Chapter 9: Seoul Music Awards

t of the group.Two years later, they released their second mini album in October this year. The title track "No Tomorrow" was also well-liked and welcomed by many people.It's just that the time limit..."In 2015, we will be Red Velvet who shows a more improved image, thank you."

It seems like it was pre-arranged, as only Captain Jennie delivered a speech. However, the others were happily smiling and standing beside her, clearly in good spirits.

After finishing the last words of thanks, Red Velvet's four members walked off the stage, and next came the stage performances by the three groups competing for the Rookie Award.

Before the stage for >, there was also a chair dance from 《benatural》, and I don't know how the company arranged it. Maybe they thought that combining these two songs would create some kind of chemical reaction.

In the dance of chairs, Sun Seung-wan sat there with a grin, shaking her short legs back and forth. She was ecstatic inside.

And Bae Joo-hyun is the same.

This choreography really didn't take into account the dancers' physiques and personalities. It was supposed to be a very sensual and sexy dance, but for some reason it ended up with a comedic element.

However, Sun Shengwan's high notes were still very stable and pleasant to listen to. He felt that the continuous high note part in "happess" was the most memorable part of the song.

However... he heard that the stage mic was probably half open this time.

During the performance, the director cut to a shot of Taeyeon in the artist's seats. She looked stunning tonight, her makeup was perfect and the off-shoulder black dress she was wearing was very flattering. However, at this moment, she was dancing and cheering enthusiastically, her mouth constantly moving as if she was singing along with the performance on stage, clearly looking like a passionate Red Velvet fan.

I wonder if this sister, seeing the juniors on stage, thought back to her own self when she first debuted in 2007, so innocent and cute.

However, Chi Jingyuan did discover an interesting point. When Lai Debebe took her final bow, the audience's cheers were surprisingly loud. It's unclear whether it was fans of other groups supporting her out of politeness or if there were a good number of her own fans present today. Either way, the cheering was significantly better than during her debut period when she was heavily mocked online.

The stage setup afterward wasn't anything special. After EXO received their award, they just sat among the other artists and watched like spectators, being treated more like props than performers. Park Ji-young had lost count of how many times his face was shown on the big screen by the director. He dared not even relax or make any expressions for fear of being caught on camera. He just kept a stiff smile while watching the performances, occasionally whispering with the members beside him, making sure to cover his mouth so he wouldn't be caught off guard. After more than an hour of this, he felt completely stiff and exhausted.

The first half of the event concluded with SJ's Donghae Silver Hyo subgroup's stage, and after a short break, the second half of the live stream began.

The idols who performed in the second half of the show were generally more popular and hotter than those in the first half, with their performances featuring some of the hottest tracks of the year.

"Have you been this busy lately" After halftime, EXO left the artist's seats and went backstage to prepare for their upcoming stage. Meanwhile, Ji-sung changed his clothes and separated from the main group, standing at the entrance with Suzy waiting for the start of their "so" stage.

Both of them were already familiar to the point where they couldn't be more familiar. Although there were staff members standing nearby, Bae Suzy didn't feel shy at all. She adjusted her earphone while subtly and proactively opening her mouth.

"Can you please slow down the preparations for my return"

Ji Jingyuan was also checking the earpiece on his ear, lowering his head and casually replying with a sentence. After finishing, he raised his head to glance at her, his eyes innocent as he pouted: "Besides, aren't you pretty busy too You said you didn't have time last time."

After 2015, Park Ki-won and Suzy began to have no more dates. At first, Park Ki-won was too busy to make time. Later, when he had free time and took the initiative to call Suzy, she didn't know if she was angry or retaliating, pretending that she was also busy. Eventually, he gave up.

When Ji-yeong called, he was delighted. Being with this woman was sometimes quite interesting. They knew each other well, knowing that Bae Suzy was a seasoned fishing expert. However, he couldn't tell if her childish push-and-pull behavior was genuine or intentional.

However, whether it was intentional or not didn't really matter. Chi Jingyuan just felt that this way of getting along was more relaxed and fun.

"Hee hee..." Pei Suzy laughed out loud at his words, glancing at him with a playful look in her eyes. There was no need to say anything more about this unspoken understanding between them.

After smoothing down her hair, as if remembering something, she questioned with a hint of surprise, "You guys are going back too"

"Yuan, Suzy, get ready." The stagehand's sharp voice abruptly cut off their conversation. The two immediately straightened up, took a deep breath, and walked onto the stage under the guidance.

As the most popular song of 2014, "So" has been a chart-topper from the beginning of the year to its end. It appeared at every year-end awards ceremony and event, with Park Kyung-won singing it so often that he's almost worn out.

He and Suzy have long since lost the ambiguous feeling they had when recording songs together. However, when performing, they skillfully portray that cat-and-mouse feeling of mutual flirtation between men and women.

Because of this reason, yuan fans and Ae-lovers have always considered Suzy Bae to be the most hated female celebrity, even without a doubt. They continuously attack her online until now, on her sns

This type of attack is estimated to not ease until the end of 2014, when "So" 's stage performances have significantly decreased.

After 《so》's performance ended, Ji Jingyuan quickly scurried back to the backstage to change his clothes after thanking the audience. At this time, the other members of EXO were already prepared and waiting for him there. After Girls' Generation TTS took the stage, it was now EXO's turn to perform.

They are the last performer of the day at the Seoul Music Awards today.

This is also proof that in the nearly three years since their debut, their seniority has grown and their popularity has soared. If this were 2013, even though Girls' Generation was a big group, TTS being just a sub-unit wouldn't have qualified them for the final performance slot, let alone EXO.

After the TTS stage, the lights in the entire hall gradually dimmed. C-Lite, under the remaining lighting, began his introduction: "Next up are some people that many of you here have been eagerly anticipating."

"Admiring their stage, the time that made me tremble... Next is EXO's stage!"

"e, x, o!"

Under the fervent cheers of the fans, a large screen in the pitch-black venue suddenly lit up. Silver-white and pale yellow dots slowly expanded and swirled on the screen. A dark figure slowly rose from the elevator, their face indistinct in the dim light.

"It'll get easier, again."

Just like catching a cold all at once

At this moment, a familiar and low piano melody sounded, under the guidance of a gentle male voice, the stage officially began. Hearing this melody and voice, many Ai couldn't help but scream. They immediately recognized that it was Ki Chunggu's voice, and the song was "Go with the Flow."

But soon they stopped their excitement and became quiet, just looking at the figure on stage with longing eyes and singing softly along.

After Chi Jingyuan's opening, the other members also arrived on stage via a lift. Against a backdrop of a starry sky-like large screen, they began to perform this touching song.

The song "Let Things Take Their Course," a winter single that holds special meaning for both EXO and AI, has unfortunately had very few stage performances since its release. Aside from the memorable dreamlike stage at AA, there was only a little over a week of music show appearances, adding up to less than four public stages in total. This has left many fans who want to see it struggling to find any material.

After the program list for tonight's ceremony was released, many fans were excited to see that EXO would be performing "Let It Be." However, the real excitement and anticipation exploded when fans saw Ji-yeong's opening performance. It was incredibly intense.

Nine members stood in a row on stage. The entire venue was dimly lit, relying only on the starlight projected onto the large screen and the faint lighting from the ceiling to make out their faces. The light spots on the screen and the cool-toned lighting seemed to cast a hazy veil over the entire stage.

"In the overcast sky, there must be a brighter light."

After the dark clouds dispersed, a dazzling light shone through.

"My heart beats for you."

Listening to the familiar lyrics, deeply meaningful and unforgettable, Pei Zhuhyun, who was sitting in the artist's seats, had a smile on her face that she always maintained during work. At some point, the smile disappeared from her face, her lips trembled slightly as if humming along softly, but the sparkle in her eyes seemed to be slightly out of focus, staring at the stage with a dazed expression.

This was still her first time seeing "Let It Be" live. The song, which had already become her favorite and most profound, had been on repeat in her music player countless times before. She could recite every lyric and note from beginning to end by heart.

No matter how many times I listen to it on my phone or watch the video replays, some things just can't compare to being there live. The stage is so close, as if I could reach out and touch it.

Even though her heart was racing and a little chaotic, Bae Joohyun still skillfully sang the next line of the lyrics: “At the end of today’s test, please illuminate me brilliantly.”

After she softly hummed the lyrics, she couldn't remember what came to mind. She blinked her eyes and reacted, regaining her spirits. A faint sweet smile appeared on her face, and she clapped lightly along with Sun Shengwan beside her.

As the final harmony part of "Let It Be" approached, Ji Jingyuan habitually lowered his head slightly, covering his ear with his hand as he gazed intently at the edge of the stage ahead. He sang the harmony with deep immersion: "u…"

This song's most brilliant part also caused many viewers, even artists and idols in the audience, to show expressions of enjoyment and admiration. The screen focused on the camera, showing every member – Seo Hyun, Bae Joo-hyun, Kang Se-bin, Son Seung-wan, and Park Soo-young – with identical mouth movements as they watched Pool Kyung-won's accompaniment on stage and passionately sang along.

The live version of the song "Let It Be" is truly impressive with EXO's main vocalists performing together. Even some idols who have heard it privately say they prefer this version, and seeing it live is even more impactful than watching the broadcast.

After this song ended, there was no break and it directly transitioned into the stage for "Obsession." This song has been performed so many times. EXO has been singing it since May until now. Although it is the title track and the dance is very cool, to be honest, the audience is a little tired. Also, there weren't any special arrangements this time. Although it still received a lot of cheers, the overall feeling it gave wasn't as good as the performance of "Natural" last time.

After the performance ended, EXO took their bows and instead of going backstage, they walked directly to the artist seats. Right after that, it was time for the main event of tonight's Seoul Music Awards: the final award ceremony. If nothing unexpected happened, EXO should be one of the main contenders. They didn't have time to go back to the dressing room and change clothes.

The awarding presenter, Seoul Sports representative director Kim Kwang-lae, and actress Kim Seong-ling walked onto the stage. After delivering a speech expressing gratitude and sharing sentiments about Seoul Sports' upcoming 30th anniversary, they began announcing the winner of the grand prize:

"The 24th High1 Seoul Music Awards, Grand Prize…"

Jin Chengling made no pause or attempt to build suspense, and directly uttered the name countless fans had been eagerly anticipating:

"Oh, Kamidaka!"

The deafening cheers reverberated throughout the stadium instantly. Ji Jingyuan and the EXO members, who had been slightly nervous before, breathed a sigh of relief as if a burden had been lifted. They stood up from their seats in the exhilarating background music. The nine of them hugged each other's shoulders and formed a circle, which was their iconic celebratory move after winning every major award.

All the idol artists in the surrounding seats also stood up, facing Exo and applauding continuously with congratulatory expressions. As fellow junior artists from the same company, Red Velvet all looked happy for their senior brothers, cheering loudly. The closest ones to them were excitedly clapping at Exo, their eyes clearly filled with some longing.

With a firm push on the shoulders of the members beside him, Exo's nine members excitedly released their hands and bowed respectfully to the seniors standing next to them. As Ji-seong expressed his gratitude, his gaze met several familiar faces, including Kim Taeyeon, Jung Eunji, Son Naeun, and Bae Suzy.

After a final, smiling glance at each other, he followed the other members onto the stage. While bowing to thank the award presenters, Kim Seong-ling even stepped forward and hugged Park Ji-sung, giving him a firm pat on the back and saying, "Congratulations!"

Kim Seong-ling and Park Jin-young are old acquaintances. She once played the mother of the male lead, Kim Tan, in "The Heirs." The two had many scenes together in the drama and got along quite well at the time.

"Nuna, Kasanmida."

Ji Jingyuan smiled and thanked him, giving the other person a light pat on the back before slightly bowing. Then, he stood in a line with the other members.

Today's Seoul Music Awards, both the atmosphere and build-up were excellent. The on-site support was also incredibly enthusiastic, and the members of XO seemed very excited to be performing.

"Last year, we also won a major award here. We sincerely thank the Seoul Music Awards for giving us such a big award for two consecutive years."

“Thank you very much to Teacher Li Xiuman for giving us the name EXO. To all our beloved EXO-Ls, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Thank you to S's family and seniors and juniors at **TOWN. Thank you to our managers, staff, and members who are always by our side.”

Though Kim Jun-myeon was very excited, he was also restrained and didn't give a long speech of thanks. After excitedly saying two sentences, he passed the microphone to the member beside him. It was passed around until it reached Park Ji-hoon.

"I really appreciate everyone's support…" Taking the microphone, Chi Jingyuan first smiled, and a close-up of him also appeared on the big screen: "Although I always say a lot of thank you words every time I win an award, last time I said that too, every time is very similar… But there's really nothing more meaningful than expressing gratitude."

He pursed his lips, Pool Jingyuan paused for a moment, his gaze lightly swept over the artist seats and the countless fans in front of him who were watching him, took a deep breath and then said: "Last year, many things happened, and there are still countless fans and friends who are supporting us with all their might... In order to repay this support, I, and all the members, we xo have prepared a new album and a new concert in the new 2015..."

"Ahhhh...."

This is the first time EXO's comeback news has been revealed, and after reacting, all the fans in the audience couldn't help but scream with excitement. This news is simply the best thing they've heard all night, even more exciting than their idols winning an award.

"Please give us your continued support, we are one, EXO, let's love each other!" Receiving this award, the last one of the dazzling and challenging 2014 year, clearly excited Ji-sung as well. As he spoke, his voice grew louder and he shouted their signature slogan.

"Xia Guo's Aiqiyi is also conducting a live broadcast simultaneously. Yuan, can you please represent us xo and say a few words in Chinese" As soon as Chi Jingyuan finished speaking, Cli-te cued him again.

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Still a little bit shy, Ji-sung lightly nodded his head, leaned closer to the microphone, switched to Chinese and sincerely said into the camera: “I really want to thank all of you in China. If it wasn’t for your constant effort and support, there wouldn’t be EXO today, nor Suho, Xiu, Baekhyun… and Yuan. We will definitely work even harder and keep going forward. Thank you so much, I love you!”

The last four words were also shouted out. The excitement and exhilaration of the fans on site seemed to infect every member. After everyone else had finished speaking, it was finally D.O.'s turn. This guy didn't know if he was too excited or for some other reason, he opened his mouth at the microphone for a long time but couldn't say a word. In the end, not knowing what to say, he simply held up the trophy and shouted loudly, "Ah~~" for several seconds, making many people below burst into laughter.

After the encore stage, several members went to the artist's seats and interacted enthusiastically with other idols, but all the EXO members were very cautious and avoided all female idols, only shaking hands and interacting with male idols. Meanwhile, Ji-sung was standing at the edge of the stage and...

Thus concludes the 24th Seoul Music Awards. Under the direction of the organizers, all attending idol guests gathered on stage to prepare for a group photo.

This is also a tradition of the Song Awards, after each session ends, a big group photo will be taken to commemorate it. And naturally, the winners of each session are in the absolute center position. Other artists are arranged according to seniority and popularity from the middle and front rows to the back rows.

"Hey, hey, come over here!" The stage manager shouted loudly. The EXO members who were scattered around happily chatting with their friends hurriedly squeezed over and stood in the center of the camera lens that had already been set up.

Because they couldn't stand, the members in the front row simply sat down on the ground. Ji Kyeongwon was standing behind Park Chan-hyuk on the right side.

Soon, the performers slowly took their positions in front of the camera.

Ji Jingyuan glanced back. Because there were too many people, the center and the left side were occupied by EXO. The right side was SJ's two brothers and today's center, Chun Woo-maeng and LITE. Behind them were BEAST, F(X), AOAs, APK, and several other popular groups.

He suddenly discovered that the four girls of Red Velvet were standing at the edge, tiptoeing left and right, seeming a little lost.

Before the event, no one had directed them to stand there. As newcomers who had just debuted this year with no notable achievements or popularity, they naturally ended up in the corners and edges of the crowd. At this moment, Jiang Shubi and her group seemed a little awkward. They looked like they wanted to move closer to the center, but due to the occasion and their status, they hesitated.

"Seqi ah, you guys come stand over here." Chi Jingyuan looked for a while and then took the initiative to speak, pointing to the spot behind him. There was no one standing there at the moment.

"Huh" Jiang Shiqi was taken aback, then quickly replied with a nod. She exchanged glances with several people including Bae Joo-hyun, and tiptoed quietly towards them.

Originally, Bae Suzy who was standing nearby smiled and glanced at Ji Kyeong-won, then proactively moved aside to let the four pass. Park Soo-hyuk even took the lead in bowing to her to express gratitude. This made Ji Kyeong-won feel a bit speechless.

Although that spot wasn't in the front row, it was much better than where Debebe was just standing at the back of the crowd. At least I could get my face in the photo and not have to stand on my tiptoes for ages only to be able to show my forehead in the picture.

The staff member beside them heard this and glanced at Ji Jingyuan, but didn't object. He pretended not to hear and continued adjusting the positions of the other idols. Lai Debei and a few others instantly felt relieved. A few friends gave Ji Jingyuan a grateful look, but by now he had turned away, looking at the camera.

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Pei Zhuhyun glanced at Ji Kyeongwon's back of the head, her eyes twinkling and she couldn't help but purse her lips into a very slight smile.

Soon, the person quickly got into position. The photographer in front began to gesture.

Ji Jingyuan slightly bowed his body, with his hands framing in front of Park Chan-wook's shoulders who was sitting on the ground, making space for the camera behind him. He smiled and made a horizontal scissor gesture.

"1, 2, 3!"

"Ka!"

The scene froze, with EXO's six members sitting in the front row and three standing behind them. They were all gathered around the grand prize trophy, beaming with joy and excitement. Red Velvet was on their left, slightly behind, smiling brightly with a hint of youthful naiveté. Girls' Generation TTS and SJ's three members remained eye-catching on the right side, while popular idols like AOA, APK, Sistar and others were all smiling happily in the back.

Basically, in 2014, all the popular or momentarily trending groups and artists were present in this photo. This group picture served as a conclusive summary to the exciting and dramatic K-pop scene of 2014, bringing it to a satisfying end.

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the Traditional Chinese Novel Network.y. Silver streamers shot out from the sides, gently falling onto the performers on stage.At the moment the results were announced, a few of the younger members' faces darkened slightly, but they quick...