Producer with no Regrets - Chapter 550



Only Noblemtl

Episode 550

Jeong Ho-hwan said.

“It’s time to choose.”

An introductory video for the Girls’ League was shown on television.

The photos of the members in their all-black outfits were passed along with their names. Their eyes were charismatic, yet somehow empty.

Like a doll.

“Either way would be fine. Fortunately, there are seniors who faced this problem before K-pop. We can learn from them.”

Jeong Ho-hwan put on the glasses he had left next to the table.

“Are you chasing global standards like Swedish pop?”

It’s about meeting the standards of pop.

Language, culture, technology, everything.

“Are you pursuing something cool because it’s different, like Latin pop?”

Going out into the world as ‘different’, breaking away from the norm. Because the language, the culture, everything is different, it has become an alternative to pop.

“Or maybe it’s something in between.”

Jung Ho-hwan’s ears were filled with a familiar electronic sound. It was Girls’ League’s ‘Automata’.

It’s electronic, very pop music.

In Korea, electronic music is a minor genre. People have only become familiar with electronic sounds thanks to K-pop.

The sound that Girls’ League brought out was extremely faithful to electronic music.

It may be different for Koreans, but it will be familiar to those who are accustomed to pop music.

“Different yet the same. Global yet local.”

Soon, the Girls’ League appears on the screen.

Under the familiar sound, the members slowly raised their heads. Like a wind-up doll slowly moving, it was leisurely yet sharp as a blade.

“Different, yet the same?”

“There are many things that are different, such as the music, visuals, music videos, and marketing methods, but above all… … .”

When Team Leader 1 asked, Jeong Ho-hwan got up to go to the television.

“Dance.”

The difference and overwhelming advantage that K-pop has over other music genres.

One of the criteria that differentiates K-pop from other genres, and its most unique element.

“performance.”

What defines K-pop is dance and performance.

Jeong Ho-hwan doesn’t know the future.

But I know how to glimpse the future.

It’s always been that way.

‘Director Park Seong-pil.’

Show me this time too.

‘The future.’

Girls’ League 3rd mini album.

Automata.

* * *

“Hey, look at this.”

Siace’s leader Youngjun shoved his phone screen towards Gyuyoung. It was a post from a Twitter account.

[Propaganda Hall

[This is the story of a man at the forefront of spreading the revolutionary spirit to the people in order to complete the revolution of the Girls’ League. This is an account with that concept. (Yes, it’s a foreigner.)]

“This account is hilarious. Every single post has a crazy concept.”

“I know.”

It was a Twitter account that Gyuyoung also knew. One of his hobbies was searching for his own name on Twitter.

While I was looking through various tweets about Siace, I happened to come across that account.

The members of the Girls’ League jump into the past to save the twisted world. The conflict, overcoming, and friendship between them. This concept story is mainly watched from the perspective of a third party called the ‘Propaganda Hall’.

“You’re crazy about over-immersion.”

“It’s over-immersive, but the story is just fun. What would the Girls’ League think if they saw something like this?”

“What do you think?”

I think you’ll find it funny.

Gyuyoung rubbed her eyes as if she was tired. She was actually so tired she could die.

They made a comeback in late summer and then made another comeback less than three months later. It wouldn’t have been strange if they had died right away trying to complete that entire schedule.

Youngjun patted Gyuyoung’s shoulder worriedly.

“Are you okay? Can I get you a snack?”

“no…….”

It’s not a fatigue that can be solved like that.

With this comeback, Siace achieved 700,000 copies sold in the first week, setting a new career high.

This is an achievement made through four comebacks this year alone.

The reason the company is forcing such an unreasonable schedule is… … .

‘I’m going to the military soon.’

The company came up with the outrageous strategy of sending all of the C-Ace members into the military at the same time.

All members agreed.

I agree, I’m sucking up my bones before going to the military. I’m sure my popularity will cool down after I come back from the military, so I need to earn a little more, right?

The average person stays at a job for 40 years.

If you divide Gyuyoung’s total income so far by 40, it is a fairly large amount compared to the annual salary of a working person.

But considering the inflation rate, you have to earn more when you earn. You have to earn so much that your body breaks down when you’re young.

“by the way.”

Youngjun changed the subject of the conversation.

“Did you see the Girls’ League dry rehearsal this morning? It was crazy. I’ve never seen so many steps in an idol dance. And every time they did a step, the floor would simultaneously go bang bang bang. Wow, it was really amazing.”

“I haven’t seen it.”

“Why didn’t you see it?”

Gyuyoung checked her watch.

“I’m going to look now.”

Camera rehearsal.

It is a rehearsal conducted under conditions similar to a live broadcast, with all coordination and makeup in place.

As Gyuyoung left the practice room, Youngjun followed her. The other members were lying down, wearing blindfolds, sleeping as if they were dead.

“What, what is it?”

Gyu-young was flustered when she came out of the hallway. The hallway was much more crowded than usual. And everyone was going in the same direction.

‘stage?’

Are you all going to see the Girls’ League?

The question was soon answered. Gyu-young’s prediction was correct.

The area near the stage was filled with idols who had gathered to watch the Girls’ League’s camera rehearsal.

“and.”

Youngjun laughed heartily.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve seen something like this.”

When idols see that someone with an amazing performance or someone famous is rehearsing, they come out to see it out of curiosity. It’s natural to be curious since it’s a stage for people in the same industry and competitors.

But it’s been a long time since we’ve seen so many people flock here.

“I remember that time. When we first debuted, when our seniors Darkest were rehearsing, everyone would come out and watch.”

And the fact that that scene comes to mind means that the Girls’ League is currently receiving that much attention.

Dozens of idols gathered in front of the stage.

That proves the status of the Girls’ League.

Idol of idols.

The Girls’ League may even be in a position to be admired by idols.

“Anyway, back then, the Darkest seniors were real legends. The number of people who gathered was spectacular. Looking at this, back then… … What’s wrong with you?”

Youngjun looked puzzled.

Gyuyoung had been looking in a certain direction for a while. On her way into the audience, a tall man wearing a hoodie and a hat pulled down low was looking at the stage.

I couldn’t see his face because he was wearing a mask.

“no…….”

Gyuyoung shook her head and looked at the stage again.

‘Surely it can’t be him.’

That body type resembles Seo Yu-seon from Darkest.

The reason why Gyuyoung decided to become an idol was because of the second generation boy groups. She especially admired Darkest, so she became a trainee.

I was so excited when I met the Darkest at the broadcasting station. Now, except for two of them, I can’t meet them at the broadcasting station anymore… … .

‘There’s no way someone who hasn’t been seen for years would suddenly show up.’

They’re probably just similar people.

“Hey, isn’t that Caius over there?”

Youngjun grabbed Gyuyoung’s shoulder and pointed to one side. The four members of KARS were gathered far away from the stage.

“You came even though your activity period is over.”

“The Soviet Union and the group itself are close. I guess they came to cheer us on.”

“Is that so?”

That was when.

A loud bang was heard from the stage. I quickly looked forward and saw Jo Ara of the Girls’ League stepping on the stage several times.

Boom, bang, bang, the floor is thin and the loud noise from her kicks keeps echoing.

‘It wasn’t originally made of that material… … .’

When you dance hard, you naturally step hard on the floor. That’s why the stage floor is usually made of a material that minimizes sound.

However, it seemed that the Girls’ League had intentionally laid the floor with a material that resonated somewhat.

why?

* * *

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

Main PD Sangjun Koo asked Seongpil.

“If we do this, the sound of the kids’ steps on the floor will all be picked up by the microphone.”

“After listening to the recording, I think it’s perfect for now.”

“What’s that thumping noise?”

“yes.”

Because the excitement of the live performance will be conveyed as is. The sound of their feet stomping will further maximize the realism of the performance.

“Plus, there’s a heated debate about removing MR these days. It could also be evidence that the kids’ microphones are on.”

“That’s thorough. That’s how you try to prove it. Well, I saw that you did the pre-recording live, but are you going to do the dry live too? Or is it AR?”

Seongpil looked back.

There were many idols who came out to see the Girls’ League. Among them, Sungpil found Kaius. He was standing in a place where he was not easily seen.

As Sungpil stared at the place, Ginger hid behind Jin So-yu. Jin So-yu smiled and waved her hand.

Seongpil just smiled and looked forward again. That’s why he didn’t see Erica waving both hands. Erica put her hands down bashfully.

“We have to do it live.”

“Wouldn’t it be hard for the kids? They sweat like rain after just one performance. Their makeup would melt off.”

“There is an audience.”

“Audience? This is a rehearsal?”

Seongpil pointed behind him.

Gu Sang-jun looked back. Seeing that, Gu Sang-jun burst into laughter.

“Yeah, there’s an audience.”

And those are the most demanding audiences.

“It’s an atmosphere where you can’t do anything roughly.”

Idols skilled in dancing and singing are watching the comeback stage of Girls’ League.

“Then like this?”

Seongpil looked up at the stage.

Jo Ara was looking down at Seongpil. Jo Ara rolled her feet again.

bang.

Sungpil made an OK sign by making a circle with his finger. Jo Ara smiled.

“Okay, then.”

Koo Sang-jun sent autographs to the staff.

“Shall we begin?”

Girls League.

Rehearsal.

* * *

Live broadcast.

As ‘Automata’ began to play, Joara opened her closed eyes and looked forward.

‘Look.’

Oh my world.

‘Here, here.’

Music Station Comeback Stage.

‘There is the most beautiful doll in the world.’

Girls’ League 3rd mini album ‘Automata’.

First public release.

* * *

The Girls’ League members are in the room.

The ceiling, floor, and walls are all ivory colored.

It is filled with the members’ favorite things: comic books, beds and blankets, pillows, character dolls, dumbbells, pretty and cool clothes, etc.

It’s filled only with things the members like, leaving no room for other people to set foot.

Inside, the members are chatting and laughing brightly. Then, they zoom out, and soon, it is revealed where they are.

They are in a large recording booth.

Outside the glass wall that allows a view into the booth, people in suits are busily discussing something. And the man in the center.

‘Park Sung-pil?’

Yoon Sang-yeol could tell who it was just by looking at his back.

Seongpil, who only shows his back, eventually moves his hand. The hand goes to a certain button.

It’s a red button with a ‘play’ mark.

When you press it, the scene inside the booth changes. All the things the members like disappear, and members dressed in pitch-black stand in positions.

Music flows out amidst the extremely dry scenery.

‘Oh, I see.’

The term ‘automata’ is really a metaphor for a doll. In other words, it refers to the situation of an idol as a product.

A doll that moves as desired by the producer at the push of a button.

The dolls begin to dance to the melody of ‘Automata’ inside the booth.

No, it’s not just dancing.

‘What… … .’

As the song entered its highlight, Yoon Sang-yeol was astonished. The members began to dance, with the lyrics replaced only with shouts like ‘Wow wa wa’.

With endlessly serious eyes, he delivers a passionate performance that we have never seen before from an idol.

It looks like it might burst out of the screen at any moment.

‘The steps… … .’

Are idol dances supposed to use this many steps? They move around and stomp their feet without even having time to catch their breath.

It’s a dance that you can never get the hang of.

And what’s even more terrifying is this:

‘music.’

He drives the members with a vicious, relentless rhythm.

Tied to the bass rhythm that bursts like a whip, the girls’ league’s feet shake endlessly.

‘If you dance just one verse of this, your whole body will be drenched in sweat.’

Even though it’s a music video, I can already imagine the members’ throats being parched.

A dance that was created by repeatedly overestimating the physical strength of a girl group that completely abandoned singing and went all-in on dancing.

It’s so inhumane… … .

‘It’s so incredibly beautiful.’

While dancing so intensely, not a single angle was out of sync. The members moved as one person.

Yoon Sang-yeol covered his mouth with his palm because he didn’t want Yang So-min, who was next to him, to see the corners of his mouth going up.

Soon the melody died down.

‘Is verse 1 finished?’

At that moment, the sound started to run wild again.

Section 1, Phase 2.

“ah.”

Yang So-min, who was watching the music video next to her, let out a low groan. Her voice must have been filled with an emotion close to shock, as if to say, ‘They’re going to do more here?’

Now even lyrics like ‘Wa’ have disappeared.

The members kept their mouths tightly shut and spoke only with their bodies, as if their souls were open only to dancing.

‘Is this what a doll means?’

Idol.

The producer’s right-hand man and a manifestation of the producer’s self-consciousness.

There is no place for the idol’s personality there. There is only the character given by the producer.

That’s why it’s a doll. An industrial baby, a soulless doll created by industry.

‘But the form that only such an inhumane industry can create is the idol… … .’

A musician who has been skilled in both dancing and singing since childhood, half voluntarily and half involuntarily.

A performer who can only be born in a system that forcibly creates stars.

The Girls’ League is speaking with ‘Automata’.

‘It’s because she’s a doll that she can be this beautiful.’

It’s really ironic.

Even though they put their name on it as ‘Our Producing’, the actual concept they came up with was a doll.

Isn’t this like admitting that they are dolls?

‘still.’

I have to admit, it sounds pretty plausible.

Especially dancing.

however.

‘The other parts are a mess.’

* * *

‘It’s a mess.’

Ginger was momentarily impressed by the dance, but came to her senses as the second verse began.

“Sister Erica, this… … .”

“It just sounds good to hear.”

Erica could guess what Ginger was feeling just from a few words, and told her what she wanted to hear.

Actually, everyone in Caius will have similar feelings.

“It’s a mess.”

This is the first time I’ve heard lyrics from a Girls’ League song that lack such structure.

It’s a bunch of meaningless English lyrics like ‘We going high’, ‘This is hit sound’, ‘umm breaking down’.

Lyrics that were just haphazardly added to match the mood and rhyme of the song.

Needless to say, shouts like ‘Wo wo wo wo’ and ‘Trrrr Tta Tta Tta’.

“Without anything to chew on… … .”

Music intended solely for the enjoyment of the ears.

And a song that focuses solely on dancing.

Of course the dance is great.

It is a powerful performance that even surpasses ‘Arabesque’.

“But even that strength, dancing, look.”

At Erica’s words, Ginger looked at the stage again.

Now we have entered verse 2.

We’ve only just entered the second verse.

All the members of the Girls’ League, including the backup dancers, have shiny faces and necks.

“Is that all sweat… …?”

Erica nodded.

It’s inevitable that you’ll sweat like that.

It’s midwinter, and the space is filled with warm air from the heater. But, they are wearing black clothes that cover everything from just below their necks to their wrists and thighs.

In addition, they sing live while dancing, which is as physically demanding as running a short distance.

“It’s amazing. I have to admit that it’s amazing… … .”

“Ha-yang is shining with sweat… … .”

“… … .”

Erica ignored the strange voice coming from next to her.

“But the basic thing about dancing is to dance so that the audience doesn’t notice that you’re having a hard time.”

When a dancer is panting and frowning, it makes even the onlookers feel uncomfortable.

Facial expression management is a basic skill for a dancer.

But look.

“Everyone is possessed by evil, so they just stare straight ahead with a blank expression.”

This can only be called an irrational number.

“It was a song that I couldn’t properly digest from the beginning.”

‘Automata’ put everything into dancing.

Because the aesthetics of the lyrics have been abandoned, the lyrics and the song do not create synergy.

The song has to rely on the dance, and the dance has to be like that.

“Then, Ara-san’s producing… … .”

Erica said vaguely.

“Well, Ginger, what do you think?”

“… … I don’t know.”

“okay?”

“however.”

Since a while ago.

“I can’t take my eyes off you.”

Section 2 Highlight Phase 1.

The members change positions like chess pieces on a chessboard, jumping in place. With each step they take, a faint thumping sound resonates through the in-ear microphone.

Sweat drips down their jawlines as they jump, once, twice, three times.

It looks difficult.

Yet the fighting spirit and determination did not disappear from their eyes. As if there was something more behind it.

“I can’t take it off.”

“Because of Seol-ha unnie?”

“That’s not what I meant.”

Yes, that’s right.

‘Automata’ has a powerful performance that even surpasses ‘Arabesque’.

However, if it is a dance that abandons even the power of song and lyrics and ends at this level, it is nothing more than a deteriorated version of ‘Arabesque’.

‘There’s something more.’

It has to be there.

* * *

End of verse 2.

Jo Ara, who is at the very front, walks towards the end of the stage. Shin A-reum, Jang Ha-yang, Baek Seol-ha, and Rika follow her in order.

The members followed Joara and watched her back.

Even just looking at her back, you can feel her determination.

It seems as if he is only saying this.

Are you ready? Okay.

‘Go.’

The afterimage part, start.