Chapter 182
Chapter 182
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 182
Chapter Title: The Art of the Deal
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To them, Park Jae-yong was a legendary figure in the Korean music industry—a giant from a different genre and the CEO of a famous agency. They couldn't take lightly the man he acknowledged as a producer, Min-jun.
“What’s with the surprise? If you’ve got the skills, you do the job. A quick look tells me they’ve got the looks and fit the concept we’re going for perfectly. They’ll be a success.”
“Thank you!”
“Oh, dear. I don’t have time for this… I’ve seen your faces, so I’ll be on my way. Read over the contract and discuss it. Producer Min-jun will mold you well. Hope to see you around.”
As the CEO rose from his seat, the director and Min-jun were dumbfounded. His only schedule for the afternoon was delivering snacks to the orphanage with Min-jun.
But to the members of Earl Grey, the CEO's behavior seemed to demonstrate his absolute trust in Min-jun, which only flustered them more.
“I have things to prepare, so I’m leaving. Director Lee and Producer Min-jun will handle the contract negotiations.”
“Goodbye, sir!”
The members of Earl Grey bowed deeply to Park Jae-yong.
*He shouldn’t have come in the first place, then.*
Lee Sun had known Park Jae-yong for a long time, but she still found him completely unpredictable.
“First, please read through the contract.”
The members of Earl Grey began to slowly flip through the contract Min-jun had presented.
-For the purpose of this agreement, JD Enter shall be referred to as 'Party A' and the band Earl Grey as 'Party B'.
-The profit distribution between 'Party A' and 'Party B' for each category is as follows: Live Events 5:5, Commercials and Advertisements 4:6, Photo Books 4:6, Album Sales 5:5…
The members of Earl Grey all paused at the section detailing the profit distribution, glancing at each other, surprised by the favorable rates.
“Well, this looks like a standard contract.”
Lee Sun and Min-jun held back a laugh at the guitarist's pretentious show of knowledge.
Min-jun spoke.
“We’ve set a higher rate than what rookies usually get, in the hope that Earl Grey will take on many events without any complaints.”
At Min-jun's words, the members of Earl Grey puffed out their chests as if they were already big shots.
When they turned to the final page, So Joong-han’s eyes widened.
-'Party B's' group name shall be supplemented after discussion with 'Party A'.
-'Party B' shall undergo training in skills necessary for their duties, such as vocals and dance, as required by 'Party A'.
-The songs to be included on the album shall be selected by 'Party A' and 'Party B' at a one-to-one ratio, and the title track will be determined by 'Party A's' opinion.
-'Party A' shall do its utmost for the benefit of 'Party B', and 'Party B' shall acknowledge this and respect the opinions of 'Party A' to the fullest extent.
“…Are you seriously asking us to sign a contract with such ridiculous, toxic clauses?”
So Joong-han sat up straight, his face flushed with agitation, while the other members looked at Min-jun with expressions that said, 'Really? Is this a bad thing?'
The corner of Lee Sun's eye twitched, but she quickly regained her composure. She trusted Min-jun.
Min-jun met So Joong-han’s gaze with a look that said, 'Not bad.'
“Coming all the way here meant you were fully prepared, didn’t it?”
“That doesn’t mean we should sign a contract full of toxic clauses. This is absurd.”
“There's a legendary senior from the industry sitting right here, not just a company executive, so please watch your language. If you think this isn't even worth discussing, then you're free not to sign. Isn't that simple?”
“!”
The faces of the Earl Grey members turned pale with anxiety. They were afraid the deal would fall through.
“Mr. So Joong-han, please tell me. What exactly is the problem?”
So Joong-han was momentarily speechless at the calmly spoken words from Min-jun, who was younger than him.
He had instinctively felt that these could be toxic clauses for him, but he couldn't explain exactly what was wrong or how.
“…Do I really have to explain…”
“Of course, you have to explain. How else are we supposed to revise or negotiate the terms?”
Seeing Min-jun's reaction, which seemed to have already subdued So Joong-han, Lee Sun felt a sense of anticipation, as if she were watching a scene from an interesting drama.
“First of all, changing the group name is out of the question…”
“We’re not changing it, we’re adding to it. For marketing purposes.”
The guitarist was cut short by Min-jun's firm tone.
“…Let’s say we accept that. But we’re a traditional band that writes and performs our own music. What do you mean the B-side tracks will be selected at a one-to-one ratio? That means you’re planning to put other people’s songs on our album!”
At the mention of being a "traditional band," Min-jun let out a faint sigh before speaking.
“Mr. Joong-han, I think your self-confidence is bordering on arrogance right now.”
“Ha?”
“You seem to be mistaken. We made an offer to Earl Grey because we saw a glimpse of talent that *could* lead to success, not because you're guaranteed to succeed right now.”
The impassive words from Min-jun wounded the pride of the guitarist and leader, So Joong-han, but the other members looked guilty. They had come to JD Enter with high hopes, and now it seemed like the contract might fall apart.
“If you didn’t trust our company’s producing and marketing abilities, why did you come here? If you’re just going to do whatever you want even after joining us, how is that any different from struggling on your own like you have been? I thought you had given this enough thought before coming.”
“…That’s a separate issue from the toxic clauses…”
“There you go again, making me repeat myself. And after I went out of my way to give you favorable terms, unlike most rookies.”
So Joong-han was still fuming over his bruised pride, but the other members looked anxious that the deal would be called off.
Min-jun saw through So Joong-han's intention to rally the members and walk out, and he continued to speak.
“Unlike other agencies, we take on a lot of risks. The moment you sign the contract and become part of our company, we provide you with room and board.”
“Ooh.”
The members, excluding So Joong-han, let out small gasps. Min-jun was well aware of their absurdly difficult situation, where they couldn't even afford proper meals, so he deliberately brought up something they would covet.
After all, the members of Earl Grey were so broke they'd been eating rice with just soy sauce and a single fried onion, having no money for side dishes.
“Don’t other companies do that too!”
“It’s different. Other companies pass on the costs of lodging, training, and marketing to the artists, whether the project succeeds or fails. You can't just blame the companies, though. Projects require an unimaginable amount of money.”
“…What are you nodding for, you idiots!”
So Joong-han grumbled at the other members, who were nodding their heads in agreement.
“Even if you don't succeed during the three-year contract period, we don't saddle our artists with debt. In other words, from our perspective, this is a risk where we could lose at least several hundred million won. Feeding and housing people isn't such a simple matter.”
Min-jun could see in their eyes that the members of Earl Grey agreed with him.
“Marketing isn't that simple. You can't succeed just by throwing money at it. The parts you pointed out as toxic clauses, Mr. Joong-han, are all for marketing.”
“That’s enough, Joong-han.”
The other members tried to calm him down, so So Joong-han held his tongue.
“In this day and age, do you really think anyone will pay attention just because a new band debuts? If you knew the kind of mindset the members of Answer had to endure to get where they are, you wouldn't be so stubborn.”
“…”
“Our director doesn't usually get involved in such minor contracts, and frankly, it's embarrassing to have her here for this. If you’re not happy with the terms, you’re free to leave.”
Director Lee Sun looked at Min-jun with intrigued eyes.
“Let’s go, guys.”
“…”
But the other members didn’t follow So Joong-han’s words, remaining seated.
Being ignored, So Joong-han was both angry and momentarily intimidated.
“I said, let’s go…”
Min-jun, deciding he needed to completely break So Joong-han's spirit this time, spoke again.
“It’s fine if one of you leaves. We can form a group with three members according to the concept, and I can make it a success. I’ll take responsibility and guarantee a massive hit.”
An intangible energy radiated from Min-jun, enveloping the members of Earl Grey. They suddenly felt as if they were being pressed down by a heavy stone.
“Mr. So Joong-han, think carefully. This is your last chance. I won’t ask again. Whether you make music that is acknowledged by the public or spend your whole life being self-absorbed on a stage of your own making, it's all a personal choice. If you walk out that door, I can guarantee you, the future you dream of will not exist.”
Even So Joong-han was consumed by Min-jun's charisma and had no choice but to sit back down. He was certain Min-jun's words would become reality.
The image of a three-member Earl Grey becoming famous without him flashed before his eyes, and he couldn't bring himself to leave.
“Does that mean everyone is positive about the contract?”
“Yes!”
“Yes!”
“Yes!”
“…”
“Mr. So Joong-han, after the contract is signed, I expect you to follow my direction. It’s incredibly difficult to succeed even when we all work together.”
So Joong-han simply nodded without a word.
*Perhaps there’s a reason why So Joong-han is so overly prejudiced. If I can carefully mend the wounds of people like him, I might be able to make him completely loyal, just like Team Leader Lee.*
With that, the contract was settled. Min-jun felt a surge of excitement at the thought of turning them into the ultimate performance team.
“While we're all here, let's give the project team a tentative name. Something similar to 'Earl Grey'... how about 'The Idiots'?”
***
“Where have you been? Did you really have something to take care of?”
“Haha, of course. Did you think I just left for no reason?”
A blue light flickered from where the CEO's inner jacket pocket would be. There was the reason he'd stepped out.
“Did the contract go well?”
“Yes. It’s for three years, starting from the day Answer moves into their new dorm.”
“Hm? So they’re moving into the dorm Answer used to live in?”
“Yes. The lease on that place still had some time left anyway.”
“Well, that works out perfectly. I’ve got a good feeling about them.”
*The problem is, the CEO's feelings are always positive.*
We folded down the rear seats of the Mercedes Sprinter, loaded it with boxes of snacks, and set off.
I started talking to the CEO about the performance group I planned to create with the members of Earl Grey.
“You really surprised me. How did you know about a group that even I had forgotten?”
“I try to listen to songs from as many eras and genres as possible.”
Was it a rebellion against Gyeon Sang-jin from my first life, who had forbidden me from listening to other music? I was constantly exposing myself to countless songs, and Tube's algorithm was frighteningly persistent and useful.
“Kuh. Right. It gives you inspiration, and sometimes you get that thrill when you use it as a sample and it just blows up.”
“Yes. It's also great for creating contrast before the chorus hits or for grabbing attention in the intro.”
Music was the one topic where the CEO could hold a conversation without getting sidetracked. I thought it would continue like this, but suddenly his expression turned serious.
“But… Min-jun.”
“Yes.”
“You have to stay with us, don't leave. Become an executive later, and then the president.”
The CEO’s words weren’t just a simple attempt to keep me. They were clearly filled with sincerity.
“Honestly, someone with your talent could leave and start their own company and do just fine, but I hope you don’t. Speaking from experience, building something from the ground up takes a huge mental toll.”
“Every time you add a new employee, it can be a source of major stress. And once the company grows a bit, payday comes around so fast. One little mistake in financial management, and you could face bankruptcy despite being profitable. That's business.”
“Isn't it horrifying and absurd? The business is doing brilliantly, but the company goes bankrupt because of cash flow problems. You can't even imagine it, can you?”
I listened to the CEO in silence. I knew that it was possible for a successful business to fail, but it was still hard to believe.
“To be honest, it's not that I wouldn't feel a bit of regret if I stepped down as CEO, but… Ah, I'm tripping over my words. Anyway, you know what I mean, right?”
The man who was usually so eloquent was fumbling his words. It was a sign of how serious this conversation was.
But to me, my stake in JD Enter was nothing more than a means to grow my money. I would have to diversify the business and build relationships with powerful partners to eventually hand it over to the right person at the right time. Because with only tens of billions of won, I couldn't even dream of achieving my goal of taking down Gyeon Sang-jin.
If I could succeed in the main quest, which was less than two years away, and if I managed to survive, then I could think about other things.
Like starting a new agency or a business in a new direction. Or even becoming a celebrity myself.
Imagining my future, filled with so many open possibilities, I leaned my seat back.