Debut or Die-Chapter 385

LeTi’s survival program “Wise” invited 500 spectators to this performance.

It wasn’t like a typical variety‐show audience chosen by lottery. They had brought people from specific corporation-affiliated universities, high schools, and hospitals.

The president pompously claimed it was to secure objectivity in the judging panel, but some people still profited from it.

“Jackpot!”

Among the high school students excited to see idols, the teacher—though pretending not to be one—pumped a fist.

“Ah, I’d never come to something like this for fear of being recognized... what’s going on?”

She had once passionately loved an idol in her school days, then quit the fandom, yet that passion still burned years later.

“A general stan, though....”

Indeed, she liked every idol under the sun! Thanks to that, she enjoyed this survival show with just the right amount of interest—no more, no less. She watched all of Episode 5 that aired yesterday and was already speculating about today’s stages.

“They did a team round just now; maybe another solo round will follow.”

Naturally, she recalled the most intense solo battle: the deathmatch between Shin Jaehyun and Cha Yoojin in Episode 4 last week.

-They absolutely tore it up

-Wow, these two really get why the president randomly used a pass—I’d do the same;;

-To be honest, in a normal survival show Cha Yoojin would’ve won by character alone lol. LeTi’s president really has an eye, phew

-Cha Yoojin sticks out, not LeTi style, but Shin Jaehyun’s performance felt more polished... congrats to Team Cha Yoojin on gaining so many stans

Their stage successfully inherited the trolling spirit of Ryu Geonwoo vs. Jin Chaeyul and poured more fuel onto the fire.

A curious phenomenon emerged. Unlike a standard survival show—where every contestant battles every other—this in-house competition functions differently. There’s a demand from viewers trying to gauge the future group formed through it.

-If they debut like this, it’ll be a perfect fit 😭

But the influx of general viewers—focused more on individuals than teams—was triggered by the “Supplementary Class,” especially Cha Yoojin, who shone like a comet.

“It was wild.”

For days, chaos raged as old viewers were labeled “the establishment” and newcomers “trolls.” It even reignited controversies from the previous episode.

-People saying Geonwoo only lost because they couldn’t bear to send Chaeyul home—stop that, there was a pass lol

-Does the president have it out for Ryu Geonwoo? He could’ve used the pass but treated him so cruelly?

-Lol his stans are so defensive. If Wise debuts him, group fans are gonna be exhausted

But all that conflict dramatically settled when Episode 5 aired yesterday.

“Keyword: sexy!”

That stage—teased by audience spoilers and a five-second pre-release—already had hardcore viewers buzzing. Shin Jaehyun and Cha Yoojin performed together again, and Ryu Geonwoo joined them in a full team performance.

The pre-release clip showed Cha Yoojin’s solo shot that absolutely killed under the spotlight, as if asking, “Do I fit in with this company or what?”

-Wow f**k

-Unreal, what is this guy

-Who says Cha Yoojin doesn’t suit LeTi? From today on he’s the face of LeTi, no contest

Then, Shin Jaehyun—overflowing with leadership—gently coached the team through rehearsal, reminding everyone of the in-house survival’s essence.

“They’re really debuting as an official group soon!”

With fewer candidates, it made sense that all top performers would debut together. The heartwarming scene of recruiting sideline members and Geonwoo’s awakening calmed everyone’s stress.

-They seem so close, I’m so satisfied

-Did you see Geonwoo’s look? It was like declaring they’d tear up the K-pop scene;; is this the start of a cultural revolution?

-I’m already imagining how great it’ll be to debut and do a solo concert 😭

If Geonwoo’s off-team life had looked unbearably painful, feelings might’ve differed. Luckily, it was moderated just as intended—though not entirely under his control.

Like the “teacher” in the audience thought.

“That guy... was obsessed with cleaning.”

[ Ryu Geonwoo: I like cleaning because it clears my mind. ]

[ Ryu Geonwoo: So I’ll tidy the restroom too. ]

[...?]

[ No one told me to do it. ]

Geonwoo’s three-set of chores didn’t build an image of domestic mastery. Instead, it was broadcast at ten-times speed. His mad dash to sweep and scrub the dorm contrasted comically with the other stunned members, and the production team loved it. 𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖

[Obsession ♨️]

[ Untouchable.... ]

Pouring the fiery passion that fueled his performances into housework was received like a cute meme.

-Feature of a good student: just does it, nothing else matters

-He must’ve had great upbringing lol

-Geonwoo’s stress relief is turning into a house goblin...?

-Ah, it’s so sweet and cute, but also hilarious 😭

Amazingly, everything got rationalized, and the gilded image didn’t crack. If Park Mundae in Geonwoo’s body had known, he’d be appalled—but the comedic image effectively eased tension.

Shin Jaehyun caring for Jin Chaeyul in his team was a two-for-one scene, softening criticism of Geonwoo.

-So sweet 😭 He must’ve been struggling too, and yet he still looked after his junior’s mental health...

-He’s hardened up with determination, looks good

-Can’t wait for the stage

And now, as a spectator, she could peek ahead to the next chapter beyond that stage...

“Let’s begin the first performance!”

“Eek!”

The teacher snapped out of her reverie and focused on the stage.

“I wonder who’s up first?”

She picked a popular contestant in her mind and watched dark silhouettes ascend. A flashy stage, a so-so stage, performances exceeding expectations, ambitious but disappointing stages followed.

Wooooah!

Most audience members—who rarely saw such live performances—were having fun and eagerly voting. The president hadn’t bothered to tell them they held the voting power, so opinions were brutally honest.

[ The winner is Jin Chaeyul of “Honor Class,” with 371 votes! ]

Usually, there was an overwhelming victory, but sometimes contestants were evenly matched. In those cases, existing participants tended to get more votes—a first-mover advantage.

“Oh, that’s Yoon Shin!”

The teacher voted casually for whoever attracted her. Backstage, the next contestant watched via monitor, got into character, and moved to the waiting area. His upcoming stage was a famous American male solo dance-pop song, reworked into a vocal-centered arrangement.

But here’s the secret.

“I’ve actually done this stage before.”

He had practiced it months ago for his agency’s month-end evaluation, then dropped it at the last minute. Yet he didn’t feel guilty.

“They won’t know if I don’t really perform it. It’s natural I could pick a song I’ve practiced. It’s not cheating to save stamina for a better live show.”

Called “Club Main Vocal” by Ryu Geonwoo in VTIC days, the Honor Class contestant justified it. Complaining about his snug pants, he took his place. Beside him stood Ryu Cheong-woo, calmly waiting, smiling and chatting like he felt no nerves.

“He really cares about image that much, huh.”

When camera awareness goes that far, it’s a sickness, right?

“Who hasn’t medaled in archery national team? And what’s with the draft-exempt retirement run?”

Meanwhile, the guy next to him—thinking he was clever—had criticized the stage during practice.

“Maybe challengers should all appear together only at the end, and until then, only the person in charge of the part goes on stage. That’s how feature stages usually work.”

It seemed submissive but had an agenda. Normally he had no authority to dictate the stage, so a little lesson should’ve happened—but it was let slide. If they offered to ➤ NоvеⅠight ➤ (Read more on our source) trim his screen time, why object?

“He’s saving stamina to elevate his live quality... typical short-term trainee mindset.”

Unfortunately for him, his natural lung capacity was already superior. His gambit was useless.

“He probably thinks he’s some great strategist.”

Getting an ego boost from being handsome was enough to go to his head. Those guys always troll games with oversized egos. As this was a solo round, it was honestly welcome.

“‘Vocal B,’ Lee Dong!”

“Got it!”

Finally, their stage time arrived. After all, they might debut together, so the Honor Class contestant joined in the pre-stage cheer.

“Win or lose, let’s give it our all, hyungs.”

Ryu Geonwoo nodded with a smile.

“Yeah, we’ll do our best. ...How about a ‘fighting’ cheer before we go?”

“Sure.”

Imagining they might stay friends post-debut, the Honor Class contestant joined the shout.

“Show them everything! ‘Vocal B,’ fighting!”

Moments later, on stage, a single silhouette appeared from behind—like a solo act.

‘Huh?’

빠밤빰빰빰-!

As a pinpoint light hit, the Honor Class contestant spun around and launched into the music, blending light choreography with funky rhythm and blues.

[I’m gonna show you something-]

His sustained high note drew cheers.

[especially Good-, and remarkable]

That’s it!

Practice hours carried him effortlessly.

[Come on, it’s not late!]

Just twirling the stand mic was enough. With a voice like that, choreography was icing. He finished the verse with flair.

‘This is basically over!’

But when the first verse ended, another light illuminated a second figure.

[You’re gonna show you something]

The same melody but a new arrangement: nearly no backing, just smooth piano and a husky drop.

[Too bad-, and unforgettable]

“...!”

Focus spiked. A chill ran down his spine—a sense of crisis.

‘...??’

Because Geonwoo had held back in practice, never showing his peak.

[Come on, I’m waiting!]

The Honor Class contestant was a trainee—unaccustomed to surprise skill. When a rival suddenly surpasses you, that pressure hits hard.

‘...!’

He nearly lost his cue but reflexively grabbed the mic for the chorus.

[Break this dance hall!]

Just as he relaxed at the crisp delivery, the ad-lib hit.

[Break this dance hall!]

A slightly higher note, but the difference in technique and power was unmistakable—like higher resolution. The crowd’s cheers felt like comparisons.

‘Shit, shit!’

His tempo sped up slightly. The president raised an eyebrow.

[Ohh- yeah, yeah!]

At last, Geonwoo’s part ended. He gave a flamboyant farewell gesture and exited, earning cheers. But the empty mic and spotlight remained.

‘Got it!’

While doing light choreography to steady himself, a new cheer erupted—though he hadn’t restarted singing.

Eek! Waaaah!

‘Huh...?’

Into the vacant mic spot stepped Ryu Cheong-woo. The unexpected entrance stunned the crowd, but Cheong-woo simply launched into the second verse in a warm low register.

[I’m gonna show you something-]

Cheers followed his pleasant timbre. His skill was on par with practice—stronger than most. The Honor Class contestant braced for the next verse.

But...

‘Why... do I feel like the cheers for me were smaller?’

Normally, the performer with the most stage time stands out. The problem was change. Audiences grow bored. New always attracts, making the old seem plain. Continuous new additions claim the spotlight.

‘Ah....’

Realizing this sent cold sweat down his back. Nerves disrupted his pace.

‘Ah.’

His habitual delivery faltered as his mindset crumbled—and the audience noticed.

‘Hmm....’

‘Feeling a bit off, aren’t they?’

The impression of being outshone in the first half collapsed in the second, sealing his image:

’He’s not as good as I thought...’

But whether Cheong-woo performed better or worse than in practice, he remained natural and unflappable. He knew he wasn’t the stronger singer, so he neither felt intimidated nor hopeful. And when a third mic appeared and Geonwoo returned—garnering cheers—Cheong-woo carried his part steadily.

[Ohh- yeah, yeah!]

He nailed the harmonious ending. Wooooah!

Cheers roared again, and the stage ended. As predicted, the winner’s name flashed on the screen:

[The winner is Ryu Geonwoo of “Inferior Class,” with 320 votes!]

Winner: Ryu Geonwoo. And it was all but decided who would be eliminated among the losers.

After the stage, there was a brief backstage break before the true loser was announced.

“Hyung, that... was really fun.”

Ryu Cheong-woo, still catching his breath after removing his mic, rushed over and said it first—without waiting for a reply.

“I never expected this. Even without scores, even having lost, it felt like I won. It’s amazing.”

His excited tone was uncharacteristic. His eyes sparkled as he added:

“I can’t expect to beat someone better than me... but I want to stay and keep going, even if I get flak.”

I offered a faint smile.

“You don’t need to worry about that. I don’t think you’ll get much criticism.”

“...Really?”

Hope and desire washed over Cheong-woo’s face. At that moment, I saw his status window flash on its own and display a new entry.

[Trait status...?]

[B → A!]

[Full Draw (A)]

–When you draw the bow, you’ll be exactly at the right spot.

: Performance composure +120%

“...!”

I see. Cheong-woo’s regained passion even boosted his traits. Good for him.

“Um....”

Suddenly, concern replaced excitement on Cheong-woo’s face.

“Hyung. Is something wrong?”

“No, it’s nothing like that.”

It wasn’t a problem. But actually, in a moment of impulse after leaving the stage, something happened.

[Reputation is increasing....]

+50000 Exp

At that precise moment, my fame points were tallied.

[Holy crap, you can spin it fifty times, hyung!!]

I felt good after dumping that Club jerk, so on a whim—and riding adrenaline—I used all fifty spins...

And it landed.

[Ha ha!]

[★★★★★ Ryu Cheong-woo / Lead Vocal]

“......”

What kind of signal is that?