour?

In his characteristic happy mood when he saw something interesting, David started searching for New Black on MeTube.

"Oh, there are many others."

These days, New Black TV's content was pouring into him as he was looking for something interesting.

'Making a fire with flint and building a hut... ? Is this reality content?'

travel. survival. comedy. His eyes widened as he looked at the channel filled with various genres.

It was a new world.

And as I started watching those videos, I clicked on the Billboard Music Awards stage that I hadn't seen before... .

"Ohh."

Anything is difficult at first, but gets easier after that.

His barrier to resistance or wariness toward unfamiliar singers has been lowered significantly through .

Meanwhile.

At Netplus, the algorithm started working.

"uh? This is a show featuring the new black!"

Excited North American soufflés are accessing the content on Net Plus to bite the rice cake like a school of piranhas.

Notifications also appear to people in similar areas or age groups.

As this created a virtuous cycle, episodes of New Black began to appear in real-time trending content.

of course... ... .

"Aiiii! Someone tell me to stop this! No, why are Korean entertainment shows appearing on American content!"

"Woo-woo, let's do something like when the Earth stopped!"

"code... "Wouldn't it be okay to just unplug the cord?"

"I wonder if that will work!"

"Because I can look away... ."

It was a truly sad story for a quintet who pursued a great image in the United States.

* * *

Americans' tastes are unknown.

"Rihyuk."

"yes."

"Isn't the Korean entertainment sensibility not working for Americans? why... "Am I seeing this?"

The American version of our HBS entertainment show entered the rankings of Net Plus.

and.

We were realizing the power of Netplus, which was greater than the Billboard Music Awards.

"Oh, I know you!"

A housewife pushing a stroller in downtown LA greeted me warmly and I tried to act cool, but she said the show was fun and gave me a thumbs up.

The local concert staff also pretended to know and asked.

"Did you escape safely? When I saw it yesterday, I was really curious about the story behind it... "Those three women are Dracula's brides, right?"

"Are you filming that without a script?"

"You ran really well in the dress yesterday. B.」

Are these people's only hobby is Net Plus? There seemed to be a lot of people who saw it to have that thought.

Speaking of good things... .

"The views of your music video and Billboard stage have skyrocketed once again."

Seok-Hwan showed me the section of the graph where there was a sharp increase.

"I think there are a lot of people who were attracted to your performance video after watching 'Now We'. Maybe even better than the Billboard Music Awards stage... It seems more impactful. "I think the two created good synergy."

"So what about our cool image?"

"that... ... ."

Brother Seok-hwan cleared his throat and said.

"You don't have to worry as much as you think. If you look at America too, top stars are ruining their SNL contests. I think I took it that way. The same goes for Biju running in a dress... ."

"There are already a lot of memes on the Internet."

"that... "It is consumed as a pleasant image."

A meme appeared overnight.

In America, we call this culture of writing white letters under funny memes, and our pictures were often seen there.

A representative example is the scene where Joong-hyun and Bi-ju are talking through a walkie-talkie, and when Bi-ju says, 'I'm a lady,' Joong-hyun looks at him with a straight face.

[Friend: I ordered pizza.] [Me: What pizza?] [Friend: It's Hawaiian.] [Me: ]

... The explanation was something exquisite.

Biju asked about this unexpected repercussion of Korean entertainment.

"But why is this... Are you getting a reaction from America now? "I thought only Koreans saw it."

"that's right. And why is there an American version... ?"

Our manager explained the question to the youngest member who was contradicting him.

"HBS uploaded a North American version without entertainment subtitles in order to expand into the United States. It was originally one of the entertainment shows that had no response... "It seems like your fans have increased the traffic significantly since you guys came out this time."

The story goes that this is a problem caused by too many soufflés... I didn't know whether to be happy or sad.

"The appearance of American actors was also a plus."

"... ... ."

Because it would be difficult for us to become immersed if we used Korean actors, we placed NPCs who spoke English.

That seems to have been fun for Americans.

A TV show from a country that is unfamiliar to me has been uploaded to Korea's Net Plus, and it would be easier to watch if everyone spoke in Korean during the episode.

"And your jokes are easy to understand."

"There is no need to elaborate on the meaning of one-dimensional. brother."

"Hmm."

I smiled warmly at the TF team leader who worked hard to pack it for me.

It was easy to understand how we were getting twisted around, bumping into each other, and making noises without using wordplay.

I looked at comments on MeTube and SNS with a sad face.

-I watched a show called 'From Now On' starring 'The New Black', who are popular these days. Oh, my God. I laughed so much that I cried

-Someone get them an invitation to SNL.

-The cute kid in prison was so funny. I was watching it with a friend and I burst out laughing when I saw him sing a 90s pop medley.

-They definitely seemed like really fun kids.

-It was completely different from what I saw on stage at the Billboard Music Awards. It was friendly and nice

-Usually, comedians break down the character of a celebrity and make us laugh, but here they collapse on their own. It's like a supernova that collapses and shines on its own.

-I don't know who the friend above is, but I guarantee you, Souflain, Rihyuk will like you.

It was correct.

"Phew... ... ."

I shook my head when I saw someone blushing in response to a science joke.

In general, there are many positive responses.

It just shook the whole country! The effect was amazing! It's not that kind of feeling, but it's a scene that has a lot of topicality on a talk show with the highest viewer ratings... ? It was that kind of reaction.

Either way, it was a good situation for us.

"I wanted to become a mysterious Asian superstar... ... ."

"Isn't that too conscienceless?"

I glared at the TF team leader who said something tactless. Seok-Hwan avoided eye contact and hummed.

A promotional effect that can only be achieved by creating a very large impact through talk show promotion.

They seemed quite happy that they were able to promote it in the US like this without spending a single penny.

what. Even if we weren't the only party involved, we would beat the gongs and gongs and say, 'This is awesome!' I would have liked it while doing it.

"But the editing was really good this time."

Junghyun said.

"Actually, I had a lot of trouble while filming because the funny things were gathered in the back. I wondered if this could be funny... ."

"The editing was really good."

"admit."

Perhaps thanks to the hard work put into it by producer Yeo Hoseok and the production team, even the minor scenes came out very funny when combined with the BGM.

From what I heard from the managers, I heard it was a two-part series.

Even though the first half had a relatively weak impact, it received a lot of favorable reviews.

Especially in Korea, the online scene seemed to be very heated.

-HBS' 'Now We' surpasses its highest viewership rating... "The new black effect"

-[Yesterday TV] "Huh? "Biju is running in a dress?".. 'Now We' hits the jackpot in viewership ratings

-New Black's 'highest viewership' grand slam from PBS, TBC to HBS

Since it was a program where guests were the main characters, the spotlight was focused on us who were busy running around.

There are a lot of compliments on how funny it is in the portal comments, so I feel good for no reason.

There is also an article like this.

[My daughter is begging me to buy her a Biju dress, wondering where she saw the picture;;]

Does anyone know where to get the Bijou dress?

-My daughter, who is in kindergarten, is begging me to buy one for her;; Last time, Rihyuk barely found a dress.

-The next kindergarten party will be filled with bijou dresses.

-I inquired with the broadcasting station and they said it was a custom-made costume.

-I think I need to at least get some debt.

-I thought it was my house. The words that Biju looked pretty in it rose up to her throat, but she held it back.. brrrr..

Embarrassed laughter flowed from the tearful reviews of parents across the country who suddenly had to find a biju dress.

[Dress fit Oji is a male idol]

(Photo of Biju waving a hand fan.jpg)

When refuting, the closet is full of Sunwoo clothes.

-Rebuttal.. I don't.

-agreed

-I thought it was some kind of bullshit because the title said 'Namdol' hahahahaha what is this?

-Our Bijou looks slim like this, but he also has shoulders... and he's manly...! The words came up to my throat, but I decided to admit it.

-Nod... I don't know anything else, but space fashion crosses the line.

-That picture comes to mind. Sunwoo is wearing a fluorescent jumper that can be recognized even from 1km away.

-I wish someone would turn the space closet into an incinerator.

-???: brother..! Quickly put your clothes in the closet (grrr)

- Hahahahahahahahahaha

"incinerator... "Is this person a genius?"

"If we do the Soufflé Awards again, I'll have to give it to that person."

I tried to laugh after reading Biju's humorous post, but I guess it's just my mood that makes my eyes water for no reason, right?

In addition, there were humorous posts about yesterday's entertainment all over the place.

I see a lot of posts wondering who the special guest is.

Meanwhile.

"I guess people have finally recognized this."

"at las... ... !"

People who recognized the actors appeared, including Lucas Ronson, who stood on the Billboard Music Awards stage.

[It turns out that the Grand Duke of the North also appeared on the Billboard stage]

(The actor who plays a vampire next to Hayley Blue.jpg)

It was spherical;

-Awesome hahahahahahaha

-There was a lot of foreshadowing.

-No; In terms of time, isn't filming for entertainment first??? I think I was invited there after I filmed that.

-But he's handsome... The Grand Duke of the North looks so much like the Grand Duke of the North

-ㅇㅇ When we looked at our house as a family, we just said that if we had that face, it would be big lol.

-How did it come to fruition?

I thought I would reveal the behind-the-scenes story later through Y app.

I finished checking reactions by reading the articles that Manager Seoyoung Hong had sent me and the links that people around me had sent me.

Honestly, there are a lot of reactions other than this... I am intentionally looking at this selectively.

Even in the English-speaking world, people with strong macho tendencies are leaving negative comments about Dress Bijou. It seemed that even in Korea, some were causing an uproar by consistently pushing the theory that it was a script.

There are many things, but one thing is certain... ... .

"Great."

The majority of responses were very positive.

After winning the Best Male Entertainment Award at the Korea Arts Awards, 'The New Black' was a great program. I heard that there were people who fueled the theory that it was definitely not a good thing. This special feature of 'Now We' really spoke well.

Even in America... It seems like the locals have lowered their guard and taken a friendly approach.

"Wooow!"

As we left the hotel room and entered the lobby, someone recognized us. He is amazed as he recognizes Biju.

"I see a dress! you!"

It was time for everyone to burst out laughing while looking at Biju who was embarrassed.

"brother."

"huh?"

"Don't laugh too much... ."

Biju said with a faint smile.

"Now it's going to be about my brother... ."

"... ... ."

I'm so glad I'm planning to leave the US before that day comes.

* * *

LA Staples Center.

While warming up in the waiting room before the second day of the concert, he spoke to a nearby documentary camera.

"It's the last day of our North American tour."

After successfully completing today's concert, the US schedule is over.

Of course, after it was over, we decided to have a meeting about the future US market strategy, but that was only a secondary schedule.

This was the end of the main schedule in North America.

"I want to quickly go back to Seoul and eat Korean food."

"Is there anything special you want to eat?"

"Jjajangmyeon."

"Jjajangmyeon?"

"You can still try all other foods locally... Strangely enough, it was difficult to find Jjajangmyeon."

While talking about that, I stretched my legs.

"Now there's some time left until we go on tour in Chile and Brazil... "After today's performance, I'll have some free time."

"I think you should rest."

"no. "I have to work."

I had to think about my music activities after Coin, and there were a lot of things to worry about.

I have to think about whether or not to release an English song as well.

We probably need to think a little bit in advance about the regular album scheduled to be released early next year.

You also have to prepare greetings and interviews for the countries you are going on tour.

In the near future, we are planning to officially sign a contract with the organizing committee regarding the stage for the closing ceremony of the PyeongChang Olympics next year.

"Rihyuk looks like he's having a hard time. "I need to go and cheer you up."

I also manage my younger siblings' condition.

"Rihyuk."

"why. also."

"I came and picked it up. heart."

"... ... ."

When I was upset by my brother's uncomfortable reaction, I felt dizzy for a moment.

"Umm... ... ."

Strangely, my condition is a little bad today.

I also get a little cold sweat.

It feels like something is slightly stuck in my solar plexus... I feel like I have some physical strength, but my stomach feels a bit sore.

Was the jambalaya rice I had for lunch not that good?

"brother."

Biju, who was fixing her hair while looking in the mirror, approached me.

"What's wrong. "What's wrong with it?"

"I feel a little sick."

"is it so? Should we at least call the medical staff here?"

"are you okay."

He waved his hand at Biju, who was worried.

I felt a little unwell for a moment, but it was probably because I was overly nervous.

Fortunately, it got better after about 5 minutes.

"Did you see it?"

"hmm... Still, your complexion looks bad. If you feel like your performance today isn't going to work, please let me know. brother."

"okay. But don't worry too much."

I massaged the area between my thumb and index finger, pressed down on the body, and relaxed my body.

He seemed to have heard Biju's words and waved at his younger siblings, who came and hugged him like penguins, asking if he was okay.

He smiled and said to the managers who were looking at him with worried eyes.

"It's no big deal."

It really wasn't a big deal.