Commercial Strategies and Album Dreams
"Long-term goal? 'Commercial sales methods?'"
"Yeah."
The three kids sat there with puzzled expressions, clearly not grasping what she meant. Myeongjeon handed them the paper and began.
"The Korean rock band market right now is split in two. Bands that make it into the major scene and those stuck in indie. They might seem connected, but they're not."
In Japan, where rock music thrives, there's a clear divide between major and indies. The line varies by person, but generally, if you're signed to a major record label, releasing albums and making a living off music alone, you're major. Otherwise, indie.
Korea's different. No clear criteria, so it's hard to distinguish. Myeongjeon defined major bands as those with enough reach to appear frequently on legacy media.
Unlike new media, which targets niches, legacy media like TV and radio broadcasts wide, building all-around recognition.
"Become king of indie or scrape into the majors. 2,500 seats? You need one or the other. And I think aiming for the majors beats ruling indie."
"Why? Getting into majors is way harder than dominating indie."
Seoha's question carried a hint of dissatisfaction. Having spent years in the indie scene, it might be tough for her to buy into.
"Purely on music? Sure."
Myeongjeon replied, then pointed at each of them in turn. Iseo, Hyeona, Seoha. And 'Ha Suyeon' herself.
"But we're a four-girl band. We can gain popularity through non-musical factors."
The era of scouring for new albums weekly was long gone—too much content now. You could live without ever touching music if you wanted.
In this world, bulldozing ahead with 'if our music's good, the world will notice' mindset? Nice in theory, but realistically, it's a starvation diet. No need for logic; Hongdae's indie scene is full of musicians bailing right before they starve.
"The days when good music alone made it big are over. Hell, not sure they ever existed. Point is, to get our music heard, we need promotion via external factors."
Good music builds fans and fills seats, sure. But how long? Even if their title track hits #1... concert crowds might not grow. People know the single, not Group Sound the rock band.
"Doubt that. If they've heard the song, wouldn't they check the concert?"
"You know how much concerts cost these days?"
Iseo raised the question. Myeongjeon answered, and she stroked her chin, guessing, "30,000 won? 40,000? No clue."
"A band played the same hall last year at 110,000 won."
"110,000 won?!"
Iseo nearly screamed, while Hyeona whipped out her phone, hammering the calculator.
"275 million won...!"
About 275 million, Myeongjeon figured. Not a small sum.
"We won't charge 110k. Probably lower... but would you shell out 110k just 'cause you heard one song?"
"Uh..."
Iseo fiddled with her hands, stumped. Ignoring Hyeona still muttering "275 million," Myeongjeon thought.
They weren't PSY. Not the level where casual fans know one mega-hit like Gangnam Style plus a bunch of others blasting everywhere. At that price, only core fans would show—and core fans don't form overnight.
Myeongjeon had heard most famous rock bands over decades but only attended concerts for work. He's an outlier, but most folks skip them.
Hence, for fast growth: commercial sales methods.
"I get the idea, but what's this 'commercial sales method' exactly?"
"Not totally sure myself..."
The kids visibly stirred at 'Ha Suyeon' admitting ignorance. She'd always seemed all-knowing; this felt off. But no choice—better honest than fake it.
His life as Seo Myeongjeon? Sessions, gigs, a few industry bits. A pure guitarist whose albums all flopped. No clue on 'album success' or 'promo tactics'—totally normal.
"Best to copy what's worked. Plenty of indie sales tactics, but four-girl bands are rare..."
Not nonexistent. He'd known juniors in a few Korean ones. Most bombed, though.
"Think Japanese girl bands or Korean girl idols. Closer to idols, probably. Like self-produced content, personal streams, music videos."
Iseo lit up, imagining glory. Hyeona grimaced; Seoha looked sour. Different visions for the band—pure music lovers vs. fame chasers. Natural.
"Anyway, not set in stone. Just my goal and approach. We can pivot after chatting."
With that, Myeongjeon wrapped up.
Suyeon had assigned homework: nail a concept for the full album by next time.
Iseo scratched her head, scouring her computer. No idea where to start.
Anything's fine by me.
She hadn't pictured this when she first roped Suyeon into "Let's start a band!" Just chaotic high school band antics. Like a "beautiful one-year run, then disband" diary.
The high school bands from K-On!, Bocchi the Rock!, BanG Dream!.
Now? Full-on pro gig. Planning a full album, 2,500-seat concert...
275 million? What's my cut?
Split even: 137.5 million. Quarter share: 34 million. After 30% tax: about 24 million. 24 mil per show.
Graduate, college slacker for four years, land a job? If she buckled down, maybe. Otherwise, starting salary mid-30s million tops; 40-50 a pipe dream.
This windfall hit her out of nowhere. Thrilling, yet sinking. Gotta nail the album, but brain blank.
Band started on "fun stuff sells!" vibes.
Tough...
She didn't hate the shift. Gave aim to her aimless life. Just came with worries.
"Choi Iseo! Dinner!"
"Coming."
Iseo shuffled out, scratching her head. Little bro at the table. Long time no see.
"Choi Ihyun. No hello for sis after ages?"
"Nah~"
Tempted to smack his head, but Mom was there—she'd get it too. Not 'cause he's cute.
"Iseo, band's going well?"
Mom's question hit mid-spam chew—real food, Korean style. Iseo swallowed, pondering. Good? Bad?
"Gotta release a full album. Told us to brainstorm concepts as a group."
"Democratic band, huh."
Chatting, Iseo eyed her brother. Quietly eating.
"You know your sis is in a band?"
"Band? How would I?"
Odd reply. Trying too hard to play dumb—suspicious. She stared. He dodged desperately.
"What's with you? Commit a crime? Why avoid my eyes?"
"N-no. Didn't know about your band at all."
Sneaky moves. Hiding something.
Mom spilled it.
"You've been obsessed with your sister's bandmate lately. Who? Ha Suyeon?"
"Him?! Puhaha lol!!"
Iseo burst out laughing at his flushed shame. Rare fun.
"Want Suyeon's autograph? Huh?"
Teasing the fuming kid was a riot. She kept eating, pondering album concepts.
"Mom, you said you listened to rock back in the day."
"Yeah."
"What kind?"
Hoping for inspo, Iseo probed Mom's past. She'd mentioned rock in her youth. Might spark ideas.
But Mom just headed to her room. Weird. Then she returned with a photo album.
"Here's pics from my wild days. Partied hard back then..."
Nostalgic tone. Iseo flipped it open.
Newest: prim parents hugging. Early 2000s backdrop.
Flipping: Dad gone, just Mom. Then...
"Eek."
Graffiti wall, cig in mouth, wild hair. Punk band goofing behind.
What?
"I partied hard then. You know these guys behind? Crying Nut. That one's No Brain's Lee Seong-woo. Thought he was just part-time help; turns out he went pro. Ancient history."
Iseo gaped. This 'prim' Mom (looks only) had that past?
"Met your dad, settled down. Fun times, though..."
Mom mumbled; Iseo froze like a kid hearing "Mom and Dad had sex to make you."
"I asked for concepts, said no limits, be free..."
Suyeon muttered, half-bemused. Three concept sheets fluttered in her hand.
"But this is too much, isn't it?"