I Became the CEO of an Idol Company in a Game Chapter 11

<Episode 11>

 

Spade Joker’s comeback preparations progressed rapidly.

From profile photoshoots to album specifications and even contacting a music video director.

It was all possible because everyone’s motivation was burning high, and I already had a big picture drawn in my head.

However, if there was one problem, it was that everyone was working as if even ten bodies wouldn’t be enough. At this rate, if even one person quit, it felt like the company would come to a halt.

To prevent resignations at all costs, I promised everyone that once this was over, they would get vacation time along with bonuses.

‘Of course, I also said that if we make it into the Top 10 on the music charts, I’d give additional incentives… but everyone treated that as something that could never happen.’

I could still vividly remember the expressions on the employees’ faces back then.

“If this song makes it into the Top 10 on the charts, I’ll give incentives to everyone, so let’s push just a little harder.”

The moment I said that, the office atmosphere turned solemn.

Soon, a few people clapped in response, but it was so awkward that it only made things feel heavier.

I figured nothing would change no matter what I said next, so I had to keep my mouth shut.

‘Once we actually make it into the rankings, their reactions will be completely different.’

“Han Suseok, I’m heading out for a meeting. Text me if anything comes up.”

“Yes, understood.”

 

***

 

After straightening my outfit, I arrived at the broadcasting station.

My sole purpose was to meet PD Ki.

At the moment, he was filming a variety show called “Seeing From Each Other’s Perspective”, where people with misunderstandings were brought together to experience each other’s situations and find mutual understanding.

It wasn’t a huge hit, but it had modest popularity and wasn’t at risk of being canceled.

Bang.

A rough door slam echoed, followed by heavy footsteps as PD Ki came out of the editing room.

Judging by his deeply furrowed brow, the constant sighing, and the way he ran his hands through his hair, something had clearly gone wrong.

‘Should I come back tomorrow?’

PD Ki had a temperamental personality, so trying to talk to him on a day like this would just be a waste of time.

‘No need to get on his bad side. Knowing when to back off is important, too.’

Just as I was about to turn around…

“Hey! If you cancel the schedule like this, what are we supposed to do?!”

I froze in place.

‘If someone canceled… doesn’t that mean they need a replacement right now?’

“Who do you think we can book at this point?! Hah. Do you think this is a joke?!”

I quietly leaned against the wall and began listening in on his call.

“If it were something like an accident or a family emergency, I’d understand! What? They went overseas for a performance? And they want us to understand? Don’t talk nonsense! I’m never using anyone from that agency again! I’ll spread this all over the station! The shoot is tomorrow… where am I supposed to find a replacement?! Do you think it’s easy to find people with proper stories?! They begged so desperately that I accepted them, and now they stab me in the back?!”

The corners of my lips kept rising.

This situation was terrible for PD Ki, but not for me.

This was an opportunity.

‘Things are suddenly going my way.’

For some reason, this run felt smoother than any before.

I wondered if it was because the [Paid Item Shop] had suddenly unlocked, but I’d only used it once.

‘If not that, then maybe it’s because I quickly recruited the composer and the manager?’

Either way, luck was on my side.

Even when I went to meet Han Youngjoo, finding the sheet music for [I] right there… it felt like fate was finally giving me a chance.

‘Please, just let things keep going this smoothly. Living on edge over every little thing is driving me insane.’

No matter what, I had to seize this sudden stroke of luck.

I waited for the right moment.

Right then, PD Ki finished his call and seemed to be calming down.

“This is driving me crazy. Where am I supposed to find a replacement all of a sudden?”

Before he could head back into the editing room, I quickly approached him.

“Hello, PD Ki. I’m John Raid Lombardi, CEO of Ramos Entertainment.”

I handed him my business card as I greeted him.

“John Raid Lombardi?”

His eyes narrowed.

He carefully examined the card.

“Is this your real name?”

“Yes, it is.”

“So what brings you here? I’m busy right now, so please keep it brief.”

Suspicion was clearly visible in his eyes.

First, I needed to ease that suspicion.

“I came because the idol group I’m managing is preparing for a comeback, and I happened to see you by chance. I got so excited that I approached you without thinking.”

“You were excited to see me?”

“Yes. I’ve always enjoyed your variety shows. Especially your debut work, ‘Ending Change’. I never missed an episode. That’s why your face is familiar to me.”

“You watched that? That show flopped and got canceled.”

In truth, I hadn’t watched a single episode.

The only reason I knew about it was simple.

Every time PD Ki drank, he would ramble endlessly about that program.

Whether it was lingering attachment or regret, whenever he got drunk, he talked about it nonstop.

‘Because of that, even without watching it, I know every detail as if I had. I always thought it was annoying to listen to, but who knew it’d come in handy like this.’

“To me, it was a very entertaining program. Ever since I was young, I haven’t liked how movies and dramas only had one fixed ending. Then I happened to see that show. The idea of changing the ending the way I wanted… it made me feel like the story didn’t truly end there. Whenever I came to Korea, I’d binge-watch it like a child receiving a gift. It brings back memories.”

I could see the suspicion in PD Ki’s face gradually fading.

“I happened to overhear your conversation just now.”

I spoke carefully.

Everything had to feel natural, like a coincidence.

Not like I came here targeting this exact situation from the start.

‘Well, I did come to build a connection for opportunities… but I really didn’t expect something like this to happen today.’

“So, if I may ask… what do you think about having Spade Joker as the replacement?”

I handed him their profile, which I had prepared in advance.

He took it, but didn’t seem particularly interested.

It felt more like he accepted it out of courtesy because I had praised his show.

“This isn’t a joke. You can’t just force a story if there isn’t one. Do you know how much backlash we get if the story feels fake? Cleaning that up is no easy task.”

“I know. I understand very well. I know when to push and when not to. Just hear our story once. If you think it doesn’t fit, I’ll step back cleanly. I won’t cling or ask twice.”

He clicked his tongue softly.

He seemed to be considering it.

“…Alright. Let’s move somewhere else. This isn’t a good place to talk.”

Half success.

I followed him into the editing room.

He pushed aside the clutter on his desk and gestured for me to sit on a folding chair.

“Thank you.”

As I sat down, he tilted his head, signaling me to start.

“I came to Korea from the U.S. to start an entertainment company. As soon as I arrived, I got an office and founded Ramos Entertainment. I created several idol groups.”

PD Ki leaned on one hand, staring at the wall like he was listening to something boring.

“But since I had no experience in the entertainment industry and no meaningful connections, everything failed. So I kept pushing the members harder and harder. Relentlessly.”

His gaze briefly flickered toward me, then returned to the wall.

He clearly didn’t expect me to be this honest.

“I didn’t have money to hire composers, so I forced members who had never learned composition to make songs. Lyrics and choreography were the same. Under the pressure to succeed, I did things I never should have. The members grew more and more exhausted. But I didn’t even realize it and kept acting the same way.”

Even though he wasn’t looking at me, I could tell he was listening carefully.

“One day, after their schedule ended, they didn’t return to the dorm and went to the Han River instead. I thought they were just hanging out, but when I couldn’t reach them late into the night, I got worried and went to find them myself. When I saw them sitting there… I was suddenly afraid. They looked so fragile.”

I didn’t know I could spin a story this well.

Seeing how shamelessly I pushed forward to get what I wanted, it seemed I had truly become a businessman since entering this game.

“What have I been doing all this time? That thought hit me hard. So I brought them back to the company. I rewrote their contracts and moved them to a better dorm. Even though the company had no money, I felt I had to at least do the bare minimum. I also hired a composer. Now we’re preparing for a comeback.”

“And you’re planning to reveal all of that?”

“Yes.”

“This is a broadcast. It’ll be edited to be more provocative. You’ll get flooded with criticism.”

His tone was probing.

From a PD’s perspective, this was a strong story.

It was rare for a CEO to openly reveal such flaws.

“I can take some criticism. If taking those hits can save the company, I’ll take as many as it takes.”

“Is that so? Then how about we grab a drink? We’ll need to talk more.”

“Sounds good.”

“I’ll finish editing in about two hours. I’ll call the number on your card.”

“I’ll be waiting.”

My liver might take some damage tonight, but that’s fine.

You can’t gain something without losing something.