Chapter 350: Clue (1)
Not having expected me to declare war on him right to his face, Bang Sang-Yung looked shocked.
Then, he burst into laughter. "Haha. You really have no fear, do you?"
Bang Sang-Yung laughed for a while before suddenly erasing the smile from his face. "I've heard your declaration of war. Now, get out."
He issued an order for me to leave with a cold expression.
I stood up and was about to walk out, but stopped and turned around. "But why aren't you leaving the company, Mr. Bang?"
Bang Sang-Yung's eyes gleamed sharper than ever as he responded. "Do I look foolish enough to reveal my plans to an enemy?"
At that moment, I understood his intentions. 'This man... He plans to devour Hoop Entertainment entirely.'
Although he had been pushed out by Kim Dong-Soo in my past life, he was now backed by Choi Man-Sik and was lying in wait like a viper ready to strike.
Now, I had another enemy to deal with besides the Suhyaejong line.
Nonetheless, I felt relieved in a way. After all, Bang Sang-Yung had dropped his ambiguous stance and made it clear that he was my enemy.
***
Next was the team lead meeting.
Bang Sang-Yung started the meeting by raising his voice, opposing my intention to cut back on Haru's schedule. "I know you care a lot about the actors' needs, but you're overstepping boundaries by cutting back on schedules at the team lead level. Don't you know that, Team Lead Jung?"
A team lead only had the authority to adjust schedules in case of on-site issues.
This was a sensitive matter as schedules impacted revenue.
As I wasn't yet an independently operating chief, it was no surprise he immediately challenged me.
However, after seeing Haru's eyes that day, I couldn't say the company came first.
There were so many things I wanted to say, but I restrained myself and answered calmly. "I'll be more careful in the future."
"Being careful isn't enough. I understand that it's a talent agent's job to handle celebrities' issues. But if you're constantly making exceptions, when will we ever make money?" Bang Sang-Yung argued.
Bang Sang-Yung prioritized performance over the individual circumstances of the celebrities.
He continued. "Restore Mr. Haru's canceled schedules immediately and I'll let this go."
However, I couldn't hold back any longer. "I'm sorry, but I'm afraid I can't do that."
Bang Sang-Yung frowned. "What did you just say?"
Challenging the newly appointed director head-on caused a stir in the meeting room.
At that moment, Gu Seong-Cheol stood up and tried to calm me down.
However, Kang Gam-Chan pulled him back down by his jacket as if to say 'Let him handle it himself.'
I gave a slight nod to Kang Gam-Chan in appreciation for his trust, then turned back to Bang Sang-Yung. "Has the money I've made for the company been so insignificant that it's causing concern?"
Bang Sang-Yung's eyes narrowed like a snake's. "Of course, your performance is acknowledged. But you're not a chief yet, are you? Before exercising unilateral authority, you need consent from the team lead's meeting. Isn't that right?"
"Isn't it a bigger loss to focus only on following procedures and let the celebrities' mental health deteriorate as a result?" I retorted.
"So? Are you going to keep working like this?"
"I'll follow your orders anytime if I fail to meet performance targets with my way of doing things. But until then, I'd appreciate it if you allowed me this much flexibility."
As our conversation reached an impasse, Bang Sang-Yung tried to bring the other team leads into the discussion.
"Hey, Team Lead Jung. Do you think the other team leads here are stupid? Do you think they drag half-asleep kids out just to fill up schedules for no reason? Don't you know that celebrities have a limited shelf life?"
The reason talent agents played the villain by pushing celebrities through packed schedules was simple: the nature of the entertainment industry was that once this season was over, there was no guarantee of the next one.
That was why they pushed celebrities to the limit—letting them sleep only four hours a day and feeding them all three meals in the car while attending events.
Bang Sang-Yung's remarks garnered support from team leads who were struggling to produce results as well as members of the Suhyaejong line.
However, I had no intention of agreeing with that logic.
"Limited shelf life? Not a single actor under my management has been without a follow-up project. If you select the right projects and manage them well, it's not just a brief season. You can maintain consistent success," I shot back.
All the actors under my care including Yoo-Jin already had their next projects lined up. When I countered with proven results, Bang Sang-Yung became visibly uncomfortable.
I seized the opportunity and turned to address the other team leads. "And from now on, I plan to support everyone to the best of my ability. Just let me know whenever you need help. I'll handpick successful projects like a sniper. Trust and use 'Yoon-Ho's Picks'! Please make use of them often."
While Bang Sang-Yung had made uncomfortable remarks, I lightened the mood with humor.
At that moment, team leads struggling under performance pressure began to exchange meaningful glances. For them, it was better to work comfortably with my guidance than to suffer sleepless nights.
When it seemed like some of the Suhyaejong members were aligning with me, Bang Sang-Yung's face turned beet red. "Y-you! Are you going to keep behaving like this?"
That's when Kang Gam-Chan, who had been watching quietly until now, clapped his hands. "That's enough, Director Bang."
"But Mr. Kang. Regardless of the situation, the company's hierarchy is..."
Kang Gam-Chan banged on the table loudly and shouted. "As of yesterday, Team Jung's revenue alone exceeded 12 billion won!"
"..."
Kang Gam-Chan continued. "And if you add in the incoming advertisements for Mr. Haru, how much do you think that will be?"
Bang Sang-Yung stuttered, "That's..."
"I've already said this before, but Hoop Entertainment is all about results," Kang Gam-Chan said firmly.
He raised his voice, emphasizing that systems exist to produce better outcomes. "Moreover, public opinion about our company has improved significantly thanks to Mr. Haru's situation. The image damaged by the lobbying scandal involving Assemblyman Park has been greatly restored. You're aware of this too, aren't you?"
As Bang Sang-Yung faltered, Kang Gam-Chan issued a final warning. "If you're sitting in a director's chair, you need to broaden your perspective. Think in terms of the bigger picture. Do you understand?"
Bang Sang-Yung's face flushed with embarrassment. He had tried to corner me as an enemy but ended up appearing petty.
Grinding his teeth, Bang Sang-Yung bowed his head. "I apologize. I just wanted to do better... It seems I made a mistake."
Kang Gam-Chan nodded. "Good. I like that you apologized quickly."
Then, he looked at me with a satisfied expression. "And Team Lead Jung, you should apologize too for acting without consulting the company first. Strictly speaking, you're not a chief yet, are you?"
"I'll be more mindful in the future," I responded.
Kang Gam-Chan raised his eyebrow. "But you're not going to say you won't do it again?"
I shook my head. "No. My celebrities are my top priority."
Kang Gam-Chan burst out laughing. "Hahaha. That's right. I always say that a talent agent's priority should be the celebrity and the company comes second. That's how you ensure contract renewals."
Kang Gam-Chan then looked at the other team leads. "Everyone, don't get bogged down by the system and try to find efficient ways to work. Don't you feel embarrassed watching the youngest team lead succeed?"
Since it was largely due to Kang Gam-Chan's efforts that Hoop Entertainment existed as it did today, no one dared to speak and only lowered their heads silently.
Kang Gam-Chan quickly wrapped up the discussion. "Alright, let's get to the business reports then. We're short on time."
I hid my satisfied smile and focused on the meeting, having successfully disrupted Bang Sang-Yung's first attempt at control.
The first round against Bang Sang-Yung ended with a perfect victory for me.
***
The reports began starting with Actor Division 1.
When it was my turn, I reported that Lee Tae-Poong's Beyond the Boundary was expected to reach ten million viewers by next weekend.
I also updated everyone on the progress of Yoo-Jin's next project Hwaranjeon and the activities of other actors and singers.
After listening to the report, Kang Ji-Yung asked a question. "How is the fan meeting for Yoo-Jin and Miso on the 15th coming along?"
Yoo-Jin's online fan club recently merged with Miso's to form "You and Me." The name was the same as the one for the Chinese fan club that Ling Ling had created.
On the 15th, they were scheduled to gather at Hoop Entertainment's underground theater to celebrate the union and watch episode 24 of In the Name of God together.
"It's progressing smoothly without an issue. The accommodations for after the group viewing have also been booked," I reported.
"Make sure to manage the fans well, especially the minors coming from outside Seoul. Contact their parents in advance. Things could get messy otherwise," Kang Ji-Yung advised me.
"We've only invited those who have received permission and confirmation from their parents. Most of the minors we've invited live in Seoul. For those coming from out of town, we have two from Gyeonggi-do and three from Chungju. After the event, talent agents will personally take them home."
Kang Ji-Yung responded with a satisfied expression. "You're thorough. It seems that I need not worry since you've already taken care of everything."
"I'll double-check to make sure nothing is missed."
Then Kang Gam-Chan asked, "When is your trip to China?"
"It's the day after the offline fan meeting, on the 16th."
"Good. While you're there, finalize the schedule for Ling Ling's return to Korea. We need to launch the new girl group."
When I go to China, I would also be meeting Ling Ling's parents to confirm her return date to Korea. After all, we had to prepare for the large-scale project of creating Hoop Entertainment's first multinational girl group.
I nodded. "Yes, sir."
Kang Gam-Chan added, "And since you've already met the requirements for promotion to chief, select one more team lead for both the actor and singer divisions besides Team Lead Park In-Ki. You can pick from within the company or recruit externally."
"I'll let you know as soon as I've made a decision."
Hearing that I should choose new team leads for the team made me realize that my promotion to chief was now just around the corner.
As long as I didn't make any big mistakes that would warrant severe punishment, becoming a chief was almost guaranteed.
***
As the meeting was wrapping up, Chief Han So-Yoo requested to speak.
It was about Treviang, the girl group set to debut in two months.
Kang Gam-Chan nodded. "Go ahead, Chief Han."
Han So-Yoo spoke hesitantly, "To be honest...we need more support."
Kang Gam-Chan tilted his head. "But there shouldn't be a shortage of resources in Singer Division 1?"
"We're struggling because we don't have specialized hip-hop staff."
"That's true. Our company is certainly lacking in that area. So what do you need?"
Han So-Yoo from Singer Division 1 said she was facing difficulties preparing for Treviang, a group she had trained for three years.
"We need to strengthen the choreography team a bit more. Also, I'd like to increase the budget allocated for the music video."
Their debut song, titled 'Treviang' just like their team name, was a hip-hop-based track mixed with electronic elements.
In my past life, it had been number one on music shows for two weeks.
Although it was overshadowed by the second single from Girlfriend7, Treviang had successfully built a strong fandom with their first track.
However, as Hoop Entertainment had never created a hip-hop girl group before, Han So-Yoo was worried about the support from Singer Division 1 alone.
At that moment, Bang Sang-Yung spoke up as if waiting for this cue. "How about getting external consultation? The HIT-TEAM specializes in hip-hop choreography, and MAKEWITH is good at producing music videos."
HIT-TEAM was a B-boy group that had won first place in international dance competitions and had several skilled female members.
MAKEWITH was also a music video production company that had recently gained recognition.
Since they were all part of the Suhyaejong line, Han So-Yoo smiled and nodded. "That would be great. Could you make the connection?"
"Of course. I'll support you fully, so don't worry."
As soon as their conversation ended, I raised my hand. "For choreography and music videos, Mrs. Park Seon-Nyeo from our team and Mr. Lee Seok-Hyung are also very skilled. If needed, we're more than willing to cooperate. We're in the same company after all, right?"
Han So-Yoo flinched.
Park Seon-Nyeo had proven her abilities with the choreography for Cherry Blossom while Lee Seok-Hyung had successfully created a buzz with Kang Ha-Na's debut music video.
Knowing Park Seon-Nyeo was also well-versed in authentic hip-hop, Han So-Yoo hesitated for a while before speaking reluctantly. "I'll consider it... if necessary."
Just as I thought, Han So-Yoo, desperate for good results, had taken the bait I'd thrown.
I smiled and bowed my head. "Feel free to contact me anytime. We're all part of the Hoop Entertainment family, so there's no need to feel pressured."
My goal was to expand my influence as much as possible within the company before Kim Dong-Soo returned.
Ideally, I would prevent his return altogether.
***
As I was leaving the meeting, I received a phone call.
[Caller ID: Lee Soo-Chan]
I answered the call immediately. "Hey, Soo-Chan. Has Eun-Gi's trial date been set?"
-Yes. It's scheduled for next Thursday.
The trial had been postponed due to Kang Eun-Gi's surgery, but now the date for the first hearing had been set.
"Is that so? Alright. See you then."
-But hyung-nim, I'm actually calling because I have some information about Kim Dong-Soo that you asked me to look into.
"Yeah? What is it?"
-That guy's been frequently meeting with visitors from China.
"China?"
-Yes, from Hwayeon Media Inc. Apparently, they're representatives from a large Chinese entertainment company.
"Hwayeon Media Inc., you say?"
If Kim Dong-Soo was in contact with Jiang Wei from Hwayeon Media Inc., it was clear he was plotting something.
However, that wasn't the real issue.
-But it might be difficult to track him going forward.
"Huh? Why?"
-Kim Dong-Soo has met someone quite dangerous.
"Did he team up with gangsters?"
-I'm not sure because it was someone I hadn't seen before, but he didn't seem like a gangster.
Lee Soo-Chan said the person's gait and movements suggested a background in the military or police, but he exuded a danger that most gangsters couldn't match.
At that moment, a certain possibility struck me. 'Could it be... Kim Dong-Soo's intel team?'
In my past life, Kim Dong-Soo had used his own intelligence team to create a so-called 'X-FILE' filled with celebrities' secrets.
With that 'X-FILE,' he controlled the entire entertainment industry.
Ever since I traveled back in time, I had been searching for any trace of this intelligence team—and it seemed they were finally surfacing.
This was a double-edged sword that could either dominate or destroy the Korean entertainment industry.
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