19: Shen Li (Kang Park-Min post)

Min agreed with Shen’s assessment of the ‘story’ version.
“The main question for me was why did they bother doing it. None of us really got it, or liked it. But the company wanted it so we did it. No was not an option. Hyun Woo got so sick eating that canned fruit. Ha Young was thought to have a drug problem because he collapsed in the video. Tae Soon sat in that bath for ages. Of course none of the guys could cry on demand so they had to use eye droppers on us for the tears. They looked so phoney. There’s a daylight version of the rooftop choreography and we had to be so precise in our moves so that they could cut between the two. The camera moves were computer controlled and we had to do them both so many times.”
It was a nice day today and they were touring the grounds now.
“I didn’t want to give it up. It was what I really wanted. But from day one the management company was criminal. Three of the guys got replaced after they filed suit against the company for violations of our contracts, for abuse, assault, and extortion. And because we were under the control of the company our families were forced to counter sue for spreading false information.
“We all knew the abuse and assault allegations were true, but the management were in control. The fans were great, I loved the fans. If anyone exploited our fame it was the managers, they did it to all of their groups. This was our big chance…”
Min got a little choke in his throat but collected himself quite well before continuing. “And you only get one chance like that. The guys were great to me because I was the baby of the group. They protected me, it was like having a load of big brothers. I am still in touch with most of them. But when one of our managers attempted to molest me, I punched him so hard the guy went through the drywall. That was my telekinetic powers waking up. But the group was already falling apart, I see Aces was doomed from the outset.
“I would have loved to have had a singing career.”
He shrugged and was quiet for a while.
“I play video games and guitar, not sure which is best though. A small group of fans sent us animated Aces singing, it was really good. I don’t think I have that though. I am not really into sports, I do really hard dancercise everyday though.”