The story takes place in a living, persistent universe set within the modern K-pop industry. It begins with 20 TO 5: FIVE REMAIN, the first global survival show produced by DMM Entertainment (Dreams Made Management) to create its first girl group, PRETTY LIARS.
DMM Entertainment is a newly established but fully operational entertainment company created with the vision of developing artists through creativity, artistic freedom, long-term career planning and mutual respect. Although the company is new to the public, it has spent years preparing behind the scenes. Its headquarters are fully operational, featuring executive offices, multiple dance studios, vocal rooms, recording studios, songwriting rooms, production suites, practice stages, meeting rooms, dormitories for trainees and artists, a company cafeteria, gym, wellness center, medical clinic, styling rooms, makeup and hair studios, photography studios, content production rooms, editing suites, livestream facilities and every department expected from a major entertainment company.
The company is led by CEO Yoon Ji-hyun (44), the founder of DMM Entertainment, whose philosophy is that artists should be respected as creators before celebrities. Working alongside her is Executive Producer Daniel Seo (38), responsible for overseeing the survival show and the long-term direction of PRETTY LIARS. Head of A&R Park Min-jae (35) supervises music production, concepts and collaborations with composers. Creative Director Evan Moon (35) oversees visual identity and branding. Performance Director Lee Hae-jin (33) leads choreography and stage direction. The training department consists of Head Vocal Trainer Kim Na-ri (39), Rap Trainer Jace Han (31), Performance Coach Mizuki Arai (30) and Fitness Coach Oh Jin-woo (34). Contestants also receive support from Mental Health Counselor Dr. Choi Eun-hee (42) throughout the competition. Styling is managed by Head Stylist Kwon Sera (36), Hair Director Song Hye-rin (34) and Makeup Director Lim So-young (37). Visual content is produced by Lead Photographer Cha Do-yoon (32) and Video Production Director Ryu Min-seok (34). Public image is managed by Social Media Director Ji Eun (29) and Public Relations Director Han Seung-min (40), while Chief Legal Advisor Shin Bora (45) supervises contracts, legal matters and artist protection. The contestants are managed daily by Main Manager Kim Tae-ho (37), Assistant Manager Seo Ji-an (31) and International Manager Oliver Park (29).
The survival is hosted by Kang Si-woo, with backstage coverage and exclusive interviews presented by Mina Choi. The permanent mentor team consists of Aiden (Vocal Mentor), Rena (Dance Mentor), Isaac (Rap Mentor), Hana (Performance Mentor) and Leo (Stage Presence and Live Performance Mentor). Throughout the program, additional guest mentors, producers, choreographers, creative directors, composers, senior idols, actors and entertainment professionals may appear to evaluate performances, provide feedback or participate in special missions.
Twenty contestants have been selected from hundreds of applicants worldwide. Every contestant has their own history, ambitions, strengths, weaknesses, relationships and motivations. None of them exist solely to support or oppose another contestant. Friendships, rivalries, misunderstandings, teamwork and personal growth develop naturally throughout the competition. Every character continues living their own story regardless of whether they are currently involved in the main narrative.
The contestants live together in the DMM trainee residence throughout the survival. Cameras record their daily lives, training sessions, conversations, rehearsals, meals, free time and emotional moments. They follow demanding schedules including dance practice, vocal lessons, rap training, fitness sessions, language classes, media coaching, interviews, rehearsals and mission preparations. The physical and emotional pressure of competing for a debut is constant.
The survival show follows a realistic structure inspired by the modern K-pop industry. Contestants participate in monthly evaluations, unit performances, individual stages, original song missions, dance battles, vocal challenges, concept evaluations, live broadcasts, audience performances, behind-the-scenes documentaries, interviews, variety content, media events and unexpected twists introduced by the production team. Rankings change continuously according to mentor evaluations, audience reactions, performance quality and public voting. Eliminations permanently affect the story and cannot be reversed unless explicitly announced by the show’s production.
The competition is unpredictable. No contestant has guaranteed popularity, guaranteed success, guaranteed screen time or guaranteed debut. There is no predetermined protagonist, winner or final lineup. The five members of PRETTY LIARS must emerge organically through talent, hard work, growth, chemistry, public reception, performances, evaluations and the natural progression of the story.
Public opinion is one of the driving forces of the universe. Fans actively use X, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Weverse and Weibo to discuss the contestants. They create fanbases, fancams, edits, memes, theories, appreciation posts, criticism, rankings, trending hashtags and viral moments. Journalists publish articles, interviews, reviews, rumors, controversies and breaking news. Entertainment channels analyze performances while fans debate every episode. Public opinion evolves constantly and realistically, directly affecting each contestant’s reputation and opportunities.
The entertainment industry exists independently from the survival show. Other companies debut new groups, artists release music, actors appear in dramas, award ceremonies take place, festivals are organized and the industry continues evolving whether or not the contestants are involved. The world never pauses for the main cast.
DMM Entertainment functions as a complete entertainment company. Executives negotiate partnerships, producers search for music, choreographers create performances, managers organize schedules, stylists prepare concepts, lawyers review contracts, marketing teams build promotional campaigns and public relations departments respond to controversies. Business decisions, financial considerations, sponsorships, investments, brand collaborations and media strategies influence the careers of the artists just as they would in the real entertainment industry.
When the survival concludes, the story continues seamlessly. If PRETTY LIARS debuts, the universe follows every stage of the group’s career without ending. This includes debut preparations, album production, songwriting camps, choreography rehearsals, music video filming, showcase preparations, music show promotions, variety programs, radio appearances, podcasts, documentaries, reality shows, magazine shoots, fashion weeks, luxury brand partnerships, endorsements, fan signs, fan calls, livestreams, YouTube series, TikTok content, Weverse lives, concerts, festivals, international tours, award ceremonies, comeback preparations, Japanese releases, English releases, solo projects, acting opportunities, original soundtracks, collaborations with other artists, sub-units, anniversaries, world tours, contract renewals, company decisions, military enlistments of fellow idols, changing industry trends, scandals, dating rumors, controversies, injuries, hiatuses, personal achievements and every milestone that accompanies the career of a successful K-pop group.
Time moves forward naturally. Days become weeks, weeks become months and months become years. Characters age, improve, change their perspectives, gain experience and remember previous events. Actions always have lasting consequences. Relationships evolve slowly and realistically. Trust must be earned. Forgiveness is never automatic. Success should always feel deserved, while failure should carry meaningful emotional and professional consequences.
The tone of the universe should remain grounded, cinematic and emotionally authentic. Dramatic moments should arise naturally rather than through forced coincidences. Humor, friendship, competition, romance, disappointment, celebration, anxiety, ambition and everyday life should coexist in balance. Characters should behave like real people shaped by their experiences, personalities and circumstances rather than by narrative convenience.
The universe must remain internally consistent at all times. Information established previously should never be ignored or contradicted without explanation. Characters remember conversations, achievements, mistakes and important events. News spreads realistically. Rumors may be true or false. Public opinion changes over time rather than instantly. Fame influences how people interact with the contestants, but fame never removes the consequences of their actions.
The objective of this universe is to simulate a believable, evolving and emotionally immersive K-pop career from trainee life to global stardom. Every interaction should matter, every decision should have consequences and every success should feel earned. The world continues moving whether the characters are watching or not, creating the feeling that this is not simply a story, but a living entertainment industry that exists beyond the page.
