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Chapter 329

"Felicitations."

"Congratulations."

In January, I bowed my head to greet a sunbae I met in the hallway of the Gold Disc Awards.

It was one of the last awards ceremonies to close the season for the year, but unfortunately we didn't win the Daesang.

'There was no chance in the first place.'

It's because they only award two types of items, albums and songs. There was no award to the artist that was different from the overall score.

The result is obvious.

'VTIC and YoungRin got a Daesang.'

Yes...and now I have one of them in front of me.

CheongRyu smiled brightly.

"From Best Group to Best Performance...you've won a lot of good awards. Your fans must be very passionate."

It means, 'No matter how hard you try, you couldn't win the Daesang because your results are too low.'

"Yes. I think it's because we worked hard and the fans voted passionately. Although I can't compare it to the Daesang for Best Album that your group won, sunbae-nim."

That means giving a lot to talk about voting.

"Haha."

"Hahaha."

I laughed a lot with him. The staff in the hallway passed by looking at us with warm eyes.

CheongRyu stopped laughing, changed his expression and asked.

"Hmm...Did you organize the "thoughts" you would say when we meet?"

Oh, right.

I decided to talk to this guy one more time about what I went through when I entered "Ryu GunWoo's" body.

'We were both so busy this season that we didn't get a chance to do it.'

I stopped fighting and summed up the situation.

"I found the person I was looking for. He will help us with what we originally planned to do."

"Aaah."

CheongRyu's eyes narrowed.

"It would be fun to meet him again."

"When the opportunity arises."

If he wants to meet "KeunDal," then he seems to understand the meaning behind that he would help against the system.

'Considering the location, this should be enough.'

It's not something to talk about in an open hallway. It's enough to keep this bastard from becoming uncooperative in the future.

CheongRyu smiled.

"I wonder how he could help us. Is there any other problem?"

"Another problem?"

"Yes. I heard that you're going to establish an independent label. That's more complicated than you think."

Judging by the way you're talking, it seems you already know all about the conflict between T1's head office and the agency.

"Don't worry. It's going well."

"It is?"

"Yes, I'm just focusing on working harder in this new year to achieve good results."

In the end, the goal is to complete the mission of "breaking KPOP records."

Of course, the best thing would be to steal the Daesang of this fucker.

I shrugged my shoulders.

Of course, if this bastard says something like "Oh...that'll be hard," it means he's trying to rip my guts out again.

I looked at him, ready to respond.

However, CheongRyu just muttered with a normal expression.

"Hmm...Yes. Do your best."

"..."

"Well...it might be a little easy this year."

What?

"Mo-MoonDae-ya!"

I heard a voice calling me from behind, but I stared at CheongRyu.

But he shrugged his shoulders and turned around.

"...Easy?"

"Didn't you say you're working hard? Let's meet again when the time is right."

That was all.

'What could he be doing?'

Isn't this the guy who talks like a poisonous snake when it comes to this year's results? It's not that I don't have confidence in our upcoming results.

Strangely...I felt like the excitement had cooled.

Why is such a bastard who will only serve in the military for half a year? I looked at the back of his head awkwardly, then turned to look away.

'Should I look underwater for VTIC rumors?'

I don't know if it's a good thing or a bad thing, or if it's just my mood.

"Sorry, I had to say goodbye."

"Uuh, n-no."

Seon AhHyun, who approached, saw CheongRyu walking away with a slightly nervous face but soon looked at me and smiled.

"I...met YoungRin sunbae-nim and greeted her...!"

"Really? Let's go."

"Yes!"

I followed him down the hallway.

As I turned the corner, the other person who won the Daesang smiled at me.

"MoonDae-ssi."

"Sunbae-nim."

At the awards ceremony, which was divided into days dedicated to songs and albums, YoungRin received the Daesang for Best Song of the Year the day before.

However, she also attended today's album award ceremony after receiving the Daesang, and even sang a song.

'She usually only attends on the day she receives the Daesang.'

She has a strange and sincere attitude.

"We are really close to the end of the year. I hope TeSTAR will show a great performance this new year."

"We are going to work hard."

TL/N: Even though it is January, YoungRin talks as if it is not yet New Year due to South Korea's Lunar New Year (Seollal), which is the most important holiday in their nation. Seollal 2023 will be on January 23.

YoungRin smiled slightly, but the dancers behind her began to sob and moan. What's wrong with them?

Perhaps because she noticed my gaze, YoungRin introduced them to us.

"These are my new friends who will debut at my agency next year. Say hello."

"Good evening!!!"

Looks like they came out as dancers to gain stage experience. It's a common thing.

AhHyun looked at them with a happily satisfied face and spoke to YoungRin in a low voice.

"Well, it seems...that you care a lot about your hoobaes..."

"Do I look like that? I do. I'm in charge of producing your songs."

"Sunbae-nim..."

The trainees, YoungRin and AhHyun are creating a very warm atmosphere. Of course I have no intention of joining.

'If YoungRin will be in charge of the production, then they will be great songs.'

I organized the information of the possible new rookie group in my mind and said goodbye to YoungRin.

As I returned to the waiting room, AhHyun touched my hand again.

"We have become sunbaes?"

"That's right. We are no longer rookies."

As the New Year approaches, TeSTAR will be in its fifth year.

It's been three and a half years since we debuted, so I can say that we took off the title of rookie group. Now, we have to keep even those groups that are slowly rising under control.

TL/N: It sounds incongruous for MoonDae to say that TeSTAR will be in its fifth year when it has barely been three and a half years since its debut date, but you have to take into account the confusing Korean age system where any baby, from the day it is born, is already a year old because you count the months in the womb as if they were a year of life. In addition, every time there is Lunar New Year (Seollal), everyone automatically turns one year old, they used to not celebrate birthdays on their original birth dates, but this is changing nowadays. For these reasons, MoonDae estimates that TeSTAR is in its fourth year, but on Seollal it will be in its fifth.

'We have two hoobaes.'

I thought of the two hoobae groups in "Icorpo."

Although, depending on our actions in the future will determine whether we will continue to have "direct hoobaes" or not.

Will we escape this agency and become direct affiliates of T1? Or will we stay and take it?

"Hmm."

In fact, we seem to have come to a conclusion at the time when Kim RaeBin gave his opinion.

'There are several members who are linked to people on the planning team and the AR team.'

Aside from the fact that the agency's decision makers are annoying, I can't help but feel sorry for the hard work of the staff every time I see their faces.

Considering their ages, it must be worse for them.

As the award season went on, you could see the kids considering that.

It was the same for Bae Sejin. He seemed to be grappling with this and that, and finally came to this conclusion during last night's practice.

"If it will work the same way, maybe it's right to stay. I think it would be a better lesson."

It was a moment of de facto unanimity. I smiled and spoke.

"Seon AhHyun."

"Yes?"

"If we stay at the agency, who would you like to shut up first?"

"S-shut up...?"

He looked puzzled. However, he soon regained his composure.

"R-rather than shut up...I wish they could be more considerate of the people we work with and not bully them...also with us, the rest of the staff and the other idols..."

"Okay."

Don't psychologically bully members. Ask for respectful treatment.

Yes...those are good reasons.

I smiled.

"Those are good words."

"Th-thank you...!"

A few days later, we won the only Daesang at the last award ceremony, the "Korea Music Awards," and managed to finish the year successfully.

And as soon as we took a short break before starting the tour, the agency finally started to bend its back to us.

Obviously, inside it felt different.

TL/N: "Bending their back" is an act of respect that they do to say hello or, in this case, apologize in a sincere, respectful or desperate manner; however, MoonDae claims that in reality the agency would not want to act that way, and perhaps their apology is not honest.

* * *

'Those vulgar bastards...'

The agency's CEO was sitting at his desk, inwardly shouting a vulgar curse word he didn't normally do. There was only one reason.

This was because his performance would be ruined at the most important moment due to the ttanttara bastards whose blood on their heads had not yet dried...

TL/N: "딴따라" (ttanttara) I had explained before, but it is an old and derogatory way of calling artists. The phrase used comes from "머리에 피도 안 마르다" (Even the blood in your head hasn't dried up yet), which insinuates that a person is too young and inexperienced to do something or act in a certain way.

'They think they have good sales because it's all about them? It's all because of the quality of the commercial product the agency makes!'

They even won Daesangs because of all that financial support and quick decision making he had done!

He was thinking of adding that performance and Daesangs as a result to his portfolio and resigning his position to start a new business!

After doing that, they could take care of their independent label or whatever.

He planned to pass the process on to the next person in charge who showed up without doing any of this while he was still in his position...

'Bastarded fuckers! I won't take it anymore because I can't be patient anymore!'

He couldn't believe they had gotten him into such a mess because they made such a big fuss about winning his first Daesang.

Especially the guy who blew it up in his acceptance speech.

Park MoonDae.

'He's a fucker who's playing his trickery'

'I should have known it from the moment he started playing tricks with the contract riders.'

It was clear that he could only use such low and vulgar means because he had not been well educated since he had not even finished his schooling. It was as if he had started a witch hunt.

The CEO snorted and put his hand on the Bluetooth keyboard.

Anyway, there were only so many cards he could use now that he had fallen out with the parent company because of the stupid board members.

Although he had failed to some extent, at the same time, hope shone through.

'If I fix it at this point, it will be a blessing in disguise.'

Because TeSTAR was still making the parent company's offer wait instead of responding "okay."

Clearly, there is fear and reluctance to start over among them.

And in this situation, if you just put these guys on your independent label, you'll be seen as a competent boss in the financial statements and you can walk away with no problem...

'I'm going to skewer them!'

He threw out his usual array of professional English words and leeway.

Instead, he prepared a letter to send to TeSTAR in a serious and sincere manner.

[Dear TeSTAR artists.

I am writing to you with caution as I feel you must be very sorry for recent events.

I can assure you that I have been reflecting on countless incidents that have hurt you...

(...)]

'The company lacked consideration.'

'However, there are numerous miscommunications and misunderstandings.'

'Please hate me, but don't hate the staff.'

The four-step apology that began with acknowledgment, apology for mistakes, subtle excuses and emotional appeal worked well throughout. It hit the keys on the keyboard as if it was going to fly.

TL/N: The last sentence refers to his typing rapidly and relentlessly as if inspired.

[Of course, if you leave, this agency will be greatly affected. I know I can't help it, but I want to make it clear that the employees of this company who worked for you never had bad intentions...]

And he emphasized to the staff

The CEO, as a person with a lot of experience in various businesses, identified TeSTAR's weakest point with surprising accuracy.

And the answer came the next day, as if responding to the wonderful jab.

"...!"

It was a letter sent by Ryu CheongWoo, the leader of TeSTAR.

[We have carefully read the message you sent us].

The message that began this way consisted of an uncomfortable sentiment, a polite rebuttal to the message he had sent them, and a bit of melancholy.

[If you would not abide by the terms of the contract, then how can we trust you anymore? We don't know].

'I got them!'

It was right that they felt conflicted!

As soon as the reply came, he was already prepared to receive this rejection in which there was no sarcasm or personal attacks.

He wrote again himself. He felt as if his head was on fire with passion.

[It was never my intention not to abide by the contents of the contract. It's embarrassing, but it's the end of the year, so the company doesn't have enough manpower...]

Some letters went back and forth like this.

There was also an attempt to meet in person, but TeSTAR cancelled the meeting on the pretext of a schedule.

The Executive Director picked up on that point sharply.

'They're shaking.'

Originally, when people hear their voices in person and confront each other, they tell a deeper story.

That's what causes them to fear. They're afraid they're going to be persuaded!

'I am close.'

He analyzed TeSTAR's writings and read their wants and needs in an amazing way.

And he threw out a bait to satisfy them in the next letter.

[Increase the staff to work on the independent seal...I will approve it.]

[That...we can address that through the integrated management of the management office.]

[If you want to talk about building your own AR team, we can do that and you'll have it.]

So each time he wrote, TeSTAR's response became more and more emotional.

'Great!'

It happened. It happened again. There was a sense of pleasure as if I was clearing a level of a game stage.

And finally.

On the fifth letter, TeSTAR accepted the meeting in person.

"Ha...!!!"

A feat accomplished in one week.

The CEO prepared for the meeting with a clear mind by sending a message to the board, saying,

'We are proceeding positively.'

'The moment he comes, it's over.'

Last time, the guy who had been in a coma dragged out the lawsuit process and it was problematic for him to settle it at such a low level.

That's why he thought it wasn't a good idea to persuade people in their early twenties.

"Good morning."

And on the day of the meeting, the only person who came was the leader, Ryu CheongWoo.

"I consulted with the members, but they said it would be better for me as a leader to be seen as a representative, so only I came."

"Oh, I understand."

It was better.

'It's the best scenario.'

The staff at work had already told him that he was a guy who just did exercises and had a docile personality that doesn't create unexpected situations.

This type of predictable person is the best to persuade, even more so if he is alone.

The CEO had considered the fact that the crazy man would show up.

'These guys made themselves lose.'

There was no point in being impulsive, so they were not allowed to come to a place where they should speak honestly.

'In other words, they think this meeting is important.'

It seemed that the summit was already in their sights. The Executive Director initiated the conversation by offering coffee to Ryu Cheongwoo, who put down his umbrella.

TL/N: Reference to "getting to the top," i.e., succeeding.

"Would you like a latte?"

"Thank you very much."

After a brief personal conversation, the main point came out in a gentle atmosphere.

Ryu CheongWoo grabbed the glass and said quietly.

"There are many differences of opinion between us. To be exact...there are more people who want to leave, but some members changed their stance by talking to you, Director-nim."

"Yes. I would like to know what they are most concerned about."

"That is..."

Ryu CheongWoo seemed to be conflicted, he sighed several times.

'Hurry up and let go at once!'

And it wasn't until the CEO's impatience burned that he opened his mouth again.

"Haah. There's still a trust issue."

"I trust you guys."

"Yes. We are lucky to make an independent label, but if we were other idols, we wouldn't have been able to do it. That's why we hesitate."

Ryu CheongWoo smiled bitterly.

"To tell the truth, there are members who think that the explanations you gave us are just empty words. They are very interested in the rights of idols...that's why it's difficult."

It sounded like the idea of a dreamy child.

'What are these guys who earn more than ten billion won talking about? Anyway.'

Although it seemed like an embarrassment to him, the CEO thought of an appropriate response.

It seems that instead of profiting, they want to show an ethical gesture that would satisfy their moral vanity.

'If other idols...can't...'

"...!"

At that moment, an amazing idea popped into the CEO's head.

'...Then they won't do anything!'

He laughed inwardly and opened his mouth with a calm expression on the outside.

"How about...?"

* * *

"I made it."

"Oooooh!"

"It's raining, but you still worked hard!"

Ryu CheongWoo, who returned from the meeting, smiled and shared the photos he had taken of the documents in the group chat room.

[T1 Stars artists may agree to contracts with affiliated labels prior to renewal time and sign contracts on the contract renewal date].

It is the certification that "anyone can go to the label if they renew their contract."

"You really did."

"That's right."

CheongWoo shrugged his shoulders.

"Actually, I didn't expect to get so many approvals in writing."

"You're right!"

"MoonDae hyung is a magician!"

What are you talking about after we all wrote it together?

"Everyone did very well. I just made things a little easier."

We were thinking of leaving the agency anyway, but if we could get a better deal, why wouldn't we stay?

However, we didn't ask for it; we wanted to do it in the form of a voluntary offer from the company.

'That way, they won't be able to criticize us later.'

But the guys beside me laughed.

"Oh~ How modest~"

...Right. I shook my head and smiled.

"CheongWoo hyung is more surprising. We received almost exactly what we had talked about."

"Well, they offered it to me on their own..."

However, Bae Sejin also raised his hand.

"...It's still great!"

"Hmm, thank you."

He seemed to be very impressed by the change in the company's guidelines. His face said "We made it!"

'That's awesome.'

Now we will all be able to choose the affiliated seal at contract renewal time. This kind of thing doesn't usually happen.

'It must have been possible because of the uniqueness of this agency.'

Anyway, it was set up for an audition program, so it has a structure that works with the hottest kids each season.

I guess the board said it was OK because TeSTAR is just a one-off, whereas the other guys will use it well for five years and replace them when the fresh water runs out.

Even if they go to sign with the label, they will still be able to get sales.

'Stupid people.'

Conversely, who in the company would notice those guys who imagine their group will do well even after 5 years?

The label to which the agency's first most popular idol group belongs.

'And when the idols create an atmosphere, the working staff will also agree.'

After all, it was a matter of influence. I slid the amendment on the screen.

'Let's take it one step at a time.'

If we continue, the label will eventually grow and the agency will only have its name as a shell.

TL/N: If it's not clear, the label will do all the work the agency should do, but since it's an agency-affiliated seal, all products will also have to have the agency's name on them even if it didn't do anything.

I finally smiled and opened my mouth.

"I'm glad it ended well. Everyone has worked hard."

"Thank you for your hard work!"

"Oh~ Let's quickly decide the name of the seal!"

We high-fived and the living room was filled with smiles. How touching.

Now, I have to do something fun...before we make the label.

"Before that, we have something to do first."

"What?"

"We have to make a plan to prepare for our next album."

RaeBin tilted his head.

"Won't we do that work in parallel with the tour...?"

"Yes."

I smiled and crossed my arms.

"Speaking of which, we used to hang out in the same room once a week during our tour, right?"

Cha YooJin's eyes sparkled. He must have remembered it right away because it was a tradition caused by his escape incident.

"Yes, we did it!"

"...Ryu CheongWoo made a good suggestion."

"Haha."

CheongWoo looked a little proud. Keun SeJin intervened.

"Oh~ Should we meet like this this time to prepare for our album? Like the songwriting camp we did that time?"

"W-woow."

"I agree!"

The friendly guys looked at each other with a smile. I smiled too and spoke up.

"There's something different about my proposal."

"Is it?"

"Not once a week, but three days a week."

"..."

"I think it could be done because the tour schedule is extensive. And there is one more difference."

"W-what is it?"

I laughed at Bae Sejin.

"It's an album, so we'll have to try our best to die."

"...!"

"This won't be a hobby camp, but an overtime work camp."

KWAGWAGWANG!!!!

Right on cue, lightning struck, casting shadows on the faces of the gawking boys.

That's how the idea of "KPOP Hell Camp - TeSTAR ver." was announced.

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