Even with Hyuk’s recommendation, the script underwent a thorough review by numerous HS Entertainment’s professionals with varying backgrounds. Naturally, Director Park was excluded. It was only obvious that he wouldn’t be able to keep things objective.

Then came the final verdict.

“They say it doesn’t seem bad, but that’s about it. Compared to the five scripts we’ve already selected, it falls quite short.”

In the CEO’s office sat Sung-ah Kim, CEO Choi, and Executive Director Kim. Executive Director Kim continued.

“These are our objective findings.”

“Is that so? What would you have to say on this matter, then?”

“I agree with the findings. The scripts that we had pre-selected are better than Director Min-woo’s script. If it weren’t for Hyuk’s endorsement, we wouldn’t have given this a second look.”

“So, you’re saying his endorsement influenced the decision?”

“Yes. Statistically speaking, Hyuk’s instincts and eye for talent have produced remarkably significant results. Based on the conditions he set this time, it doesn’t seem like he has any intention of retaliating against us. More importantly, there’s nothing for him to benefit from Sung-ah’s next film flopping.”

Sung-ah furrowed her brows in displeasure.

“Executive Director Kim, he doesn’t play dirty like that… unlike Director Park, or anyone else here, for that matter.”

“Haha. Are you saying Executive Director Kim and I do?”

“Not as much as Director Park, but enough. Am I wrong? You all know exactly what Director Park has been doing, yet you’ve done nothing about it.”

Executive Director Kim’s gaze narrowed, but CEO Choi remained unbothered. He simply smiled, his tone calm and measured.

“It was all for your sake. If Director Park had made things difficult for him, don’t you think he would have come to me for help? Then we could have gotten something in return. Like this project, for example.”

He tapped the script by Director Min-woo, which lay on the table. Sung-ah Kim crossed her arms and scoffed.

“Oh, how noble. You mean to say you were willing to use underhanded methods for my sake?”

“That’s right.”

She found the CEO unbearably sly and infuriating.

“What would you have done if everything actually fell apart?”

“If he couldn’t handle it, then he wasn’t worth helping in the first place. It would mean that he’d lost his touch,” Executive Director Kim interjected in a frigid tone.

“So if he failed, you wouldn’t care, but if he struggled just enough, you’d step in? Isn’t that a bit much? Especially when it’s Director Park pulling the strings?”

Executive Director Kim shot back, throwing her own words back at her.

“That’s just how it works. That’s reality. He left the company, so we’re under no obligation to help him. If he proves valuable, we’ll make a deal. Competition exists in every industry.”

Their gazes clashed fiercely.

“I was asking CEO Choi, but I see you’ve answered for him. Since you know him so well, do you want to tell me what he’s thinking right now?”

Executive Director Kim smirked and pointed at himself.

“You’re asking me what I think? About what CEO Choi thinks?”

“Yes. Weren’t you just speaking on his behalf? You wouldn’t have chimed in just for fun.”

Executive Director Kim turned to CEO Choi, who simply nodded, inviting him to continue. He rubbed his chin as he considered his next words, then briefly glanced at CEO Choi and Sung-ah before sighing in exaggeration.

“Who knows? I’m no mind reader.”

“Wow. So it was all just an act. Of course, there’s no way the CEO would be that ruthless.”

Sung-ah Kim turned to CEO Choi with a warm smile.

“Right, CEO Choi?”

“Hahahaha!”

“You wouldn’t really just let things fall apart and claim that he’s lost his touch, would you?”

“Haha. Who knows?”

With a saccharine smile, Sung-ah gently directed another question at him. Her demeanor was fake but sounded perfectly natural on the surface.

“So, what do you think about this situation? Director Park lost again. Pathetically. You know what a mess Hee-yeon Lee is in right now, don’t you? What are you going to do about Director Park and oppa?”

CEO Choi adjusted his round glasses with the same smile.

“For now, I think it would be best if we left things as they are.”

“So you’re saying you’ll leave Director Park alone, too? Even though rumors are spreading about how he’s petty, cowardly, and incompetent? Isn’t it bad for our company’s image to keep him around?”

Executive Director Kim cut in with a warning.

“This isn’t something you should be interfering in.”

Another intense stare-down caused the room to grow taut with tension. If a regular employee had been present, they would have been drenched in sweat by now. CEO Choi remained completely unfazed and spoke with a level voice.

“Did you know? Director Park might pull off a win. And if Hyuk ever needs our help, having Director Park around could be a useful bargaining chip. Those rumors started because he’s lacking compared to Hyuk, but he’s not entirely incompetent.”

“Wow… What a strategist,” she said mockingly.

CEO Choi’s only response was a hearty laugh.

***

There were two main reasons someone would appear on a music show. To promote their music and to satisfy the fans. If there was already enough anticipation about the music, there was no real need to appear on a music show. 

There were plenty of other ways to satisfy the fans. Among the many options, the one that would satisfy everyone was a commercial appearance. That was why Hee-yeon and I were currently on set to shoot a commercial for a mobile service provider. 

When an idol made an appearance in a commercial, extra cameras were set up to capture behind-the-scenes footage. Uploading the full version onto YouTube would most definitely result in a high view count, after all.

“I never thought the first thing on my schedule would be a commercial. I assumed we’d just be going around doing music shows and events.”

Hee-yeon watched the bustling studio with her fully done makeup, hair, and clothes. I sat down next to her and looked toward the studio as well.

“Well, this is a good way to give fans some content. They’ve been hungry for more… Well, to be fair, we haven’t been giving them much. Your popularity’s gone up, so now is the right time to focus on fandom management.”

“Fandom management?” She echoed. Her head snapped toward me so fast it practically made a sound. Her intense reaction caught me off guard.

“If you wanted to see the fans that much, you should’ve just said so. Have you been holding it in all this time?”

“Of course I’ve always wanted to meet my fans. Does this mean we’ll be doing fan meetings or autograph signing events, too? What should I do? I have no aegyo and no special talents… They wouldn’t be disappointed, would they?”

Her eyes shone with a nervous energy, and I chuckled. It didn’t matter if she didn’t have aegyo or special talents.

As long as she kept being sincere and continued to genuinely care for the fans, that was more than enough. The fans would see it. There was no way they wouldn’t.

“Don’t worry. That stuff isn’t necessary,” I said.

Fans didn’t show up to fan meetings or autograph signings to see someone who was just going through the motions with no amount of sincerity. They wouldn’t go just to see aegyo or special talents.

They went to show the artist how much they loved them, and to see how much the artist thought about them in return. It was to confirm that their devotion wasn’t for nothing.

“You just need to be yourself.”

“Then, when can I see them?”

“Wait a bit. I’ll set it up as soon as possible.”

“Okay.”

Hee-yeon sat there and contently swayed to a silent rhythm, a small but unconscious movement. And on her lips was a bright smile.

***

Doo-won Yoon, the vocalist and guitarist of the Korean band YB (Young Band), was currently in an interview with JQ, a music magazine. The reporter glanced at the list of pre-prepared questions before starting.

“I hear you’re holding a concert soon, is that right?”

“Yes. We actually scheduled multiple promotions for it, but it looks like we don’t even need to promote. It’s already sold out. Haha!”

The interview progressed smoothly, and the tension in the reporter’s body eased. They wanted to maintain a positive mood, so they asked a question about the recent rock festival.

“You were the main event at last week’s rock festival. Can you tell me a little bit about it?”

Contrary to the reporter’s expectation, Doo-won’s expression darkened and he spoke in a solemn voice.

“Rock as a genre is declining by the day, and it feels like it’s happening at an uncontrollable speed. Even the number of people attending rock festivals isn’t what it used to be.”

The reporter looked flabbergasted.

“Well… but YB’s concert selling out proves that rock is still alive in Korea, doesn’t it?”

“No, actually. Our supporters from our golden days are still with us, and we’ve been fortunate enough to receive so much love after being invited to perform in many places. But if you look at the whole picture, rock is really struggling. We desperately need more interest and support. There are so many great and hard-working indie artists who aren’t getting the recognition they deserve.”

The mood of the interview suddenly turned serious, and the reporter had no choice but to bring up a question that was meant for later.

“Since we’re on the topic of indie music, I wanted to ask something. Considering the recent controversy, wouldn’t you say that struggling indie musicians might feel a strong sense of frustration or unfairness?”

“Sorry, what?” Doo-won Yoon tilted his head in confusion, seemingly not understanding the question.

The reporter cleared their throat and elaborated.

“An idol recently branched out into rock, right? It might feel unfair for the people who’ve been working their way up from the bottom to see the genre influenced by corporate.”

Until now, Doo-won’s answers had been swift. This time, though, he didn’t say anything. Instead, he shot the reporter a look of sheer disappointment before letting out a deep sigh. He blew his bangs up in frustration.

The reporter broke out in cold sweat as they realized something had gone wrong but couldn’t figure out exactly what.

‘Is he a Hee-yeon fan?’

Then, they suddenly realized something.

‘Oh! Shoot! He’s close with Hae-yeol Yoo!’

The reporter cursed themself for not remembering sooner, but there was no taking back the words now. 

Doo-won Yoon was clearly holding back his irritation as he spoke in a controlled voice.

“Hee-yeon Lee is the very person who’s bringing life back to rock.”

“I’m sorry?”

This wasn’t just about his friendship with Hae-yeol Yoo? The reporter’s mind spun in confusion.

“Do you know how long it’s been since rock has received this much public attention? I can’t even remember. But what about now? Everywhere you look, people are talking about rock. It’s in the articles and on social media. And because of that, more people are actually seeking out rock music.”

“B-But, an idol—”

“What does it matter if she’s an idol? She’s more than good enough. That kid is amazing. Heck, she’s beyond amazing. So what if she’s an idol? It’s not like she’s treating rock like some joke. Even when Hae-yeol suggested to start recording, she insisted she wasn’t ready yet and pushed herself even further.”

Doo-won’s voice grew louder, and the reporter lowered their head. Like a student being scolded by a teacher, they couldn’t say a word and could only keep their head down.

He pointed at the recorder. 

“Print exactly what I say about Hee-yeon. Personally, I really hope she continues being interested in rock. Ever since her song released, people who never liked rock before have been flocking to it. Unlike me, who only reminds people of the past, it would be nice if she could breathe some new life into this genre. Saying this might be putting her on the spot, but…”

Doo-won Yoon lowered his voice and concluded.

“I think our friend here might as well become the hope of rock in Korea.”

This was an interview with JQ magazine.

Had it been a major media outlet, the interview would have been made an exclusive and instantly made headlines. It was the kind of interview that would have had dozens of articles spreading like wildfire.

—

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