Producer with no Regrets - Chapter 566



Only Noblemtl

Episode 566

Seongpil, Rika, Jang Ha-yang, and even Tomoe.

The four people left the Webex building together.

Surprisingly, Tomoe was a fan of the Girls’ League. She almost fainted when she saw Rika and Jang Ha-yang standing behind Seong-pil.

“This is the real Girls’ League… … .”

Tomoe said with sparkling eyes.

As Girls’ League members walk the streets, they encounter three broad types of people.

A person who looks at something from afar as if curious or takes a picture with a camera (secret photographer).

A person who approaches you and asks for an autograph or a picture, saying, “I’m a fan.”

and.

“I am the people!”

A person who identifies himself as a citizen.

If you just approach them and say, “I’m a fan,” they’ll reply, “Thank you.” But if you say, “People”…

“Really!”

Rika and Tomoe held hands and jumped up and down. In this way, idols feel closer and more intimate with their fandom.

Seongpil found Tomoe strange.

‘Do you originally like idols?’

Future Tomoe is strictly a pop musician, so it’s not particularly strange that she likes idols.

But when you see her proudly carrying a guitar on her back, it’s hard to tell that she likes idols.

‘When people say they hate idols… … .’

In terms of Korea, three types of people come to mind when thinking of Seongpil.

A person who likes rock.

People who like hip-hop.

People who like J-pop.

According to a survey conducted by the Korean Music Industry White Paper, 92% of Koreans consume K-pop, and about 8% consume J-pop.

It’s a strangely fitting number.

Of course, it’s not like the 8% of people who consume J-pop don’t listen to K-pop, but somehow I feel like people who like J-pop don’t like K-pop.

Anyway, in Seongpil’s head, there is a formula that says, ‘People who like these three genres = don’t listen to K-pop much.’

Of course, this is limited to Korea…

‘Tomoe-san does rock and is also a J-pop artist.’

But a fan of a K-pop idol, and a citizen at that. I don’t know why, but it seems strange…

‘No, it’s not weird.’

Seongpil was extremely anxious.

Of course, Tomoe in her previous life wouldn’t have known about the Girls’ League, since there was no such group.

But the current Tomoe is said to be a person of the people. She is said to like the Girls’ League. So, wouldn’t that have influenced her taste in music?

‘Isn’t this different from my previous life…?’

Tomoe, who reigned as an icon of Japan’s Generation Z, has disappeared, and is suddenly buying a Launchpad and saying she wants to do EDM?

Or you could secretly take dance classes and say, ‘Atashi (I) will become an idol!’… … .

“Who is your favorite!”

Rika brought up a sensitive question.

Tomoe hesitated, but answered immediately.

“Hayang! No, it’s Unnie Hayang!”

“thank you.”

Jang Ha-yang smiled a winner’s smile at Rika. Rika coolly admitted defeat.

“Because Sister Hayang is pretty!”

“It’s pretty, and the lyrics are really good.”

“Lyrics?”

Tomoe cleared her throat and began singing Jang Ha-yang’s ‘Epitaph’.

It was included in the Japanese version of Girls’ League’s first Japanese album.

“When I die… … .”

Please write your name on the tombstone.

Just that one verse made Seongpil’s heart pound. Tomoe’s tone was similar to Jang Ha-yang’s.

I don’t know if he intentionally tried to imitate Jang Ha-yang, but it was more enjoyable to listen to.

“I liked ‘Epitaph,’ ‘Domino,’ and ‘Salt’ from this album!”

‘Salt’ is a song by Jang Ha-yang that was additionally included in the Japanese version of ‘Apple Crush’.

It was a song where Jang Ha-yang first wrote the lyrics in Korean, then used her knowledge to rewrite them into Japanese, and then borrowed Rika’s help to modify them into words with a better feel.

Maybe because it was Japanese, Seongpil didn’t hear ‘salt’ very well.

“Salt, salt, you need more, so that your wounds open wider, so that you swell more painfully, so that I can crush and lick your wounds.”

“hmm…….”

Thinking back, it seems like it wasn’t because it was in Japanese that I didn’t hear it. The lyrics don’t match the upbeat melody.

If we were to describe the current trend or trend of J-pop these days, it would be ‘lyrics that are cut off too short to be understood.’

Jang Ha-yang’s ‘Salt’ is like that.

I don’t know what he’s talking about. There’s no explanation of the situation at all. Or maybe Sungpil just doesn’t want to understand.

“I thought to myself while listening to Hayang Onni’s lyrics. Ah, this person is really on a different level from me as a person? Experience? Depth. She’s amazing. At that age, she can already express these kinds of emotions. I admire her.”

“Hahaha, thank you.”

Jang Ha-yang’s answer ended there.

Seongpil thought that was fortunate.

Jang Ha-yang didn’t necessarily say, “It’s not an experience, it’s imagination.” It seemed like it was to protect the fan’s fantasy.

Long live Hayang.

“How do you write lyrics, Unnie? How long does it take you?”

“It doesn’t even take me an hour to write.”

“Wow, you’re a genius.”

“But it takes several months to get to that one hour.”

“yes?”

“If I were to say that it was a process of condensing my emotions… … would you understand? Before the lyrics came out, I was verbalizing my emotions little by little at every moment. It took several months.”

Jang Ha-yang said that and smiled at Seong-pil. Seong-pil smiled back.

To be honest, Sungpil was touched. He couldn’t help but be touched when Jang Ha-yang said such artist-like words.

If things continue like this, one day I might escape Seongpil’s grasp and stand alone.

“It’s educational. Do you have a muse or something? When I do this, lyrics come to me. When I see this person, lyrics come to me.”

“All my artistic achievements are thanks to Director Park.”

“You don’t have to wrap me up like that.”

“Really? You’re my producer.”

“I envy you.”

Tomoe’s voice was full of sincerity.

“My producer, Chief Misato, is completely hands-off. She just tells me to compose 100 songs. She gives me a little bit of feedback after I write the songs. I wish I had someone around me who could help me.”

Tomoe glanced at Seongpil.

“Even if it’s something very small.”

“Well, that must be hard.”

“… … .”

“… … .”

“Director, could you give me some advice or something?”

“yes?”

“Since you’re a producer, don’t you have your own perspective? I want to feel that way, even if it’s just once. If you could just take a look at my work for a little while… … .”

When Seongpil showed his reluctance, Tomoe immediately threw out another bait.

“Actually, there is a song I wrote while thinking of you, Director.”

Jang Ha-yang and Rika were surprised.

“Yes? Thinking of me? This is the first time we met.”

“It’s not the first time. Why, didn’t Director Himura come looking for you in the past?”

“Oh, yes. That’s right.”

It was when Sungpil broke the contract to extend Rika’s management authority and ran away.

Tomoe told the story of that time. It seems that Tomoe lied to Himura who was looking for Seongpil.

“That was so dramatic that I wrote it down as lyrics right away. Aren’t you curious?”

“I’m curious.”

Is there anyone who wouldn’t be curious about the fact that there is music written about themselves?

“If you have time, would you like to come and listen? While you’re at it, it would be nice if you could give me some advice, hehe.”

“I’m practically a layman when it comes to music… … .”

“Still!”

Tomoe left out the phrase “You’re a devil!” She likes the occult and ghost stories.

Superpowers? Of course I have them!

Ghosts? They definitely exist!

Aliens? There’s no way they don’t exist!

She attaches great significance to coincidences. Perhaps that sensitivity is what makes her a creator.

“then.”

At that moment, Jang Ha-yang opened his mouth as if to come between the two.

“How about I help you?”

“… … Are you my sister?!”

Tomoe was almost taken aback by the suggestion.

If it’s true that she’s a commoner, then at this moment she becomes a successful fangirl (a successful fangirl, from simply taking pictures with celebrities you’re fan of to working with them).

Plus, he’s with his favorite, Jang Ha-yang!

“I love it so much, I really hope you do it with me!”

“Okay, I’ll take the bass guitar.”

“Ah, ah, a day like this for me too… … . It would be a great honor if the two of you came together… … !”

“no.”

Jang Ha-yang cut Tomoe’s expectations short.

“The director isn’t coming. He’s busy.”

“huh?”

If you’re busy, Jang Ha-yang is hundreds of times busier than Seong-pil.

“ah…….”

The moment Seongpil was about to say, “No, Hayang, I’m not busy at all,” Jang Hayang shouted loudly at a taxi passing by on the street.

“Taxi─!”

Because of that, Seongpil was so surprised that he couldn’t even say what he wanted to say.

The taxi stopped neatly in front of Jang Ha-yang, as if it had heard the lion’s voice. Jang Ha-yang looked back at Tomoe and smiled brightly.

“Please take a look. I will contact you through the company.”

“Yes, yes, thank you, Unnie! It was nice meeting you too, Unnie Rika! Fight! Liberation! Girls! Alliance! Victory!”

“victory.”

Jang Ha-yang continued to wave his hand at Tomoe as she left.

“Hayang, what’s going on?”

Seongpil had vaguely thought that it would be nice if Tomoe and the Girls’ League became friends. However, he never thought that Jang Ha-yang would volunteer to work with Tomoe.

Do heroes recognize other heroes, like in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms?

Is there any other reason?

“just.”

Jang Ha-yang shrugged.

“It’s a whim. I suddenly wanted to do it.”

“Yes, that kind of heart is important.”

“It’s shocking! I never thought I’d hear someone call me their favorite right in front of me! I need to hone my charm even more! Director, please tell me! What charm do I lack?”

“To become cuter.”

“Hey, if you get any cuter from here, even the director won’t be able to hold himself back anymore!”

“what.”

“The director will have a favorite among the girls’ league! I’m trying to suppress my charm!”

“I see. Let’s go to the convenience store quickly.”

“ignore?!”

Even though Seongpil and Rika walked, Jang Hayang just stood there. The two of them looked back, wondering why.

“Hayang?”

Jang Ha-yang watched as the taxi Tomoe was riding disappeared. He continued to watch after the taxi disappeared.

And said.

“Director.”

“huh?”

“This may be off-topic, but I have something I really need to ask you.”

“Why would Hayang be so rude to me?”

“How long do you plan on continuing your relationship with Seiko-senpai?”

“……uh?”

Jang Ha-yang’s head began to move.

From where Tomoe disappeared to Seongpil’s eyes.

She looked straight at Seongpil.

“I don’t like it when the director talks casually with Seiko-senpai.”

* * *

December 31st.

Yuuto returned to his hometown.

Waiting for him was his father, with tears streaming down his face.

“Our Rika is on TV… … .”

Kentaro, Yuuto’s father, was caressing the television endlessly.

This is an expensive 75-inch television that I bought on impulse a while ago when I heard that the Girls’ League would be appearing in the Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

“Honey, Rika is always on TV.”

His mother, Amy, placed the last of the year-end dishes on the table. Kentaro exploded at her words.

“It’s not just a broadcast! It’s red and white!”

It is said that almost all Japanese people share one memory.

At the end of the year, I sit around with my family and watch TV together. What I watch on TV then is the Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

When Yuuto’s parents heard that Uparupa was causing a social syndrome.

‘Oh, I see.’

It was like this.

But I heard that the Girls’ League is coming to the Kohaku Uta Gassen.

“Our Rika is going to appear in the Red and White!”

It changed like this.

Yuuto also looked at the television with admiration. A famous entertainer MC was declaring the opening of the Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

“Will there come a day when our Yuuto can stand there too?”

“Uh, yeah? Well, I’m not sure.”

“This guy’s answer is not very good. Is things not going well?”

Yuuto couldn’t come up with an answer easily.

Amy took his hand.

“If you have a hard time, you can come back anytime. No one will say anything.”

Yuuto smiled faintly at his mother’s warm comfort. Then, he held her hand as if trying to reassure her.

“No, that’s a little embarrassing.”

“What’s going on?”

“Well, maybe I’m the best singer among the company’s trainees.”

“Oh my, really?”

“huh.”

Yuuto is awkward at bragging about himself.

I also find it difficult to receive compliments from others.

That’s why, when I talked to my parents in Korea, I rarely talked about things like whether I got a good evaluation or whether my skills had improved.

Amy’s face brightened.

“I’m proud of my son.”

Kentaro was still watching television, pretending not to hear what Yuuto said.

But he soon turned his head away.

A small yard can be seen through the glass window right next to the living room. This is where Rika lay for a full 18 hours before leaving for Korea.

When Rika left, Kentaro felt like his heart was being ripped out, but in the end… … .

‘It even appears in Red and White.’

Rica succeeded.

But there’s no way Yuuto would do that.

Kentaro didn’t want to make a fuss for no reason. The fuss he was making now might end up hurting Yuuto later.

But Kentaro was rooting for Yuuto in his heart.

“Dad, is there a singer you’re looking forward to?”

Yuuto asked.

“No, Dad, do you listen to music?”

“Of course I will listen. I will see… … Seiko.”

“Does Dad like Seiko too?”

“Well, your dad is a Seiko fan. In a way, you could say that our married life was with Seiko.”

“Is Seiko that old?”

He looks young, but I can’t believe he’s that old.

“No, no, I think it was when Rika was about 10. I think I heard it then.”

“You’ve been active for a really long time.”

And yet, are you still at the top?

Yuuto had listened to Seiko’s songs a few times, but they were like snacks. His taste was more towards hard rock, so he didn’t like Seiko that much.

But the fact that even Yuuto was able to listen to music proved Seiko’s ability.

Her music has no boundaries.

It cleverly breaks through the wall of taste and makes you listen to it at least once.

“Which team do you think will win this year, Hong or Baek?”

“The team with Seiko.”

Kentaro answered immediately.

“That’s usually the case.”

* * *

Seiko is number 20 on the white team.

She looked fussy at first glance in the waiting room. The makeup and styling staff were speechless at Gahu and just did their jobs.

“Ugh, it’s over… … .”

“get out.”

The staff left the waiting room in a hurry at those words. Now the only one left was Misato, who had come to cheer her on.

“Seiko-chan, are you feeling down today?”

“No, I’m just nervous.”

“you?”

I don’t know how many times this has been since I’ve participated in the Red and Whites, but I’m feeling nervous all of a sudden?

Seiko is not at that level.

If I wanted, I didn’t have to appear on the live broadcast today. I could have rented a concert stage somewhere, called all the broadcasting station staff there, and broadcasted it remotely.

A place where anything is possible if you want it.

That was Seiko, and that meant her achievements and experience.

“Do you need anything? What should I get you?”

“no.”

Seiko used a portable oxygen concentrator.

Sigh, haa. And he threw the respirator somewhere on the table as if he was throwing it away.

“Misato, after this fight is over, I’ll confess.”

“Don’t say anything ominous.”

“I’ll tell Director Paku.”

“But Seiko-chan, it’s already been decided.”

Seiko closed her eyes.

“Director Paku said that I won’t date for five years.”

“yes?”

“What that means is that engagement is possible.”

“Seiko… … .”

Misato wanted to cry.

Seiko was now saying something that even a teenage girl wouldn’t say.

I wanted to scream at her to please go out and grab any guy and date him.

You are blind right now.

It’s just that I don’t have any experience, so the love seems big.

You don’t have to be obsessed with Seongpil.

First of all, it was already tea!

‘Why does Seiko interpret that positively?’

Let’s say Misato confessed to a guy.

But if that guy says, “I haven’t dated for 5 years haha,” Misato will run home and post a question on the internet, “How can I die without pain?”

‘I didn’t mean to wait!’

Misato really wanted to cry.

Seiko, who was raised with great care, has grown into this kind of woman…

“I do.”

Seiko looked at the concert tickets that were on the table. They were tickets that she had gotten especially for Seongpil.

“I’m going to go on a date with a traditional Korean dance performance and confess my love.”

“… … .”

Misato didn’t want to say anything anymore.

I understood Seiko’s way of thinking, so I was very embarrassed.

Seongpil is Korean. He likes traditional Korean culture. So he would like Korean dance performances.

With such a simple-minded mindset, Seiko chose traditional Korean dance as her date performance.

“Right here, I will triumph on the stage and succeed in love.”

Seiko got up and went out the door.

“Misato, bless me.”

Seiko, White Team No. 20.

And the red team number 20 is the girls’ league.

* * *

“yes!”

The host introduced Seiko and the Girls’ League on stage and announced a surprise event.

“It’s a dance battle where each team’s pride is on the line!”

“Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek?!”

Kafu’s heartbreaking scream was broadcast live across Japan.