A Failed Idol’s Rise to Bottom

Description

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In the early days of my debut as an idol, due to my pretty face, I had to play the role of a ‘bottom’ in the coupling fans had pushed.

But because I resented such an image, I attempted to change it by growing out a beard, tanning, and even packing on muscles.

As a result of my transformation, an irreversible loss of fandom began…

Shocked by my appearance from cute to muscular, fans stopped their fanaticism one by one, and as if on queue, other members of our group, U-PITE, acted similarly foolish one after another as the group broke down.

Five years later, I spend my days in regret having not accepted my role as a ‘bottom’ and wishing if I could go back to the past, I would be exactly what fans had wanted me to be.

Then one day, as I had wished, I inexplicably returned to my early debut days…

Now all I wished for was happiness! As such, I had vowed to become the ‘bottom’ of U-PITE in earnest and walk only on the path of success.

However, a problem had arisen. The other members seemed to have fallen for my ‘bottom’ act.

Associated Names
One entry per line
망돌의 공식 수가 되겠습니다
Related Series
N/A
Recommendations
Debut or Die (3)
The Trashy PD Has To Survive as an Idol (1)
Genius Idol’s Strategy to Conquer the Entertainment Industry (1)
The Malicious Member is Back! (1)
Hard Mode Idol (1)
Recommendation Lists
  1. TBR (WIPs)
  2. Korean BL Webnovel [my favorite]
  3. Male Idol Novels
  4. Idol and actor novels
  5. Idol series

Latest Release

Date Group Release
06/02/23 Tamago c87
05/16/23 Tamago c86
05/06/23 Tamago c85
05/01/23 Tamago c84
04/28/23 Tamago c83
04/21/23 Tamago c82
04/14/23 Tamago c81
04/07/23 Tamago c80
04/06/23 Tamago c79
04/03/23 Tamago c78
03/31/23 Tamago c77
03/20/23 Tamago c76
03/19/23 Tamago c75
03/08/23 Tamago c74
03/06/23 Tamago c73
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Review
18 Reviews


Cassondreya
Cassondreya
Jun 08, 2022
Status: c2
I had to stop because of the really toxic undertone of "shut up and just please everybody else regardless of your own wishes."

... more>>
Spoiler

So it's basically the synopsis but the MC was uncomfortable with how he was only valued for his pretty face and being portrayed as a coupling with another member and as a bottom. And he wanted to change that image because he didn't like that, which is understandable, even more so when he can sing and dance just as well as the other members but isn't he valued for that at all. But no one likes him changing his image and he was criticized (by his fans and his agency) for changing himself to be something he desired and his career plummets and then he ends up working a dead end job. He thinks if given the chance, he'd be whatever anyone tells him to be just so he could still have a bright future and a career. Now this feels super manipulative because he's an orphan and because he also went into training at a young age, he wasn't able to finish middle school and had to drop out of high school because he couldn't keep up. So outside of the agency that took him in and trained him, he basically had no other option for a career or future because he wasn't provided a proper education. And then when he does debut he's forced to play couple with different members of his group and he doesn't like that image, but he will do it this time around if it means he'll have a career. I know him becoming more manly wasn't the sole reason for his groups downfall. But the fact that he has to pretend to be something he's not, which wasn't something he was originally okay with, simply to have the only career possible for him, just doesn't sit right with me. It promotes the message to sacrifice your happiness and desires to make everyone else accept you which is not healthy..

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Shadowminion
Shadowminion
Nov 03, 2022
Status: c21
I'm on the fence because I agree that people shouldn't be pushed into conforming to other's expectations. Especially sexually, that just sounds super sketch. HOWEVER. There is something to be said about the obligations of idols.

Don't get me wrong, I agree it's distasteful as a whole. However, idol talents are scouted by virtue of their image, and that image includes conforming to a certain stereotype. You're literally selling that image. You cultivate it, adjust it so that it gets hot, and then you continue propagating to the fans' desires. That... more>> is exactly the entire purpose of the idol business industry.

That's why most of these contracts have terms like 'the talent should not drastically change their image or be associated with unsavoury influences during the term of contract'. Because one of the big bucks comes from things like sponsorships and being brand ambassadors. Changing your image means changing the brand's image. That's a BREACH OF CONTRACT.

Even if there is an ethical component, I would say that the MC acted more unethically because he was, essentially, being unprofessional. Yes, he was young and wilful. But you don't get to be young and wilful and also cost the company what could be millions in potential business. You were set up in a very potentially successful idol group and the investment costs were most likely massive. And you smashed it all because you didn't like your image. You didn't consult the company, you didn't make a plan, you simply rejected everyone and started doing your own thing.

The obligation to maintain your image as an idol notwithstanding, you didn't even bother working with your teammates. That's a horrible work ethic. You're not even taking your so-called dream job seriously! On top of that, you despised the efforts of your agent, who didn't force you to do anything but strongly recommended you not take the path. Wow, look, you know it's actually perfectly within the company's rights to sue you for damages yes? And your agent isn't trying to stomp on your masculinity but maintain the very aspect of you that qualified to be an idol.

Maybe it's the perspective of a working adult, but the idol business has always been something that fluctuates. I'm not saying he can't pursue his desired image of a macho man at all, but he could have discussed with the company and said he wished to pursue it and plan out how he can change said image. As a youth, obviously he can sell the cute factor, but as he grows, they could gradually shape it into a 'cute boy grows into hunky man' story and THEN let him be a successful idol with the image he wanted. When you're successful you can do whatever you want. When you're not, you simply can't afford it!

Of course, since this is just a story and one about BL harem of all things, I don't really think it's necessary to push the point too far, but that's my stand on the 'pressuring MC to be bottom-y' issue from a work perspective. This excludes the weird 'my image is bottom I must be sexually a bottom' thing which is just... no. That's sexually coercive and a total red flag. We're selling stereotype images, not actual asses. <<less
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poyopoyo
poyopoyo
Aug 06, 2022
Status: --
the writing style feels a bit childish and cringe-y ngl like holy sh*t they're really pushing this whole "MC is a twinky mcbottom uwu owo prettier than a woman" thing huh 💀💀💀

and ik it's literally the plot of this novel but im so uncomfortable with how they made it seem like MC's dislike/ refusal to be a """bottom""" is the main crux of their group's disbandment when other members got into even wooorse scandals (s*x and drugs) like??? Even in chapter 1 the girls shamed him for not using his... more>> pretty face and just accept it like okaydamn ig idols are just fodders for your RPF instead of singers/dancers. Sorry but this reeks of crazy shippers/fujo fantasies <<less
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Rr0517032
Rr0517032
Jun 02, 2022
Status: c12
This novels interactions are really cute, though I dont like how this is obviously catering to cishet girls and the fetishziation of mlm in this novel. If youre looking for a lighthearted novel to spend your free time reading, this is it. Overall supper cute from what I have read and the translations is good too, hope the author n translator work hard, I look forward to the next chapters 😼
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Fort de Knox
Fort de Knox
Dec 22, 2022
Status: --
Just want to add something since some people seems to take it for given that idol need to have certain look. I know one group from South Korea, Super Junior. Their member, Siwon, grew beard and is also muscular but it was never reason for them to disband. Their member Donghae is a maniac gym goers, but it was also never a reason for them to disband. Their member shindong is overweight, even from debut, usually weighing over 100kg, but never caused them to disband. I just want to say,... more>> no matter what kind of appearance the MC have, it's not his fault that the group disbanded. I'm taking Super Junior as an example since they've been active for a long time and is still releasing album.

Another example I want to tell is the member Yesung, who always go on crazy diet of one biscuit a day during comeback. He wants to look good, handsome, although part of it is for his fans, ultimately he did it for himself. Because he prided himself in maintaining his beauty over the years.

Another example I want to tell is BTOB Peniel, who shaved his head, because of the stress caused him to lose his hair, so he just shaved all of them to make it easier.

I think it's never right to force someone to look certain way, just because they're an idol. It's not like everyone likes the same type of people right? It's not like everyone likes only the slender, fresh meat type. But yeah actually I just came for the snu snu so don't think deep about it <<less
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izhov
izhov
Jun 04, 2022
Status: c15
I really enjoyed reading this novel, if you're looking for a fluff then I recommend this for you. So far, the MC is dense and not realizing that they like him. This is so good to read. The MC and the other members has cute interactions. Looking forward to next chapters~

... more>>
Spoiler

I'm not sure who is the ML but the tags says it's a harem and so far, there's only his group members Hansol, Igyeom, Taewon and Yuchan. I like how they're jealous of each other and MC is just brushing it off (well, as I said, he's dense)

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thepowerofjuly
thepowerofju
Jun 02, 2022
Status: c12
So far I have enjoyed this novel, the MC is the cute but clueless type that accidentally causes heart attacks all around. The interaction between the MC and the other idol members is interesting, especially since when reading you can practically hear their minds crack whenever the MC sells cuteness.
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RottenWoman1864
RottenWoman1
Nov 12, 2022
Status: c38
This is so goooood! I just finished the latest chapter at only half-day's time, so I want everyone to know just how good it was. It's worth it, you'll definitely like it if you're like me (look at my username:)
8 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
LoveSweets
LoveSweets
Jun 02, 2023
Status: Completed
I'm here looking for harem, sweet stuff and that's what I got. If you already read the description in NU, it really depicts the story content. The synopsis already give away what the story is, really. The story focused in MC interactions with other characters, the characters crush for MC, the rivalry. There's no complicated plot, dark stuff of entertainment (except for just some saying of things in pastlife). idk if this is included in dark stuff (it's not dark tho in this story) but just as a warning [about the CEO]

Spoiler

so it is said that their company is not a big company. The ceo likes MC, he doesn't do anything different from other ML (kiss, cherishing MC). But his ceo position makes me a little bit uncomfortable

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Pure fluff and MLs pampering, loving, cherishing MC. The steamy part is also good, kinda sad it's not 19+ lol.

My only complaints is I feel the ending is too soon lol and sometimes it takes one whole chapter just for the lyric+fan's comments.

Will there be a final ML?

Spoiler

No, there's no final ML. It ended harem but still in a little bit of rivalry situation, that's why I don't expect author ends it in that situation.

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5 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Starlight Stream
Starlight St
Oct 01, 2022
Status: c21
Hehe, I really love how air-headed the MC is. The conversation and comedy is really good from my perspective that I ended up laughing. But please read with caution that it’s purely of fiction and enjoy it light heartedly.
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Doctor_Lawyer
Doctor_Lawye
Aug 31, 2022
Status: --
After going in reading the reviews first, I was expecting it to be worse than it was.

... more>>
Spoiler

The MC makes the decision to change his physical appearance because he's being shipped as the bottom in the pairings, like the description says, but from reading the story it seemed it was more that he decided to go against his "pretty boy" image.

He starts gaining muscle and grows a beard, where as in the story it specifically states that he was chosen to join the group based on his more delicate appearance.

Its also not the only reason the band breaks up, but from a reasonable standpoint it makes sense that he would lose fans if he changed his image all of a sudden, since the story makes it pretty clear that's what his fans seem to be there for.

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Overall fluffy, its not very deep and doesn't linger on the sad very long, with a dense harem protagonist. <<less
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luithereader
luithereader
Apr 30, 2023
Status: Completed
It was not bad overall, got a little boring towards the end but otherwise, a lighthearted read with doses of flirting and kisses. I would imagine that this is what fanfics look like so was an interesting POV, give it a try 👍
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Wintercreeper
Wintercreepe
Nov 11, 2022
Status: c21
I agree that it's a rather childish, juvenile story, but for a Korean novel it's surprisingly one of the better ones.
The writing style is at a decent average level, there aren't weird POV shifts or switching tenses, it's pretty standard first-person-view with the right amount of introspection and descriptive content.

For me the whole bottom-business was handled well enough, MC consciously decides to go through with it and gives it his all, he's naive and thoughtless, which leads to the MLs misunderstanding his intentions.
He wanted to act his role... more>> well and ended up overdoing it, his awareness just isn't great and his IQ is lacking in the face of his ambitions.
Being an idol is a job, keeping his image part of said job, no one expected from him to actually be gay, he did that all by himself, so I don't see any problem with it.

What annoys me is, that too many chapters are wasted on online comments.
An entertainment story can be written without this kind of lazy word-count cheating, many novels have done so, it's exhausting to have to read over these endless passages that add very little to the story, if anything at all.

Characterisation is fine, relationships are fine, there's nothing to be super dissatisfied with if you are into idol-stories because most of it is in fact just about being an idol, fan reception, marketing yourself, etc.

That's really my main point, if you don't like idols/K-pop then you likely won't enjoy this novel, I don't give a damn about either and would have dropped this much sooner if the overall quality would have been as low as most KH novels. <<less
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ILikeHappyStuff
ILikeHappySt
Dec 11, 2023
Status: --
the premise was good and for the first few chapters it was also similarly good.

but I dont know if it just so happened to coincide with the translation's quality dropping, but everything gets annoying really quickly. to summarize everything; it has wattpad level writing.

the limit of cliche and cringe I can tolerate is really high since I read this anticipating the 'harem caused by misunderstandings' trope it would have. but... the problem is that the MC is way too clueless.

he has sufficient IQ when it comes to showing fan service... more>> to please their fans. but for someone so bent on acting like a bottom, he has zero awareness about the implications of him flirting. he justifies it being a joke, and ig I can somewhat tolerate it with the other members that he didnt know were gay. but for him to act so cluelessly even towards the member he himself knew was gay... it just hurt my head. he throws out I like yous and I love yous like theyre unlimited giveaways.

the whole director thing also irked me to no end. they met when sugyeom was just a minor, so the director who was in his late 30s acting like this was instantly a red flag.

the misunderstandings were ridiculous, the MCs s*upidity is ridiculous, the whole thing is ridiculous. it just got frustrating to read, and the translation didnt exactly help either <<less
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ReaderShade
ReaderShade
Jul 28, 2023
Status: c87
Fluffy air-headed MC.

It made for a good light read, although the situation is a bit strange at the moment. I hope the translations continue ಥ⁠_⁠ಥ It feels incomplete at the moment and I wanted to find out more of the reasons for past/future actions of people.

As the story went on it got somewhat stale or drawn out in quality. Hopefully, it's just the translations and the Author wants to continue the story.
0 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Chiqqz
Chiqqz
Feb 14, 2023
Status: c49
Hmm it's just a simple storyfor where im at? I mean the prologue was a weird start that's for sure. The translation aren't that bad. It might just be me who's totally confused as to what's going on lmfao. I'm not going to continue reading this atm but ig you have free time maybe read a couple chapters it's not that bad.
0 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Lllll
Lllll
Nov 03, 2022
Status: c21
Love it love it love it. Puré fluff. The only issue is that the pacing is a bit weird, and so fa it doesn't really feel like there's been any progreso. And the new translation isn't as clear but is still defenetñy understandable.
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ryuskkk
ryuskkk
Oct 08, 2022
Status: --
Overall fluffy.

Spoiler

MC is.. Slighty dumb but he can covers it with money in the past, not sure about current but I guess the plot will help somehow.

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Waiting for more chapters to be translated, good work
0 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
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