Chapter 51

# Chapter 051

Hong Gyuhun lowered his gaze and fumbled on the desk.

Even though there was nothing to tidy up, he kept touching the documents.

“I don’t want a yes-man...”

“Shall we set it for one year?”

“Hmm, sigh.”

Hong Gyuhun straightened his posture and looked directly at Seong Pil.

“One year is fine for me. It’s much better. But let’s start from the beginning. If we debut in one year, we need to start preparing the album around six months from now, right?”

“Yes.”

One year.

One year...

It’s called one year, but the time to improve the members’ skills is only six months.

“Isn’t it impossible? Let’s assume Rika and Baek Seolha are fine. But what about Jo Ara and Jang Hayang? By the time we start preparing the album, Jo Ara will have only been learning to sing for a year. Sigh.”

Hong Gyuhun was confused.

‘How did I end up being the devil’s advocate?’

The devil’s advocate is someone who deliberately presents opposing views to advance a discussion.

It was one of the methods to overcome group bias.

Hong Gyuhun thought Seong Pil would take on that role, but unexpectedly, their roles were reversed.

“If there’s no significant improvement, we’ll have to reduce Jo Ara’s parts.”

“What about Jang Hayang? How many lines of lyrics will we allocate to her?”

“We’ll have to do it to maintain the quality of the song, even if it’s the worst-case scenario.”

“...”

Hong Gyuhun was at a loss for words.

It was impossible to imagine what the result would be after one year.

What was certain was that it would be much lower than the level Seong Pil originally aimed for.

Hong Gyuhun felt guilty.

“Didn’t Manager Park want a group that was performance-ready?”

“Of course, but we have no choice. We can only aim for a growing group.”

“A growing group...”

Not in the Japanese idol industry.

“The debut will probably be a single album. ...Is it a single album?”

“We can increase the volume if the kids improve by then.”

“Anyway, in the end, the only thing they need to do during the debut period is one song. They can’t possibly fail to perform it perfectly. If they can’t, it’s better to quit being an idol.”

Seong Pil’s standard was Jang Hayang.

Even if Jang Hayang, who learns slowly, practices the same song for a few months, it would be strange if she couldn’t do it.

Moreover, with the help of modern technology, it’s possible to cover Jang Hayang’s vocals.

‘The activity song is just one. The range of what the members need to handle is narrow.’

They say the turning point for an idol’s success or failure is when they release their third album.

Statistics on whether to continue or not come out in the second or third year.

Seong Pil’s words made sense.

There’s no need for a debut 2-3 year idol to perform a dozen songs at a concert. They can focus their abilities on one song, hiding any lack of general skills.

‘My goal was perfection, but I have to give up on it.’

His plan was to show overwhelming skills from the debut, but it would take at least two years to achieve that.

‘I could sell the stocks I bought right after the regression and invest in Garo Entertainment, but I want to save that as a last resort.’

If Seong Pil becomes an investor instead of an employee, the current relationship will break down.

Hong Gyuhun would definitely feel pressured by Seong Pil’s opinions rather than accepting them as opinions.

‘The current relationship is the best.’

Hong Gyuhun respects Seong Pil, and Seong Pil can freely express her opinions based on her trust.

If Seong Pil’s thoughts go too far, Hong Gyuhun can pull her back.

“One year, one year. Let’s set the goal for about one year and adjust it gradually as we see how things go. Does that sound good?”

“Yes, I’ll do it.”

“Are you just saying that to please me?”

“I can do it. I’ll try.”

Hong Gyuhun always trusted Seong Pil, but the goal was so high this time that it was hard to believe.

However, the one-year deadline was appealing to Hong Gyuhun.

‘Instead of cutting it off sharply at one year, let’s decide flexibly while observing the situation.’

Hong Gyuhun decided to trust Seong Pil.

“You know it without me saying, but. Baek Seolha should continue practicing both street dance and idol dance. Her vocals are almost perfect, so focus on maintaining her skills. Jo Ara should do the opposite.”

“Yes.”

“Jang Hayang, you know. Focus on the basics. Emphasize rapping to highlight her strengths. Rika...”

There’s nothing specific to focus on for Rika.

If Rika had been selected as a debut member at KS Entertainment, she would have been practicing the debut song enthusiastically by now.

“Rika should continue as she is.”

“Understood.”

“Should we have her learn something else? Like modern dance.”

“If Rika wants to, learning an instrument or composing could also be good.”

“Yeah. Let’s think about it slowly.”

Seong Pil reviewed the academies the members needed to attend while talking with Hong Gyuhun.

Since it was a matter already agreed upon from the past, it didn’t take long.

“Is there anything else you want to say?”

“Since we’re talking about debuts, please look at the proposal I submitted before.”

Hong Gyuhun took out a thick stack of documents from the lower shelf of his desk.

It was the proposal Seong Pil submitted when she first joined Garo Entertainment.

After flipping through the documents, Hong Gyuhun opened the page Seong Pil had pointed out.

“Pre-debut strategy. There’s this too.”

It included setting up a homepage, individual and group SNS pages, and an iTube channel.

“Regular content uploads to the iTube channel and SNS. Manager Park seems to have put a lot of thought into it. Cover songs, cover dances, the kids’ daily lives, personal segments, original programs...”

“Do you not like it?”

“It’s not that I don’t like it, but is it really necessary?”

Hong Gyuhun was skeptical about Seong Pil’s plan.

“To be honest, it feels like we’re using up too much energy from the start.”

He didn’t want to burden the members, who already found practicing difficult, with SNS and iTube channels.

While enthusiasm was good, following the proposal would exhaust Seong Pil as well.

“We can do this after the debut.”

Hong Gyuhun was a rational person.

Even if Seong Pil accepted her unreasonable opinions, he wouldn’t immediately accept Seong Pil’s opinions in return.

Seong Pil, seeing Hong Gyuhun’s protective attitude, resolved to push harder.

She changed her tone to a more formal one.

“It’s absolutely necessary. I can endure the short time until the debut, but I can’t give this up.”

“...To that extent? You usually oppose it, don’t you?”

The strategy of publicly releasing content during the trainee period was still unverified.

Large agencies tend to keep trainees hidden until their debut.

Small agencies might try it as a last resort, but there were no clear success stories yet.

That’s right.

‘Not yet.’

‘Except for the future WTP.’

Now, WTP is a group spanning the second and first tiers. But in the future, they become a global K-pop icon.

WTP grew from the ground up with their fans.

They secured influence through the fans’ devoted love and cohesion.

Seong Pil, coming from the future, knows their successful strategy.

‘Vast content and communication on SNS and iTube. The members’ ability to produce their own content. Perfect performances.’

What Seong Pil needs to emulate most is content and communication. WTP achieved a miracle for a small company through their own content production and communication.

While it’s impossible to perfectly apply their strategy, it can be adapted to Garo Entertainment’s current situation.

It won’t necessarily succeed, and the possibility of no significant results is high.

But if it works, it will bring a very large effect relative to the resources invested.

“Yes, it’s necessary. WTP, which is from a small agency, gradually gathered fans through this method. If we create a buzz, we can rapidly increase our fan base. If it’s hard to become a fan even if you’re interested, people will quickly lose interest. But with a lot of accessible content, it’s easy to become a fan.”

“Oh, WTP was your model? You’re aiming high. Even if we achieve that, it would be a dream come true. But...”

Hong Gyuhun was about to start her rebuttal. Seong Pil didn’t give her the chance.

She spoke more strongly and confidently.

“Small idols can’t become popular just by having good music! We need something to keep fans after they become fans!”

“Huh? What, you’re right?”

“What era is this? It’s the new media era where the influence of legacy media is gradually decreasing! Content is money, and money is content! Content itself is influence, and it’s the best marketing tool for expanding and reproducing fans!”

“Uh...”

“Look at the agencies nowadays. They keep such content as paid services. Yes, of course, they can make money if they have enough fans. But we can’t do that, can we? We need to release our content! The members need to communicate directly and continuously with fans!”

“Alright...”

“We don’t have a lot of money for marketing like big agencies, and we don’t have the reputation either!”

“...”

“Of course, there won’t be any reaction at first. But if we build it over one year, two years, three years, it will explode like a powder keg one day! The era of consumers is over. It’s the era of fans! Do you know what the conditions of fans are?”

“I get it...”

“Fans are different from consumers. Consumers see a cool idol and become interested, but fans go through the idol’s story and life together!”

“I...”

“What we need to create is not consumers...!”

“I get it!”

Hong Gyuhun shouted, stopping Seong Pil’s monologue.

“It doesn’t cost much, so let’s do it. I get it. I understand what Manager Park is saying, so I’ll take care of it.”

Just a few minutes of conversation felt like it drained several days’ worth of energy.

Seong Pil’s energy was that strong.

“Leave a simple plan for the content to be uploaded in writing. Make sure to report to me.”

“Thank you.”

“Don’t be so grateful. Well, is that all? Finally...”

“Is there more?”

Hong Gyuhun smiled slightly.

“Tell the kids to go back to the dorm.”

“Finally.”

“Now, we’re really just focusing on the debut.”

“Understood. But there’s something we need to do before that.”

“Something to do?”

* * *

As soon as Baek Seolha arrived at the company, she went into the practice room and sat in front of the digital keyboard in the corner.

“Sigh.”

Another day has started, and I’m already tired.

She rubbed her sleepy eyes and struggled to wake up.

Baek Seolha’s hand instinctively hit the ‘C’ key.

“A, Aaa, Aaaa.”

Pitch practice was Baek Seolha’s morning routine.

It’s the most basic of basics, but it’s a part that can’t be neglected.

The practice went smoothly, reaching the upper part of the second octave. Just as she was about to put in a bit more effort and become more serious, she was interrupted.

“Aa.”

“Seolha.”

“Aaah!”

Suddenly, Seong Pil appeared behind her, and Baek Seolha let out a high-pitched ‘G’ in the second octave.

Seong Pil blinked in surprise and then burst out laughing.

“My ears are ringing. You’re really a singer.”

“Y-You scared me. You just appeared suddenly...”

“I’ve always thought you’re really slow in the morning. You must be very sensitive to sleep.”

“I guess I am... Can you tell? I thought I wasn’t showing it...”

“You are. Do you want some coffee?”

Baek Seolha looked back and forth between the keyboard and Seong Pil before standing up.

They went to the break room and had instant coffee.

The coffee definitely helped her wake up.

‘Hayang will come in a bit. Ah, I didn’t print the training materials. I need to go print them after drinking coffee.’

Baek Seolha sipped the warm coffee, feeling a bit dazed in the morning.

Looking at the murky coffee, she felt a gaze from in front.

Seong Pil was looking at her without saying a word.

“Is there something on my face?”

“No. How are you doing lately? Is there anything uncomfortable?”

“No, not really. It’s the same as before.”

“It must be hard without any free time.”

“It’s part of being a trainee. It’s hard, but it’s something I have to do. And I’m taking good care of myself on my days off.”

“Hmm, what do you do on your days off?”

“Huh? Well, just the same as others.”

“Do you go out to play?”

“It’s cold now, so I don’t go out much, hehe. What do you do on your days off, Manager?”

At that moment, the sound of the company’s front door opening was heard from the break room door.

“It must be Hayang. Ah, I need to go print something. I enjoyed the coffee. I’ll make it next time.”

Just as Baek Seolha was about to stand up, Seong Pil got up first and walked to the door.

Seong Pil quietly locked the door.

“Manager...”

“Seolha.”

Seong Pil’s call was filled with a deep tone.

There was no usual fuss to maintain intimacy with the members.

Baek Seolha recalled what Seong Pil said when she changed like this.

‘Please help Hayang blend in with the others.’

It was a serious request.

‘In the future I hope for, Seolha, you must be there. You have to be there.’

No, don’t think about that now.

Anyway, Seong Pil was definitely going to make a serious request or ask a serious question.

Even though she had drunk coffee, her dazed mind suddenly became clear.

“Speak.”

“Do you have a boyfriend?”

Baek Seolha’s mind went blank again.

“...A partner?”

Why is she asking this?

She couldn’t figure out the intention, no matter how much she thought.

It was hard to think in the morning.

Is she curious if I have a boyfriend?

Given my lifestyle, it would be strange to think I have one.

Why is she asking...?

As Baek Seolha thought, she noticed Seong Pil’s hand on the door.

She had locked the door and was now listening closely, holding the doorknob tightly, as if no one could enter.

“Ah.”

Realizing something, Baek Seolha shyly covered her face with her hands.

“Ah, no, Manager. This is a company. It’s business. We can’t... It would be disrespectful to the CEO and future fans... We can’t do this...”

Baek Seolha’s voice was muffled by her palms.