Idol in a Gender-Reversed World

'This is so funny.'

Everyone was smiling so much that their lips were twitching, but there was one person who couldn't fully enjoy the situation and was just rolling their eyes. Moreover, after Manager Lee finished his conversation and left, Jaehoon entered immediately, which made the atmosphere even more awkward.

"Jaehoon!"

"Hey, hey, what's up? Is it true you're quitting the contract and leaving?"

"…It's nothing major."

Jaehoon's face looked drained, perhaps from the emotional turmoil he had been going through. His voice was heavily weighed down as he glanced at the trainees, who were worriedly looking at him, with an irritated expression before nodding a quick greeting.

"Thanks, everyone, for everything. I appreciate it, hyungs."

"Are you really leaving like this? You should at least eat with us! It'd be too sad to part like this."

As Jaehoon started packing his things to leave, everyone anxiously tried to stop him. He shook his head in refusal but, seeing they wouldn't give up, he eventually spoke as if resigned to it.

"…I'm going to a different company."

"Huh?"

"Didn't you say you weren't going to be an idol anymore?"

"They're debuting a new male idol group over there. At Honey Entertainment, I wasn't anything special, but if I join another company, I'll be treated decently. I know I can't be the dragon's tail, but I'm aiming to be the head of a snake."

Jaehoon's confession created a strange atmosphere among the trainees.

"You know the real reason you stuck with Honey Entertainment all this time, right? Don't pretend you don't know."

"Are you really going to another company? I thought you said that kind of stuff scared you!"

"I already prepared myself when I ended the trainee contract. But it's not like I'm going to some trashy company. The agency they recommended is supposed to be a bit better."

Honey Entertainment was popular for turning male idols into global stars, but that wasn't the only reason male trainees chose it as their top pick. The reality for male idols in this world was full of struggles, with the ratio of success often skewed to a 9:1 extreme.

"Is Jaehoon going to end up like that idol I saw on the first day? I feel like I might throw up."

Some of the big agencies, like Honey Entertainment, didn't market male idols as products for women's sexual gratification. While they were still idols, they were expected to establish themselves as musicians, create music, and focus on stage performances. However, in lower-quality companies, the emphasis was on turning male idols into commodities simply to make money, treating their identity as males as something they needed to exploit.

"Those short hot pants... damn."

I remembered some idols wearing revealing outfits with exposed upper body muscles, and even those who performed on stage wearing fishnet stockings. The shock from seeing Jaehoon dressed in such an outfit almost made me gag. But surely, he wouldn't go that far, right? Moreover, he mentioned it was a company they had recommended. Did that mean they were at least somewhat reputable?

It seemed I wasn't the only one thinking this way, as the expressions of the other trainees also twisted in concern.

Whispers

"I never expected that from him…"

"Didn't we avoid the easy path too? If it were me, I'd rather quit being an idol."

"Ugh, it's disgusting. How did he fall so low?"

"He was crying about how his skills weren't improving, and look where he ended up."

Honestly, if any of the trainees ended up not making the debut group here, more than half of them would probably transfer to another company and still become idols. Big agencies wouldn't let go of the talents they've nurtured, after all.

However, because it wasn't their own situation, the trainees were looking down on Jaehoon for making such a decision.

'Idiots.'

They didn't even realize they were spitting on their own faces.

Not wanting to let the last memory of someone who had made a big decision end in a trash heap, I stepped in.

"Why is everyone reacting like this? Going to a different company is something to congratulate, isn't it? At least Jaehoon's achieving his dream. Congratulations. And don't worry too much. If you act smart and keep your head down, you won't have to deal with those things. Once you start making money, hire a lawyer. That way, the company won't be able to treat you badly."

"Ugh, thanks, hyung. To be honest, I had a lot of resentment when you first came, but I'll leave all of it behind today."

"Huh? You resented me?"

"It's because you're so handsome. I felt a huge sense of competition. I thought, 'That guy is definitely going to debut.' And, of course, it made me feel like I was losing my spot."

Just as his face strongly appeals to women, it seems to evoke a strong sense of competition and insecurity in men as well. I could understand his feelings completely.

"Yeah, I get it. I can see how my face might make you feel that way. I understand."

"Haha! I think I get it now. I was destined to live as the head of the snake all along, but I was being too greedy. Letting go of all my attachments feels really freeing. And as for you guys, I know I probably look disgusting right now, but just remember that the spot I've gotten is first-come, first-served."

While there are bad companies, there are also those that try to manage their idols well, like Honey Entertainment. This means that Honey Entertainment won't be the only choice available.

Jaehoon was the first to give up, but he was able to enter one of the better alternatives among the remaining options.

"There will be some who completely give up, but many will make a choice like mine. I'll go ahead and settle in first. If you need information later, contact me. I know it sounds like a sucker move, but since we were teammates, I'll help."

Reahoon's gaunt face showed relief.

Relief lingered on Jaehoon's worn-out face.

"We... we never said that!"

"Right. No, that's not it. You're wrong, Jaehoon."

It seemed there were a few who felt guilty about Jaehoon's words, as they changed their attitudes and started clinging to him.

Even I thought Jaehoon had spoken well. He'd said it in a way that, while boosting his own morale, would also stir up conflicting thoughts in the others. They would be more motivated for the end-of-month evaluation, but at the same time, they'd likely be questioning his words, wondering if it was better to take a decisive path like Jaehoon and choose the next best option rather than blindly persevering.

'It doesn't matter to me.'

I'll just quietly enjoy the benefits among the trainees who are putting everything into the month-end evaluation.

Now, I can really feel that the debut is close.