Chapter 19

Reckless Genius Composer's Regression - Chapter 19 (19/482)

When the top idol group 'KOK' was mentioned, it felt as if his thoughts had momentarily halted.

"Aren't they currently active in Japan?"

"They've finished preparing their album in Japan."

A few memories flashed through Manager Kim's mind.

'Ah, that's right...'

In the past few months, the A&R team members and sound engineers had been traveling to Japan more frequently.

He had thought it was to handle the mixing and mastering work that had been outsourced through the overseas branch more efficiently...

But it seemed they had been secretly working on 'KOK's album, taking turns to leave their posts without anyone knowing.

'I should have noticed this earlier.'

As he continued his thoughts, a sudden question arose.

"Was it really necessary to prepare this project in such secrecy?"

"Maybe..."

"Their extended activities in Japan caused a lot of complaints from the domestic fanbase, right?"

This year, 'KOK' marked their 10th anniversary, and their prolonged activities in Japan had intensified the dissatisfaction of the domestic fanbase.

If they had at least announced an upcoming album release during this time, it would have been better...

"Oh."

Manager Kim muttered, "Surely..." and asked.

"Mr. Park, the executive vice president?"

"..."

"Mr. Park, the executive vice president, right?"

Team Leader Kwak slowly nodded.

"Yes, Mr. Park, the executive vice president, secretly pushed for the production of the 10th anniversary album of KOK. Not only within the company but also in Japan, dozens of top composers, directors, producers, and engineers formed a team to work on it..."

He flicked the ash off his cigarette.

"How did he manage to prepare such a large-scale project so secretly? He's quite resourceful. Well, that's probably why he climbed to the executive position..."

Mr. Park must have gone to great lengths to keep it a secret.

Director Choi.

It was no secret to anyone with a certain level of responsibility that their relationship was not good.

While Mr. Park's promotion to executive was much faster, Director Choi had more influence.

The rumor that Director Choi was the CEO's right-hand man, circulating among the employees, was a clear indication of this.

Well, I can understand.

It must have been to create a record-breaking achievement to overshadow Director Choi, his only competitor.

"Phew, what a mess."

"I'm sorry."

"Why are you apologizing, Kwak?"

The reason Manager Kim felt frustrated was due to Hyun-seung and Jung Arin.

They had no fault for their hard work on the song.

Yet, they were about to be caught in the crossfire, which was frustrating.

"You have a few weeks, right?"

"Yes, that's right."

"Alright, you must be busy, so go on in."

At least, there was some leeway between 'KOK's comeback and Jung Arin's debut.

Given the situation, it was unlikely they would receive full support from the company...

But it would be much better than being swept away by the 'KOK' tsunami.

It would be difficult, but...

If they could achieve some results in that time, they could at least save face.

"I'll go in."

Team Leader Kwak bowed deeply and left the rooftop...

"Thanks for telling me."

At Manager Kim's words, Team Leader Kwak stopped, turned around, and bowed again before disappearing.

"Phew."

Manager Kim, unable to handle his frustration, loosened his tie.

No matter how positively he tried to think, the situation was clearly negative.

Comparing Jung Arin to 'KOK,' who had been active both domestically and internationally for a decade, was absurd.

In simple terms, it was like having to face an opponent wielding a legendary sword with a thin branch.

If things continued this way...

Hyun-seung would undoubtedly be framed as a one-hit composer who succeeded only by luck with Seo Jin-ye's album.

'As for Jung Arin...'

She would likely end up in a precarious position, and once her contract expired, she would be dismissed.

"Damn..."

The night view of Seoul, visible beyond the railing, was as dazzling and beautiful as ever, regardless of his burning heart.

* * *

When Hyun-seung heard the whole story from Manager Kim, he said nonchalantly.

"It doesn't really matter."

"What?"

"Why should I care?"

Hyun-seung took a few sips of coffee and added.

"Even if I worry, it won't delay their comeback, right?"

"Hey, aren't you being too indifferent?"

"It's not indifference. If the song is good, it will succeed; if not, it will fail."

Hyun-seung added again.

"And actually, I think it's for the best."

"What is?"

"Isn't the situation itself interesting?"

Manager Kim, looking incredulous, repeated, "Interesting?"

This was a matter that would determine their future success or failure.

How could the person involved talk about it being interesting?

"You really are..."

In contrast, Hyun-seung remained unperturbed.

'KOK... '

It seemed the group name 'KOK' was derived from the acronym 'KING OF KPOP'...

Despite the childish name, they had gained immense popularity from their debut and established themselves as a long-standing idol group representing South Korea.

Especially, the upcoming album, titled '10th Anniversary,' boasted a quality that left industry professionals speechless.

As a result...

All the songs ranked from 1st to 5th in the annual charts, and it was hailed as the best album of the year, receiving long-lasting love.

In short, it was a historic and record-breaking album.

Although in his previous life, he had started his serious composing career much later and didn't have the chance to compete directly...

'But I've always been curious...'

In his previous life, after establishing himself as a composer and realizing there was no one left to call a competitor...

He often indulged in the fantasy of who would have won if his released songs had competed against the hits of the previous era.

'I thought it was a matchup that couldn't realistically happen...'

Thanks to the phenomenon of regression, it had become a realistic possibility.

'The hits of the era before I became a composer...'

Not just the upcoming 10th anniversary album of KOK, but what if he had competed with all the legendary hits that had left a mark in the history of South Korea's music market?

The thought that he could now compete with the 'hits of the previous era' made his heart burn with passion.

"Sigh."

Manager Kim, who had sighed deeply, spoke again.

"Anyway, even if this song doesn't do well, it won't be your fault."

"I know, once the song is out of my hands, it's the company's responsibility."

Manager Kim, who had been momentarily speechless, sighed again and replied.

"Right, it's the company's responsibility..."

Hyun-seung and Jung Arin, after all, had become innocent victims of internal political struggles. If you think about it, it was the company's responsibility.

Still, there was hope.

'KOK' had not even released a short teaser video or any news about the album.

Moreover, since Jung Arin was a rookie and the album production was entirely managed by Hyun-seung, the break-even point was not set too high.

'If we can just exceed the break-even point before 'KOK's comeback...'

Given the situation, they could get a reasonable reprieve.

'Then the CEO will understand...'

Of course, if any news about 'KOK' was reported, Jung Arin would naturally have to pause her activities.

Now, the only thing they could do was to release the album and pray that 'KOK's comeback would be delayed.

Thud, thud.

The two, who had already entered the building, headed towards the elevator.

"Hyun-seung, I have a meeting, so I need to go to the underground parking lot right away."

"Sure, go ahead."

"Let's have dinner near the company later."

Just as they were about to reach the elevator...

"Hey, Manager Kim?"

Executive Vice President Park, standing in front of the elevator, casually said with his hands behind his back.

"Mr. Park, the executive vice president..."

He was the main culprit of this situation, but he couldn't show any signs of being upset.

Not just because of his position as an executive, but also because, upon careful consideration, Mr. Park had simply done his job diligently.

Manager Kim, who had been caught in the crossfire due to his connection with Director Choi, the opposite of the lifeline he had grabbed...

'If it had been Director Choi's plan, I would have applauded...'

There was no denying that the company would benefit greatly from the secret project prepared by Mr. Park.

Manager Kim bowed deeply and greeted him respectfully.

"Hello, have you had lunch yet?"

Mr. Park, looking annoyed, waved his hand and replied.

"Formalities, formalities."

At this, Manager Kim looked at Hyun-seung and said.

"This is Executive Vice President Park Jun-cheol, greet him first."

Under Manager Kim's pressure, Hyun-seung bowed and said.

"Hello, I'm Min Hyun-seung."

Mr. Park, with a bland expression, scanned Hyun-seung from head to toe and nodded.

He assumed Hyun-seung was a newly signed 'trainee' based on his decent appearance.

Buzz...

Just then, Manager Kim's phone rang in his pocket.

After checking the message, Manager Kim apologized to Mr. Park.

"Mr. Park, I'm sorry, but I have to go to an external meeting right away. I'll greet you properly next time."

Mr. Park briefly replied, "Alright," and resumed looking at the elevator display...

"Hyun-seung."

Manager Kim whispered in a low voice.

"Hyun-seung, go to the studio quietly."

"Sure."

"Are you really going to go up quietly?"

"Sure."

"Really quietly, do you understand what I mean?"

"Sure."

"Answer me properly, don't mess around."

Hyun-seung, frowning, replied.

"Really, I get it, why do you keep saying that?"

Mr. Park, glancing at the two, thought.

'Not a trainee?'

Given his close relationship with someone of Manager Kim's status and the way they interacted casually...

'Oh?'

Suddenly, a name mentioned in a previous meeting came to mind.

Min Hyun-seung.

The composer who had given Seo Jin-ye, who was practically in the process of retiring, a second golden age...

And one of the few people, excluding executives, who knew the personal contact information of CEO Jeon Jun-il...

'So, he's HS...'

Mr. Park had already been considering reaching out to Hyun-seung soon.

While it was undeniable that he felt uncomfortable seeing Hyun-seung favored by CEO Jeon Jun-il...

There was a fundamental rule to survive in the jungle called the entertainment industry.

If you meet someone capable, do whatever it takes to keep them close.

If you can't...

Do whatever it takes to cut off their lifeline.

'If the CEO used the phrase 'a goose that lays golden eggs'...'

His ability was already proven, so if he could be persuaded, he would be a solid ally.

Yes.

Leaving such a person to be a lackey of Director Choi was clearly inefficient.

Ding!

The elevator door opened...

"Are you the composer who handled Seo Jin-ye's album?"

However.

Thud, thud.

Hyun-seung entered the elevator without a word and...

Pulled out his earphones slightly and asked casually.

"Aren't you getting in?"

It seemed he hadn't heard due to listening to music.

"Haha, this guy..."

Mr. Park, laughing exaggeratedly, got into the elevator.

Just as Hyun-seung was about to put his earphone back in...

"Let's have a chat for a moment."

Hyun-seung, looking blankly at Mr. Park, replied.

"I've heard about your achievements."

"Ah, thank you."

"I have high expectations for your future achievements as well."

Mr. Park smiled, showing his teeth.

"I'd like to have a cup of coffee with you soon."

This was a clear attempt at persuasion...

"Sure, if the opportunity arises."

"If the opportunity arises?"

"Right, we're both busy, after all."

Hyun-seung understood the hidden intention behind Mr. Park's casual "let's have a cup of coffee."

He must want to check if Hyun-seung is worth bringing into his camp.

However, Hyun-seung detested internal politics.

Even if there were no factions within the company, he would have found a way to politely decline a private meeting with the CEO, let alone an executive.

"Then I'll be going now."

The elevator stopped just then...

Ding!

As soon as the door opened, Hyun-seung stepped out.

"Hmm."

As the elevator door closed again, Mr. Park smiled deeply.

"Wow, this guy is really interesting..."

His lips trembled slightly.

At first.

He didn't like him when his name was mentioned in the CEO's office, but after a brief conversation, he was certain.

He was a type of person who didn't match his personality at all.

Given that Mr. Park, who had climbed the ranks through the elite path, was authoritative, and Hyun-seung, who lived with confidence based solely on his abilities, their personalities were incompatible.

Mr. Park took a deep breath and muttered again.

"Cutting the grass and the roots..."

Hyun-seung was undoubtedly capable, even if he didn't want to admit it.

However.

He was also someone who couldn't be kept close.

"I'll have to uproot him..."

To prevent him from becoming a problem for Director Choi in the future.

Preemptively...

He needed to uproot him completely.