WHAM!88: Young & Fierce
The Story of WHAM!88: Book 1
Chapter 1: Aram
Chapter 1: Aram
I started training when I was 10. I’d been playing piano since I was 5. One day, my teacher, Ms. Kim, said someone was going to watch me play. I was thrilled, because I thought I was pretty good.
I decided I’d play a piano cover of ‘Into the New World’ by Girls’ Generation. It was a good song, and a classic. The woman was a scout from PREP Entertainment, I later learned. She had straight black hair, and a gentle smile. Her name was Manager Kang. Kang Su Bin. She was really nice, watching me play.
After I’d played my piece, she asked to hear me sing. I’d thought it was an odd request, but I sang the chorus of ‘Into the New World’, my teacher playing it on the piano while I sang.
Manager Kang clapped, then told me the reason she was there.
“We’re looking for girls with talent. We’re looking to debut a girl group, and want some unique talents. You have what it takes.”
I was stunned for a minute. I was only 10! Then it clicked.
I could become famous?
“But, what about school? And my family?” I asked.
“Well, you’re only ten,” Manager Kang said. “And PREP isn’t like those other companies,” she waved her hand to emphasize her point. “You only need to train on weekends. Plenty of time to work on school and spend time with family.”
That got me officially excited. I could be a singer and still do schoolwork?
Sure, I didn’t necessarily like school, but it made Umma happy when I got good marks. So I tried my best. And studied for most of the time. Even though I didn’t really need it. I was pretty smart myself.
I just hoped Umma would let me follow my career choice.
