Once upon a time won't cut it for this story, as it's set in the 21st century. This is the tale of a young man living in South Korea, who wears many hats - singer, actor, dancer, and entertainer. He's the lead vocalist of the wildly popular K-pop boy band STAR. His journey to stardom began at 18, when he auditioned for the company and received an acceptance email just weeks later. With his natural talents, he completed his training in no time and debuted ahead of schedule. His fame skyrocketed, thanks to his captivating voice, striking looks, and an abundance of charm.
He, along with three other members, debuted in the STAR group in 2013. The members are Cha Do Yun, who debuted at the tender age of 18, Yoon Jihu, who debuted at 19, Jung Seok, who debuted at 21, and lastly, Kim Byung Hyun, who debuted at 20.
Cha Do Yun, the youngest member of the group, or maknae, defies his age with his remarkable maturity. He's the most understanding, well-mannered, and caring person in the group, exhibiting a nurturing behavior akin to a mother's care. He takes on various roles, from being the group's alarm clock to cooking meals, nursing, and even cleaning. His dedication to household chores has earned him the nickname 'The Mother' of the group. Besides his impressive talents, including his captivating visuals and skilled dancing, Doyun is also the main vocalist and the quietest member of the group.
Yoon Jihu, the second youngest or third eldest member of the group, is a lovable troublemaker who brings energy and chaos wherever he goes. He's the antithesis to Doyun's organizational skills, often disrupting the peace with his mischievous antics. Despite the chaos he causes, his presence is undeniable, with a tall, fit physique and a masculine aura that commands attention. His dancing is both captivating and sensual, earning him the title of main dancer and rapper. But what truly sets him apart is his infectious humor - he's a walking laughing machine, able to crack up even the toughest critics in the company. To the group, he's Jihu, the resident comedian and all-around entertainer.
Jung Seok, the eldest member of the group, embodies wisdom, kindness, and attractiveness. He treats everyone with equality and care, making him the sweetest member of the group. His physical appearance is striking, with beautiful eyes and a perfect facial structure, earning him the title of the most handsome member. But it's his inner qualities that truly shine - he's bold, kind, protective, helpful, and polite, making him an exceptional human being, almost god-like. While he's capable of being the best person, he's also aware of his flaws and can make mistakes. To his members, he's like a guardian angel, always there to help and protect them from harm, rumors, and toxic fans. His protective nature has earned him the nickname 'The Father' of the group, and he's like a bodyguard to his members. As the leader, visual, lead vocalist, rapper, and face of the STAR group, Seok is the epitome of a true leader, a god on stage, and a role model to his fans.
Kim Byung Hyun, the second eldest or third youngest member of the group, is a ray of sunshine, spreading joy and positivity wherever he goes. With his infectious cheerfulness, playful humor, and mischievous antics, he can instantly lift the mood of his members. While all the members are handsome, Byung Hyun stands out with his unique beauty and extra cuteness, making his visual appeal truly significant. His regal demeanor, noble nature, and graceful posture evoke the image of a royal, commanding respect without demanding it. Despite his gentle nature, he values his independence and solitude, often seeking quiet moments alone. However, when it comes to his loved ones, including his family, childhood friend, and group members, he's fiercely loyal and protective. And then there's his breathtaking vocals - his voice is truly mesmerizing, with a melodic quality that can move listeners to tears, especially when singing sorrowful songs. When the group performs a sad song during a concert, even the members can't help but get emotional, overcome with feelings as they listen to Byung Hyun's soulful vocals. The fans, too, are deeply moved, their tears flowing like a sea, reminiscent of Swan Lake.
Yet, despite the emotional intensity of the song, Byung Hyun himself never falters, never sheds a tear while singing. It's as if he's channeling the emotions into his performance, pouring his heart and soul into every note. To the group, he's Byung Hyun, the talented main vocalist, the most cheerful member of STAR, and the protagonist of this story, whose voice has the power to move mountains.
The K-pop group STAR is extremely famous for its massive fandom. Just like a star shines bright in the sky, the boys are deeply grateful for their fans, who are the reason for their success and adoration. As their group name is STAR, they aptly named their fandom SKIES, and each fan is lovingly called a SKY. The fans are referred to as the sky because, without them, the stars wouldn't shine as brightly. The members have always relished interacting with them. These fans are incredibly supportive, generous, and respectful of the group's decisions. However, a small fraction of fans exhibit toxic behavior, such as invading their privacy, attempting to control their lives, and engaging in harmful activities like installing hidden cameras in gifts or breaking into their living spaces. This level of toxicity is unacceptable and stems from a harmful obsession.
In 2018, STAR has been active for five years, and their concerts continue to be a highlight for both the members and fans. However, during a recent performance, Byung Hyun's behavior was noticeably different from his usual self. While his voice has always had the power to move people emotionally, he normally doesn't show tears himself. But this time, as he sang, he was overcome with emotion, and his tears flowed freely. The audience was captivated by this rare display of vulnerability, and it sent shivers down their spines. The usually cheerful, fun-loving, and well-mannered Byung Hyun seemed out of character, and his gloomy demeanor was a stark contrast to his usual upbeat presence that always lifted the mood.
As Byung Hyun stepped into the spotlight, his usually radiant smile was replaced by a faint glimmer of melancholy. His voice, which had always been a beacon of joy, now cracked with emotion as he sang. The audience was captivated by this rare display of vulnerability, and whispers began to circulate among the fans.
As the crowd sobbed, murmurs spread like wildfire. A fan, sniffling into a tissue, turned to a stranger beside her and asked, "Why is Byung Hyun crying? I heard he never shows his emotions like that. Is everything okay?" The stranger's expression turned serious, and she replied, "You don't know what happened to him?" The fan shook her head, and the stranger continued, "Some toxic fans broke into his apartment without permission and caused a scene. And to make matters worse, he was with someone at the time... a girl." The fan's eyes widened in shock, and she exclaimed, "A girl!"
"Yes, a girl. No one knows anything about her; she just appeared in his life and then vanished without a trace, like a lightning bolt. There were posts about them, but Byung Hyun took legal action against all of them. It was a huge controversy during the winters of 2014 and 2015. The company was under pressure, and some fans even demanded that Byung Hyun be removed from the group. But his bandmates stood by him, and the fans rallied around them too. They're a really close-knit group, and their bond is admirable. The fans showed their support on social media, wishing them well and expressing their desire to see the four of them together. The fans even organized protests outside the company, demanding that the group stay together. And in the end, that's exactly what happened."
"So Byung Hyun is going through a heartbreak right now." the fan guessed.
"Not just right now, he's been dealing with it for the past three and a half years." the side person corrected. "We're still unsure about that girl - whether they were ever in a relationship or not, whether they had feelings for each other or not. But judging by Byung Hyun's behavior, it seems like he had fallen for her. He even apologized for his actions and clarified that they weren't in a relationship, but he never denied having feelings for her -that question was left unanswered. As a fan, I have mixed feelings; I don't want to share my idol, but at the same time, I want him to be happy. If she's the one who makes him happy, then I genuinely wish for them to be together."
"How thoughtful of you! If all fans had thought like you, Byung Hyun might not be in this situation. But what about that girl... where is she now? Did she flee because of the media attention or is she after his wealth?" the fan asked, raising valid questions.
The person replied, "Your point is valid, but I think it's less likely that she was after his money. If that were the case, the company would have clarified the situation to protect his image. I don't recall all the details, but I think she might have been a foreigner. And if she were a celebrity herself, the news would have been even more sensational."
As the concert came to a close, the two fans wrapped up their conversation, having formed a connection over their shared concern for Byung Hyun. They exchanged phone numbers, promising to stay in touch.