Scouted??
February 10th 2012:
Time flew by as I prepared for my audition. I spent countless hours practising my dance and singing. I started writing down all the songs that I created in my past life, so I had a record and wouldn't forget them later. I worked hard at school, still missing the top spot by 2 marks. 'Damn So-Yeon' why does she have to be so good at school?
Anyway, the day for my audition finally came. I left school and headed straight for the JYP building. Upon arrival, I signed in with the lady at reception and filled out the form.
Name: Chu Jin-Ho (Lorenzo Chu)
Age: 13
Nationality: Italian/Korean
Prefered position: Center/Main Vocals/Lead Dancer
Favourite colour: Purple
Favourite food: Linguine
Extra talents:
Music composing and production
Piano, Guitar, Violin, Drums, Trumpet
Martial Arts
Cooking
Prefered group/solo, If group how many?
Group (5-7)
If offered to go solo, would you take it? Yes
If offered a group would you take it? Depends on numbers
After filling the sheet out, the receptionist gave me the number 127, I went to the bathroom and changed out of my uniform into some new urban streetwear Mainly black, with white shoes, to suit my white hair. the shirts had purple trims to match my eyes. A sense of style is also appreciated in the entertainment industry. I then made my way to the audition room, where I waited outside with hundreds of kids lined up waiting. The atmosphere was tense. Some kids were practising, some were sleeping. Many were about my age (12-14) but some were older. Eventually, the numbers dwindled to 3. I was next to go in. "Number 127, your up."
I entered the room to see a table with 5 people sitting at it. The only person I recognised was JYP, who was sat in the middle, expressionless. "The kids got a good sense of style" I heard the judge on the left mutter. "Hi, What's your name and age?" JYP asked.
I bowed and introduced myself "Lorenzo Chu, but my Korean name is Chu Jin-Ho. 14 years old Sir."
"You're very polite. You don't seem nervous either?"
"I am confident in my abilities Sir," I replied
"Good, I like that confidence. Now, will you sing or dance for us?"
"I will do both at the same time sir"
"Interesting... You may begin when you're ready."
I handed my USB to a staff, "Play track number 3 please" 2 minutes later, I was ready. I nodded to the staff member who pressed play, and 'Move" started to play. The minute my mouth opened and I began to sing, a couple of the judges gasped but quickly regained their composure. The music started to speed up, and the dancing became more intricate. I started to get into it, Singing carefully, making sure to control my breathing and stabilise my voice. Luckily, I was executing the dance moves perfectly, and gracefully. Soon the music stopped, and the room was silent. I looked up to see JYP nodding, and the other Judges with their mouths open.
"Nice job. Your dancing was professional level. Are you able to dance in more styles?"
"Yes sir" I replied to JYP.
"Excellent. Your singing was perfect, but I didn't recognise the song. Did you write it?"
"Yes, I did sir. It is an original I wrote called 'Move'."
"Wow, what talent," said one of the judges.
"Two more questions," JYP said. "First, can you rap?" "Second, do you have another song that could show off your range? I feel that you have more to show us in that regard."
"No, I'm not confident in my rapping. But I do have another song prepared that could show off my vocal range" I replied.
"Can you show us now?" JYP asks.
"With pleasure" I answer. I ask the staff to play track 6. The music starts to play. [Translated to English for benefit of readers]
Don't be sorry, that makes me more pitiful
With your pretty red lips
Please hurry, kill me and go, I'm all right
Look at me one last time
Smile like nothing's wrong
So when I miss you I can remember
So I can draw your face in my mind
My selfishness that couldn't let you go
Turned into an obsession that imprisoned you
Were you hurt because of me? You sit silently
Why am I a fool, why can't I forget you
You're already gone
Your eyes, nose, lips
Your touch that used to touch me
To the ends of your fingertips, I can still feel you
But like a burnt-out flame
Burnt and destroyed, all of our love
It hurts so much, but now I'll call you a memory
(I'll call you a memory)
I look up to see tears starting to fall from some of the judges' eyes. JYP has his eyes closed, enjoying the song.
....
Your black eyes that only saw me
Your nose that held the sweetest breath
Your lips that whispered
I love you (I love you)
I love you... I (I love you)
Your eyes (Eyes), nose (Nose), lips
Your touch that used to touch me (Touch)
To the ends of your fingertips (All)
I can still feel you (I can feel you)
But like a burnt-out flame (Oh)
Burnt and destroyed (Oh)
All of our love
It hurts so much, but now I'll call you a memory
The song fades, and the room is quiet.
"That was beautiful!" JYP states smiling at me.
"Thank you, sir. This is another original called Eyes, Nose, Lips." I feel bad, using the song I wrote with Taeyang as he sang it beautifully. But It is also a song that I loved dearly and could show off my vocals, so I had it prepared as a backup plan.
"That was great!" JYP says happily. You can head home. We will contact you within the next week or two with the result.
"Thank you," I say then I turn and leave the room, and then the building. Heading home.
Upon returning home, I am swamped by my Aunt and Uncle asking how I went. I tell them about my audition and the reactions that I got, and went straight to cooking. My uncle said that it was a good sign, them telling you to wait a week or two, as it is common to tell people to wait longer if they didn't pass, and a shorter time if they did. So he has high hopes.
A week later I am at the gym running on the treadmill when I receive a call. "Hi, is this Chu Jin-ho that I'm speaking to?"
"That is correct!"
"Hi, This is JYP of JYP Entertainment. I'm just calling to let you know about the result of your audition last week." "I'm pleased to let you know that you have passed, and I invite you to come in tomorrow or the day after so you can sign the contract."
"Thank you so much, I will see you guys soon then," I reply happily. With that, I finish up my workout and head home with a spring in my step. "Aunty, Uncle I have great news!" I yell as I walk into the house. "What is it. Did you pass?!" Aunty yells as she rushes into the hallway. "Yes, I passed and they want me to go in to sign the contract this week!"