From Thug to Idol: Transmigrating to a Survival Show
chapter-1000

"We're fine!" Akira said, clapping a reassuring hand on Sehun's shoulder. "We even consulted an expert, remember? A whole Korean history teacher. We're covered."

Sehun shifted in his seat, still glancing out the window as he caught glimpses of the fans pressed up against the barricades, waving signs and flashing lights.

"Yeah, you're right," Sehun said.

"And to add to that-this was June's suggestion!" Casper exclaimed. "So, of course, it's going to be okay."

That seemed to do the trick.

"I'm sold!" Sehun exclaimed. "Let's go out now."

From the beginning, they'd wanted something that spoke of their roots but looked distinctly different from the usual red carpet-outfits that boy groups wore.

They'd gone so far as to visit a Korean history teacher who taught them the nuances between traditional styles and potential appropriation issues. By the time they finished, they knew the importance of respecting tradition.

That was a pretty interesting day for them.

"Come on," Akira continued with a grin, gesturing toward the door. "They're waiting for us. You know how our fans can be so impatient."

Zeth nodded, scrolling through his phone.

"Yup," he smiled. "They're cursing us out on Navel now!"

The door swung open, and after a brief exchange of glances, the members decided to let June go first.

June sighed and shook his head. "Always making me the sacrificial lamb," he muttered.

However, even then, he decided to lead their group, stepping out of the car with his killer smile.

The response was instantaneous.

Fans screamed as cameras flashed, and the crowd immediately surged forward, pressing against the barriers as they struggled to get closer.

June looked every bit the part as he stepped forward, shoulders back, exuding a calm elegance that carried a spark of tradition mixed with modernity.

His hanbok was midnight blue, the fabric deep and rich, shimmering subtly under the flashing lights. The embroidery at the collar and cuffs caught the light, adding a refined touch that stood out from the simpler suits and dresses worn by other idols that night.

DAWN was truly in a class of its own.

The fans' response was crazy. Whispers rippled through the crowd as everyone took in DAWN's modern hanbok attire.

It was traditional yet innovative, a style that managed to strike the perfect balance between honoring history and embracing the present.

The other members stepped out one by one, each in a similar midnight blue modern hanbok, though the designs vary slightly.

Sehun's sleeves were longer, flowing more dramatically with each step, while Akira's collar was adorned with a line of subtle silver embroidery, almost like stars dusting the night sky. Ren wore his with a tailored vest that had intricate patterns, adding a touch of elegance to the already distinguished look.

It wasn't just DAWN's fans reacting.

People from every corner of the venue were craning their necks, whispering and pointing, completely interested.

It was rare for any idol to pull off something so different from the standard red carpet-attire. The cameras turned on them in full force, each flash capturing their movements.

It was an entry that couldn't be ignored.

"Wow," Jia whispered, eyes wide as she and her friends leaned over the barricade.

"Damn," Bora said. "I wonder how they're going to perform tonight."

Wei nodded in agreement. "That's what I'm most excited for! They look like ancient royalty!"

Once they reached the carpet interview area, the boys lined up.

June, who stood in the middle, gave a slight bow to the host, and the rest of the group followed.

The host grinned, holding the microphone up to the group with a smile that was friendly yet curious, clearly eager to discuss their attire.

"DAWN! Wow, you all look incredible tonight!"

The host's voice echoed over the speakers, and the fans cheered louder, a chorus of shouts filling the air.

"These are quite different from what we've seen tonight-what inspired this look?"

Jaeyong took the mic first, glancing at his members for a moment before he answered. "Thank you so much. We really wanted to honor where we come from but also bring something fresh to the red carpet. We actually consulted a Korean history teacher about this look," he said, eyes lighting up as he continued. "She helped us understand cultural respect and how to blend traditional styles with modern fashion. We're really proud to be here wearing something meaningful."

The crowd's applause grew louder, and several fans chanted DAWN's name.

The host beamed. "Well, you're definitely setting the standard tonight! Now, let's move on to another big topic-your new brand deal. The BenBen gummy just came out yesterday, right?"

A wave of laughter and excitement rolled through the crowd as fans shrieked, some laughing.

DAWN's members froze.

"Crap," Zeth muttered.

The timing couldn't have been worse-or better, depending on perspective.

Their latest for BenBen Gummies had just dropped the day before, and the response had been...intense.

Fans had been posting about the ad non-stop since its release, their social media feeds flooded with clips of DAWN in brightly colored clothes, singing an absurdly catchy jingle while dramatically biting into gummy bears.

"Oh no," Akira whispered, the corners of his mouth twitching as he fought back a grin. "I can't believe this is happening right now. We look too hot to be doing this," he said to Ren. The host laughed, clearly aware of the situation. "Come on! Give us a little taste of the jingle, won't you? I think your fans would love it."

The boys stared at each other, wide-eyed and struggling to hold back laughter.

Ren's face turned bright red while Sehun glanced at Jaeyong, who looked torn between laughing and finding the nearest exit.

The fans, meanwhile, yelled and chanted for DAWN to sing the ad's song. Some had even pulled out their phones, ready to capture the moment as they laughed and cheered.

There was no way out.

Akira held up his hands, trying to stall. "Umm, we forgot the words?"

The host grinned even wider, clearly enjoying their reaction. "That can't be! You guys killed it

in the commercial."

June pursed his lips. Despite wearing such handsome attires, their cute brand deal was still brought up. It seemed like the crowd was also fixated on it.

That meant it would be harder for the crowd to take them seriously during their actual

performance.

"This is a problem," he muttered.