Chapter 358: Chapter 359

The show “My Hometown Now” recorded a slight increase in viewership compared to usual.

Yet, the internet’s reaction today was even more explosive than the viewership numbers suggested.

‘My Hometown’s NewBlack Jung-hyun, even cows would be startled by his ‘moo-moo’ impression

NewBlack’s appearance on ‘My Hometown’, the story behind the announcers’ near on-air mishap?

‘My Hometown Now’s NewBlack Woo-yoo, crowned as the ‘Idol who milks the universe’

Hastily uploaded articles, even those with typos, were causing a stir of laughter.

Not just articles featured on portal main pages, but related videos and photos were circulating in online communities, especially in the entertainment or humor sections.

Among them, the hottest reaction was undoubtedly to someone’s cow imitation broadcasted.

[Idol Communicating with a Cow.swf]

(Video link)

Start watching from 2 minutes and 13 seconds, LOL

It’s trending on MiTube right now, and it’s hilarious, LOL

(GIF)

This is the clip where the announcers burst into laughter

Yeah, that’s legit, LOL

What is that, LOL, so funny

Why are they gathering like that, LOL

This is the true art of cow herding…

I died because of the background music, LOL, why is it so calm

Real talk, even Yoon Chan-hyuk would bow down to this cow herding technique, LOL

Super funny, LOL, what’s the situation? Did NewBlack release something new?

They say it’s on ‘My Hometown Now’

Why there?

Because it’s NewBlack

Ah, yeah, okay

Okay, LOL, you’re making sense, LOL, it’s funnier that you’re convinced

As soon as the broadcast ended, the clip was uploaded and quickly became a trending video on MiTube.

A video that, once watched, seems to enchant viewers to watch it two, three times more.

Thanks to the ‘cow herding technique’ clip, the general public was getting to know about NewBlack’s appearance on “My Hometown Now.”

LOL, where can I watch this? On MiTube?

Yeah, it seems like the behind-the-scenes is uploaded there

Going to watch it now, LOL

Those who visited the attached link were met with surprise.

It was because of the length of the behind-the-scenes video uploaded on the PBS channel.

‘40 minutes…?’

Just when they were curious because of the recent video but wondering when to watch it.

An amazing thing happened to those who clicked on the video.

Give me back my time…

Time seriously flies, LOL

It’s like I watched a whole weekend variety show, LOL

Time vanished as if deleted.

From the opening to the extraordinary events and the barrage of jokes, viewers found themselves saying ‘wow’ as time swiftly passed by.

The Soufflés’ eyes widened as they saw the rapidly increasing view count and the swiftly rising comments.

‘What’s with these people.’

Our kids! They were cooing over each other, but strangers were commenting ‘LOL’ and joining in.

There were so many comments that even English ones like ‘eng sub plz’ were getting buried.

The age range was diverse.

There were comments that seemed to be written by teenagers or people in their twenties, and others like ‘Thanks to NewBlack, I relieve my parenting and work stress.’

The Soufflés were huddled together, communicating.

It’s a feeling of being happy but not happy…

I think I understand how people with a minor complex feel, LOL, my singer is becoming too mainstream

Our kids are the nation’s idols, the nation’s idols

Ah… why do I feel so embarrassed, LOL, I died laughing, but I wish the muggles didn’t know… didn’t know

Our kids are embarrassing no matter where you put them (proud)

Who would’ve thought I’d watch ‘My Hometown Now’ while fangirling… I just saw the ‘My Hometown Now_NewBlack cut’ file and burst into laughter for no reason

Meanwhile, the Soufflés were taken aback by the explosively growing comments on the MiTube video.

‘Huh? The reaction is…’

They sorted the comments by popularity, and most of the top ones seemed to have a negative nuance.

It felt like their hearts were sinking.

NewBlack is crossing the line these days, LOL, seriously

When they saw comments with a similar vibe ranking at the top, their hearts started pounding.

I couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

“Seriously, if you guys make all the jokes, what’s left for us to enjoy?”

“That’s crossing the line.”

“I was about to make a joke in the comments, but you’ve already said it all, haha!”

“I was going to make a joke about Prime Minister Hwang Hee -> Damn, the universe beat me to it -> I was going to use the cattle-herding method -> Jeez, Jiho already did it.”

“If the main content is funnier than the comments, what are we, the netizens, even here for?”

“How can anyone top the rap version of ‘The Communist Manifesto’, lol?”

Most of the top comments were playful jabs saying, “If you do this, what fun is left for us?”

Then, the views and comments started to grow exponentially.

Initially, it was the active internet community users who showed interest, but soon, NewBlack’s video began to spread far and wide.

[(Link to MeTube)]

“This is hilarious, lol.”

The link was shared in various group chats where lots of people gathered.

On social media, parts of the video were clipped and posted on pages with captions like “Guaranteed fun for the day.”

“Did you see NewBlack’s video featuring our hometown? It was hilarious.”

“Really? That program can be funny?”

“Just watch it. Even the anchors hosting the show almost had a broadcast accident because they were laughing so hard.”

“…Could it be interesting?”

It was hard to believe that a mundane lifestyle information program could be funny.

But those who watched the video couldn’t resist recommending it to others.

As interest in my hometown soared like a virus.

-“The producer of ‘Now in My Hometown’ said in an interview, ‘We had to request NewBlack first, couldn’t miss the chance.’”

Even the program’s producer was seen giving interviews with a joyful face, saying, “Thanks to NewBlack, we’ve become a hot topic.”

An astonishing achievement, becoming nationally famous after just one appearance.

“But why is NewBlack doing a collaboration with my hometown?”

“What’s this small theater tour about?”

“Wow, lol, they really are popular idols, aren’t they? Looks like they’re doing a national tour.”

Questions that started with “Why are they appearing there?” led to answers about the small theater tour.

To the general public unfamiliar with idols, it seemed like “Ah, NewBlack is doing a national tour, they must be the most successful.”

In response, the idol community’s anti-NewBlack faction was leaving angry comments, but the fans, the Soufflés, didn’t care about any of that today.

“Yeah… that’s possible, oh my.”

“Are you upset because our kids are getting talked about a lot?”

“You guys chatter, I laugh.”

“Yes, yes, indeed. Compared to our kids Tenty and Teens, they are insignificant, yes, yes.”

“Let the music play louder!”

Everyone was in high spirits.

The collaboration episode of ‘Now in My Hometown’ had received a positive response, but the real buzz was in the idol community news on Monday.

[NewBlack Special Album First-Week Sales.jpg]

(7-day sales record)

Total sales: 225,3** copies

This time, they became the third group ever to surpass 200,000 copies.

ps.

Baramkkot (69,000) -> Nine (117,000) -> Winter Sleep (225,000)

After ‘Nine’ went viral internationally, it seems like a lot of new fans came in through awards and end-of-year performances.

Please, no more comments about outdated accusations of chart manipulation.

The first-week sales, a measure taken right after the album release, proved the fandom’s strength, marking a career-high for NewBlack.

Almost double the increase from the last time.

Until now, only TNT and TeenSpirit had surpassed 200,000 copies in first-week sales, and now NewBlack has joined them.

“Wow…”

“I was curious how much ‘Nine’ would blow up internationally, and it really did, lol.”

“NewBlack ♥”

“That’s insane!”

“I thought they’d only focus on digital sales because of the song’s style, but the physical album blew up.”

“How much is the fan signing event?”

“The album is gorgeous, and the package is generous, I’m totally satisfied with this release _”

“Yeah, the package is awesome…”

“Honestly, I’m so jealous. I wish my idols could sell at least half as much…”

“NewBlack really sells well… I’m curious about the total sales.”

“Where are those who were gritting their teeth, saying this album wouldn’t sell?”

“Do those who talk about ‘rock bottom’ see the rising stairs as going down?”

“The Fibonacci theory was real, lol. I thought it was ridiculous when the 8 13 21 joke came out.”

It was an event that made the idol fandoms take a second look at how large NewBlack’s undervalued fandom really was.

The album sales of TNT and Teen Spirit were not much different from ours.

Even the Soufflés, our fans, were left scratching their heads after seeing the numbers, wondering, “What’s this all about?”

As I looked at the figures, I couldn’t help but exclaim in awe, “Wow…”

Of course, not everything was rosy.

The fandoms of TNT and Teen Spirit, which had been quiet recently, showed signs of stirring, ready to challenge us fiercely.

But the biggest downside was…

“Guys, guys, your cute little Charcoal is here, boo >ㅇ<”

“Stop pretending to be cute.”

“Huh?”

“I saw the initial sales… Acting cute won’t cut it anymore.”

“Tch.”

(A picture of a grandmother crying in black rubber shoes.jpg) Rolling tears… Grandma is crying…

The point was, we could no longer pretend to be small.

After our comeback, ‘Hibernation,’ which topped the weekly charts, still lingered at number one on the daily charts.

The other tracks from our special album were positioned high on the charts as well.

News came that New Black’s special album had entered the Billboard 200 and other international album charts.

“New Black, 109th on the US Billboard 200 chart, a double celebration with ‘Thousand Dreams’ on the Hot 100.”

“New Black’s special album enters the US Billboard main album chart.”

“Billboard says, ‘New Black is the next-generation K-pop idol to watch.’”

The album, meticulously planned for Korean listeners, was also making waves in the American market, according to brief news reports.

Billboard had written an article on K-pop, naming us the most anticipated idol group of 2016.

Not only in Japan but also on the charts of several Asian countries, our name was listed.

Critics and experts speculated that the ‘universal sentiment’ captured in this winter’s album resonated with listeners worldwide.

And it was well-received by our intended Korean audience as well.

“Hey, brother. This is a New Black song, right?”

“It must be.”

Snowflakes gently covered the streets.

Every time I passed a telecom store or a café, I could hear New Black’s voice.

A couple walking down the street smiled.

“It really feels like winter.”

“Yeah. It’s nice.”

The tranquil ‘Hibernation’ was pleasant to the ears.

And ‘Winter Trip,’ with its exciting travel vibe, was equally delightful in a different way.

Each song seemed to fit this season perfectly.

“Let’s go.”

The couple, hand in hand, walked on as the voice of New Black’s Rihyuk softly filled their ears.

In the café where friends chatted.

Among the college students strolling through the bustling streets.

To the travelers munching on snacks at a rest stop in Gangwon Province, where the parking lot was piled with snow.

“Dad!”

“Yes, shall we go for another ride?”

“Let’s go!”

Laughter echoed around the ski slopes and sledding hills.

The melody of New Black’s winter songs settled into people’s ears like falling snow.

Winter.

With the season of white snowfall, New Black’s songs permeated the daily lives of those welcoming the new year of 2016.

Becoming a memory.

Just as music often evokes memories of specific times, New Black’s winter songs were becoming the winter of early 2016 for many.

And then.

Like being soaked in a drizzle, New Black was becoming part of people’s memories, influencing them profoundly.

“Hmm…”

Whether in a deep mountain village, a farmhouse, a fishing village, or any apartment in the city, it didn’t matter.

Every day at 6 PM, the elderly turned on their TVs.

“Good evening.”

“I’m Lee Mi-jung from ‘Now, My Hometown.’”

“And I’m Choi Sang-hoon.”

The male and female announcers sat at the news desk, spreading warm smiles and stories comfortably.

“Did you have a good day? Today is Daehan, the coldest day of winter.”

In a house in a village in Yangpyeong County, Gyeonggi Province.

The quiet and solemn air of the living room.

The floor, warmed by the boiler, and the lights, though on, somehow felt empty.

Wrinkled hands holding the remote turned up the volume.

As I watched the familiar corners pass by, I lost track of time.

“It’s about time for them to show up.”

I turned the volume down a bit.

Sure enough.

-Hahaha!

With a booming laugh, the members of New Black appeared with a flourish.

The reporter had a slightly dazed expression, overwhelmed by the laughter.

“Ugh. It’s so noisy.”

The old man grumbled and turned the volume down further.

“I can’t fathom why they’re so overjoyed.”

Despite complaining about the noise, his eyes remained glued to the TV.

Handsome young men.

The same youths I had seen on PBS morning news were now on her favorite program.

-Chungju~! What comes to mind when you think of Chungju, Bijoo?

-Apples!

With flushed cheeks and hands raised to her face, Bijoo looked like she might faint from happiness.

A cacophony of laughter.

New Black was having a blast, laughing heartily at even a ray of sunshine as they worked.

“Oh dear, that’s not how it’s done!”

Even as he criticized Jiho’s clumsy work in the orchard, which made the owner’s nostrils flare with anxiety.

-I’m sorry…

A giggle escaped me at the sight of him trying to charm his way out with wide-eyed innocence.

And then.

“You’re such a neat freak.”

Rihyuk recoiled with a squeak every time someone flung dirt around.

Jung-hyun worked like a born farmer, and Woojoo felt like a peer, despite the few days I’d known them.

After getting the owner’s permission, Woojoo juggled apples, eliciting an impressed laugh from me.

“He looks fine but is the most peculiar of all.”

The broadcast grew louder, but somehow, I enjoyed the chaos.

It filled the empty space, much like a litter of puppies wreaking havoc around the house.

“Out, you go!” I’d say, yet somehow, I liked it.

Just on Monday, I had shaken my head at them, thinking, “What are they up to now?” But in just a few days, I’d grown fond of them.

Thud-

While engrossed in the TV, my son returned from the greenhouse and kicked off his boots.

Settling on the living room sofa, socks off, he asked,

“I’m back.”

“Did you work well?”

“Oh, the village head came by again, causing a fuss… But what are you watching so intently on TV?”

Then, spotting the ‘My Hometown Now’ logo beneath PBS, he exclaimed,n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

“Ah, they’re quite popular these days.”

“Ah, I don’t know about that, but the noise is killing me.”

“Don’t you like it?”

“It’s always noisy, I should just change the channel…”

As my tirade about the noise continued, my son, who had been listening, grabbed the remote.

Click.

The channel switched to HBS.

“Hey!”

As a discarded sock flew at his face, he sputtered,

“Hey! Why’d you throw a sock at me!”

“Why’d you change it? I was watching!”

“But you said it was noisy, so you’d change the channel…”

“Stop talking and change it back!”

Unaware that my ‘dislike’ was more affectionate than he realized, my son had unwittingly changed the channel and faced my wrath.

“Ugh, it’s so loud.”

“…”

“They talk all day long.”

As I grumbled about the noise, looking at the TV, my son could only pout.

From the southern to the northern parts of Gyeonggi and the Chungcheong region.

We had been busily touring small theaters and local eateries, and now we had arrived in Jeonbuk Jeonju city.

“Hello, we are New Black~!”

Together, we visited a Hanok village, exchanging happy smiles as we enjoyed various snacks.

“Ah, this is great. So good.”

My body shivered with happiness.

“I’m glad we did this small theater tour. Even Jeonju came along.”

“Right? I feel like a happy sweet potato.”

Jung-hyun laughed heartily as he munched on a churro.

Passing college students, who seemed to be on a trip, stopped in surprise and I waved back at their astonished faces.

“…Huh.”

Minki, who looked back, caught his breath.

Like the Pied Piper and his procession, people followed us, selfie sticks in hand.

Ever since the ‘My Hometown Now’ collaboration news spread, wherever we went, people trailed behind us.

Mostly young travelers exclaimed “Wow!” and kept their distance while following us.

The merchants who recognized us asked warmly.

“Why are there only four of you? Where’s the loudest one?”

“He went to take an exam!”

“An exam?”

“He popped up to Seoul for a bit to take a history test.”

And probably by now, Wonseok would be wailing, “Everyone’s in Jeonju but me! Jeonju!” as he rushed over like mad.

Anyway, since the topic came up, we walked over to a nearby stand and bought some snacks.

“He went to take a test?”

“Yes.”

“That’s odd. He doesn’t look like the scholarly type.”

We burst into laughter at such a blunt assessment.

“Aren’t you filming ‘My Hometown Now’ today?”

“No! Today’s a day off!”

Perhaps because of our appearance on ‘My Hometown Now,’ we felt more recognized by the middle-aged generation.

It seemed they viewed us more fondly.

While munching on snacks and exploring local landmarks with my younger brothers.

“Still, without Wang Jiho, something feels…”

Rihyuk peered down at his snack and said.

“I thought it would be different, but doesn’t it taste even better?”

“Delicious.”

“Send a picture to Jiho. It’s even more delicious. Jung-hyun.”

We cackled with laughter and greedily devoured our snacks while Bijoo looked on with mock disapproval.

When we created a chat room titled ‘Brothers Hiding Food’ and excitedly sent pictures of our snacks.

“Aaaaaah!”

“He’s finally here.”

Wonseok, running solemnly, and the youngest, dressed in a lord’s hanbok, sprinted towards us like crazy.

His face was so bright, it sparkled.

“Brothers!”

“His expression is so bright. He must have done really well on his test.”

“That’s great.”

“I checked online earlier, and apparently, today’s test was historically easy.”

As we whispered among ourselves, the youngest bounded over and shouted.

“Brothers! The test! The test!”

“Did you do well?”

Then Jiho, with a flourish, presented his test paper, and we all gasped in amazement.