Episode start.
Nine o’clock on the dot. White text scrolls across the screen to spell out a past date: August 31st, 2017. When the words fade, So Jisub appears, the CEO of Royal Entertainment dressed in a trademark blazer and clutching a cup of coffee as he enters inside an occupied board room. Members of Royal Survival’s production team have all gathered around a long rectangular table and Jisub saunters towards an empty seat at the head to sit down. After exchanging warm greetings with one another, one staff member picks up a remote and presses the ‘on’ switch, causing a large television monitor at the far side of the room to flicker on.
ROYAL SURVIVAL, the title of the show, flashes on screen.
A new date appears: September 2nd, 2017.
“I’m not looking for a star.” The shot changes and now the CEO looks completely comfortable in a familiar environment: his own office. Interviewed solo, Jisub looks straight into the camera and steeples his fingers together. He continues in an assured voice, “I want a constellation. The group we’re making here isn’t supposed to make one special girl stand out. I want them to be a strong unit that, together, can move every single one of the fans’ hearts.”
A VTR appears, showcasing the successful seniors of Royal’s past: first up, Brave Girls during their past stage performances, smiling in front of applauding audiences over the years as they sing and dance. Then H.A.M., as various clips from their debut stage as well as their popular tenth anniversary stage appear in succession.
“I want them to be incredible,” Jisub’s commentary continues in voiceover, “...charismatic. Strong idols who have that special something that’ll take the world over by storm.”
At the bottom of the screen, August 31st, 2017 appears once again. Viewers are taken back to the boardroom, where the discussion over possible contestants intensifies. Producers point fingers at one another and more than one staff member is seen rubbing their temples from a growing headache. The audition tape of Kim Seolhyun appears on screen, the smiling girl introducing herself, “Hello, my name is Kim Seolhyun, and I’m from Gyeonggi-do, Bucheon.” She is a familiar face at the company and is met with many of the production team’s visible approval. A few seconds of her dance to Janet Jackson’s “Burn it Up” is shown. It is followed by a clip from the audition tape of Jegal Seoyoung, highlighting the iconic moment she hits She’z’s signature “No No No” hip-swinging choreography and sings along.
“They’re following in the footsteps of the ones I’m proud of,” Jisub continues in voiceover, “I have high hopes for them.”
Nam Dawon appears next: the soulful lyrics of “Pattern” displaying her impressive vocals. It’s cut after with Ahn Hyojin, whose appearance on the boardroom’s monitor causes the CEO to grimace. “The girls in this group should have good personalities,” he emphasizes to those sitting around him. One of the producers, the name ‘Shin Sungki’ popping up at the bottom of the screen, nods. “Some of these girls come with heavy backgrounds,” Sungki agrees. A clip of Kim Yubin appears and her rhythmic rap to “Don’t Recall” tugs several impressed looks out of the production team.
“Anyone can change if their heart is in it,” Jisub observes thoughtfully as he watches Yubin’s tape and rubs his chin in thought. “I won’t turn anyone away who’s looking for a second chance.”
On the heels of the positive words, the atmosphere changes. Gone is the boardroom and the CEO’s office; now the preparations for the Survival’s special stage are shown in full-throttle. Clips of staff working hard for the production are shown in rapid succession: builders who hammer and design the show’s larger-than-life stage, assistants who pass out flyers on the streets to passerby and spread the word through official social media platforms. So Jisub, who meets with his design team and also the trainers of his company. He is seen nodding in answer to their professional advice and offers up more than his fair share of ideas in return. The timeline races, months of collected preparation footage all rushing to join together into a single date: September 4th, 2017.
Today.
The faces of contestants are briefly highlighted as they are shown the way onto the Royal Survival stage. Thirteen girls chosen in total, they are led by a black-clothed staffer who gestures for them to follow her onto a grand stage that’s the focus of a thousand-seat venue. For now, all these seats remain empty. The girls are told to wait at the center of the stage in a long line, their faces and figures illuminated by the bright lights shining overhead. The camera cuts to their curious faces one by one.
Then, So Jisub steps out. In the middle section of the audience seating, a large table has been set up for the CEO’s use and he claims the space effortlessly. When the camera focuses in on him, he addresses the girls in a loud, confident voice: “Welcome, ladies, to your first day at Royal Survival.” He continues, “The thirteen of you have been handpicked by myself and my team to join the greatest survival project South Korea will get to witness. Those of you who earn your spot in the show’s final line-up will get to debut under the name of Royal Entertainment and, after that, your lives are going to change completely.” Jisub gestures to the stage with a single, self-assured wave of his hand. “You will be challenged continuously to show me not only your best and weakest talents, but also your potential to succeed in this industry. By the end of the show, those who make it into the right group will debut together; those who do not, will not.”
The camera pans briefly to the varied expressions on the contestants’ faces as they react to his announcement. Jisub picks up a single sheet of paper that rests on the table’s surface. “Now, based upon the opinions of myself, my production team, as well as the trainers here at Royal who know some of you better than most, I am going to place you into the group that befits your personal ranking. The girls who are assigned to the Major group are on the fast-track to debut. Therefore, getting into the Major group and staying there should be everyone’s goal from this point forward.” Jisub smiles tightly as he adds, in warning: “Those of you who are sorted into the Minor group will find that you are lacking in one necessary capacity or another. You will be expected to work even harder to convince me you deserve a place on the Majors team instead of another girl here.”
Two large LCD screens suddenly light up behind the girls: on the stage-right side, the word MAJOR becomes visible in big letters, on the stage-left side, MINOR can be clearly seen. “When I call your name, you will come forward--” There is a visible marker placed by the staff at the very front of the stage: a taped beige ‘x’ that indicates where each girl should stand. “--and after my comments, you are to immediately go stand on the side of the stage you are assigned to.” Jisub meets their eyes one by one, his expression smoothing into a serious cast as he lifts up the sheet of paper.
“Kim Seolhyun,” he calls out first. “The production staff thought well of your audition, as did I. After talking with the trainers, they also had many excellent things to say about you, which made my decision today all the easier. You’re a beautiful girl with the talent to match and that makes you an incredible opponent for everyone else who is currently standing around you. The top one, in fact. That being said…” Jisub lifts his head to look directly at her. “Seolhyun, for being in the top spot, you have the most to lose should you become victim to making easy mistakes. Too much confidence can and will be your worst enemy here, so slacking off at any time should never be an option. Seolhyun, congratulations, you are the first to go to the Major group.”
“Jegal Seoyoung, you haven’t been training very long, have you? Only eight months?” Jisub turns his attention towards her next, meeting the contestant’s eyes. However, the question is rhetorical; he continues speaking without waiting for an answer from her. “Despite your inexperience as a trainee, your audition for the show was surprisingly good. Both the producers and I enjoyed it and this decision between us was an easy one to make. You were smart to choose showing off more than one talent to us unlike many of your peers here. Because of that choice, I have confidence that you will be able to round out many of these other girls’ more obvious weaknesses. Be careful not to disappoint my expectations in you, Seoyoung. You may go stand with the Major group.”
“Jung Soojung, when I saw your audition video, I remembered you vividly from the MGAs. Did you not like it over there with Baek Jiyoung, after all?” The CEO jokes about his long-time industry competitor and the lines around his handsome eyes crease with amusement. “Your singing voice is impressive, there’s no doubt about it. However, there are many other gifted vocalists who are standing on stage right now beside you. Just hitting high notes well is not going to cut it for anyone here, least of all you. You must impress me, and the viewing audience, with much more than that. You must show us the reasons that make you better, and more memorable, than the other singers who are here. Soojung, you will be the first to go to the Minor group.”
“Kim Yubin.” Jisub pauses. His gaze hones in on Yubin as he considers privately the heated discussions that almost didn’t allow her to make the cut onto the show. Public scandals were already attached to her name (nepotism and drugs of all things!) and, even more difficult than that, the very real public recognition she already had as being one of Tiger JK’s trainees. “You are one of the oldest trainees here, Yubin. Already 25 years old and you still haven’t debuted yet, which begs the curious question of why.” He goes silent, letting the tense moment linger before speaking again. “Finding a place for you here will be difficult... but not impossible. Personally, I admire your bravery for taking the risk to come here. It says to me that you can handle tougher challenges that are going to face you. Every leader of a girl group will need that kind of spirit to guide the others faithfully. For now, though, Yubin, you will go to Minor group until I decide what to do with you.”
“Jo Eunae, a face I recognize. What a nice surprise.” Jisub turns his head and sends Eunae a warm smile. “You may not have won our joint contest with KT but, here you are again, chasing after Royal. The type that’s stubbornly persistent, I see. Like Seoyoung, you were able to show the producers and myself that you are proficient at more than one primary skill, and are much more than a pretty face standing up there on stage today. And, like Seoyoung, you have not been training nearly as long as some of the others here have. Nine months, was it?” He clicks his tongue, his sly expression brightening. “Clearly, some of you younger girls have come armed with enough to make the older ones nervous. I also have a feeling you will be a popular choice with the audience, too. Eunae, you may go join the Majors.”
“Ahn Hyojin.” Like Yubin, the acceptance of this contestant had been hotly debated by his production team for days leading up to the results. The reports of her undesirable behavior as a trainee in their company did her no favors, in his opinion, as she was counted among those with the highest risk to the group’s reputation. “Truthfully, Elly, you almost didn’t make it to this stage today,” Jisub reveals with a stoic expression. “Not because you aren’t talented-- you are, make no mistake. But more so because you have a long way to go at personally convincing me, and many others, that you even deserve this opportunity at all. It’s your talent that got you here, however, as I’ve warned the others, sheer talent alone will not be enough for anyone to win a place in the Major group. Elly, please go stand with the others in Minor.”
“Lee Jihyun.” An already disappointed man adopts a colder tone of voice as he addresses the next girl. “You’ve been at Royal Entertainment for three years now and, in all honesty, I expected more from you during your audition than what you gave us. You can sing well, Jihyun, that’s clearly obvious. But, as I watched your audition video, both I and the team were left disappointed, and do you know why?” It’s another question that doesn’t need an answer and the CEO continues without a pause, conveying in a stern tone: “It’s because you showed us the same exact type of performance we’ve seen from you a dozen times before. It’s old news. Stale. Predictable. From you, I want something better, something fresh that shows me you haven’t already reached your peak. I can’t debut a girl who has only one thing to offer.” Jisub takes a deep breath before announcing, “Jihyun, please go to the Minor group.”
Jisub takes a moment to collect himself after the last critique and then bends a small smile to a younger trainee involved in his company. “Lee Soohyun, another vocalist up here on the stage. Unlike your seniors, there’s a certain ‘something’ about you as a person that’s almost impossible for any of us to ignore. Singing the theme to a cartoon…” He shakes his head, still smiling. “... it’s undeniable that you made everyone in our team laugh as soon as they saw it. And that, Soohyun, is exactly the type of ingenious spark I’m looking for in someone. Someone who’s not afraid to take a shot outside of her comfort zone and, even better, nails the concept completely when she does. Soohyun, you may go join the Majors and, hopefully, you can teach many of the others here this very important lesson about individuality.” Jisub directs his attention to the whole group as he adds, “Without personal charm, many of you will not go far here at all. I suggest that every one of you find out what it is that makes you you in this show, and do it quickly.”
“Lee Jieun, you, too, have been with this company for a long time.” Jisub addresses her next, a subtle approval written on his features as he continues, “You got lucky this time. Very lucky, as there were very few dancers who survived the cut to get here today. However, your greatest strength, I imagine, will also end up being your biggest limitation in the coming weeks. You can dance, but it is not often that girl groups in this industry will do the choreography you already excel in. You may even be too old for this group-- something my team and I discussed often before today. Some of them even believed that you’d be better branching out and doing something else besides this. Nevertheless…” The corner of Jisub’s lips quirk upwards. “...the potential in you is unmistakable and I’m not ready to let go of it yet. Jieun, you may join the others in Majors.”
“Manoban Lalisa. Lisa, from Thailand.” Sadly, for Royal’s CEO, for every one trainee that proved themselves worthy to be here during their auditions, there was another one who appeared to fall way below his personal expectations. “‘What should I do with you?’ is a question I’ve thought often these past few days. You’re a pretty girl, anyone can see that. You catch the eyes of an audience which, as I’ve said before, is a valuable trait to possess for any idol. But, Lisa, for all your months of training, you have not convinced me once that your skills are up to par with your face.” Disappointment colors his tone as Jisub nods in the direction of the stage. “If it wasn’t for the producers encouraging me to give you a chance, you would not have made it this far. In your case, perhaps, it’s a good thing that a blank slate can always be improved upon. Lisa, go stand with the Minors.”
“Nam Dawon,” he calls next. Jisub’s expression softens as he gives this next singer his undivided attention. “An incredible vocalist. Perhaps even the best one if I was to base it on quality alone. There are others, though, who have much better technique than you, Dawon, something you should do your best to work on in the coming weeks if you don’t wish to be easily outclassed by them. Also, there is an equally big problem about you, and that is that you are completely forgettable. Listening to your voice may move a fan’s heart, but you should know well that it’s just as important to be able to catch their interest in the first place. Otherwise, any of your potential fans will pass over you to listen to those who may not be as good, but prove to be far more worthy of their attention. However,” He offers her a reassuring smile. “I have high hopes for you, Dawon. Don’t let your time in Minors be a waste of the learning experience. Please go stand over there.”
“Yang Jiwon.” The relief of nearing the end of the selections is present in Jisub’s voice as he shifts his focus towards the next girl. “You were admittedly another surprise for us in the production team to see. I won’t go so far as to call you one of the better singers here because, in all seriousness, you really aren’t. Still, once I saw your audition video, I knew in an instant that there was something about you that I could work positively with. You have potential, Jiwon, a lot more of it than you probably realize. If you can prove yourself from this point forward to be moldable, and are willing to learn from the instructors who will accompany all of you girls on this path, then the road ahead of you will be a good one.” The CEO nods in the direction of the Major side of the stage. “It’s your potential that I want to take advantage of, so do not disappoint me in the coming weeks. Your success here will depend on it. Jiwon, you may join the Major group.”
“Park Chaeyoung, last but certainly not least.” A complicated smile appears on Jisub’s face as he addresses her. “Rose, I can only wonder what you were thinking when you decided to dance as part of your audition. Your trainers already know, and I already know, that singing is your strong point. And yet, you decided not to do that for your audition and instead chose to show us something else entirely.” It’s not unlike her to show traits of rebellion, he knows full well, considering the reports he’s received from trainers remarking about her less-than-ideal behavior as a trainee. Skipping training for personal holidays, just to name one complaint. “Like I told Seoyoung before: this was the cleverest decision you, as a Royal trainee, could have made to make it to this cut. I didn’t want to be impressed by things I already knew about the girls in my company: I wanted to see what you could offer me that I could possibly build upon in the future. Congratulations, Rose, you are the last member to join the Majors.”
Once the assignments have concluded, Jisub places the sheet of paper back on the table. “Don’t feel too discouraged by your current groups, ladies. Nor should you feel too comfortable about the one you’re in,” he warns them all in a serious voice. “Every challenge you will be given from now on is an opportunity for your places to be switched. Aim to do your best to show me your fullest potential because, as it stands now, already half of you are at risk of being eliminated.”
The camera shifts to catch the reactions of the sorted girls on stage. The focus then changes as, behind So Jisub’s shoulder, a woman approaches confidently. A stern-looking woman in her forties, she is one of Royal Entertainment’s top choreographers, responsible for many of Brave Girls’ iconic dances known to the public sphere. Her name, Yoo Jaekyung, flashes on the bottom of the screen to identify her to the viewers watching. “Many of you might already know me,” she says slickly. “But, by the time I am done with all of you, most of you will wish you never did. Your first challenge is under my direction.” Jaekyung glances at Jisub, the latter who nods approvingly for her to continue. “For your first challenge, all of you will learn and film a dance VTR for the opening of this show. The world will learn your names and it will be your first, and most critical, chance to make a good impression on the audience. Work hard, obey my instruction, and I will turn every one of you into stars worthy of the Royal name.”
End of episode.
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OOC Note:
Congratulations on surviving your first episode of Royal Survival! Now that your characters have been sorted into their teams for this initial round, the exciting challenges can begin!
Every episode of Royal Survival from this point forward will follow a similar format and will always provide contestants with three writing opportunities at the end to gain points and favor with the audience and Royal’s CEO, So Jisub. These include:
One 300+ word, required solo that explains your muse’s experience performing a challenge.
One 300+ word, optional solo about the preparation for a challenge, whatever this may entail.
One 250+ word, ‘extra-credit’ question-and-answer interview with your muse about their reactions to an episode’s events.
Only the performance solo is a requirement, however, writing the optional solos as well as the extra-credit interviews is going to greatly benefit your muse in the long run, as interviews in particular will go towards giving your muse additional screen-time during the next episode’s events. Keep in mind: the more an audience sees your muse’s face, the more likely they are to remember them!
EPISODE 1, Writing Prompt:
As Yoo Jaekyung explained at the end of the episode, all of the girls will learn, rehearse, and film the choreography for Royal Survival’s opening VTR, which will be shown at the start of every subsequent episode. They will learn the dance to “Team” (choreographed IC by Yoo Jaekyung) and will begin their instruction on September 5th, the next day. All dance instruction and rehearsals will take place between the dates of September 5th to September 11th (3PM -7PM) and television cameras will be present in the dance studio for all of these times. September 12th will be reserved for wardrobe fittings and on September 13th-14th (from 12PM to 4PM) the girls will film on location at the outside lawn behind Royal Survival’s special stage venue. This area will be inaccessible to the public and to anyone who is not a member of Royal Survival’s staff and crew.
Major and Minor girls will learn this dance together and the positions in the choreography can be decided freely amongst yourselves. However, Jaekyung has chosen for herself the girls who will get the center position in the VTR and this decision cannot be changed. The choreography for the VTR will be filmed in multiple takes, with each girl in an assigned position recording in that spot twice before switching out for the next center girl. In the final version of the video, edits will be made so that each girl assigned to a position will be seen in her allotted time. The center position assignments are as follows:
0:01 - 0:20 (girl with ponytail, red halter top, white shorts): Jo Eunae 0:21 - 0:27 (girl with pigtails, red shirt, white shorts): Yang Jiwon 0:28 - 0:31 (girl with red long-sleeved shirt, red shorts): Park Chaeyoung 0:32 - 0:49 (girl with ponytail, red halter top, white shorts): Kim Seolhyun 0:50 - 0:58 (girl with ponytail, red halter top, white shorts): Jegal Seoyoung 0:59 - 1:20 (girl with ponytail, red halter top, white shorts): Lee Jieun
The VTR is expected to air beginning with Episode 2 on September 18th. All girls will be highlighted in the video at least once with a close-up and their name listed, so that the public may begin recognizing them individually. Wardrobe will be taken from the reference video, with each contestant allowed to choose her own outfit style so long as it: 1) uses a red and white color palette, and 2) is easy to move around in. No heeled shoes will be allowed!
For this episode’s writing opportunities:
Required: write a 300+ word performance solo about your muse filming for the VTR. Optional: write a 300+ word preparation solo about any event leading up to the VTR filming. This can include learning the choreography, rehearsals, or wardrobe fittings, etc. Optional: write a 250+ word interview with your muse reacting to the events unveiled during this episode. For all interviews like this, your muse will be taken into a reserved room inside the dormitory building with a simple white background and a chair for her to sit down on. A camera operator will be present as well as a producer, who will be the one to ask questions of the contestant. You do not have to answer all of these, and you are allowed to come up with your own questions for this interview. However, all questions for this episode’s interview should relate to these following topics:
How did she react to being chosen for the show?
What was it like to see the dormitories for the first time? Are the living conditions favorable/unfavorable?
What does she think about the other girls involved in the show? Potential friends or rivals?
How did she react to seeing the Royal Survival stage for the first time?
What were her impressions to seeing So Jisub there?
How did she react to being assigned to the Major and/or Minor team? Did she think this was a reasonable choice?
How will she protect/improve her position in the show from now on?
The reward for writing the required solo is +10 DANCE, +10 CHARISMA, and +5 DEBUT points, as well as earning the special achievement of SYNCHRONIZED DANCING. Additionally, all girls will automatically receive +1 week VARIETY achievement for being present during Episode 1. Point forms will always be due the Wednesday after a deadline passes; this means for Episode 1, verification forms should be submitted after the Activity Check post on Wednesday, September 20th. These form dates have been added to the writing schedule, so be sure to refer to it periodically to make sure everything is being submitted on time!
ROYAL SURVIVAL EPISODE 1 (for the Sept. 20th form)
[ link to solo ] *one 300+ word performance solo
+ 10 DANCE POINTS
+ 10 CHARISMA POINTS
+ 5 DEBUT POINTS
+ 1WK VARIETY ACHIEVEMENT (CURRENT LEVEL + NUMBER OF TIMES TAKEN)
+ SYNCHRONIZED DANCING ACHIEVEMENT
NEW DEBUT POINTS TOTAL:
alternatively, if you do not write the required solo (not recommended), you may still claim the VARIETY achievement like this:
ROYAL SURVIVAL EPISODE 1 (for the Sept. 20th form)
[ link to episode post ]
+ 1WK VARIETY ACHIEVEMENT (CURRENT LEVEL + NUMBER OF TIMES TAKEN)
The deadline for all solos is midnight EST at the end of September 17th, and please tag each solo (including the interview) with #royalsurvival1. If you have any questions, feel free to send them to the Royal Survival inbox!
