Chapter 189: Chapter 189

[Kang Ichae Sets the K-pop Scene Ablaze]

Kang Ichae’s black hair didn’t just glow in the sunset—it set the entire fan base buzzing.

[He’s stirring things up with just his looks, and the song’s not even out yet.

ㅅㄱ[1]]

[Agreed]

Being a member of a currently hot group and having been known for sticking to bright hair colors since debuting two years ago, it would have been more surprising if his black hair hadn’t become a hot topic.

The concept wasn’t entirely clear, but he stood against a railing in what resembled a ruin, his intense gaze piercing through the screen.

He even wore a thin ring piercing on his lower lip.

[I told you,

I told you Kang Ichae would make it, fuck!!!!!!]

With his hair dyed pitch black that seemed impervious to light, his usual light-hearted vibe vanished, leaving only an overwhelming aura.

[Isn’t Kang Ichae’s black hair going to be censored…?]

[Drooling…]

Recently, he’d been wearing a beanie in photos on SNS and during V-Live, which had seemed odd, but now it all made sense.

And for that, the Noeuls were rolling with happiness.

Of course, the comeback teaser photos of the other members also featured something slightly different from before.

Jeong Dajun was squatting, staring blankly at an utterly black floor that reflected nothing, while Kim Seonghyeon was shadowless as he fiddled with a rifle at a doorway.

Seong Jiwon’s photo particularly displayed this aspect more vividly.

While he smiled softly at the camera as usual, the shot taken beside an old three-panel mirror inside a cathedral was rather eerie.

The third reflection of Seong Jiwon that should have been there in the repeated crossed mirrors was missing.

[Aaaaahhhh]

[It must be a horror concept, ahhhh]

[Seong Jiwon’s face is heavenly, but it’s so terrifyingㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ

The Noeuls, caught off guard by the unintentional horror, felt chilled enough to forget the midsummer heat completely.

And then…

[What the hell is this fucking thing?]

Everyone who saw Seo Hoyun’s comeback teaser photo couldn’t help but exclaim, “Holy shit.”

Bathed in light streaming through a stained-glass window, Seo Hoyun stood, wearing a white turtleneck that emphasized his lean physique.

A torn, stained lace veil was draped over his head, casting an ethereal shadow across his features.

The interplay of colors washing over his closed eyes blended sacred tranquility with an unsettling edge.

[Oh my go

[Ah… Is this even allowed?]

The intense impression was almost violent.

His cold face, with a faint trace of weariness and desperation, captivated everyone’s attention.

[Sorry, but whether it’s a horror concept or a deserted island concept, I can fully appreciate it]

[Even if suddenly it’s an orchard where ghosts eat apples, I’d understand]

[Oh my god, I never thought I’d be grateful to Daepaseong]

After the debut of “Mang-mang-mang” at their first concert, fans had flooded their private accounts with curses directed at Daepaseong.

Since then, the Noeuls, who had been lying in wait to pounce at the slightest misstep, melted instantly upon seeing the concept teaser photos.

“Four walls, one roof.”

Shortly after, the highlight melody, accompanied by Seo Hoyun’s narration, was released.

All the images shared had a dark atmosphere, leading everyone to assume it would have a spicy edge.

[What is this??]

However, contrary to expectations, the melody was more refreshing and funky, like a summer tune, and two of the tracks had a strong lyrical feel.

[Wow, I really can’t get a grasp on this.]

Fans everywhere poured out their hopes alongside wild guesses.

[Honestly, I hope it’s sexy… The ribbon was too intense.]

[ㅠㅠ But I can’t give up the refreshing vibe like “Ocean Train”…]

[I don’t need anything else, just give me some Seonghyeon action.

└ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋYou’re too honest ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

So, with the Noeuls were lost in madness, a few days passed, and at 6 PM, the MV dropped.

[Falling Down]

Like an old film, static filled the screen with red English letters stamped across it.

Simultaneously, a clear yet fresh melody with a minor key as its base spread throughout, creating a heavy and strange feeling.

“Whoosh- Whoosh.”

The camera quickly moved along a parched, cracked ground, passing through a street lined with tombstones and into the opened doors of a cathedral.

“Whooooosh- Whoosh.”

Then, as light flooded over the stained glass, it zoomed in on a figure in a veil, surrounded by a kaleidoscope of colors with their eyes closed.

The person slowly lifted their eyelids and turned their head—it was Seo Hoyun.

“Out of curiosity, I keep messing with you.

You make me so curious.”

He looked straight into the camera.

“The first time always feels the most thrilling.”

Behind Hoyun, who slowly lifted one corner of his mouth, red handprints appeared on the window in sync with the beat.

Thud! Thud! Thud!

“Isn’t it, my love?”

The Noeuls, taken aback by the more overt horror concept than expected, got goosebumps.

At the same time, they felt a sense of pride, thinking Daepaseong Entertainment must have pooled some serious money to pull off such a production.

“Grabbing your hand in a rush,

Holding nothing back, completely.

I can’t stay calm.”

Seong Jiwon, who had walked nonchalantly to the cathedral, pulled at the back door, but it wouldn’t budge.

Even as something was approaching, he looked more annoyed than anxious, pounding the door with his fist a few times before leaning his forehead against it and biting his lip slightly. �

“I want to make sure this won’t be our last.”

Bang! Bang!

The scene shifted, and a door in a different color shook violently.

Kim Seonghyeon leaned against it, arms outstretched as if to block an intrusion, then slowly sank to the floor.

“Grabbing your hand in a rush,

Holding nothing back, completely.

I can’t stay calm.”

The screen then switched to Kang Ichae standing on a railing.

As he tilted his head slightly, his black hair, split at the ends, flowed under his clear skin.

“Out of curiosity, I keep lingering near you,

Even though I know nothing good will come of it.”

He rapped as he descended the iron stairs outside the cathedral.

“I’m not ready to let you go;

I just want to keep making mistakes.

Curiosity led me here and now I’m trapped.

You can be my divine.”

With a husky voice, he enunciated each word as he deftly avoided the undead swarming toward him, passing by the camera angle and gently tapping on the cathedral window.

“Right now, just do it,

Baby love me,

I’ll give you everything.”

The window flew open, and Jeong Dajun popped out with a mischievous smile.

As Kang Ichae perched on the railing, the camera lens quickly zoomed inside, brushing past Kim Seonghyeon, who was dragging a baseball bat along the floor.

“When I hesitate, you grab my hand.

I feel dizzy, I want to follow you.

I can’t hide it, I love it so much.”

Seo Hoyun then roughly removed his veil, wrapped it around one wrist, and tied it tightly with his teeth.

“The first time is always the most thrilling.

Sorry, I can be so fickle,

But that’s what you like about me, isn’t it?”

Beyond him, Seong Jiwon, who had neatly combed back his hair to reveal his forehead, ran his hand down the stained glass covered in handprints, curling his lips slightly.

“Right now, just do it,

Baby love me,

I’ll give you everything.”

And then the scene changed.

Under the dark night sky, against the backdrop of the cathedral, The Dawn showed off their group choreography in tight white T-shirts, ripped jeans, pristine white sneakers, with caps and various accessories added.

The faint moonlight barely revealed the members’ faces.

“The first time is always the most thrilling.

Sorry, I can be so fickle,

But that’s what you like about me, isn’t it?”

Standing at the center, Seo Hoyun brushed his hair back with one hand and smiled slightly.

At the same time, the scene shifted back inside the cathedral.

“Honestly, I’m a little scared,

That you might get tired of me.”

At that moment, the music stopped.

It flashed back to when Seong Jiwon wanted to enter the cathedral. He lifted his forehead from the door and knocked three times, causing the door to slowly creak open.

“But not now.

Do it, baby love me.”

The music resumed, and as Seong Jiwon leisurely walked, one of the mirrors failed to reflect his figure.

“If you don’t like it, I won’t do it.

When I try to stop, you block my way.

(Then I smile a little.)”

At the same time, the veil tightly wrapped around Seo Hoyun’s wrist slipped off and fell to the floor.

“I want to make sure this won’t be our last.”

Once more, static noise crackled, and above the door, the red title “Falling” appeared alongside “THE DAWN,” before the screen faded to black.[2]

In the background, cawing crows could be heard.

[Wow…]

Fans were ablaze after watching the MV that boldly mixed horror with a refreshing song.

[Guys, I was just so visually overwhelmed by their faces. Can anyone explain what it means?]

[I guess there isn’t a specific concept this time?? Maybe they just added a bit of horror to match the summer vibe.]

[Everyone, look.

Their hair is wet

That’s the point

End of story!

└Ah, fuckㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

While the Noeul fans were busy screenshoting every second of The Dawn…

[It seems like the setting is that the members are hiding in a cathedral in a world overrun by zombies, living together as survivors.]

…Seong Jiwon’s fans appeared, crying.

[Jiwon… Jiwon

[Our Jiwonieㅠㅠ

And soon, screenshots were attached.

[Jiwon…… fuck…..ㅠㅠㅠ Jiwon is already dead hereㅠㅠ I thought something was off since the comeback teaser

Kang Ichae also hesitated to face the undead on the stairs, and it seems the only entrance was the window in the adjacent building where Kang Ichae came in, but Seong Jiwon just walked the whole distance

Plus, the reason the door opened after three knocks

>Seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you<

It’s a verse from the Bible…[3]

Seong Jiwon, who believed in God, died, and it seems he deceived the others to step into what was supposed to be the last sanctuary…

“I want to make sure this won’t be our last.”

Seong Jiwon wanted to have more fun… and the cathedral instantly fell into ruin…

That’s why it’s called “Falling”…. fuck…]

Lee Jihyeon’s bizarre concept never went away.

Instead of expanding the Apocalypse trilogy into a five-part series, she decided to pour her intense passion into each album.

[But there are too many hints;;;]

[No matter how much you dig, they keep coming out;;]

Interpretations popped up rapidly on anonymous community sites.

[Title: Can this… air on TV?

Even during Shining Star, I thought, “Wow;; I get what these guys are trying to do,” but

are they establishing it for real with this??

└Why??

└└The veil… It has various meanings, but here it symbolizes purity… But Hoyun tied it around his wrist himself at the end

└└Kyaaaah!]

As the story unraveled to that point, everyone screamed.

They hadn’t realized it because of the flood of visual stimulation, but upon reflection, even the title was significant.

[Wait, so that connects then—Seong Jiwon comes in and Seo Hoyun, who was guarding the cathedral, loses his purity… and the title is “Falling”… fuck…]

[Can this be interpreted as losing purity in the fall… Excuse me, Daepaseong, is this correct, is this allowed?]

At that time, lyrics discovered by a fan on SNS became a hot topic among the Noeul fandom.

[Ichae’s rap, you know

“I’m not ready to let you go”, isn’t this matching with “Noeul”?

Right? No? It is, right? No?

Am I being over-immersed…?][4]

[I’m an Ichae fan, Let Go < Noeul match confirmed!

Counterarguments are all wrong

└ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

In reality, it was a song and MV that expressed The Dawn’s stance of risking everything for the fans who supported them.

The deeper you delved into the lyrics and props, the more they resembled a slave concept.

Today too, the Noeuls were tirelessly digging through the endless hints Jihyeon and The Dawn scattered like mad, armed with their metaphorical excavators.

[Crazy……

Twist upon twist upon twist…

I was cursing while working overtime at the company, but my brain just shut down suddenly.]

Later, a BTS video of Kang Ichae and Seong Jiwon agonizing over “rap” lyrics was uploaded to The Dawn’s official YouTube channel.

Fans banged their heads in excitement at the sight of them wracking their brains together.

[Ah, they’re so cute I could die

I love the combo of Jiwon and Ichae…]

[One sits perfectly straight and proper, while the other has their feet on the table with shoes on like it’s their houseㅋㅋㅋ

└Ichae… the studio is basically his house…

└└That’s true…]

While fans were deeply immersed in “Falling” because of the multitude of meanings it contained, casual listeners, unaware of these facts, simply enjoyed the song because it was fresh and perfectly matched the season.

The song topped the real-time charts as soon as it was released, and the Noeuls gleefully streamed it repeatedly.

Even the mini album’s B-side tracks dominated the charts.

Among them, “At Dawn” received the most attention.

[Wow, what’s up with Kang Ichae?]

It was stylistically the most different from any song Kang Ichae had released so far, yet it exuded a profoundly lyrical atmosphere.

It was a track capturing emotions of love that were unstable and overwhelming, even beyond self-control.

[Kang Ichae… practicing Halli Galli like crazy on V-Live, and then making something like this behind the scenes?]

[Someone who looks like they’d laugh at the notion of love is making a song with these lyrics… I love you for that.]

Music critics were also full of praise.

[Wait, it seems to connect with the title track as well]

[You concept maniacs!!!!!!!]

Still filled to the brim with hints, lavishly constructed with the smell of money, the mini-album satisfied the public’s taste while preserving and establishing The Dawn’s unique characteristics.

The Dawn’s fans were so pleased that their lips kept curling up, drying out their gums, and at the same time, they gritted their teeth tightly.

[This time, definitely, definitely, definitely, fucking definitely, they’re gonna get an award.]

[If not, I might as well just die.]

Although The Dawn’s stock was at an all-time high, their most recent activity during “Kill the Lights” didn’t achieve the expected results because of Black Call’s “Kings.”

With increasing attention came jealousy and envy, and if they didn’t prove themselves this time with good results, the label of “just a survival show hype” would inevitably follow them.

And as if they knew the fans were fervently burning with passion, the agency, like adding fuel to the fire, uploaded various videos and BTS photos at the right time.

[Guys, they’re even doing a stage for the B-side track “At Dawn”]

[Aaaaah!!!!]

[Aaaaagh!!!!]

Thus, before anyone knew it, the first music show appearance for the title and B-side tracks was fast approaching.

[1] ㅅㄱ = Good Work /blog/korean-text-slang-mastering-acronyms-in-texting

[2] The song’s title is “추락,” but the author themselves translated it as “Falling.”

[3] Matthew 7:7-8.

[4] In Korean, the fandom’s name is “노을” (“no-eul”), while the phrase “let go” is “놓을” (“noh-eul”). Notice the subtle phonetic similarity between the two. What the user is implying in their post is that instead of Ichae rapping the phrase “I’m not ready to let you go,” he was saying instead, “I’m not ready, Noeul.” Ready for what?