Chapter 159

Chapter 159

Raise Three Idols Well And They’ll Launch a Confession Attack.

Episode 159: Go On A Date

The idol industry could never avoid the category of pseudo-romance.

The agency was also very aware of the poison brought by this pseudo-romance. However, as long as the goal was to sell music as an artist and build a ‘fandom’ as a business, it was an unavoidable issue.

The music market was a red ocean.

There were many who reached out to the few stars who held everything in their hands.

In the past year alone, about 150 trainees debuted, and in the past 10 years, the number of idol groups that debuted had nearly reached 500.

These were all competitors and choices placed before the public.

What was needed to win in front of these countless options was an extremely loyal fan. One who would judge with emotion, not reason.

It wasn’t the typical public who just admired a good album and downloaded a song, but those who, even if they spent a great deal of money, were willing to dedicate themselves because they were not ‘others,’ but ‘us.’

Things like using multiple phones for streaming, boosting YouTube views, purchasing a large quantity of albums to raise music scores, and text voting were a type of workaround beyond legitimate competition.

The idols with strong fandoms who led these actions ultimately rose to the top.

Fandom was important. And pseudo-romance was the most powerful tool to build the loyalty of that fandom. However, I knew all too well the negative effects of excessive consolidation of fandoms.

After all, it was me who had skillfully handled the ‘fandom’ business for ten years, more than anyone else.

Therefore, the concept and promotional strategy for this episode of ‘Girl Revolution’ was aimed at establishing a fandom, but with a focus on mass appeal and placing more emphasis on the artist’s image rather than aligning the sales point with pseudo-romance.

I believed that this was the right thing for the kids, and in the long term, it would have a more positive impact.

But still, as long as the title of idol was used in this country, and with four of the most attractive kids as the protagonists, the theme of pseudo-romance couldn’t be completely avoided.

The case of Park Yeji was one such example.

No matter how much the culture of respecting an artist’s privacy had grown compared to first- and second-generation idols, the underlying psychology of such fans had not disappeared.

Therefore, unless the kids had matured as idols and the fans secretly approved after the end of the contract or its conclusion, unfortunately, the kids’ dating must be prohibited.

And Gyeoul knew all of this too.

“I love you. I truly love you, Taeyang Oppa.”

And even knowing this, Gyeoul confessed her feelings to me.

“…”

How much did that shy girl have to hesitate before saying those words?

I didn’t know. But I could guess.

It wasn’t a fleeting emotion.

It was a word that couldn’t be held back after being built up over time.

After all, Gyeoul was a wise kid, and she knew the meaning of that confession better than anyone.

Even so, no, it was precisely because of that that the words I had to say were already decided.

“I’m sorry.”

“…”

“I can’t accept your feelings.”

Because those were the words a manager had to say.

While having a simple drink with Seok Hyun-woo, Song Johan, and Oh James, a woman approached me.

“Um, could you give me an autograph?”

“An autograph from Girl Revolution? I’m sorry, but this is a private gathering, and the kids aren’t around. If you see them later, I’ll be sure to get you one…”

“No, not from Girl Revolution. I mean Seon Taeyang’s autograph.”

“I’m the manager, though.”

“Yes! I’m a fan of Manager Seon Taeyang!”

Since I hadn’t prepared for an autograph, I just took a photo for her.

Despite being polite, she didn’t leave, perhaps because she had more to say, and kept standing there.

“Do you still have something to say?”

“Ah, well. Is it possible to join you? There are four of us, girls.”

Oh James, amazed, said,

“Join us? Wow, it’s been a while since something like this happened. It’s fin–”

“No, it’s not possible. We’re having an important conversation.”

“Guess not.”

What’s with this joining us? If Isabella finds out, we’re both dead.

After sending away the strange woman pretending to be a fan, Song Johan gave a peculiar smile and said,

“By the way, it seems that the influence of ‘First-Person Intervenor’ is huge. Team Leader Seon’s fame is clearly rising day by day.”

Seok Hyun-woo also laughed and said,

“I feel it the most, working as his fellow manager. He’s basically a celebrity.”

“Why even call him a celebrity? It’s not that much.”

“There are fan letters; how can he not be a celebrity?”

“Fan letters?”

This is the first I’ve heard of it.

“Oh, I didn’t mention this earlier. The company keeps fan letters, so you can pick them up next time. There’s quite a lot, so make sure to bring a shopping bag.”

“…”

The special broadcast of ‘First-Person Intervenor,’ despite being a variety show special, received unprecedented attention.

Without any special issues, the emergence of a manager who subdued an unarmed assailant became a somewhat light-hearted issue, which already drew attention from the public.

In the midst of this, CBS stirred the situation even further by announcing they would reveal all the details and the heroic actions in high definition on broadcast television.

The video that was released seemed to have been edited with Ina Bi’s personal bias, as it depicted me like a prince riding a white horse from a romance manga.

In my eyes, the video was so cringeworthy that I could barely stand it, but perhaps it didn’t seem that way to others, as it led to an explosive reaction.

It seemed like it properly planted the fantasy of being a manager.

“Team Leader Seon has completely ruined the perception of managers in the industry. Now, people think that someone like Team Leader Seon is a common sight among managers. But where else in the world can you find someone like him? The other day, I had a chance to meet the Counter kids from Girl 100 again, and they were complaining, ‘Why don’t we have a Seon Taeyang in our agency?’”

“Honestly, if they worked with me, the fantasy would shatter quickly.”

In response, Oh James smiled kindly and said,

“They probably won’t. Just think about how our kids look at Team Leader Seon.”

“…”

I couldn’t brush off those words with a laugh.

Seok Hyun-woo, who took a refreshing gulp of beer, spoke as if he had just thought of something.

“Oh, by the way, I think Gyeoul has been strangely avoiding you lately. Did something happen?”

“Hey, it’s not that she’s avoiding you. You know how much Gyeoul respects you. But, I do think she’s been a bit self-conscious.”

Oh James, who had been picking only the beef from the stir-fried bean sprouts, asked with confusion.

“Is something really going on?”

“…”

Pretending not to know and ignoring it would also be deceitful.

So, I spoke in the center of the gathered gazes.

“I hurt Gyeoul.”

“Ah…”

“Oh no.”

“Would you like us to help you apologize?”

I shook my head.

“Thank you for your words, but this is something I have to do.”

“Gyeoul, about today’s schedule, as I mentioned before, since it overlaps with the strike issue, it’s okay for you to rest today.”

I spoke to Gyeoul, who was nervously twiddling her fingers while glancing at me, with a bit of tension.

“So, I was wondering, could you spare some time today? I have a lot I want to talk to you about. I’ll treat you to something delicious.”

Gyeoul’s eyes started to tremble.

After a while of nervously opening and closing her mouth, Gyeoul finally spoke.

“Um…”

Seeing her hesitate, I added more to what I was saying.

“Let’s go play some games and also visit that café you said you wanted to go to.”

“Um, that…”

“Oh, how about meeting my sister for the first time in a while? She’s been pretending not to care, but she’s been wanting to see you.”

Gyeoul, trembling and unconsciously grabbing my sleeve, seemed surprised at herself and pulled her hand away before speaking.

“Ye…”

“Ye?”

“Yeah… I’ll go practice a bit more and come back!”

With that, Gyeoul quickly backed away and disappeared.

At that moment, Cheon Aram, who had appeared from behind, spoke.

“She ran away.”

“Did you see that?”

“Yeah, with how intense the scent was, it was hard to pretend not to notice.”

It seemed Cheon Aram understood most of the situation.

After all, it was impossible to hide something from her with her abilities.

Cheon Aram spoke comfortingly to me.

“It may be difficult, but I believe Team Leader Seon will handle it wisely.”

“I will repay your trust.”

Trying to change the heavy atmosphere, she lightened her tone.

“Oh, by the way, are you getting a lot of offers?”

“Offers? Is it for Girl Revolution?”

“No, they want to use Manager Seon Taeyang as a panelist.”

…What do they want to film me for?

“Where at?”

Cheon Aram pulled out her smartphone, checked it, and then said,

“I’ll skip the small ones and just tell you the bigger ones: a martial arts variety show, a light talk show with a main MC and co-host, a travel show with girl groups, a documentary, and oh! There’s also a web drama.”

Why are there so many?

“If there’s a show that benefits the image of Girl Revolution, I’ll consider it, but otherwise, I won’t. Right now, I want to focus on my duties as a manager.”

“They’re offering a lot of money.”

“I’m already receiving a lot of money. More than that, I think working as a manager helps the kids more than appearing on a show.”

She nodded at my words, quietly murmuring, “As expected of Team Leader Seon.”

Then, with a slightly playful tone, she said,

“In that sense, here’s the schedule I hope Team Leader Seon will handle!”

Cheon Aram handed me the smartphone she was holding and showed me a program proposal.

I read the title of the proposal.

[Music Road – Love and Songs]

“What’s this?”

Seeing my confusion, Cheon Aram smiled slightly and said,

“Team Leader Seon. Go on a date with Gaeul.”