On a beautiful night in the bustling streets of Seoul, Korea, So Jibeom walked home from a ReJoy concert. The performance had left him in awe—the way they sang, danced, and rapped with such precision and charisma. In his eyes, they were perfect. ReJoy was his escape from a mundane reality: a 24-year-old with average looks, a part-time job, and no friends or family apart from his sister who he rarely speaks too, to keep him company.
His black hair fell into his eyes as he daydreamed about what to eat for dinner. His life lacked excitement, so his mind wandered to the simple comfort of katsu curry. That was, until he spotted a little boy walking with his friend, completely unaware of a car speeding toward him at a dangerous velocity.
Time seemed to slow down. Without a second thought, Jibeom sprinted forward.
This is really the end, huh? he thought. I just wanted some curry, and now I'm about to die without ever making something of myself. I guess it won't matter once I'm gone. At least I hope the kid is okay…
Suddenly, Jibeom felt weightless. He floated above his own body, staring down at the lifeless form lying on the pavement. Everything around him began to fade into darkness.
Then, a glowing video game-like window appeared in the void.
[Authorizing User]
10%
40%
79%
What's happening? Jibeom thought frantically.
100%
[User So Jibeom Authorized]
[Idol System: Second Try! Initiated]
Jibeom jolted awake in his room, his heart pounding. The only memory that remained was the horrifying sight of his own dead body.
"Where am I?! What time is it? What day?!" He said while scrambling for his things quickly and effectively.
He grabbed his phone with shaking hands. The screen displayed the date: 2025. Not 2029. Confusion and panic surged through him as he looked around the unfamiliar-yet-familiar room.
He stumbled to the mirror and froze. Staring back at him was his 20-year-old self—more handsome, with fewer eyebags and healthier skin tone. No longer pale and exhausted.
His eyes landed on the ReJoy poster on his wall. That was when the panic truly hit.
Soft morning light filtered through the window as he tried to calm his racing thoughts. Suddenly, a translucent window materialized in front of him:
[Welcome, User So Jibeom, to Idol Second Try!]
Jibeom stared in disbelief. His older sister, So Jia, had been the one who introduced him to ReJoy. She had devoured countless manhwas and light novels with exactly this kind of premise—regression, systems, second chances. He never imagined it could actually happen.
Before he could process it further, a small white light appeared beside him and began to speak in a cheerful voice.
"Hello, User Jibeom. I am Navi, and I will guide you on your quest. You will live the life your idols do."
All Jibeom could do was yell, "What the fuuuu——"
End of Chapter 1