Chapter 203
Chapter 203
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 203
Chapter Title: Producer Min-jun
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“Yes, PD Lee Hee-jin. What brings you to call at this hour?”
Patter, patter, patter.
“Aah! The fridge, the fridge!”
-...Min-jun, are you free to talk right now?
“Yes. We just moved into Answer's new dorm, so everyone's excited. It's a little noisy.”
-Ah, I see. My meeting just ended. You remember how I briefly mentioned at the cafe that I was planning a producing program?
Lee Hee-jin's voice was filled not only with a liking for me but also with the confidence of an entertainment department PD who had worked hard to get where she was.
She was an entertainment PD I needed to maintain a good relationship with. But if it wasn't going to help Answer or the company, was there really a point?
“As you know, PD-nim, besides managing Answer, I have many other responsibilities at JD Enter.”
-I know. Let's be frank. You're not going to be at JD forever, are you? You have to consider going independent eventually.
Choi Yoo-jun gestured for the Answer members, who were noisily exploring the rooms, to be quiet. They instantly fell silent and gathered around me.
“I haven't really thought about the future yet.”
-Hehe. Well, you should.
“If it's not something that will help Answer, the company won't approve it. I'm strictly a-”
-They approved it.
“Who did?”
-Lee Sun.
“Ah.”
She left me speechless.
Isa-nim could have at least given me a heads-up.
-She actually seemed to like the idea. She even sent me your portfolio, hehe.
It seemed Isa-nim wanted me to step into the spotlight. At the same time, I got the feeling she was subtly wary of how much company stock I held.
-You participated in producing for Lee Yoo-ah, were key in managing Kim Sung-hoon, and were involved in everything from planning to training and choreography for Answer's album. Right? And it's common knowledge now that you were in the final debut lineup for Fire Emblem, plus you've been on TV several times.
“Just being shown briefly is different, though. Honestly, I'm a bit worried about how it'll be edited.”
-Hehe. You're curious about the concept, right? It's a project to revive failed girl groups, with two producers each from JD Enter, SJ Enter, and KGM. About 24 to 32 girl groups will be featured. Each side will manage two groups, for a total of six, competing until the end. The side with the highest combined score wins.
[Sudden Quest 'Producer' Updated]
The time has come to make your presence known. Your recognition will contribute to Answer's success and JD Enter's rise. Win 'Once Again Season 1, Girl Group Edition'.
Reward: Hidden Shop Unlocked
Upon Failure: Answer's confidence and JD Enter's growth momentum will decline. SJ Enter's growth momentum will rise sharply.
Just when I thought I could forget about him, it turned out to be a program related to Gyeon Sang-jin. He might even appear on it himself. In that case, I had to win even more.
“What do I get for appearing on the show?”
-Oh, come on. We have a lot of PPL, so we can give you a good appearance fee. But more importantly, isn't the honor the biggest reward? Honestly, JD is on the rise these days, but sitting at the same table as SJ or KGM... isn't that incredibly symbolic in its own right?
The words came out of habit, trying to squeeze out even a small extra reward, but the PD was right. We were still a drop in the bucket compared to KGM or SJ.
If we won, we would instantly be recognized as having planning capabilities on their level.
Let's do it!
“Hah…”
-Alright, alright. I heard you're producing a new team these days?
Was she trying to offer something more?
“…Yes, I am.”
-Just let me know a month in advance, and I'll give them a special debut stage.
Incredible. I almost missed a great opportunity.
Getting a special promotion for a debut stage was a rare occurrence, happening only a few times a year. If PDs weren't certain of a massive hit, they wouldn't even give a special debut to a major agency.
“Thank you for your consideration. I'll prepare well for this.”
-Of course. I trust your eye, Min-jun. So, from JD, it'll be Daepyo-nim Park Jae-yong and... Director Min-jun? Producer? We'll need to sort out your title first. Anyway, once the full lineup is decided, I'll send you a preliminary cue sheet. We'll do the pre-meetings by visiting each company for interviews.
“Yes. Thank you. Take care, PD-nim.”
Just then, Seul-bi, who had been listening to the call beside me, asked with curious eyes.
“…What was that about the company not giving permission? And what do you get for appearing? Oppa, are you going to be on a show?”
“It's not 100% confirmed yet.”
“Whoa, awesome. Really? That sounds fun!”
Yi-na clapped her hands loudly, and the other Answer members' eyes lit up with anticipation.
“I'll do my best to make sure it doesn't interfere with Answer's activities.”
“It's okay if it interferes. You're going to look so cool, PD-nim.”
Seol-ah said with a gentle smile.
-Um, you know this is a live stream, right?
-Looks like their manager is going on a show like Produce 202.
-Seems fun. But does this guy even produce?
-That's what happens when you get famous and your face is known. It seems like a tough show for him to be on, though.
-Broadly speaking, a manager is similar to a producer, but the title 'producer' carries a lot of weight. I hope they don't just cast anyone.
-I don't know about Answer's manager, but aren't most road managers just high school grads who can drive?
-Nope. This guy has a different aura. I've seen him on site a few times, and he has this cool, charismatic vibe.
I had unintentionally promoted a show that hadn't even been made yet. No problem. This kind of information always leaks out little by little beforehand anyway. It was actually a good thing.
The live stream continued with a heated debate, regardless of the Answer members' attention.
* * *
Park Jae-yong, wearing sunglasses, emerged from the arrivals gate.
When someone who looked like a reporter approached, Park Jae-yong, far from avoiding him, welcomed the man and walked toward him.
“Daepyo-nim Park Jae-yong. Welcome back to the country.”
“Hahaha! Thank you for coming all the way to the airport so early in the morning, Mr. Reporter.”
Park Jae-yong said with a hearty laugh.
“As someone with extensive experience in overseas expansion, what are your thoughts on your artist Lee Yoo-ah's international debut? It seems you aren't managing her directly this time.”
“Haha. That's a great question. To be honest, with my past experience, I wanted to manage her myself, but I also have to take care of the company here in Korea. Besides, isn't Billboard Holdings an outstanding company? They're a place I can trust her with completely.”
“There are rumors you'll be appearing as one of the three company representatives on a group producing program. Is it because of that schedule?”
“Pardon? Ah, nothing has been decided yet.”
Park Jae-yong hadn't heard anything about it, but he smoothly deflected the question with the quick wit he had honed over many years of experience.
“I went with Lee Yoo-ah myself to check on her accommodations and management team, and I've just returned after setting the future direction for the agency. Lee Yoo-ah will undoubtedly have a successful international career…”
Only after overwhelming the reporter with an annoying amount of information was Park Jae-yong finally able to get into the car heading to JD Enter.
“Did you have a good trip?”
“Yeah! But am I going on a group producing show?”
Park Jae-yong asked Lee Sun as soon as he arrived at the company.
“How did you know?”
Park Jae-yong opened his mouth, his expression one of disappointment.
“Sun-ah. How could you not even ask me…”
“You were going to say yes anyway.”
“Still.”
“Should I cancel it, then?”
“No!?”
Park Jae-yong's nostrils flared.
“I actually called a meeting about that. Min-jun said he'd be about two hours late, so I was planning to handle it while he's not here.”
“Why Min-jun? Is he going on it too?”
“Yes. From JD, it'll be you and Min-jun. SJ and KGM are also sending two people each.”
“Awesome! This is our chance!”
Lee Sun nodded, and a brief, venomous glint appeared in Park Jae-yong's eyes before vanishing.
A moment later.
Park Jae-yong, Lee Sun, Siljang Ji, and the team leaders gathered in the CEO's office, where Lee Sun gave a rough explanation of the program.
“…So, for Min-jun, who will be going as one of the company's representatives, I thought it would be good to give him a proper title. 'New blood is flowing through JD Enter.' What do you think?”
The attendees fully understood why she had gathered the team leaders and above for a matter that could have been decided between just Park Jae-yong and herself.
Team Leader Lee shot his hand up, and Park Jae-yong nodded.
“Even though there are two team leaders and a department head senior to me… I think it's a good idea.”
Contrary to the confidence with which he had raised his hand, Team Leader Lee's words trailed off weakly.
“…What's with that? If you're going to say something, finish it.”
Siljang Ji said to Team Leader Lee with a dry laugh.
“I mean… the company has grown a lot, and I think it's a good idea to give a symbolic!... title to someone who has contributed so much.”
Team Leader Lee struggled to get his words out again, and Siljang Ji chuckled before speaking.
“I agree with Team Leader Lee. Let's be honest, we were on the verge of going under, but Min-jun turned things around when he came. He's quick-witted and knows how to manage people.”
Following Siljang Ji's words, Team Leader Choi also spoke up.
“Frankly, it seems like other agencies are showing interest in Producer Min-jun these days. Through the manager grapevine, I heard that SJ even tried to scout him with a huge offer last time.”
“I've heard similar things. We also agree with locking down Producer Min-jun with exceptional terms. Realistically, we have to do that if we don't want to lose him to another company.”
Park Jae-yong and Lee Sun smiled gently at the reactions from all the team leaders and the department head.
“Then, as you all suggest, how about we create a new rookie development team and put him in charge?”
At Lee Sun's words, everyone nodded with positive expressions.
* * *
-Min-jun: I'm here.
-Jang Hyun-seung: Please wait a moment. We'll be right there.
A sense of unidentifiable urgency could be felt in the single line of text. After waiting about five minutes in front of their dorm, the members of Earl Grey got into the car.
“Hello!”
“Yes, hello.”
Looking at the Earl Grey members' haggard and grimy faces, I couldn't help but sigh. Their irregular lifestyle up to this point seemed plain to see.
I considered saying something, but hoping they would realize it themselves, I changed our destination to the sauna in front of the company building.
“You haven't eaten yet, right? Let's stop by the sauna first.”
The car parked in front of the sauna. The Earl Grey members followed behind me with dumbfounded expressions.
“I'll wait here.”
After I bought them tickets for the sauna, the Earl Grey members exchanged puzzled glances before heading inside.
No matter how clueless they were, showing up like this on their first day was just bad manners. To survive in the entertainment industry, which had a considerable old-school mentality, basic social skills were essential.
After a hint like this, they must have understood my intentions.
-Min-jun: Isa-nim, I'm taking the Earl Grey team to the sauna and then for breakfast before we head in. It'll probably take another hour to an hour and a half.
-Lee Sun: They need to fix that habit.
Isa-nim saw through the entire situation from my single text message.
-Lee Sun: Should I scold them for you?
I let out a small laugh at the text, which was both serious and playfully mischievous.
Still, they seemed to have gotten the hint, as Earl Grey came out of the sauna in less than 30 minutes. I took them to the snack shop next to the sauna and ordered them kimbap and rice cake ramen.
“Thank you for the food.”
“Enjoy your meal.”
This might be the last supper you get to enjoy.
*Slurp.*
“Hah.”
“The kimbap here is weirdly good. And the ramen broth is perfectly seasoned.”
“That's because they use real sesame oil, not flavored oil.”
“Ah.”
They didn't seem to know what flavored oil was. I, too, had been impressed by the moist rice and real sesame oil the first time I ate kimbap here.
“If you're satisfied, shall we get going?”
We arrived at the company. The elevator was small, so we took the stairs.
“Whoa. They're practicing early.”
Early? It was already almost 10 AM. Did they not know how incredibly hard trainees work these days?
“There are kids who come out at 4 AM to practice.”
“Huh? Isn't that child abuse?”
“We tell them not to, but they do it on their own. How is that abuse? This industry isn't easy. We have 15 trainees in total, and at least half of them are more skilled than most band vocalists.”
At my words, a faint sneer appeared on the Earl Grey members' faces. Seeing their expressions, I smiled even wider.
They would soon find out.
*Click, clack.*
The sound of high heels, neither slow nor hurried, echoed down the hallway.
Isa-nim Lee Sun, dressed in a tight, pearl-gray turtleneck and an H-line skirt that came up above her knees, was walking toward us with a blank expression, her black hair swaying.
Isa-nim's sharply-honed charisma. It had been a long time since I'd seen it.