Producer with no Regrets - Chapter 381



Only Noblemtl

Episode 381

‘Our producing’.

This is a project that Seongpil had been thinking about before he created the Girls’ League.

The main idea is for the members to take turns producing songs and come up with their own ideas.

This is an opportunity for Sungpil to express the artistry that he has been emphasizing to the members, which is ‘what he thought he could express best.’

“What is producing? It’s just the same meaning. It’s production.”

It oversees all production processes including concept, song, choreography, costumes, music video, stage, performance, and promotional strategy.

Of course, the Girls’ League lacks professional knowledge or ability in producing. Even if they were suddenly given the job, there’s no way they could do it well.

“So I will help you.”

Girls’ League’s main producer, Sungpil, will stick close to the members and lend a helping hand throughout the entire process.

“Of course, not all of your opinions are accepted. Even I was like that.”

At the meeting, you need to get the support of the directors and team leaders. And finally, you need the approval of the president, Hong Gyu-heon.

The standard is so obvious.

“Can it work for people? Can it move the market? To put it bluntly, can it open people’s wallets?”

It is necessary to consider whether it betrays the image that the Girls’ League has created, but in the end, if it is ‘good’, it will pass.

“Guys, producing isn’t something you just think, ‘I have to do this,’ and then do it. It requires a lot of thought and effort. Above all, you have to have a sense of responsibility.”

If Girls’ League had failed, most of the blame would have gone to Garo Entertainment, the agency that produced the group.

This is exactly what differentiates idols from ordinary artists.

When an idol fails, it is not considered to be their fault, but the fault of the company. Since the company’s planning failure is the biggest reason, fans also blame the company, not the idol.

“But artists and musicians don’t do that.”

The album didn’t sell? It’s the artist’s fault.

The stage is bad? It’s the artist’s fault.

It’s ruined? It’s the artist’s fault.

But that’s why.

“Success also belongs to the artist. Kids, what you do most in this project is not creation. Producing is not a complete creation, it is a series of choices.”

What song do you want?

What kind of choreography do you get?

What should I wear?

What kind of stage decorations should I use?

What kind of music video should I make?

What kind of narrative do you have?

“Out of the tens of thousands of ideas that Garo Enter employees come up with, we choose one path that leads to success.”

The A&R team, the visual team, the management team, the publicity team, and people from all departments will have their own opinions and will either cooperate with or come into conflict with other departments.

“You are in the center of it all. You have to choose. Whose opinion is more plausible, and whose opinion should not be accepted. This is… … .”

It’s producing.

We encounter dozens of crossroads that may lead to either success or failure.

Every choice you make will be met with regret.

I keep regretting the outcome of the road I didn’t take, but before I have time to feel that regret, I come across another fork in the road.

And only at the end will you know.

“Whether you were right or wrong.”

Sometimes you may cry because you are happy, and sometimes you may cry because you are sad. Responsibility is a heavy burden, but it is also a splendid crown.

“There’s only one piece of advice I can give you ahead of this project. Choose your best, not the best. If your dream is to be the best idol, then that’s what you have to do. Time, five years is short. You can’t just keep worrying at a crossroads and waiting for the best situation to come up. It’s an artist’s ability to create the best, but choosing the best is more important. Okay, then… … .”

Seongpil looked around at the members.

Five girls were very nervous. They were only looking at Seongpil’s mouth.

Seongpil opened his mouth.

“Who wants to go first?”

We need to decide on the first producer for the Girls’ League.

* * *

Baekseol felt the heavy air in the conference room. When asked, “Who wants to go first?”, each member tried to make excuses in their own way.

It’s like a situation where a teacher writes a problem on the board that no one knows and asks, “Who wants to solve it?”

Students avoid eye contact. They kill their presence. They wait for them not to be picked.

‘The first one is not burdensome.’

Snow White was like that too.

There has been talk for quite some time that a project called ‘Our Producing’ would be underway.

I thought I was mentally prepared, but when I actually faced it, I was completely unprepared.

‘scared…….’

You can also bring the Girls’ League down to the bottom by your own choice. How desperate would it be if the sales of an album you produced were poor?

‘Originally, all I had to do was practice hard.’

Now it’s time to take responsibility.

Snow White’s hand on the table trembled slightly. Her fear was clearly evident.

Baek Seol-ha-da, who called herself a musician, but when the opportunity to become a real musician and artist came, all she wanted to do was run away.

‘There is something I want to express… … but… … .’

I don’t like the first one.

Perhaps all the members feel the same way as Baek Seol-ha.

“Well, there are no applicants.”

When Seongpil said that, the members’ shoulders trembled.

“Then let’s start with Seolha.”

Seongpil said it so lightly.

“… … Huh?”

Baek Seol-ha answered dumbly. She didn’t even understand what Seong-pil was saying, but Rika suddenly stood up and clapped loudly.

“I support this decision!”

Joara also clapped along with Rika.

“In such a heavy situation, it is the teacher who should go.”

Jang Ha-yang nodded.

“There is no one else but my sister.”

Shin Areum whistled.

“Teacher, you’re awesome! The leader of the girls’ league!”

Then the executives also started applauding.

“Congratulations, Seol-ha.”

Son Hye-bin congratulated producer Baek Seol-ha with a big smile on her face.

“I believed in you, Seol-ha.”

Han Gu-in looked at Baek Seol-ha with a proud look in his eyes, as if his grown child had come to visit him.

Min Kyung-seop and Jeong Ji-eum celebrated the birth of producer Baek Seol-ha with cheers that sounded like music.

“What… … .”

Hong Gyu-heon said with a slightly bewildered tone.

“So is it decided?”

“Yes, sir.”

Seongpil declared seriously.

“The first in line for ‘Our Producing’ is Baek Seol-ha, the leader of the Girls’ League.”

Snow White sat there dumbfounded amidst the thunderous applause, cheers, and whistles.

The sight resembled a monk standing on a cliff and being hit by a typhoon.

That’s what Snow White said.

“Huh?”

Huh?

* * *

“You all are going too far… … !”

As soon as the meeting ended and they returned to the practice room, Baek Seol-ha cried while hugging Jang Ha-yang.

Jang Ha-yang had to calm Baek Seol-ha down for almost an hour.

He kept repeating the same thing while pointing at the members who were crying.

“Why me… … ! Why me… … ! This is too much… … !”

“Why are you doing this to us? You… … .”

Shin A-reum poked Jo A-ra in the side to shut her mouth.

Snow White deserved to be wronged.

Everyone had the same feeling of not wanting to be the first batter of ‘Our Producing’. But no matter what, as soon as Sungpil pointed out Baek Seol-ha, everyone applauded as if they had expected it.

Snow White felt betrayed by the world.

“Sister, it’s okay.”

Jang Ha-yang held Baek Seol-ha in her arms and gently stroked her head.

“I’m sure you can do it, Sister.”

“Ugh, ugh, huh, huh… … .”

Baek Seol-ha lifted her face, which had been buried in Jang Ha-yang’s chest, and looked up at her.

“… … You were in the same boat too!”

I thought she was calming down, but Baek Seol-ha started crying again. The members approached her and rubbed her back or patted her shoulders.

“Who just patted my butt?!”

“It’s Shin Areum.”

“Joara did it.”

“This is sexual harassment… … !”

“This is a big deal, this is a big deal!”

Rika, who had gone to get water, came running into the practice room. Her face was bright red, either from running in or from seeing something strange.

“Atashi (Je) saw something incredible! It’s a big deal!”

“Really? This is a bigger deal, isn’t it?”

“Uh, what is it?”

“The teacher just got sexually assaulted by one of us.”

“Eek?”

“And you are the culprit.”

“Eeeeeeeeek?!”

Joara restrained Rika and laid her on the floor. Rika raised her voice and said, “Atashi (I) am innocent!”

Seeing that, Baek Seol-ha’s crying also stopped.

“I told you, this is a real big deal!”

Rika, who was barely acquitted, is gaining momentum again.

“I just heard Director Han and Accounting Director Kwon Ah-in talking together… …!”

This is what Rika saw.

A man and a woman are talking while facing each other in the break room. Rika bowed to them and took out a bottle of water from the refrigerator.

And the moment Rika stood in front of the door to leave the break room, she heard Hanguin’s small voice from behind her.

“I won’t send you home today.”

Baek Seol-ha, covered in tears, hit Jang Ha-yang’s shoulder next to her.

“It hurts, sis… … .”

“Huh, Director Han? You two were like that and that kind of relationship?! Oh my god, oh my god… …!”

As soon as the topic of love came up, Baek Seol-ha’s tension rose sharply. In her mind, Han Gu-in and Kwon Ah-in were already entangled like snakes.

Overcoming the age difference of the same age, they bear fruit in love… … .

‘Stop delusions!’

Snow White’s fantasies were so detailed and minute that even her face turned red.

“Well, if you’re a doctor of Oriental medicine, that sounds plausible.”

I thought about the age difference between Jo Ara and Kwon Ah In.

It was a difference that would never have been possible under normal circumstances, but considering the appearance of the Korean, it was not an impossible story.

“Who would have dashed first? It would have been the doctor of Oriental medicine, I guess?”

“You thief!”

“Rica.”

When Jang Ha-yang called out softly, Rika revised her speech.

“Hey, thief!”

Jang Ha-yang nodded with satisfaction.

“Wow, but Director Han is really powerful.”

Shin Areum smiled brightly and did an imitation of Han Gu-in’s voice.

“‘I’m not sending you home today.’”

The members simultaneously screamed in joy.

“Gyaaaah!”

“Teacher, your voice is too loud… … .”

Shin Areum frowned at Baek Seol-ha’s scream that sounded like a train horn. However, Baek Seol-ha’s expression was strange.

Snow White opened her eyes wide as if she had seen a ghost. Now that I look at it, it seems like her scream wasn’t a scream of joy, but a scream of genuine surprise.

Shin A-reum and the members turned their heads in the direction Baek Seol-ha was looking.

A Korean man was standing there.

“… … Miss Arum, did you just copy me?”

Han Gu-in is often teased by Seong-pil, saying, “Director Han, aren’t you a robot?”

I’m a Han Gu-in who already has a bit of a complex about my robotically stiff speech. But when I saw Shin A-reum using my speech as a source of humor, I couldn’t help but feel depressed.

“Uh, uh, ah, no… … .”

When Shin A-reum was embarrassed and trying to make excuses, Rika stood in front of Han Gu-in with confidence.

“Thief!”

“yes?”

“It’s all been revealed already! What’s your relationship with Ain-sister? If you don’t tell me, I’ll spread it all over the company bulletin board!”

“What are you talking about?”

“Ah, just tell me! I’m curious!”

Han Gu-in snickered after hearing the whole story.

“We were talking about working overtime today.”

“Who says, ‘I’m not sending you home today’ when they’re going to work overtime?! That’s not normal human emotion!”

“… … .”

“Ha, I didn’t mean to imply that Director Han wasn’t an ordinary human being!”

“it’s okay.”

“You figured it out!”

“Because before, Rika-san told me, ‘You have no empathy.’ I’m confident that I won’t be shocked even if Rika-san curses at me.”

“Rika, you’re really going too far. Did you say that to the doctor?”

“I didn’t see it like that, Rika… … .”

“Ah, no… … !”

The past flashed through Rika’s mind.

When Sungpil received a call from Baek Seol-ha, it was when Han Gu-in said, “Isn’t this the green light?”

In fact, Rika once told Han Gu-in that he lacked empathy.

Rika stopped making excuses and just hit her head with a bean like in a cartoon.

“Hehe!”

“I guess it’s true. A heartless bitch.”

“Ara-chan, aren’t those words harsh?!”

Anyway, Han Gu-in explained how he came to the practice room.

“I’m here to check if there have been any changes to the accounts you use. Please take a look.”

“Does the CEO himself do this kind of thing… …?”

I’m moving, after all.

“Yeah, well, what can I do?”

The members quickly looked over the documents Han Gu-in had given them and, if there were no problems, passed them over.

Joara, who was the last to speak, read the documents and raised her hand.

“I’ve changed. I recently made a Palm Tree Bank card. Should I show you?”

“It’s okay… … .”

Joara took out a check card from her phone case and showed it to me. It had a cute character with a radish motif drawn on it.

“How is it? It’s cute, isn’t it?”

“yes.”

“Make one for me, too. The yellow one is mine, so make it different so it doesn’t overlap.”

“I’m fine… … .”

“Oh, make it! If a lot of people use it, the palm company will be able to create new characters and make a lot of products!”

“Director Han, please say something to him.”

Shin Areum said in a tired tone.

“They keep asking us to make cards with palm trees or cacao trees. Isn’t this like receiving backlash from palm trees?”

“No, it’s cute. It’s so cute, why don’t you make it?”

“Ara-chan is cuter!”

Han Gu-in smiled cutely at the conversation between the 21-year-olds. He lent Jo A-ra a pen and told her to write down the newly created account, then took the documents back.

“So you have no relationship with Ain unnie?”

“No, absolutely not. The age difference in the first place… … .”

“Age doesn’t matter in love.”

Everyone looked at Jang Ha-yang, who had suddenly intervened.

Jang Ha-yang spoke clearly again.

“Age doesn’t matter in love.”

“… … Yes, that’s right. Anyway, if there are no other changes, I’ll go.”

“Age doesn’t matter in love.”

“I was wrong… … .”

“But that’s strange. The finance team doesn’t really work overtime. Isn’t it a place that’s synonymous with leaving work on time?”

“Ms. Areum, I sense a hint of malice in your words. What you say is true, but isn’t the fiscal year ending soon?”

“Fiscal year?”

“In accounting, the period for calculating financial statements… … .”

“all right.”

“… … Do you know?”

“Yes. It’s just that the year has changed.”

The Korean was amazed.

“Then I will take my leave now. Everyone, thank you for your hard work this year. I look forward to working with you again next year.”

The members waved at Han Gu-in as he left. Then, Han Gu-in stopped in front of the door and said as if it was nothing.

“And I didn’t mention this in the meeting earlier, but you will be given a vacation from January 1st to January 31st. Enjoy your vacation.”

Han Gu-in left the practice room with a smile. He stood in front of the practice room door for a moment.

After a while, five people’s joyful screams leaked out through the door. Han Gu-in smiled more brightly than before and left the practice room.

‘Thank you for your hard work.’

As he walked, Han Gu-in looked at documents containing the members’ accounts and personal information.

‘And now, your hard work will be rewarded.’

* * *

“I feel like I left something behind, so I’m a bit confused.”

Hong Gyu-heon did a simple stretch, bending and straightening his knees. Seong-pil looked at her carefully. Then he asked something he had been curious about for a long time.

“Boss, why do the young ladies at the gym always bring their own clothes to wear?”

Seongpil looked around the gym as a whole. Hong Gyuheon’s gaze followed him.

The two came to work out together after work. It had been almost a year since they had registered at the same gym with the goal of building a body profile.

“Young women wear their own clothes more often than young men.”

“What, why do you think Director Park is like that?”

“I’ve never really thought about it… … .”

“The line is moving.”

Seongpil walked forward as the line shortened.

After walking three steps, I stopped again.

The two were in the middle of the line waiting for the treadmill.

“That’s why I didn’t want to come right at the end of work. It’s not like the department store’s luxury goods section is opening.”

“There’s nothing we can do about it. The number of people registering has increased as the new year approaches.”

“So, why?”

“Is it because women are more sensitive to cleanliness? Because they think the clothes they give out at the gym are dirty… … .”

“I bring my own clothes to look pretty.”

“… … .”

Seongpil looked at Hong Gyuheon’s appearance.

She is wearing a crop top and black leggings that go up to her belly button.

Hong Gyu-heon usually wears a suit that covers his body like armor. So when he first saw Hong Gyu-heon in his tracksuit, Seong-pil felt embarrassed and couldn’t find where to look.

I couldn’t tell anyone, but I felt a strange sense of betrayal.

“Then the boss too… … .”

“And there is some pride.”

“Pride?”

“Men with good bodies often come wearing their own clothes. That’s it.”

Seongpil has often admired the tight-fitting clothes worn by the hunky, rugged-shouldered hyungs.

Right now, a brother like that is standing in front of Seongpil.

“Men and women each have their own combat uniforms. Director Park is wearing clothes he personally brought. What is this?”

Hong Gyu-heon pointed to Seong-pil’s sleeveless T-shirt. The side of Seong-pil’s T-shirt was exposing his armpits and ribs.

“What kind of aesthetic effect does this have? Is it just to help sweat dry under the arms?”

“You can see my back muscles. Can you see my lats and my latissimus dorsi?”

“Is it because Director Han is absent? Director Park is acting all sassy today.”

“The time has come to take a body profile. I feel a strange sense of confidence rising up inside me.”

After a long wait, the two finally got on the treadmill.

“Boss, racing at 11 km/h?”

“Director Park, did you know that when it comes to long-distance running, it’s advantageous to have less muscle mass?”

“A 12km race?”

“Let’s just take it easy and do 10km.”

“yes.”

Hong Gyu-heon glanced at Seong-pil as he ran. He wasn’t particularly concerned about his latissimus dorsi or latissimus dorsi.

‘You can see the tension in his face.’

Seongpil sighed a lot today and often fidgeted with his hands.

‘You must be worried.’

An unprecedented project that will grant producing authority to idol members is about to begin.

Of course, those who are commonly referred to as ‘self-produced idols’ have always existed. There are definitely idols who produce themselves and then appear in the world.

‘But this is a different case.’

Self-produced idols are not created by companies.

The idol stood out as a producer, writing songs, lyrics, preparing costumes, and directing stages, and through such experience and achievements, the company gave them an opportunity.

What Seongpil is trying to do is the exact opposite of that.

‘It’s not that I give them a chance because they have talent for producing, but I give them a chance because I want them to produce.’

That’s why it’s a challenge.

Of course, Hong Gyu-heon knew that Seong-pil believed in the Girls’ League. But belief and anxiety are two different things.

Just like parents believe in their children’s success, but watch with anxiety as they run towards success.

“Director Park, maybe… … .”

At that moment, Seongpil’s phone, which was placed on the treadmill stand, vibrated. As soon as he saw the name on the screen, Seongpil’s face brightened.

Hong Gyu-heon thought he had received a call from a member of the Girls’ League.

“Yes, hello, Erica!”

“… … .”

Hong Gyu-heon shook his head and focused on running.

“No, you’re breathing heavily because you’re running. Right? What does the video of Ginger singing have to do with your breathing heavily… … Yes. Anyway, I understand. But why did you contact me… … That’s right. There’s no need for a reason to contact friends, right?”

“… … .”

A feeling of anxiety rose in Hong Gyu-heon’s chest.

Just a little while ago, Ginger and KS Enter staff came to Garo Enter.

He still hasn’t decided how to deal with what happened back then. But when he saw Sungpil privately communicating with members of KAIST, Hong Gyu-heon became upset.

‘Is KS Entertainment really trying to take Director Park away? That makes no sense. Why is KS being so friendly to other company directors?’

It doesn’t make sense logically.

I couldn’t help but think that KS Entertainment had figured out Sungpil’s fandom and had given instructions to KAUS.

That was when.

“yes?!”

Seongpil staggered in surprise. He quickly slowed down the treadmill and asked again.

“Did Seol-ha really say that?”

* * *

The members who returned to their accommodation were so excited that they didn’t know what to do.

After completing an overseas tour that literally took me around the world, I got a whole month of rest.

Perhaps because I used up a lot of energy at the concert, the rest I got was even sweeter.

Snow White lay in bed and dreamed.

“Hayang, shall we all go on a trip together?”

“A trip?”

Jang Ha-yang stopped reading the book and looked at Baek Seol-ha. Baek Seol-ha’s face was filled with happiness.

“Yeah. We rented a pension, grilled meat, drank wine at night, and talked… … .”

“If it’s a pension, who drives?”

“Can’t Araga do it? She has a driver’s license. She can rent a car. Oh, and don’t worry about the money. The leader will pay for it all!”

“Have you talked to the kids?”

“Huh? No.”

Jang Ha-yang smiled bitterly.

‘My sister thinks we’ll all go, of course.’

Snow White had no doubts.

When you say, “Let’s go play!”, of course everyone knows how to follow by saying, “Yes!”

It’s a fully earned one month vacation.

Do you really want to spend 365 days of the year with the same members?

The members of the Girls’ League are close. But that doesn’t mean they’ll stick together forever. Sometimes, they have to break away to maintain a relationship.

‘I’m going, but… … .’

I don’t know if the younger sibling line will all go there.

Jang Ha-yang nodded kindly, looking at Baek Seol-ha’s face filled with innocent anticipation.

It would be Jang Ha-yang’s duty as her younger sister to keep that smile.

“Hehe, I’m looking forward to it. What should I eat?”

“Sister, I need to go to the bathroom for a moment… … .”

Jang Ha-yang left the room to persuade his younger siblings (including physically) before Baek Seol-ha.

“Oh, it’s Director Park.”

As I was about to leave the room, Jang Ha-yang came in.

“Aren’t you going to the bathroom?”

“I feel like I want to endure it a little longer.”

“Uh… … Really?”

Snow White received a phone call.

Perhaps because she was excited about the vacation, the burden of being the first person to appear on ‘Our Producing’ had completely disappeared from her.

He spoke only with happiness.

“Hello, Director!”

[Seolha, you don’t have any vacation.]

“yes?!”

Snow White, despair!