Chapter 47

To create a buzz,

The heads of all Theora members turned towards Green. The idea of someone interfering with our schedules was simply unbelievable. It meant that pressure was put on us to prevent us from getting any slots.

"Really...?"

"For now, it seems like there's a possibility."

Parkha must have hoped that Green would say it was a lie, but Green's answer was harsh.

"I contacted some uncles I know, but they're not in the practical side, so I couldn't get detailed information. Just keep it in mind."

The uncles, probably high-ranking figures in the broadcasting industry. It was a story that only Green, with his web of connections, could hear.

"When I casually mentioned that Theora kids were doing well to a lower-level employee, they avoided answering subtly. Their attitude was unnatural, as if they had something to hide. It wasn't just one place; it seems someone artificially created this trend."

"Who could it be? For what reason?"

To make the broadcasting industry people move as they wish, one needed power. Moreover, they had to provide a strong belief that they would gain more by siding with them rather than us.

Someone with the ability to subtly apply pressure and who would benefit from our downfall. There couldn't be many candidates.

"It could be either someone who harbors ill will towards the representative or someone who sees us as an obstacle. What do you think?"

No matter the reason for targeting Theora, the result would negatively impact both the company and us personally. The examples Green provided had overlapping aspects.

"Both could apply."

"That's true. It's hard to completely separate the two as Lee Won suggested. The probability of it being an unexpected person is low."

"Are you kidding? There's a black hand behind us?"

"Even in reality, not just in dramas. It's crazy."

Ji-on and Oh-ran tried to confirm again, not wanting to believe it. For Ji-on, who usually maintains a calm demeanor, and Oh-ran, who has learned that the world isn't easy, this was an unexpected event.

"Green, it's just a misunderstanding, right?"

"Without direct evidence from the involved parties, it's just a suspicion, but the circumstances make it almost certain."

Green kept checking his phone during the conversation. It seemed messages were continuously coming in, as indicated by the vibrations. Se-hoon mumbled, looking bewildered.

"Why us, when we're not particularly outstanding? Why us, specifically?"

"Being weak makes it easier to be trampled. It might be to cut us off before we grow."

"Someone in the industry, with power and influence, and who doesn't look favorably upon us as idols..."

It could be an unexpected person, but statistically, the options are limited. Among those I know, only a few meet these criteria. One of them I've met before.

POT Entertainment's representative.

"My intuition points to a company that will become our future competitor."

Oh-ran came to a similar conclusion. The other members didn't seem surprised.

"Both the company and us have ill will, but it's hard to pinpoint one. There are at least five companies with more power and boy groups."

"What about Kishi Entertainment?"

The only company that had a connection with Theora, a newly debuted group, was Kishi Entertainment, which had taken away our music video director. Parkha's thought was reasonable.

"Rather than being a hindrance, we could be an opportunity? I don't think that's a reason to go through all this trouble."

I didn't want to believe that our scheduling issues were due to such trivial reasons. But how could we understand the motives of someone who does dirty work in the shadows?

"Even if we can't be certain, Kishi Entertainment's representative isn't sinister. To put it nicely, they have clear interests."

Green, who was well-versed in the entertainment industry, knew the tendencies of Kishi Entertainment's representative. Knowing how Kishi Entertainment has operated over the years, it wasn't difficult to understand.

"In short, a materialist?"

Oh-ran's straightforward comment made everyone recall the incidents involving Kishi Entertainment. There was a clear motive then.

"Something like that."

"Then Kishi Entertainment's actions make sense. It means they just wanted a talented music video director."

That's why Green didn't get angry at Kishi Entertainment's actions. Even though it was a shock to lose the director who was supposed to shoot our music video, it was understandable.

"To influence broadcasting stations, one needs to be at the level of the top three agencies."

The names of the top three agencies carried weight. These agencies were the pillars of the idol industry in our country. Considering their strong influence, it was hard to imagine us winning against them.

While Hanul Entertainment might not fall with just one push from the top three, they could easily ruin a newly debuted group like us.

The top three agencies have the power to keep someone off the air for a long time. This was a well-known secret, as there were actual victims.

"Excluding Kishi Entertainment, there are two left: POT Entertainment and QU Entertainment. Their actions are similar, so it doesn't feel right."

"With the information we have, we can't dig deeper."

A sensitive issue that we, as members, couldn't resolve. Just understanding the situation was a significant achievement.

"We should talk to the manager when he comes."

As if on cue, the manager opened the door and entered. His face was grim after a long phone call.

I could guess what he had heard, making it hard to ask more questions.

"Joon-hyun, I know it's hard to bring up. We have a general idea of the situation, so just tell us one thing. Where did it happen?"

As the leader, Green asked on behalf of Theora.

The manager's contacts were likely practical people who could provide deeper insights, so he must have obtained some clues.

"How... I haven't decided if I should tell you yet."

"Don't treat us like flowers in a greenhouse. We have the right to know about matters that concern us. Knowing will help us do something."

"...You're better than I was at your age. Are you prepared to handle it?"

All of us, including me, firmly nodded.

"...I heard that a staff member from POT Entertainment leaked the information."

Even though I had suspected one of the two, hearing POT Entertainment's name made my heart sink. I had a premonition that the upcoming battle wouldn't be easy.

"POT..."

"Fortunately, the pressure hasn't been too strong yet, so we managed to secure one schedule."

Even in the face of a bleak reality, the manager thought about securing a schedule. He truly is a manager.

"Oh! Manager, you're a genius!"

Parkha praised the manager's achievement. His strange compliments made the manager's stern expression soften a bit.

"You'll be a guest on an experiential variety show. The ratings are low, but it's a time to take any opportunity, so I've confirmed our appearance."

Just mentioning the show's name would make it clear.

"What's the name of the show?"

"Um... 'The Last Worker.'"

"Huh? 'The Last Worker'? I've heard of it before."

Parkha slowly lowered his smile, pretending to know. I hadn't seen the show, so I waited for someone to explain.

"I've seen it. They bring in ordinary people, make them work, interview them, and offer job counseling."

Se-hoon was the only one among us who knew the show. It seemed unpopular. I was curious how he had come across it.

"Is it a variety show? Isn't it more like a documentary? Is it entertaining?"

I shared Oh-ran's doubts. Based on the description, it sounded more like a documentary. It would be hard to decide if it's a variety show or a documentary without watching it.

"They say it has the same ratings as the national anthem. It might be canceled soon."

"What if it's canceled! The important thing is that we can appear and promote Theora before that! Isn't that right?"

"What if it's canceled? Parkha..."

"It's supposed to be canceled anyway. It doesn't affect us. Be realistic, but that's the reality."

No one could deny it. Our current situation was uncertain, and we didn't have time to worry about unrelated matters.

"I heard this while securing the schedule. It's not confirmed yet, but they're talking about ending the show."

It must be really uninteresting. The fact that they're discussing cancellation means they didn't feel burdened by our appearance. The purpose of casting us, rather than ordinary people, was clear.

Ah, then...

"Since it's going to end anyway, why don't we try something new? We might create a twist. If we can raise the ratings or create a buzz, it could work."

Popularity for idols means influence and power. If Theora becomes very popular, and famous enough that they can't ignore us, maybe we can shake off the pressure from POT Entertainment.

"I agree with Lee Won."

"Me too!"

"It's not a bad direction. If it works, both we and the production team will benefit."

Ji-on and Parkha agreed, and even the practical Oh-ran was positive. My suggestion seemed to be well-received. If we get the chance to appear, we should do our best, but having a clear direction will help us avoid confusion.

"Ratings are a matter of inertia, so it's hard to raise them in one episode. We need to create a buzz."

"How do we create a buzz?"

"We need to create 'fun.' The easiest way to do that is to make people laugh. Since it's a serious program, we need to make people laugh without undermining its intent."

Is that the easiest way? I thought showing sincerity and creating a touching scene would be easier.

"Creating a touching scene might be harder than you think."

Ah, our efforts might look commendable, but if we try to stage it, it will be obvious. We're not skilled enough to act convincingly. Viewers' eyes are sharper than we think.

"Surprising them is also good. Making them think it's amazing can also work. When people feel such emotions, they want to share them with others, increasing the impact."

"I've done that! I asked my friend if they had seen a master's video!"

"That's the way. When multiple elements work together, the impact is even stronger."

"Green, are you a broadcasting science PhD? Wow!"

It wasn't just familiarity with the entertainment industry; he was looking at it analytically, breaking it down and reading the meaning within.

"We can talk about the details when we get back to the dorm..."

Se-hoon, uncharacteristically, interrupted Green.

"Guys, there's something I didn't mention. After experiencing 'The Last Worker,' people often end up with a fever and bedridden..."

The image of suffering suddenly appeared, making me feel dizzy.

The name 'The Last Worker' really means the last job!