I Became the CEO of an Idol Company in a Game Chapter 10

<Episode 10>

 

After lunch, as soon as the afternoon schedule began, I gathered the A&R team and went into a meeting.

Since I already had a rough picture in my head, the meeting went extremely smoothly.

“CEO, even though it’s been such a short time, you prepared a lot. That’s impressive.”

One of the staff members spoke with admiration after looking at the PPT I had prepared in advance.

Of course.

It wasn’t actually a short time.

‘From the concept to the hair and makeup, everything was already decided. Finding references was incredibly easy. I’d already seen the ones fans had organized.’

“That’s right. It feels delicate, but not weak… more like a solid strength. It’s really good.”

“I’ll look up more references.”

“For some reason, this one feels promising.”

“Right? I feel the same. Spade Joker is really going to do well.”

The team members seemed unusually motivated for once.

With that, the meeting wrapped up.

I had just returned to the CEO’s office and was handling some work when Han Suseok came in.

“CEO.”

“Yeah, go ahead.”

“I’ve scheduled Spade Joker’s profile photoshoot for next week.”

“Good. We need those profiles out so we can start promoting them before the song drops and at least get their faces out there.”

Producers wouldn’t give us spots easily.

“That’s true.”

“Until the boys get established, I’ll personally go out and handle things myself. Just keep that in mind.”

“You personally?”

“Yeah.”

A manager has less influence than a deputy, and a deputy has less than a team leader. Titles carry weight.

And the bigger the agency, the stronger that influence.

Since Ramos Entertainment didn’t have that kind of power, at the very least, the CEO had to show sincerity by stepping in personally.

‘Even then, some people will still ignore me.’

“You’ve got to show some level of effort. Otherwise, we might end up with everything ready but no stage to perform on.”

I couldn’t remember exactly which loop it was, but there had been a time when everything was prepared, yet no broadcasting station invited us, and we struggled badly.

Ever since I got stuck in this game, I’ve been through all kinds of hardships.

‘No wonder my dream has changed to a peaceful retirement.’

First, it would be best to approach Producer Ki.

Producer Ki.

‘If I get close to him, I can secure not only music show appearances but even variety show panel spots. He’s basically target number one.’

He was a variety show PD who loved people and alcohol.

So if you brought up having a drink together, he’d usually make at least a little time.

Of course, timing mattered.

If you asked him out for drinks when he was busy to death, there was no way he’d agree immediately.

He’d want to drink but couldn’t, which would only irritate him.

I’d seen plenty of managers get on his bad side because of that.

“And what about Spade Joker’s manager? Who got picked? The one I mentioned?”

Since Han Suseok had conducted the interviews earlier, I casually asked.

“Yes. I talked to him during the interview, and he seems sincere and passionate. It’s a bit unfortunate that he doesn’t have experience, but I’ll train him well.”

“Good choice.”

I had trusted that Han Suseok would pick him, which is why I left it to him.

“Then let’s have him build rapport with the members while learning the job.”

“I was thinking the same thing, so I’m planning to bring the members in today to at least introduce them.”

I nodded.

Honestly, I don’t know how I would’ve survived in this game without Han Suseok.

“I already told Spade Joker roughly, so I’ll bring them over in a bit.”

“Alright. You’ve been working hard. Let’s grow the company and hire more staff. Then we can properly divide the workload. Right now, things aren’t very systematic.”

“I like that. These days, you feel like how you were when you first said you’d start an entertainment company.”

“Really?”

“Yes. It’s busy, but I like things better now. It finally feels worth it that I followed you to Korea. I’ll be going now.”

With that, Han Suseok left the office with a smile.

For some reason, his steps looked very light.

 

***

 

“Guys, this is your new manager, so go ahead and introduce yourselves.”

Spade Joker, having arrived at the company, looked at the manager with awkward expressions.

“Nice to meet you! My name is Kim Jawook! I’m 26 years old! I look forward to working with you!”

His voice was loud, like he was fresh out of military discipline.

To be honest, with his large build and intimidating appearance, combined with that booming voice, he almost looked like a gangster.

Because of that, Spade Joker’s expressions stiffened.

‘Well, first impressions might not be great, but they’ll get used to each other. No need to worry.’

“I’m the leader, Cain. Nice to meet you.”

Cain greeted him on behalf of the group.

“When I heard I got an interview, I looked into the members a bit, so I already know all your names and ages.”

“You did research?” Han Suseok asked, surprised.

“Yes. I thought it would be better to know in advance.”

“But at that point, you didn’t even know if you’d pass the interview.”

“If you prepare beforehand, you feel more at ease during the interview. And if I got lucky, I might end up working with you. Ah! If there’s anything else I should know, please let me know.”

Kim Jawook immediately pulled out a pen and notebook, ready to write things down.

The notebook was densely filled, probably with things he had studied online.

“Would it be okay if I take a look?”

Kim Jawook readily handed it over.

As Han Suseok flipped through the pages, a smile slowly spread across his face.

He was clearly impressed by Kim Jawook’s sincerity and passion.

“How did you find all this? It wouldn’t be easy just by searching.”

I was curious about that too.

Spade Joker had very low search volume.

Which meant information about them was hard to find.

It wasn’t like you could just ask and get answers either.

‘For popular groups, you could just ask on social media, and fans would answer. But that’s impossible for Spade Joker right now.’

“I joined Spade Joker’s fan club. I even attended a meetup once.”

“You attended a fan meeting?” Han Suseok asked, surprised.

“Yes. It was quite fun.”

I could already imagine how shocked the fans must have been.

Just picture it… a big, intimidating guy showing up at a small, unpopular male idol fan meetup.

It’d look like a scene straight out of a horror movie.

“The fans were really kind.”

“That’s right. Our fans are really kind. They always say nice things,” Sora chimed in.

The atmosphere began to ease.

As Kim Jawook talked about what happened at the meetup, the members of Spade Joker leaned in, listening attentively.

“And they even gave me this, saying I’m their first male fan and asking me to take care of them.”

Kim Jawook proudly lifted his bag.

Hanging from it were plush keychains designed and made by the fans, one for each member.

“Since you’re here, let’s also meet the composer. You’ll be seeing each other often, so it’s good to at least say hello.”

“A composer?” Cain reacted.

I had intentionally brought it up.

Once they met the composer and heard the song, they’d definitely want to make a comeback.

“I found the composer for your comeback song. I told you this album would be different, right?”

As I said that confidently, the members of Spade Joker exchanged glances.

But it wasn’t anxiety or unease.

There was a hint of anticipation.

“Can we meet them too?”

“No reason you can’t.”

Soon, Han Suseok brought Han Youngjoo into the meeting room.

The small room quickly filled up.

“Hello. We’re Spade Joker.”

The group greeted her politely.

“Hello. I’m composer Han Youngjoo. I look forward to working with you.”

As she sat down, the members couldn’t stay still.

Cain fidgeted with his fingers, Sora swayed slightly, Zen and Juseok chewed on their lips,

and Leejoo and Heeseo blinked rapidly.

In short, they were a mess.

“The members wanted to greet you.”

“Ah, I see.”

“Are you really going to compose our song?”

Leejoo asked with a trembling voice.

“Yes. It’s almost finished.”

“I want to hear it.”

“Then I’ll play it now.”

As Han Youngjoo operated her phone, the sound of drums filled the room.

Spade Joker listened intensely, eyes wide open as if they could see the music.

There wasn’t even the sound of breathing.

They seemed completely focused.

‘Do they really need to listen that tensely?’

One amusing thing was that Kim Jawook, sitting next to them, was in the same state.

‘What is this, some kind of synchronization?’

Since Han Suseok and I had already heard the song earlier, we sat more comfortably.

“CEO.”

As soon as the song ended, Cain suddenly called out to me.

“Yeah? What is it?”

“CEO… we want to make a comeback.”

At his words, the other members nodded in agreement.

“You want to make a comeback?”

“Yes.”

“You’re on a break right now. You haven’t even properly rested since your debut. Are you sure?”

“I want to stand on stage with this song.”

Cain’s eyes burned with determination.

“You really want to perform?”

“Yes.”

Spade Joker answered in unison.

“Alright, then. Let’s prepare for a comeback.”

Hooked them perfectly.