“Bubble Girls have a comeback date set for November. They’re already in the middle of music video production, and…”
Team Lead Lee and Manager Oh from Management Team 1 were busy preparing for a lunch meeting when—
Knock, knock.
An employee walked in, hugging some papers to their chest.
“Pardon me, I know you’re in the middle of something, but…”
He hesitated, then continued:
“A public notice came in that I think you should see.”
Director Oh, examining the notice the employee handed over, widened his eyes.
“Man Records…?”
At the top of the notice was a large logo recognized by anyone in the industry. Man Records – a mammoth Japanese label known for being extremely particular about musical quality. It was famously a “closed-door” company that rarely collaborated with outsiders.
“I’ll take a look. That’ll be all.”
Concealing his surprise, Director Oh dismissed the employee with a wave.
“O–Oh Director this…”
Team Lead Lee, who had glanced at the notice, also looked stunned.
“Number 1: We wish your company unceasing development…”
Director Oh carefully read the Japanese text aloud.
“Number 2: This notice was drafted by Man Records with help from the law firm Leadersmith…”
He paused, swallowing nervously.
“Number 3: For smooth collaboration between our two parties, we ask that you maintain strict confidentiality as stated below…”
Suddenly, Director Oh narrowed his eyes and let out a low hum.
“Hmm…”
He silently read the rest.
This notice landed with Team 1, of all places…
The main point was that Man Records—a label that rarely engaged in outside collaboration—wanted to work with composer HS, who belonged to Management Team 2 and had been soaring in popularity. Essentially, it had nothing to do with Team 1. Given that Seo Jini’s successful Japanese debut was already widely known, they’d naturally want the composer “HS” who had a solo writing credit on her album.
We can’t exactly steal HS…
Director Oh bit his lip. To pass such an opportunity on to Team 2 made his blood boil, but…
“Team Lead Lee, have the staff fax this to Team 2.”
“Ah, it’s such a pity…”
“Nothing we can do. Man Records is specifically requesting that composer, not us.”
Team Lead Lee took the document with shoulders slumped. Right then:
“Why are you both chatting? Are you done preparing for the afternoon meeting, or what?”
Executive Director Park flung open the small conference room door, looking as displeased as ever.
“Is that today’s meeting material?”
He jerked his chin at the paper Team Lead Lee was holding.
“Oh, no, this isn’t for the meeting,” the team lead replied.
“Then what is it? Why are you dragging your feet?”
“It’s actually a notice from Man Records that we were going over.”
On cue, Director Oh signaled Team Lead Lee with his eyes, indicating he should show it to Executive Director Park. The team lead hesitantly handed over the notice.
Director Oh fully expected Executive Director Park to blow his top the moment he read it:
He already finds HS a thorn in his side. Now we’ll get an earful just for being near this…
He braced himself, head slightly bowed in anticipation of a scolding.
But surprisingly, Director Park simply read through the notice calmly, occasionally nodding.
“Hmm…”
After a long moment:
“I’ll be taking this.”
He picked up the notice decisively.
“You’re… personally taking it to Team 2?”
Shocked, Director Oh asked. Executive Director Park responded with a languid drawl:
“Director, what an odd joke to make.”
Everyone froze in confusion.
“Are we just gonna hand over a golden opportunity?”
That remark was the last thing they expected from him.
“But, sir, they’re explicitly looking for HS. That’s spelled out in the notice…”
“Director! Let’s be honest—HS is just a rookie who got lucky. Don’t we have composers on Team 1 who are better in both skill and experience?”
“Well, that’s true, but still—”
“Enough. Don’t worry about it.”
Director Park had staked everything on the 10th anniversary comeback album of his group KOK, but ended up sharing the spotlight with Jung Arin’s successful debut—a fact that infuriated him. And with the formidable Lee Du-seok in the mix, he hadn’t been able to meddle as he pleased. He was further annoyed by the success of Team 2, which seemed to be riding on HS’s talent.
This petty resentment had been simmering. But right now, the possibility of a Man Records collaboration brightened his mood with new ambition.
“Gather all our composers and get them to bring me some jaw-dropping sample tracks. Music is all that matters; Man Records won’t care if it’s HS or SH or whoever as long as the songs are hits. There’s no reason they’d ‘cling’ to some newbie composer with no proven future if we can deliver something better.”
He beamed, triumphant.
“Anyway, don’t be late for the lunch meeting. It’ll be important.”
Director Park straightened his tie, eager for the upcoming executive session.
“Hello.”
Director Kim bowed low enough that his hairline showed, then took the seat next to Director Choi, who had summoned him. He felt a bit awkward under the gazes of other executives, but at the same time, he was pleased. The fact that he’d been invited to these executive meetings more frequently meant if he kept producing results, he might get promoted to executive level himself. Even if not, he was satisfied that his contributions were being recognized.
However, throughout the meeting, Director Kim kept getting distracted by his phone vibrating endlessly:
[ Jung Arin: Big news! Big news! ]
[ Jung Arin: Urgent update! Urgent update! ]
[ Jung Arin: Breaking scoop! Breaking scoop! ]
From the preview, she was using siren emojis, spamming him with messages.
What’s gotten into her? Did something good happen?
He shook his head and tried to put the phone away, but…
Bzzz… Bzzz…
His thigh vibrated again:
[ Hyunseung: FoodFoodFood. ]
[ Hyunseung: FoFoFood. ]
[ Hyunseung: Lunchtime. ]
[ Hyunseung: 2 PM, bring 2 meal coupons. At my studio. ]
Why are they both acting like this?
In all his years at the company, he’d had his phone switched off only a handful of times. You needed it on 24/7 in this line of work. Now, for the first time, he seriously considered turning it off.
Just then:
“That’s it for today’s meeting.”
They’d finished discussing the agency artists’ activities for the second half of the year.
“Excuse me, CEO, I have something to add.”
Executive Director Park spoke up confidently. Everyone turned their eyes to him, including Director Kim, who watched curiously. It was unusual for Park to open with such fanfare.
“It’s not finalized yet, but I have some good news I’d like to share…”
All attention honed in on him; Director Kim looked on, suspecting theatrics.
“Man Records has proposed a collaboration with us.”
Director Kim’s eyes grew wide, and he practically forgot to blink.
Man Records…
One of Japan’s most heavyweight labels, on par with Sony Music and Universal Music Group. Known for rarely collaborating with other companies, especially foreign agencies.
I’ve got to hand it to him…
Whatever else could be said about Park’s personality, he had impressive connections and negotiating skills.
“Did they reach out to us directly?” the CEO asked, interest piqued.
Park nodded.
“Yes. We’ve asked our top Team 1 composers to prepare their best work, and once it’s compiled, we’ll deliver it to Man Records ourselves.”
“Could it be due to Seo Jini’s success in Japan?”
“I can’t say for certain, but I’m sure it helped. They’re open to us; negotiations are going smoothly. I want to take this chance to establish an official relationship between Man Records and Team 1.”
The CEO’s lips curved in a smile.
“If that materializes, it would be wonderful.”
“Yes, I’ll do my best.”
Listening to their exchange, Team 2 folks silently noted how often Park referred to “Team 1.” He was acting as if it were exclusively Team 1’s accomplishment. Yet Director Choi’s reaction was surprisingly calm.
While Team 2’s Seo Jini was thriving in Japan and Jung Arin was on a rapid rise, KOK—a “Team 1 group”—had also posted record-breaking achievements, bringing in considerable revenue. Now, if they sealed a Man Records collaboration, it would give them a clear edge in the near future. Indeed, Park might be insufferable, but his abilities were undeniable.
“Yes, that would be quite significant,” the CEO said, standing up.
“Please keep me posted. We’ll end the meeting here.”
Everyone rose to follow his lead. Park, too, gave a slight bow:
“Understood.”
Leaving the meeting room, Director Kim mulled over Park’s accomplishment:
He’s something else, all right…
Man Records collaborating with LS Entertainment could make it easier for Team 1 to elevate more of their artists to “Hallyu star” status. Shaking off his envy, Director Kim fished out his phone from his pocket.
[ Hyunseung: I invite you to lunch. ]
[ Hyunseung: Come by 2 p.m. sharp. ]
[ Hyunseung: Bring 2 meal coupons. ]
[ Hyunseung: Meet at my studio. ]
He glanced at his watch: 1:58 p.m.
“What the—only two minutes left?!”
He sped down the hallway, almost running—then stopped himself.
“Why am I running…?”
Still, a part of him felt good that Hyunseung was calling for him right after returning from a trip.
Director Kim arrived at Hyunseung’s studio post-meeting.
“Oh, Arin’s here too? Been a while!”
“Long time no see, Director Kim!”
“I’ve been enjoying monitoring your performances—so many these days.”
After exchanging brief pleasantries with Jung Arin, Director Kim sank onto the sofa and turned to Hyunseung.
“Composer-nim, thanks for inviting me to lunch.”
“Don’t mention it. Brought what I asked for?”
“Yes, two meal coupons, as requested.”
“Just wait a bit.”
“You told me to come at two, and I sprinted over…!”
“I just have something to finish first.”
“Then you should’ve told me a later time!”
Hyunseung gestured with his chin toward a shopping bag on the coffee table.
“I got you a gift.”
“Huh? Seriously?”
“Check the shopping bag.”
Director Kim stood up, grabbing the bag with an “Oof.” Opening the case inside, he gasped—it was a Rolex watch.
“Is this real? You’re not joking?”
It was one of those models that cost an eye-watering amount and was nearly impossible to buy due to high demand.
“Look at this… Man, this is expensive.”
“It’s within my means.”
“I feel awkward accepting something so pricey…”
Director Kim set the box back down uncertainly. Hyunseung waved him off.
“Come on, don’t act shy.”
He carefully took the watch from its case and fastened it around Director Kim’s wrist.
“So you don’t feel embarrassed anywhere you go. Wear it while you work yourself to the bone.”
“Hyunseung…”
“Might need to remove a link or two—once you adjust it, it should fit perfectly. It’s yours.”
Tearing up slightly,Director Kim bit his lip.
“I promise, I’ll try even harder. I’ll start every morning by bowing toward your house in gratitude, and every evening—”
Hyunseung motioned dismissively, clearly annoyed by the dramatics.
“Honestly… thank you…”
It reminded Director Kim of when they’d first discussed a contract. The kid… He’d seemed talented but antisocial, so he had carefully brought him in like some hidden gem. Yet Hyunseung had more than proven himself, quickly establishing a reputation in the industry and even remembering Director Kim’s help now.
“Do you like it?”
“Of course I do…”
“Good. I’m happy too.”
Seeing Director Kim stare at the watch like a child with a new toy, Hyunseung’s lips curved. After all, Kim was the one who had helped him get established as a composer this time around.
“Hey, Hyunseung…”
Director Kim asked nervously,
“Is it okay for you to be spending money like this?”
“Huh?”
“I appreciate it, but… you suddenly earn a bunch of cash, then start living large—an irregular income can cause trouble when your spending habits change. And there’s next year’s taxes to consider—”
Hyunseung responded calmly,
“I’m already preparing for that.”
He recalled how, in his previous life, he’d had nearly a dozen tax experts handling the complicated finances from royalties, broadcasts, real estate, and more. He didn’t yet have a dedicated tax team, but he knew enough to handle things proactively.
“If you need help, let me know.”
Hyunseung gave a perfunctory nod, seeming unconcerned. Then Director Kim turned to Jung Arin:
“So, Arin, what was that emergency message you sent me?”
She exclaimed,
“Huge news! Composer-nim here succeeded in asking someone out on a date!”
Director Kim’s jaw dropped.
“Hyunseung? Really?”
“Didn’t I say it was big news?” Arin cried triumphantly.
Hyunseung? The guy who basically lived in the studio and was into random hobbies like growing radishes? He found time to… date?
“This kid…” Director Kim eyed him in disbelief.
“Now you’ll be lonely if he’s dating,” Arin teased.
“Don’t be silly. Since we’re on the topic, I’ve got a date myself this weekend.”
“What?! Who is it? You’re so busy—when did you arrange that?”
“Just someone at a nearby nail salon. A friend insisted I go. Anyway…” Director Kim coughed awkwardly and turned back to Hyunseung.
“So how’d you ask her out?”
“Huh?”
“If it works out, I might need it for a second date, you know? Let me hear your approach.”
Still unaware Hyunseung was talking about a dating simulator game, Director Kim’s curiosity fueled a massive misunderstanding. Hyunseung shrugged.
“Not sure if it’ll help, but… sure.”
“Don’t be stingy. Spill it.”
“I told her, ‘I’ll give you my weekend—will you give me yours?’ She found that bold and we went to the next stage.”
“And that worked?” Director Kim asked, incredulous.
“I did warn you I’m not sure if it’s good advice. But it worked for me.”
Director Kim eyed Hyunseung suspiciously.
“Probably because you’re good-looking.”
Hyunseung was indeed very attractive—sharp features, radiant skin, the works. He might even get away with dumping water on someone, claiming he was “watering the flowers.”
“Right, let’s change the subject,” Kim sighed. “So what’s your next project plan?”
Hyunseung instantly replied:
“I’m thinking of working on my own personal album.”
That made both Kim and Arin blink in surprise.
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