Producer with no Regrets - Chapter 413



Only Noblemtl

Episode 413

Joara hates treadmills.

Even when I go to the gym with my members, I don’t enjoy the cardio time at all. I feel like I’m wasting time.

Fat can be lost by dancing, so I don’t know why you have to go through the trouble of running separately.

But I do it because the trainer tells me to.

’20 minutes.’

Run according to a set time.

The first 3 to 7 minutes of running are really tough. It must be something you are used to, but your breathing won’t calm down, your legs feel heavy, and you just keep looking at the clock.

But as time passes, your body magically becomes more comfortable, as if you could run forever.

Run for 20 minutes without any problems in that condition.

This is my usual self.

‘Should we speed up?’

It’s called runner’s high.

A phenomenon in which a runner complains of pain, but the pain disappears after a certain point.

Joara thinks so.

If there is such a thing, wouldn’t it not be annoying if you increase the speed in the second half?

If you try it yourself, it’s not true. If you run at a speed that is beyond your ability, you won’t be able to finish the 20 minutes.

The button that says ‘Stop’ looks bigger than usual. Next to it is the button to control the speed.

Joara runs out of breath, and instead of slowing down, she puts her hand up to signify ‘Stop’.

‘Let’s stop.’

A feeling of pain running through my whole body, my lungs feeling squeezed, and my throat feeling parched.

‘I’m not good at running anyway.’

Thinking like that, Joara couldn’t hold out any longer and pressed ‘Stop’.

It was the same this time too.

Instead of going back to the practice room, Joara ran away. She felt like she couldn’t hold out any longer, and if she didn’t stop, she would roll down the stairs.

Jo Ara ran away with Seongpil.

* * *

Seongpil thought that Joara’s condition was not good. So he did not resist and followed her lead.

I was wondering where to go since he said he would buy me food, and the place I arrived at was a salad shop.

“The first food Ara buys me is salad.”

Jo Ara, who was skillfully ordering at the kiosk, let out an ‘ah’ sound when Seongpil said that.

She looked at Seongpil as if she felt sorry.

“Right. This is the first time I’ve bought something for you. Should we go somewhere else?”

“No. I like salad too.”

“Really?”

“You came here to manage your weight. I was nervous because I thought you were going to eat pizza or something.”

“Of course. I’m a pro.”

“Wow, Ara is cool for going her own way and not caring what other people want to eat!”

“If you’re going to be picky, let’s go somewhere else!”

Joara pushed Sungpil with her palm as if trying to knock him down. Sungpil stood firm without wavering at all and just smiled.

The two finished ordering and came to their seats.

The shop, which mostly had two-person tables, was deserted. That was to be expected, since it was past lunchtime.

Behind the counter, I could see the staff making the salads so slowly that it seemed leisurely.

“Arabic…….”

At that moment, Seongpil’s cell phone rang.

[Seol-ha: Sir, are you with Ara?]

[Seol-ha: The staff said that Ara went out with the director.]

[Seol-ha: Aren’t you done with work yet?]

Sungpil borrowed Joara for a while to film a producing briefing session.

It was way past the time when Joara was supposed to return to practice. But since she still hadn’t returned, Baek Seol-ha, the leader, was worried.

‘So Ara ran away without saying anything to the kids.’

I noticed something like that even without Baek Seol-ha contacting me.

For example, now.

Jo Ara was watching Sung Pil, who was looking at his cell phone, with anxious eyes. She was worried that he might be receiving some kind of contact from the company.

And if that’s the case, you must be thinking that you’ll get scolded by Seongpil.

[Seongpil: I came out for a moment because I had something to do with Ara. It’ll take about an hour. Sorry.]

[Snow White: (Squirrel emoji saying ‘I’m okay’)]

Sungpil couldn’t help but laugh at the situation he had been experiencing for the first time in a long time. An idol ran away while practicing…

‘I never thought my kids would be like this. They are so diligent and good at it.’

Rather, one could say that this happened too late.

The Girls’ League has overcome many hardships by working together. They have supported each other and willingly endured the pain even when it was difficult.

It’s a dream team that seems like something straight out of a dream.

‘But since it’s a group of people, there can’t be no cracks.’

In the past life, Success Entertainment had so many trainees and idols that this kind of thing happened often.

It’s rare for someone to just ignore all contact and schedules and run away. However, there are some who make excuses and skip practice.

There are also quite a few who are late.

Even though it is practice time, there are some people who just waste time.

It’s like a company.

Not all employees work with full concentration during working hours.

The same goes for idols and trainees.

“The two salmon salads you ordered have arrived.”

“I’ll get it.”

Jo Ara, who had been watching Seongpil’s expression, got up as if everything was fine and headed to the counter.

Joara returned to her seat with two bowls of salad, and the meal began.

Joara moved the fork a few times and her eating speed became noticeably slower. It was only a short while since she had eaten, so it was understandable that she wouldn’t eat much.

“mister.”

Jo Ara called Sungpil and kept her mouth shut. She moved her lips a few times, but no proper words came out.

She obviously felt that it was not the right time to say this, or that it was something she shouldn’t say, so she brought up a subject that was clearly a few steps removed from the one she originally intended to talk about.

“There’s ‘Our Producing’. Is there a reason why we do it like this?”

“why?”

“There must be a more efficient way, so I’m curious as to why you insist on having us produce it.”

“Is it a burden?”

Even during ‘Long Four’, Jo Ara was anxious about the members’ opinions being actively accepted.

If an album created with the members’ ideas fails, the members will also be held responsible.

“It’s burdensome for a human being. There is a method that has been working well up until now, so why do it like this?”

Joara sighed and put down her fork. It seemed like there was no food in her stomach.

“I don’t know.”

“It’s because of the birth rate.”

“… … .”

Joara pretended to listen. She blinked as if to check if she had heard correctly, then frowned and asked again.

“What?”

“Araya, who is the main consumer base of idols?”

“If I were your age, I’d say your teens and twenties.”

“Idols are the mainstream of the Korean music market, but they fundamentally appeal to teenagers and those in their 20s. However, the birth rate in our country is falling. As time goes by, even in the short term, in just 10 years, the revenue of idol agencies will plummet.”

“How much did it decrease?”

“It’s been less than two-thirds since you were born.”

“That much?”

Jo Ara forgot how shocked she had been by the answer, “birth rate,” and was soon absorbed in Seongpil’s story.

“It will fall even further in the future. So, if we limit it to the domestic market, this is what I think. If teenagers and 20-somethings are crazy about the integrity, aesthetics, and character of idols, what is the way to attract older age groups? I think it is narrative, humanity, and artistry.”

If people in their 30s or older aren’t interested in idols, that is, the timeless theme park created by the agency.

Sungpil wanted to develop in a different direction while maintaining the idol format.

“I see two futures for K-pop idols: either they continue to grow and maintain global influence, or they fail to grow and become a minor culture that only appeals to a small fan base.”

If in 10 or 20 years, the population of people under 20 in Korea drops to half of what it is now.

Statistically speaking, the domestic revenue of idol agencies will fall by half.

In order for agencies to maintain their revenue, they will need to develop business models that can more than double the shrinking fan base.

I can’t imagine that would be a normal situation.

The company is a group that pursues profit. If it doesn’t work out, it will pursue change by following the Japanese idol industry.

The company will determine the positions of each member based on their album sales, distribute song parts, and even release them. The company will encourage fans to prove their love for their favorite members with money.

Creating a competitive system within a group can yield huge profits, as has been well proven in Japan.

Seongpil didn’t want to see that kind of thing.

“It will appeal to those in their 30s and above. And it will continue to have a global influence. I believe that the root of this is artistry.”

Seongpil smiled as if he was embarrassed.

“I want the idol culture to last longer. That’s why I’m struggling. There are people who think differently from me, and I don’t necessarily think I’m right.”

There are also people like Jeong Ho-hwan. He was skeptical of Sungpil’s claim that idols can become artists.

I also expressed it as a dream. Something that cannot be achieved, but is wonderful.

At that time, Seongpil wanted to refute Jeong Hohwan like this.

‘When Director Jeong first started this business, no one believed that a group of musicians with top-notch singing, dancing, and looks could exist.’

Jeong Ho-hwan was also a person who had a dream like Seong-pil. Now, the difference between him and Seong-pil is that he achieved that dream.

The experience of having his dream denied by such an idol was not a very good memory for Seongpil.

“and.”

As soon as Seongpil finished speaking, Jo Ara let out a short exclamation of admiration.

“I thought you had some kind of illness and were constantly instilling strange ideas in us.”

“… … What, what? Sick? Sick?”

“But there is a much more lofty goal… … no.”

Joara laughed heartily.

“There was a much grander goal.”

Seongpil’s heart ached at the words ‘great goal’ that Jo Ara had mentioned.

In fact, it wasn’t that he was pursuing such a grand utopia. It was just that Seongpil, as a producer, was developing a new product.

In addition to the idol’s visuals, dance, song, and performance, Sungpil wants to establish a new way of manufacturing products.

‘The independent growth of idols and its narrative.’

If we can establish the identity and growth of idols as a product, this industry will find a new foothold.

As Jo Ara admires, Sungpil doesn’t only dream pure dreams.

“This industry will fail in 10 years, so they’re trying to extend its lifespan somehow.”

“I don’t think it’ll be completely ruined even after 10 years… … .”

“What is it about idols that you find so appealing?”

“You don’t even know that and you’re an idol?”

“I know.”

Joara gently swept back her trademark short hair. She made a V sign with her thumb and index finger and placed them on her chin.

“beauty?”

“Write… … .”

“They keep bringing up Ha-yang and Rika again and belittling my appearance.”

“No, I just thought you were so handsome that you could make most male idols go away.”

“Is that a compliment?”

“That’s a compliment. Look at this. The outline is thick, like a cartoon character. It looks like it came straight out of a cartoon.”

“That’s because there’s a window behind me, so it’s backlit.”

“Oh, I see. Actor… … .”

Seongpil was about to say something but quickly covered his mouth. But Jo Ara heard.

“Are you an actor? What, should I try acting?”

“ah…….”

“What? Really? Should I really be an actor? Do I have the aura of an actor, not just an idol?”

“No, I thought of someone who resembles an actor.”

“Who is it?”

“Mr. Yoo Ji-seong.”

It was a male actor.

Joara’s expression was distorted like a devil’s.

“… … and Han Eun-ha.”

“What is this old man saying!”

Joara laughed, making a squeaking sound. She looked around, lowered her upper body, and whispered.

“Don’t say that in front of other people. If someone hears, you’ll die of embarrassment.”

“Yeah. I didn’t mean it either… … .”

“Do they look a little similar? Can you see them a little?”

Joara turned her head from side to side. Her hair swayed.

As Sungpil smiled vaguely, Jo Ara smiled contentedly and picked up her fork. It seemed like her appetite had been restored.

“Thank you for hanging out with me today.”

“Ara says thank you too. You’ve grown up too.”

“It’s a little difficult.”

I thought so.

If you skip practice and run away even though you are not having a hard time or having any worries, then there is a serious problem with your character.

“Still, I’ll do my best for you, sir.”

“For me?”

“To extend the life of the idol industry!”

Every music genre and format has its ups and downs. Jazz, which is called the first popular music, was like that. So was rock, which swept the world.

Even girl groups and boy bands that were once at their peak in the West eventually fell into decline.

One day, the electronic and dance pop that are the identity of K-pop idols may also decline. The idol format itself may collapse.

“I’ll just hold on for a little while.”

Sungpil couldn’t help but laugh at Joara’s bold declaration. It wasn’t a laugh of mockery. It was a laugh of joy.

“It’s not yet at the stage where we can talk about extending lifespan.”

At least until Sungpil’s return, the K-pop market size continued to grow every year.

“This is the golden age.”

“No.”

Joara clicked her tongue and waved her finger.

“The golden time is when we climb to the top.”

Suddenly, Sungpil remembered the time when he was filming the concert VCR. At that time, Jo Ara had said this. She was grateful for giving him the same dream as Sungpil.

The moment when Joara and the Girls’ League reach the top position will be when they become the best idols.

That would be the golden age of K-pop, they say… … .

“Araya.”

“yes.”

“There are five years left. Let’s both do our best during the five years.”

“Five years? I have to see your face for five more years?”

“What, you won’t see me after 5 years?”

“I guess I’ll have to see. Well, if I quit being an idol, should I try acting?”

“How can someone who has never learned acting become an actor?”

Seongpil, who said that, realized that Jo Ara had quite a talent for acting.

In her previous life, she had appeared in a production as an actress.

“I was just saying.”

Jo Ara, who was saying those words, looked much better than when she first grabbed Seongpil and ran away.

At least the pain and worries that had been piled up on his face seemed to have disappeared.

“Well then, sir, you decide appropriately.”

“Choose an appropriate amount? What?”

“Huh? The best idol is renewing his contract, so why are you reacting like that?”

“Is it done already?”

“I guess I’ll be fine in five years.”

“Then you should accept it while bowing.”

“That’s right. Well… … I guess it’ll be longer than 5 years.”

Joara looked at Seongpil while chewing on salmon. The corners of her mouth were turned up even though she was eating something.

No matter how many times I looked at it, it was a face with distinct outlines, just like a cartoon character. It was as if the effect had been applied only to her.

* * *

About an hour and a half after Joara ran away from practice, she returned to the company.

She took a few deep breaths in front of the practice room and then opened the door.

Rika and Shin A-reum were not there because they had other training. The only ones who were there were Baek Seol-ha and Jang Ha-yang.

“Ara, are you here?”

Jang Ha-yang smiled brightly and welcomed Jo Ara. Jo Ara came in, bowing her head awkwardly… … .

“Araya.”

Baek Seol-ha, who had turned her back, called Jo Ara.

Baek Seol-ha’s voice was no different than usual. She didn’t lower her tone as if she was intentionally trying to gain weight, nor did she use a sharp tone like a knife.

However, her eyes reflected in the mirror were cold. Even after passing through the filter of the mirror, the frost stuck to Baek Seol-ha’s eyes did not melt.

“The trainer came because of you and then just left.”

“… … .”

“You could have at least said something. Today is hard, I can’t do it, you could have said at least one word.”

Joara opened her mouth, then closed it weakly.

Snow White couldn’t understand.

‘How hard it is to tell the teacher that you can’t do something… … .’

It’s better to get scolded like this.

Rather than saying on your own that it’s ‘difficult’ or ‘I can’t do it’, it’s a hundred or a thousand times better to disappoint Baek Seol-ha by dodge.

The moment Jo Ara said it was hard, Baek Seol Ha would adjust her goals downward. Jo Ara didn’t want to ruin her beloved older sister’s goals and dreams.

so.

“sorry.”

It would have been better to just be a spoiled child.

When Jo Ara bowed her head and apologized, Jang Ha-yang, who had been watching, came over and hugged her.

Joara silently accepted the hug.

Snow White reflected in the mirror half-lowered her eyelids as if scolding Jo Ara. Jo Ara lowered her head even further.

‘mister.’

I’ll hold on a little longer.