Chapter 1: Liu Park

The early morning light trickled through the blinds, casting a soft, warm glow across the room. Liu Park sat at his vanity, the scattered makeup brushes, sheet music, and stray rhinestones speaking volumes about the night he had spent perfecting his performance. Yet, fatigue was a fleeting thought, replaced by the electric anticipation that throbbed through him. Today was not just any day; it was the day he would step onto the biggest stage of his young career.

At sixteen, Liu was already South Korea’s youngest K-pop idol, a solo artist known for his stunning voice and daring performances. The room was filled with the muffled sound of fans gathering outside, their excitement palpable even through the thick walls. Liu glanced at the photo of his family pinned to the mirror. His mother’s proud smile and his little brother’s playful pose reminded him of the support that kept him going.

“Liu, you’re on in five!” A staff member’s voice called from outside the door.

He took a deep breath, pressing a hand to his chest as if to steady the rapid thrum of his heart. The mirror reflected the sharp lines of his stage makeup and the fierce glint in his eyes. This was what he lived for—the rush of the performance, the connection with the crowd, the moment where music transformed him from a teenager with big dreams into an idol.

The hallway to the stage was alive with the buzz of last-minute preparations: assistants darted by headsets crackled with commands, and the hum of anticipation was almost tangible. Liu nodded to a few familiar faces, each one giving him an encouraging smile or thumbs up. As he neared the curtain, he could already see the brilliant lights illuminating the stage, purple and blue beams cutting through the darkness.

The stage lights blazed as he stepped out, a flood of color and sound enveloping him. The roar of the crowd hit him like a wave, and Liu grinned, his energy feeding off theirs.

"Yeoleobun, annyeonghaseyo!" he shouted, his voice ringing out with confidence. The response was a chorus of screams and cheers. He could see the sea of light sticks swaying in unison, the fans’ faces lit with admiration and anticipation.

The music swelled, and Liu launched into his opening song, the powerful beats of Tomboy filling the stadium. His movements were sharp, flawless, each step and twist a testament to the countless hours he had spent rehearsing. His voice carried effortlessly over the crowd, a blend of velvet and steel that sent shivers down spines.

As he sang, his eyes scanned the crowd. The energy, the adoration, the sheer magnitude of being seen—it fueled him. He spun on his heel, transitioning into the song’s climax, each word dripping with attitude and defiance. The lights danced in sync with his movements, casting vibrant hues over the vast audience.

In the shadows of the stage, a group of six watched with eyes wide and grins of admiration. The leader, a tall young man with sharp features and an unmistakable aura of command, tilted his head as he observed Liu’s performance.

“He’s amazing. Very dedicated and confident with his moves... and so young,” he remarked, his voice low but charged with awe. The others nodded, murmuring their agreement. One of them, with tousled hair and a playful smirk, nudged the leader.

“Sujin, you’ve got that look in your eye,” he teased. “Thinking of recruiting already?”

Sujin Kim, leader of Stray Dogs, smirked but kept his gaze on Liu. “Maybe. We’ll see.”

The song came to an electrifying end, and Liu stood breathless as the audience erupted in applause. He bowed low, his heart thudding with a mix of exhilaration and relief. As the crowd began to disperse and the adrenaline started to fade, Liu retreated backstage, collapsing onto a folding chair. He pulled off his shoes, wincing as he massaged his sore feet.

The soft rustle of footsteps caught his attention, and Liu looked up to see the tall figure from before, now standing just a few feet away. The man had a relaxed smile and an undeniable charisma.

“Hey, Liu,” Sujin called out, his voice warm and friendly. “You were incredible up there.”

“Thank you,” Liu replied, a shy smile tugging at his lips. He sat up straighter, eyes taking in the well-known idol before him. His mind raced; this was Sujin Kim, leader of Stray Dogs, one of the most popular and respected groups in the industry.

“I’m Sujin Kim,” the man introduced himself, extending a hand. Liu’s eyes widened slightly as he reached out to shake it.

“Wow... it’s an honor,” Liu said, sincerity coloring his tone. He could feel the weight of the moment, the strange blend of disbelief and excitement swirling within him.

“So, are you a solo artist?” Sujin asked, tilting his head in genuine interest. Behind him, a few other members of Stray Dogs approached, their eyes sparkling with curiosity.

“Yeah, I’ve been solo since I started. I haven’t had time to think about joining a group,” Liu admitted, a soft laugh escaping him as he brushed a strand of hair back.

Sujin’s smile widened. “Well, we’ve been keeping an eye on you. If you’re interested, we’d love for you to join Stray Dogs. What do you say?”

Liu’s eyes flickered with surprise and contemplation. The offer could change everything—his schedule, his career, the very fabric of his life. But in Sujin’s eyes, he saw a promise of camaraderie, of new challenges and triumphs shared. He looked around, taking in the supportive smiles of the other members, who seemed eager to welcome him.

With a slow, confident nod, Liu met Sujin’s gaze. “I’m in.”

The group erupted in cheers, slapping him on the back and laughing. It felt surreal, but as Liu looked around, the echoes of the cheering crowd still lingering in their ears, he knew this was only the beginning of an even greater story.

Annyeonghaseyo, yeoleobun! Welcome to my new story called K-pop For Life. Throughout the story, Liu will meet famous K-pop idols to collaborate with. But not all of them will be that easy... Sujin Kim is a well-known idol who began his journey in 2013, fictionally, and he is 20 years old in this story, along with the group members.

Thank you all for reading chapter one; chapter two will be released soon. I love you, family, and I wish you all a beautiful week filled with love, kindness, and happiness. Stay blessed and safe. 💜

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***