The day of the show had finally arrived. The atmosphere backstage was electric, filled with anticipation and nerves. Seventeen contestants stood in the shadows, their eyes fixed on the large screen, where the dance video they had recorded played. As the camera zoomed in on each participant, introducing them one by one, their individual charms were highlighted in brief but impactful descriptions.
"You will enter the stage after the video." One of the stage managers tells them.
Jeongyeon : ( Korean ) Charismatic, straight-forward girl.
Somi: ( Korean) Bubbly, fresh, and the ultimate vitamin.
Jihyo: (Korean) 10th-year trainee.
Dahyun : ( Korean ) Timed bomb,
Entertainment rising star.
Eunsuh: ( Korean ) 180-degree charms with a twist.
Chaeyoung: ( Korean ) Pretty Rapstar.
Chaeryeong: (Korean) Complete younger Chae sis.
Momo: ( Japan ) Most known as the Dancing Queen.
Chaeyeon: ( Korean ) The complete older chae sis.
Mina: ( Japan ) Enchanting Ballerina.
Llana: (Philippines) The Dark Horse.
Nayeon: (Korean) Ace, the oldest contestant.
Tzuyu: ( Taiwan) Flawless best proportions.
Mingyoung: ( Korean) Filled emotion, singer-songwriter.
Sana: (Japan ) 4-Dimensional, Unique Girl
Jiwon: ( Korean ) husky power vocal
Natty: ( Thailand ) Spirited Maknae.
As the introductions concluded, Llana took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves as she and the others walked towards the dark studio.
The room was dark, and her attention was unconsciously drawn to the huge JYP sign at the front.
Suddenly, the room brightens, revealing the modernized, sleek design of the room.
The studio is modernized with large glass panels. The entrance features the name of the show, Seventeen, hanging boldly above.
The exterior design is minimalistic but striking, with the magenta theme color. The main stage is placed in the heart of the studio.
Placed at the back between the sides of the stage are two large high-definition LED screens. Above them are flat TV screens showing the show name Seventeen, and below is another stage in a long rectangular shape.
At the front of the stage is the judging panel.
The atmosphere is filled with anticipation. A large screen at the front of the room flickers on, and J.Y. Park, the founder of JYP Entertainment, appears.
"Annyeong."
JYP greets everyone with a warm smile.
"Annyeonghaseyo," the contestants greeted back, bowing slightly.
"This is the place where we'll be meeting for the next three months to shoot this program," he said, sweeping his arm across the studio.
"Pretty cool, right?"
A chorus of "Yes" came from the contestants, their excitement palpable.
"Throughout the program, you'll be divided into two groups. Among the 17 of you, some will be designated as 'Majors'." JYP gestured to the left side of the stage where the screen flashed the word 'MAJOR' in bold letters.
"...And others will be assigned as 'Minors'." He pointed to the right, and the screen lit up with 'MINOR.'
"From this moment on, Majors will be treated as JYP celebrities, while Minors will remain at trainee status," JYP explained. "After each episode, depending on your performance, these roles may change. After the results come out the changes will occur.... a Minor will be eliminated."
The tension in the room thickened as JYP continued, "Now, based on your past training scores, the members chosen by the JYP trainers and the A&R team for the 'Major' team will be announced."
He paused for effect, letting the suspense build. "I'll announce the members of the Major group now..." JYP stopped, letting the anticipation grow.
"Nayeon..."
Nayeon's eyes widened as she was called.
JYP smiled at her. "Nayeon, please move to the Major side."
She exhaled a sigh of relief, bowing respectfully before walking to the Major's side.
"Sana?" JYP called next.
Sana raised her hand timidly. "Please go to the Minor side," JYP instructed.
Sana, the first Minor member announced, walked over with a heartbroken expression.
"Minyoung, Jiwon, Momo. Please move to the Major group," JYP continued, as Llana and the others clapped in congratulations.
"Chaeyeon, Chaeryeong," JYP said, with a tinge of regret, "you'll be in the Minor group."
"Mina?" JYP called, and she nervously raised her hand.
"Yes?" Mina replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
JYP looked at her with mild curiosity. "Mina, I don't recognize your face well. You must be relatively new, right?"
"Yes," Mina nodded.
"How long has it been?" JYP inquired.
"It's been a year," she responded.
"A year? The trainers and the A&R team must have seen something special in you. You're in the Major group."
Gasps and whispers spread among the contestants. Mina's selection was a surprise, especially for those who had trained much longer, like Jihyo.
"Jungyeon, Tzuyu?" JYP called out next.
"Yes," they both responded, anxiously.
"You two will be in the Minor group."
"Dahyun, Chaeyoung..." JYP paused, looking at them with a knowing smile. "Where do you think you'll be placed?"
"Major?" they answered nervously.
JYP grinned. "Correct. You're both in the Major group."
"Somi, Eunsuh, Natty," JYP said without much emotion, "Minor group."
Now, only Llana and Jihyo remained. Llana could feel her heart pounding in her chest, the tension almost unbearable.
"There are 8 members in the Major group. One of you will join them, and the other will be in the Minor group," JYP said with a small smile, glancing at Jihyo. "Jihyo, you're probably the one I'm closest to among all the members."
Turning to Llana, his gaze softened with curiosity. "Llana, on the other hand, you're the most unfamiliar to me. If I'm not mistaken, you've only been training for two months?"
"Yes," Llana nodded, her voice steady despite the weight of the moment.
The trainees exchanged incredulous looks. Two months? They had thought Mina's selection was surprising, but this—two months—was almost unbelievable. Some even started suspecting that Llana might have had a strong backdoor connection.
JYP seemed to read their minds. "If I hadn't seen your audition video, I might have thought something was going on behind the scenes. But after watching it, I was fascinated."
" Why not pursue a solo career? I think you are already ready to debut." he asked directly.
The other trainees couldn't help showing astonishment at what JYP revealed. It seems like the newbie is not someone to take lightly than they initially thought. Their initial suspicion seemed to fade.
"I… I really wanted to be placed in a group," Llana's voice trembling slightly. "I grew up alone, without friends. My only companions were my older brothers and my caretaker, Lola Nanay. I don't want to be alone anymore..."
In her past life, the loneliness came from her own choices. She was too quiet, too closed off, too introverted to make friends, always standing a little away while others formed bonds.
The only difference this time was that Llana hadn't chosen to be alone. Her weak body kept her stuck at home or in hospital rooms, watching life go on from behind glass.
That was why she wanted to make up for both regrets: one born from fear, the other from fate.
JYP's expression softened. "That's sad to hear. I'm sorry."
"It's okay," Llana said, offering a small, brave smile.
"Where do you think you'll be placed?" JYP asked both Llana and Jihyo.
"Major?" Jihyo replied hesitantly.
"What makes you think so?" JYP asked with a smile.
"I've been training for 10 years. I believe I'm well-prepared, more so than others," Jihyo answered, her confidence growing as she spoke.
JYP nodded, then turned to Llana. "And you, Llana?"
"Can I be honest?" Llana asked, her voice firm.
"Of course," JYP replied, intrigued.
"I think you're cruel, PD-nim,"