From Thug to Idol: Transmigrating to a Survival Show

Chapter 1008: The Greatest Acceptance Speech Of All Time



Casper was the first one to stand, shocking the other members.

Jaeyong, despite studying the algorithm for weeks before this award show, also didn't expect this.

The other artists turned to DAWN with wide eyes.

Before the winner was announced, most of them couldn't think of another group that had the most influence this year other than DAWN. However, like June's reasoning, they thought that DAWN wouldn't even be nominated because of the length of their career.

However, they had forgotten of another possibility!

Of course, EVE was the most influential group of this year!

Jia and her friends turned to each other with wide eyes. Bora, however, leaned back against her seat and nodded.

"That's what I thought," she muttered. The supporters of other artists, who were ready to fight other fans because they believed their favorite idol group deserved the award the most, became silent after the winner was announced.

"Well, I can't argue about that."

"That sounds about right. EVE was everywhere this year."

"Who's going to go up the stage, though?"

"Well, EVE is DAWN."

The staff led the members of DAWN to the stage, who were still in a state of shock.

June turned to Casper, who was looking at him with an expectant smile.

June pursed his lips. Crap! That freaking bet!

Casper practically skipped to the stage, ready to receive their award. He bowed deeply to Taehyun and Hana, who excitedly congratulated them.

Jisung and Jaeyong were sobbing at this point. It was a good thing they had already spoken about their last award because they definitely couldn't say anything about this particular one.

Sehun, who also appeared emotional, took the lead for their greeting.

The members bowed altogether, proud smiles on their faces.

Even Zeth stopped thinking about himself for a second and placed his hand over his heart.

He walked over to the microphone and smiled.

He was silent for a while before chuckling in disbelief.

"Thank you," he started off. "Honestly, that's all I can say for tonight because I really didn't expect it."

"I would have prepared something beforehand if I was slightly expectant," he added, causing the crowd to chuckle.

"Thank you so much for loving EVE, and now, for loving DAWN. You guys are the reason why we are here today," he said, ending his speech.

Sehun was the next to go. He decided to keep it short because he didn't want to end up like Jaeyong and Jisung.

"As the oldest brother of these guys, I want to say thank you," he started off. "Thank you for allowing us to continue our dreams. Thank you for making my little brothers smile."

Lena, who was watching from her bedroom along with Minjun, held back a sob. However, her son noticed and shook his head.

"Are you sure you're still not a fan of them?" he asked, but it was only met with another sob.

Minjun smirked and focused his attention back on the television.

Casper smiled widely as he stood in front of the microphone.

"You guys don't know how much this means to us," he smiled. "I want you guys to know that you're a part of something so big. While it is true that we will never ever know each and every one of you, you are still precious in our eyes."

"And I'm not saying this because it's a part of my job description," he added, making the crowd laugh once again.

Haruki clicked his tongue, crossing his arms in front of his chest. "These dudes are even good at being funny?"

"There's really nothing they can do."

One of his members nudged his side. Haruki turned to him with one eyebrow raised.

"Why? Are you jealous?" he asked.

Haruki scoffed. "If it was any other group, then I would have questioned it," he started off.

"However, it's DAWN. If there's a group that deserves it, it's them. No one can argue with that."

The other members also struggled to give their speeches, with Ren nearly breaking down. Thankfully, Zeth's teasing made him stop crying.

Now, it was time for their very last member to speak-June.

June, whom the members couldn't live without. They had a collective agreement that DAWN was June and June was DAWN. They didn't feel bitter about it at all.

It was just the truth.

Without June, their group would cease to exist.

June glanced at Casper, who still had that annoying look in his eyes.

He sighed and shook his head. He wasn't one to back down on his words, so he decided to go through with his promise.

The crowd waited for June to speak. However, his first word was something that made theNôv(el)B\\jnn

crowd go into a frenzy.

"Meow," he started off.

His members, except for Casper, were shocked-to say the least. Casper was the only one who

clapped excitedly. This was his favorite agenda!

"What is he doing?" Mei asked with wide eyes.

Jeemin burst into laughter. "Why is he the funniest idol ever?"

The crowd also began to laugh, but June wasn't done just yet.

He cleared his throat and set his embarrassment aside before saying what was on his mind.

"I never had a dream," June began.

His first statement was enough to capture everyone's attention.

"Growing up, dreams felt like luxuries-something for people with different lives. Singing and dancing were just outlets, moments that made me forget, but nothing I thought could be

in the future. And so, I didn't want to be an idol," he continued.

"That must have been obvious during the first episodes of Rising Stars."

The crowd chuckled, finding it true.

"But the thing is, the stage has a way of claiming you. It pulls you in and shows you pieces of yourself you didn't know were there. I found love in performing, even when the world felt

heavy."

"Yet, this industry isn't just about performing. There are dark days and times that made me ask why I kept going. But there was always something that pushed me forward. And that something was you. You, who cheer, who cry, who don't give up on us, even when we struggle. You, who have your own dreams, who know what it's like to fight for something that might

feel impossible."

The fans were crying now. June truly had a way with his words.

"I want you to know that being an idol isn't a special job. It's just a job, one that comes with its own share of love and, yes, even hate. But I hope that you never see K-Pop-or any of us- as your everything. We shouldn't be the center of your world. We should be the background music, the soundtrack to your moments, not the entire story. Live for yourself, find your own joy, your own path. Enjoy us when it makes you happy, not because you feel like you have to." "We perform to bring happiness, and that, in turn, makes us happy. And that's why I am standing here tonight. I have to say thank you. Thank you for letting us be part of your lives and for letting me find a dream I didn't know I had. You are our everything. You are the reason we get back up. And because of you, I can say, with all my heart, that I'm grateful."