Chapter 121
MG Entertainment, LA Branch .
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Director Lee HanSeo hated to move within Korea, and here he was, in a completely different country .
He met up with Jung MinAh in the practice room .
“A re-contract?”
Jung MinAh’s expression stiffened when her direct superior took out something difficult to talk about .
“Yes . I want to know what all of you are thinking about regarding a re-contract . ”
“Even I don’t know what the others are thinking . This is a taboo . ”
She evaded mentioning it directly . Actually, all they talked about every day was the extension of the contract . However, the girls did not wish to talk about it with anyone else, even if it was their direct superior that was in charge of them . Their faith in the company had hit rock bottom .
It was now October .
There were two months until the end of the contract .
“Everyone’s feelings must be quite complex . Since the situation is like this and all… . ”
“But if you wish to, the extension will definitely happen . ”
Despite the hopeful words, Jung MinAh had no words to speak . She didn’t even want to imagine that her future lay with the company . Their lives in America had utterly shattered their faith in the company .
“Is this coming from you, director? Or is it the company’s wishes?”
“That’s… . ”
Director Lee HanSeo heaved a long sigh . Jung MinAh knew the answer .
“So it is coming from you . ”
“Ah… Nothing is for sure yet . So have some hope and… . ”
“Hope, you say . Hope, huh… . ”
Jung MinAh bit her lips . Then, she shook her head .
“It’s fine . I’ve long since given up the thought that MG will do something for us . ”
“MinAh . ”
Director Lee HanSeo found it pitiful . He had gotten attached to the girls of Eddios . However, where did it all go wrong? Things called ‘achievements’ and ‘promotion’ ruined the future of these girls .
‘…MG is thinking about nothing . I’m sure of it . ’
Jung MinAh had predicted already . There were 2 months until the end of the contract . At this point in time, the company should be giving the girls incentives like ‘we’ll release a new album’ or the like . However, there was absolutely nothing like that at all .
The morale of the members had long since hit rock bottom . It wasn’t just because of their ‘position’ in Korea that was lost . Entertainers and musicians alike lived off their popularity and fame . And right now, their activities were far from such .
At this point, even the girls who were strict with managing their image were starting to stray off one by one .
‘What can I do for these girls to do well?’
Director Lee HanSeo didn’t want to see the always cheerful MinAh so downtrodden . He hated himself for being unable to stop the tyranny of the other directors . His heart ached .
As though she realized what he felt, Jung MinAh spoke again .
“I know that you’re different from the other directors . It was you who managed to shrink down our range of movement from the entirety of America to the few Korean towns in LA . Without you, we’d be in utter despair… . I’m thankful for that . ”
“I still couldn’t have you come back . I can only apologize for that . ”
“You can’t help it . Those people had more power than you . It was old man KangYoon that was amazing to have gone against all of them . We were only able to hold out until now because of you, director . Really, I mean it… . ”
Director Lee HanSeo felt bitter . After he was given Eddios from KangYoon to take care of, he thought that everything would go well . At that time, Eddios was the best in the country . They were young but had skills to back them up, and none of them had celebrity complexes or other detrimental personality deficiencies . They were humble to top it off . They struck the peak in Korea and he thought that they’d do well anywhere .
However, it all began when the other directors forced the girls to fly over to America . They lost both the Korean fans while not getting any American fans either, forgotten by both .
“…I guess we can’t help it if there’s no extension . ”
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She looked like someone who had given up on everything . And she was only twenty-two… .
‘If MG doesn’t work, I need to send them somewhere else . This is my responsibility . ’
Director Lee HanSeo couldn’t let the girls be . He couldn’t ruin the Eddios given to him by KangYoon and be done with it .
He clenched his teeth while looking at Jung MinAh so powerless .
Autumn was a busy season for everyone in World Entertainment .
White Moonlight now had their personal theater and was able to gradually gain popularity with regular performances . Kim JaeHoon was busy with his new album . Kim JiMin also stopped doing vocal training only and entered a general training routine for her debut .
One common characteristic of entertainment companies was that busy musicians meant busy employees .
“Director, there are too many receipts . Who’s going to make me leave work?”
Jung HyeJin had a teary face as she worked over-time for a few days in a row now . Lee HyunJi, who sat in front of her, snorted .
“Not as bad as me . ”
Lee HyunJi showed her the mountain of files on her desk as well as the pimple on her face . Due to work overload, the women at the office were screaming in happiness(?) .
“The president is such a bad guy . ”
This had gone on for days already .
The two women had been practically forced to live in the office .
Regardless, KangYoon was currently working with Kim JaeHoon on his album in the studio .
“Let’s try that again . Sing ‘anything of you’ a little weaker . ”
-Okay .
“Oh, just a moment . Is someone talking about me?”
KangYoon took off his headset and scratched his ears .
-Hyung, you hadn’t had the headset on for long .
“Yeah, it looks like I’m a little sensitive today . ”
He put on his headset again and signaled Kim JaeHoon .
“Here it goes . ”
KangYoon played the MR . Then, a deep rock-ballad started flowing out . It was ‘Only One’, given to them by Lee HyunAh .
-I no – longer wish anything — of you–
Kim JaeHoon was drunk with the lyrics in his hand . The deep punchy sound and his voice combined with each other to appeal to the listeners .
‘This is just the beginning, and it’s too strong . ’
However, KangYoon shook his head . When Kim JaeHoon’s notes made the light weaker . KangYoon turned off the music and spoke again .
“A little weaker . ”
– Yes .
The instruments started playing again . Kim JaeHoon relaxed his vocal cords and simply let the lyrics flow out of his body .
-I no- – no longer wish anything — of you —
Kim JaeHoon’s notes combined with the notes from the accompaniment . The light became a little stronger than before . However, KangYoon wasn’t quite satisfied . He felt that this could be a lot better .
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“One more time . ”
And again .
However, it didn’t make that much of a difference . They had to try several times before the strong white light that KangYoon wanted came out .
“That should do . Let’s go on to the next bit . ”
Kim JaeHoon was also satisfied when he heard the recording . Normally, it was him that was unsatisfied by the recording and not the producer, but working with KangYoon, it was the opposite . Also, Lee HyunAh’s song didn’t seem that good at first glance, but now that he got to sing it, it felt really good . It was quite a strange phenomenon .
Like that, they spent 6 hours on the recording . As Kim JaeHoon was someone who spent 12 hours or even 24 hours recording, this was considered very short .
KangYoon gave Kim JaeHoon a handkerchief as he came out of the recording booth .
“Thanks . It sure is faster working with you . ”
“It’s good to be efficient . ”
“I guess . Hey, you don’t happen to be able to ‘see’ music, do you?”
KangYoon flinched for a moment, but he passed it over .
“I wish . ”
“I want to see the musical notes at least . Anyway, today’s work is completely done . Oh, I heard from the director that we’ll be doing a showcase . ”
“We have a theater so we’ll make use of it . I’m planning to invest a lot and do it properly . And let’s do a music video this time too . ”
“Yes!”
Kim JaeHoon shouted out in joy .
A showcase!
He was now able to stand in front of people again with his new album . This felt very new to him, as in May, he was busy digesting the hellish schedule .
KangYoon’s words didn’t end there though .
“If this album goes well, let’s consider doing a country-wide tour . ”
“YES!”
Kim JaeHoon’s voice became even louder as KangYoon’s plans became larger .
Mid-October was when the change in trees was the most dramatic, and it was also the season Kim JaeHoon’s new album aimed to release on .
The album, the music video, and everything else necessary were finished .
All that was left now was the showcase where he would first show his new music to the public .
They decided Lunas to be the location since they could . KangYoon sent invitations to the members of Kim JaeHoon’s fan club as well as the record labels in the industry .
On the day of the showcase .
“Welcome . ”
Jung HyeJin was busy greeting the members of the fan club . The fans had brought many presents and banners and entered Lunas with excitement . These were the people who had won the fierce competition for tickets . Of course, the invitation was free of charge .
KangYoon and Lee HyunJi were greeting the record labels .
“Hello?”
“Please, come in . ”
There were people in suits whose jobs were related to record labels and music streaming sites who had come to watch the showcase . Lee HyunJi’s relations in the industry, as well as Kim JaeHoon’s fame, were brought to the forefront here .
KangYoon led them to the specially prepared seats at the front .
“I was surprised to hear that Kim JaeHoon made a comeback recently, and now he’s doing a new album . Congratulations . ”
“Thank you . ”
These people were all surprised that Kim JaeHoon managed to return to the industry . To be exact, they were surprised at KangYoon who made that possible . Everyone thought Kim JaeHoon to be dead as a musician . Although there was the issue with his debt, the real problem was the long-term absence from the industry that included his service in the military . It was not easy to decide whether to invest in him or not . However, not only did an owner of a small entertainment company invest in him and managed to make his return to the industry, now there was a new album for him as well .
Everyone thought that if this album went well, World Entertainment would no longer be considered a ‘small company’ .
“President Lee . Hello . ”
“President Kang ShiMyoung . Welcome . ”
(T/N: The dude that owns ‘Yerang’, and tried to recruit Lee HyunAh without the band, and tried to poach the band members when everything went wrong . )
KangYoon greeted President Kang ShiMyoung, who, unlike the others, was wearing ripped jeans and a t-shirt . He also seemed surprised by this showcase and did not hide his excitement while looking around .
“Nice venue you have here . ”
“Thank you . ”
“I’m envious, you have both a great venue and a great musician . ”
“Not at all . We just took our first step . ”
KangYoon led president Kang ShiMyoung to a good seat . When the others saw him, they hurriedly stood up to greet him . It was no wonder since he ran a big entertainment company .
KangYoon had to greet several other guests after that as well . He was like a husband-to-be at a wedding . Lee HyunJi was the same .
President Kang ShiMyoung took glances at the facilities like the stage, and the tall ceiling while greeting the others in the industry .
‘It shouldn’t have been easy for a company like World to invest so daringly . I’d rather build an office instead if I had the money . Did he get some loans? Who knows?’
Money sufficient to build this building may be better invested in building a completely new office . However, KangYoon had gone against that common sense . He himself would never do this .
‘Were those words actually true? These kinds of facilities at that price should definitely be tempting . Hm… . ”
President Kang ShiMyoung held his chin and fell into thought .
Time flowed and the lights started dimming . Then, the stage lights turned on . At the same time, today’s MC, comedian Park ChanHyung, came up on stage . Park ChanHyung was a trendy comedian who created many popular punchlines recently .
“Hello, ladies and gentlemen . Welcome to Kim JaeHoon’s 6th mini album showcase!”
“Waaaa—”
The applause from the audience signaled the start of the showcase . Park ChanHyung pulled some jokes to set the mood, and when he deemed that the audience was ready, he shouted .
“I present to you, today’s main character! Kim . Jae . Hoon!”
“Kyaaa—!”
“Waaa—!”
Along with the shouts that filled the entirety of Lunas, Kim JaeHoon entered the stage from the back . Then, all the lights turned off before a spotlight shone down on him . The quiet accompaniment started flowing out and Kim JaeHoon put his mouth to the mic . This was the title song for the album ‘Time with You’ .
“I long — for the person — in my heart — in my memories –”
Kim JaeHoon’s rich voice rang across the theater . His deep, yet thin voice was unique to him and him only, and made the audience wave their hands . The wonderful orchestrlike accompaniment and his voice mesmerized the audience .
“I loved you — and because — my heart — ached –”
His periodic vibrato in the chorus made the hearts of the audience flutter . His voice became deeper . Not to mention the audience, even the people from the industry were surprised .
‘That’s a good song . ’
‘It feels different from his past songs, but in a good way . ’
Kim JaeHoon’s characteristics were preserved, while still following the latest trend .
This was their evaluation .
Even when the accompaniment died down, Kim JaeHoon’s voice continued without changing . He then sang powerfully, as if to shout something on the part leading to the climax .
“I am an idiot — who never, ever told you — but now I shout — I love you—”
Then the accompaniment suddenly came to a halt .
The light also dimmed a little before it suddenly turned bright again along with a burst of sound . At the same time, Kim JaeHoon’s voice rang out as well . This was the climax part .
“I love you-…”
“I love you–”
The audience was already singing along the song . They were happy to listen to Kim JaeHoon’s new song .
Then, his voice slowly faded out until the song ended .
“Waa——!”
“Kim . Jae . Hoon! Kim . Jae . Hoon!”
Everyone shouted out his name at the amazing song . Kim JaeHoon bowed towards the audience with an awkward smile .
“Thank you . ”
“Waaa—-!”
Kim JaeHoon’s title song for his 6th mini-album, ‘Time with You . ’
It made its debut in the world .
“Hahahahaha!”
Park ChanHyung’s smooth emceeing made the audience laugh . Kim JaeHoon scratched his chin awkwardly . His awkward expression made the audience more cheerful .
“He doesn’t have a lover . Well, then . Anyone interested?”
Lunas became more cheerful when many people raised their hands . Of course, all of them were half-joking .
Park ChanHyung called upon a few that raised their hands to the stage and had Kim JaeHoon give them a hug . This was, of course, all fan service .
Kim JaeHoon gave out autographs and gave them a light hug . The ones that got picked to stand on the stage received the envy of other audience members .
They then talked about Kim JaeHoon’s life stories – what he did in the 4 years of absence, what he did after joining the new company and stuff like that . The audience cried when they heard how he joined his new company . They were glad to find out that he regained all the copyrights and that his former boss was now serving time in prison .
Someone else unexpectedly came into attention, KangYoon . He was watching the showcase from behind the stage and he was suddenly pointed at by Kim JaeHoon who said that KangYoon was his savior .
“Haha… . ”
When KangYoon made an awkward expression, Lee HyunJi giggled on the side .
“It’s a good thing . Come on, give them a wave . ”
When KangYoon still did nothing, Lee HyunJi grabbed his arm and waved it at the audience . Then, the audience applauded while cheering .
Like that, the fan meeting-like event was over, and it was time to showcase the next song .
Park ChanHyung had a look at the flashcard before speaking .
“So your next song is titled ‘Only One’ . What kind of song is this?”
“This is slightly different from the songs I sang until now . It’s a rock ballad . ”
People cheered at the word rock . This was a genre they didn’t expect from Kim JaeHoon .
“Rock, huh? Aren’t you someone who’s unrelated to rock?”
“I was . I didn’t hate it, but I didn’t really like it either . But, the president recommended that I do it . So, I ended up getting this song from HyunAh, someone who’s also from the company . ”
“Now I’m looking forward to that . Well, then, everyone . Give him a round of applause . ‘Only One’ . ”
“Waaa—!!”
The audience cheered and Kim JaeHoon stood up from his seat . The accompaniment flowed out and his second song, Only One, began .