Chapter 63

Reincarnation of the Reckless Genius Composer - Chapter 63 (63/482)

─ The OST album for 'Island of Animals' released by composer 'HS' three days ago has been a hot topic. In Japan, a 'Kyoumu Challenge' based on the OST has become a trend. Amidst this, players were curious about the meaning behind the song title 'Kyoumu (虚無)'. The bulletin board on the website of 'Ninsix', Japan's largest game company, was flooded with over 100 inquiries per day, causing the department handling these to nearly shut down... (omitted)

Swoosh, swoosh.

Ultimately, Ninsix collaborated with Man Records to request confirmation from 'HS', who was responsible for producing the OST album. In response, composer HS stated, "It simply means 'emptiness' as in feeling empty. The song title was created based on the emotions I predicted the players would feel"... (omitted)

"Haha."

Manager Kim burst into laughter as he read the article.

Swoosh, swoosh.

→ This guy... predicting the emotions players would feel, that's impressive.

→ I started playing 'Island of Animals' right after listening to the OST, it's really soothing.

→ At this point, everyone in the world knows HS is a genius, right? Come on.

Swoosh, swoosh.

→ If you're an HS fan, start this game right now. Buy the album too.

→ Even before, 'Island of Animals' was quite popular, but now it's really taking off.

→ Honestly, there's no one in my circle who isn't playing 'Island of Animals' these days.

He laughed heartily as he read through each comment.

"Anyway, he can do anything."

The popularity that started in Japan and spread to Korea was reaching new heights. At the center of this popularity was 'HS', who was responsible for the entire OST album.

In Japan, 'Island of Animals' users were obsessed with the OST and sought out 'HS', while in Korea, many people were drawn to 'Island of Animals' because of 'HS', whose fame was already well-known.

Indeed.

In short, HS's name was becoming even more widely known. Gradually, the name 'HS' would spread around the world, Manager Kim thought with a satisfied smile as he put his phone back in his pocket.

"The boxes are all moved inside."

"Yes, thank you for your hard work."

The moving company employee came out of the house, announcing that the unpacking was complete. As the employees left, the smell of the new house filled his nose.

He entered the spacious living room and sat on the sofa, taking in the interior of the house. The guy had said that the furniture and appliances were already installed as options, but he knew it was a lie.

"Guy..."

A chuckle escaped his lips. The receipt for recently purchased items was placed on the sofa; why was he lying? He must have planned and installed the furniture and appliances before showing the house to him.

And he must have agonized over how to talk and how to persuade. Yes, now he understood. The guy, considering the other person, would have pretended to be indifferent and act as if it was no big deal to avoid causing any burden.

That's why he felt even more grateful, apologetic, and proud.

Thanks to Hyunseung's fame, he was able to buy this house, and as a result, he received an unbelievable benefit.

Thud, thud.

He moved to the spacious extended balcony. The cityscape was visible through the large windows. He could even see the university hospital where his mother was admitted nearby.

I need to get her discharged and bring her here soon.

As he turned his head, the imposing building of LS Entertainment, where he worked, came into view. The guy must be working there with a happy expression right now.

「Kumchuck」

Pressing the shortcut key 2, a more familiar nickname than his name appeared on the screen.

"Hyunseung, the move is done."

─ Then, come to work quickly.

"You sound like my boss."

He didn't have anything specific to say; he just felt the need to call and say it.

"Hyunseung."

A moment of silence.

"Thank you."

It was a heartfelt statement. He wanted to express his pride in how well he had grown, his apology for almost giving up their relationship due to reality, and his gratitude for being saved.

He bundled these emotions and casually blurted them out.

After a while.

A more indifferent and cliché voice came through the receiver, sounding even more detached than his own.

─ Just go to the cafeteria quickly.

* * *

"Alright, now that we have the plan, we need to start the casting process..."

The man, trailing off, pressed his temples with his fingertips, hesitating to speak.

His name is Kim Young-ho.

He is a star PD at MBM, one of the three major terrestrial broadcasting stations in Korea, and has successfully produced a series of hit variety shows, establishing himself as a star PD.

Finally, as the program planning entered the final stages, he convened a group meeting and, sitting at the head of the table, asked casually while flipping through the materials.

"First, have you all thought about who will be the regional judges?"

He was in charge of a program called . With a production budget of over 40 billion won, it was a large-scale audition program, and the pressure to ensure its success for the first season was immense, causing him significant stress.

"For the Jeju region, we have Hyunmin from the idol group Xter, who is known to be a native of Jeju..."

"For Busan, we have Double D, a rapper and producer with a strong image as a native of Busan..."

Given the numerous audition programs, to survive, they needed to catch both the buzz and the uniqueness, the two rabbits.

This program planned to differentiate itself by seating different people as judges for the regional preliminaries.

"Alright, let's finalize the regional judges with those people."

This item was progressing smoothly, but there was something that was not easily resolved.

The buzz.

"Has the casting team made contact with the people listed as main judges?"

"Yes, we have officially requested their participation through their agencies or labels."

"Have we received any responses yet?"

"Since we sent the requests at midnight today, no one has been confirmed yet."

Kim Young-ho stroked his stubble, which had grown from staying up all night, and sighed.

"Hmm."

To create buzz in such an audition program, they needed talented participants, unique participants, participants with comedic elements, and participants with good looks.

Among them, there would certainly be a participant who possessed all these elements, and naturally, the buzz would focus on that participant, allowing for free publicity without spending money.

Of course.

Such a participant would be pre-selected to some extent before the festival began.

During the planning process of this program, many entertainment agencies had already made unfair requests to secure their trainees in the top 10.

Since a significant portion of the enormous promotional costs required after debut could be invested in the program, it would be a win-win situation for both the production company and the agencies.

However.

The 40 billion won production budget, which was thought to be more than enough at the planning stage, might turn out to be insufficient as the project progressed.

It was uncertain whether it would create buzz, and even if it did, whether it would generate a corresponding return. In short, it was like buying a 40 billion won lottery ticket.

Moreover, it took years to convince the executives at the top. In other words, the lottery ticket in his hands was bought with his resignation as collateral.

Therefore, it must not be a dud.

"Among others, we must definitely secure this person."

Kim Young-ho, as if making a decision, firmly tapped the printed material in front of him and added.

"Even if it's just a one-time appearance, we need to get him to sit as a judge for the Seoul region. It would be even better if he could be a main judge."

Yes, rather than a participant who needs all the right conditions to become a hit, securing a person already at the center of the buzz as a regular judge would be a more reliable guarantee of ratings.

"PD, sir..."

At that moment, the youngest staff member, lacking in tact, asked a question.

"Excuse me, but who are you referring to...?"

At this, Kim Young-ho shouted and threw the printed material.

"Who, who?!"

On the printed material that landed in the center of the conference table, a list of regular judges was listed.

"Are you asking me this now?!"

At the top of the list, the name of the person to be cast was circled and starred as if to pierce the paper.

"Is there anyone here who doesn't know who I'm talking about besides this guy?!"

In unison, everyone in the room answered loudly.

"Yes, we know!"

"Then, tell me who it is!"

Indeed, the most sensational and mysterious figure in Korea, a person whose mere appearance would guarantee ratings.

"Among the people listed here, who should be the top priority for casting?!"

It was a very obvious question. There was only one such person in Korea.

After a moment.

The entire group in the meeting room shouted in unison.

"Composer HS!"

Only then did Kim Young-ho nod, looking relieved and calm.

* * *

"Seriously, what am I supposed to do?"

Lee Hyosub, who was in charge of the overall casting for , crumpled up an empty coffee can and stomped his feet.

He was in a bind because of the persistent demand to cast HS. Of course, he wanted to cast him more than anyone. If he succeeded in casting HS, he would be a hero, achieving the greatest accomplishment in the program, and naturally, he would be in charge of the next season.

And most importantly...

It was a golden opportunity to firmly establish a connection with the Kim Young-ho line.

"Ah..."

However, no matter how urgent and desperate it was, casting HS was not as easy as he wished. He had already made five official casting requests.

The first time, he received a cold response that HS had no intention of appearing on TV, and since then, he had only been given vague responses about internal reviews.

He had heard from various parts of the broadcasting company that HS had harshly rejected casting requests, so he had expected difficulties, but...

Was there even a chance?

"I should check the other candidates first."

No matter how much he wracked his brain, HS wouldn't suddenly agree to appear.

Yes.

Let's handle what we can do first. A good solution might come to mind as we go.

"Hmm."

Lee Hyosub wrote "on hold" next to HS's name and moved his gaze to the names listed below. It was a list that made him sigh in frustration. In fact, the difficulty of casting wasn't limited to HS.

Even excluding HS, the main judges listed were legendary singers or famous producers. They were people who didn't need to appear on an audition show and face criticism.

However.

If their interests aligned, there was still a chance to cast them.

"Jayble?"

At that moment, Lee Hyosub muttered the name Jayble, listed on the casting list. He had already made a casting request to Jayble, but had only received a vague response and no further news.

"If this person could appear... "

Wait, wait.

Why did he only think of this good idea now?

"Jayble's manager's number is... "

Lee Hyosub immediately picked up his phone and searched through his call history.

"Here it is."

He dialed the number and smiled.

Ring, ring, ring, ring.

After a long ring, a voice answered, "Hello?"

"Hello, this is Lee Hyosub, who contacted you about the K-Singerstar program casting."

– Ah, yes. Hello. But I thought the casting was...

"Yes, you said you would consider it."

– I thought you clearly refused it. Why are you calling again?

"Please, don't be so formal. Can I have a word with Jayble?"

– As you know, Jayble is very busy and can't take direct calls.

"Then, could you at least pass on my message? I have something important to say... "

While Lee Hyosub was speaking urgently, a familiar voice came through the speaker, "Who is this? What's going on?"

It was definitely Jayble's voice. An alarm went off in Lee Hyosub's head, telling him not to miss this opportunity.

"Are you with Jayble right now?"

The other person reluctantly replied, "Ah, yes..."

– Please, keep it short. Jayble is listening too.

Lee Hyosub mentally cheered and cleared his throat.

"Jayble, you lost the last personal album chart competition, didn't you?"

– Why are you bringing that up now?

The manager asked, but Jayble, who was next to him, took the phone, "Hold on."

– Get to the point.

Jayble's voice was flat and stern. It seemed the loss had left a deep scar.

"Yes, to the point. Don't you think it's time for a rematch?"

– What kind of rematch?

"It's not confirmed yet, but there are positive talks about HS appearing."

– From what I know, that guy refuses TV appearances and only does private interviews.

"Yes, but if Jayble appears, there's almost a 100% chance HS will too."

Lee Hyosub added a bit of exaggeration to his smooth talk.

"We'll set the stage for Jayble to have a proper rematch. Once we reach the top 10, the two of you will compete with your original songs. We'll take the heat, and Jayble just needs to show a good song."

He lowered his voice and delivered the final blow.

"I am Jayble."

There was nothing more to say. Yes, if he overdid it, it might backfire.

He needed to give time for a positive response.

However.

There was no guarantee what the response would be. It could be a flat rejection, and both HS and Jayble would be off the list.

Thinking this, his hands began to sweat, and he swallowed hard, pressing the phone to his ear.

But Jayble remained silent.

Damn, it's not working?

Just as Lee Hyosub was biting his dry lower lip, a voice came through the speaker.

– If that person appears...

Finally.

A deep voice from the speaker.

– I'll appear too.