Chapter 454
Chapter 454
Let’s consider what would happen if TeSTAR moved to LeTi.
First, the pros.
'I’ve already been there.'
I already know what kind of person the CEO is and how the planning team operates. I even went through a debut survival show there.
Even if that was a few years ago in a virtual simulation created by the system.
'I’d adapt quickly.'
And since LeTi is a large, publicly traded company, the chances of them failing to manage TeSTAR’s brand value are low.
Furthermore…
'They have no rookie boy groups.'
At least while VTIC is serving in the military, there’s a high probability that TeSTAR would receive significant investment.
'It would buy us a few years.'
With T1 Stars sinking, this seemed like a very decent option.
'If we negotiate the contract terms well, we might even be able to maintain TeSTAR’s unique color.'
However… there was one decisive problem. One that was absolutely non-negotiable.
So, in the end, there was only one answer.
After finishing these thoughts within thirty seconds, I replied immediately.
Yeah, I’m not going.
A reply came back shortly after.
Look at him.
After a short text, I picked up the incoming call.
“Sunbae-nim.”
— Hoobae-nim.
It wasn’t like this guy would go out of his way to release a recording of our call, but just in case, I started politely.
“What do you mean by a label?”
— Exactly what it sounds like. Hmm, is it a difficult concept?
A smooth voice continued.
— I’m thinking of creating a sub-label under LeTi.
“…!”
— Most established agencies have a very distinct color. It might be burdensome for TeSTAR to be directly affiliated with a place like that.
— But if the conditions allow you to stay in an independent label and produce albums exactly how you want, it wouldn't be a bad deal.
Cheong-ryeo was saying exactly what I wanted to hear, as if scratching an itch.
Then he made the offer again.
— I reached out because I thought TeSTAR would be the perfect group for this label. Am I wrong?
“……”
I opened my mouth.
“About that label.”
— Yes.
“Is the advantage that TeSTAR can handle the planning however we want?”
— Exactly. And it’ll be much easier to work. The company system is quite well-established.
“I see.”
He probably established that system himself. He likely wasn't lying about the planning being autonomous, either.
However.
“But isn't it the LeTi headquarters, not the label, that coordinates promotions and schedules?”
— …….
“And LeTi is your agency, Sunbae-nim.”
That was it. What did going to LeTi actually mean?
I pulled the smartphone away from my face and looked down at the caller's name.
[VTIC Cheong-ryeo Sunbae-nim]
…It meant this guy could hold TeSTAR’s schedule in his hands and manipulate it.
Even if I tried to take control now, it would be hard to suppress someone who had been running things at that agency for ten years in just a few months. Especially if the opponent was someone who had repeatedly conquered the same company dozens, or even hundreds, of times.
'I’m not an idiot.'
Giving a competitor the power of life and death over my group would be foolish.
'But from a competitor's perspective, it’s an incredible gain.'
That’s likely why he proposed it.
I recalled the strange text Cheong-ryeo sent me at the end of last year during the awards ceremony. The one with the video attached.
— The video showed some unknown dog receiving a new cushion to replace its ruined one.
A new cushion.
'Did he mean a new company, a new home?'
Perhaps he had been gauging the situation since then, having already grasped how things were turning out at T1.
It pissed me off that I was lagging behind in information, but regardless, his pattern of behavior was clear.
'He calculated this.'
This guy wasn't a saint; he obviously made the proposal because he stood to gain from it.
After a brief silence, the smooth voice spoke again.
— You’re as smart as ever.
Wouldn't not knowing make me stupid?
— Well, even so, you have nothing to worry about. I have no intention of doing anything that would harm you.
“Even if a moment comes where you have to choose between VTIC and TeSTAR?”
— That won't happen. I’ll pick good schedules so we don't interfere with each other. Then you’ll just have a good agency.
“……”
— Isn't it a win-win for everyone?
I looked down at my phone. After a brief, intense mental calculation, I spoke again.
“…I’ll think about it.”
— Ah.
It must have sounded like a declaration of surrender. His tone became even more affable.
— Good choice.
“By the way, could you spread some rumors to help raise our market value?”
— Hmm?
“Rumors from industry insiders that TeSTAR might not renew their contract.”
Just as a blind item, so the company doesn't get suspicious. But it would be best if outsiders were half-convinced.
I calmly added my reasoning.
“LeTi will probably offer us more if there’s some competition. I think that’s the best way to get good contract terms.”
— Hmm.
Cheong-ryeo gave a short hum of agreement.
'Good.'
If the rumors spread like this…
— Hoobae-nim. You have no intention of coming, do you?
“……”
Sharp bastard.
'He figured it out already?'
That’s right.
If possible, I had no intention of going to LeTi. No matter how I looked at it, it was like sticking my head into his mouth.
I didn't think he’d suddenly start swinging a sledgehammer at us now. But this wasn't about that; it was about risk management.
Besides, think about it. TeSTAR going to LeTi, the agency of VTIC, whom we’ve been fighting like cats and dogs since our debut?
'The fans' hearts would turn to ash.'
They’d all be thinking the same things I was. Naturally, I’d want to choose a better option if one existed.
'I should put something on the line to deal with him for spreading these rumors.'
Should I test the waters first?
I was about to speak, shaking my head, but the person on the other end spoke first.
— Well… fine. It’s not like it’s difficult.
“…!”
Surprisingly, he agreed readily. Of course, that wasn't the main point.
— But I’d like you to remember that my offer remains valid until you actually renew your contract.
“Yes. I will.”
As expected, he agreed easily just to gain the momentum to say that. But I’ll gladly accept it.
Just as I was coming to terms with that, Cheong-ryeo suddenly changed his tune.
— Actually, I don't think I even need to say that.
“What do you…”
…mean by that?
Then, a voice tinged with laughter came through the phone.
— Because the more offers you get, the more you’ll think of it. This proposal.
“……”
— I’ll send the contract terms via email. Once again, congratulations, Hoobae-nim.
And a few days later, subtle contacts from agencies large and small began to trickle in.
“Just like Moon-dae said, quite a few are coming in.”
“…I know.”
The members were each holding their smartphones, looking through the proposals that had come in through their personal networks.
First, the ones that came through Bae Se-jin were from several agencies that managed a wide range of talent, from actors to idols.
Ryu Cheong-woo had particularly many contacts, perhaps because he was the leader, and Keun Se-jin had many offers from moderate agencies that idols often choose when renewing.
'Their networks reflect their personalities.'
And Kim Rae-bin…
“…? It’s a hip-hop label. Why would they send a proposal here…?”
“Hmm, maybe they’ve developed an ambition for idol groups?”
I’d bet my smartphone that it was a contact from the AR team who practically treated Kim Rae-bin like their youngest brother.
'And as for me…'
I had received some contacts as well, but for some reason, many were from people I had bad history with.
'These guys sent one too.'
Golden Age, the group Gold 1 and Choi Won-gil belonged to. The place that caused a stir with industrial espionage.
I read the long KakaoTalk pop-up without clicking it: 'Hello. This is Team Leader Park Min-jung from Traveler Entertainment. I would like to apologize again for the past events…'
It was a bit annoying, but since they were definitely a competent agency, I decided to keep them in mind.
'The downside is that if TeSTAR goes there, our positions and seniority would overlap perfectly with Golden Age, making it a mess…'
As I was thinking that, a question came from beside me.
“By the way, Moon-dae-Moon-dae, how did you spread the rumors?”
“……”
“Hmm?”
It was… time to share.
I explained the offer I had received a few days ago.
The reaction was explosive.
“Le, LeTi??”
“…Cheong-ryeo Sunbae-nim did…?”
“I hate that place. [They seem to like the shadiest things I’ve ever seen in my life. Seriously, you’re not actually considering it, are you, Hyung?]”
I didn't know Cha Yu-jin could speak so long and intelligently.
I briefly summarized the situation.
“I told him I wasn't going. But since I said I’d consider it, he spread the rumors for us.”
“Whew.”
Keun Se-jin sat on the sofa with a deep sigh. I also pressed my temples.
“We’re all moving together anyway; did you think I’d decide to go by myself? Of course, I have to discuss it with—”
“Now, now~ let’s put it to a vote! Anyone who really doesn't want to go to LeTi?”
Five people raised their hands. I put my hand to my forehead.
“Hey, Moon-dae, aren't you raising yours?”
I am, you punk.
In the middle of the living room where the conclusion was a resounding 'No LeTi,' Kim Rae-bin asked me quietly with a slightly confused face.
“…I recall it being a good agency, is it not?”
“……”
As expected, he was someone whose tastes aligned perfectly with LeTi from head to toe.
After that, there were meaningful contacts from a few more places, but the problem was that the time limit was slowly approaching.
'We need to choose quickly.'
Since the things each member considered 'absolutely necessary' were different, there were few agencies that satisfied them all. Moreover, most of them had a definite downside or a risky element.
Some were too small to provide proper care, some were too big and already had a boy group in the same position, and some had such strong personalities that they wouldn't be able to handle TeSTAR.
Looking at it this way, LeTi, who brought an independent label offer from the start, was definitely the best option on paper.
'Damn it.'
I ruffled my hair. Cheong-ryeo wasn't being confident for no reason.
'Fine, let’s say we go to LeTi, for the sake of argument.'
Even then… the fundamental problem couldn't be solved anywhere we went.
'…The name TeSTAR.'
That name, the group concept. All these trademarks and copyrights were already held by this agency, T1 Stars.
What on earth were we supposed to do about that?
“Um… are you still, sorting things out?”
“Yeah.”
Seon A-hyun sat across from me at the dining table. I pushed aside the paper where I had scribbled keywords at random, but it seemed he had already seen it.
— Keep TeSTAR name
…That keyword.
“You’re… worried because you want to keep using the name, right?”
“……”
“If, if we talk to the company, would it really not work…? It would be great if… we could buy the rights.”
“…It would be.”
But they wouldn't give it up easily. Even if we offered an astronomical sum, the chances were slim. Because the decision-maker wasn't just one person, but multiple stakeholders involved.
I explained that part to Seon A-hyun. He listened calmly and nodded.
“Still, even if it’s hard, let’s… try.”
“……Yeah.”
“Mhm. Maybe, if something else happens to the company, they might give us permission…!”
“……”
Something else?
At that moment, a thought struck me like a bolt of lightning.
'They won't sell the trademark?'
Then… couldn't I just create 'something else' to make them sell it?
I nodded.
“Right. Thanks.”
“…….”
“I figured out what to do.”
“…Huh?”
I spoke comfortably to Seon A-hyun, who now had a puzzled expression.
“This company needs to go bankrupt.”
“…!?”
To think it could be summarized so simply.
“M-Moon-dae?”
Thanks, Seon A-hyun.
The next day, I attempted to contact two people.
[Spacer Kwon Hee-seung]
[Mirinae Park Min-ha]
They were members of other groups under the same agency, in the same boat as us.
I started typing bluntly.
If they have nothing to eat, they’ll even sell the roof over their heads.
'Let’s cut off all their lifelines.'
The answer… is the destruction of the company.