Chapter 192
Chapter 192
First... I moved to a nearby empty conference room with the runner-up of this season’s Idol Inc., who had appeared out of nowhere.
“Thank you so much!”
“...Don’t mention it.”
No, actually, it was a situation worth being thankful for.
I had agreed to take time out of my schedule for him even though he’d asked out of the blue without a prior appointment.
And he was a junior I was meeting for the first time.
‘I only had time because this was an individual advertisement meeting.’
Otherwise, it would have been impossible.
—Ah~ Moon-dae needs to be there for the meeting to go well!
Just a moment ago, Keun Se-jin had been creating a loophole to slip away like that.
‘Well, that’s what he says. Sorry.’
The reason I didn't avoid this situation, which I could have escaped without looking bad by just throwing out a line like that, was simple.
‘It’s easier to know in advance.’
It seemed like someone had made a gesture that would definitely affect TeSTAR, and if it went through the company people first, it would surely be distorted.
‘It’s easier to back out if I hear it directly.’
Even if we were under the same company, we were competitors. There would be no moral issue even if I couldn't provide specific help to someone in the same boat.
‘Now, let’s hear it.’
...However, what came out of the junior’s mouth after the pleasantries were over was beyond my imagination.
“Our... our debut title track’s working title was ‘Magical Girl’...!”
“Pfft!”
That sound didn't come from me, but from Kim Rae-bin, who was sitting next to me. He also had time because he wasn't the one the ad meeting was for.
And if I had been drinking something, I would have made that sound too.
‘Are they insane?’
Is the person in charge over there crazy? No, maybe there’s a misunderstanding.
I barely managed to open my mouth.
“TeSTAR’s debut song, ‘Magical Boy,’ and...”
“Yes, yes! As soon as you hear it, you think of that song. The lyrics have similar parts, and the genre is similar...”
It wasn't a misunderstanding.
The junior’s face was pale.
“I’ve already seen the concept and... the outfits, and they’re so, so similar...”
“...”
“I felt like I had to tell you, so I came to find you...”
Right. I understood that part clearly.
‘He came here because he felt like we were all going to be fucked together.’
Then again, since this kid survived that Idol Inc., there was no way he came here blindly believing TeSTAR would help him.
Aren't seniors from the same agency with a two-year gap practically rivals?
However, since TeSTAR would also have a headache if this blew up, it was reasonable for him to expect us to oppose it together.
It was a rational thought. But I couldn't trust him blindly.
‘Should I dig a little deeper first?’
I could guess what the agency was thinking, but I needed to hear more about the specific situation.
But I didn't even need to probe.
Kim Rae-bin raised his hand before I could.
“May I ask a question?”
“Huh? Yes!”
I briefly considered stopping him, given his usual social skills, but I decided against it.
Kim Rae-bin was the one who had directly worked on the song "Magical Boy."
And as expected, Kim Rae-bin cut to the core.
“How similar is the song? Is it more than just having a common denominator in the concept in addition to genre similarity?”
“That... Ah!!”
The junior put both hands on the table in excitement.
“There’s something they took directly! Something that goes into the bridge for a bit!”
“Excuse me...?”
“That ‘ta-ra-ra-ra~’ melody from ‘Magical Boy’!”
“...!!”
The most iconic riff melody of "Magical Boy," the refreshing accompaniment played on the kalimba.
They took that...?
‘Wait, isn't this plagiarism?’
Even if the original composer used it, it’s a copyright issue.
As far as I knew, that sound had been modified because Kim Rae-bin added a few more chords during the arrangement process.
So Kim Rae-bin was definitely on the list of copyright holders for the composition...
“Ah, it’s sampling.”
However, Kim Rae-bin nodded calmly. The junior’s mouth fell open.
“S-sampling...”
“Yes. While unauthorized sampling has occurred frequently in the history of popular music, it is a trend that has been avoided recently...”
“Anyway, you’re saying you haven't heard anything about it.”
“Yes.”
“And it’s legally ambiguous.”
“That is correct. It depends on the degree... In fact, there are many cases where it was not recognized as a legal problem. Furthermore, since you said it was briefly included in the bridge in this case, there is a possibility it could be interpreted as an homage.”
In other words, it meant we might only be able to resolve it at the level of a moral issue driven by public opinion.
‘Come to think of it, there seem to be countless cases where they just release it first and then get permission.’
I clicked my tongue.
‘...This definitely seems like a gamble by the General Manager.’
The General Manager had already half-given up on realizing his vision through TeSTAR.
If so, it wouldn't be strange if he was prepared to use TeSTAR as nutrients for that rookie group for one big play.
‘He’s drawing aggro.’
He was using the firepower of TeSTAR’s fans in reverse.
He probably drew up a plan to touch an ambiguous line that could be brushed off as a shared universe within the same agency, absorbing even the anger of TeSTAR’s fans into public interest.
‘In other words, it’s typical noise marketing.’
The public doesn't really care that TeSTAR handled the concept and arrangement themselves.
They just take it as an image; there’s no way anyone would check the details and deduce exactly which part of the production the group participated in.
So, if that junior group produces a good song and music video and gains public recognition, public opinion might end up concluding that "TeSTAR fans were overreacting."
Like this:
And the song and concept of "Magical Boy" were already a proven hit.
‘The calculation that the response will be decent even if they only follow half of it must be underlying this.’
Once they boosted the junior group through this method, the General Manager would likely push them as the main focus.
Overall, it was a setup where only the agency would profit without much loss.
‘Since the arrows will fly at the rookie group first anyway, the burden of being criticized themselves will be less.’
And just looking at the junior’s complexion, I could tell how much of a burden this situation was for that group.
Having gone through that crazy program Idol Inc., every single member of that group must have already received a lifetime's worth of criticism.
‘But to be told to endure being a lightning rod even after debuting, it’s understandable why he’d hate it.’
However, even so, "buzz" is something that can be guaranteed after debut, yet he shows only repulsion without even hesitating.
‘Hmm.’
I spoke up again.
“Hey.”
“Yes!”
“Do you happen to have an alternative in mind?”
“Pardon?”
“I was wondering if there were other candidates besides ‘Magical Girl.’”
“...! Yes!”
As expected.
The junior’s complexion returned a bit. And a calm explanation followed.
“Actually, there’s a friend among our members who originally studied producing. That friend’s song made it to the final round as a title candidate... but it was suddenly overturned a few days ago.”
Looking at this situation alone, that was good news.
“You must want to do that song.”
“...Yes. The team leader said we could use it for the next album... but honestly, putting everything else aside, I objectively think that song is better.”
Well, the company’s strategy was decent.
They probably planned to draw a lot of aggro with the debut and then explode with self-production in the next album to skyrocket.
‘The problem is they’re using us for that.’
They probably thought, So what if TeSTAR gets a bit offended? It’s not like our contract renewal is around the corner; we still have three and a half years left.
I frowned slightly, and the junior was startled.
“Of course, ‘Magical Boy’ is a truly great masterpiece...! It’s just that our current debut song feels like a knock-off, so the original candidate is better than that...”
“Of course. I completely understand.”
It seemed he misunderstood my expression. While I smoothed out my frown, Kim Rae-bin abruptly started a conversation.
“What kind of song was the one you were originally preparing?”
“Ah, it’s a bit of a retro style... the kind of style that’s popular these days. The members and I thought it was easy to listen to and very cool!”
“If it’s retro, is it disco or synth-wave?”
“Um, I think it was synth-wave!”
“Then by any chance, the sound pack...”
The junior, who wasn't directly working on it and couldn't possibly be well-versed in all composition terminology, began to shrink at Kim Rae-bin’s questions. I had to cut him off.
“Sorry. This guy is just very passionate about music production...”
“It’s good to be passionate...! You’re amazing!”
“Ah, thank you.”
This won't do. He’s gone back to being a rookie employee.
I looked pityingly at the junior, who looked like he was about to freeze up and recite flattery, and first changed the atmosphere.
“Anyway, I clearly understand why you came to see us. You must have been worried. And disappointed.”
“Yes...”
“But as you know, it’s difficult for us to recklessly interfere in the production of another group. We’re still a new group that hasn't even reached our second anniversary. And from what I’ve heard, it’s a case that’s hard to make a legal issue out of.”
“...That’s true.”
The junior’s face darkened.
And Kim Rae-bin’s face darkened along with it. Hey, you shouldn't be like that.
‘He’s empathizing because it’s a song issue.’
I almost missed Keun Se-jin for a moment. I suppressed a sigh and continued.
“But I fully understand your discomfort. Have you tried talking to the company about this?”
“...I tried, but they wouldn't listen.”
I guess you need to prepare a presentation or something for the words of kids who haven't even debuted to carry weight.
“I see.”
Kim Rae-bin nodded vigorously, perhaps reminded of his previous agency.
“It is a sad thing. Anyone should be able to speak freely...”
Oh boy.
I stared at Kim Rae-bin without a word.
Kim Rae-bin quietly froze.
Good. Now let’s choose my words carefully.
The important thing here was not to mention that we would also be uncomfortable.
‘If TeSTAR steps forward directly to stop it, I don't know how it might be distorted later.’
It had to be a picture where the rookies themselves opposed it.
So, our role ends with advice.
I crossed my arms.
“Have you heard anything about America from the company recently?”
“A-America? ...Ah, the General Manager mentioned it a lot when I saw him.”
“I see.”
So his America-fever is still going strong. I nodded and said lightly.
“Next time there’s a high-ranking official around, why don't you let a conversation like this slip?”
“Pardon?”
“That ‘Magical Girl’ feels too traditional and like a niche taste, so it might not work in places like America.”
“...!!”
“Mention some examples of how retro is trending in America these days, so it would be very effective to catch that wave before it passes.”
“Directly??”
“No, just make sure the members have that conversation where it can be heard. Do it with the AR team staff or other company people too.”
“...”
The shock vanished from the junior’s expression, replaced by a sense of calm.
“And when the rumor has spread enough, should I meet the General Manager and tell him properly?”
‘Oh.’
His situational judgment is decent.
I gave a small nod.
“I can't be certain... but if you prepare properly, it might work. We did something similar when we debuted.”
“...”
The junior didn't answer for a while, seemingly lost in thought, but soon nodded solemnly.
“...Yes. Thank you.”
“No. I hope it helps.”
“Yes! Thank you so much for taking the time. Thank you! ...Oh, a call! Ah, I’ll see you next time, Sunbaenims!”
The junior bowed quickly and then, startled by the vibrating sound, ran out of the conference room.
‘He must have snuck out.’
Well, it’s up to them now. I shrugged and stood up.
“Rae-bin, let’s go too.”
“Yes.”
Only after standing up and tidying his chair did Kim Rae-bin ask a question with a serious face.
“Do you think the juniors’ persuasion will be successful?”
“Who knows. It’s a matter of luck and ability.”
Kim Rae-bin lowered his head and muttered in a slightly depressed tone.
“I hope it goes well.”
“Why? Are you worried the juniors will get criticized?”
“That’s part of it, but...”
Kim Rae-bin hesitated before continuing.
“I don't want them to use our debut song however they want.”
“...!!”
“Everyone worked so hard on it without even sleeping, and I don't want others to abuse that precious result... It might sound like a selfish statement, but I cared more about our group’s feelings.”
Good grief.
“It’s not selfish.”
“I-is that so?”
I chuckled.
“Yeah. I feel the same way.”
“...!”
“Who would be happy about someone plagiarizing our song just to get some attention?”
“A-as expected.”
That’s right. Even more so when it’s likely to cause damage to the group; you’d be a pushover if you just let it slide.
“And even if they don't succeed, I’m planning to work on things so it doesn't go entirely the company’s way, so don't worry too much.”
“...Yes!”
The gloom vanished from Kim Rae-bin’s face.
“But how do you plan to do it?”
Well, just laying some groundwork.
That day, as soon as I returned to the dorm before the other members, I uploaded a post on SNS with Kim Rae-bin.
=========================
Debut Production Diary
(File)
In celebration of the Amusement Park Extravaganza episode airing, I’m looking back at our beginnings. I’ll continue to work hard...
(Capture)
=========================
It was the initial and final drafts of the PPT related to the debut song that we had made to persuade the General Manager at the time of our debut.
For reference, I also attached a screenshot of the file save list from the initial draft to the final version.
Titles of all sorts of versions like ‘Real-Final,’ ‘1- (1)’ were rampant in the screenshot.
Kim Rae-bin clapped his hands.
“I see! You’ve emphasized and revealed the evidence that the arrangement, concept, and lyrics of ‘Magical Boy’ were all TeSTAR’s own production!”
“Uh... yeah.”
It sounds very grand when he puts it like that. It’s just a trick to strike first.
And just in case, I set the format to look like I posted it coincidentally because of the reality program.
To prevent people from saying "TeSTAR targeted a junior girl group" later if the company went ahead with it.
“Hyung! There are fans recommending PPT templates here too!”
“I see.”
The fans seemed to be bursting into laughter at the unusual bait of a PPT while also getting lost in memories.
I listened to Kim Rae-bin relaying those reactions while waiting for the others to return.
Since I had posted on SNS using the reality show as an excuse, I thought it would be good to take some actions related to the reality show at tomorrow’s awards ceremony as well.
‘It’s worth discussing.’
And... I also had to give a warning to the two guys with the same name.
‘Should I at least tell them not to make it obvious for no reason?’
I just saw an article.
It said that at tomorrow’s awards ceremony, VTIC would finally resume their official schedules.