Debut or Die-Chapter 362
[New TeSTAR Variety Show Announced]
(Trailer Video)
The veteran PD known for churning out legendary LOL moments paired with TeSTAR, lololol
Looks like they’re going to the countryside!
It was a weekday night at 11 p.m., when many were watching something live. Rae-bin’s fans, having just seen that trailer on TV, rushed online, and of course discussions were buzzing on the forums.
“Trustworthy combo right there”
“OMG ‘grandkids’ already so cute ㅠㅠ”
“Maybe this really is a healing show—our kids deserve a break”
“Only real fans will watch this one”
└ “?? Plenty of people like this genre, what are you talking about lol”
└ “No impact X lol”
In short: the PD-team combo that always delivers legends plus the steady-seller countryside-meal content made for a pretty decent reaction. But Rae-bin’s fan knew: low trolling meant it wasn’t that hot.
‘Only the hardcore are commenting.’ She sighed.
“Phew.” She poked her sister’s back, pretending not to be her younger brother watching the trailer too.
“Why? They said there’s a new variety show—isn’t that good?”
“Shh, just don’t say anything if you don’t know.”
This was signaling something: ‘Mannerism alert!’ No curses or anger—just her thought: ‘Is it that time....’ As a newly minted freelance early-career adult, she’d been compromising her personality for work. And now she felt the same when fangirling.
‘They’ve got awards and years under their belts—this low-key vibe is their comfort zone.’ She’d realized it back when they took a few days off “because of a cold”—the recent title performance was insane.
‘At least their eyeballs aren’t glazed over.’ Previously she’d have ranted, “Take my bias out of this lineup of unenthused newbies!” But not anymore.
‘They’re human—what can you do about burnout?’ As long as they hide it on camera; their stage game and self-care are still top-notch.
‘Even when they fight, they make up fast.’ The rumored spat between Mundae and Se-jin at the Japan concert was already water under the bridge—proof their pro mindset remains.
She recalled her private-account conspiracy theories, then stopped. Her younger brother, irritated, asked:
“Hey, so you’re not watching?”
“I’m watching!”
All in all... it was a bit deflating, but she still hoped for a natural-disaster twist like on the deserted-island show.
‘What spectacle could the countryside offer—Seon Ah-hyun’s gonna set the kitchen on fire....’ Still, that PD’s track record was so stellar she dared not judge early.
And on the day Episode 1 aired, she was a bit taken aback.
“...Hm.” Surprisingly... it’s fun? The show opened with the PDs gathering TeSTAR and shouting about “healing time.” Of course TeSTAR didn’t believe them.
[Cheong-woo: Um... I’m kinda scared.]
[Se-jin: Come on. You’re gonna say “actually it was a rural Alaska village!” right?]
[Writer: No, really, it’s not!]
Eventually, after lengthy persuasion, subtitles moist with tears appeared.
[Only after hearing “Sue us if it’s not real” did TeSTAR believe the PDs....]
“Gah!” Rae-bin’s fan nearly laughed out loud.
LOLLLLLLLLL
Even if I were TeSTAR, I’d do the same
Karma’s backfiring lol
They even included the self-reflection segment where the PD self-flagellates.
[Junior Writer: We were worried and suspicious of Mundae until the very end...]
[PD: Our sins run deep, truly.]
Then came the stark, satirical cut—TeSTAR’s first filming day, in bright sunshine.
[TeSTAR: Waaaah!]
[The persuasion was incredibly effective!]
[They’re genuinely excited....]
On screen, TeSTAR sang on the bus, admired the scenery, played games—pure frenzy.
[In a trance]
[Se-jin: It’s risky, don’t unbuckle!]
[Se-jin: Right, everyone, maintain distance and enjoy~]
[Yoo-jin: Yay!]
[The true Untact Ball]
[~So pumped~]
Hooked on the healing theme, TeSTAR dove into the outing with full tension.
[Se-jin: Rest stop! Let’s have boiled potatoes there!]
[Mundae: I’ve got cash.]
[Cheers]
In short, they looked more excited than anyone expected.
LOLLLLLLLLL
They’ve let loose, honestly!
They’re so hyped because they can actually relax this time lol ㅠㅠ
First time a reality show cast is so here to party
TeSTAR arrived at their lodging and immediately buzzed around on camera at the crew’s cue.
[Yoo-jin: It’s so warm!]
[Rae-bin: Don’t lie down right after eating!]
Their energetic antics—lying on the heated floor, marveling at toy-like coins—were a joy to watch.
[Se-jin: Hey~ want to go with hyung? Shall we go together?]
And the excitement peaked when they brought out a dog.
[Puffy / 3-month-old pup]
[Mundae: (fidgeting)]
[Wondering if it’s his sibling↑]
The puppy effect was huge—every SNS post was awash with squeals.
Aaaaahhhhhhh
Did Mundae get a pupper siblingㅠㅠㅠ
The two-shot is complete
Two little white fluffballs!! Two of them!!
“Crazy....” Even Rae-bin’s fan gaped.
‘With Mundae’s hair color matching the pup’s....’ Meme accounts were surely screenshotting nonstop.
[TeSTAR bros hi (front paw)]
Seven full-grown adults fumbling over a tiny dog was hilarious.
[Yoo-jin: More sweet potatoes, please!]
[Mundae: If you eat more, you’ll turn into a pig.]
[Yet hands obey]
LOLLLLLLLLL
Why is Yoo-jin getting lumped together with the dog lol
Each personality is so distinct
The dog plumped up on homemade snacks, and Yoo-jin benefitted too.
She watched, entranced. The editors had cleverly highlighted each member’s arc and quirks. For example, Rae-bin initially didn’t stand out at the welcome—but his sharp look and piercings gave way to skyrocketing recognition.
[Rae-bin: Here I am!]
[Rae-bin: Then I’ll take this!]
[Rae-bin: I’ll do it!]
[(Fireworks) The era’s diligent grandchild (fireworks)]
His polite, pure demeanor and clothes were so natural—classic vibes of someone raised that way. Later, the show even openly broadcast villagers slipping him snacks.
[Villager: This kid works best! Eats well, too~]
[Villager: Hey... want one of these?]
[Rae-bin: Thank you! I’ll eat well! Call on me for anything.]
An idol with both star quality and nerd charm—dream combo—and in the countryside, that was meme gold. She nodded.
As each character’s outline sharpened, even simple banter filled the content. TeSTAR helped elders, put on antics, rode bikes along embankments to haul groceries.
[Mundae: Hyung, did you attach an engine to your legs or what?]
[Cheong-woo: Haha!]
Overall, as a fan, it couldn’t get any better.
‘Even without a purpose, it’s actually fine...’ Having been around for years, TeSTAR seemed comfortable enough to chat and carry the show themselves. Normal viewers could also enjoy stress-free.
[Ah-hyun: The weather’s so nice, right?]
[Mundae: Yeah.]
The rural backdrop’s soft feel and minimal electronics gave an old-school youth vibe. It lacked the wild gimmicks of previous shows, but TeSTAR’s name was enough to carry it—and the ratings would likely reflect that.
‘I doubt they’ll claim success with “good ratings but no buzz” this time....’ From Ah-hyun almost setting the barbecue ablaze to Se-jin screaming into the embankment without a sound, the gags were well-placed.
[Yoo-jin: Fire! Fire! Fire!]
[Se-jin: There’s meat—don’t throw sand! Put it out! Just /N_o_v_e_l_i_g_h_t/ put it out!]
[Se-jin: Aaaaaah!]
Beep!
[※Adjusting screen※]
[It took seven adults one hour to extinguish the bonfire.]
These little laugh moments from idols unaccustomed to this life were charming.
‘They paced it well.’ It even ended on a touching note.
[Se-jin: Smells good.]
[Mundae: Yeah.]
After deliveries, TeSTAR lay in the pavilion eating ice cream—every face was smiling. Seeing their relaxed real selves after brutal schedules, and recalling they’d paused activities for a cold, warmed her heart.
“This dog’s living the life.”
“Shut up.” She scolded her brother and refocused on the screen.
Then:
[??? : Waaaaah!!]
“...?!”
Suddenly a blood-red subtitle overran the serene pavilion scene. A crowd’s cheers and screams shook the screen.
[??? : It’s done!! It’s here!!]
[??? : Ahahaha]
A black screen flashed, then returned to reveal the crew in the yard applauding.
“...??”
“What is this?”
More subtitles:
[Why are the PDs so happy?]
[Curious?]
Y-yeah.
[Find out next week.]
“Hey!” The commercial break started.
“What was that just now?”
“No idea!”
It had been years since an ad break angered her this much.
‘Go away!’
Thankfully the show resumed and the next trailer played.
[Mundae wants to make boiled pork?]
[All for it!]
TeSTAR continuing to enjoy healing—but they even layered in a nostalgic OST from a famous drama.
[Those days~ were so~ good~♪]
With a sepia flashback screen. A blatantly manipulative preview.
Episode 1 aired. And I was taken aback.
‘Why... is it doing so well?’ I knew it’d be good, but not this widely embraced.
‘I thought at least some would say “super boring.”’
Thanks to editing magic, Ep 1 used contrasting tones for a slick, never-dull flow. It’s great, but there was a side effect.
“- What have those PDs been up to lol
It’s funny but sad—please don’t go too far, the kids love it sooo much lol ㅠㅠ 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢
I’m scared for next week
This is gonna get wild lololol
I wish they’d left it like thisㅠㅠ hope they don’t make the kids suffer”
Because Ep 1 was so well done, some feared a tonal flip would feel wrong. The PDs seemed on alert.
‘Do they regret pulling the rug out?’ Probably not. Healing gets old fast, and they crafted Ep 1 carefully as an intro. Seeing the demand was solid, they likely pivot back to healing themselves.
‘But if the outcome’s the same, the twists make it fun.’ Even the PDs should be grateful, I shrugged.
Then Se-jin, who’d been watching reactions, spoke up.
“Our filming... ends today.”
Ah, that.
“Yes. We should wrap up soon. If people find out where we are, the town could get chaotic.”
“...Right.” He nodded seriously.
“But... this was pretty good.”
“It was.”
In the second half, they threw a big feast for the villagers—watching the PDs suffer wallet pain was hilarious.
‘They’ll sort the money issue at the end, of course.’ Overall, it offered such variety—I was satisfied. I nodded.
“But one thing hasn’t been revealed yet.”
“Hm?” Se-jin furrowed his brow and murmured,
“Who actually took the carrot coins? That’s why all this happened in the first place.”
Ah, she was wondering that.
‘I left it on purpose.’ I checked that the camera was swapping data, then whispered,
“Obvious. It was an insider.”
“...!” Se-jin’s face showed clear astonishment.
“Y-you mean... one of us!?”
“Yes.” I murmured quietly,
“If it were someone else, it’d be boring. It has to be one of us for good footage and impact. It’s definitely someone here.”
Se-jin listened blankly, then seemed to accept it. Suddenly he asked, tense:
“...Are you implying it’s me? Because I need an acting moment?”
As if.
“No. I don’t think it’s you.”
“Why??”
Why get defensive if it’s not you?
“You were way too calm.”
“...?!”
If he’d been the culprit, he’d have stayed calm and rational. His usual off-key seriousness was too over-the-top to be genuine.
“Actually, there’s someone else I suspect.”
“Who?”
I turned my gaze out the room’s door.
‘It’s gotta be him.’ Big Se-jin. Still looking pleased, bouncing around energetically. Good actor with instant wits and social savvy—a perfect smart spy. That’s why I hadn’t included him in the coin-duplication plan.
‘If he squeals to the PDs, it’s over.’
Se-jin caught my look and gasped.
“Is... it Se-jin?!”
“Just a suspicion. Let’s keep it among ourselves.”
“Hmm. Okay, got it.”
I decided to stop there. Since he loves screen time, leaving the final back-stab reveal for broadcast would be perfect. At that moment, that’s what I thought.
