Chapter 121

MG Entertainment, LA Branch .

Director Lee HanSeo hated to move within Korea, and here he was, in a completely different country .

He met up with Jung MinAh in the practice room .

“A re-contract?”

Jung MinAh’s expression stiffened when her direct superior took out something difficult to talk about .

“Yes . I want to know what all of you are thinking about regarding a re-contract . ”

“Even I don’t know what the others are thinking . This is a taboo . ”

She evaded mentioning it directly . Actually, all they talked about every day was the extension of the contract . However, the girls did not wish to talk about it with anyone else, even if it was their direct superior that was in charge of them . Their faith in the company had hit rock bottom .

It was now October .

There were two months until the end of the contract .

“Everyone’s feelings must be quite complex . Since the situation is like this and all… . ”

“…… . ”

“But if you wish to, the extension will definitely happen . ”

Despite the hopeful words, Jung MinAh had no words to speak . She didn’t even want to imagine that her future lay with the company . Their lives in America had utterly shattered their faith in the company .

“Is this coming from you, director? Or is it the company’s wishes?”

“That’s… . ”

Director Lee HanSeo heaved a long sigh . Jung MinAh knew the answer .

“So it is coming from you . ”

“Ah… Nothing is for sure yet . So have some hope and… . ”

“Hope, you say . Hope, huh… . ”

Jung MinAh bit her lips . Then, she shook her head .

“It’s fine . I’ve long since given up the thought that MG will do something for us . ”

“MinAh . ”

Director Lee HanSeo found it pitiful . He had gotten attached to the girls of Eddios . However, where did it all go wrong? Things called ‘achievements’ and ‘promotion’ ruined the future of these girls .

‘…MG is thinking about nothing . I’m sure of it . ’

Jung MinAh had predicted already . There were 2 months until the end of the contract . At this point in time, the company should be giving the girls incentives like ‘we’ll release a new album’ or the like . However, there was absolutely nothing like that at all .

The morale of the members had long since hit rock bottom . It wasn’t just because of their ‘position’ in Korea that was lost . Entertainers and musicians alike lived off their popularity and fame . And right now, their activities were far from such .

At this point, even the girls who were strict with managing their image were starting to stray off one by one .

‘What can I do for these girls to do well?’

Director Lee HanSeo didn’t want to see the always cheerful MinAh so downtrodden . He hated himself for being unable to stop the tyranny of the other directors . His heart ached .

As though she realized what he felt, Jung MinAh spoke again .

“I know that you’re different from the other directors . It was you who managed to shrink down our range of movement from the entirety of America to the few Korean towns in LA . Without you, we’d be in utter despair… . I’m thankful for that . ”

“I still couldn’t have you come back . I can only apologize for that . ”

“You can’t help it . Those people had more power than you . It was old man KangYoon that was amazing to have gone against all of them . We were only able to hold out until now because of you, director . Really, I mean it… . ”

Director Lee HanSeo felt bitter . After he was given Eddios from KangYoon to take care of, he thought that everything would go well . At that time, Eddios was the best in the country . They were young but had skills to back them up, and none of them had celebrity complexes or other detrimental personality deficiencies . They were humble to top it off . They struck the peak in Korea and he thought that they’d do well anywhere .

However, it all began when the other directors forced the girls to fly over to America . They lost both the Korean fans while not getting any American fans either, forgotten by both .

“…I guess we can’t help it if there’s no extension . ”

She looked like someone who had given up on everything . And she was only twenty-two… .

‘If MG doesn’t work, I need to send them somewhere else . This is my responsibility . ’

Director Lee HanSeo couldn’t let the girls be . He couldn’t ruin the Eddios given to him by KangYoon and be done with it .

He clenched his teeth while looking at Jung MinAh so powerless .

***

Autumn was a busy season for everyone in World Entertainment .

White Moonlight now had their personal theater and was able to gradually gain popularity with regular performances . Kim JaeHoon was busy with his new album . Kim JiMin also stopped doing vocal training only and entered a general training routine for her debut .

One common characteristic of entertainment companies was that busy musicians meant busy employees .

“Director, there are too many receipts . Who’s going to make me leave work?”

Jung HyeJin had a teary face as she worked over-time for a few days in a row now . Lee HyunJi, who sat in front of her, snorted .

“Not as bad as me . ”

Lee HyunJi showed her the mountain of files on her desk as well as the pimple on her face . Due to work overload, the women at the office were screaming in happiness(?) .

“The president is such a bad guy . ”

This had gone on for days already .

The two women had been practically forced to live in the office .

Regardless, KangYoon was currently working with Kim JaeHoon on his album in the studio .

“Let’s try that again . Sing ‘anything of you’ a little weaker . ”

-Okay .

“Oh, just a moment . Is someone talking about me?”

KangYoon took off his headset and scratched his ears .

-Hyung, you hadn’t had the headset on for long .

“Yeah, it looks like I’m a little sensitive today . ”

He put on his headset again and signaled Kim JaeHoon .

“Here it goes . ”

KangYoon played the MR . Then, a deep rock-ballad started flowing out . It was ‘Only One’, given to them by Lee HyunAh .

-I no – longer wish anything — of you–

Kim JaeHoon was drunk with the lyrics in his hand . The deep punchy sound and his voice combined with each other to appeal to the listeners .

‘This is just the beginning, and it’s too strong . ’

However, KangYoon shook his head . When Kim JaeHoon’s notes made the light weaker . KangYoon turned off the music and spoke again .

“A little weaker . ”

– Yes .

The instruments started playing again . Kim JaeHoon relaxed his vocal cords and simply let the lyrics flow out of his body .

-I no- – no longer wish anything — of you —

Kim JaeHoon’s notes combined with the notes from the accompaniment . The light became a little stronger than before . However, KangYoon wasn’t quite satisfied . He felt that this could be a lot better .

“One more time . ”

And again .

However, it didn’t make that much of a difference . They had to try several times before the strong white light that KangYoon wanted came out .

“That should do . Let’s go on to the next bit . ”

Kim JaeHoon was also satisfied when he heard the recording . Normally, it was him that was unsatisfied by the recording and not the producer, but working with KangYoon, it was the opposite . Also, Lee HyunAh’s song didn’t seem that good at first glance, but now that he got to sing it, it felt really good . It was quite a strange phenomenon .

Like that, they spent 6 hours on the recording . As Kim JaeHoon was someone who spent 12 hours or even 24 hours recording, this was considered very short .

KangYoon gave Kim JaeHoon a handkerchief as he came out of the recording booth .

“Thanks . It sure is faster working with you . ”

“It’s good to be efficient . ”

“I guess . Hey, you don’t happen to be able to ‘see’ music, do you?”

KangYoon flinched for a moment, but he passed it over .

“I wish . ”

“I want to see the musical notes at least . Anyway, today’s work is completely done . Oh, I heard from the director that we’ll be doing a showcase . ”

“We have a theater so we’ll make use of it . I’m planning to invest a lot and do it properly . And let’s do a music video this time too . ”

“Yes!”

Kim JaeHoon shouted out in joy .

A showcase!

He was now able to stand in front of people again with his new album . This felt very new to him, as in May, he was busy digesting the hellish schedule .

KangYoon’s words didn’t end there though .

“If this album goes well, let’s consider doing a country-wide tour . ”

“YES!”

Kim JaeHoon’s voice became even louder as KangYoon’s plans became larger .

***

Mid-October was when the change in trees was the most dramatic, and it was also the season Kim JaeHoon’s new album aimed to release on .

The album, the music video, and everything else necessary were finished .

All that was left now was the showcase where he would first show his new music to the public .

They decided Lunas to be the location since they could . KangYoon sent invitations to the members of Kim JaeHoon’s fan club as well as the record labels in the industry .

On the day of the showcase .

“Welcome . ”

Jung HyeJin was busy greeting the members of the fan club . The fans had brought many presents and banners and entered Lunas with excitement . These were the people who had won the fierce competition for tickets . Of course, the invitation was free of charge .

KangYoon and Lee HyunJi were greeting the record labels .

“Hello?”

“Please, come in . ”

There were people in suits whose jobs were related to record labels and music streaming sites who had come to watch the showcase . Lee HyunJi’s relations in the industry, as well as Kim JaeHoon’s fame, were brought to the forefront here .

KangYoon led them to the specially prepared seats at the front .

“I was surprised to hear that Kim JaeHoon made a comeback recently, and now he’s doing a new album . Congratulations . ”

“Thank you . ”

These people were all surprised that Kim JaeHoon managed to return to the industry . To be exact, they were surprised at KangYoon who made that possible . Everyone thought Kim JaeHoon to be dead as a musician . Although there was the issue with his debt, the real problem was the long-term absence from the industry that included his service in the military . It was not easy to decide whether to invest in him or not . However, not only did an owner of a small entertainment company invest in him and managed to make his return to the industry, now there was a new album for him as well .

Everyone thought that if this album went well, World Entertainment would no longer be considered a ‘small company’ .

“President Lee . Hello . ”

“President Kang ShiMyoung . Welcome . ”

(T/N: The dude that owns ‘Yerang’, and tried to recruit Lee HyunAh without the band, and tried to poach the band members when everything went wrong . )

KangYoon greeted President Kang ShiMyoung, who, unlike the others, was wearing ripped jeans and a t-shirt . He also seemed surprised by this showcase and did not hide his excitement while looking around .

“Nice venue you have here . ”

“Thank you . ”

“I’m envious, you have both a great venue and a great musician . ”

“Not at all . We just took our first step . ”

KangYoon led president Kang ShiMyoung to a good seat . When the others saw him, they hurriedly stood up to greet him . It was no wonder since he ran a big entertainment company .

KangYoon had to greet several other guests after that as well . He was like a husband-to-be at a wedding . Lee HyunJi was the same .

President Kang ShiMyoung took glances at the facilities like the stage, and the tall ceiling while greeting the others in the industry .

‘It shouldn’t have been easy for a company like World to invest so daringly . I’d rather build an office instead if I had the money . Did he get some loans? Who knows?’

Money sufficient to build this building may be better invested in building a completely new office . However, KangYoon had gone against that common sense . He himself would never do this .

‘Were those words actually true? These kinds of facilities at that price should definitely be tempting . Hm… . ”

President Kang ShiMyoung held his chin and fell into thought .

Time flowed and the lights started dimming . Then, the stage lights turned on . At the same time, today’s MC, comedian Park ChanHyung, came up on stage . Park ChanHyung was a trendy comedian who created many popular punchlines recently .

“Hello, ladies and gentlemen . Welcome to Kim JaeHoon’s 6th mini album showcase!”

“Waaaa—”

The applause from the audience signaled the start of the showcase . Park ChanHyung pulled some jokes to set the mood, and when he deemed that the audience was ready, he shouted .

“I present to you, today’s main character! Kim . Jae . Hoon!”

“Kyaaa—!”

“Waaa—!”

Along with the shouts that filled the entirety of Lunas, Kim JaeHoon entered the stage from the back . Then, all the lights turned off before a spotlight shone down on him . The quiet accompaniment started flowing out and Kim JaeHoon put his mouth to the mic . This was the title song for the album ‘Time with You’ .

“I long — for the person — in my heart — in my memories –”

Kim JaeHoon’s rich voice rang across the theater . His deep, yet thin voice was unique to him and him only, and made the audience wave their hands . The wonderful orchestra-like accompaniment and his voice mesmerized the audience .

“I loved you — and because — my heart — ached –”

His periodic vibrato in the chorus made the hearts of the audience flutter . His voice became deeper . Not to mention the audience, even the people from the industry were surprised .

‘That’s a good song . ’

‘It feels different from his past songs, but in a good way . ’

Kim JaeHoon’s characteristics were preserved, while still following the latest trend .

This was their evaluation .

Even when the accompaniment died down, Kim JaeHoon’s voice continued without changing . He then sang powerfully, as if to shout something on the part leading to the climax .

“I am an idiot — who never, ever told you — but now I shout — I love you—”

Then the accompaniment suddenly came to a halt .

The light also dimmed a little before it suddenly turned bright again along with a burst of sound . At the same time, Kim JaeHoon’s voice rang out as well . This was the climax part .

“I love you-…”

“I love you–”

The audience was already singing along the song . They were happy to listen to Kim JaeHoon’s new song .

Then, his voice slowly faded out until the song ended .

“Waa——!”

“Kim . Jae . Hoon! Kim . Jae . Hoon!”

Everyone shouted out his name at the amazing song . Kim JaeHoon bowed towards the audience with an awkward smile .

“Thank you . ”

“Waaa—-!”

Kim JaeHoon’s title song for his 6th mini-album, ‘Time with You . ’

It made its debut in the world .

***

“Hahahahaha!”

Park ChanHyung’s smooth emceeing made the audience laugh . Kim JaeHoon scratched his chin awkwardly . His awkward expression made the audience more cheerful .

“He doesn’t have a lover . Well, then . Anyone interested?”

Lunas became more cheerful when many people raised their hands . Of course, all of them were half-joking .

Park ChanHyung called upon a few that raised their hands to the stage and had Kim JaeHoon give them a hug . This was, of course, all fan service .

Kim JaeHoon gave out autographs and gave them a light hug . The ones that got picked to stand on the stage received the envy of other audience members .

They then talked about Kim JaeHoon’s life stories – what he did in the 4 years of absence, what he did after joining the new company and stuff like that . The audience cried when they heard how he joined his new company . They were glad to find out that he regained all the copyrights and that his former boss was now serving time in prison .

Someone else unexpectedly came into attention, KangYoon . He was watching the showcase from behind the stage and he was suddenly pointed at by Kim JaeHoon who said that KangYoon was his savior .

“Haha… . ”

When KangYoon made an awkward expression, Lee HyunJi giggled on the side .

“It’s a good thing . Come on, give them a wave . ”

When KangYoon still did nothing, Lee HyunJi grabbed his arm and waved it at the audience . Then, the audience applauded while cheering .

Like that, the fan meeting-like event was over, and it was time to showcase the next song .

Park ChanHyung had a look at the flashcard before speaking .

“So your next song is titled ‘Only One’ . What kind of song is this?”

“This is slightly different from the songs I sang until now . It’s a rock ballad . ”

People cheered at the word rock . This was a genre they didn’t expect from Kim JaeHoon .

“Rock, huh? Aren’t you someone who’s unrelated to rock?”

“I was . I didn’t hate it, but I didn’t really like it either . But, the president recommended that I do it . So, I ended up getting this song from HyunAh, someone who’s also from the company . ”

“Now I’m looking forward to that . Well, then, everyone . Give him a round of applause . ‘Only One’ . ”

“Waaa—!!”

The audience cheered and Kim JaeHoon stood up from his seat . The accompaniment flowed out and his second song, Only One, began .