Are trainees allowed to perform the same song for an individual performance? 

The answer would be yes, but it is a situation that trainees tend to avoid. 

Regardless of how well you performed, comparison would be unavoidable. It would be favorable if you were the trainee who had the better performance, but it would be a bad situation for the trainee who failed to deliver the same quality. 

So, why is Yullei performing ‘Joyful Parade’? 

The trainees couldn't understand. 

It wasn’t the type of song that he usually picks, and it didn’t suit his image at all. Even if he were to sing the song he originally would have performed, Yullei would have aced the evaluation. His performance during practice was already stellar. 

Still, judges and trainees alike were on the edge of their seats, curious to see how Yullei would perform the song. Yullei may be performing it first for the evaluation, but the trainers and the trainees had Noah’s practices in their minds. 

To the trainees’ perspective, “stealing” another trainee’s song at the very last minute was unwarranted and disrespectful. Since Noah was another trainee with excellent vocal talent and skills, it felt like it was his declaration of challenge. He was arrogant. 

Only Song Noah sees it differently. 

However, despite having an idea for the reason behind his actions, it was something that he never expected and wanted. He didn’t think that their encounter at the practice room would have caused a change this big. 

He had confidence that Yullei would do well, but he couldn't help but feel that it was a shame since his original song showcases his abilities the best. 

The very moment the tune began, the cold and indifferent expression on Yullei’s face had turned into a charming smile. His clear voice grabbed everyone's attention, with each note carrying playfulness, and vigor. The song did not fit him, so he made it fit him instead. 

‘Join me in this parade

And bury our hearts with the sound

Let the lanterns reach the skies

We’ll walk until moonrise’

As he performed the song, his gaze shifted between the trainees and the judges at the table. From his voice, to his facial expressions, everything was captivating. He had a look on his face that screams determination, and his gaze felt like he was delivering a message; ‘If you can’t match this level, you can't become an idol.’ It was as if he was purposely provoking the other trainees in the room. 

‘Let me see the colors

Let me see your smile

In this Joyful Parade

Parade, Parade, Parade

I'll show you the world

The world, the world’

The transition between the notes was smooth, and his high notes had a crisp sound. From the look of the judges, you can tell that they were showering him with praises in their heads. 

‘Oh let our hearts intertwine

Join me in this parade

See me in your eyes

Color my world

In this Joyful Parade

Just take my hand’

When his vocal performance ended, the CEO gave a satisfied smile, nodding his head as he wrote something on the evaluation sheet. Similarly, the rest of the judges had a pleased expression on their faces as they dragged their pens on the evaluation sheet. Usually, you can see the judges whispering or making comments throughout a trainees’ performances, but their attention was on him for the entire time.

They maintained the same expression even as he performed his selected song for the dance evaluation. With his movements fast and precise, his dance performance was nothing short of outstanding. 

The judges had high expectations; but Yullei was the type to exceed it every single time. 

Song Noah didn't think that he would see him perform like that again. A part of it still didn't seem real, and it was as if he was watching a ghost of him. 

As if the events from the past did not happen, Yullei looked and acted the same way he always did. Yet despite all of that, hearing, seeing, and even talking to him still wasn't enough to fully convince Noah’s head. 

His fox-like eyes haunted him. His eyes that went wide before his handsome features distorted in pain in his last moments, and his lips that smiled gently before life was drained out of him. If Noah were to meet his gaze again, he may see red. 

Just like he already did earlier.

“Trainee Ha Yullei, what made you change your song?” Instructor Kwan asked, “Isn’t it a bit reckless and arrogant?” 

Despite being impressed, he didn’t seem to think highly about Yullei’s sudden stunt. 

“There’s no particular reason for changing it.”, Yuillei flashed him a taunting smile, “I have the skills to back up my decisions.”

It was an irrefutable statement. Instructor Kwan found himself lost for words. 

CEO Choi couldn't help but let out a small laugh, “Ha, it’s good for a trainee to be confident! I like it. I enjoyed your performance, Yullei. It’s a bit of a shame that we’re unable to hear what you originally prepared, but there’s nothing really to be criticize when you showed us a high level of skills mirroring your hard work and talent.”

“I agree with what CEO Choi said. You showed us a flawless performance.” The last judge, visual director Lim Yun Hee spoke, “You’re great at projecting on stage, I really enjoyed your expressions all throughout.  No matter how good an idol is at dancing, a performance can appear lacking if they don’t manage their expressions well.”

“Thank you.”

After all members from Team A were evaluated, the other groups performed by batch, proceeding to the next team after all trainees from the group had already performed. Having witnessed the strong performance from Team A, the judges had their performance set as their standards. The trainees who were already tense from the competitive atmosphere began to feel more pressured, with some making a few mistakes during their performance. Being watched by multiple professionals in the industry and being evaluated by the CEO himself was already nerve-wracking, but what made them more anxious was the thought of missing the chance to debut. 

A lot crumbled under pressure. 

“There’s no coordination in this group.”

“You messed up with a lot of pronunciations, what happened?”

“I like that you’re focused on the dance, but you need to be mindful of your facial expressions. You’re aiming to be an idol, not a back-up dancer.”

“Rather than singing it, you’re yelling the notes and it sounded strained.”

“The performance could’ve been better if Trainee 12 didn’t make a mistake with the dance.”

As the performance continued, the trainees were starting to feel devastated, with most trainees anticipating the worst possible outcome. 

Despite already debuting in the past, Song Noah couldn’t remain calm.

With each trainee’s performance, the beat of his heart accelerated. He knew very well that it wouldn’t be wise for him to perform “Joyful Parade” when Yullei already performed it first. There was also the question of whether he’ll be able to perform at the same degree as the him from the past.

Even if it may have been the song that got him in the line-up before, it was a different situation now. The most logical choice would be to change the song. But, if he were to use the tracks that he had, it meant that they were songs he already performed in the past, and it may come across as playing safe. 

His goal is to debut with the same members. How much can he change to still reach the same outcome? 

It was impossible to know what the best choice would be. With just a simple interaction, a lot had already changed.

There’s another song he could select, one that no other trainees would perform. It was a matter of whether he could pull it off or not.  

==========

Being the former leader of the top idol group, L.O.C.K., CEO Choi Ji Yeong had to manage his expectations for the trainees. One thing to keep in mind is that they haven't even started their careers, which means that there's still a lot of room for them to grow, and mistakes and nervousness can be inevitable. 

The trainees all had potential, otherwise, they wouldn't have gotten accepted in the agency. With more experience and practice, he had no doubt that each of them would shine one day. 

However, what the company needs in order to debut a group are trainees who are ready for the stage, trainees who are one step closer to being fully polished. 

He had trainees in mind. The two of them performed exceptionally as he was expecting, but the other trainees he had been considering didn't perform in the way he had hoped for. 

Currently, there is only one remaining group that hasn't performed yet. 

Team E. 

When their group was called, the trainees made their way in front of the judges, proceeding to introduce themselves one by one. The CEO had visited a few practices and lessons in the past, so he was also already familiar with their profiles. 

All of them look good.

When their performance began, CEO Choi observed each of their movements. The tallest trainee, Daiki, had the best dancing skills among Team E, but the other members weren't bad as well. Shin Daiki was another member he had been considering. 

As for the other member, 

His eyes landed on Song Noah. Dancing is one of his weak points, but he is following along with the members really well, though there can still be improvements to make it better.

This trainee always had a bright and pretty smile when performing. For his current performance, the trainee was smiling too— but somehow, it only extended to his lips. 

When the CEO looked at his eyes, he couldn't feel the same uplifting feeling that it used to give when he was watching videos of his previous evaluations. 

It looked lifeless. As if, he had lost all hope. 

Choi Ji Yeong couldn't help but frown. 

Was it because Ha Yullei performed his song, or was it because he felt Intimidated with Yullei's performance? 

Regardless of the reason, it felt quite a shame. While he wasn't bad in the group performance, he wasn't outstanding either. 

In the group performance, only Shin Daiki stood out. 

The moment their performance ended, CEO Choi opened his mouth, “The song you selected isn't easy to dance to, and I can see how much effort you've put into it.” He told them, “While this isn't a bad performance, it doesn't exactly stand out. The dancing can be more fluid, and overall, your stage presence is something that needs to be improved.”

“Trainee 26, Shin Daiki— You have good body lines as a dancer.” Lim Yun Hee complimented, “Your moves are also clean and clear. You're performing the same choreography, but there's a huge difference between you and the other trainees when executing each step.”

The rest of the judges gave their comments, either giving a similar remark to what CEO Choi gave, or mostly praising Shin Daiki for his performance with the group. 

The compliments for Shin Daiki continued for his individual dance evaluation. His performance in ‘Killer Angel’ was already excellent, but his solo dance performance exhibited high technicality and refinement. His vocals weren't bad either. His range may be extremely limited to lower notes, but he could tell it would sound good in group songs. 

A group is supposed to have members who highlight each other’s strengths.

When the next trainee stepped forward and introduced himself, the judges and the trainees shifted their focus on him. There's great anticipation on what he would do, would he sing a different song, or proceed with what he was originally going to perform?

“What song are you planning to sing for the vocal part, Trainee 18, Song Noah?” CEO Choi asked him, “If you’d like to sing a different song, we can allow you 5 minutes to coordinate with our technical crew to download a new track.”

Hearing his considerate words, Song Noah’s eyes turned wide. However, the trainee quickly shook his head, “Thank you for your kindness, CEO Choi, but there's no need. The track is already prepared.”

Oh?

“Are you going to proceed with your original song?”

“ No…The song I would be singing would be Ashen Rose.”

It was a rock-ballad song that boosted L.O.C.K.’s popularity, the one that Ha Yullei was originally going to perform. Choi Ji Yeong couldn’t hide his excitement.