I Became the CEO of an Idol Company in a Game Chapter 28

<Episode 28> 

 

“Sir, have you arrived?”

I turned my head and saw Han Suseok. For some reason, he looked more dressed up than usual. He always kept his hair neatly down, but today it was styled half-up, half-down.

“Yeah. What’s the schedule for today?”

“I’ve organized it and placed it on your desk.”

“Alright. Thanks.”

“Shall I prepare some coffee?”

“No. Tea will do for today.”

“Understood.”

With that, I stepped into the CEO’s office.

‘If we hadn’t been filming, this could’ve turned into a disaster.’

Normally, when cameras barge into a workplace, people feel burdened and uncomfortable. Yet for some reason, everyone seemed excited.

‘If it were me, I’d hate it.’

Back when I lived as Kang Hajin, I would run away whenever a camera was pointed at me during sports days or special events. Even though it wasn’t being broadcast and only coworkers would see it, the mere thought of people talking about me behind my back was unbearable.

‘They’re all strange, honestly.’

As I sat down and picked up some documents, I heard a knock.

“Come in.”

It was Han Suseok.

“Chamomile tea.”

“Thanks.”

I took a sip, then set the cup down.

“The trainees are prepared for this afternoon, right?”

“Yes.”

“Alright. You can go back to work.”

Han Suseok gave a light bow and left the office.

“You speak formally to the other employees, but you use casual speech only with your secretary?”

The cameraman asked.

“He’s my junior from university.”

“Oh, really? Is he the one mentioned in your interview? The one who followed you from the U.S.?”

“That’s right.”

“Would it be okay if we interview him?”

“Why are you asking me? You should ask him directly.”

“It might interfere with his work.”

At least they had their heads on straight.

‘Most people wouldn’t care and would only think about their broadcast. Was it Yoo PD? Staying on good terms with him wouldn’t hurt.’

“If he’s willing, I won’t stop him.”

“Thank you.”

I nodded and returned to reviewing the documents. I decided to check the proposals sent to Spade Joker first.

[Isotonic Drink Advertisement.]

Finally, something I’d been waiting for.

‘If we solidify a refreshing image before the comeback, that’d be perfect.’

I grabbed a highlighter and marked it immediately.

‘Honestly, unless it’s something like a loan shark ad, we should accept any advertisement.’

If someone asked where celebrities make the most money, the answer would obviously be advertisements. The profit compared to time and effort was unmatched.

From a business standpoint, ads were always welcome.

‘The timing is perfect too.’

After filming me for a while, the staff must’ve decided there was nothing more to capture, because they began leaving one by one.

Eventually, only the fixed camera and I remained in the office.

‘This is much better.’

It became easier to focus on work.

After staring at documents for a long time, my body began to stiffen. I stretched and checked the time.

Two hours had already passed. The chamomile tea Han Suseok had brought earlier had gone lukewarm.

Knock, knock.

“Come in.”

“I’ve organized a list of music video directors.”

Han Suseok handed me a tablet.

I had given the instruction just before leaving work yesterday, yet he’d already finished it.

“You could’ve taken your time.”

He simply smiled, as if to say it was fine.

“Han Suseok.”

“Yes.”

“Good work. By the way, did you do the interview? They asked if they could interview you.”

“I did a short one.”

“What did you say?”

“You’ll see when it airs.”

His ears were turning red, a sign he was embarrassed.

‘What on earth did he say?’

I was curious, but it didn’t seem like he’d answer even if I asked.

‘I’ll find out when I monitor the broadcast.’

“What about the other employees?”

“Those who want to do it are doing it, and those who don’t are declining. The staff isn’t forcing anyone either. They even said they can blur faces if needed.”

I nodded in satisfaction.

“Alright, go back to work.”

“Yes, sir.”

After he left, I began reviewing the list of music video directors.

[Director Kim Juhyung.]

His name, career, and filming style were neatly summarized.

‘He’s good with color usage, but the storytelling is lacking.’

I checked the next director.

This one had decent storytelling, but the camera angles were too complicated.

My fingers moved busily.

‘They all fall just short somehow.’

I rubbed my chin, deep in thought.

‘If only I could combine their strengths into one person.’

‘But a monster like that probably doesn’t exist.’

If someone that capable existed, there was no way I wouldn’t know their name. Even if I hadn’t hired them, I would’ve at least kept them in mind for the next timeline.

“Maybe I should request drafts first…”

But at this stage, asking for drafts felt tricky. For a small company like ours, it could easily spark complaints about being overly picky.

If we were a large agency, I wouldn’t have to worry about things like this.

I decided to postpone the music video issue and move on.

‘First, single or mini album…’

You strike while the iron is hot. Releasing another album while recognition was high was the best move.

In this industry, dozens of new idol groups debuted every day, and even unknown groups could suddenly go viral from a single video.

That also meant Spade Joker could be forgotten just as quickly.

In that sense, a full album took far too long to prepare.

‘A mini album is better.’

For that, we needed at least two more songs.

But I couldn’t keep pushing Han Youngjoo for more.

It was time to contact another composer.

‘Since the title track is intense, the B-sides should match that vibe.’

One composer came to mind.

A mysterious figure whose real name no one knew, someone who created songs and gifted them only to groups he personally chose.

‘Maru.’

He was actually the actor Kang Woojin.

He had wanted to become a composer, but ended up succeeding as an actor first, so he had no choice but to use a pseudonym.

If his real identity were revealed, even mediocre songs could gain popularity purely because of his name, or people might form biases against his music.

I only learned his identity by pure coincidence.

The problem was that, at this point, I didn’t have his contact information. Still, since he was an actor, there should be ways to reach him.

‘Not now, though. There are cameras. I’ll contact him after filming ends.’

It would be a problem if Maru’s identity were exposed because of me.

 

***

 

After having a simple lunch near the company with Han Suseok, I returned and was taking a short break with a cup of coffee.

“Sir.”

Yoo PD approached me.

“Oh? You’re directing the shoot yourself?”

I hadn’t expected the main PD to personally handle filming the daily life of a non-celebrity.

“I have to come by at least once.”

He clearly took his job seriously.

“And we need to discuss Spade Joker’s reality show.”

“Today?”

“Yes. I’m the type who doesn’t like delaying things.”

Looking into his background, I learned he was the one who first introduced observational variety shows.

Though the ratings of his current program had dropped, it wasn’t due to lack of skill… it was because too many similar shows had appeared.

He wasn’t someone who chased stimuli; instead, he found meaning and emotion in quiet, everyday moments.

In a way, he was a rare figure in the entertainment industry.

‘I wish he worked for our company… but that’s impossible.’

“I see.”

“Oh, and I’ve handled the issue with reporter Kim Yerin.”

“How?”

“I spread the word among PDs. News travels fast in this industry. Once it spreads to agencies, it’s over… no one will agree to interviews.”

Yoo PD smiled reassuringly.

“And I heard Spade Joker is in the practice room right now.”

“Yes. They’re preparing for an upcoming festival.”

“Perfect timing. Let’s go.”

Before I knew it, I was following Yoo PD to Spade Joker’s practice room.

“Excuse us.”

The members, who had been practicing, looked at us in surprise.

“Sir, you’re here.”

They greeted me a beat late.

“This is PD Yoo Jeongho.”

“Hello, we’re Spade Joker.”

At my introduction, they gave a perfectly synchronized greeting.

It felt completely different from how they greeted me.

“Hello, I’m Yoo Jeongho. I’ll be in charge of planning your reality program.”