Third Person's Point of View
It's been one month since Yu Karina's last public appearance.
Almost two weeks, since Jang Won-young's immoral death.
Two weeks and one day, since Ateez members Jung Woo-young and Choi San's gruesome death.
One month and three days, since the mastermind and drug addict, Choi Yeonjun's choice to end his by means of suicide.
And now, outside, while the media is in chaos, inside the company van, Karina Yu's team sat in tense silence, each lost in their own thoughts, waiting for the producer-director's signal so they can enter the building and start the scheduled press conference.
"Rina...you can do this. Don't let their questions get in your thoughts okay?" The manager patted the artist's shoulder, as the latter nodded.
Karina's anxious gaze found her photographer who's already looking at her with an unmistakably concerned eyes.
Minjeong gave her small smile and a reassuring nod.
Karina took a deep breath, she averted her eyes on the van's window where hundreds of reporters are waiting.
And as if on cue they heard the director's voice on the phone.
The van's door slid open.
The security team stepped out first, a shield against the storm they were about to face.
As the famous solo artist stepped out of the vehicle, the reporters lost it.
Thousands of camera flashes welcomed her. The media descended upon them like a swarm of locusts, their questions thick of accusations and demands for answers.
"Karina! Is it true that Yeonjun forced you to date him last year?"
"What do you say about Yeonjun's death?"
"Karina! Is true that you are involved in Yeonjun's drug ring?"
"Karina! What do you say about the death of Yeonjun and his close friends?"
"What do you have to say about Won-young's death?"
They were blocking the way, even the security can't handle them.
The artist stumbled, momentarily blinded by the flashing lights. She suddenly felt an arm around her waist, steadying her.
Kim Minjeong, her photographer. The one who asked to protect her, to be with her on this kind of situation.
Honestly, Karina left her unanswered that day. Too stunned, too confused. The artist can't make an on the spot decision, not when her heart's beating uncontrollably in her chest, not when her hand on Minjeong's clasp was starting to get sweaty.
So the only thing she instinctively did, is stormed out of her bedroom. - After that, she purposely avoid the photographer, until now, - but here she is, holding her tightly, guiding her protectively.
Yoona raised his hands, trying to restore order. "Please! Please, everyone, calm down! We will answer all your questions inside. Please, give us some space."
The media, however, was insatiable. They surged forward, pushing and shoving, their microphones in the artist's face.
Until someone lose their capacity to tolerate this behavior.
"GET OUT OF THE WAY!"
They all froze.
A surprisingly fierce voice cut through the media's relentless physical assault.
The words hung in the air, she pushed through the crowd, shielding Karina with her body, creating a small pocket of space. Yoona and the security team quickly joined them, forming a protective barrier around the artist.
Finally, they reached the building's entrance.
One of the staff guide the artist towards the stage, where she would face and answer only the valid questions of the public.
Karina stepped onto the platform, as the sea of reporters were watching her every move intently, their lenses positioned perfectly, pointing at her like weapons. The stage was stark, a single microphone standing on the center, the only barrier between her and the extremely hungry journalists.
Karina scanned the crowd, a forced smile plastered on her lips.
All she saw were expectant stares, greedy for confession, for a scandal, for a scapegoat.
SME director, Mr.Lee, stepped forward, his voice booming through the speakers.
"Good morning, everyone. Thank you for coming. We understand you have many questions for Ms. Yu, and we will do our best to answer them honestly and transparently. However, we will only be taking questions that are relevant to the current situation and respectful of the individuals involved. Any questions that are deemed inappropriate or accusatory will be disregarded."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the crowd. "We ask for your cooperation in this matter. Thank you."
He stepped back, and the silence descended, heavy and expectant.
Before the director leaves, he turned to his artist, and spoke, " We'll back you up, don't worry."
She took a deep breath.
Karina gripped the microphone stand, her knuckles white. This was it. The moment of truth.
A hand shot up in the front row. PD-nim nodded, and the reporter stood, his face eager.
"Ms. Yu," he said, his voice amplified by the microphone. "Can you confirm or deny the rumors that you were romantically involved with Choi Yeonjun?"
Karina hestated, mind's still racing, but she took another shaky breath and met the reporter's gaze.
"Yes," she said, her voice clear. "I was in a relationship with Choi Yeonjun - before." She pointed.
A collective gasp rippled through the crowd. The cameras flashed furiously, capturing her every expression.
"Can you elaborate on the nature of that relationship?" the reporter pressed. "Was it consensual? Were you forced into it?"
Karina's heart pounded in her chest. This was the question she had been dreading.
She closed her eyes for a moment, gathering her strength. "It was... complicated," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "There were... pressures. Influences. It wasn't always... my choice."
She opened her eyes, her gaze defiant. "But I want to be clear," she said, her voice gaining its usual sharpness. "I was not involved in any of Yeonjun's illegal activities. I had no knowledge of his drug use or his... other actions - not until he got arrested and his company confirmed it."
There goes the mumurs.
They wanted more.
They wanted blood.
Another hand shot up, and PD-nim nodded.
"Ms. Yu," the reporter said, his voice accusatory. "What do you have to say about the death of Jang Won-young? There are rumors that you were jealous of her, that you saw her as a threat to your career."
Karina's breath caught in her throat.
It's actually the opposite of the rumors.
"Jang Won-young was my friend..." she trails, her voice filled with emotion. "Her death was a tragedy. I am devastated by her loss."
She paused, her voice cracking with grief. "I had nothing to do with her death," she said, her voice barely audible. "I would never hurt her. Never."
Tears streamed down her face, and her eyes, though watery, was still staring on the crowd.
Attending acting workshops comes in handy on times like this.
The artist thought.
Minutes passed by quickly, and the media was beginning to calm down.
The artist clears her throat, this time, for a closing speech.
"Everyone, I hope that I satisfy your thoughts with my answers. To my beloved fans out there, 'Rinas' , thank you guys for your continues and unwavering support. To all the confuse, curious - netizens, let me prove to you that I am not that kind of person that you think I am. I am the victim, and I stand to that. Thank you again."
But before Karina stepped away from the microphone, someone spoke from the crowd that made her stop on the process.
"Ms. Yu, can you tell us the person who just screamed outside the building earlier?"
Minjeong met her gaze.
The artist turned around, facing the anticipating crowd.
"I apologize but that's an irrelevant question I can't answer."
Karina stepped away from the microphone completely.
Mr. Lee approached her, "Good job, Karina," he said, his voice low. "You handled that well."
She offered a weak smile.
~
Two Days after the Press Conference
SM Entertainment released an official announcement about the comeback of the popular solo artist, Karina Yu.
The news sent shockwaves through the music industry and ignited a wild reaction on social media.
The announcement detailed Karina's plans to release a new single, followed by a mini-album and a series of comeback performances. It also included a statement from Karina herself, expressing her gratitude for the support she had received and her determination to move forward.
The statement said:
"I know that the past month have been difficult for everyone, but I want to assure you that I am stronger than ever. I am ready to face the future with courage and determination. I am excited to share my new music with you, and I hope that it will bring you joy and inspiration."
After it dropped on every social media, the fans and netizens was on fire.
Some fans were overjoyed, expressing their unwavering support for Karina and eagerly anticipating her comeback. Others were more cautious, questioning whether it was too soon for her to return to the spotlight, given the recent tragedies and scandals. Still others remained skeptical, clinging to their doubts and suspicions.
Despite this, the announcement generated a massive amount of buzz, launching Karina back into the center of the public's attention. Her name trended worldwide on social media, and her previous songs and music videos experienced a surge in streams and views.
However, there are still those persistent fans who are deeply intrigued to who is that 'Cool Oppa' behind those now second to Karina's trending statement.
#2 "GET OUT OF THE WAY!"
#3 Cool Oppa ( who are you? )