Chapter 8

# Episode 008

Rika is an outstanding talent, someone who could immediately be a valuable addition to our roster. However, we must not jump to conclusions.

After completing the test, Rika returned home. The three from Garo Entertainment stayed behind to continue their discussion.

"There's something that bothers me. About making idols... Ah, I'm not trying to belittle Mr. Park's choice. Just don't take it negatively, okay?"

"It's fine. Please speak your mind."

In any case, Seong Pil had a rough idea of what Hong Gyu-hun was going to point out.

"Making idols is not just about the system, but ultimately about the people. In the vast system of KS Entertainment, only the best were selected to debut, right? So, if Ishikawa didn't make it, it means..."

Hong Gyu-hun laughed ambiguously.

In other words, if the system was the same and Rika didn't make it, it must mean she lacked talent.

That's what he meant.

'The CEO said he wanted to create the best with all his heart.'

Talent in idols definitely exists.

Dancing and singing are the basics, but it also includes a comprehensive charm that draws people's attention, even in uncertain areas.

Producers at major agencies all have an eye for talent.

And Rika was ultimately filtered out by them.

"Are you saying she's not up to par as an idol?"

Han Goo-geun bluntly pointed out what Hong Gyu-hun was implying.

However, she didn't seem particularly troubled.

"Compared to the debut group from KS Entertainment, there's something lacking, there's no way around it. So, what did KS Entertainment think was lacking in Ishikawa?"

It's a question only those who decided the debut group could answer.

"We can't be sure. Maybe the debut group was just that much better. Or perhaps the concept didn't match Rika. Whatever it is, Rika is a talent we can't afford to miss. I'm not trying to put a price on people, but by accepting Rika, we're saving a lot of costs. She's almost ready to debut."

Seong Pil tried to defend Rika in any way he could.

He didn't want to let her go because he knew what her future held.

"I know how valuable Ishikawa is. How much worse could she be compared to the KS Entertainment debut group? The most plausible reason is that she didn't match the group's concept. So, would Ishikawa fit with our company?"

That question made Seong Pil think.

He had never heard about Garo Entertainment's vision.

What kind of color would the group they were going to create have? What direction would they take?

'In a way, this should have been the first thing to consider.'

He had vaguely thought that finding trainees and deciding the group's color would be fine.

As Seong Pil's words faltered, Hong Gyu-hun smiled, as if to ease the tension.

"I'm not asking for an immediate answer. I was just curious. Besides, the group's color can only be discussed once all the debut members are gathered."

However, if the group's form was decided in advance, they could find trainees to fit it.

It might be a chicken-and-egg problem, but it was a serious consideration.

"Let's discuss this slowly and thoroughly in the future."

"I'll prepare for when Rika signs with us."

"What?"

"There were conditions I presented before joining this company. I asked for producing rights. I'm not starting from scratch. I want to share my vision."

"Ah, sure."

Hong Gyu-hun readily agreed.

It wasn't that Seong Pil's opinion had to be followed just because he was listened to.

If a good suggestion came up, it would be great, and if not, it could be dismissed.

"What do you think, Han?"

"To be honest, I don't enjoy the idol culture. Since I don't like idols, I can't imagine creating one."

"You're being very formal. You don't have a proper plan, right?"

"..."

As the conversation was about to wrap up, Seong Pil asked anxiously.

"What about Rika?"

"Mr. Park would naturally want to bring her in, right?"

"Yes. We must bring her in."

"How much?"

"..."

"How much do you want to bring her in?"

"Um, a lot?"

"I don't understand. Be more specific."

Seong Pil was flustered.

On the other hand, Hong Gyu-hun smiled as if he found the situation amusing.

Caught in her gaze, Seong Pil awkwardly spread his arms.

"This... this much?"

"Ha ha!"

Hong Gyu-hun looked satisfied and turned to Han Goo-geun.

"What about you, Han?"

"If Mr. Park is okay with it, I'm fine too."

"I agree. Let's bring her in. Mr. Park, you tell her."

"Understood."

Seong Pil clenched his fist, making sure Hong Gyu-hun couldn't see.

It was much easier to bring Rika in than he had expected.

A future superstar who would shake Japan!

* * *

Bringing in trainees is not a decision to be made lightly.

The money invested in trainees, with the assumption that they will debut in the future, is enormous.

Even if they are bound by a contract, if a trainee is not diligent or tries to run away, it's a huge problem.

"Usually, they go through a short-term training process."

"Right. I went through that when I first joined KS Entertainment. It was really tough."

It's a process that pushes you to your limits, more intense than the final year of high school.

It's not just about confirming potential and skills, but also about testing the trainee's perseverance.

"But I don't think you need it."

"Why not?"

"Reaching the final stage of the debut group at KS Entertainment is proof of your effort and talent."

Rika smiled faintly at Seong Pil's praise. She tried to hide her joy but couldn't.

The trainers and producers at KS Entertainment were stingy with praise. No matter how well you did, you always heard a sermon about not getting complacent.

"I believe in you, Rika."

To Rika, Seong Pil's praise was so sweet it could melt her ears.

She even thought she could listen to praise for hours.

"Believe in me as much as you want! I will definitely become the best idol!"

"I appreciate your effort. Let's do our best from now on. This is the trainee contract..."

"Wait, hold on!"

As Seong Pil handed her the contract, Rika stopped his hand.

She grabbed his wrist.

Seong Pil was taken aback.

"What is it now?"

What's important here is that Rika was sitting next to Seong Pil, not opposite him, just like when they met at the cafe.

The reception room at Garo Entertainment was spacious, but she chose to sit next to him.

"I won't sign the contract until you answer this."

"You can't sign it alone anyway. You need a guardian. Just read it for now..."

"I won't read it until you answer."

"Fine, what is it? What's the question?"

"Sixteen months ago, you suddenly told me to become an idol. Why did you do that?"

"I told you, it was a gut feeling."

"But there must be something specific, right? Something, like that?"

"Like what?"

"Anything! There's no way someone would say such a thing based on a gut feeling alone!"

"Why do you want to know?"

"Of course, I want to know. You suddenly reappeared after 16 months and told me to become an idol again. And you showed up right after I failed the debut group. Is that normal?"

Rika was happy to join a new agency as a trainee.

But she also found it strange.

Especially Seong Pil.

When he reappeared recently, the word 'stalker' even crossed her mind.

'He suddenly appeared when I was feeling stuck as an actor. He showed up right after I failed the debut group. How is this possible?'

It was very strange, but Rika chose to think positively.

This was fate.

Clearly, heaven was guiding her through Seong Pil.

So, Seong Pil must have a reason.

'There must be a reason why he cares so much about me. Why does he...'

Rika looked straight into Seong Pil's eyes.

After a moment, he spoke.

"Your appearance."

"..."

"Your face."

"..."

"My face?"

Rika was an aspiring idol.

Her appearance was quite outstanding, but there were many others who were even more beautiful.

Rika didn't fit the typical standard of beauty.

While there's no absolute standard of beauty, idols do have a certain mold.

"Are you saying you told me to become an idol just because of my face? Is that what you're saying?"

"Yes."

"Lie!"

Among idols, there are those often called visual members.

They stand out even among the beautiful.

Rika wasn't the type to be called a visual member. Her face was more on the cute side.

Even at 18, she still had baby fat, which was even more noticeable at 16.

"Don't give me such a half-hearted answer. I'm aiming to be an idol, so of course, I'm pretty!"

"I don't like people who say they're pretty."

"Ah, really? Sorry... No! There's no way the reason you told me to become an idol was just my appearance! People who are that pretty for the reason of 'appearance'...!"

"What about you?"

Seong Pil asked innocently, leaving Rika speechless for a moment.

Then she was flustered, and then embarrassed.

It felt like she had just heard, "You're really pretty. Really, really pretty. No one is prettier than you."

"You're really pretty. Really, really pretty. I've never seen anyone prettier than you."

She heard it for real.

Rika closed her eyes tightly and put some distance between herself and Seong Pil.

"I don't feel happy hearing cliché compliments from a 30-year-old man! They're all lies!"

"I won't tolerate being called 'uncle' one more time."

"There must be another reason! At least not just appearance! Maybe something like aura or overall..."

"Really, it's just your appearance."

Rika will win all kinds of CFs in the future just for her face. But that's a future story.

The current Rika still has baby fat.

So, she's closer to being called 'cute' than 'pretty.'

'When I turn 20, everyone will be shocked.'

Seong Pil was so surprised when he saw Rika in a CF that Han Goo-geun and Hong Gyu-hun might be shocked too.

"If I have to use a metaphor, it was like Michelangelo seeing the block of marble that contained David."

Rika didn't understand the meaning but knew Seong Pil was praising her again.

"Ah... Ah! You mean that? That I would be a good visual member to complement the group's color. Is that what you mean?"

"Not just to complement, but objectively, you have no shortage to be a visual center."

"..."

It was a strange feeling.

Visual members are really beautiful. Rika had seen many such girls at KS Entertainment.

Even Rika, who grew up hearing 'you're pretty' so often, would admit, "That girl is prettier."

"Are you just saying that?"

"Why would I?"

"..."

Rika decided to believe him.

Seong Pil believed she was incredibly beautiful and that her beauty was superior to other girls.

But believing that led to this conclusion.

'Does this mean I fit Mr. Park's ideal type...? Is that it?'

It was nice of him to think so highly of her.

No, it was very nice.

Trainees go through a painful process, especially the objective evaluation of their appearance.

They hear things like, "This part isn't good," "Your balance is off," "You need plastic surgery" multiple times.

It's not meant to belittle them.

It's a process similar to pointing out bad habits in singing or dancing.

So, Rika had never heard an unconditional evaluation of her appearance. Even though Seong Pil's evaluation was subjective, she couldn't help but feel happy.

"I hope you debut soon. I want to show you off to people. If I had been the CEO of an agency a year ago, I would have definitely brought you in."

Fortunately, Rika didn't ask any more questions.

Seong Pil praised himself for handling it well.

'The reason I told Rika to become an idol back then was indeed her appearance.'

But Seong Pil's feelings were more complex.

Rika was a person who exuded purity in every aspect. Her face seemed like that of a small girl awkwardly navigating the world, as if she had never faced the world's winds.

She was soft yet firm, and her delicate aura made you want to reach out and help her.

Her calm eyes scanning the script seemed to be striving to prove her future. At the same time, a hint of doubt and worry about her potential was visible in the depths of her eyes.

Seong Pil was captivated by her overall aura.

If that was all, he wouldn't have approached her.

Most importantly, there was a sense of weariness in her voice when she read the script and spoke her lines. There was doubt about the path she was taking.

This girl is diligent, upright, and pure. But if left as is, she would inevitably give up on her journey to the stage.

She needs help.

She needs to be made interested in this world.

So that one day, her charm can reach everyone.

Whether it's on a TV drama or an idol stage. To do that, this weariness...

'There were other reasons too, but I can't say them...'

If Seong Pil had told her his true thoughts, Rika might have been horrified and run away.

Seong Pil considered this a kind of perversion.

'I imagine, I judge, I immerse myself.'

So, he could only explain it as, "I recommended you to become an idol because of your appearance."

"So, working together like this makes me incredibly happy."

"Ahaha... Yes, thank you."

"Now that all your questions are answered... Is the room too warm? Should I lower the heater?"

"No, no! It's fine."

Rika cooled her slightly red face with her palm and quickly read the contract in front of her.

"I'm not sure."

"There's a standard contract at the back, so compare the two. There's nothing strange, but read carefully."

"But, Mr. Park."

"What? Is there something that bothers you?"

"No, it's just... hehe."

Rika laughed awkwardly.

"I should have said this first."

"Say it quickly."

"Understood. I'll be direct. I won't hide anything subtly. Straight to the point..."

"Just say it."

"My parents are against it."

"Your parents? Against what?"

"Me staying in Korea."

Seong Pil paused for a moment.

Parents are against it...

Parents are against it.

If parents are against it...

"We can't sign the contract...?"

"That's the problem! They won't listen to me at all! Mr. Park, please do something!"