Chapter 4: Singing Sessions
Chin-Sun entered the rehearsal studio the next morning with a mix of excitement and nervousness. Today, she was scheduled to start her singing lessons with Ji-Yeong. Known for his stern demeanor and relentless pursuit of perfection, Ji-Yeong was not someone to take lightly. 
As she walked in, she saw Ji-Yeong already there, setting up the equipment. His expression was serious, and his brows were furrowed in concentration. He looked up briefly and gave her a curt nod.
"You're on time. Good," he said, his tone brisk.
"Good morning, Ji-Yeong oppa," Chin-Sun replied, trying to sound cheerful.
"Let's get started," Ji-Yeong said, not wasting any time.
"Singing like Min requires not just vocal ability but also emotional expression. We need to make sure you can do both."
Chin-Sun nodded, feeling a bit intimidated but determined.
"I'll do my best."
"Let's start with some vocal warm-ups," Ji-Yeong instructed, demonstrating a series of scales and exercises.
"Repeat after me."
Chin-Sun mimicked his scales, her voice shaky at first but gradually becoming steadier. Ji-Yeong's critical eye never left her, and he frequently stopped to correct her posture, breathing, and pitch.
"No, you're doing it wrong," Ji-Yeong said, stopping her midway.
"You're too tense. Relax your shoulders and take a deep breath."
Chin-Sun tried to follow his instructions, but the tension in the room made it difficult. She could feel Ji-Yeong's frustration growing, and it only made her more nervous.
"Again," Ji-Yeong commanded, his tone sharp.
They continued the exercises for what felt like hours. Ji-Yeong's constant corrections and critiques were relentless, and Chin-Sun felt her confidence wavering. Every time she made a mistake, Ji-Yeong's impatience seemed to grow.
"You're not listening," Ji-Yeong said, his voice tinged with irritation.
"You need to focus. This isn't just about hitting the right notes; it's about feeling the music."
"I'm trying," Chin-Sun replied, frustration creeping into her voice.
"But it's hard when you're always criticizing me."
Ji-Yeong's eyes narrowed.
"I'm trying to help you improve. If you can't handle a little criticism, you'll never make it."
Chin-Sun felt a flash of anger.
"It's not just a little criticism. You're being overly harsh!"
Ji-Yeong sighed, running a hand through his hair.
"Fine. Let's take a break."
Chin-Sun sat down on a nearby chair, feeling exhausted and disheartened. She knew Ji-Yeong was trying to help her, but his strict approach was making it difficult for her to focus.
After a few moments of silence, Ji-Yeong spoke again, his tone softer.
"Look, I know I'm hard on you, but it's because I want you to succeed. Min's voice is unique, and if we're going to fool the fans, you need to be perfect."
Chin-Sun looked up at him, surprised by the change in his demeanor.
"I understand. I just... I want to do my best, but it's overwhelming."
Ji-Yeong nodded.
"I get it. Let's try a different approach. Instead of focusing on the technical aspects, let's work on the emotional connection to the song. What song resonates with you?"
Chin-Sun thought for a moment.
"There's a ballad by The Prism that I love. It's called 'Eternal Stars.'"
Ji-Yeong's expression softened slightly. "Alright, let's work on that. But I want you to focus on the emotions behind the lyrics. Forget about the technicalities for now. Just feel the music."
Chin-Sun nodded, feeling a bit more at ease. Ji-Yeong played the opening notes on the piano, and she closed her eyes, letting the melody wash over her. She began to sing, focusing on the emotions the song evoked in her.
As she sang, she felt a connection to the music that she hadn't felt before. The lyrics spoke of love and longing, and she poured her heart into every note. When she finished, she opened her eyes to find Ji-Yeong watching her intently.
"That was better," he said, his tone approving. "You connected with the song. Now we need to work on blending that emotion with proper technique."
They spent the next few hours working on 'Eternal Stars.' Ji-Yeong's critiques were still frequent, but there was a noticeable shift in his approach. He was more patient, offering constructive feedback and encouragement.
"You're getting there," Ji-Yeong said after one particularly good run-through.
"Your voice has potential, Chin-Sun. You just need to trust yourself more."
Chin-Sun felt a surge of confidence at his words.
"Thank you, Ji-Yeong oppa. I'll keep working hard."
As the days passed, their lessons continued, filled with moments of tension but also with significant progress. Ji-Yeong's strictness never entirely faded, but Chin-Sun began to understand that it came from a place of wanting to help her succeed.
One evening, after a particularly grueling session, Ji-Yeong sighed and leaned back in his chair. "You're improving, Chin-Sun. I can see the hard work you're putting in."
Chin-Sun smiled, feeling a sense of accomplishment.
"Thank you. Your guidance has been really helpful."
Ji-Yeong nodded, his expression serious. "We're getting closer to where we need to be, but there's still a lot of work to do. Min's voice has a depth and richness that we need to capture."
"I'll keep practicing," Chin-Sun promised.
"I won't let you down."
Ji-Yeong's eyes softened slightly.
"I know you won't. And remember, we're all in this together. You're part of The Prism now, and we support each other."
Chin-Sun felt a warmth spread through her at his words.
"Thank you, Ji-Yeong oppa. That means a lot."
As they continued their lessons, Chin-Sun found herself looking forward to the time spent with Ji-Yeong. Despite their frequent arguments, there was a growing mutual respect and understanding between them. She began to see a different side of him, one that was deeply passionate about music and dedicated to his craft.
One day, during a particularly challenging lesson, Ji-Yeong suddenly stopped and looked at her thoughtfully.
"Chin-Sun, why did you choose 'Eternal Stars'?"
Chin-Sun hesitated, then answered honestly. "It's always been my favorite song. The lyrics and melody... they just speak to me. It's a song about hope and love, and it makes me feel connected to something bigger."
Ji-Yeong nodded, a small smile playing on his lips.
"I understand. Music has a way of reaching deep into our hearts. That's what makes it so powerful."
Chin-Sun smiled back, feeling a sense of connection with Ji-Yeong. "Thank you for understanding."
Ji-Yeong's expression turned serious again. "Remember that feeling when you sing. Let the music guide you. If you can connect with the audience the way you connect with the song, they'll believe in you."
As their lessons continued, Chin-Sun's voice grew stronger and more confident. She began to master the technical aspects of Min's singing style while maintaining the emotional depth that Ji-Yeong had emphasized.
One evening, after a long day of practice, Ji-Yeong looked at her with a rare smile. "You've come a long way, Chin-Sun. I'm proud of your progress."
Chin-Sun felt a lump in her throat at his words. "Thank you, Ji-Yeong oppa. That means a lot coming from you."
Ji-Yeong nodded, his expression warm. "Keep up the good work. We still have a lot to do, but I believe in you."
As Chin-Sun left the studio that night, she felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. Despite the challenges and the tension, she knew she was making progress. And with Ji-Yeong's guidance, she felt more confident than ever that she could pull off this impossible task.
The next morning, Chin-Sun arrived at the studio feeling more determined than ever. Ji-Yeong greeted her with his usual serious demeanor, but there was a glint of pride in his eyes.
"Today, we're going to focus on harmonizing," Ji-Yeong said, his tone brisk. "Min's voice often blends with the rest of the group, and you need to be able to match that."
Chin-Sun nodded, ready for the challenge. They began with basic harmonies, Ji-Yeong demonstrating each part and guiding her through the process. At first, it was difficult to find the right pitch and blend her voice with his, but Ji-Yeong's patient instruction helped her improve.
"Listen to my voice and try to match the tone," Ji-Yeong advised. "It's not just about hitting the right notes; it's about blending seamlessly."
They practiced harmonizing for hours, their voices rising and falling in unison. Despite the initial struggles, Chin-Sun found herself getting better with each attempt. Ji-Yeong's constant feedback and encouragement kept her motivated.
"You're getting the hang of it," Ji-Yeong said after a particularly good session. "Now, let's try it with the rest of the group."
The other members of The Prism joined them, and they began practicing as a full group. Chin-Sun felt a surge of nerves, but Ji-Yeong's reassuring presence helped her stay focused.