Chapter 215
Chapter 215
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 215
Chapter Title: Break Burger's Custom-Made Title Track
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Chapter 215.
"This is Min-jun, in charge of Answer."
-This is Lee Woo-yeon, an AE at High Rank Agency... I'm calling about an advertisement for Answer.
The AE's voice was tinged with caution. In cases like this, it meant they were 100% about to ask for a favor.
"Yes, hello. What can I do for you?"
-Ah, it's about... we received a proposal from 'Beiana Glory' for their new winter collection model.
'Beiana Glory' was considered a top-tier global luxury brand.
The agency AE continued, her voice trailing off.
-Well, the thing is… the client has proposed an audition.
As expected, there was a reason for her hesitant tone.
Although it required an audition, the position as a model for a luxury brand was an incredible honor and opportunity for someone.
But for Answer, who didn't have a single proper day off in their month-long schedule, it wasn't even half a proposal; in fact, it was worse than no offer at all.
The planner knew this, which was why she was relaying the client's wishes in such a defeated tone.
-Of course, I know Answer is beyond the level of auditioning... but as you know, the people in this industry...
The AE was trying her best to persuade me to have Answer participate in the audition.
An AE (Account Executive) is someone who oversees the entire advertising production plan, budget, and more. It sounds like a position with a lot of power and authority, but it's a high-stress job that requires them to plead with various related teams and model agencies like ours at JD Enter to meet the client's needs.
However, understanding the planner's unfortunate situation didn't mean I could sacrifice Answer's pride and time. They were already swamped.
"Ma'am."
-...Yes.
"It seems like a client who doesn't know any better heard about the influence of K-pop and wants to dip their toes in the water."
-…
"You know this is ridiculous, don't you?"
-Of course, I know how those people think. Still, you should consider that it's 300 million won for a one-year contract. It's set higher than Answer's current rate, which is why I'm making the proposal.
Answer's current advertising fee was around 200 million won per year, and the AE was clinging to a sliver of hope by dangling a higher fee.
If she couldn't meet the client's needs, the project would ultimately fall through.
"Even if it were 500 million, not 300. They call it an audition, but it means they have to get full hair and makeup, dress up, and pose in front of a camera, right?"
-That seems to be the case.
"They're already busy people, and getting their bodies into shape isn't easy. We obviously can't do that. Honestly, you should have cut this off at your end. For your own sake in the future, too."
In truth, the members of Answer kept their bodies in top condition 365 days a year. They were incredibly diligent about managing their weight and figures, even sacrificing parts of their schedule to work out.
I had adopted this method because, while it might seem like a loss in the short term, I knew the stamina and health gained from consistent exercise would allow the members of Answer to have long-lasting careers.
Sustaining their careers for a long time was far more important than chasing short-term gains.
-…
I heard a faint sigh.
"...Please tell them this: 'They are busy people whose time is worth hundreds of millions a day. If you pay 200 million for the camera test, we will accept only 100 million for the main contract.'"
-...Understood. I'll relay that exactly.
The AE's deflated voice was pitiable.
"I'll look forward to good news, ma'am."
-Thank you.
I knew the client would never agree to such terms, but I ended the call on a positive note for the sake of the embarrassed AE, and she, understanding my intent, thanked me in a slightly brighter voice.
"What old Western exec made another ridiculous offer?"
Director Lee Sun asked as soon as I hung up, looking up from her work.
"Was there any word in my conversation that would lead you to infer it was an 'old Western exec'?"
"You said they were rich people who didn't know much about K-pop but wanted to test the waters, right? People who don't get what's great about K-pop but know from the data that K-pop-related marketing makes money. The image just popped into my head."
As I always felt, Director Lee Sun was brilliant.
"Oh. And about Earl Grey, or Earl Fools, or whatever they're called, what on earth did you do?"
Director Lee Sun shifted her gaze from her monitor to me, her curiosity piqued.
"Why? Did you hear their attitude in practice has changed a bit?"
"Yes. Everyone was chattering about how surprised they were. How people could change so much in a single day. They said they never imagined they'd come back with their homework done perfectly."
It seemed the vocal trainer's astonishment had been well-communicated to the director.
"They'll listen well from now on."
"What kind of training did you and Yoo-jun give them when you went with them?"
"I just showed them the singing skills of a run-of-the-mill manager in this industry. I also explained the critical flaw in the vocals the Earl Grey band members use."
"Hah, right. I was impressed by your singing too, Director Min-jun."
It seemed the director was recalling the day I had my forced audition to get into JD Enter.
"Ah! That's right! Sung-hoon also mentioned that you're an amazing singer, Director Min-jun."
Team Leader Lee chimed in, craning his neck before quickly refocusing on his work.
Lately, Team Leader Lee had been monitoring my every move. Did he say my actions held something that would help him upgrade himself?
"And Director. How about we move up the CEO's new album release? And increase his schedule."
The director suddenly burst out laughing. What part of that was funny?
"Why are you laughing?"
"Sung-hoon was right about everything."
"About what?"
"He said Director Min-jun is so obsessed with money lately, he feels like he's going to die from overwork. He was begging for help."
"..."
"You can't stand to see the CEO slacking off, can you?"
Honesty is my virtue.
"I once heard a famous saying. 'He who does not work, neither shall he eat.'"
"Puhaha! A truly famous saying."
Team Leader Lee laughed so loudly it drowned out the director's. He was becoming more of a comedian every day.
"I already signed him up for personal training since he has to appear on that audition show anyway. If you have a good plan, let me know."
"Good morning, everyone... wait, is it good afternoon?"
"You're just in time. We have something to discuss."
The director headed to the CEO's office with him, chatting along the way.
"Why were you so obvious during the live stream?"
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"Don't play dumb. I saw it all on Answer's live stream."
"Wh-what are you talking about, I don't..."
"Anyway, Oppa, let's talk about your schedule for a bit."
"Huh? My schedule?"
"It's because you're so free lately that you're tagging along to things like Seol-ah and Min-jun's appointment ceremony."
"Hey! I'm working hard on my music!"
"Leave the songwriting to Director Min-jun, and let's work on the company's image-making. Let's make some money."
***
The day of Earl Grey's first contract, the "Break Burger" commercial shoot.
"Good morning, Director."
"Hello, artists."
After the karaoke incident, the members of Earl Grey had been exercising diligently and receiving vocal training without complaint. Their overall attitude had become incomparably more serious.
"Eeeeeeeee."
"Wooooooooo."
"Brrrrrrrrr."
Inside the van, the members of Earl Grey warmed up their voices, their faces flushed with excitement. It was a natural reaction, given their first shoot was as models for a brand everyone knew by name.
"Do you know what Answer's first commercial was?"
"What was it?"
The Earl Grey members' gazes focused on me.
"It was for bedding."
"Bedding?"
"An agency contacted them. I heard they got paid 1.2 million won for it."
"Hmm."
"The members of Answer were apparently ecstatic even with that cheap commercial. So, what I'm saying is, you artists of Earl Grey are allowed to be as happy as you want."
"This is all thanks to you, Director."
So Joong-han said politely.
"Just call me PD when we're on a schedule. My title went up because of the show, but my job is still the same."
"We can't do that. Everyone at the company calls you Director."
At Jang Hyun-seung's words, I just smiled and changed the subject.
"Practice your song. I imagine you haven't been able to do much because of the soundproofing issues at your dorm."
"Yes, sir! We'll give it a go."
Jang Hyun-seung said confidently, and the Earl Grey members used a phone app to check their respective notes. They needed to harmonize.
"Ah-ah-ah↗"
"Ee-ee-ee→"
"Eh-eh-eh↘"
♪♬
One more for me—
A burger with a deep flavor
A passion that will blaze a new trail on the wide-open road
For a hungry you, a burger full of smoky flavor
I'll hold it tight and run to you
To you
♪♬
It was a refreshing song with a constant repetition of notes from A4 to C5.
The song was designed to spare the main vocalist, Jang Hyun-seung, who had the highest range, from getting tired or damaging his throat while singing live.
I had only given them the guide, so this was the first time I was actually hearing the four of them in harmony. It sounded so good that a smile spread across my face.
A moment later, after the song ended, the Earl Grey members saw my bright expression and their faces turned smug.
"By the way, the top line of this CF song is so good, isn't it?"
"I know. It feels like a waste to just use it once and throw it away."
As So Joong-han spoke, Jang Hyun-seung and all the other members agreed vehemently.
"It has a bit of a quirky anime vibe, but it's definitely catchy."
Why would I throw away a song that's going to make a mountain of cash?
"We're not throwing it away. It's going to be the title track of your debut album."
"?"
Utter bewilderment was written all over the Earl Grey members' faces.
"...Our title track?"
If the Earl Grey members found out about their ridiculous debut concept now, they might lose heart before they even started working.
My intention was to turn them into cash cows for events, not to humiliate them, so I planned to hide the concept as much as possible.
And before their debut, I would secure as many contracts as possible to instill in them a sense of confidence and anticipation for success.
"You remember the 1-for-1 choice in your contract, right? One song will be chosen by the company, and the other will be chosen by you, Earl Grey. This song is meant to attract a lot of public interest, and the other will be a song to showcase your incredible skills."
"..."
No matter how well I explained it, they wouldn't be able to imagine it now.
"We'll talk about that later. For today, please give your all to the commercial. This will be your first portfolio piece. It needs to turn out well to appeal to clients, so don't have any doubts or questions."
"We trust you. Just help us succeed."
At So Joong-han's suddenly formal words, the other Earl Grey members simply nodded in silence.
We arrived at the commercial shooting studio.
I spotted Managing Director Lee Woon-young, dressed in a more glamorous white two-piece suit than the neat office look she had last time.
"Hello, Managing Director Lee Woon-young."
"Oh my? Min-jun, you came in person?"
"It's the first commercial shoot for the future top stars, Earl Grey. Of course, I had to be here."
In reality, I had only come along because I was worried the Earl Grey members would be shocked by today's commercial concept.
The members of Earl Grey grinned, pleased at the mention of being top stars.
"Hello, Managing Director!"
"Yes. Earl Grey, I'm counting on you."
"Earl Grey, please come this way. Two of you will get into costume first, and two will head to makeup."
The Earl Grey members walked briskly toward the staff who had called them.
"The more I listen to the demo, the better it gets. Is that perhaps their title track?"
"Yes."
"Ah. So you just changed the lyrics. I'm looking forward to the original song."
"The lyrics weren't changed. The hook will be included as is."
"Pardon?"
Managing Director Lee Woon-young's eyes widened.
"The song lyrics mention hamburgers and delivery, don't they?"
"Yes. Those are the actual lyrics."
"Hah?"
Managing Director Lee Woon-young laughed, her mouth agape in a mixture of disbelief and amusement.
"It's a custom-made title track for Break Burger. A song born from the fierce determination to deliver a hot hamburger before it gets cold."
"Pfft! Oh, I'm sorry. How could this... pfft!"
The ever-graceful Managing Director Lee Woon-young clutched her stomach and mouth as she laughed.
"Don't tell me those clothes made for the commercial are also?"
"You are correct. Those are their stage outfits."
"Ahaha! Sorry."
Managing Director Lee Woon-young held her sides, wondering what was so funny. If this song could make even someone this graceful burst out laughing, it had a good chance of success.
After laughing for a while, Managing Director Lee Woon-young's expression suddenly turned horrified as if something had occurred to her.
"Wait a minute. Then you're saying you made that song in just a few days?"
"Not the whole thing, just the hook for now."
Managing Director Lee Woon-young swallowed dryly.
Even if it was just the hook, the speed was undeniably at a genius level.