Chapter 39

An unexpected blow

I was taken aback. I just stood there, staring at the screen.

Had they advertised idols on TV before?

The ad started with a shot of Theora members gathered together, then focused on each of our faces one by one, filling the screen with a single face.

The scene showed someone closing their eyes, then slowly lifting their eyelids, and the expression changing from a blank face to a smile.

Theora's title song was edited to play in the background, and the screen ended with the release date and the words "HOT DEBUT" typed out.

Ah, it was the video we shot before. I didn't know where it would be used, but I never expected it to be in an ad. It was completely unexpected.

"…Manager, is this really KBC? This isn't some hidden camera thing, right?"

Bakha asked the question everyone wanted to know.

"It's probably up on NewTube and internet broadcasts now. The company couldn't tell us if the ad would air smoothly. Even though we made the ad, we couldn't be sure it would pass the review."

"Has any idol ever been advertised like this?"

No one had. Fans had pooled money to celebrate an idol member's birthday with an ad before, but this was a bold promotional method.

TV ads are used to promote products, and idols are sometimes seen as products created by agencies. But could they really just air an ad like this?

"You were bold."

Chorok commented. The other members seemed equally surprised.

"The staff was worried it would cause a stir. But I think it was a successful ad worth the cost."

As the manager said, even though we see the members' faces every day, I couldn't look away from the ad. I unconsciously admired how good-looking they were.

If it affected me like this, someone with average aesthetic sense would probably be captivated too.

First impressions are inevitable. Could anyone, not just idols, make such a strong first impression? If the first impression was shockingly memorable, the purpose was achieved.

"Think of it as a form of guerrilla marketing."

Sometimes guerrilla marketing is done on purpose, and this could be considered a good level of it. The ad's purpose was simply to introduce us, Theora, to the public. There will be various comments, but the methods used by the company were not legally wrong.

"Will it be okay?"

Seohun was worried. The leader often faces such challenges.

"If there are any issues, the CEO will handle them. We'll do our best to prevent you from getting involved."

If public opinion turns negative, we might face criticism. The public is easily swayed. It's a precarious situation, like walking on a knife's edge.

The ad is scheduled to continue on KBC and other public channels until we release our debut album. This is a serious investment, almost like uprooting the foundation of Hanul Entertainment.

Can we live up to the expectations placed on Theora? An idol's success depends on many factors, and no one can predict the outcome.

"It's already happened. We can't turn back. We have to do our best for those who believe in us."

Chorok accepted it realistically. There's a limit to what we can do. I decided to put aside my concerns. With a troubled mind, I left the meeting room with the members and headed to the practice room.

* * *

As expected, other agencies reacted strongly to Hanul Entertainment's actions.

"Isn't this an immoral and shameless act? Do you really need to promote them this much? How did you get this ad approved? Did you bribe the review committee...?" Such harsh criticisms were exchanged in hidden social conversations.

Sun Jung, the CEO of Hanul Entertainment, immediately understood the underlying meaning. It was a mix of envy and regret: "Why did you use such a despicable method first? We should have done it first."

While small and medium-sized agencies couldn't attempt it due to budget constraints, large agencies found it worth the challenge.

If it could leave a lasting impression on viewers, they were willing to invest. They were confident they could recoup more than their investment.

"Are you just jealous? If you had come up with the idea and executed it first, it would have been fine. We didn't stop you. How about now?"

The CEO of Hanul Entertainment responded to the endless calls like this. As soon as he ended a call, the phone rang again. Seeing the name on his phone, he smirked. It was the CEO of Ki Entertainment.

He answered the call calmly and continued the conversation. The main points were similar to what other agency CEOs had said. Despite trying to suppress his laughter, the other party seemed annoyed.

Feeling a sense of satisfaction from the bold move, the CEO of Hanul Entertainment was still amused. The news that they had brought in the famous film director Joo Young-won from Hanul must have made the other party even angrier.

The fact that Ki Entertainment had poached the music video director we had secured first made the situation even more satisfying.

The CEO of Ki Entertainment regretted his initial prejudice. While they could try it with other idols, could they create such a vivid impact? They couldn't claim the title of pioneers.

"Thank you for your concern from Ki Entertainment, but we're fine. You're busy with your comeback, right?"

The reason Ki Entertainment poached our music video director was because their main idol group had a comeback schedule. The group had just come back and was very busy.

The CEO of Ki Entertainment gritted his teeth but maintained his manners and ended the call. Sun Jung barely held back his laughter until the call ended, then burst out laughing.

It was so refreshing! Ki Entertainment, one of the top three agencies, had underestimated Hanul Entertainment and ended up with a big nose. He decided to enjoy this refreshing moment. When would he have such a chance again?

"Kids these days call this refreshing. I think I'll have a refreshing drink."

Sun Jung left the CEO's office, grabbing his coat, whistling.

* * *

The pre-debut TV ad for the idol group received a surprisingly positive response. While some commented on how shrewd it was, most were more interested in the idol group featured in the ad.

The ad itself was well-made, drawing attention, and the models were so attractive that people were curious about who they were.

– Theora? Is that a brand? It says 'debut,' but are they really an idol?

└ It's an idol group from Hanul Entertainment.

└ Thanks for the answer, but are they really idols? An idol ad on public TV?

└ I heard there's a lot of debate in the industry about it.

– What's the ad for Teorra?

└ Read the above answer. In short, it's an idol ad.

– Who's the model in the ad before the KBC daily drama?

└ It's the idol group Theora from Hanul Entertainment, and they're about to debut.

└ Wow, this question is trending today. I thought they were attractive too.

Most people who saw the ad on various channels searched for information about the group "Theora."

Even with the assumption of editing, the faces and expressions in the ad met the public's taste. The ad successfully showcased each member's charm.

– Can someone find the ad's BGM? It's the ad before the KBC weekend drama.

– Theora? Does anyone know the song in the ad?

└ The title song of Theora. We have to wait until the debut album is released.

└ Teaser link: https://www.newtube.com/watch?v=iEdXFdfeWbG

– What's the song in the ad with the pretty boys?

Questions about the background music were frequent. The edited version of the title song was well-received.

Hanul Entertainment employees were encouraged by the positive response to the ad. They were receiving both praise for their creativity and teasing from industry peers.

The ad on NewTube and the internet included a teaser for the music video, which garnered numerous comments and increased anticipation for the debut album.

If they could attract this much attention before debuting, it was worth any criticism. The criticism would help their careers. Working with Theora, they believed these boys would definitely become stars.

"Now it's really not long. Wow, it's already mid-January."

The year-end passed in a blink. It was a busy time, so employees couldn't even attend the company's year-end party or meet friends and family. It was a continuous stream of work, and they barely noticed the start of the new year.

They would finally have some free time after the debut and official performances on music shows. They were looking forward to a well-deserved vacation and bonus.

Of course, the staff working with Theora would be excluded. They would have a hard time taking a break for a while after the debut.

"Just hold on for about two weeks."

"The gap between the teaser and the official album release is longer than usual, so we need to keep promoting."

They had to skillfully maintain the momentum. The PR team was determined to wash away their bad reputation this time.

The PR team members didn't think they lacked ability. The company prioritized "artist opinions," which prevented them from taking any action.

They couldn't show their teeth by suing trolls or remain silent on dating rumors because they prioritized their artists.

Failing to foresee and resolve controversies could be seen as a lack of ability. However, Hanul Entertainment maintained that once they compromised, they would be dragged along. The root of the problem was the artist, who would eventually reveal it.

Artists are unpredictable, like a ball that could bounce anywhere. The PR team couldn't predict the future.

"It's tough, but it's rewarding."

"Exactly. It feels like we're finally doing real PR, not just cleaning up messes."

When a company actor got a new drama role or a solo singer released a new song, they would work hard on articles and promotions, but it didn't make much of a difference. It was basic work, and the flaws were more noticeable than the strengths.

"I think Theora will become famous. I've seen two groups debut before, but this time feels different."

"Want to bet? Will Theora win a rookie award this year?"

"I'll bet they will."

"Me too."

"Can't we bet? I want to bet on them too."

The PR team members smiled, optimistic about the future. While an idol's success is unpredictable, they couldn't help but paint a hopeful picture.