Page 112 of A World Apart
Once calm had been regained in the studio, the presenter led the group in a series of questions that, though pretty rote in nature, managed to come across as both interesting and up to date. Things like, ‘what made you want to be a performer?’ Vibers, being the answer, of course, leading to yet more screams.
‘What’s your favourite song to perform? – ‘Pulse,’ said Lee, ‘Fall in Love’ said Jae and Jihoon, the other members voted for ‘Work Harder.’
“Who said ‘Fall in Love?’ Was it you, Jae and Joon?” The presenter leaned forward in his seat, all eagerness to pin that word on someone. Jihoon and Minjae gamely smiled and raised their hands.
“Now, it’s interesting that you say that, because idols in Korea are famous − internationally speaking − for not being allowed to date.” He turned to the camera. “Many idols have so-called ‘dating bans’ written into their contracts.” He turned back to the members. “Jae, perhaps you can answer for the British public here; does GVibes have a dating ban in their contract?”
The audience predictably screamed, and Jae looked over into what I imagined was a crowd of mostly young women, and smiled before answering.
“No, Patrick, we do not.” The audience lost it’s ever-loving mind over this good news, and the members laughed. I wasn’t surprised at the short answer, since while it wasn’t a secret that ENT − their company − did apply dating bans for fledging idols, it wasn’t a popular policy, especially outside of Korea. And, since they’d renegotiated their contract last year without the ban, the answer was technically correct. Plus, it implied the members were on the market, which I supposed was good fan service.
“Wow, okay, clearly some people happy to hear that!” The presenter waved his prompt cards in the audience’s direction. “But tell me, was the song written about someone? An inspiration, perhaps? I think we’d all be interested to know what kind of person could capture the interest of a KPop idol.”
For some reason, Seokmin, ‘Ace,’ laughed, but it was Jihoon who answered this time, giving me an irrational sense of trepidation.
“We all have people in our lives that we love, Patrick. We love our friends, our family, and of course, we love Vibers. Love is love.” All the group nodded and Sungmin clapped Jihoon on the back from where he sat behind him.
As he was pushed forward by Sungmin, I noticed the chain he wore around his neck. It was a plain looking silver chain, but it had a recognisable, but equally plain silver ring strung on it. I had already noticed he wasn’t wearing his ring on his finger, but then I hadn’t expected him to. It was too recognisable of a symbol, even outside of Korea. But to see that he had it and was wearing it after all… it did things to me. Soft, warm things.
“Well, who can argue with that?” The presenter replied gamely, clearly knowing he wasn’t going to get a less than diplomatic answer from the group.
“And now, without further ado, here they are to perform their latest single, having recently swept several awards for it, please put your hands together again for GVibes with ‘Work Harder’!”
The camera panned away from the interview couch and over to a raised platform where the members now stood in formation, before the backing track cued and as one, they began their complicated choreography.
The audience had started up a well-known fan chant, while others just screamed. I couldn’t blame them; the group were enrapturing to behold.
The fans screaming continued for so long after the end of the song, that the presenter gave up trying to calm them down. In the background, the members still on the stage could be seen blowing kisses, finger hearts, waving, clearly just playing up to the crowd and I laughed as Jihoon gave a piggyback to Seokmin, running around the stage like kids.
The presenter had to shout to be heard. “If you’d like to see more of the incredibly talented, obviously well-loved GVibes, you can watch their live set at Hyde Park festival on BBC iPlayer, or listen in live on BBC radio 2, this Friday. Thank you, goodnight!”
The camera panned out over the audience to show the many, many dozens of screaming fans, so many light sticks and signs, all saying variations of ‘I love U.’ I smiled to see the love and support they had; it was all so well deserved.
But, real life beckoned, so I shoved my sandwich box back into my bag and closed iPlayer and signed out of my VPN. Time to go back to work.
“Is that them?” Becka leaned on the wall near to me, both of us looking towards the massive entourage huddled in the middle of the lobby. Becka had come down to speak to Donna, and had found me creeping back out of the storage cave, just as therevolving doors had opened, admitting a huge group of people, some of which were now arguing with Donna. I didn’t fancy their chances, personally.
“Yup,” I sighed, equally as fascinated by the scene. A handful of very rough looking men were huddled in the centre of the roving mass of people, who I guessed were the band.
“What’s their problem?” Becka actually stamped her foot, a rare break in her professional composure.
“They’re booked in. We’ve acquiesced to pretty much everything they wanted. What could possibly be the matter?”
“Hell if I know,” I shrugged, “I just work here.”
Becka snorted.
“Oh, thank god,” she suddenly grabbed my arm and pointed towards the elevator, from which Celine was just stepping off.
“No one kisses ass like Celine.” Becka sighed as she slumped back against the wall.
“It’s a real talent.” I nodded.
But our observation of the group was cut short as Celine spotted us, and pointed at me before crooking her finger at me.
“Better go before she releases her flying monkeys.”
I hunched my shoulders and rasped, “Yes Master, coming Master.” I heard Becka snorting behind me, but I carried on over to Celine, walking normally.
