Producer with no Regrets - Chapter 418



Only Noblemtl

Episode 418

As soon as Sungpil finished solving Jo Ara’s problem, he headed to the vocal room where Baek Seol-ha was.

“Seolha!”

He opened the door and called her name, but all that greeted him was a dark room.

Seongpil turned on the light and went inside.

I can smell Snow White’s scent as if she was just here.

It’s not that Seongpil is particularly attracted to fragrances, but because they’ve been together for a long time, he’s memorized the scents of the various hair mists that Baekseolha uses.

It’s true.

‘Where did you go?’

Seongpil checked the time.

It seems like I spent more time with Joara than I thought.

‘Let’s see, Seol-ha’s schedule is… … .’

This is a follow-up filming for ‘The Unknown Singer’.

Snow White has a unique background compared to other cast members.

He is the owner of a story that will make people drool, about taking revenge on his friend Wisera who was defeated by his master, Lee In-seong.

The production team of ‘The Unknown Singer’ also caught this story and decided to film a separate sequel when Baek Seol-ha failed to defend The Unknown.

‘When will you be back?’

It won’t take long to film the conversation between Baek Seol-ha and Wiseura.

Seongpil tried to contact the manager who followed Baek Seol-ha, but gave up.

‘If I hear from my manager that he misses me, Seol-ha will get really nervous.’

I should approach Baek Seol-ha naturally when she returns to the company.

Seongpil thought of Baekseolha from a few minutes ago. She was crying. She must be having a lot of worries.

‘Seol-ha is delicate yet strong.’

Her uniquely sensitive sensibility is perfect for embracing those around her, but she also has a weight that prevents her from being easily swayed by those around her.

Seongpil’s decision to make Baek Seol-ha the leader was not wrong.

‘But was this incident such a big burden to Seol-ha?’

Naturally, Sungpil knew that ‘Our Producing’ would be stressful for the members.

But is it stressful enough to swallow your tears alone? To be honest, Sungpil didn’t expect it.

Because producing, creating something, is so… … .

‘It’s fun.’

People who have never skied before tend to get nervous when they go to a ski resort. Some even get excited as if the world will end if they take a step.

But once you start having fun, you won’t even realize how much time has passed.

When you do something for the first time, it feels burdensome and awkward. As you gradually get used to it, it becomes enjoyable. I thought so… … .

‘Isn’t snow fun?’

If what Baek Seol-ha feels is only a burden, the stress she will feel will be on a level that Seong-pil cannot imagine.

It was a different matter with Joara.

Although the process of Joa can provide a sense of accomplishment, there is no reward until the Snow White task is completed.

‘If you don’t find producing itself fun, if you think it’s just work… … .’

It was a situation I had never thought of before.

Seongpil felt fear as his thoughts reached that point.

What on earth did Snow White’s tears mean?

Seongpil went to the office with an uneasy feeling. All the staff members were gathered together. There was a look of surprise on their faces.

“What’s going on?”

“Ah, Director Park.”

A&R team member Lee Jae-ho welcomed Sung-pil warmly as if he had been waiting for him to arrive.

“The results of the employee vote are in.”

“… … Ah, it was today.”

Recently, the A&R team selected six songs from among the numerous songs that Garo Enter had supplied and requested.

Among those six, there was also the demo of ‘Apple Crush’, which Baek Seol-ha supervised, and ‘Uparupa’, which Jeong Ji-eum confidently recommended.

Among the six songs finally selected, the title song of Girls’ League’s next album, ‘Intro: Love’, will be chosen.

‘The first thing we’ll do is a vote by all employees.’

All of the 20 or so employees of Garo Enter listen to all six songs. Then, they pick two songs that they think are ‘good.’

Then, the song with the most votes will be announced. Naturally, the song with the most votes is more likely to be considered as the title song.

‘Although 20 people is a small sample size, it still gives us a rough idea of ​​popular tastes.’

Next, voting takes place only within the A&R team, a group of music industry professionals. The Girls’ League also participates in this process.

After exchanging opinions, the A&R team reaches a conclusion and then brings it up to an executive meeting.

The results of the executive meeting go to the president, who makes the final decision on what will become the title.

‘These results are only preliminary, but they are important.’

Seongpil felt his heart beating slightly faster. He asked Jaeho Lee as if it was nothing.

“What came in first place?”

“that is.”

Lee Jae-ho trailed off as if trying to raise expectations.

When I came into the office earlier, the employees were surprised. Was it an unexpected result?

“A joint first place has been announced.”

“Joint? Same number of votes?”

“yes.”

Lee Jae-ho showed the voting results.

[1st place: Uparupa, Apple Crush]

“Seol-ha’s choice will be important.”

“… … What did Ji-eum say?”

“I haven’t told PD Jeong yet.”

“is it so.”

Seongpil handed the paper with the results back to Jaeho Lee. Then, saying he would cool his head for a moment, he left the office he had only just entered.

Seongpil stood leaning against the door.

‘Equal votes?’

In a case like this, Baek Seol-ha would naturally choose ‘Apple Crush’. Isn’t it a song she created with confidence?

But is that really the case?

‘Seol-ha is suffering.’

Is it painful because you are so sure?

Or is it that I’m suffering because I’m not sure?

Is Snow White pushing forward with her own opinion? Or… … .

‘Are you just producing it mechanically because I told you to…?’

After seeing Baek Seol-ha crying, Seong-pil’s heart was in turmoil like a stormy sea.

It felt like the truth I had always believed in was being shattered.

The members are human. They are artists. So I thought they would have unwavering beliefs and a desire to express themselves. And that would be fun… … .

‘Wasn’t it?’

Then what is ‘Our Producing’ for? If it’s forcing people who don’t want to do it, then it’s no different from Yoon Sang-yeol or Jung Ho-hwan who said that they only use artistry as an advertising tool…

‘But I’ve had plenty of conversations with the kids before we started the project.’

I thought I could do it before I did it, but it was actually difficult. It wasn’t uncommon to feel that way.

It is common to overestimate one’s abilities and take on burdens beyond one’s capabilities. In such cases, usually…

‘Put your luggage down.’

But Baek Seol-ha letting go of her burden means she is letting go of her responsibilities as a producer.

Then, ‘our producing’ loses its meaning.

‘What the heck… … .’

This wasn’t the first time he had experienced resistance from idols in his past life. Sungpil had always been resisted not only by idols but also by actors and solo singers.

Every time that happened, I looked to the future, gained confidence, and pushed them down a path different from their will.

Conflict was bound to arise.

But Sungpil thought that was enough. He thought that he would eventually succeed. He thought that success would be the compensation for giving up freedom.

‘But in this case… … .’

Even if Baekseolha feels pain and gets hurt by it.

‘Should I push through? Can I hurt Seol-ha? Do I want to hurt her? Is Seol-ha really… … so miserable that she can’t hold back tears?’

I don’t know yet.

The result comes after hearing Baek Seol-ha’s story.

* * *

After finishing filming the sequel to Baek Seol-ha and Wise-ra, we came to the cafe on the first floor of the broadcasting station.

The managers sat separately, even though they were only one seat away.

“It’s airing this week, right? It’s going to be a mess.”

“Uh, uh.”

The change in White Snow’s attitude was surprising.

When we were filming the follow-up story earlier, he was shedding tears as if he was sorry he had two eyes, but now he has a blank expression as if nothing happened.

‘Did I dream?’

Two girls (one of whom is 25 years old) who were supposed to meet at the top together.

One of them had his wings clipped before he could ascend. By another master, no less.

The protagonist of a dramatic story of revenge for a friend and proof of his growth to his former teacher.

It was like that until just now… … .

“no.”

Wisera sucked on her iced Americano with a straw. Her stylist must not have checked the temperature today, so she dressed Wisera in a thick cardigan.

It was so hot to wear something like that in spring weather and shoot, that Wise had to get her makeup retouched every time the camera stopped rolling.

“Wisera, still calm, said with a cool expression, quenching her thirst with coffee.

“I see on the internet that my sister is a genius at being cute, so I don’t think there will be a fuss.”

“Hehe, right. They say a singer’s voice is like their face, and I guess it’s true.”

Wisera glanced down, then raised her gaze again. Then she suddenly stopped acting like a fool.

“Yes, that’s right.”

“I saw all the eye movements?!”

“i know.”

Idols are sensitive to other people’s gaze. No, they are sensitive even before they become idols.

When it comes to idol looks, it’s enough to call them top 1%. If you walk down the street, there are countless people who will glance at you without thinking.

It is rude to turn your head and look at someone else’s face, but even if you only move your eyes back and forth quickly, the person you are looking at cannot help but notice your gaze.

No matter how fast your pupils are… … .

“Stop looking!”

Snow White drank her drink to cool down her boiling heat. Then she cautiously watched Wiserra’s expression.

Wiserra asked, puzzled.

“Do you have anything to say?”

“… … I told you not to support me. Are you okay… … Ah?”

“I lost to senior Kim Hong-yoon, what can I say?”

Kim Hong-yoon.

He is an undisputed top vocalist in Korea. When he releases a song, he easily settles on the music charts without even advertising it.

He is one of the most famous singers in Korea, always ranked within the top 10 on karaoke song rankings.

“I really got hit by a truck.”

“Until now, I was a truck.”

“I was really surprised that she kept winning. I wondered when she would ever win.”

“You wanted me to lose… … ?”

“To some extent.”

There was something strange about Wesera’s behavior.

She was absent-minded. It was as if the day was so full that she could never find any free time.

At that moment, Wisera’s cell phone on the table vibrated. The loud noise that shook the table made Wisera quickly answer the phone.

“Hey, Rahee, why?”

Wisera nodded her head several times and then said with a sigh.

“It’s over now. I’ll go.”

Wisera got up. It was a very ordinary movement, no different from that of an ordinary person. However, Snow White felt that Wisera had difficulty getting up.

“Sister, I’m going to go now.”

“Uh, yeah. You worked hard today. See you next time. Let’s have some food… .”

“I don’t think I’ll ever see anyone who says, ‘Even if it’s just rice.’”

“Hey, should we set a date?”

“Okay. I’ll see you often when you make a comeback. Then, let’s have a quick lunch in the waiting room.”

As expected, there is no power called prestige. The fatigue is clearly felt from the way he speaks.

Snow White thought about giving her a word of encouragement.

“And sister.”

“huh?”

“If it’s hard, ask your company for a vacation.”

“… … Huh?”

“It won’t be okay, sister. You have such a worried expression on your face. It’s harder for the person who just watches.”

Wisera lightly pinched Baekseolha’s cheek. When Wisera’s hand dropped, Baekseolha rubbed her slightly cold cheek with her hand.

“Manager, I’m going now.”

So Wiser left.

Baek Seol-ha also returned to the company with her manager. She sat in the passenger seat and just looked out the car window without thinking about anything.

Halfway through, the focus shifted to the car window.

The snow white reflected in the car window was so lively that it was honestly hard to believe that she had any worries attached to her.

‘Because I put on full makeup.’

There is only a look of languidness around the eyes.

That would be the case, but why did Wisera say that? Did it really seem like people had a lot of worries hanging over Baek Seol-ha?

‘worry…….’

“Seol-ha, I’ll be arriving at the company soon. Is there anything you need to buy or buy on the way there?”

The manager who took over from Ahn Sang and Kim Soo-hee asked. Baek Seol-ha thought about the ‘necessary things’ and then shook her head.

What Snow White needs cannot be bought with money. It cannot be found in stores.

Only time can bring it, but Snow White didn’t want even that time to pass.

I’m afraid of the passage of time.

It’s still like that now.

When you go back to work.

‘A&R team song selection meeting.’

All members of Girls’ League will attend and exercise their voting rights together with the A&R team to decide the title song.

Just because a song gets a lot of votes doesn’t mean it’s chosen as the title song. After all, the artist and Baek Seol-ha’s subjective opinion was an important variable.

‘however…….’

If Sungpil knew that I had such thoughts, he would be angry. Or sad. Still.

‘I hope the apple crush doesn’t get picked.’

* * *

“A pair of equals? That’s interesting.”

Jeong Ji-eum was equally surprised when she accepted the results. She looked at the results of the vote calmly, as if savoring them.

“KS Entertainment has hundreds of people voting like this?”

“If you want to judge the tastes of the majority, then that’s how it is. But KS Entertainment’s management philosophy is that culture is led by the minority.”

“Technocracy… … .”

Seongpil observed Jeong Ji-eum’s expression.

I felt a bit awkward asking this question, but I had to find the courage to ask it.

“Ji-eum, you voted for this too, right? What did you vote for?”

“Where did the secret ballot principle go?”

Jeong Ji-eum laughed heartily and gave a surprisingly simple answer.

“It’s ‘Apple Crush.’”

“Huh? Why don’t you do ‘Uparupa’?”

It could be that he voted because he thought ‘Apple Crush’ wouldn’t happen anyway. Or he could have voted out of sympathy for Baek Seol-ha.

Jung Ji-eum strongly pushed for ‘Uparupa’ as the title song. I couldn’t believe that they suddenly chose ‘Apple Crush’.

“You saw Seol-ha recording the guide. How can you be normal after seeing that?”

On the day she recorded the demo for ‘Apple Crush’, what she showed us was more than just technique.

It seemed as if the abstract concept of passion had taken physical form and descended into the world.

“Yeah, Seol-ha was amazing that day. But with that… … .”

Jung Ji-eum is also an artist.

I couldn’t imagine that my will would be easily broken. If my will was broken, there must be a corresponding reason.

Under Seongpil’s gaze that was hoping for an answer, Jeong Ji-eum gathered the thoughts that had been wandering around in her head and formed them into words.

“Hyung, what should I call composing? It’s an endless series of choices. You come across thousands of crossroads, and you have to make a choice every time. There are two criteria for that choice.”

Jung Ji-eum pointed to his head and chest in turn.

“I mostly listen to my head. Sometimes, my heart is louder. I can give you a hundred reasons why a song is good, but sometimes I can’t stop listening to that song. When that happens, I follow my heart.”

That’s true, the beauty of music cannot be interpreted logically.

Although there have been those who have attempted to do so, music is still an art form that remains in the realm of emotion.

The fact that Jeong Ji-eum focuses on the sound of the heart rather than the head is probably wisdom that comes from his experience as a composer.

That is, the stop sound truly judged that ‘Apple Crush’ was better.

“I’m still not sure if the kids will pick the best recording, but if Seol-ha’s idea comes true, I think ‘Apple Crush’ will be better.”

“……okay.”

“What about your brother?”

“I like both.”

“I told you everything I thought, and you’re the only one acting like a bat?”

Bat Sungpil and Jung Jieum headed to the conference room together. The A&R team members and Girls’ League members were already there.

Seongpil was slightly surprised to see Baek Seol-ha sitting there in advance.

‘I thought you’d be late, but you came first?’

I should have told the manager to let me know when Baek Seol-ha arrived.

I was planning on taking a break during the meeting when Baek Seol-ha came and chatting with her.

‘No, let’s postpone the meeting for a bit… … .’

At that time, Son Hye-bin booed.

“I see they showed up late on purpose because they’re important people. If I had known this would happen, I would have played for 5 minutes and then come in. Right, Jaeho?”

Lee Jae-ho couldn’t dare to joke around with CEO Seong-pil Lee and music producer Ji-eum Jeong.

As he hesitated and kept his mouth shut, Son Hye-bin gently placed her hand on his shoulder.

“Right, Jaeho?”

“Your words are truly right… … .”

Seongpil and Jeong Ji-eum sat down, smiling faintly.

“Okay, then let’s start with the A&R team voting. It will be revealed later during the discussion anyway, but for now, it’s a secret vote. Let’s pass around notes.”

The vote was quick.

Seongpil received the notes that Jaeho Lee had collected and stepped forward in front of the whiteboard.

I wrote down six song titles, unfolded the note, and completed the character “정” one stroke at a time under the song as each table appeared.

The results are out.

“and.”

Son Hye-bin let out a sigh.

This time again, ‘Apple Crush’ and ‘Uparupa’ were tied. It was unusual that the same result was obtained even though the sample size was reduced.

‘So the opinions of the A&R team and other department staff are the same?’

The ears of the professionals and the ears of the public are pointing in exactly the same direction.

Was this a good sign? Sungpil thought so. He was sure that either one would be the title song.

So what’s important is.

‘This is Seol-ha’s opinion… … .’

Is it okay to give the key to Baek Seol-ha now?

“I am.”

At that moment, Baek Seol-ha slowly got up.

“Can I give you my opinion first?”

Rika clapped as if she had been waiting for it. Then the applause spread everywhere.

Snow White stood silently among the applause.

Everyone guessed what Baek Seol-ha would say. It was almost certain that Baek Seol-ha would choose ‘Apple Crush’, which she herself had overseen the production process.

‘Seol-ha’s opinion is more important than anyone else’s opinion sitting here.’

It’s natural, since he’s the one who will be singing the song himself.

If even the members take her side following Baek Seol-ha, ‘Apple Crush’ will pass without strong opposition from the A&R team.

Jeong Ji-eum applauded Baek Seol-ha with a somewhat relieved expression on her face.

The applause died down, and Baek Seol-ha spoke.

“I want ‘Uparupa’ to be the title song.”

The atmosphere was more subdued than when the applause stopped. There was no more commotion.

It wasn’t that I was deliberately suppressing the noise to focus on Baek Seol-ha’s story. Everyone was frozen by the unexpected turn of events.

“‘Uparupa’ will be a 180-degree turnaround from what Girls’ League has shown fans in the past. But I think that’s why it’s worth the challenge.”

Snow White spoke without hesitation.

“Girls League is a team that has been recognized for their strong performances, but up until now, we have only expressed ourselves through heavy songs. We are pop singers… … There is definitely this lightness that fans are looking for in us. There must be people who need songs that they can listen to lightly.”

Snow White touched the table with her fingertips. At the moment when she thought, “Is this the end?”, she smiled shyly.

“A sudden change in concept can be risky, but I trust Ji-eum oppa and the members. Above all, the song is cute and good. I recommend ‘Uparupa’ as the title song. That’s all.”

* * *

Snow White sat down. She deliberately did not look around. Everyone must have been surprised.

‘Why are you suddenly doing this when you spent so much time on Apple Crush?’

But, that’s not strange.

You change your mind at the last minute. That can happen a lot.

It is said that the human heart is like a reed, isn’t it? Besides, there was some truth mixed in with Baek Seol-ha’s story just now.

Snow White believed that the Girls’ League would be able to digest ‘Uparupa’. And she believed that ‘Uparupa’ created by Jeong Ji-eum would be successful.

When Sungpil first heard ‘Uparupa’, didn’t he say, ‘This is real popular music!’

therefore.

‘Okay, it’s done. It’s done… … .’

Snow White has no confidence.

I can’t trust myself.

‘Apple Crush’ and ‘Uparupa’ got the same number of votes? That’s ridiculous. Seongpil and the members’ votes must have gone to ‘Apple Crush’.

Most of the A&R team would have taken ‘Uparupa’. They definitely would.

‘I don’t trust myself. Rather than forcing my will through and getting screwed, I’d rather follow Brother Ji-eum. I have to go to Uparupa. That’s the way to success.’

The reason ‘Apple Crush’ gained power is simply because it is a song that Baek Seol-ha cares about.

If Baekseolha recommends ‘Uparupa’, ‘Apple Crush’ will immediately step down from its position as ‘Uparupa’s’ rival.

Everyone will stop looking at Baek Seol-ha’s expression and speak their true feelings. They will finally reveal their true feelings, saying that ‘Uparupa’ is better.

‘This is it, the end.’

And no one will know that Baek Seol-ha hid her true feelings.

They have no way of knowing that they are crushed by the burden and responsibility and have decided to pass the buck to others.

Because you can’t read other people’s minds.

There is no reason why you would be seriously tackled for choosing ‘Uparupa’.

Even if it were to be caught, how many times could Snow White logically explain the superiority of ‘Uparupa’?

“right.”

Seongpil suddenly stood up and said.

“I had something to talk about when I got back from Seolha Broadcasting Station. Excuse me, everyone, but can I take a 10-minute break?”

No one answered.

Most people were so surprised by Baek Seol-ha’s choice that they couldn’t even decide how to react.

Everyone thought that, like Seongpil, there must be some ulterior motive behind Baek Seol-ha’s choice.

“Seolha, wait a minute.”

“… … .”

Snow White’s eyes trembled.

My heart was pounding.

My hair stood on end.

My throat is rumbling.

I feel like throwing up.

‘Oh, no. If you have something to say, you can just say it here. Since it’s music-related, you can say it in a public place!’

Snow White looked at Seongpil with strength in her eyes.

The intention was to ask, ‘Why?’. To confidently ask what was wrong with him…

“Is it okay?”

“… … Yes.”

The hundreds of promises Baekseol had made in her heart seemed meaningless, and as soon as she saw Seongpil, all the barriers in her heart were torn down.

Baekseol-ha followed Seongpil with a face full of guilt.

‘No, not yet.’

Seongpil must have been so flustered that he called Baek Seol-ha to hear the situation.

‘My acting is perfect.’

The hallway right in front of the conference room.

Baek Seol-ha followed Seong-pil and repeated the chest-abdominal breathing several times.

She continued the habits she had developed over the past decade, which had allowed her to completely eliminate her tension on stage.

‘Okay.’

A restless mind.

At this moment, Snow White does not tremble at anything.

“I cried alone in the vocal room today.”

“… … .”

“I’m sorry I went to see Ara first.”

Snow White’s throat trembled violently as if she was crying.

“Are you hiding your hardships from the kids? Since Hayang was next to you, you went to Ara first because you were afraid she would catch you crying. I’m sorry if I offended you. It doesn’t mean you’re less important.”

Seongpil turned to her.

“If by any chance you were crying because of producing, could you tell me why now?”

“No, I, I… … .”

“Is it hard for you to tell me too?”

Baek Seol-ha’s expression suddenly crumpled. The tightly locked door in her chest opened wide to welcome its owner with just one glance from Seong-pil.

“This is Isani… … .”

Snow White shed tears as if a switch had been pressed.

“Because you are the director, I couldn’t tell you… … .”