Scattering the Bait
Government-supported project planner Park Hwisek laid out the marketing strategy for Myeongjeon and the girls like this.
1. First, pre-release the OST track. Keep the singer, composer, and session musicians under wraps. On this point, Hwisek said, “We're using a famous singer anyway. Because it's already decided internally. Why use a big name if it's undisclosed? Even with an anonymous OST, people will figure it out from the voice and tone right away.”
What Hwisek meant was this: It builds anticipation among fans—“What if it's our singer?”—sparking voluntary promotion. For the general public, it offers the fun of guessing the singer and composer. But when the girls wondered if anyone would actually bother guessing the composer or performers—“Would people really care about that?”—Hwisek replied, “Normally, yeah, of course not.”
“So you're saying it's different now?”
“Is the public's curiosity really theirs, or is it manufactured by the media? It's the latter. If you keep bringing up something they never even asked about, nagging them with 'Aren't you curious? Huh??', most people end up getting hooked.”
Hwisek's know-it-all ramble pierced right to the heart of mass media's essence, even if it was just scraps of wisdom he'd picked up. In the 21st century—or even before—people didn't live in a world where they saw what they truly wanted. They saw what the media and its creators wanted them to see.
“That's why we'll keep dropping breadcrumbs about you all. The drama isn't some massive blockbuster, but it's got decent buzz. People have to react. Step one: Reveal the singer, and have them say something like, 'The band kids I recorded with were amazing.' Then folks go, 'What the hell does that mean—how amazing?'”
2. After dropping the OST and singer reveal, ride that momentum with footage of the four high school girls' band + song-making video + assorted extras.
“If you were signed to our label, this could've gone so smoothly...” Hwisek said, sounding genuinely regretful. OST making-of videos, band life docs, reality shows—the golden opportunity to film it all! Idol debut! He dangled it right in front of them like it was within arm's reach, and the other girls seemed quietly tempted... but Myeongjeon had no interest.
Something's been off lately.
The KakaoTalk that had pinged in not long ago—from one of the girls she'd apologized to about “Ha Suyeon”'s past—went like this.
[The others too—lately people have been slyly asking me about your old stuff.]
[I said nothing to worry about, but idk about the rest.]
Hearing that, Myeongjeon thought, Here it comes. Of course, she'd prepared countermeasures meticulously. Apologies to the girls, steady volunteer work (which might feel a bit hypocritical if you excluded those who didn't remember “Ha Suyeon” or friends like Dain, Chaerin, Suhyeon, or the actual victims). She'd even laid the groundwork with music industry seniors (Myeongjeon found the term “seniors” oddly vague these days) about her past, and chatted with the kids who'd been drinking with her during the “Ha Suyeon kickboard incident.”
But even so, she couldn't erase the fact that “it happened.” And crucially, the existence of someone named “Seong Juhee” was the biggest roadblock.
We got our stories straight, at least...
With help from the school's internet-savvy trio, she'd compiled countermeasures and materials. Still, Myeongjeon had no desire to drag a “record label” into a massive mess with the company involved. One wrong move, and it'd be “Hid school violence past to join label—now tanking the company!” She'd lose everything over something she didn't even do—waking up in a bully's body after dying, what the hell was she supposed to do?—on top of all this hassle. Another false accusation like that, and she'd really snap.
Myeongjeon rested her chin on her hand, staring at the screen.
Anyway, things were unfolding just like that. Hwisek's broadcasting savvy wasn't wasted—he was right; curiosity about the band behind the pre-release OST was steadily building.
Harsh words but it's all Juhyeon praise lololololol
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Fr so curious... Asked on Insta but no spoilers
It wasn't quite matching the singer hype, but interest was definitely rising.
“How's it looking?”
“Eh, going just like that uncle said.”
In the practice room, staring at the MacBook when Iseo chimed in. Myeongjeon looked up from the screen.
“Once this drops and the video comes out, we'll be like an idol band, right?”
“No way. Well, maybe... but you know my past's a mess.”
A few months back, she'd told the band kids about her history. Memories fuzzy, but there was some school violence drama that could spill into band stuff, blah blah. Iseo, who knew “Ha Suyeon” well, just shrugged it off. The other two were shocked. Jeong Hyeona especially stuck in her mind: “That wasn't even real? The rumor about lining up underclassmen and slapping them one by one?”
No, common sense—she wouldn't have. Myeongjeon had freaked out hearing that rumor, dug around, and it was just inflated bullshit. But rationally, underage girl drunk on a kickboard flying to her death? Myeongjeon had given up trying to understand “Ha Suyeon.”
“Anyway, announcement's soon. Once that's out, offline gigs start. No more slacking in practice.”
“Ughhh.”
Iseo fake-died at Myeongjeon's words. During OST recording, she'd expected leniency compared to Suyeon from Hyeona—her second Suyeon—and it sucked. Back to hellish practice? Her vision went dark...
“Hello~”
“Aigoo, singer-nim. Long time no see.”
“Whoa~ Professor, you again. Been a year?”
Hongdae somewhere, a meeting room labeled [2024 Band Pioneer Judging]. Long-lost faces bowed, shook hands, expressing delight.
“How's this year looking?”
“Eh... Most solid bands have already won. No standout contenders yet.”
“Makes it more cutthroat, no?”
Four judges: Famous rock band leader, music prof, top producer, music show PD. Two veterans, two newbies. Simple process: Score per criteria, discuss ties. Majority vote last resort, but rare—they just knew on first listen. Not some corrupt grant panel; long-running gig, feet deep in music. Their calls rarely missed.
“Heard there's a strong winner fave this year.”
“Really? Missed that...”
“Mixed gender duo, J-pop vibes nailing the trend import. Their album blew up.”
“New blood rising. Band scene's always exciting.”
Mid-chat, someone flipped papers and spoke up.
“Oh, heard a fun one too.”
“What...?”
“Seo Myeongjeon guitarist-nim has a disciple. Started a band. Juhyeon hyung raved after the tribute concert?”
“Ah, that kid. Kinda rude to say, but I met her. Sweet, sharp girl...”