Chapter 73

Park Ok-tae and POT

POT Entertainment, which built its headquarters in the heart of Gangnam, was truly a renowned idol powerhouse.

The fact that POT Entertainment had played a pioneering role since the time when the profession of being an idol was becoming established was a source of pride for Park Ok-tae, the company's representative.

Making POT Entertainment the top entertainment company, one that no one could surpass, was Park Ok-tae's true goal.

“It can't be! Who built POT Entertainment, anyway!”

Park Ok-tae identified himself with POT Entertainment. Being disrespected by POT Entertainment was the same as being disrespected by himself.

One day, he met a trainee candidate who perfectly fit what POT Entertainment was looking for.

The moment he saw the face of 'Ham Eui-won,' the guy the casting manager brought in, he almost blurted out, “I found you!”

The guy who came in for the audition was undoubtedly a treasure who could become the next face of POT.

When he confirmed his singing and dancing skills, he thought it was a gift from heaven, acknowledging his efforts.

From his stunning visuals to his immediate stage-worthy singing skills, and his limitless potential, it was impossible for anyone not destined to be an idol to have all these qualities.

Even without an audition, his appearance alone was enough to pass, but it was worth holding back the burst of excitement. When he informed Ham Eui-won of his audition success, Park Ok-tae's mind was filled with a rosy future.

However.

The phone call, which he thought would be about when to come for the contract, ended with a firm rejection.

“Why on earth? With that appearance and ability, he can't possibly refuse to be an idol, can he? Where else could he go if he wants to be an idol other than POT Entertainment? Could it be one of the other two top companies?”

Park Ok-tae quickly activated his network.

Kissi and QU, two large agencies hot on the heels of POT Entertainment. If those two companies played tricks, how could a young kid resist?

Even if he made a mistake by rejecting POT and realized his mistake, he was willing to forgive and accept him. Of course, he would have to discipline him and set the rules straight.

Contrary to expectations, the two large agencies had no record of 'Ham Eui-won.' Kissi hadn't recruited any new trainees.

“Even if he came to the idol audition just for fun, the reputation of POT Entertainment should have tempted him….”

If it was simply that he didn't want to be an idol, convincing a young student would be as easy as eating cold porridge. That would be easier to handle.

No matter how hard you study and get a job, the money earned can't compare to what a successful idol makes. With full support from POT Entertainment, success was almost guaranteed.

“Where is he hiding?”

The place where Ham Eui-won was found was an unexpected company.

“Kicking POT to the curb and coming here?”

Hana Entertainment boasts a solid financial foundation, but it's still far from competing with the major agencies as an idol management company.

It's commendable that Hana Entertainment, which was originally an actor management company, managed to produce two idol groups in less than ten years. However, that doesn't guarantee the success of a new idol.

“What nerve to poach that guy after launching SEED with sheer luck?”

It was already annoying that trainees who left POT were steadily moving to Hana.

It was particularly frustrating that even the trainees he had earmarked for acting or other fields were leaving.

Where did the person who emphasized character over ability at the agency representatives' meeting go? It was clear that Hana's representative, Son Jung-gi, coveted the POT Entertainment trainees whose skills had been verified.

“Just because they were an actor management company, they act so high and mighty.”

He couldn't help but frequently encounter Hana's employees, who all resembled their representative in their pedantic nature.

“Money-making kids are good kids; what's the problem with character? As long as it doesn't get exposed, it's all good.”

In the entertainment industry, image management is essential to survive. Everyone pretends to be good, so there's no difference between good and bad character.

The difference only comes from whether it gets exposed or not.

“And our POT Entertainment is a company that can beautifully package any speck of dust.”

If an entertainer becomes a problem for the company, breaking the contract and claiming ignorance is all it takes. If they've already reaped enough benefits, there's no need to feel sorry.

There are plenty of aspiring stars who want to become stars. By selecting one and focusing the spotlight, a new cash cow can be created.

“It's a pity, but it's awkward to touch.”

There was no clear way to exert influence over a trainee who had moved to Hana Entertainment. While it wasn't impossible, doing so could complicate things if Hana Entertainment found out.

“Tsk, it was just our kind of guy. Who would have thought he'd kick away a golden opportunity.”

The regret lingered, but there was no special solution. It seemed to be gradually forgotten.

Until he heard a trainee from Hana Entertainment talking.

* * *

“…So, it was a guy named Ham Eui-won?”

“Yes. He said POT Entertainment was nothing special… I heard it clearly. Since his skills weren't bad, the staff treated him well, and he gradually became more confident, and the words he had been holding back started to come out.”

It's a typical behavior for someone his age. It's easy to imagine how arrogant he must have been after passing the POT Entertainment audition. However, it's hard to let remarks belittling POT Entertainment go.

POT is Park Ok-tae's greatest masterpiece, filled with his sweat and tears. It was his pride, which should not be belittled by anyone.

“Was he part of the debut group?”

The trainee's words, about 'gu, something,' meant that Ham Eui-won was included in the idol group Hana Entertainment recently debuted.

“Yes. He joined the company three months ago. Moreover, if Hana had evaluated his character properly, he should have been rejected. It must be because of his strong background or some connection with the company….”

“That's the only way it makes sense. Yeah.”

“Huh?”

“Never mind. You don't need to know.”

If there was some connection with Hana Entertainment, it was a reasonable choice.

For an ambitious kid with a strong background, choosing Hana over POT, where he couldn't be controlled, was a smart move.

“…Ambitious?”

He was annoying but increasingly tempting. With a kid like this, debuting an idol group and making it a global success would be a piece of cake.

He was a goose that lays golden eggs, no, a swan that lays diamond eggs.

“What to do…?”

The more he knew, the more tempting the talent became, but he had run away to someone else. There was nothing he could do but lick his wounds.

The trainee 'gu, something' was reportedly a promising trainee, according to the junior staff.

His appearance was not bad, and his singing and dancing skills were top-notch. He was learning composition, and his talent was evident in his fast learning speed.

His father was a member of the National Assembly, right? Since kids with impressive backgrounds are common, a father who is a member of the National Assembly wasn't surprising.

However, it could be helpful for POT Entertainment to solidify its position as the top idol management company.

He pondered the pros and cons while staring at the trainee in front of him. The kid, who was not yet twenty, was carefully observing his representative.

“…I didn't want to say this, but Ham Eui-won mentioned that he auditioned for POT Entertainment and talked about you….”

“Talked about me?”

“Yes… He said your eye for talent was outdated and mentioned recent investment talks….”

It felt like a stab to the heart. His mood instantly soured.

Since the company went public, it became difficult to run the company relying solely on idols.

While producing idols is the identity of POT Entertainment, it can't be abandoned.

However, idols who frequently cause problems are a risk to investors, who prefer safe investments. As a result, Park Ok-tae, partly by choice and partly by necessity, adopted a diversified management strategy.

He established a production company to create web dramas based on web novels and webtoons, featuring idol members. He also entered the cosmetics business targeting teenagers and young adults.

But all these efforts ended in miserable failures. Not only that, but he also received harsh criticism from fans, telling him to focus on his core business.

Still, he could proudly claim that he had unmatched insight and planning skills in the 'idol' field.

He had climbed from the bottom of this jungle-like entertainment industry with his insight alone.

“…Outdated? My insight?”

“It was a stronger expression, but that was the meaning.”

“What kind of strong expression?”

“…That your eye for idols has deteriorated, so you're dabbling in other businesses.”

“This arrogant kid…!”

He recalled the sense of crisis he felt recently due to the rising momentum of other idol agencies and their changing marketing strategies. It wasn't a direct hit, but it stung.

“Go for now. If you hear from the trainees at Hana Entertainment, check the atmosphere.”

“Sure. I'll go back.”

The trainee 'gu, something' bowed and left the representative's office.

After a while, he could properly organize the situation.

It was clear that the trainee had no good feelings towards Ham Eui-won. Otherwise, he wouldn't have reported it.

He also recognized the possibility of provocation. However, in Park Ok-tae's mind, Ham Eui-won was already branded as a despicable guy who had slipped out of his control.

Despite his efforts to make him the best product.

“What to do with this despicable guy…?”

* * *

Putting pressure on the broadcasting station was a simple matter of a word from a subordinate. However, the subordinate was picky and couldn't be handled arbitrarily.

The current generation doesn't hesitate to blow the whistle, and rumors spread quickly. If he moved aggressively, he would likely get caught.

He didn't even directly tell the broadcasting station staff not to book the group Ham Eui-won belonged to.

Just the hint that POT Entertainment disapproved of Hana Entertainment's new idol would be enough to make them cautious. POT Entertainment had that much influence.

“Tasting some bitterness is necessary to open one's eyes to the world. One must learn the ways of the world through real experience.”

This was just a light venting of frustration against the kid who had offended him.

“Where else can you find a kind adult like me?”

Wouldn't he learn the lesson that he shouldn't recklessly spread rumors? He would also gain a better understanding of reality.

“It would be even better if he fails miserably and comes crawling back to POT Entertainment.”

* * *

His back of the head was numb from the consecutive blows.

“Am I the one who is the one who is the one?”

Park Ok-tae, as the representative of an idol management company, knew better than anyone how crucial early exposure is for an idol group.

Hana Entertainment did put effort into promoting the group. They brought in a film director to shoot the music video and even took the bold step of launching an idol advertisement.

However, to become familiar and leave an impression, repeated exposure to the public's eyes and ears is necessary.

He couldn't interfere with the music shows, which were planned far in advance, but he had already taken action in other variety and music programs. The effect was clear when the group was not seen on TV for a while.

That's what he thought until he started seeing Ham Eui-won