Chapter 55

# Chapter 055

[We are currently planning a program called 'Project Poyu'.]

"Is it an idol trainee survival show?"

[You can feel it from the name, right? But here's the thing. Everything else is ready and in progress. Once the trainees gather, it will be ready to start. The most important thing in making an idol is recognition, and I immediately thought of Manager Park. Since you're making an idol, I thought it would be good for you to appear on this show, so I contacted you.]

Although his tone seemed to be subtly supportive of Seong Pil, Seong Pil could grasp the hidden meaning behind it.

'They must be having trouble finding people.'

Trainee survival shows had already lost their appeal. After the controversy over manipulation, they had become like a 'poisoned chalice'.

While ratings and buzz might be somewhat guaranteed, getting involved would inevitably lead to controversy.

That's why the format had been exported to China and Japan, but no one dared to produce it domestically.

'I was also surprised when I first heard about it in my previous life.'

It's really ruthless.

No matter how high the ratings, are they really going to make another trainee survival show?

Naturally, Seong Pil and Success Entertainment showed no interest.

Later, when the show did achieve decent ratings and the project group did well, it made his stomach hurt a bit...

But he didn't regret it.

Because the group he was preparing at the time achieved good results.

"Thank you for considering it. But, a trainee survival show..."

[Is there something bothering you?]

Of course, there's a problem.

Anyone living in this era would be hesitant to participate in Project Poyu.

Except for small companies desperate for buzz and recognition, that is.

'The producers must be frustrated that the big names aren't participating.'

The producers are like adventurers heading to a new continent.

They might be thinking, 'It's all going to fail.' It was later revealed that the main PD personally went around looking for participants.

Even talking to people who weren't even idol trainees.

'Considering my relationship with this writer, it would be best to participate as much as possible. He will be handling many major projects in the future.'

Writer Lee Hyun Sung must be restless.

Because he's having more trouble finding trainees than expected.

You can tell from the fact that he's personally handling the casting, even though he could delegate it to junior writers.

Seong Pil isn't in a major agency, after all.

"How many people are you willing to accept?"

[Maybe one or two. If a bunch of trainees from a low-profile company come out, it might cause problems...]

It's a difficult situation, like eating food that's fallen on the floor, with strict conditions.

It's no wonder the casting is difficult.

But I can understand why.

If a bunch of trainees from one agency participate, it could turn into a battle between agencies.

Especially between unknown small agencies...

"I'll talk to the CEO."

[Thank you. The deadline is...]

Seong Pil jotted down the information and ended the call.

He stared at the disconnected phone, organizing his thoughts.

'The completed group is a one-year project girl group. If you add up the earnings from albums, concerts, MD products, CF models, and TV appearances, it's about 50 billion. Considering the split between the agency and the broadcaster, the money that would come to us is...'

About 100 million.

A lot of money.

It exceeded the initial predictions of the producers and was a success.

But is it worth consuming a year of the members' lives? It's a tricky question.

'They will become known, but will that have a significant impact? There might be some buzz and some fans, but will that outweigh the freshness of a debut idol...'

If one member becomes famous, it could lead to malicious individual fans. If only one member becomes famous, it could negatively affect the group's future activities.

The relationships between members would undoubtedly become strained.

While project groups often succeed, when they disband and join other groups, things rarely go well.

'Assuming all the final 10 members are from the same agency.'

If one of Garo Entertainment's members makes it to the final, the original member who was supposed to be in the final will be pushed out.

There's a moral responsibility...

'There isn't.'

The 9th and 10th members of the group born from Project Poyu were from the same agency.

And immediately after their debut, a school bullying controversy erupted.

The project group started with a hiccup.

The two members involved in the bullying controversy held on until the end, but when the testimonies started pouring in, they had to leave the team in tears.

The project almost sank.

Despite this, Project Poyu managed to stay afloat, and the management company handling the group deserves praise.

'If our members make it to the final, they will have pushed out the members involved in the bullying.'

It's a difficult decision.

Seong Pil went back to where Jang Hae Yang was.

"Who is it?"

"Someone I know."

"Should I tell you about someone I know?"

"Oh, that song is a memory. I used to listen to it a lot in my early 20s. Did you learn it too?"

"Yes. So, who was it?"

"Uh? Just someone I know."

Does intuition really exist?

Jang Hae Yang seemed to have sensed something.

But at this point, Seong Pil didn't want to tell Jang Hae Yang about Project Poyu.

'Even if we send members there, Hae Yang won't be one of them.'

Jang Hae Yang would get an E grade in the first round and be eliminated in the first performance.

'Or maybe not? Could she become a topic of discussion for her looks?'

If the PD is impressed by Jang Hae Yang's appearance and pushes her, she might succeed.

"I'm reading 'Do You Like Brahms?' all the way through."

"You're still reading it?"

"I'm not good at reading long texts, ahaha..."

It had been months since he gave her the book.

Come to think of it, he still hasn't seen the second volume of that manga.

He should get it when he checks on her living conditions.

"Is it interesting?"

"Yes, it's good because I can empathize with the characters."

"A literature girl."

* * *

Seong Pil told Hong Gyu Heon about Project Poyu.

He summarized the potential gains and losses as concisely as possible.

"Isn't it a sure win to participate? But..."

Hong Gyu Heon said with a hint of disbelief.

"Manager Park is so confident. He always says he trusts the kids, and he really does."

"What do you mean?"

"He talks as if they will definitely make it to the final selection."

"Did he?"

"What are the pros and cons if they don't make it to the final selection?"

He hadn't thought about it.

He assumed they would definitely make it to the final.

Hong Gyu Heon chuckled at Seong Pil's naivety.

"I like your confident attitude. I hope it's not arrogance. The member you're sending is Rika, right? It seems Manager Park is tailoring his talk to Rika."

"You're right."

Is he a fortune teller?

He hadn't even mentioned the characteristics or name of the member he was sending.

"Rika is the most ambiguous to train. It's like adding water to a full bowl. Making her as proficient in street dance as Jo Ara or focusing on vocals like Baek Seol Ha is difficult. Maybe I should try modern dance."

"Rika has her own charm."

"Like what?"

"She's beautiful."

"Unbelievable."

"Her heart, will, everything."

"Chills..."

Hong Gyu Heon rubbed his shoulders as if he had goosebumps.

"You said you can only send one or two members. But you're only sending Rika?"

"Yes. The other members have specific areas they need to focus on. Areas to improve."

"That's true. But personally... I don't really care about the money we'll get after the project ends. It's important, but I want to build recognition. If we're sending members, I want to send as many as possible. Ideally, all of them."

"Then, what if all the members debut?"

Hong Gyu Heon laughed as if he had heard a comedian's killer joke.

"Manager Park, you're really something. Can a person's eyes be so clear? There's no hint of doubt."

"Is that a compliment?"

"It is. Ah, my stomach hurts from laughing... I haven't laughed like this since Rika joined the company."

"Was Rika funny?"

"No. The best part was when you confessed to me after drinking."

"Did you delete the video?"

"It's in Manager Lee's phone."

"..."

"Anyway, we won't decide right away. Let's think about it and decide later."

"Okay."

"Stand up straight. A man shouldn't look so dejected. You might do it after drinking."

Hong Gyu Heon kept laughing until Seong Pil left the office.

Seong Pil felt embarrassed.

* * *

The participants for Project Poyu would be volunteers.

Seong Pil went to the practice room to inform the members about Project Poyu.

Jo Ara was bullying Jang Hae Yang.

"Stop it..."

"We should record this. Should I call Manager Lee?"

"Jo Ara, you really look like a delinquent."

"What are you doing?"

Jang Hae Yang was lying on the floor like a caterpillar, and Jo Ara was poking her back and waist with her fingers.

Each time, Jang Hae Yang flinched, weakened by muscle pain.

"Look, Mr. Manager. Hae Yang flinches just from being touched."

"Stop it, stop it..."

It was due to muscle pain.

Jang Hae Yang goes to the gym three times a week, and each time, she comes to work the next day with muscle pain all over her body.

Today was one of those days.

"Save me, Manager Park!"

"Where's Baek Seol Ha?"

"She's getting water."

"Let's record it before Baek Seol Ha comes."

"Aah, aah..."

An idol suffering from muscle pain is rare material.

Later, Baek Seol Ha scolded them.

"There's an idol survival program, and you can participate."

Exclamation marks appeared above the members' heads.

"On TV? We're going to be on TV?"

"Yes. But there are conditions. Those who participate must make a promise. If you don't make it to the final, you'll be away from the company for one to three months. If you do make it to the final, you'll be away for one year and four months. During this time, you must promise to develop all the qualities of an idol."

If selected for the project group, they will practice the debut song to exhaustion.

There's a risk of neglecting the basics.

That's what worries me.

"Baek Seol Ha, dance. Jo Ara, vocals. Rika, Rika, be cuter."

"Yes!"

"And Hae Yang, don't take it personally. It's not that you lack the qualities..."

"I know. It wouldn't make sense for me to participate."

Thank you for telling me first.

If she had rebelled with a "Why not!" I would have had to convince her from one to ten.

Then I would have had to point out her shortcomings one by one, which could hurt both of us.

"I'd rather have a hole in my stomach from the stress of competing with dozens of people. I'm better off here."

"Thank you. So, who wants to participate?"

He thought all three would raise their hands.

But no one did.

"Sunna (No way)!"

"Aah! Don't imitate me! That's racism!"

"Why are you guys like this? Wouldn't it be great to be on TV?"

Baek Seol Ha and Jo Ara exchanged glances.

Baek Seol Ha spoke first.

"I know I'm not good enough. It seems greedy to try to improve while competing there."

"I agree. I'd be embarrassed to participate."

"How can an idol be embarrassed to be on TV?!"

"Besides, I can't participate because of school."

"Flunk!"

"You're not in my shoes. But if you beg me to participate, I might..."

"Rika, what about you?"

"Really annoying."

When called out, Rika crossed her fingers and showed reluctance.

"I want to debut with the other members... Is that greedy...?"

How can she be so kind-hearted?

"Rika, why do you assume you'll debut?"

"Eh? What are you talking about, sister? If I participate, I'll definitely win. It will be smooth sailing!"

How can she think so similarly to Seong Pil?

"But I want to stand on a stage with the teacher, sister, and Jo Ara for the first time! The CEO, Manager Park, and Manager Lee will be behind the stage!"

The members were moved, and so was Seong Pil.

"Am I not proud? You can praise me as much as you want!"

"Rika, come with me for a moment."

Seong Pil took Rika out of the practice room.

"How much praise do you want? I'm looking forward to it!"

"The CEO has high hopes for you."

"The CEO?"

"Go out there and gather popularity. Increase our recognition. It will directly lead to the success of our company. The CEO is counting on you."

"All of it...? Is the fate of the company on my shoulders?"

"Yes. Manager Lee and I also hope for this. Of course, it's scary. You might hesitate. But there's a fruit on that shining hill. Only you can reach it, Rika."

Seong Pil pressed down on Rika's shoulders.

"The choice is yours."

Rika clenched her jaw and nodded. She went back into the practice room and declared.

"I will be the leader of the girls!"

"That's not a good meaning."