Producer with no Regrets - Chapter 552



Only Noblemtl

Episode 552

All the project choreographers were gathered in the waiting room of the Girls’ League.

It was to celebrate the first comeback stage and commemorate the completion of a difficult project.

The choreographers all gathered together and talked about what the Girls’ League stage was like, how they couldn’t stop crying, how they almost held their breath, how the idols were so pretty and handsome in person.

“Did you see the idols all clapping together during the rehearsal? My heart was really pounding with emotion.”

“That’s right. Ah, it feels like my performance on stage is over.”

“The recorded version that was shown on TV was crazy. No, the editing… … .”

Sungpil felt proud when he saw the choreographers’ excited faces. It was just like the Garo Entertainment staff when Girls’ League debuted.

The choreographers were basically the staff of Garo Entertainment for this comeback, so it was understandable why they were so excited.

Maybe from this incident onwards, they too will become citizens and support the Girls’ League.

“Director.”

Seo Yu-seon, who had been quietly standing next to Seong-pil, called out to him. Like Seong-pil, he was simply standing on the outskirts of the commotion.

But Seongpil read the subtle aura of joy coming from him.

“yes.”

“You know, I’m telling this to someone for the first time, but I used to hate Director Jeong Ho-hwan.”

Now I see that his voice is shaking slightly.

As for Sungpil, I don’t know what kind of emotions he is currently harboring. However, I know that his heart is throbbing with some kind of emotion.

“Darkist activities, of course, had many happy moments. Every time I felt that the curtain members were cheering us on and that they really loved us… … .”

The reason I’m alive is for this moment.

I just had that thought.

The love of fans was a kind of love that could not be replaced by any other love in the world. That pleasure and joy would not be obtained from a future lover, wife, or even parents.

It was a drug-like ecstasy.

“But my work as a Darkist wasn’t just happy.”

There was something that Jeong Ho-hwan always said.

If you slack off on your efforts, you will be the first to know. Then, the people around you will know. And eventually, the fans will know.

Fans don’t love idols who don’t put in effort.

The joy you feel is an equivalent exchange.

“So, constantly create value… … .”

He told me to shine even if it meant giving up my life.

Seongpil couldn’t even contain his admiration as he listened to her story. Seo Yuseon’s story was revealing the dark side of Seongpil’s idol.

‘The Darkest is a quintet. Three of them quit their activities after complaining of mental illness.’

Seo Yu-seon, who appeared in front of Seong-pil again, was not normal. It was hard to think that the other two were normal either.

Darkest. The world’s brightest automata rusted from the inside and eventually fell apart.

“It’s fun to get on stage, but the time leading up to it is really hard. It’s a time of effort.”

That would have been it.

Darkest is a group that changed the very concept of K-pop performance.

They included various dance genres in their dance and boldly changed the monotonous choreography.

Previously, idols only had to do one or two repetitive movements per verse, but after Darkest, five or six movements per verse became standard.

Every time they made a comeback, people would say, ‘They are a group that has surpassed human limits.’

“It’s so unreasonably painful… … .”

The pioneer always suffers.

They were the first to master the techniques and efforts that are now taken for granted. There is no way that there would be an educational system or mental management method that fits that.

Darkest reached that level with several or dozens of times more effort than his contemporaries.

You must have thought it was unreasonable.

Darkest ran only on the producer’s orders without even knowing what was in front of him and ended up being destroyed.

Seo Yu-seon paused for a moment.

“But, I still remember.”

Seo Yu-seon’s expression slowly began to relax.

“Every time we had a comeback stage, Director Jung would come to the broadcasting station. He would see us. And he would keep smiling from the beginning to the end of the stage. That was annoying.”

What on earth makes you so happy?

Yes, the puppeteer who controls the puppet cannot know the puppet’s mind.

I wouldn’t care about the doll getting broken.

Without any empathy at all… … .

“But today I realized. It was something that made me smile. When I saw that light… … .”

“Come here!”

Rika entered the waiting room with a loud shout. The staff and choreographers immediately welcomed the Girls’ League with enthusiastic cheers.

“Director Jeong Ho-hwan, you must have seen the light that I saw in the Girls’ League members today.”

“Are you comparing our kids to the Darkest?”

“Ah, I’m sorry… … . Well, we only sold 100,000 copies in the first week, so we can’t possibly be compared to the Girls’ League… … .”

“No, that’s not it. I meant it was an honor. That you would watch our kids with Darkest and Yoosun… .”

Suddenly everyone started calling Joara’s name. Joara waved her hands in embarrassment.

But the people did not stop. They forcibly brought Joara to the center and gave her cheers and praises.

Joara was so embarrassed that her face turned red like a carrot. Then she looked at Seongpil, who was standing in a corner.

“no.”

Seo Yu-seon denied Seong-pil’s words. Then, as if telling him to go, she gently pushed his back forward with her palm.

“They are much better than us.”

Seongpil turned his head back as he was pushed forward by his hand. Seo Yuseon met Seongpil’s eyes and smiled warmly.

“The Girls’ League enjoys being on stage. They are not puppets tied to strings, but automatic puppets that wind up and move themselves.”

After hearing that, Seongpil walked towards Jo Ara with a bewildered face.

Soon the main producer and the general producer faced each other. Everyone started cheering again.

Joara asked.

How many points?

Seongpil answered.

10 out of 10.

Joara looked arrogant as if it was natural, but her face was filled with pure joy and a smile.

Seongpil laughed as if he found it ridiculous.

Do you really like it when people tell you that I got perfect scores?

Joara nodded.

When the old man gives me a 10, I feel like I got an 11 out of 10.

Oh… … The audience was amazed by Jo Ara’s skillful plotting. There were even people who memorized Jo Ara’s lines as if they would use them someday.

Watching that, Seo Yu-seon thought this.

‘Yes, sir. They are much better than us. The girls’ league and you too.’

Maybe that’s the Darkest that Jeong Ho-hwan had hoped for.

The Tin Woodman from The Wizard of Oz. A doll who had been living mechanically without a heart, but finally gained a heart.

no.

‘human being.’

Maybe she wanted to break free from the doll and become human.

Like the Girls’ League.

* * *

[On the first day of the release of Girls’ League’s ‘Automata’, it entered the global streaming platform ‘Spotify”s global chart at 110th place. It is currently at 77th place, breaking its own record.]

[‘Automata’ reaches #1 on iTube Top Song Chart]

[‘Automata’ reaches #1 on iTube Music Video Chart]

[‘Automata’ Surpasses 70 Million Views in Less than a Week Since Release]

[Girls’ League’s 3rd Mini Album ‘Automata’ Surpasses 410,000 Copies in Initial Sales. Renews Own Career High]

[‘Apple Crush’ music video views surpass 150 million… … .]

“… … .”

Jihye Kang’s hands, who were organizing promotional materials, stopped. She hurriedly looked through the list of tasks and let out an ‘Ah!’

Kang Ji-hye approached Seong-pil and asked.

“Director, this time, ‘Apple Crush’ surpassed 150 million views.”

“Haven’t you already prepared the commemorative poster to post on SNS?”

“No, that’s not it. There’s something like this in the scheduler.”

[A surprise gift for Seol Ha-han when ‘Apple Crush’ reaches 150 million views.]

“What should I do? Are you… ready?”

“……hmm.”

Seongpil hesitated to answer.

The situation is very delicate right now.

because…….

“Everything is prepared here.”

A&R team member Lee Jae-ho came with a bunch of posters and slogans printed with Baek Seol-ha in his arms.

It was something I had commissioned from the company in advance for when ‘Apple Crush’ reached its target number of views.

“Shall I buy the cake now?”

“uh…….”

“Isaiah 60!”

Son Hye-bin hit Lee Jae-ho on the shoulder. Lee Jae-ho suddenly looked at Son Hye-bin, filled with resentment like a dog that had its food taken away.

“Why are people so clueless?”

“Who, notice?”

“What if I congratulate Seol-ha now?”

“What do you think?”

“I know.”

“Ara?”

“No, really… … .”

Son Hye-bin pounded her chest in frustration. Sung-pil smiled and stopped them.

“No, Sister. That’s right. We should congratulate you.”

“What? Seongpil, are you out of your mind? Congratulations on Seolha… … .”

“I’ll go and talk to Ara.”

Son Hye-bin stared at Seong-pil as if asking if he was being sincere.

Seongpil secretly avoided eye contact because he was not confident. But this was not something that could be solved by avoiding it.

Because it was decided that Joara had something to do, I couldn’t help but congratulate her.

‘If it’s Seol-ha’s personality, she’ll be really looking forward to it.’

It is possible that he couldn’t sleep last night and was wide-eyed at the thought of receiving congratulations. If he just passes it off as if nothing happened, Baek Seol-ha may be very disappointed.

“We were going to have to bump into each other anyway.”

“What? Haven’t you talked to Ara about this?”

“It’s not the right atmosphere… … .”

Son Hye-bin patted Seong-pil on the shoulder.

“Okay. Now is the time to find out what’s on Ara’s mind.”

“huh.”

Seongpil left the office to look for Jo Ara.

Today is Sungpil’s favorite Monday. It has nothing to do with Sungpil liking Mondays, but it’s a day without music broadcasts.

In addition, Min Kyung-seop left Monday of the second day of activities blank, considering the members’ tension and physical exhaustion.

Although there are members resting at the dorm, Jo Ara came to the company today.

‘Where is he?’

Seongpil tried to send a text message to Jo Ara but stopped. If it was Jo Ara’s personality, she would have started by asking, “Why are you looking for me?” and then the story would have been long.

‘It’s better to start talking by looking at each other’s faces.’

Seongpil wandered around the company for a while.

Joara was found in an unexpected place. She was sitting at a break table in front of the company entrance.

The atmosphere was already ominous, especially being outside where the cold wind was blowing.

“Araya.”

When Sungpil called, Jo Ara turned around quickly. Then she smiled brightly as if she was happy to see him.

“Oh, sir.”

“Aren’t you cold?”

“This padding is warm.”

“Is it a duck feather?”

“I don’t wear that. It’s sad.”

“You ate duck yesterday.”

Joara glanced at Sungpil as if she was really saying that. Sungpil sat down in front of her with a smile.

“I know supply and demand too. I was just joking.”

“Did you find me?”

“huh.”

“Do you miss me?”

“I just wanted to ask you something.”

“Oh, I’m busy these days. I don’t think I’ll have time to give it to you. Well, if you want to see it, I can give it to you.”

“I told you I had something to ask you.”

“I can see you’re trying to make contact that way. Ugh, it’s so obvious.”

Does he have axe disease?

Or is it a concept that suffers from axe disease?

Of course, Joa is susceptible to axe disease. Assuming she doesn’t have a lover or wife, there’s no man who would turn her down if she said, “Do you want to go on a date?”

No, even if you have a lover or a wife, you might have some hesitation for a while.

‘If I tell you this, you’ll laugh.’

I thought about making Joara laugh with this joke, but Sungpil couldn’t do that.

In the future, Seongpil might have to tell stories that will make people lose their laughter.

“Hey, hey, Araya.”

“Why are you stuttering? It’s not like you’re an old man. What are you talking about? Are you saying that our dating ban will be lifted soon? This is what a real beauty’s life is like… .”

“… … .”

Should I kill him?

“Sir, did you just think, ‘Should I kill him?’?”

“I got it half right. I thought, ‘Should I just kill him?’”

“I know how you feel, sir. So, why?”

Seongpil placed both hands on the table and stared at her like a chess player staring blankly at a chessboard.

‘Okay, I’m ready mentally.’

Says.

Do it.

I really will.

“Ah, Araya.”

“why.”

“Seo, I wonder if it is appropriate to review whether it is appropriate to ask permission to ask for permission to ask about the surprise celebration because of the ‘apple crush’ and whether it is okay to ask for permission to ask for permission to ask for permission to ask about the surprise celebration because of the ‘apple crush’… … .”

“What are you saying?”

“… … Seol-ha’s ‘Apple Crush’ has surpassed 150 million views.”

“Hmm.”

Joara turned her gaze to the side. Then she began to twist the ends of her trademark short hair with her fingers.

“That’s great. This is the most viewed of our music videos. I’m sure the teacher will like it.”

“So, uh, I’m planning on throwing a surprise party for Seol-ha… … Do you want to come?”

“Do I have to ask that? Of course I have to go. No, what… … .”

Joara still avoided eye contact and raised the corners of her lips. It was a smile that seemed rusty and creaky.

“Are you worried that I might be upset? That my grades aren’t that good?”

Seongpil and Joara remained silent for a long time.

No, that was a mistake on their part.

In reality, it was a silence that lasted less than five seconds.

Seongpil laughed heartily.

“Right. I was too sensitive. Sorry.”

“Don’t even apologize.”

There was no shadow like before on Seongpil’s expression.

I want Jo Ara to look normal. I want her not to show the shadows in her heart. So Seong Pil, who treats her, must also be bright.

“Then, shall we go and discuss how to surprise Seol-ha? Personally, I like teasing Seol-ha the best when ‘bad things happen first, then good things happen later.’ But since nothing bad happens, what should we do?”

“Even real old men are evil.”

“Okay. Then let’s just hide in a dark room and do the surprise.”

“Who wouldn’t do it? If you make up a contract to extend the ban on dating and bring it to me, I’ll start crying right away.”

“You are the one who is the bad guy.”

How long had Snow White waited for this day?

If Sungpil says with a serious face, “This is an extension of the dating ban,” Baekseol might cry. I don’t know if she’ll actually cry, but she’ll definitely be disappointed.

“Then shall we go? It’s cold.”

“yes.”

Seongpil got up first and headed toward the front door.

Seongpil, who was trying to move forward, felt resistance. When he looked back, Jo Ara was reaching out and grabbing the end of his coat.

“Congratulations should be done with a bright face.”

“……huh.”

“Can you please listen to my story so that I can have a bright expression?”

Joara doesn’t buy clothes with animal fur. She says she decided to do so after seeing a picture of a plucked duck on the Internet.

Joara said she felt sorry for him.

That was her expression right now.

It was as miserable as a duck with all its feathers plucked out.

Seongpil sat down facing her again.

“Sir, we sold 410,000 copies of our album this time.”

“Yeah. That’s an incredible record. They’re in the top 5 girl groups. There’s no other boy group that can easily keep up with them. That’s an incredible record.”

“But, that’s what an album is. It reflects expectations. I like the previous songs, so I’ll buy this album. With that kind of mindset… … you buy it.”

There are definitely people who become fans after the song is released and buy the album.

However, idol albums are special products. They are bought by people who became fans through previous songs. That is why album sales are used as an indicator to evaluate the size of the fandom.

In other words, album sales reflect the idol’s previous comeback performance. So the success of ‘Automata’ is Jo Ara’s success, but it is also Baek Seol-ha’s success.

“Then what can judge my performance…? …is the sound source?”

Seongpil was reluctant to give an answer.

Joara’s voice was slowly becoming wet. She laughed in vain and looked up at the sky.

“There are many people who say good things, but there are also many who don’t. Oh, really, I thought I had no regrets, but now I do. What’s wrong?”

“There’s nothing wrong with that. You did your best, and you made it the best. You’ve done your best as a producer of the Girls’ League. No one can deny that.”

Joara continued to look at the sky. She never took her eyes off it, as if there was something there.

That was to avoid bowing one’s head.

Bowing your head is a way to hide your facial expressions, but it can also symbolize a depressed mood.

Joa wanted to hide her expression, but at the same time, she didn’t want to be caught feeling depressed.

I can’t show this kind of expression to producer Seongpil. How sad would Seongpil be?

“I’m so sorry to the next batter, to the members, and to the name of the Girls’ League.”

If album sales reveal an idol’s past achievements, the producers of ‘Our Producing Season 3′ are…

“I, I messed up… … .”

Joara sniffled desperately.

I couldn’t hold back my tears.

She rubbed her eyes roughly with the back of her hand.

“Rather than feeling embarrassed, I feel so sorry towards the next member… … .”

Seongpil took a handkerchief out of his bosom. He handed it to her and asked.

“Should I give you a handkerchief? Or a shoulder?”

Joara burst into laughter.

“Don’t you usually do that silently? Like sneaking up next to someone and putting your arm around their shoulder?”

“Your sense of distance and mine may be different.”

“This is truly absurd… … .”

Joara still looked up at the sky and sobbed. Laughter came out occasionally.

“Then what is the distance, sir?”

“A handkerchief. If you want, I can lend you my shoulder too.”

“Hug me.”

Joara barely managed to lower her head and look at Seongpil. She was desperately laughing amidst her tears.

“I’m going to cry really hard.”

Seongpil got up from his seat and approached Jo Ara. Then he offered her his chest.

Only after Joara buried her face in his, did she finally let out all the tears she had been holding back.

Seongpil comforted her with a soft voice.

“Don’t doubt yourself. Don’t blame yourself. Don’t listen to the people who are cursing you. You thought it was good. You were sure of it. Your judgment is right. Only you can be right for yourself. And you are right. I guarantee it.”

Joara’s cries slowly died down inside Seongpil. So that no one could hear them.

Girls’ League’s ‘Automata’ first week of comeback, ranked 22nd on the Watermelon chart.

Currently ranked 67th on the real-time chart.

Confirmed to be out of the top 50 of the weekly chart.

The Girls’ League’s lowest performance ever.

* * *

Let me explain in advance.

Currently, Billboard has three main charts: the Billboard Hot 100, the Billboard 200, and the Billboard Global 200.

Billboard Hot 100.

It’s a single music chart.

That is, the ranking is determined by adding up single album sales, song streaming, song downloads, number of radio broadcasts, and number of iTube views.

Billboard 200.

This chart calculates and ranks album sales, streaming, and digital downloads.

1,500 streams and 10 digital downloads count as one album.

Billboard Global 200.

The Billboard chart is a chart based on the United States, and American songs generally have an advantage in climbing the charts.

The main reason is the American radio ratings. In the United States, radio still functions as the main music medium. And this goes back to the days of the jukebox… … (omitted).

However, this chart ranks songs from all over the world, meaning that unlike the other two charts, the U.S. is not the only region that counts.

It is evaluated based on the number of streaming and downloads in over 200 countries around the world.

To summarize:

‘Billboard Hot 100’ and ‘Billboard 200’ are indicators of popularity in the United States.

‘Billboard Global 200′ is an indicator of global popularity.

“Is this true?”

Son Hye-bin asked, dumbfounded.

Jaeho Lee handed her the printed paper and shouted with excitement he had never seen before.

“It’s true!”

“Seongpil, it’s true.”

Seongpil stared blankly at the piece of paper that Jaeho Lee had brought. The words written on it were shocking.

[Billboard 200]

[Automata: 3rd mini album – Girls’ League]

[PEAK POS (Highest Rank): … … .]

“I think my eyesight isn’t that good, Jaeho, what rank are our kids in…?”

“14th place!”

[Billboard 200]

[Automata: 3rd mini album – Girls’ League]

[PEAK POS (Highest Rank): 14

WKS ON CHART (How many weeks has it been on the charts): 1]

Girls’ Generation enters Billboard 200.

14th place.

That means it was the fourteenth best-selling album in the United States for a week.

The moment Seongpil was about to kneel down with his legs shaking.

“There’s more!”

[Billboard Global 200]

[Automata – Girls’ League]

[PEAK POS (Highest Rank): 42

WKS ON CHART (How many weeks has it been on the charts): 1]

Girls’ Generation enters ‘Billboard Global 200’.

42nd place.

That means it was the 42nd most streamed and downloaded song worldwide for a week.

Seongpil’s black pupil moved behind his eyelid as he looked at it.

“Seongpil!”

“Director!”

Park Sung-pil, fainted.