Back to the studio. As expected, Park Seungsik isn't here to joke around. He wants us to capture the "true essence" of the competition while capitalizing our sufferance and the drama surrounding it to boost ratings. It's understandable; this is part of the show business, after all.

But this doesn't mean integrity remains intact. It can grow rock solid or, more likely, crumble in front of an outrageously convenient offer. This means only one thing: if I want the prize, I have to get dirty. My way, of course, but I can't just be prim and proper anymore. I have to catch the strengths and weaknesses of my competitors.

Needless to say, my thoughts are interrupted by Seungsik's loud voice echoing in the studio. "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the first challenge of Turning Point: Road to Stardom! I guess you're eager to find out what it consists of—here comes the Vocal Transformation Challenge!"

I wonder how exactly I have to interpret this first test. I've taken a lot of vocal classes for my training, focusing mostly on pop. If I stick on that, I have more chances. If, however, I'm asked to try something bolder like jazz or opera, out of my area of expertise, I doubt I'd make a great figure.

"You'll be divided in pairs and... they'll be chosen randomly!" I pray to be paired with someone vocally skilled, no matter how nice she is. As much as I'd want to avoid Boyeon or any other girl who openly displayed a poor attitude towards me, my main goal is to win. I can't afford to let personal preferences get on the way.

"A reminder that you'll be given points at the end of the challenge. Who earns the highest score, will be able to receive an advantage for the next round. Clear?" Everyone nods; then, we await for the results of pairings.

"Fate has decided. These are the pairs. You'll be assigned a song after the commercial break!" Even though Seungsik announces a break, filming isn't over. The cameramen try to catch glimpses of our reactions.

Saesong reads out loud the five pairs that are listed on the luminous billboard that's placed where Seungsik stands. "So, here we are. Mari with Saesom. Oh, I'm with Saeha. Lucky me!" She can't hide a grin when she finds out she has to work with whom she perceives as a friend. Hopefully, they focus on singing and not just on bonding.

She continues. "Hyewon with Boyeon, Daneung and Seoyoung. Last but not least, Hyanggi is paired with Daha." I hear unenthusiastic reactions from most couples. I can feel there will be a lot of fights.

Meanwhile, Mari, who has been chosen as my partner, reachs out to me. She says in her usual flat tone, "Well, we've been paired together. I want to tell you, I have never taken a vocal class in my life. I can play the drums, that's it."

I point out, "But this is a vocal challenge."

"I know, Miss Obvious." I don't like when she sneers. She doesn't seem to be a bad girl, but I wish she'd stop to pretend to be a mischievous type, and be a little more genuine.

"Well, then I assume you're more comfortable with rock, punk, metal, indie, stuff like that."

"Correct. What about you, though?"

"I'm more into pop. Well, I'm open to a lot of genres, but pop is the one I feel the most confident about." As I predicted, Mari and I are close to polar opposites when it comes to music genres. This challenge is not going to be easy for either of us.

I try to keep an optimistic mindset. "So, let's see what song we have to work on. I'm sure the result will be amazing if we work hard." Despite my attempt to keep a lighthearted environment, Mari is skeptical at my approach. We've got a lot of work to do if we want to bag this challenge.

The commercial break is over, so we all take our spots back on stage, followed by Seungsik, who restarts talking. "Ladies, now that the break is over, I can explain you the rules of the challenge. Listen carefully, because I won't repeat them again." Too bad I can't take notes or record anything—it would've been extremely useful in this mess.

"So, each pair will be assigned a popular song—you'll have to sing it in a completely different style. You can sing in the genre you desire; but, remember, it has to stray from the original as much as possible. Any questions?"

Saeha raises her hand and asks, "Can we use two or more genres?"

Seungsik hesitates before answering, "Well, nothing keeps you from doing so, but, if I were you, I wouldn't. Well, unless you and your partner are confident in what you do."

I can hear snickers around Saeha. I stay quiet because I don't want to make a scene; instead, I scan the stage to try and identify who started the taunting. My gaze turns to Boyeon and her partner, Hyewon. I wonder what they find funny right now.

The luminous board makes a noise resembling that of a siren. I suspect this means the chosen songs for this round have been picked. I don't know what criteria the production went with when choosing—they don't know much of our personalities yet. Maybe they based themselves on the vibes each of us gives.

I scan the board to find the pick for me and Mari, not even taking a look at the choices for the other pairs. I hear Mari groan. She's anything but pleased. I try to approach her to capture her reaction, but she turns her back at me. Great! Things are getting way harder now that she doesn't show any sign of cooperation.

To make matters even worse, Seungsik points out that we have only two hours to rehearse and prepare our performance. Of course, none of the other girls take it well. I can feel some will underperform because of the limited time.

As much as I'd like to complain, I don't. This is just the first challenge. The others will be way tougher. I face my fear of Mari's reaction and go head to head with her. "Listen," I say, "you might be scared or annoyed at the song choice. It might be hard to reinterpret. But we're here to win. Are you already throwing the towel?"

She snaps at me. "No way! How dare you even think I'm a quitter? You know, unnie, you're even stupider than I thought."

I've had enough of her negativity. Who does she think she is? "Excuse me? Me, stupid? Speak for yourself, Little Miss Emo!"

She approaches me, pointing the finger at me in a threatening manner. "Shut up, idiot! Don't talk to me like that ever again, or I'll make you regret it forever!" Before taking part in this show, I would've cowered in defeat and retreated myself.

I'm tired of passing off as weak, though. This young woman might be small, but her ego and aggressive nature are as big as the Lotte Tower. "Stop yapping, missy. We have to work together, whether you like it or no. So, back the fuck off!"

Of course, Seungsik has to poke his nose like every single time he senses drama. "Oh... Already a fight between contestants! Explosive! I'm sure Saesom and Mari will turn their anger into adrenaline for their performance, which will be in an hour and fifty minutes!"

Great. We've already wasted ten minutes fighting. I'd better take the lead, or else Mari and I will be doomed.