Producer with no Regrets - Chapter 342



Only Noblemtl

Episode 342

It was my second time coming to Scotland.

The team of director Sungpil and Jo Jeong-hun, and the staff team called by Garo Enter were together.

What was different from the filming of ‘No’ was that Han Gu-in and the members were not there and instead, Lee Yu-i accompanied them.

“If there was a director, he would have explained it like a guide!”

Inside the bus.

Rika, sitting with Yui, couldn’t hide her excitement as she looked out the window.

Is it really that great to be abroad? I couldn’t stop smiling.

“This is called Old Town! They say it was redeveloped after a big fire in the 19th century!”

“Rica knows a lot. Do you like England?”

“It’s Scotland! Well, if you ask me whether I like it or not… … .”

Suddenly, Rika’s expression cooled.

“Britain’s imperialist history is indefensible.”

“……uh?”

“It’s not just Britain! Many European countries are touting their prosperity without any reflection! It’s not gentlemanly to just let it slide!”

“Oh, really?”

Everyone on the bus listened intently to Rika’s heartbreaking speech.

Among them, only Seongpil was not interested.

‘I guess I should say that he is Director Han’s disciple.’

For some reason, Koreans hated France.

Seongpil thought it was because he was a Korean and German, but he later found out that he just had an antipathy toward all ethnic nations.

Including my home country, Germany.

‘You said you were a citizen of the world.’

His disciple, Rika, was also becoming a citizen of the world.

Rather than saying that Hangu-in intentionally taught Rika that way, Rika came to resemble Hangu-in because she regarded him as an intellectual role model.

“… … Therefore, the world must rise above the concept of nation and become a human community!”

“I see…….”

Lee Yui could barely hide her embarrassment at Rika’s long-winded story.

She barely managed to hold back the question, “What about Japan?” when Rika spoke of Europe’s dark history.

Rather than trying to be sarcastic, I just wanted to know what Rika thought.

Anyway, the bus arrived safely in Fife, north of Edinburgh.

“Nothing has changed here.”

The scenery of the pipes I saw after a long time was as bright and colorful as before.

There were green plants that looked like paintings, huge valleys, and rocks here and there. It seemed like Scotland wasn’t the setting for many fantasy movies for nothing.

It really feels like another world, not Earth.

“The bus carrying the actors arrived first. They are waiting inside the castle. Staff, please style Rika as quickly as possible.”

The styling was done under the direction of Lee Yu-i.

The inside of the bus, after everyone else had left, was used as a changing room and makeup room.

While waiting, Seongpil talked with Jo Jeonghoon near the bus.

“How long will the filming take?”

“Well, I think it’ll take at least 6 hours. I’ll have to film it to find out, but I think the video will be about 5 minutes long.”

The scene that Rika filmed in ‘Ani’ was of her riding a horse while wearing armor and charging into the enemy lines after consulting with the nobles.

This video focuses on Rika’s meeting with the nobles and her agonizing over the Glorious Revolution.

“In addition, we need to create a connection with the present.”

In fact, Rika was surprised when she saw this script.

‘It was time travel after all!’

The truth has finally been revealed!

Their music videos, except for ‘Long Four’, depict scenes from the past.

Because the eras were so diverse, the members also had a feeling that the Girls’ League was time traveling.

However, the world view was confirmed through this VCR video.

“It really feels like we’re filming the final episode.”

Seongpil calmly expressed his feelings about coming this far.

Final episode… … .

At those words, Jo Jeong-hoon made a refreshing and bitter expression.

“It’s a shame that it’s only being released as a concert VCR. Why, if you search on iTube, there are so many interpretations of the Girls’ League music video. I sprinkled symbols here and there in the music video, but it was really amazing that fans found them all. The concert VCR is the answer… … .”

“If possible, wouldn’t it be better to release it on iTube so that everyone can see it?”

“There is no such wind, is there?”

That must be the desire of a creator.

Because it would be much better for tens of millions of people to see it than for tens of thousands of people to see it.

Jo Jeong-hoon showed a look of regret but also understanding.

“But you’ll release the Girls’ League concert on DVD, right? Then more people will be able to see it.”

“As time goes by, I might even release it on iTube.”

“Yes? Is that okay?”

“Because other groups do that too.”

After 3 or 4 years, everyone who wanted to see it will have seen it. That’s why the agencies even upload full versions of concerts on iTube.

‘Or, pretend not to know that the fan secretly uploaded it to iTube.’

It seems inevitable that idol groups will produce more hit songs as they gain more experience.

The concert setlist has also become more enriched.

For example, few people would buy a concert DVD from a second year that doesn’t have many hit songs, instead of a concert DVD from a fifth year that is full of hit songs.

“Its value as a product decreases over time. So, we just throw it away.”

“Oh, so that’s how it is. I didn’t know because I’ve never searched for full concert versions on iTube… … .”

At that moment, Jo Jeong-hoon’s phone rang.

He said it was a call from a staff member waiting inside the old castle. He spoke briefly, then suddenly shouted.

“What do you mean?!”

Jo Jeong-hoon had a hard time calming down.

As he hung up the phone, Seongpil asked anxiously.

“Is there any problem?”

“No, that’s not the problem… … .”

“What if it’s not a problem?”

“The nobleman has arrived.”

“……yes?”

“A British nobleman. The owner of the castle where we will be filming, no, the owner’s son… … .”

Jo Jeong-hoon swallowed his saliva in excitement.

“I wonder if I can appear as an extra… … .”

* * *

In front of the castle, a meeting took place between a man who was a British nobleman and the Licane team.

The nobleman’s goal is said to be to meet Rika. Watching the two people face each other, Yui poked Sungpil’s ribs next to him.

“Ms. Yui?”

“How will Rika act?”

On the bus, Rika had been screaming out loud about the inhumanity of British imperialism.

And now we are faced with the descendants of the British aristocracy, who were at the forefront of imperialism at the time.

“Aren’t you curious?”

“You look excited, Yui.”

“I’m really curious!”

Is Rika really a person whose words and actions are consistent?

“There’s no way Rika would act so rudely in the first place. She’s not from the imperialist era.”

Naturally, Rika greeted her fans with a smile, putting to good use the English she had learned from Han Gu-in.

“hello!”

“Oh, Girls League!”

The nobleman was a cheerful man in his thirties with bright blond hair.

This summer, he looked impressive in a neat white shirt and slacks.

“I was impressed by the part where Lady Ishikawa appears in the music video. She portrayed our family’s land so beautifully and magnificently.”

Lady Ishikawa?

Rika pursed her lips at that title. Even though it was a title that called her, it was one that she felt she would never get used to.

“Did you look like a nobleman?”

“Yes, yes. Your grace and expression were more than entertainment. Oh, I’m late introducing myself. I am John Carnegie, Earl of Southisk.”

He bowed with a friendly smile.

It seemed like you had learned about Japanese and Korean greeting customs before coming here.

“I am Ishika… … .”

“My father is the Duke of Fife and 81st in line to the throne of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.”

“… … .”

Rika was speechless.

It was quite confusing to hear the lines I had only seen in romance fantasy novels directly. The same was true for the other people watching.

Lee Yui asked, dumbfounded.

“Director Park, that person just now… … .”

“His father was said to be 81st in line for the British throne.”

“Is this reality?”

“yes…….”

The mere appearance of a real nobleman transformed the atmosphere into something unrealistic.

Maybe it was because there was a huge castle behind him.

“I, I… … .”

Rika felt a huge amount of pressure after John’s grand self-introduction.

How should I introduce myself to match his level?

‘okay!’

Rika cleared her throat and politely grabbed the side hem of her dress. She bowed down like a dignified lady in a medieval film.

“I am Rika from the Ishikawa family in Japan!”

“… … Hehe.”

John suddenly laughed.

“Oh, I’m sorry. Actually, my greeting before was just a joke… ….”

“yes?”

“I’m a noble, but I don’t usually go into detail when greeting someone I meet for the first time. But since you accepted it as is… … .”

“Sonna (that kind of)!”

I tried to greet him as politely as possible!

“Yes, Ms. Rika, daughter of the Ishikawa family of Japan. Welcome. It was an honor to meet you.”

John turned his back on Rika and approached the director, Jo Jung-hoon.

“Thank you for allowing me to participate.”

“Oh, no.”

Jo Jeong-hoon occasionally answered in English.

“Excuse me, but why do you want to appear in our video as an extra actor… … .”

“I watched the music video for ‘Ani’ by Girls’ Generation. I had no interest in Korean idols, but at some point, the number of sexual tourists increased.”

The filming location, Seong, played an important role in the ‘Ani’ music video. Since it was the main background for the scenes where Rika appeared, it had to be continuously exposed.

Fans of the Girls’ League have come to recognize the castle and make what is commonly called a pilgrimage.

While everyone was nodding their heads in agreement, Seongpil suddenly felt a sense of unease.

‘… … Wait, the number of tourists has increased?’

So much so that the son of the castle’s owner can recognize it?

Seongpil found it difficult to believe his words.

If we believe his words… … .

‘So there’s a significant number of Girls’ League fans in the UK too?’

Seongpil was particularly moved.

John continued his story.

“One day, I was staying at this castle and kept asking tourists if there was a special reason they came here. They said it was for a music video by the Girls’ League. In fact, even though this place is sometimes used as a filming location for movies, there are almost no tourists who come here because of the movies. I thought it was strange.”

So John saw Girls’ League’s music video and learned about the existence of K-pop idols. And he became interested enough to buy their albums.

“That’s how it is. If only I could appear briefly in the Girls’ League content… … .”

John gave a loose laugh that was not befitting of his noble title.

“As a fan, this would be the happiest thing ever. Oh, and I even brought some clothes.”

A person who appeared to be a secretary, who had been waiting behind John, brought out a carrier bag and opened it.

Lee Yu-i opened her eyes wide when she saw what was inside the carrier. John was satisfied with her reaction.

“These are the clothes I had at home. I heard that the role I will be playing is that of a nobleman. Does this suit me?”

It goes well together.

Lee Yu-i couldn’t bring herself to ask John, so she asked Seong-pil instead.

“Th-That really isn’t clothing from hundreds of years ago, is it…?”

“Shall I ask?”

“no!”

Lee Yu-i has only seen clothes like that in special exhibitions at museums.

If John had known that the clothes he had brought were authentic, historical pieces, I would have been unable to bear the sight of him neglecting the preservation of historical costumes and wearing them himself.

“You shouldn’t ask!”

“Are you already sure it’s authentic?”

“no!”

Lee Yu-i was worried that the noble costumes airlifted for the supporting actors would look too cheap.

That’s how filming began.

Filming took longer and slower than expected, due to Jo Jung-hoon’s perfectionism.

“Should we take a break?”

Although his last name was his father’s, he could not help but feel uncomfortable with John.

Jo Jeong-hoon asked John with concern. He answered brightly even though he looked tired.

“No. This is my first time doing this kind of filming, so it’s fun. You can keep pushing.”

The filming went on for more than the originally scheduled 6 hours. We had booked the space generously, but since we had already exceeded the time limit, we had to film the next day as well.

Rika was disappointed.

“If this continues, we won’t be able to go sightseeing tomorrow!”

“The filming didn’t happen, is that the problem?”

“Director Park, I couldn’t even sleep last night because I was thinking about using the chance to buy your wallet!”

“Aren’t you so used to people calling me wallet? I don’t even have the energy to get angry anymore.”

“You can use more if you want.”

When John said that, everyone was taken aback.

Jo Jeong-hun approached in a humble manner.

“Oh, then maybe per hour… … .”

“I’ll do it for free.”

Long live Noble Blood!

I liked Rika as much as Jo Jeong-hoon.

“This way, I can use my wallet freely tomorrow!”

“Now it’s not called ‘Director Park’s wallet’ anymore, it’s just called a wallet.”

“Hey, I’ll pay you back once I get my balance!”

“If only you hadn’t subscribed to The Economist… … .”

“Don’t talk about that!”

* * *

“Something is strange here.”

The first floor hall of the guest house.

Jo Jeong-hoon lifted the curtain on the glass wall and looked outside.

Midsummer nights were chilly. Not because it was a season that was suitable for ghost stories and horror stories since ancient times.

“How is there a guesthouse next to a cemetery? I’ve been abroad a lot for filming, but this is my first time in a place like this.”

“I looked it up and it seems like there are people sunbathing there during the day.”

“At the graveyard?”

Although it was a cemetery, it was spacious overall and the lawn was well maintained.

Perhaps the feeling of a cemetery that people here perceive may be different from that of the East.

‘If Director Han was here, I would have asked him.’

No, should I contact you later?

The Korean who is with Jang Ha-yang in the United States will be looking at the brightly rising sun right now.

If you contact me, I’m sure you’ll get a response.

“And there’s another strange thing.”

“What is it?”

“The name here is a guesthouse, but the facilities are like a hotel. The price is over 100,000 won per person.”

Jo Jeong-hoon created an awkward silence.

“Gyaaaaaaah!”

Then suddenly he screamed.

He plays drums and janggu by himself and is really good at it.

He looked a little sullen when Seongpil didn’t respond.

“Is there something bothering you?”

After filming, Sungpil felt depressed for some reason. No, rather than feeling bad, he felt like he had a lot on his mind.

There was one thing that Jo Jeong-hoon expected.

“Are you concerned about the nobles?”

“yes?”

“That’s right, the one that came today is also like that… … .”

Jo Jung-hoon thought that John was interested in Rika.

As a fan, you’re interested in the Girls’ League videos and volunteer to be an extra in the filming? That’s understandable for a fan, but it didn’t seem like that was John’s intention.

“We followed each other on SNS. Maybe we’ll contact each other later? Rika just went out for a tour, so maybe… … .”

“What are you talking about?”

Seongpil laughed it off, saying that it couldn’t be true.

“I went to the mart near Rika. I went with Yui.”

“Oh, I see.”

“And I found John’s Stargraph account earlier.”

Seongpil showed Jo Jeonghoon John’s account page. And his eyes opened wide.

“1 million followers… …?”

If Stargraph has 1 million followers, it has more followers than the Girls’ League account.

“You’re a celebrity. If you look at the latest posts here… … .”

There were several photographs of John wearing antique clothing that he had personally brought from his family.

Among them were some taken with the filming staff, and he was bragging about meeting Girls’ League Rika.

At the end, he also recommended a song by the Girls’ League.

“It seems like you are a genuine fan.”

Jo Jeong-hoon couldn’t quite believe this situation.

It’s amazing that a man whose father is 81st in line to the British throne, and who simply adds the title of Earl to his name, is a fan of the Girls’ League.

“I guess it’s true that culture has no borders.”

“That’s right. Who would have thought? In Korea… … where would a person from a prestigious family like foreign pop stars?”

“The analogy is plausible.”

In the end, Jo Jeong-hoon couldn’t figure out why Seong-pil was so depressed. He slyly made another offer that had been rejected earlier.

“I’m going to be a little tired tomorrow, but my team and I decided to go to a nearby bar. It’s close. Do you want to come?”

“I’m not feeling well today. I apologize for taking the time to recommend it to you.”

Cho Jung-hoon shrugged his shoulders as if he had no other choice and left the hall.

Sitting on the sofa in the quiet hall, Seongpil relaxed his body.

‘The real concert is coming.’

Filming VCR footage is just a small step towards reaching the concert.

But Seongpil felt an incredible amount of pressure just from that.

‘It’s a concert, a concert. I’m having a real concert.’

Seongpil clasped his hands together anxiously. He continued to focus on his palms, trying to feel their warmth and texture clearly.

If you don’t focus on your senses, you will be distracted by your thoughts and feel like you will drown in the burden.

‘I really want to go to a concert… … .’

A concert is the final stage that a musician can reach. It is a dream world where a musician can pour all his/her abilities into satisfying and captivating his/her fans again.

In terms of the game, it’s the final boss.

Seongpil has reached the stage of overseeing the concert as a producer.

‘It’s been almost 4 years since I left Success Entertainment.’

Seongpil lives in a dream.

The Girls’ League he produced was a huge success. And the final step to measure the extent of that success, the concert, was approaching.

Will it succeed or fail?

Will it sell out?

What kind of evaluation will I get… … .

It wasn’t that I felt burdened by that.

‘Can I create a concert that satisfies the fans?’

Seongpil also went to many idol concerts.

There were some disappointing moments, but there were also some ecstatic, exciting, and happy moments that were hard to believe were three hours long.

What Seongpil wanted was, of course, the latter.

Sungpil’s ultimate goal, which he had dreamed of producing idols, was to create a perfect concert that would make his fans happy.

‘Concerts are the alpha and omega of the idol industry… … .’

70% of the music industry’s revenue comes from performances.

In other words, the final content that evaluates the musician’s capabilities is the concert.

Producer Sungpil, who faced it, faced the same pressure every hour as when Girls’ League debuted.

“… … I should have followed you.”

I think I’ll feel better if I drink some alcohol.

Seongpil killed his boredom and burden by clenching and unclenching his fists.

He thought for a moment, calculated the time difference with the United States, and then called Jang Ha-yang.

[Director?]

Jang Ha-yang answered the phone after less than three rings.

As soon as Sungpil heard her voice, he felt all his anxiety melt away.

“Hey, Hayang. Did you finish the safety training?”

[Yes, it was fun.]

“How about flying with a wire? Do you think you can do well?”

[Ahaha, the instructors looked at me with wonder when I sang ‘Epitaph’ in the air.]

“I didn’t see it because it was strange, I saw it because you were cool. How could I not?”

[Later, he asked me what my name was. He said he would look for the song and listen to it.]

“You’ve gained more fans. Good job.”

[Director, what happened?]

Seongpil flinched.

I thought I had done a good job of conveying my cheerfulness, but maybe the emotion leaked out of my voice.

“No. There is something going on. I’m just worried about whether Hayang is doing well.”

[You don’t have to worry.]

“How was your day?”

[Yes. It’s still broad daylight, so I think it would have been better to just go back to Korea.]

“It’ll be hard because of the time difference, but that won’t do. Your body will be damaged. Take a day off. Then what, Director Han will guide you?”

[Ahaha.]

Jang Ha-yang’s smile was somehow sinister.

[Don’t be surprised. Do you know where Director Han said he was taking me?]

“Where?”

[It’s a club.]

“Han Gu-in, let’s go!”

As Sungpil’s screams passed Jang Ha-yang’s ears, Han Gu-in’s panicked voice came right away.

[Director Park?]

“What do you mean, take Hayang to a club?! No, to have fun? To let her experience the open culture of New York?!”

[Oh, no. It’s a jazz club… … .]

“……ah.”

Seongpil suddenly found stability.

“If it’s a jazz club, then that’s it, right? A jazz bar with jazz artists playing on stage?”

[Yes, it’s a jazz bar. New York is the birthplace of jazz, and there are many bars that allow for jam sessions where musicians can participate for free in improvisation… … .]

It roughly meant a place where you could feel the essence of jazz.

Han Gu-in recommended the jazz club to Jang Ha-yang, hoping that she would be inspired as an artist.

“I didn’t know New York was the birthplace of jazz.”

[New Orleans to be exact… … .]

The lecture on the history of jazz by a Korean person lasted for about a minute. Oh, so jazz began with the black wind band and funeral marches of New Orleans… … .

[The famous Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, and Miles Davis also jammed here in New York and created bebop, a genre that elevated jazz to the level of art… … ]

“Ah, yeah, okay, I understand… … .”

[Sorry, I guess I got a little excited. Thinking about going to such a historic place… … .]

At this point, one might suspect that Han Gu-in is trying to force Jang Ha-yang to come and see the sights.

Seongpil paused for a beat and then spoke with a hint of concern.

“It’s a jazz bar. Do you drink alcohol?”

[Uh… … Isn’t that right?]

Yeah, there’s no way I wouldn’t eat at a jazz bar.

Seongpil was worried about that.

‘Director Han and Hayang are drinking together… … .’

It is said that there is no friendship between a man and a woman as long as there is alcohol and night.

Besides, isn’t jazz usually that kind of image? It’s romantic, something you listen to while drinking wine with your lover.

Suddenly, a jazz song started playing in Sungpil’s head. It was Bill Evans’ ‘When I Fall in Love’, which he had heard on the bus ride back from the company outing.

Just imagining it is so romantic… … .

‘Get out of my head!’

Anyway, just thinking about the melody makes me feel like the surroundings are turning pink.

‘The two of them were listening to jazz and giving themselves over to alcohol, and just in case… … .’

Seongpil believed in the professionalism of Koreans, but he also believed in the efficacy of alcohol.

So I couldn’t help but feel anxious.

Even Sungpil thought that Han Gu-in was a very attractive man. Most women would definitely fall for him as soon as he sets the mood and starts making moves.

“Um, that’s… … .”

[Huh? Are you jealous of Director Park?]

Suddenly, I heard Jang Ha-yang’s voice, as if she had answered the phone.

There was a lot of playfulness in that voice.

“What is jealousy… … .”

[Isn’t that exactly your tone?]

Jang Ha-yang seemed excited for some reason.

[Are you worried about what might happen to me and Director Han?]

“No. Surely not… … .”

[If you admit that you’re jealous, I won’t drink.]

“I told you, I’m not jealous.”

[Director Han, what is the strongest alcohol there?]

“Ah, no, I guess I was just feeling a little worried… … .”

Jang Ha-yang’s low laugh continued for a long time.

I could also hear the absurd mumbling of a Korean person.

[Director Park, is that what you thought of me… … .]

[Director Han is really disappointed right now. You should see his expression for yourself.]

“No, I was just wondering if Director Han, who is such a perfect person, could possibly happen! I really, really thought that something like that could happen! Why, I can’t help but be worried when a man and a woman are drinking alone… …!”

[Okay, sir.]

Jang Ha-yang’s voice still had a hint of laughter in it. Seong-pil blushed in embarrassment at having said such things.

Thank goodness it’s not a video call.

If I had shown my face, I would have been teased by Jang Ha-yang… … .

“Director Park!”

Rika came in alone and briskly from the hallway. She shouted, holding a glass of whiskey in both hands.

“I bought some Scotch whiskey! It’s, like, 40 degrees! It’s over 40 degrees! I’m going to drink it in my room with the lights on and some atmospheric music and I’m going to die!”

“… … .”

Seongpil looked at Rika, then turned his attention back to his cell phone.

I heard Jang Ha-yang’s empty laughter.

[Now I should be worried about Director Park, right?]

[Director Park, I’m disappointed.]

After a moment of silence.

Seongpil asked in a serious and heavy tone, as if trying to prove his innocence.

“Director Han, do you think of me that way?”

[Director Park, didn’t you say that?]

“Hehe!”

Seongpil hit his own head with a bean like in a cartoon.

“Ahh! Atashi (don’t follow me)!”