Chapter 278
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 278
“Ah… capital?”
I shifted my gaze from Jeong Seon-ui, who had let out a small exclamation as if she understood what I was getting at, and signaled to Lee Ji-hyeon. Immediately, Lee Ji-hyeon stepped forward and handed over the documents she had prepared.
“This is The Dawn’s activity plan for this year.”
It was a plan we had finalized back in November of last year.
I didn’t expect them to accept every single part of it, but it was a declaration of war.
A statement that this was how we intended to operate.
Team Leader Jeong Seon-ui scanned the plan quickly before closing it with a sharp thwack and placing it on the table.
“And the comebacks?”
“We’re looking at about two more for the remainder of the year,” Lee Ji-hyeon answered.
Upon hearing her response, Jeong Seon-ui tapped her finger against the paper, seemingly weighing various factors.
“I’d like to push the overseas tour to next year.”
As the Daepasung side added their input, the expressions of the WH Entertainment staff stiffened slightly.
Seeing this, the smile on Jeong Seon-ui’s lips deepened.
“I think we’ll need to hear the opinions of our WH planning team and each management team to coordinate the details. This doesn’t seem like the kind of thing to discuss lightly in a setting like this.”
She gathered the documents and stood up, as if the meeting was over.
“Also, try not to turn on any B-Lives if you can help it. WH doesn’t decide on content impulsively. Besides, we can’t have your mental state wavering because of strange comments during a time like this.”
My eyebrows twitched.
It was a blatant attempt at a power play.
Even within her polite tone, there was a clear underlying message: be prepared to give as much as you take.
In a way, even in this regard, they were incomparable to Daepasung.
“Sincerely, welcome to WH Entertainment. We look forward to seeing what The Dawn will do.”
As the WH officials and Daepasung staff shook hands and exchanged greetings one by one, Jeong Seon-ui spoke up as if she had just remembered something.
“Ah, is The Dawn still living in their current dorm? If you’re alright with it, how about moving to a new dorm provided by us? We’re quite sensitive about security.”
The words were phrased as a suggestion, but the meaning was clear: move.
“That sounds great.”
I had no reason to object.
Before the manager could speak, I beat him to it with a smile.
Even without this, the number of people camping out in front of our dorm was increasing by the day, and Daepasung’s measures had been woefully inadequate.
The first meeting concluded more normally than I had expected. As I was about to leave the meeting room, Jeong Seon-ui called out to me.
“Seo Ho-yun, could we talk for a moment?”
“Of course.”
I followed her to a lounge area furnished with comfortable-looking sofas and vending machines offering free drinks.
Jeong Seon-ui gestured for me to sit first, then took a seat on the opposite sofa.
“It’s nothing major. It just felt like you were constantly speaking through other people’s mouths.”
Wow.
“Ahaha, whatever do you mean?”
Her intuition is top-tier.
I guess you don’t become a team leader at a major agency’s management team without some serious experience.
“During the meeting just now, the Daepasung staff looked only at you every time I spoke. I also saw the documentary about The Dawn that Nutube sponsored and produced. It seems you’re quite involved in the group’s operations, Seo Ho-yun.”
“My, I’m honored that you watched it.”
“…Hmm. You’re quite good at dodging questions, too.”
Jeong Seon-ui wiped the smile from her face and met my eyes with a serious expression.
“WH and Daepasung will be very different. We’ll accommodate you as much as possible, but I can’t say there won’t be times when The Dawn will have to unilaterally align with us. Still, I’m not just saying this—I have high expectations.”
“I see.”
“You might feel it’s difficult to express your opinions directly, but views from an artist’s perspective are always welcome. I plan to read the plan you gave me very thoroughly.”
Jeong Seon-ui glanced down at The Dawn’s activity plan resting on her lap.
“But… there’s one thing I don’t understand. Why have you scheduled such a grueling pace of activities?”
Usually, once an idol’s awareness reaches a certain level and they have some seniority, they tend to decrease the frequency of activities to prevent overexposure and instead focus on increasing the quality of each album.
However…
“To win the Daesang.”
“……Pardon?”
“The Grand Prize.”
When I repeated it clearly, Jeong Seon-ui’s eyes widened slightly, and she looked up at the ceiling for a moment.
“…Well, alright. I understand your intention for now.”
She thinks it’s impossible.
But instead of adding more words, I simply let the corners of my mouth curl upward.
I didn’t know what calculations were running through her head, but she also offered a smile before abruptly shifting the direction of the conversation.
“By the way, Seo Ho-yun, do you have any interest in acting? You were really impressive in ‘Please Take Care of the Camera’—”
“I don’t.”
“…No, you’re so good at acting—”
“I don’t.”
“……Really?”
“I don’t.”
Why would I?
For whose benefit?
Of course, whether it was a drama or a movie, increasing individual activities would expose The Dawn’s name more often. But it was far better to spend that time on group variety shows, producing self-made content, or pouring effort into preparing another album.
“You’re like a brick wall.”
When I rejected her flatly while wearing a sparkling business smile, Jeong Seon-ui smacked her lips in disappointment. However, her eyes didn’t look like she had given up just yet.
Sensing that staying longer would only lead to more annoyance, I stood up from my seat.
“Well then, I’ll see you next time.”
“Yes, get home safely. Take care of your health.”
As I left the lounge and turned the corner at the end of the hallway, a system window popped up.
[Still, it’s a relief that things seem to be going better than expected at WH Entertainment!]
“No.”
Aside from the dorm and the basic things WH Entertainment provided, nothing had been confirmed.
“Team Leader Jeong Seon-ui is a total fox.”
She had been smiling the whole time, but her skills at evading or delaying answers were no joke. Saying she would read the plan thoroughly was just another way of saying she would judge whether we were worth the investment.
Even under a multi-label system, it was impossible for WH Entertainment’s influence not to seep into Daepasung.
If The Dawn failed to prove its value, it was obvious we would be coldly discarded. This was a place overflowing with idols worth raising, even without our group.
That was why the members and the fans couldn’t be purely happy about this.
‘Well, I know that type all too well.’
But dealing with people like her was one of my specialties.
I knew a method that worked perfectly.
I was walking down a path with floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a clear view of the Han River. Just as I turned toward the elevators—
“……Huh? Seo Ho-yun?”
I saw Kang Yeon-hu.
He was standing there, tears streaming down his face in large droplets.
Faced with such an absurd situation, the question popped out of my mouth before I could think.
“Are you crying?”
“……Pardon?”
When I gestured toward him, Kang Yeon-hu finally looked flustered. He quickly wiped under his eyes with the back of his hand and held up the artificial tears in his hand.
“I had LASIK, LASIK! Why would I be crying? No, before that, why are you speaking informally to me?”
“Huh? Me? When?”
Then again, there was no way someone who had endured a long trainee period to finally debut at WH Entertainment and survive this long would be crying over something like this.
“Sigh….”
When I feigned ignorance and acted nonchalant, Kang Yeon-hu let out a sigh and stuffed the artificial tears into his pants pocket. He looked at my cast-covered leg and pointed to the windowsill next to the elevator, telling me to sit.
I accepted the kindness and added playfully, “I thought you were crying because you were so happy that we’ve become one family, Senior.”
“You really have a strange way of talking. Are you happy about it?”
“Of course. It’s WH Entertainment, after all.”
When I replied calmly, Kang Yeon-hu’s brow furrowed slightly before returning to normal.
“Even with all that chaos among the fans?”
I shrugged, and Kang Yeon-hu let out another long sigh.
“Haaaaa………”
That sigh was laced with many emotions.
“There are so many rumors going around….”
He didn’t elaborate on what kind of rumors, but I could guess without hearing them.
Things like, Is High Five being pushed aside? Are they going to stop investing in them? Have they given up?
For now, since money has already been invested, support will continue. But they will constantly be compared to The Dawn, and if they fall behind, the risk of being discarded by WH Entertainment is high. Of course, The Dawn carries that same anxiety.
“I don’t know how it ended up like this… but then again, what can we do about the company’s decision?”
This was the first time I’d seen Kang Yeon-hu look so uneasy since the ‘Singing Variety Show.’
He was a guy who was usually a master at maintaining his facade.
“We’re going to grit our teeth and prepare for this comeback.”
Yet, his eyes were still sparkling.
Like someone who hadn’t lost sight of his goal.
I laughed at those spirited words.
“Of course. You love the stage, Yeon-hu.”
“…….”
Kang Yeon-hu froze like a robot that had been given a faulty command. After a moment of heavy silence, he muttered softly.
“…Now I see why Jeong Won-ha fell for it so easily.”
“Who’s that?”
“You’re asking even though you know. That poor person who got tricked by a black-hearted, sly old snake during Shining Star Season 2.”
I was being sincere just now, though.
“……Thinking about it makes me a bit annoyed. I’m leaving. Let’s try to run into each other as little as possible.”
“Why? If you end up crying, I’ll even lend you a shoulder.”
“If I cry, I’ll cry with my members!”
A disgusted Kang Yeon-hu turned his back and walked away quickly.
‘Well, at least he’s spunky. Good to see.’
I chuckled and pressed the elevator button, reflecting on the conversation with Kang Yeon-hu.
He said he didn't know how it ended up like this, but he probably wasn't truly ignorant.
Broader IP expansion? Pursuing diverse values?
Of course, those factors were likely part of the added value WH Entertainment hoped to gain through this merger and acquisition.
But ultimately…
‘It’s money, kid.’
In a corporation, the first, second, and hundredth most important thing was profit.
Or the entity that could generate such profit.
I stepped into the elevator that had arrived and continued my thoughts.
‘If The Dawn doesn’t want to end up like a abandoned duckling….’
It was still hard to judge clearly, but based on industry rumors and what I felt today, WH Entertainment would at least provide appropriate investment if it proved profitable.
It didn't matter if it was another group with similar seniority or a multi-label setup.
We just had to record a high return on investment.
And soon, it would be time for Daepasung’s first-quarter sales figures to come out.
The sales from the Dim Light album.
Furthermore, once we moved to the global fandom platform, the influx of overseas fans would grow even larger, which would also lead to more revenue.
When I reached the underground parking lot and headed toward the van, Seong Ji-won spotted me and waved with a bright smile.
“Ah, Ho-yun!”
Simultaneously, the members’ gazes turned toward me.
Reflexively, I smiled back at them.
“What is it?”
“Ho-yun, listen! We were supposed to head back right away, but the WH planning team asked to speak with the Daepasung staff for a bit, so we have some time. We were just talking about looking around the company building with the members. Do you want to come too?”
I pushed away Kim Seong-hyeon’s hand as he approached to support me. Jeong Da-jun and Kang Yi-chae were already buzzing with excitement.
“Hyung! Hyung, hyung! It’s amazing! They say every meal here is a full buffet! Should we eat dinner before we go?!”
“Can I, can I, can I go see the composition rooms?!”
“Then can I go see the practice room where Ju Woo-seong senior practices?!”
Even Kim Seong-hyeon’s ears were flushed red, though his face remained the same as usual. He seemed to be in a state of high excitement.
I smiled sweetly.
“I don’t want to.”
“…….”
“…….”
“Ho-yun’s leg hurts.”
The members’ mouths shut tight instantly.
“…What? Is Ho-yun hyung throwing a tantrum?”
“I don’t even know anymore….”
Their moods dampened, the members grumbled as they climbed into the van.
Just you wait, you punks.
This black-hearted, sly old snake has a plan.
* * *
Daepasung was acquired by WH Entertainment at lightning speed.
[WH must have been sharpening their blades for this]
[First time in my K-pop life seeing an M&A happen this fast lolllll It’s like they already had everything discussed.... Plus, they’re moving the office building sequentially]
[That’s what I’m saying.... But the new WH building is huge]
The news that The Dawn would continue to promote under the Daepasung name as a multi-label while being under WH Entertainment drew the attention of not only Noeul but many K-pop fans.
Except for Bloy, a fan of Black Call.
[I wonder what Woo-seong is up to these days]
[Will I be able to see Woo-seong do a 1-on-1 live with a member before I die.... It would be so f*cking cute to see them being awkward together...
└ No, how can you think that’s cute?
└└ What do you know about Woo-seong?]
Black Call fans didn't have much of a reaction.
WH Entertainment was already a large agency, but it had grown exponentially after going public and Black Call’s debut. People jokingly said that Black Call built half of the new WH headquarters.
Moreover, the gap between The Dawn and Black Call was too vast, so naturally, people were mostly talking about The Dawn and High Five.
[But honestly, the members of both groups are pretty quick-witted.
They haven't said anything specific.... The company must have given them a heads-up, but they’re being really careful.
└ No, it’s because the kids look like they’re walking on eggshells ㅠㅠ I’m a bit worried ㅠㅠ
└└ Well, it can’t be helped ㅠㅠ]
[High Five’s awareness is a bit low domestically, but they’re really popular in Southeast Asia. The Dawn is high in Korea, the US, and Japan...]
[I just hope both groups do well, but honestly, I am worried.. It’s obvious people will talk ㅠ]
[Guys... Noona opened a bottle of alcohol again today....
Even my job transfer wasn't this distressing...]
Naturally, the Noeuls were on pins and needles in this situation.
[WH is getting their hands on them...]
In particular, seeing how previous WH Entertainment idols had their activities restricted and interfered with, they were full of worry.
[To be honest, I’m totally worried ㅠ WH is famous for not letting them turn on lives impulsively... The staff are always either monitoring or surveilling them ㅎㅎ^^ (not a smile)]
[Exactly, The Dawn are the kings of communication ㅠ If they stop that, it’ll be so annoying..]
However, since the decision couldn't be changed, the Noeuls tried not to lose their sense of humor despite the worrying times.
It was a time when new fans were pouring in like a tide, and they wanted to lighten the atmosphere even a little.
[No, but I was thinking about where I’ve seen this before.
They’re avoiding each other like they’re opposite-gender idol groups.
└ Slaps forehead!!!!!
└└ Oh, you’re right lolololol f*ck, that’s hilarious lolololol]
[Sometimes trolls show up and ask if it’s a relief that The Dawn escaped that cobweb-covered Daepasung building.
Honestly, I think it’s a relief too.
└ lolololololol no seriously, you’re crazy lololol but I totally agree]
As they were exchanging jokes, a live notification for The Dawn popped up on the entertainment platform owned by WH Entertainment.
<The Dawn High School Talent Show>
The title of the live was already unusual.
[Holy sh*t]
The first thing that caught the eyes of the Noeuls who logged in was a practice room equipped with bright LED lighting and the latest sound equipment. It was definitely not the shabby, dim practice room of Daepasung they knew.
[Whoa, the new building]
Next was Seo Ho-yun’s face, which suddenly popped out from the side and came close to the camera.
[Whoa, his visual]
At first, the Noeuls were so shocked they couldn't even process the information coming through their eyes, but eventually, they were clutching the backs of their necks.
“Hi, Noeul.”
He had returned to black hair. He was even wearing a neat school uniform.
“Hello~~!!”
“Hello.”
Following him, the members popped their faces out one by one.
It was The Dawn’s first full-group surprise live since the Daepasung acquisition, held in the practice room of the new WH Entertainment building without any prior notice.
“Today—”
Seo Ho-yun said, his lips curving into a soft smile.
“—we’re going to show you a girl group dance relay.”
Seo Ho-yun was raising hell again.
There was no way our madman would lose his nerve just because he entered a major agency.