The Road to Glory

“Hello. This is Liv’s Love Letter.”From her dazzling debut at 17, to dominating the charts with every album release of music that moves people to tears, Liv is the queen of digital singles. She has one special credential.It’s her NuTube channel.Like other Gen Z born in the 2000s, Liv grew up alongside NuTube’s explosive growth and now runs a NuTube channel more actively than most NuTubers.Living up to her nickname as the queen of digital singles, she frequently produces various music content including live performances, song covers, remixes, and music videos, as well as vlog content like cooking and lifestyle videos.Above all, the content with the highest views on her channel is her talk show and live music performance with guests.Not simply imitating Lee Hwanhee’s Drawing Book, but bringing the system of the “visual radio” that Liv had long been doing, it’s Liv’s unique live content.[Liv’s Love Letter]It’s a popular series where every video gets millions of views. It’s not made very often due to Liv and guests’ personal schedules, which makes people look forward to it even more.In fact, there’s no one in Korea who doesn’t know Liv, so even non-fans tend to watch the [Liv’s Love Letter] content, or LLL for short whether it’s live broadcast or edited video.It hadn’t been long since Liv’s tour ended, so no one was expecting LLL, but a teaser post for LLL featuring a legendary guest was uploaded on Liv’s community and SNS.It felt like getting a Christmas present in the middle of summer.Liv’s fans, the general public, and people with nothing better to do flocked to her NuTube.And what they encountered was,Perhaps the rarest sight in Korea, a natural monument, no, a 17-year-old young singer-songwriter. Roh Haeil.The boy, who had bleached his black roots again and appeared with clean platinum blonde hair, sat on the sofa looking around the set, but showed no signs of nervousness.“Hello, I’m Roh Haeil.”Halo calmly greeted the camera as soon as he confirmed it was on.[Roh Haeil???][Roh Haeil is here?]Viewers who were about to watch LLL comfortably without thinking much suddenly opened their eyes wide at his appearance.No one had expected this, since the boy’s concert ticketing had just happened recently. They thought if he would appear anywhere, it would be on a music show, not like this.The most surprised must have been Roh Haeil’s fans who were watching Liv’s broadcast without thinking.[Thank you Liv Thank you Liv Thank you Liv ㅠㅠ][Top of Korean hip-hop! Top of Korean hip-hop!][Sensei ㅜㅜ As expected only sensei understands our wishes][Please my moon too…]The fans’ joys and sorrows came across sincerely.Though she wasn’t sure how hard it was, Liv somewhat understood their feelings after hearing that Roh Haeil’s recent concert had only 830 seats.She started the talk right away.“I’ve been on tour recently, so I only checked the music charts after returning home, and, well, I saw an unfamiliar song in the top ranks.”Liv recalled how startled she was when she checked Watermelon after coming home. And for good reason.“You released a mini album in late February, and then a single [Lighthouse of the Night] in May, right?”A single released not long after creating ‘Song of a Hero’. She was surprised then too, but thought it was just a single. Of course, she assumed this feature request was for a single too.But a full album in August? 12 tracks? Knowing how long it takes to prepare a full album, she was bewildered. Beyond bewildered, she even called Sin Joohyeok.“That’s right.”“And then, another full album… Everyone, they keep telling me to do it too, but I’ll be honest. It’s impossible for me.”Liv raised both arms in surrender.Consonants flowed down the chat.The atmosphere was that everyone took it as a joke. But this was sincere.“Anyway. When has it ever not been, but this release is really good too. Haeil, could you introduce us to your full album ‘My World’?”And so came the first moment everyone had been waiting for. Album promotion that all other guests do.But if there’s one difference between them and Roh Haeil, it’s that this is the first time Roh Haeil is introducing his full album.“For the full album My World…”The title taken from two words of the title track, [Welcome to my world]. My world.Just as the genres of the tracks vary widely, it expressed his chaotic and irregular world.As the boy explained step by step, Liv responded.“That’s right, I noticed you covered various genres this time. I could really feel your confidence in this album.”Glancing at the viewer window, Liv read a comment asking [Which song did you like best, unnie?] and pondered.“Hmm, that’s a difficult question. My favorite song is…”The first one that came to mind was Zigzag. She couldn’t express how regretful she felt after hearing Zigzag on Watermelon.She should have just done it. It showed so clearly what style Roh Haeil wanted, which made her very regretful.‘But.’What came out of Liv’s mouth was a different title.“Welcome to my world. I liked the title track the most.”Viewers asked.There were many reactions saying they couldn’t understand.After all, the current #1 and #2 on the charts were 17 Sec and Zigzag. Of course, those are all great songs too, but Liv organized her thoughts.“I do like acoustic, but it’s not because of that.”How should she put it.‘Welcome to my world’ feels the most like Roh Haeil’s music.The repertoire from ‘Heetae’s Reprise’ to ‘Another Day’ to ‘Welcome to my world’ was her favorite.“Listening to that song, I had many thoughts. Like what my world is like.”Above all, the part transitioning from electric to acoustic was impressive.It felt like the boy was taking off his mask and revealing himself in that moment. At that time, she had this thought.As the boy confidently revealed himself first, I too could take off my mask and show my true face.No matter how ugly, it felt like he would accept it as is.What the boy was trying to do wasn’t simply an introduction, but a message that he would accept your world. She felt healed through that message.Seeing comments still finding it hard to agree, Liv smiled and raised a finger.“Everyone, I’ll make one confident prediction. Betting on my grandfather’s name, Roh Haeil’s title track ‘Welcome to my world’ will have the longest run on the charts.”As Liv smiled, Halo’s face became subtle as he nodded. Fans thought the boy was embarrassed by Liv’s high praise, but the reality was a bit different.Liv’s content continued on.Originally it should end after promoting the album, but the boy had one more thing to say.“About the concert.”His first concert.‘My world’, scheduled for about two weeks later, was still coming up.“Sadly I failed to get tickets, but I’d still like to hear a bit about this concert in advance. Don’t you all want to know too?”As it’s Roh Haeil’s first solo concert since his debut, there was a lot of interest. However, with only 830 elite attendees per day, only a small number of people could get in.Still. Even if they can’t see it, people want to know. How it will be conducted, who the guests will be this time.If there’s a dress code, how the merchandise will be composed.Soon Roh Haeil opened his mouth obediently.“As we chose a small theater for the venue this time, the concert is planned with the purpose of communicating with the audience.”[???][Communication… 830… ha][Is it like respecting the opinions of the minority over the majority or something?]While upsetting the watching fans, Halo pondered how much to say. Most of it they could just see at the concert, so there was no need to say.Suddenly, mentioning merchandise reminded him of something.-Boss, for your first concert, you have to do this!-I want one too“Ah, we’re preparing one gift.”“A gift? You mean a present?”“Yes. A small gift for those who come to the concert.”“Oh my!”Liv peeked at the chat window.As if no one had thought of it, the comments that had paused for a moment started going wild.They were already upset about wanting to go to this first concert, and now first merchandise too?“It’s not much…”“What do you mean it’s not much! Can I ask what it includes?”It really wasn’t much.There was actually one gift they put effort into, but…Unfortunately, it probably won’t arrive in time for the concert.That will likely be given out at a fan signing event around October or November.So the concert gift this time was just his handwritten letter, photo cards, postcards with the album cover, snacks like financiers and cookies, and lastly drinks.Speaking of drinks, he remembered suggesting preparing ion drinks and simple wine, but that was firmly rejected along with Han Jinyeong’s smile.It would be difficult to distinguish between minors and adults, and the question of why serve alcohol at a small theater concert.-But… I mean, they sell it at musical theaters too.-Haeil, that’s not in our country, you know?When he saw musicals with his parents in England, they sold it. He couldn’t answer since he’d never been to a musical theater in Korea.Nam Gyuhwan, who always follows his opinions, opened his mouth but said they should try it once when he turns 20. Of course, he got smacked by Moon Seoyeon afterwards.“Um… so you’re saying there will be gifts including handwritten letters at this concert?”As Halo nodded, the chat was flooded with tears and curses.There had never been curses in Liv’s Love Letter before. But Liv understood their feelings, so she didn’t say anything about it.[kkkkkkkkkkk ah][ㅠㅠㅠㅠ][You should have told that earlier… hahahaha][Why are you preparing so hard, you bastard ㅜㅜ Just extend the concert instead][Sigh… how much were scalped tickets again]The reactions were so intense that they decided to end Part 1 here. They plan to take a 20 minute break before starting Part 2.The Part 2 segment was actually the interaction corner that viewers looked forward to most. A radio-like content where they receive stories or questions from viewers and talk about them.Sometimes there are performances too, so the session and instruments were prepared in advance.A guitar was also prepared next to the boy.It was an unfamiliar guitar.At the Korean restaurant, the boy said he bought acoustic guitars from all brands for now since he couldn’t find one he liked after his favorite guitar broke. This must be one of those. Liv realized intuitively.“Now then, let’s start Part 2 of Liv’s Love Letter. Here’s the first question. ‘Haeil, can I ask when you started learning guitar?’”It’s a question Jang Jinsoo asked before.Back then, Jang Jinsoo didn’t believe when he said it had been over 10 years.“Probably from last year?”“?”It wasn’t wrong.But Liv, the viewer who asked, and the comments all expressed doubt.“Last year?”Considering Roh Haeil’s age it’s not strange, but Liv stumbled as she continued the talk.“Um… Then can we know where you learned?”Unable to dismiss his talent, there must be a teacher who taught him so well. People ready to sign up immediately paid attention.“Hmm…”Halo thought slowly, unaware of how impatient they were. He didn’t go to an academy. He didn’t even go to college. There was no one telling him how to sing. Who would make such demands of Halo?Just.Watching busking on the street,Seeing singers on TV,And after debuting, being influenced by many people he formed connections with.Liv was briefly at a loss for words at the boy’s response.[No way kkk stop lying][But that might not be a lie, I heard Roh Haeil was cramming at academies until last year preparing for foreign language high school][This is true. There was a fuss about the academy Roh Haeil attended. Especially after seeing how good his English is, everyone flocked there asking to learn British English][So that skill came in less than a year?][Roh Haeil had three comebacks this year but that makes sense?]And so ended the unbelievable Q&A session. There were still skeptical comments, but they were overwhelmed by viewers’ song requests.[I enjoyed watching Rendezvous. I’m Seok. I personally enjoyed the duet ‘Pride and Prejudice’ by Sin Joohyeok and Liv. Could you perhaps sing it?]“Oh my, of course. Could you do it too, Haeil?”“Of course.”He usually didn’t forget songs he’d heard once, so he remembered it.[Pride and Prejudice] is a song about a proud man and woman reconciling, which caused a stir when Liv rapped in it.The boy’s voice layered over the a cappella as the performance began. A cover of Pride and Prejudice that Sin Joohyeok and Liv showed during Rendezvous.While Sin Joohyeok showed a rough and arrogant Darcy back then, Roh Haeil’s clear voice made him seem like a man with a story.Above all, as everyone expected, the harmony with Liv was beyond expectations, filling the comments with admiration.[Sing more more more][Roh Haeil just sing for the rest of your life ㅠㅠ][Why am I so thirsty? I want to hear more even after listening]And just as they were about to take the next song request.Amidst comments full of emojis, one word suddenly appeared, and as new viewers poured in from somewhere, they mentioned ‘Scorpion’.[Did you see Scorpion’s interview?][???][Wow it’s in the real-time search rankings now]At first they tried to ignore it thinking it was trolling, but like a controversy had broken out, 80% of the comments were filled with Scorpion and Roh Haeil.Just as Liv was starting to feel awkward since this wasn’t a regular V live but in the middle of content, Roh Haeil spoke up first.“Can we take a look?”Liv nodded willingly.Clicking the link viewers provided, a short video connected. Though only about 30 seconds long, the content was clearly conveyed.Why people flocked in, telling them to watch.-Roh, I’d like you to come to my concert-Preferably on stage.“…”“…”The two stars closed their mouths simultaneously.Liv glanced at the boy. Fortunately, the boy didn’t seem flustered.He was just staring at the video expressionlessly.Right, it wasn’t actually that serious in reality.Just.‘I guess he found out.’The realization flashed through his mind.He wasn’t very curious how Rill found out.He has ears, so of course he’d know.More than that, Rill openly sending him a message was impressive. It means it was interesting.“Um, do you know each other?”As the boy just smiled without seeming surprised, Liv asked just in case. The boy answered candidly.“We’ve crossed paths before. In Trafalgar Square.”“In England? Oh my, what a coincidence. Were you originally a fan of Scorpion?”“No, not really. We just kind of fought.”“Pardon?”Though it’s her content, it’s too intriguing to stop now.“With guitars.”“Ah.”As the boy narrowed his eyes as if wondering what she was thinking, Liv laughed awkwardly. She really thought they had a fistfight.Halo recalled that time.While playing his song, he messed up four times but pretended he didn’t, so Halo pointed it out properly. And then he asked Halo to join as a member until the next day. Though he refused, it remained an interesting memory.[You don’t mean you beat him up with a guitar, right?][Please tell us more details][So what happened next?!][Roh Haeil! Hey!!!]Unfortunately, the thirsty comments asking for more of the story didn’t reach Halo. Halo wasn’t the type to ignore a message that came to him directly.“What are you planning to do?”Thus, the answer to this interview was. Halo tapped his thumb with his index finger a few times before saying:“…I’ll think about it.”That became Roh Haeil’s official response.Liv and Roh Haeil resumed the content.As always, they sang each other’s songs, and the atmosphere calmed down with their sweet voices.But that doesn’t mean the reaction completely died down. Curiosity about the connection between Scorpion, the top band in the UK, and Roh Haeil didn’t stop.And for good reason, as it’s no ordinary relationship.Even if Scorpion does minor metal music in Korea, one side is world-class. And the other side is a rising star from a small periphery.[Wasn’t Roh Haeil just for domestic consumption?][So if we want to see Roh Haeil’s concert, we should go to Scorpion’s concert?]Noisy issues and news filled the entire month of September.[The fateful meeting of a top British band and a Korean boy][What happened that day in Trafalgar Square?][Scorpion’s brain, Rill: “Roh, come to my stage”]Hi everyone, I've completely translated this novel! For those who love this novel and wanted to binge read until the last chapter, you can go to my Patreon "Shop" page. There, I have a product in which you can read them with discounted price instead of buying them here with normal price. Thank you for the attention! P.S: If you want to buy the chapters in bulk and wanted a custom price, do hit me up on my discord account @_dawn24