<Episode 27>
As expected, my prediction was right.
In that program, the rival agency to our Ramos Entertainment was JM Entertainment.
‘Honestly, Spade Joker isn’t really A-PEN’s rival anymore.’
Just a few weeks ago, A-PEN and Spade Joker were close enough to compete, but not anymore.
A-PEN might be considered a top-tier idol group, but they were already nearing their 10th year since their debut. In the idol industry, age itself is one of the factors that attracts fans.
Moreover, compared to their years since debut, their achievements weren’t that significant. Like Spade Joker, they had suddenly gained public attention after being an unknown small-agency group.
A-PEN only started to grow when an album they participated in producing themselves ranked high on the charts.
However, recently, all their activities had been underperforming. To the point that, without the efforts of their existing fans, they wouldn’t even be able to maintain their top-tier status.
People were already saying everywhere that if their fans left, A-PEN’s very existence would be at risk.
‘That’s why Joo Youngjun is bringing up the rival program to me now.’
Our agency might be smaller, but that’s something I could overturn soon enough.
“Ah. It’s just that Spade Joker’s schedule doesn’t align.”
I deliberately took a bite of food to cut off whatever he was going to say next.
‘There’s nothing for Spade Joker to gain from going on that show.’
It’s a program built on tearing each other down.
Spade Joker doesn’t belong in a place like that. The kids are far too naive… if they go up against a 10-year veteran group like A-PEN, I can already see them getting completely overwhelmed.
The difference in variety show experience is just too big.
“The Peking duck here is quite good, isn’t it?”
“It really is. Thanks to you, it’s been a while since I’ve enjoyed such a fine meal.”
It seemed like Joo Youngjun was trying to steer the conversation back to the topic.
“If it’s just scheduling, I believe our side can adjust somehow.”
I should’ve said something first, but I was a step too late.
“We’re preparing for our next comeback right away, so it won’t be easy. I’m sure A-PEN has its own schedule as well.”
In reality, A-PEN’s schedule was empty. That was something anyone could find out just by listening to industry chatter.
‘Their momentum has pretty much dried up. In a way, it’s only natural.’
Variety shows want new faces, new dynamics.
They need fresh stimulation.
A-PEN could no longer be called “new.”
‘There’s no place that uses and discards people as easily as variety shows.’
Still, I spoke as if I knew nothing.
“A-PEN is currently on a break.”
Joo Youngjun dressed it up nicely.
‘What break? It hasn’t even been that long since their last promotion ended.’
They only had two idol groups under them. Cherish wasn’t getting much response, so they had no choice but to keep pushing A-PEN.
Calling it a “break” in that situation made no sense.
They were already in their 10th year.
Even their core fans were getting older, no longer able to provide the same level of support as before.
The remaining fans were gritting their teeth and holding on, but no one knew how long that would last.
‘Many fans are already exhausted from the lack of support from the agency. And since that fact is widely known, no new fans are coming in either. No wonder it’s frustrating.’
“Then could you let me know what dates A-PEN can adjust to? It’s difficult for us, but we’ll try to squeeze something in.”
“Very well.”
His pride must’ve taken quite a hit.
“And also…”
So that wasn’t his only objective.
“About Spade Joker’s title track, [I].”
“Yes.”
I tensed up, unsure of what he was about to say.
“You do know it almost became our group’s song, right?”
That was an exaggeration.
I knew that Han Youngjoo had sent a demo to JM Entertainment out of desperation.
‘If JM had accepted it, she wouldn’t have been on the verge of giving up everything.’
She met me at the moment when no one else accepted her song.
‘If he wants to shake me, he should at least know the facts first.’
“Is that so? Well, I did hear that the composer sent the demo around to various places. I suppose it would’ve suited A-PEN as well.”
Of course, that was just lip service.
If A-PEN had sung it, it wouldn’t have been as successful as Spade Joker’s version.
The two groups had completely different colors.
‘Besides, Joo Youngjun’s aesthetic sense is a bit outdated.’
He often pushed concepts that could easily divide opinions.
Unique props, unusual outfits, and even planning that bordered on cringeworthy.
If executed well, they could’ve succeeded… but somehow, everything felt just slightly behind the times, and fans criticized it heavily.
A-PEN succeeded purely because of the members’ own efforts.
They threw themselves into variety shows, sparing no effort. Even without company support, they squeezed out time to practice acting, passed auditions, and kept appearing on TV.
A-PEN was a group that grew on its own, without the company’s help.
‘Joo Youngjun had no part in that success.’
If he had planned [I], people would’ve said the song was wasted.
“So I contacted the composer, but I was told she had become an exclusive composer for Ramos Entertainment. She said she’d prefer not to give songs elsewhere for the time being and asked for my understanding.”
So the rival program was just bait; this was his real goal.
‘I don’t really have the right to interfere with which company Han Youngjoo gives her songs to… but I’d rather it not be JM.’
Calling her an exclusive composer didn’t mean I had her tied down.
I made that clear when we signed the contract.
But this time, I wanted to stop it.
Her songs were too valuable.
“I asked if she had any songs already written that I could hear, but she refused.”
“I see.”
“Yes. So I was wondering… would it be alright if I contacted Composer Han Youngjoo directly? We should help each other out in times like this. That’s how we stand against the big agencies.”
It sounded like we were in some kind of mutual partnership.
‘After stabbing me in the back multiple times?’
To beat major agencies, Joo Youngjun had stepped on smaller ones.
In the earlier cycles, my Ramos Entertainment had practically been his stepping stone.
“I understand what you’re saying. But while I did suggest an exclusive contract to the composer, I’ve never prevented her from working with other agencies.”
A flicker of suspicion crossed his face.
‘Does he still think I’m just a naive kid? He’s not the type to show his emotions so easily.’
“Is that so?”
“Yes. I can’t bind her completely. I only have one group, Spade Joker. From the beginning, I made it clear in the contract that she’s free to work as she pleases.”
I shrugged lightly.
If he didn’t want to believe me, that was his choice.
“Then I don’t understand why she refused my offer.”
“That, I wouldn’t know. We’re not close enough for that kind of personal discussion.”
“At the very least, she must have some songs written for Spade Joker, doesn’t she?”
That was clearly crossing the line.
‘Spade Joker’s songs are off-limits.’
He had done nothing for Ramos Entertainment, yet here he was trying to take from us.
“She does, but they were made specifically for Spade Joker. That would be difficult.”
If I said there were none, it would only come back to bite me later when we made a comeback.
No need to stir up unnecessary trouble.
‘Since I know how sly he is, it’s better to pretend to stay friendly and stab him in the back later… just like he does.’
“Then I can introduce you to another composer.”
He must’ve really liked Han Youngjoo’s work.
“I’m sorry, but we’ve already prepared the next album. It would be difficult to change things now.”
“Already?”
“Yes. I have to earn money while I can, don’t I? We’re currently in the stage of finding a music video director, and we’ve already invested quite a bit. Even if I wanted to, I can’t accept your request.”
There was no way he’d introduce a truly good composer.
‘If they were that good, he’d use them himself instead of recommending them to me.’
He really was treating me like a fool.
“Besides, I’m sure you already know many talented composers. You don’t necessarily need Han Youngjoo.”
“I just liked her style and wanted to try working together. Hopefully, we can collaborate next time.”
“I’ll be sure to pass along your words.”
I gave him a polite, practiced smile.
“I’d appreciate that.”
The meal ended quickly after that.
Joo Youngjun suggested wrapping things up, and I readily agreed. I had no desire to spend any more time sitting across from him.
***
The morning of the observation program shoot arrived.
The moment I opened my eyes, I locked eyes with a camera.
‘So they really did install cameras last night after asking for my door code.’
The production team had requested access to install cameras in advance so they could start filming in the morning.
I told them I wouldn’t be doing much at home anyway… just washing up and getting dressed, but the PD said that was exactly what they wanted to film.
I had no good reason to refuse.
It wasn’t like there was anything valuable in my house to steal.
Still, I couldn’t just leave it unattended, so Han Suseok, busy as he already was, handled everything.
I got out of bed, straightened the messy bedding, and headed to the bathroom.
There was a camera there too.
‘I should’ve refused until the very end.’
Studio cameras were fine, but having cameras inside my house made me conscious of every single movement.
It felt awkward.
‘Good thing this isn’t an idol-perspective game.’
If I had been playing a game where I ‘became’ an idol instead of managing them, I might’ve gone insane repeating these cycles.
I washed up quickly and came back out, then picked out a clean outfit from my closet and changed.
‘I should just head to the company as soon as possible.’
I finished getting ready faster than usual and decided to leave early.
***
“Do you usually drive yourself?”
The person holding the camera asked me a question. I thought they’d stay quiet since it was observational filming, but it seemed they would ask a few questions like an interview.
“I usually drive myself when commuting. If it’s not for work-related travel, there’s no need for my secretary to accompany me.”
I couldn’t have someone like Han Suseok doing something like driving.
My commute wasn’t that long anyway; it was better for me to handle it myself.
‘Not like he has time to spare. He’s the busiest person in the company.’
When I was alone, silence didn’t bother me. But with a camera and someone beside me, it felt awkward, so I turned on some music.
‘I hope we get there soon.’
I ended up arriving about 20 minutes earlier than usual.
When I opened the door and stepped inside, I saw that the staff were already at their desks.
‘They came in early. Suseok told them they didn’t need to come early just because of the filming.’
“Good morning, sir!”
Maybe it was because of the cameras… their voices sounded unusually bright.
‘Enjoying coming to work? That can’t be real.’
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