Producer with no Regrets - Chapter 339



Only Noblemtl

Episode 339

The concert, which lasted over 5 hours, has ended.

Seongpil turned on the light. Then he saw the members stretching awkwardly.

It seemed cute that everyone did the same thing without exception.

“Ah, it’s finally over.”

As Joara tilted her head from side to side, Seongpil shouted as if having a seizure.

“It’s finally over?!”

“What now?”

“How can you look tired after seeing these masterpieces! What you saw was worth 200,000 won! You can’t even say ‘Thank you for showing me’, but you can say ‘It’s finally over’?!”

“I was wrong.”

Joara readily admitted her mistake.

“Well, I didn’t think you guys would get so into it.”

“What do you want me to do? If it was going to be like this, why are you angry?”

Originally, concerts were content for fans.

It’s more fun when you know something.

But out of the two concert videos I saw today, I could count on one hand the number of songs the members knew.

Since there were almost 50 songs that I didn’t know, I could admire the performance but couldn’t enjoy it like a fan.

It felt like watching the final Avengers movie after sporadically watching previous Marvel series.

“But if you just finish the report, it won’t be used as a reference. Should we all take turns sharing our impressions? Let’s start with Ara, who said, ‘It’s finally finished.’”

“I don’t even know how long I’ll be able to live off of this.”

Joara scratched her cheek as she searched for words.

“Um… … First of all, let’s talk about Darkest. The opening was amazing. Honestly, the only thing that comes to mind now is the opening medley.”

“That could be. The song in the opening was one that everyone knew, right?”

“Yes. Well, it was famous when I was in elementary and middle school. It was always played during school breaks and on the streets. It was also included on the Watermelon TOP 100, so I listened to it a lot.”

The opening medley was a collection of Darkest’s title-level hits, so even the most casual listeners could enjoy it.

“and…….”

A light flickered in Joara’s eyes.

“It was really cool.”

There were a total of three songs in the opening.

As the song progressed, it was obvious that the Darkest members were having a hard time. I don’t mean that they were exhausted.

They performed while covered in sweat.

The energy and intensity, momentum and passion would have been impressive even to someone who didn’t know Darkest.

“I hope that the people will think the same way I did after watching our stage. Well, Darkest is like this. ‘Layered’ is… … .”

This is the girl group that is the main character in one of the two concert videos that Sungpil showed.

“I guess I’m a bit biased… … .”

“What kind of habit do you have in your mouth towards your seniors?!”

“No, this is my honest impression. It felt like they were focusing more on the directing than the performance itself. So… … It felt like the seniors were saying, ‘This is all we can do!’, not showing us something as performers. It felt like they were saying, ‘Aren’t we cute?’ while staying true to the concept… … .”

Layered is a girl group from a major entertainment agency that caused a sensation with their innocence, freshness, and youthful liveliness.

She is a top-tier idol that no one can refute and is still actively promoting.

“It’s not that it’s bad, it’s just that it doesn’t suit me. It feels like we have different goals than Darkest.”

“Just say you don’t like the innocent concept.”

“no, I do not want.”

“They said they like boy groups.”

“That’s not it.”

“Anyway, OK. Here’s one image of the concert Ara wants to create.”

“Me?”

“Ara wants to be recognized as a performer by the Girls’ League, right? Not for their concept, but for their identity, not for their character, but for their personality.”

“… … I guess so?”

Joara had this kind of personality from the beginning.

They want to show what they have, not force themselves to create something different.

Seongpil nodded and looked at the next person. It was Rika.

“Atashi (I) liked the Layered seniors’ stage the best! Especially when it snowed heavily!”

“When is ‘Hambaknun’ called?”

“Yes! It’s a cosmic masterpiece!”

Seongpil also agrees.

This song fully showcases the charms of the layered vocal line members.

Like other songs included in idol albums, it is not well-received by the public, but it is not difficult to guess their skills just from this song.

“The seniors came out wearing white clothes and sat on the chairs the whole time! But I couldn’t take my eyes off them! They really looked like fairies!”

Unlike Joara, Rika was positive about the character that idols showed on stage.

A performance that can only be seen on a concert stage. It reveals a charm that cannot be shown through a regular performance.

“And the solo stage of senior Darkest Seo Yu-seon is the most memorable!”

“You mean ‘Wintour’?”

This song maximizes decadence.

“Ding dong daeng mukjjippa!”

This is the stage where Seo Yu-seon came out wearing kindergarten clothes and danced while laughing brightly.

“Wow, I thought to myself, you’re a pro! You can throw yourself away like that! You’re the epitome of an idol!”

“Uh, really?”

Surprisingly, Sungpil has been to a Darkest fan meeting.

Originally, ‘Ding Dong Daeng Muk Jjippa’ was a children’s show opening, and Seo Yu-seon covered it as an event. However, the response was so good that it was included in the concert set list.

‘I almost cried when the fans asked me to do it at the fan meeting… … .’

But Seo Yu-seon was a professional.

He, who was able to prioritize character over personality, showed off his ‘Ding Dong Daeng Muk Jjippa’ while laughing heartily.

True Idol Seo Yu-seon… … .

“I want to show you a side of me that I don’t usually show you at concerts!”

“For example?”

“Wearing leather clothes and carrying a whip?”

“The character is too much.”

“Oh, it’s normal!”

“There was no such concept in the Girls’ League songs to begin with.”

“There’s nothing I can do! From now on, I’m making it to match the concert… … .”

“How was A-reum?”

“This is too much! Director Park just killed my artistry!”

Shin Areum thought deeply and then spoke lightly.

“I don’t want to be like Ricana or Joara, there’s nothing like that. If I were to just say what I’m impressed by… … they’re all amazing.”

“What kind of point?”

“It’s about maintaining concentration for three hours.”

There are many things that idols have to memorize in order to stand at a concert.

You have to memorize the movement lines for hours on a stage that is much larger than a music show stage, memorize the timing of the talks and lines in between, and above all, learn the entire performance.

It takes about 3 hours to master a script.

“Maybe it’s because I’m an idol, but I look so amazing. I’m also worried if I can do well… … .”

“Layered also made that stage a little over a year after their debut. Arum can do it too.”

“… … A little over a year ago? So, you held a solo concert at the handball stadium?”

“Because it’s a large agency.”

“1 year… … .”

Shin Areum didn’t seem to notice the difference in background when Layered held a solo concert after a year.

“It’s only been a year, and yet… … .”

Shin A-reum was simply amazed. She was thinking back to when she had just finished her first year of debut.

Even thinking about it now, it was a time when she was just a rookie. However, Layered held a perfect solo concert when Shin A-reum was just a rookie.

I even feel respect for them as fellow idols.

Seongpil was pleased that Shin A-reum seemed to have received good stimulation. Then he looked at Jang Ha-yang.

“How was Hayang?”

“I think everything that needs to be said has already been said. I want to talk about it from the perspective of winning or losing.”

“… … Huh? Win or lose?”

“yes.”

“Just a minute, sis!”

Rika tried to stop Jang Ha-yang with an anxious look on her face.

“Where is victory or defeat on stage! Each one shines with their own color… … .”

“The Darkest Seniors won.”

The other members froze and looked at Seongpil.

Sungpil, who is an idol admirer, could not possibly listen kindly to Jang Ha-yang’s remarks about winning or losing on stage.

But surprisingly, Seongpil was indifferent.

“The Layered seniors were literally like dolls. They had the vibe that they would do whatever they were told to do. In comparison, the Darkest seniors really looked like artists… ….”

Jang Ha-yang realized while watching Darkest’s concert. That this might be the aura of an artist that Sung-pil talks about so much.

“I can’t express it in words, but there was no comparison.”

“Why is that so?”

Seongpil asked a question in return.

Jang Ha-yang answered immediately, as if he had already prepared an answer.

“It’s like seniority. I don’t know because I haven’t seen other stages, but it’s like experience… … .”

“That’s right. Even with the same performance, the feeling is completely different depending on the years. You gain stage presence, aura, and an aura that can’t be expressed in numbers.”

“Will our fans feel what I felt at our concerts?”

It’s perfect, but it feels like you’re being chased somewhere and you don’t feel relaxed.

An urgency to perform.

Will the fans feel that too?

“of course.”

“I want to get rid of it.”

There was earnestness in Jang Ha-yang’s voice.

To Seongpil, her request sounded presumptuous and even arrogant.

A gem that has been filtered and selected by major agencies.

Even those who have completed delicate and intense work can’t hide their immaturity.

“Can you do it?”

“Hayang, your dreams are too high?”

“… … .”

“There is a way. It’s to practice until you can perform while following the set stage route even when you wake up from sleep. Your body moves on its own and you can even think of other things in your head.”

Once you get to that level, you can start filling in other things to your established performance.

The moment when ‘I have to do it’ becomes ‘Should I do it like this?’, the idol overcomes a wall.

“I’ll cheer you on.”

“yes.”

Jang Ha-yang smiled faintly.

It wasn’t a desperate answer that showed a strong will, but her heart must have been full of passion.

‘I said I was rooting for you, though.’

Seongpil didn’t expect it.

There are things in the world that cannot be filled with practice alone: ​​stage presence, aura, and composure.

It is an area that can only be gained through experience.

If someone can command the stage with ease without any experience, then they might be called a genius.

“Then lastly.”

Snow White.

“How was it?”

Snow White looked embarrassed.

It’s been like that since a while ago.

“Um, I just… … had fun… … .”

“Yeah, and?”

“… … It was fun.”

“… … .”

“Oh, no, I just found it funny… … .”

Baek Seol-ha shrugged her shoulders as if embarrassed.

Her heart sank every time the members brought up this and that.

‘Isn’t everyone’s level of consciousness too high… …?’

Although she came to get stage reference, Baek Seol-ha just enjoyed the concert from the beginning.

There was no analysis or reference.

“It was just… … fun… … .”

Baek Seol-ha added things like, “You’re all amazing,” and “I wish we could create a stage like this too,” but the bottom had already been revealed.

“Yes, it was fun… … .”

“Okay, everyone, should we go get some dinner?”

“Aren’t you showing too much disappointment?!”

“No. People who enjoy themselves are better than those who work hard. Baek Seol-ha, the leader of the Girls’ League, has the best qualities as an idol! What do you want for dinner?”

“……lol.”

Snow White just smiled.

I felt a little embarrassed that my appreciation was less profound than that of the other members, and I was afraid that if I responded seriously, I would be teased more.

Snow White decided to become an enjoyer.

* * *

Everyone came out of Seongpil’s house chattering away. They were barely able to stop Seongpil from giving them a ride.

“I wanted to play more!”

Rika wanted to play board games with the six of them, but Baek Seol-ha, who enjoys playing them, decided to go back so that Seong-pil could have a day off.

“The director has holidays too.”

“Isn’t playing with friends the way to spend a holiday!”

“Director, haven’t you noticed that you keep looking at your watch?”

“Huh? Really? Really?!”

Rika was worried that she had disturbed Seongpil. Then, Shin A-reum put her worries to rest.

“That’s because of health.”

“You’re so restless because you can’t go to the gym… … ?”

“You know that the team leader promised to take a body profile photo with the CEO and one of the directors at the beginning of the year? But the plan fell through because of our trip to Japan. The team leader’s lifestyle is a bit messed up, so he said he wasn’t in a satisfactory state.”

Seongpil is in a state of anxiety.

It’s been way over an hour since I decided to take a body profile photo with Hong Gyu-heon and Han Gu-in.

“But Director Park… … .”

Jang Ha-yang swept the air above his chest.

It seemed like he was trying to express his pectorals, but there was something impure about his hand gestures.

“Your body is a bit… more… than before. Isn’t that enough?”

“White sister, you’re so obscene!”

“The team leader probably won’t like it. Oh, you saw that too, right? The way the team leader habitually says ‘It’s delicious… It’s delicious…’ while eating Jjimdak.”

“Uh, yeah. That scared me a little bit… … .”

Baekseol was next to Seongpil, and she couldn’t help but get worried because Seongpil kept talking to himself.

Because he seemed like a broken person.

“That’s because you’ve been eating only raw vegetables and chicken breast these days.”

“Ah, you’re in a similar state to when we first started as trainees.”

When the Girls’ League first became trainees, everyone was out of their minds every day.

Because my mouth was addicted to strong seasoning, I ate only food that had little seasoning day and night.

There were days when I would shed tears even if I just took a bite of tteokbokki.

“You live very meticulously.”

Snow White spoke with a strange sense of kinship.

An idol’s life is a series of regulations.

Everything from what we eat to what time we sleep, what time we wake up, and even what we do, where and when, is determined.

But the people around me, compared to idols, enjoy limitless freedom, so to be honest, there were times when I felt annoyed.

‘But Director Park is similar to us… … .’

I feel much closer to you than other people.

Suddenly, Baek Seol-ha remembered the first time she set foot in Seong-pil’s house.

“That was also pitiful. When we came in, a business partner contacted us. It was the weekend… … .”

The members all nodded together.

Except for Joara.

“That’s ginger.”

“Ginger? Mr. Caius Ginger?”

“Yes. I heard a voice.”

Everyone opened their eyes wide and looked at Joara.

It was a look of half-belief and half-doubt.

“The old man spoke more formally on purpose so that we wouldn’t catch him.”

“… … Does that make sense?”

Shin A-reum’s question represented everyone’s thoughts.

“On holidays, privately, you contact the members of KAIST?”

This is absolutely ridiculous.

What would happen if Seongpil, the director of Garo Enter, had private contact with Ginger, a member of KARA?

Conversely, what would KS Entertainment’s idol Ginger have to say to a director of another company?

Even the contact came from Ginger’s side.

“Could that be possible?”

Joara spoke in a blunt tone.

She didn’t show the embarrassment that the other members felt.

“Ginger is just the Rika that the old man put in KS Enter.”

“Atashi (I) am irreplaceable! Now, look!”

Rika showed off her dazzling beauty in front of Joara.

When Joara showed no interest, Rika sagged.

“… …Why is Director Park close to Ginger? Did you have a chance to become close? Does Ara-chan know?”

“I heard they became close while talking in the US. I don’t know exactly.”

“Son-na (that kind of)… … Director Park and I have been building a relationship for four whole years… … If this continues, I’ll end up as Ginger of Garo Enter… … .”

Rika experienced the feeling of having a female friend who can only be her friend forever.

When his ideal type approaches his boyfriend, he cannot resist and focuses all his attention on her.

In this way, the female friend loses her male friend without even having time to think.

“I liked it first… … That was the story, right, teacher?”

“Uh, yeah.”

It was a video clip from a situational drama I watched with Baek Seol-ha on the iTube channel a while ago.

I remember being amazed at how actors these days can use iTube as a gateway to success.

“That was so sad.”

Baek Seol-ha muttered bitterly.

When I was watching the video, I thought to the female character, ‘Please just reveal your feelings!’, but now I understand her feelings a little.

Since the opponent is much bigger in weight class, you can’t help but give up on fighting.

When I think of Erica, I somehow empathize better… … .

“Oh man, this is so annoying!”

Everyone was startled when Joara suddenly shouted.

“Oh, Araya?”

“Would you like to try our work?”

“Should we kidnap Director Park?”

“Sister Hayang, why are you joking so seriously?”

“… … .”

“Why don’t you say it’s a joke?”

“Ahaha.”

“You’re not going to finish it?”

Of course, what Jo Ara was suggesting wasn’t something like kidnapping Seongpil.

“Everyone has at least one close friend in Kaius, right?”

“I’m not close with Kim Min-joo?”

“I never said my name was Kim Min-ju.”

“… … I just said we’re not close.”

“What about Sister Ha-yang?”

“I’m not close with Kim Min-ju.”

“Okay, then just be quiet.”

No one believed Shin A-reum’s words.

“I don’t really have a close relationship with Soyou unnie… We only contact each other occasionally.”

“That’s enough. Teacher Seol-ha is close with Erica, right?”

“Yeah, we keep in touch often. We meet up sometimes… … .”

Snow White’s cheeks turned slightly red, as if she was proud of it.

“Please give concert tickets to our KAIST members.”

“uh?”

“How long are we supposed to be nervous whenever they talk about us? They only have two songs now, and they’re just getting popular through the company. Let’s show our class now.”

We have grown to the point where we can hold concerts.

This is the extent of our skills.

We are now treading on the ground that you have not treaded on.

A land you probably won’t be able to step on for a year or two.

“Aren’t you tired of feeling defeated all the time?”

“Ara-chan, did you feel defeated?”

“… … No. Anyway, what I mean is, I don’t want us to keep feeling bad. They’re idols, so they must feel something when they see our concerts, right? We’re a group that debuted almost at the same time, but we’re only in our second year, so it’s amazing to see how we can hold a perfect concert.”

There was certainly some truth to that statement.

In a way, the Girls’ League has always been at odds with Caius.

Luck was not good either. Since their debut and last comeback coincided with KARA’s, they were not able to win first place on music shows even a few times.

If they hadn’t met Kaius, they might have won over a dozen awards and become legends among rookie girl groups.

But if there is an area where we are ahead of Caius, and we can show that to Caius… … .

“Good.”

Jang Ha-yang agreed.

Then Joara smiled and made another suggestion.

“We buy the tickets with our own money.”

I won’t ask the company to send me a free invitation.

“We are sending the tickets we bought ourselves.”

This soon showed the confidence and determination of the Girls’ League members.

If the invitation is a printed challenge, the tickets they bought with their own money are a challenge they wrote themselves.

The members each calculated their bank account balances and nodded.

Surely that would be more tragic.

Joara held out her hand. The other members placed their hands on top of hers.

“fight!”

“liberation!”

“girl!”

“Alliance!”

“victory!”

The members chanted slogans to strengthen their fighting spirit.

Among them, there were people who were marginalized.

It was Rica.

‘Who should I send it to?’

… … .

… … !

‘I have to send this to Director Jeong Ho-hwan!’

Rika, declare your rival!

“If you think all the K-pop kids are coming. You shouldn’t do it half-heartedly, but let’s put on a really good stage that will make the fans’ eyes roll back. And come up with bold ideas.”

As the atmosphere of confrontation flowed, Joara’s energy suddenly came alive.

“If you have a bold idea, what would it be?”

“Well, Sister Hayang… … she can fly in the sky?”

“Ahaha.”

“That’s a joke. Let’s make it realistic and create a truly unforgettable stage.”

* * *

Han Gu-in expressed his discomfort while reading the production plan that Jo Jin-man brought.

“Mr. Cho, why is 3D wire flying so expensive?”

“That? Based on the four angles… … For example, attaching wires to the corners of a square and placing a person in the center. Then, by controlling the length of the wire at each point, you can make the person fly freely.”

“Ah… …Why do you need this?”

“Ms. Ha-yang will come out singing ‘Epitaph’. She will be dressed in white. Doesn’t she look like an angel? She already is an angel, haha.”

Han Gu-in looked at the production plan again.

And then he said politely, holding his pounding head.

“This is too much money to spend on one stage… … .”

“It would be a loss if I didn’t do this! I’ll definitely tell the boss!”

“Hi (yeah)!”

Han Gu-in shed tears at the tiki-taka between Seong-pil and Jo Jin-man.

An Atlas employee who was watching the scene had an obvious question in mind.

‘How can a person like that sit in the board of directors’ seat?

The collaboration between Garo Enter and Atlas was fantastic.