By the time the concert started, the group had already broken several records. The video for their latest song had gone viral overnight, and fans had streamed it a million times. If only I had stanned them years ago—now their fanbase was global. Would they dominate the charts again tomorrow? The stage was flawless, the dance rehearsed to perfection. They must have prepared for this comeback for months. Had they always been this successful? The K-pop phenomenon had taken over the music industry. I wish I could be part of their fandom, but some fans were too obsessed. If the culture were less toxic, more people would stan them. She had become a phenomenon without even trying. By tomorrow, their album will have streamed enough to break more records. The group had succeeded where others failed. Would they stay on top for long? I can't imagine the industry without them now.
Minji's Hard Work Pays Off
English
Minji had been a trainee under the company for years before her debut. She struggled to master the rigorous choreography of her subunit’s first performance. If only she had practiced more, she might have been promoted earlier. Now, as an idol, she wished her fans would remember her hard work. Did they know how much she had sacrificed?
At the concert, the fanbase was supportive, waving lightsticks and chanting her name. Many had memorized every move. She asked herself, "Would they still be here if I weren’t their bias?" The system was tough, but she must keep going. If she had given up, she wouldn’t be standing here now.
Her favorite moment was when a fan told her, "You should be proud." The idols had gained so much, yet the pressure never faded. She wondered, "Have I really mastered this life?" The concept was clear—work hard, bring joy. But sometimes, she wished things were easier.
By the time the concert ended, the crowd’s energy had filled her with hope. They must have practiced for weeks. If only she could thank each one. Next time, she would wave her lightstick back—just for them.
Leaked concert ruined celebration
English
The concert was supposed to be their first win celebration, but everything went wrong. By the time the fans arrived, the music had already leaked online. Someone must have hacked the vlive broadcast—photos and messages were everywhere. The idol group was devastated. If only their team had checked the security logs earlier. Had they been more careful, the scandal wouldn’t have happened.
She wished she hadn’t subscribed to that fan page. Now, she couldn’t attend the concert. Would they still win? The organizers should have protected the project better. If the leak hadn’t happened, the fans would be celebrating now, not stuck in a bubble of rumors.
The members had been so excited. They had won, but the moment was gone. Someone had leaked the concept photos before the show. Should they have kept everything private? I would rather they had waited to announce the win. Now, the scandal was all anyone talked about.
If the company had organized tighter security, the music wouldn’t be online. The fans couldn’t believe it. "We must have been involved somehow," one said. The idol looked at the leaked photos and sighed. If only they had celebrated sooner.
Sample flashcards 20
imboni ye-K-pop→the K-pop industry
ukubusa amashadi→to dominate the charts
Imboni ye-K-pop ibilokhu ibusa amashadi iminyaka.→The K-pop industry has dominated the charts for years.
isenzo somhlaba wonke→a global phenomenon
Ingabe i-K-pop isiphenduke isenzo somhlaba wonke?→Has K-pop become a global phenomenon?
I-K-pop ayizange ibe yisenzo somhlaba wonke njalo.→K-pop hasn't always been a global phenomenon.
ukuba umlandeli weqembu→to stan a group
ukucabanga ngokweqile→to be obsessed with
Kumele abe ecabanga ngokweqile ngalelo qembu le-K-pop.→She must have been obsessed with that K-pop group.
Akakwazanga ukuba umlandeli walelo qembu isikhathi eside.→He can't have stanned that group for long.
amasiko abalandeli→the fandom culture
Kungaba ngcono uma amasiko abalandeli engatoxi kakhulu.→If only the fandom culture were less toxic.
Ngingathanda ukuthi amasiko abalandeli abandakanye abantu abaningi.→I wish the fandom culture were more inclusive.
ukusakaza amavidiyo omculo→to stream music videos
Bazobe besakaze ividiyo yomculo izikhathi eziyizigidi ngomuso.→They will have streamed the music video a million times by tomorrow.
Ngesikhathi umculo uqala, abalandeli ngeke bayeke ukusakaza ividiyo.→By the time the concert starts, fans won't have stopped streaming the video.
istage yokubuya→the comeback stage
Ingabe iqembu belilungiselele ngokwanele istage yokubuya?→Had the group prepared enough for the comeback stage?
Ukube iqembu belizilolonge kakhudlwana, istage yokubuya ibingeke ibe namaphutha.→If the group had rehearsed more, the comeback stage would have been flawless.
ukusakazeka ngokushesha→to go viral
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