"Ladies, introduce yourselves to the audience."

The host, Park Seungsik, is hard to decipher. Behind his hair pulled back with a ton of gel, his pompous intonation and the plastic posture that makes him look like Ken, he hides his clear lack of enthusiasm. He doesn't seem to like the show.

Yet, he's said to be paid up to two billion wons a year. I'm sure his agents must've told him to take this project while awaiting better offers he can bargain a lot more for. It's not like he's being punished, though: he's the channel's top main host, but he has been inactive for a year and a half. He must've expected a far better return from his hiatus.

Enough about him, though. It's time for us girls to introduce ourselves. I wait patiently for my turn as I'm the third last in order to be called. I try to prepare myself mentally, knowing I'll fumble somehow, but there's so little time to do so.

I have no other choice than improvise.

"Contestant #8, introduce yourself."

"My name is Cha Saesom, I just turned 26 on January 19..." I hesitate. I already feel eyes on me. "I'm from Dalseong-gun, Daegu. I live with my parents and younger sister-"

I hear snickers and bolsterous laughter from the audience. I should've seen it coming. It doesn't look like they take me seriously enough. Is it because of my pimples? Or the lack of make-up?

Seungsik adds more fuel to the fire as he comments, "So, the producers have read your profile. 167 cm. Above average height, a little. Blood type, AB. You don't seem to be a people's person, are you?"

I try to weasel out of a potential poor figure by answering, "Oh, well, I took an MBTI test last week and the result I got is ISTP, so, yeah, I think I'm an introvert." I fake a grin in an attempt to hide my desperation. "Well, I don't know much about MBTI affinity, so I hope we can all get along and be friends, right?"

"But this is a contest, do you know?"

"I know, I know. But, a contest doesn't mean we all throw knives at each other. I still think mutual respect is important, and I guess everyone can agree with me." Okay, I'm dead wrong. Nearly all my competitors are shaking their head. Now they'll see me as a weakling and not worthy enough to be a contender for the final prize.

Hopefully, the next question can salvage the situation. "What's your favorite color?"

"White."

"You do give me the vibes of someone liking white, like snow, salt, sugar..." The host hesitates. I'm sure he's biting his tongue to keep himself from commenting on my skin tone.

Too bad I can overhear an assistant cameraman snicker behind his back. "Or like her skin tone." It's not loud enough for the audience to hear, but I can recognize that voice. I have to change my attitude. I'm not here to be anyone's punching bag.

"Oh, thank you. But I guess you also meant 'porcelain doll,' or something like that. Well, yes. In fact, I do like dolls. I have, like, thirty at home. I remember that, when we were kids, my sister and I-"

"Okay, okay, it seems interesting, but time's limited." Seungsik might be annoying, but he has a point. "One last question. Why do you want to win Turning Point so bad?"

"Because I have a dream, and I think this is the perfect place to make it true."

"What is it?" Damn, how can he be so impatient? Can't he let me revel in my aspirations a little bit more?

At this point, I rush the answer. "I want to be an idol. I've loved performing since I was a child. It all started when-"

He cuts me off again. "Next! Contestant #9, it's your turn."

Realizing I've run out of chances to get to know myself better from the get go, I take my place back in line and zip my mouth, listening to the last two girls telling about themselves.

When the round of introductions is finally over, Park addresses all of us as he turns to the audience with wide gestures towards them. "Listen carefully, everyone. As you know, this is Turning Point: Road to Stardom. Our production team recruited dozens of girls from every corner of South Korea, and then selected these ten lovely ladies."

Each of us gives one another a puzzled look. Seungsik continues, "They'll face each other in ten challenges, after which they'll receive points based on both audience vote and feedback from our panelists. The contestant that, at the end, accumulates the most points over the course of the show, will be crowned the winner."

I gasp. I don't know what their idea of prize is. Hopefully it's a lot of money, so I can save a part to continue preparing for my dream and give the rest to my family. But, hey, as long as it's not a scam, I'm happy with whatever they offer.

I see a staff member handing Seungsik a trophy. It looks cheap, but the production has this talent of making things look much more precious than they are. I know, this is how things work on TV.

The host concludes, "You see it, huh? This is our trophy, but there's a lot more. You'll also win one billion won, as well as the chance to get a makeover from our partners! You'll also be able to make your wishes come true."

Oh my God, I really want that prize! I already picture myself happy, in peace and on the good path to receive accomplishment after achieving important goals.

"But, there's a catch: you don't just have to face off your competitors, you have to challenge yourselves. So, do your best and your hard work will be rewarded!" It may sound cliché, but this is the purpose of the contest. I need to grow my personal ambition and strive for success. At the same time, I don't want to change and turn into a greedy monster who's way over her head.

I can do this. I repeat myself these four words, like a mantra. I eye the audience. My confused look leaves room for determination and willpower. I'm not going to stop, not now that I'm here.

I can do this.

"Now, girls, you know the rules of the game. There's one more thing I have to mention. During the run of the show, you'll be living together in the same dorm and will share one room. This is to make sure you fully grasp the spirit of the competition." And to save money, of course. It's understandable, but it'll be cramped for sure.

There goes privacy, as well. What if some of the other girls snore? Or tend to wake up often at night? The only way to know is getting closer to them, but I guess it's not easy after we started off on the wrong foot.

"Now, girls, you can go. Follow the staff, they'll take you to the dorm. I'll see you tomorrow for the first challenge." With these words, the first live is over. Seungsik quickly dashes backstage, leaving us girls in the hands of the show's staff.

As much as I'd like to pick someone I can trust, I stick to following instructions and maintain a detached attitude. I'm sure the other girls will start opening up to me in the dorms.

That is, if they put an end to the glare show.