she sits in the middle of the practice room, cross legged and relaxed. it feels different to feel this way; not when all of her memories as a trainee in this room consists of her always scrambling on her feet and practicing for hours on end. while she still needs to practice, it doesn’t feel as imminent this time. she could take a few moments to herself and go back to all the important things she was doing earlier after she’s taken this breather.
the quiet was broken when the door opens. joy’s attention was brought to the person on the other side of the door and a smile breaks out into her face once she sees who it is.
“jinsoul!” she greets, ushering for the younger to come inside with all the excitement of a five year old. “come inside! how are you? how was your christmas? it’s been awhile.” joy pats the empty space next to her, urging for jinsoul to sit. she hopes her excitement doesn’t come off as being bothersome; she’s just really excited to see her again. after a moment, she laughs a little. “i’m sorry─am i taking you away from something else? i hope you’re not very busy. i’d like to catch up!”
she has her legs pulled up criss-cross on the chair in the kitchen. she's staring thoughtlessly at the hair strands in between her fingers, curling it around them as she tries to picture a different color other than the browns and light orangey red she's has before. her brows pinch and furrow-- and she knows she still wants to do blonde, and then maybe blue? or even purple. the ideas are plentiful, and she hopes that trc gives her a chance to have a different assortment of hair colors to her reperoire as they progress into their career.
as the sound of footsteps, vanessa glances up. she beams at sejeong when she walks in, dropping the hair in her hand as she drums her hands on the table in a drum roll notion. "miss sejeonggie~ i have a question for you!" she puts bow elbows on the table, cupping her chin between both hands as she bats her eyelashes at the younger.
"if you could pick any hair color for promotion, what color would you have?" she's just curious, wondering about her own hair has her wondering about everyone elses too. "or...maybe a different type of cut? what's your dream hairstyle for a comeback?"
──── k.arma december 2019 schedule ╳ king of mask singer guest appearance ❞
truthfully, she thinks she shouldn’t be here.
a main dancer in a show where she has to critique and analyse a person’s vocal colour and the way that they sing is a song is a skill she didn’t quite have. she’s not exactly the type of person who would run through someone’s singing and determine who if they’re better than the other. she just likes to listen. joy thinks that everything would probably sound great to her and maybe because of that she wouldn’t be as good of a judge as they want her to be.
if this were dancing, maybe then she would have better luck. she would know what to say and what to look out for. whereas here, she would probably just rely on what the other panelists are going to say. that or she would just chance a glance at sohee and hope she would speak enough for the both of them.
still, she’s invited here for a reason and she’s very grateful for that. she would just have to work hard and listen well in order to deliver an amateur judgement that wouldn’t make anyone listening to her roll their eyes in annoyance.
she’s nervous as she sits there, pulling strength from her companion as she watches the older female settle herself on the seat. joy’s glad that she’s not doing this alone for she can’t even imagine how nerve-wracking it would be to be surrounded by so many people she doesn’t know. it comforts her greatly that sohee’s here, and that she can lean on her for guidance and support. it’s not hard to feel more at ease now─letting herself breathe slowly and evenly.
the recording starts without a hitch. they were introduced as the celebrity panelists and she smiles and bows her head diligently. when the contestants were introduced, her eyes immediately narrowed as she follows them walk towards the middle of the stage. the costumes were amazing and from where she sits, it’s truly hard to tell who the people are behind the masks. leaning back on her seat, she bites her lower lip and tries to contain her smile of excitement as the music starts. when the goat starts to sing, she wraps her hands around herself in an effort to calm down her goosebumps. it’s just too good.
the entire time the first contestant was singing, she would react in different ways. sometimes she’d tilt her head to the side, she’ll lean closer, or she would sway her head in time with the melody. while he was good, she can tell that maybe singing isn’t exactly his forte. she can tell with the way that he sings some parts and it comes off as if he wants to rap it and in the way that he puts effort in the more difficult notes. she should know that, she does it as well. still, she enjoyed his round and before she knows it, the park shinyang character starts to sing.
as soon as the second contestant starts, joy knew she would be voting for him. she mouths the word “wow” when he reaches the chorus, and she seems to be frozen in her seat with her mouth agape. she’s got goosebumps all over her body and she smiles happily as she proceeds to enjoy the performance. now that she’s settled on the choice, she can relax a little bit. his voice is really nice to listen to. she watches him intently and with amazement evident in her eyes. as their performance draws to a close, joy enthusiastically claps her hand. if this was good, she can only imagine how hard it must be to judge the other rounds.
when she was asked if she has any idea about who the contestants are, she profusely shakes her head. “i really don’t know. i think their voices are very unique and it’s nice to listen to but i don’t think it’s something that i’ve heard before.” she laughs a little. “it’s a shame because i really enjoyed it! i will search for them a lot after this.” came her promise, a bright smile directed towards the contestants.
after that, they continue with the rest of the recording. while the setup was different, the premise was the same. she tries to give off genuine reactions as she listens to another round of performances. just like the one before, she’s enraptured often narrowing her eyes as she tries to think or leans closer as if that will improve her listening. once they’ve voted and the first eliminated contestant was revealed, she’s swept up in the frenzy and claps and cheers along with everyone else. she didn’t get to talk much but she’s fine with it; she’s just happy to be there.
the recording was coming to a close. as they reach the end, joy makes sure to speak one last time. “thank you so much for having us here. i had lots of fun and really learned a lot about singing! please look forward and watch k.arma more closely. thank you!” she bows her head and waves her hand. as the lights dimmed and the cameras stop rolling, she heaves out a big breath. it was an exhausting day but one filled with so much excitement and thrill. she truly lives for moments like these.
they've done so much practicing and preparation for their stages that when it comes time to take a break, vanessa is almost one of the first out of the room. just to get out and see something else other than the practice room; maybe a snack at the vending machine or just a walk around the building. it's about time to eat, so maybe she'll get something for her stomach too.
she's perusing the options in her head as she crosses down the hallway, and lingering near the turn of the hallway is a somewhat familiar face. not around trc though, that's for sure-- so the knowledge of his presence hits her sense and she smiles pleasantly as she begins to approach.
"well that's a face i wasn't expecting to see around here." she muses, a grin beginning to tug at the corner of her mouth. "minho, right? i'm not too good at remembering names. i promise i know who you are though~" she chirps brightly. "how long have you been roaming around these halls?"
──── k.arma december 2019 schedule ╳ year end music festivals ❞
the craziest year of her life so far is finally drawing to a close. thinking back on where she was at the start of it, she feels somewhat emotional.
it’s funny to think just how different her life had become throughout the year. with each month that passes by brings a new challenge and a change that she never thought she would be able to push through. the park sooyoung that she was at january is strikingly different to who she is now at december. in just twelve months, she feels like a better version of herself. she feels more confident, more independent, more capable. if there’s anything that she’s learned throughout the year, it’s that anything in her life is achievable once she starts believing in herself.
it’s not like she didn’t believe in herself before. if she didn’t, she wouldn’t be where she is today. the difference now is that believing in herself comes a lot more easily. she would have her apprehensions and the usual bout of nervousness but it eases away as quickly as it comes. she’s no longer the type to feel burdened by her worries. instead, she moves and walks forward in her constant strive to do better. after all, she gains her strength from so many things now as compared to before. it’s easy to push through when you’ve got so many things inspiring you.
she owes it all to their fans. seeing their invaluable support for them and their group is all the motivation that she needs in order to do well. whenever she thinks about it, she’s always humbled by their decision to love and support them. of all the groups in the world and they chose k.arma─that’s the kind of dedication she can’t find anywhere else. which is why she’s made a promise to herself that she would work hard and give back to them in the best way that she knows how. it’s the least she can do after everything that they’ve done for her and the group so far.
she’s excited to meet them again. it seems that after she’s had the taste of it, joy will never grow tired of performing on stage over and over again. she likes the thrill of being in front of so many people and just being in her element. she likes seeing glimpses of their fans huddled in one corner of the venue, with their loudest screams and amazing fanchants. she’s beyond happy that they get to be a part of these year end festivals. it was an experience she knows she would never forget.
performing their songs feels like second nature at this point. she didn’t want their fans to feel like every performance is repetitive so even if the choreography and the singing were the same, she tries to up her stage attitude. when the camera pans to her, she acts more. with fierce eyes she tries to embody their song in her dancing throwing away all remnants of joy as she channels the performing charisma of kil. this is her second persona and one that she’s proud to have.
as their performance ends and they retreat backstage, joy can only hope that within next year, they can bring more music for their fans to devour. she wants to be able to perform more and to show different sides of herself in the process. this is perhaps her new year’s wish; something that she’s clinging onto tightly.
when all the artists were ushered on stage for the encore. she happily walks around closer to where she knows their fans are at. she waves, throws finger hearts, and playfully interacts with them. she laughs at them too when they attempt to communicate with her, given the large barrier between them. when it’s time to go, she frowns initially but switches up to a smile as she waves goodbye. she’ll meet them all again soon; she knows she will.
as the last of the year end festivals finishes up, she thinks about the changes in her life and how she feels hopeful that more beautiful ones would come in the new year. with each day that passes by she will always remember to be grateful. grateful that she’s living out her dreams and grateful that she’s surrounded with love from the people closest to her heart. these are a few of the things she will take with her in her never ending journey of growth and discovery.
end of the year thoughts and preparations for end of year stages < gif credit >
it's a month full of preparation, going over their dances to ensure that everyone is ready for the end of the year performances. they have vcrs to record, and the other girls have schedules; seeing everyone working, busy doing something makes vanessa feel happy. settled into her spot and position in the group. they've got wins under the belts, and everyday is a step towards improvement, to more achievements and milestones completed. it's only the beginning for k.arma, and she knows there's so much more for them in store.
she doesn't really wish for anything specific for the girls in the coming of the new year. she thinks about it alot-- between practices and between recording scenes for their vcrs. in takes between the dancing shots does she let herself think and wonder; types of resolutions for her to focus on-- what sort of thoughts that settle in her head as the days grow closer and closer to the gayos.
as a leader, she wants k.arma to do well. she wants them to succeed, become the powerhouse rookies trc wants them to be. vanessa wants to sweep awards, attention-- she wants k.arma to feel like they're unattainable; like they're one of a kind. as a person, as vanessa herself she wants the girls to get along, to stay strong for the future. to remain as they are, take no more losses; vanessa doesn't know if she can handle it a second time-- doesn't know if she can say goodbye to another like they did with sana.
a stream of thoughts in her head; worries, wants and aspirations for them as a whole-- and it starts here, now; with the upcoming new year. by the time of k.arma's one year anniversary, she wants them to have twice the amount of attention they have now.
and it starts here, a promise made today-- and it will come to fruition. that's what she wants for the new year.
With the start of December, the girls continue to work towards their end-of-the-year schedules.
Firstly, Sejeong will receive the news regarding her drama audition from the previous month. On December 7th, they tell her she got the role. Her role on the webdrama ‘Love Poten’ will be of Minah, who is a dance major and in a drama club. Her fellow screen partner will be CONVEX’s Royal, as she had met him during her audition, who’ll play Giyeok. She and the rest of the cast and crew will meet and greet at a private party that’ll take place on December 9th. She’ll meet them again on December 14th for a script reading event, and then again on December 16th to prepare themselves for the start of recordings. Due to end-of-the-year holidays, these will start in early January.
Meanwhile, some of the other members were invited to take part in the recording of King of Masked Singer. Kil and Chojin will go together as guest panel members on December 9th, as inspired by the current round of singers. The episodes will air on December 21st and 28th. Since they are still only rookies, their seniors in the industry will be given the chance to talk more than them.
Finally, the first music festival in line is SBS Gayo Daejeon on December 25th. When it’s their time to perform, they’ll perform their song ‘Ticket’ with an intro as inspired by this video. The VCR will be recorded on December 15th. Between some of the performances, the MCs will interview those born in 1996 since the new year will have the year of the Rat. During this time, Sejeong will be one of the people interviewed to share her quick thoughts on her life so far and what she’s looking forward to in the future.
The last music festival will be on December 31st, the MBC Gayo Daejejun. When it’s their time to perform, it’ll play a VCR as recorded on December 26th that’ll look like the girls are trapped in a maze of mirrors, as inspired by their music video. They’ll then perform their intro used on their debut and ‘News’. Doyeon will take part in this special stage as Jiyoon. The girls will join the other artists present onstage when it’s time for the new year countdown.
You will gain +5 POINTS TO DISTRIBUTE AS YOU WISH, +3 DEBUT POINTS and +2 ACHIEVEMENTS for completing the written requirements as explained on the idol tier page. As this is not a promotional month, you may choose any two achievements for the month’s points. There is a capped maximum of five solos, sets of starters and/or partnered threads you may write for to collect this month’s points.
* For clarification, old threads from previous months will count towards points so long as they fulfill the requirements as explained on the idol tier page. However, at least one of this month’s requirements must be written about the schedule to gain any points for November.
The only form that needs to be submitted at the end of the month is a verification form for your debut points and achievements. Any SP points earned can be collected as soon as you finish the requirement for them. At the end of the month, you will submit the following form to the Points Verification blog:
IDOL’S NAME - TRC ENT - DECEMBER SCHEDULE (for the January 1 verification form)
PROOF OF ACTIVITY: [ x ]
POINTS: +00 SP [ distribute these however you like ]
TOTAL POINTS EARNED: +00 SP +00 DBT
+1 WK ACHIEVEMENT #1 [ NUMBER OF TIMES TAKEN + CURRENT LEVEL ]
+1 WK ACHIEVEMENT #2 [ NUMBER OF TIMES TAKEN + CURRENT LEVEL ]
DEBUT POINTS SPENT ON THE IDOL SHOP THIS MONTH:
NEW DEBUT POINTS TOTAL:
**** Chojin and Kil’s appearance in King Of Masked Singer gives them 1 EXP. Their performances in 2 Gayos gives 2 EXP, making it a total of 3 EXP. For more information regarding GROUP EXP, refer to the idol tier page.