Chapter 83

### Chapter 83 (83/482) - The Reckless Genius Composer Returns

The atmosphere in the accommodation of a retreat center on the outskirts of Gyeonggi Province was heavily subdued.

"Hmm..."

Yoojoo glanced sideways at the camera installed in her room and then shifted her gaze back to the sheet music. Her face, partially hidden by her hair, was crumpled.

'Suffocating...'

Cameras were installed everywhere in the accommodation except for the bathroom, and the always-on cameras monitored the participants 24/7.

"Change your clothes only in the bathroom."

"Sleep only at the designated time."

"Be careful with your words, as everything is recorded."

"Snacks other than the provided meals are strictly prohibited."

"If you start a fight, be prepared to pack your bags immediately."

It was as if they were treating them like idol trainees, imposing strict regulations on their daily lives. They had to use only the sponsored PPL products provided by the broadcasting company for everything they ate, drank, and wore.

Living in such a repressive environment, where even a whisper was impossible...

It was because of the hope that if she survived here, she could lock herself in an underground practice room and exchange her youth for a time to be compensated all at once.

I can assure you.

If she made it into the TOP10, she would receive love calls from famous agencies, and invitations to university festivals and various events would pour in. She would definitely live a life of higher quality than now.

Most importantly.

If she was lucky, she might even secure an advertising contract before the program ended.

Yes.

Just by looking at Yoonji, who was writing something on the worn-out sheet music, she could be confident.

Rustle, rustle—

Yoonji, titled "The Participant Chosen by HS," had already been selected as a model for a famous clothing brand before even making it to the TOP10. Every day, brand representatives came to deliver the clothes she would wear that day.

It was said that, as a strong contender for the championship, she received far more love calls than other participants...

'Has she already signed with a major agency?'

Yoojoo's seething jealousy was subtly directed at Yoonji. The production team caught on to this point and, as a result, made her share a room with Yoonji. It was a rather malicious prank by the production team.

Yes, the subtle psychological battles among the participants would provide excellent fuel for public gossip.

'It won't be that easy.'

Yoojoo, observing Yoonji's profile, spoke in a barely audible, small voice.

"Ji, the sound of the pen is really bothering me. Can you go outside and do it?"

"Sorry..."

"I can't concentrate, and I can't memorize the lyrics. Please."

Then she pushed her earphones deep into her ears.

'I'm so annoyed...'

Yoojoo, who had been closely observing Yoonji since they started sharing a room, noticed that Yoonji seemed to completely ignore the cameras. She didn't make any noticeable actions or try to look good. She spent her days solely focused on sheet music and her guitar.

It was as if she had no interest in popularity or success, acting like someone who had dedicated their life to music. This pretense was quite irritating.

In fact, didn't she secure an advertising contract first?

Yoojoo was confident that Yoonji, like everyone else, was here with the desire and goal of success, just pretending otherwise. She nodded her head.

'What bad luck.'

Her sharp jealousy wasn't just directed at Yoonji. This place was a hell where she had to constantly worry about whether the participant next to her was more popular and could deliver a stunning performance, potentially leading to her elimination.

Everywhere was a competitor, an evaluator, and a monitor. She was also worried that she might be vilified by the public due to malicious editing, so she checked her name online every night before going to bed.

Yes.

Anyone would become sensitive.

Anyone who applied for such an audition program would have prayed and hoped to at least make it to the finals, and to at least make it into the TOP10.

Out of the thousands who prayed, only 100 made it here, and now only 20 remained. With one more leaving, 19 were left.

But...

In just two more nights, 10 would make it to the coveted TOP10, and 9 would be forced to pack their bags and leave.

At this turning point of joy and sorrow...

The growing anxiety that she might be one of the 9 eliminated gradually pushed all the participants to the brink.

Thud, thud—

Just as Yoonji was carefully gathering her sheet music and leaving the room, checking the situation...

Ding-dong!

Someone had come to their accommodation.

It must be...

The monitor... No, the production team.

* * *

It was indeed the production team...

'Who is it?'

Yoojoo, called by a staff member to the business room, blinked and looked around.

PD Sung Kyujin, who had the second-highest authority after the main PD, and CP Ko Hyundeok were sitting there.

The man walking towards her...

"Ms. Yoojoo."

It was a face she had never seen before.

"I wanted to meet you."

The man, dressed in a custom-tailored suit that looked expensive at first glance, extended his hand for a handshake. The Rolex watch on his wrist, visible as his sleeve slightly rolled up, would cost millions even to a woman who knew little about watches.

"Ah, hello. Who are you...?"

"I should have introduced myself earlier."

The man, smiling, took out a business card from his inner pocket and handed it to her.

'What...?'

What immediately caught Yoojoo's attention was the watermark on the platinum-coated business card, which shimmered subtly when it caught the light.

- JN Entertainment.

- Executive Director Kim Woosuk.

The words that revealed this man's identity were clear.

"I am Executive Director Kim Woosuk from JN Entertainment."

Yoojoo, holding the business card in one hand and covering her mouth with the other, alternated her gaze between the card and Kim Woosuk.

"Our JN Entertainment has been closely following the performances you've given on K-SingerStar. Your distinct star quality has caught our attention, and I am here to offer you a contract on behalf of our company."

When Kim Woosuk finished speaking, Yoojoo took a deep breath.

'Unbelievable...'

JN Entertainment was one of the top three most prestigious large entertainment companies in the country, a place that aspiring singers would dream of joining.

She had never imagined receiving a business card from an executive director, not just a casting manager, from such a place.

'I must be dreaming...'

When she applied for K-SingerStar, she didn't even hope to win.

She had been looking forward to and waiting for this moment.

On the verge of the TOP10, she had been pushing herself to the limit, determined not to fall and face certain death.

If she could just get through this, she would be rewarded with everything, and a bright and beautiful path would await her...

And now, that path was starting to appear before her eyes.

"Shall we sit down and have a brief conversation?"

Kim Woosuk, with a professional demeanor, led Yoojoo to the table.

"I believe you are already familiar with JN Entertainment, so we can directly discuss the contract, right?"

"Yes, of course..."

Yoojoo nodded vigorously, like a devout follower in front of a cult leader.

"Good. In fact, there's not much to review in the contract. We are offering you the best conditions in the industry for a new artist, unmatched by any other..."

Kim Woosuk, glancing at Yoojoo's face, added:

"Most importantly, you will be able to join the ambitious girl group that JN Entertainment is preparing, without going through the trainee period, as soon as the program ends."

Yoojoo, with a devout expression, swallowed and replied, "Yes..."

"I'm not forcing you to sign immediately. You can take your time to review it and sign it later."

Kim Woosuk pushed the neatly organized contract towards Yoojoo.

"Yes, thank you."

Yoojoo bowed politely, and Kim Woosuk nodded kindly in return.

"Oh, right. I forgot to mention this."

Kim Woosuk gestured towards CP Ko Hyundeok and PD Sung Kyujin, who were sitting in the room.

"If you sign with JN Entertainment, you will definitely make it to the TOP2 in this K-SingerStar. You might even win the championship."

"Yes, that's right. The production team has already agreed to push you to the TOP2, so it's just a matter of your choice."

"Moreover, JN Entertainment has committed to investing, so we can guarantee a much higher-quality live performance stage for you compared to other participants."

As if on cue, Kim Woosuk, CP Ko Hyundeok, and PD Sung Kyujin began to paint grand visions, momentarily taking her breath away.

"In short, you will debut in glory, having secured a place in the TOP2 of K-SingerStar."

Kim Woosuk, with a meaningful smile, delivered his final words.

"Ah-"

Yoojoo dropped the contract on the table and covered her mouth with both hands.

Is this what they mean when they say dreams come true?

Receiving a call from JN Entertainment was already a stroke of luck, but being guaranteed a place in the TOP2 was beyond her wildest dreams.

'There's no need to delay.'

She had been trembling with anxiety, wondering if she would be eliminated in the upcoming TOP10 selection round or if she would be kicked out by the production team.

If her debut and place in the TOP2 were already secured, she wouldn't have to feel anxious or restless, and she wouldn't have to be on edge and cautious like the other participants.

"I'll sign it right now!"

Blinded by the prospect of success, Yoojoo immediately offered to sign.

"Yes, that's a good decision. Just sign or initial in the blank space marked '乙' (B)."

Kim Woosuk pointed out where to sign, and Yoojoo, without even reading the contract terms, began to fill in the blanks.

Rustle, rustle—

Kim Woosuk, watching her sign, smiled slyly.

"You will never regret signing with JN Entertainment, as you will soon realize."

"Yes, thank you, thank you!"

Yoojoo, moving her hand, smiled sweetly and expressed her gratitude.

Yes...

She had no idea that the contract was filled with clauses that would make her regret it in the future.

* * *

The day after Kim Woosuk's visit, the day before the TOP10 selection round, there was a preliminary evaluation.

"This is quite a situation."

They were about to start an important shoot...

"How should we convey this?"

The main PD, sub-PD, and even the CP were gathered in the business room.

"Ah..."

PD Sung Kyujin's question was met with a deep sigh from PD Kim Young-ho, who seemed burdened.

"How should we say it, what should we say-!"

CP Ko Hyundeok, slamming his hand on the table, spoke in a forceful tone.

"Just tell him we're going to eliminate her and ask for his cooperation."

PD Sung Kyujin and PD Kim Young-ho could only nod in agreement. There was no other way.

"Time is running out..."

PD Kim Young-ho checked his wristwatch and muttered.

"HS should be here soon..."

The person they were waiting for was none other than HS.

The person they needed to ask for cooperation was also HS.

And the person they needed his cooperation to eliminate was...

Yoonji.

With some participants already pre-selected through recommendations, and as the program approached the prestigious TOP10, large agencies often requested that their contracted participants be included in the TOP10, citing investment funds.

Yesterday...

Executive Director Kim Woosuk of JN Entertainment, one of the top three large agencies in the country, offered a substantial investment and requested that participant Yoojoo be included in the TOP2.

Despite the astronomical production costs, the program was quickly running out of funds due to its large scale.

Most importantly...

CP Ko Hyundeok had maintained a mutually beneficial relationship with Executive Director Kim Woosuk of JN Entertainment, making it impossible to refuse.

Thus...

Before the TOP10 selection round, where only 10 out of 20 participants would advance to the live stage, a secret meeting was held to decide who among the 11 remaining participants, excluding the 9 pre-selected, would advance.

"Yoonji has shown the most stable performance, and as a participant who received a super pass from HS, she has also been a topic of discussion..."

"PD Kim, Yoonji is becoming less stimulating, and her popularity is declining. She's also rejecting all agency contacts. I think it would be better to advance Kang Hahoon."

"I agree with PD Sung Kyujin this time. Yoonji's popularity is largely due to HS, but she didn't sign with LS Entertainment, indicating they don't see her as a profitable asset. On the other hand, Kang Hahoon already has a fan base and is part of LS Entertainment's debut group."

"Yes, that's true. When I talked to the vice president about Kang Hahoon's re-entry, he seemed to value him highly..."

CP Ko Hyundeok, after a moment of contemplation, stroked his rough chin.

"Then let's go with Kang Hahoon."

With that single word, Kang Hahoon was decided as the last pre-selected participant for the TOP10.

Perhaps...

The other 10 participants, unaware that they were pre-selected for elimination, were still practicing their songs for the evaluation with all their might.

'Yoonji must be the same.'

In fact, Yoonji had made it this far thanks to HS, who recognized her potential and dramatically used a super pass in the final preliminary round, even suggesting the song for the next round.

Therefore...

They decided to inform HS first about eliminating Yoonji and request his cooperation as a judge, even if it meant delaying the shoot to have a separate meeting.

How long had it been?

Knock, knock—

Soon, a steady knocking sound and the voice "It's HS" came from the other side of the door.

"Come in!"

At PD Sung Kyujin's call, the door opened, and HS, as usual, wearing a helmet, and Manager Kim entered.

"Manager Kim, it's been a while."

PD Kim Young-ho, who had met him a few times, stood up first and offered a formal greeting.

"Yes, PD, it's been a while. I have some free time today, so I'm here as HS's manager. Is that okay?"

"Of course. Please, have a seat."

Everyone took their seats, and the room fell into a brief silence.

Tap, tap—

CP Ko Hyundeok nudged PD Kim Young-ho with his elbow, urging him to speak.

"First, I have a question..."

PD Kim Young-ho cleared his throat and began with the first issue to confirm.

"Among the current participants, is Kang Hahoon the only one who has a contract with LS Entertainment?"

Manager Kim, in place of HS, replied succinctly, "Yes, that's correct."

This confirmed that Yoonji had no current contract with any agency.

"Hmm..."

PD Kim Young-ho, trying to gauge HS's reaction, found it impossible to read anything from the helmet-clad HS, who exuded a strange aura.

"As you may already know, in such audition programs, pre-selected participants are often decided in advance, and as the program progresses, it often involves relationships with large agencies. The TOP10 participants are already pre-selected."

After a pause, he added a statement that would be pleasant for someone from LS Entertainment to hear.

"Of course, Kang Hahoon from LS Entertainment is also a pre-selected participant."

This time, HS responded.

"So, from this TOP10 selection round, the production team will be more involved in the judging process."

The tone was matter-of-fact, but it clearly carried a hint of displeasure. PD Kim Young-ho, momentarily taken aback, started to say, "That's..."

"Yes, that's correct."

PD Sung Kyujin, speaking firmly, handed over a document.

"I'll share the list of pre-selected participants, and I ask for your flexible cooperation in the judging process."

HS, reviewing the document, asked softly, "Yoonji?"

"Yes, we will also eliminate Yoonji this time. The pre-selected spots are full, and her popularity is declining. The broadcasting company has determined that she won't be profitable even if they try to promote her further."

PD Sung Kyujin's words, though inhumane in treating participants as mere tools or means for the show, were paradoxically the most PD-like.

"Since HS has been paying attention to Yoonji, I called you separately to inform you. Given the internal situation, I ask for your understanding and cooperation."

Though he spoke kindly, his words carried a high-pressure attitude as a PD.

"Sure, I guess..."

HS, after a moment of hesitation, shrugged nonchalantly.

"Do as you please; it's not my concern."

His brief response brought a sigh of relief from CP Ko Hyundeok and the two PDs.

"However..."

HS spoke again.

"If that's the case, I will also withdraw from the show."

The unexpected statement brought a heavy silence to the room.