From Thug to Idol: Transmigrating to a Survival Show

Chapter 1043: The Reunion You Didn't Ask For

The holiday season has finally arrived, and the air was filled with energy that only this time of year could bring.

Snow dusted the streets outside the towering venue, a massive stadium lit up, welcoming

idols and fans alike to what was easily one of the most anticipated event of the year.

Every year, the grand stage set new standards for performances, but this year, it felt even bigger.

Something has definitely changed in the idol industry.

For the first time, groups from various companies-big and small-gathered to perform on the same stage.

Performances were trimmed to showcase only the highlights, giving every group, regardless of size or fame, a moment in the spotlight.

Every act was being valued now. It was a sign of progress in an industry that had long been dominated by only a few.

The atmosphere backstage was warm-opposite to the coldness that the weather brought. Groups shuffled in and out of dressing rooms, their laughter and chatter filling the air as they rehearsed their routines one last time. DAWN, who had risen to the top of the charts after an explosive debut year, was preparing for their own performance.

But they weren't the only ones reflecting on how far they'd come.

Out in the crowd, Jia and her friends-Bora, Soomin, Nari, and Wei-were seated close to the stage, enjoying the rare days off from their respective careers.

Bora, still a student, glanced at her friends, who were already deep into their working lives. "It's wild, isn't it?" Bora said. "You're here now, watching this as professionals. Just a year ago, we were all students freaking out over whether we'd even get tickets."

Soomin nodded, a nostalgic smile on her face. "Feels like a lifetime ago. Ah, I feel old."

Wei chuckled, leaning back in her seat. "Yeah, but let's be real-we've got heavier responsibilities now, but at least we're getting paid for them."

"Coming from you?" Nari asked. "You're definitely overpaid by your dad!"

Wei was about to retaliate but then closed her mouth. "I won't argue about that."

"Well, it's still true," Jia agreed, laughing slightly. "But don't you kind of miss it? Going back to school?"

"Nope," the group replied in unison, making Bora burst into laughter.

"Not even a little?" Bora pressed, grinning.

Soomin shrugged. "Okay, maybe a little. The carefree part, sure. But honestly, this feels better. Money makes it all better! Now, I can watch this without pestering my mom."

"Yeah, and now, I have to eat rice and kimchi for days," Nari chimed, shaking her head.

Wei placed her hand over hers. "Don't worry! I can feed you guys if your money isn't enough." The group burst into chuckles.

Not far away, in the exclusive VIP section, another reunion was taking place.

Gun, Ji-hyun, and Minho-three of the most celebrated mentors from the hit survival show Rising Stars-had found themselves seated next to each other.

"Look at this," Gun said, shaking his head in amusement as he gestured to the three of them. "Some kind of reunion, huh? We're all here."

Ji-hyun laughed, crossing her legs as she leaned back in her seat. "It's been ages since we've all been in the same place. Last time was..."

"Rising Stars," Minho finished for her, smirking. "Ah, it's only been a year, but it already feels like a thousand chapters had passed!"

"It really does," Ji-hyun agreed, glancing at the stage. "Back then, we were the ones in the spotlight. Now look at us, sitting in the audience while our former trainees steal the show."

Gun snorted, folding his arms. "Don't act like you're not proud. You're practically glowing over there."

Ji-hyun rolled her eyes but smiled nonetheless. "Of course, I'm proud. It's just... surreal. When we were mentoring them, did you ever think they'd reach this level?"

"DAWN especially," Minho added, his tone thoughtful. "They're the biggest name here tonight. It's crazy to think we had a hand in shaping that."

Gun chuckled, though his gaze softened as he thought back to those days.

"Remember when I hated June? Couldn't stand the guy. Too cocky, too stubborn... but damn if he didn't prove me wrong."

"You love him now," Minho retorted.

Gun smiled. "I won't deny that."

Minho leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "What about you, Ji-hyun? Now that the show is long over, I can talk about it. You had a thing for June, didn't you?"

Ji-hyun groaned, burying her face in her hands as the two men burst into laughter. "Oh, come on. Are we really bringing that up right now?"

"Absolutely," Gun said, grinning. "It's all part of the history. And hey, it's not like you were the only one. Half the trainees had a crush on him."

"True," Minho admitted, his laughter dying down as he glanced at the stage. "

Ji-hyun tilted her head to the side. "All of the trainees were men."

"You get what I mean," Gun said. "They like him the same way that I do."

"Somehow, that makes it even weirder," Ji-hyun muttered.

"Anyway," Gun continued. "We've seriously come so far. From being mentors to watching them become world stars...it's incredible."

The three of them fell silent for a moment, recalling everything that had happened for the

past year.

Just as the trio in the VIP section began reminiscing, another trio showed up-only to begin arguing out loud.

"The performances have not even started, but I know that June will be absolutely perfect," Choi Pablo burst into their row, dragging Jenny, his ever-patient assistant, along. His dramatic entrance turned several heads, though most were already used to his larger-than-

life personality.

"Of course, he's perfect," Lee Sik muttered. "He's my mentee. It's only expected."

"Your mentee?" Pablo exclaimed while turning to the old man. "He is my muse. Thus, he is perfect. Don't get it twisted."

Lee Sik's eyebrows raised in surprise, crossing his arms in front of his chest. "Oh, you're going down that route."

"Why don't we talk about who truly shaped June into who he currently is, huh?"

"Obviously, it was me," Lee Sik continued. "The discipline I instilled in him gave him the foundation to succeed. Without me- "

"Without you, he'd still be belting high notes like nobody's business," a cheerful voice

interjected. Magic Mama, June's vocal coach, arrived, her oversized scarf trailing behind her. "I'm the reason he's magic on stage. It's in my name!"

"Magic?" Pablo repeated, incredulous. "You're joking, right? June's presence is what matters most, and that is thanks to me."

Jenny groaned, hiding her face in her hands. "Not this again..."

The bickering quickly escalated, each mentor defending their claim to June's success. Ji-hyun,

Minho, and Gun exchanged amused looks, their shoulders shaking with laughter.

Just then, like something had rang inside of their heads, they collectively stopped.

[It's because of me, you idiots!]