( LEE JIWON ) ⋆ so, what was your world like?

( PLANET ⋆ 2124 )

( HISTORY )

Following a sudden yet severe decline of the Hallyu wave movement, spearheaded by oversaturated ideas, reused concepts and sounds, controversy, and an overall loss in interest ( a phenomenon where oversaturation eventually stifled innovation ) the Korean pop music industry had no other option but as a whole to pause, revert, restart, and reinvent itself as a whole, as well as what the role of an idol entails.  The industry's forced pause served as a necessary retreat and opportunity for reinvention.

Comparatively, PLANET 2124, which will simply be referred to as 2124, is a far more developed reality and version of earth as we currently know it as. With the introduction of groundbreaking technologies occurring years prior to our earth's, 2124 saw the fruits of such labor in the innovation of their society. Various industries and companies hold very different standards for the production of products.

Taking a focus on the entertainment industry, you'll notice that it has a much more global spread that makes our earths reach look futile in comparison. In fact, as a whole, the music industry has moved away from regional markets while many artists primarily focusing on global releases.

By 2124, real-time translation technologies and highly advanced communication systems have bridged cultural and linguistic divides, making the concept of regional differences in media nearly obsolete. People can consume content, attend virtual concerts, or interact with idols from across the globe seamlessly. This leads to a more homogenized culture where global trends dominate, but localized nuances still find ways to thrive due to strong cultural preservation efforts in specific regions.

The means in which one may define themselves as a global musician differs. Some prefer to release music available in multiple regions of the globe, which can easily be translated due to in-ear technologies that translate in real time. Others take inspiration from around to world, opting to use global influences to fuel their global ambitions. Unfortunately, this method has been viewed as distasteful, with too many drawbacks that limit a groups success, potential, and image. ( see. cultural appropriation )

The idol industry as well has seen its fair share of global influences, for better or worse. Sonically, the best performing acts can be sorted into two categories: those who follow current trends and those who follow a signature sound. As always, there are those who dare to modify the current formulas and musical customs as a whole. These groups are seen as a breath of fresh air as the music industry continues to reshape and evolve the culture surrounding itself as a whole. This event, now known as the "Sonic Renaissance", referring to sound, not the blue creature, isn't a credited to any specific artists or groups, however a tonal shift can be observed as early as the 2020s, and wouldn't end till for the following 50 or so years.

Captureing the spirit of reinvention, where global sounds merge but also diversify, parallels to how 15th-century Renaissance breathed life into the arts and humanism after the so-called Dark Ages have been made. The music scene in 2124 becomes a collage of experimental soundscapes and refined, signature genres, driven by a constant dialogue between past and future, tradition and invention. Artists daring to deviate from the established norms become cultural architects, defining a future where music is an ever-shifting force that doesn't just entertain but challenges, provokes, encourages, and evolves.

( IDOL ⋆ CULTURE )

In the 22nd century, idol culture has metamorphosed into a complex global phenomenon, with its roots deepening far beyond mere entertainment. As global idols, these figures no longer exist solely to dazzle their audiences with performances; they are cultural ambassadors, leaders, and influencers, wielding soft power in ways that mirror the great diplomats of previous centuries.  Their actions, statements, and music often reflect their nations' stances on global issues. For example, a supergroup from Africa could promote environmental sustainability, while a Japanese idol group might focus on mental health awareness.

Despite this, the morality of such relations continuing to be discussed, as these public figures present ideals to a parasocial audience, it is without a doubt a topic that remains up in arms.

American groups, such as # took a very patriotic approach, with idols sharing country genre music as well as being a front running state for new trends. Within Africa, a supergroup has taken the world by storm, demonstrating a strong identity and commitment to African pride, traditions, and culture that resonates with listeners across the globe, regardless of background. Filipino groups grew a reputation for powerful vocal deliveries and variations of different styles and themes began to grow synonymous with idol culture, with each country of origin maintaining principles to keep their market not only the most appealing, but also the most unique.

With the introduction of global focused groups becoming an eventual mainstay, idol pioneering countries such as Japan, China, and South Korea continued to help define what an idol is meant to embody.

The role of an idol no longer pertains simply to entertainment sake, despite that still being a core factor of idolhood. Some may play crucial roles in shaping public perception, acting as spokespersons for their groups in interviews and press conferences. Others may focus on being the charismatic figure of their group, being media-trained to maintain positive fan relations and present their group in a positive light across various media formats, while some idols may focus purely on creativity, leading the way in new sounds and fashion trends, shaping global pop culture in real-time.

Idols are expected to hold various roles, thus leading to much larger groups being formed, which each member hold a different position : on the topic of positions, as trainees, most agencies contain a policy that requires all eligible trainees to select a specific branch to perform. These branches included, but are not limited to :

( ENTERTAINMENT )
⋆ ──traditional idol roles, such as vocalist, rappers, and dancers are in this category. All idols are required to be able to perform to their best in one of these categories, even if they don't specifically go into the entertainment branch. The Entertainment branch, while foundational, is just one pillar of a broader structure. What was once the entire scaffolding of idolhood—singing, dancing, performing—becomes just one skill set in a multi-layered arsenal. The other branches serve as reminders that idols are expected to transcend mere performance and embody leadership, diplomacy, and public relations. However talent, skills, and hard work truly do go a long way.

( PUBLICITY )
⋆ ──these roles primarily focus on being the public speaker of an ensemble. media literacy and comprehension are included within this branch, and more often than not, those who graduate under this branch later become leaders in their respective careers. publicity also entails being able to speak fluently, eloquently, and effectively to the public; whether it be for promotions, greetings, or even social events and political matters where a representative is required. The Publicity branch could be seen as training a new breed of orators and spokespeople. In an age where information travels faster than thought, idols must master not just the art of speaking, but the art of influence. These idols would be as comfortable delivering TED-style talks or navigating political minefields as they are on stage. Publicity-focused idols would be equipped to represent causes, engage in global debates, and speak for entire communities—bridging entertainment with social and political spheres, while fostering supportive and inclusive environments for those around them.

( PERSONALITY )
⋆ ──the personality is essentially a media training course, that ensures that trainees know how to handle a variety of issues that may occur as an idol and be able to professionally deal with and manage them. in addition, these members often have the job of keeping good fandom relations and being the personality within interviews, variety content, and other activities. The Personality branch, in contrast, focuses on a more intimate connection with the audience. Here, idols are groomed not to dazzle with rhetoric but to charm with authenticity. These are the faces of variety shows, reality content, and social media, whose every action and reaction is dissected by a public hungry for relatability, as recent trends seem to have observed. The ability to handle crises, manage controversy, and remain a beacon of stability in the ever-churning waters of internet discourse is a skill set uniquely suited to the 22nd-century idol, where virality can be both a blessing and a curse. While the complete course is not mandatory, unless a trainee decides to focus on personality, a media training course is still required.

( HUMANITY )

2124 ; a future alternate reality where humanity's eternal drive for connection, authenticity, and reinvention intertwines with unprecedented technological advancements. Globally reinventing itself, the entertainment industry stands at the forefront of these transformations, as idols, musicians, and creators navigate the delicate balance between innovation and heritage, individuality and collective identity, superficiality and self expression. In such a world, borders blur but cultural pride endures, the arts become not just a reflection of society but a force actively shaping its future. Despite it all, groups strive to build a united future, one without strife, discrimination, or pain. As that is what it means to be an idol within a 22nd century world.

( LEE JIWON ) ⋆ I see... !

( HEO DAYOUNG ) ⋆ wait, really ?!

( LEE JIWON ) ⋆ N-no... sorry, haha...

( HEO DAYOUNG ) ⋆ [ she sighs to herself, let out a halfhearted laugh ] ahh, it's fine. You're young. But I'm sure you'll grow to be a fine leader... [ dayoung looks yearningly into the sky, as if she's spotted a familiar face past the clouds and amongst the stars ] I'm sure of it.