Chapter 26: Core of Hoop Entertainment

Click.

As soon as I opened the door to the operations director’s office, Lee Gi-Cheoll’s sharp voice filled the room.

“What took you so long to get here!? I called you long ago!”

“It took them a while because I was talking to them.”

The moment Lee Gi-Cheol heard Kang Gam-Chan’s voice, he flinched.

“M-Mr. Kang? You came with them?”

“What’s up with that look? Am I not allowed to come?”

“N-not at all, sir. Of course you can come. Please, take a seat here.”

“Alright.”

Kang Gam-Chan made his way to the sofa with a stern look.

As Lee Gi-Cheol stepped to the side, Han Myung-Ho and I could sense his piercing stare, but we averted our eyes, refusing to meet his gaze.

“Now...go ahead and talk as if I’m not here. I heard there’s an urgent matter that needs to be discussed,” Kang Gam-Chan said as he leaned back on the sofa.

Lee Gi-Cheol tried to read Kang Gam-Chan’s mood for a moment. However, he soon turned his attention to Han Myung-Ho and began to pressure him.

“Team Lead Han, you do realize that Cherry Blossom’s second album completely flopped, right?”

Han Myung-Ho nodded with a heavy expression on his face.

“Yes, sir.”

‘Well, it is an undeniable fact.’

“As you know, the losses from Singer Division 2 are substantial. Just for Cherry Blossom alone, we are dealing with a monthly deficit of 30 million won! 30 million!”

Han Myung-Ho nodded once again without saying a single word. His forlorn expression made it seem as if he had committed a sin of some sort.

“That's why, with a heavy heart, I must inform you that in order to meet the production costs for Golden Road's upcoming album, we may need to reduce the budget for Cherry Blossom's third album and...”

At that moment, Kang Gam-Chan interrupted Lee Gi-Cheol.

“Hold on a second, Director Lee.”

“Yes, Mr. Kang?”

“What are you talking about right now?”

“Um, as you just heard, Singer Division 2 is running at a deficit and...”

“Yes, I heard you. What do you mean Singer Division 2 is running at a deficit?”

Despite Kang Gam-Chan’s stern expression, Lee Gi-Cheol continued speaking confidently.

“We’re trying to reduce the deficit from next year. It doesn’t make sense to keep pouring money into these groups when we can’t even be sure of their success, does it? Any other company would have already disbanded them.”

Kang Gam-Chan remained silent.

“For your information, we have a total monthly deficit of 100 million won if we combine all of Singer Division 2. 100 million!”

“Go on.”

“On the other hand, Singer Division 1 consistently makes a profit of over 200 million won every month. Isn’t it only natural to allocate more of the production budget to the more successful division?”

Kang Gam-Chan responded with a faint chuckle at Lee Gi-Cheol’s reasoning. Then, he leaned forward as he uncrossed his arms.

“Lee Gi-Cheol. What the heck are you thinking?”

“Pardon? I mean...to run a company, we obviously need to consider our financial situation too...”

But Kang Gam-Chan snorted and cut Lee Gi-Cheol off.

“You are suggesting we run our company like any other now that it’s starting to grow? Cut out all the unsuccessful groups and only focus on the successful ones? What do you think we are? Stockbrokers? Bankers?”

“M-Mr. Kang. I am the operations director. Your words are a bit harsh...”

It seemed Lee Gi-Cheol’s pride was hurt when Kang Gam-Chan addressed him by his name rather than his title.

However, anger was evident on Kang Gam-Chan’s face.

“Did you just say I’m harsh? And what you’re doing isn’t? Taking away from the ones who are struggling just so that you can promote and help those who are raking in profit is what’s harsh. Since when did this business only focus on profit?”

Bang!

When Kang Gam-Chan slammed the table and gave a fierce glare, Lee Gi-Cheol quickly shut his mouth. It was impossible for Kang Gam-Chan, with thirty years of experience in the industry, not to understand the idol business. While the idol business might run at a loss and require hefty investments, it was a jackpot once they were successful.

It was a business where one success could not only recover all past deficits but also have enough money left over to build a new building.

“...And has everyone forgotten the reason I divided the company into separate divisions? I appointed division chiefs and gave them full authority so they could operate independently. If you’re going to merge every division and wield control as you please, why do we even need separate divisions? Why have teams, huh!?”

Kang Gam-Chan berated Lee Gi-Cheol relentlessly. Observing his charisma, I couldn’t help but think that if it weren’t for Kang Gam-Chan’s health issues, Hoop Entertainment wouldn’t have collapsed so easily.

Lee Gi-Cheol’s confidence seemed to shrink under the fierce aura of Kang Gam-Chan.

“Hey, Lee Gi-Cheol. No, Director Lee. Let me ask you one more thing since we’re on the subject. Are you aware that Cherry Blossom is trending on live search rankings?”

“Live search rankings, sir?”

“

Tsk

. What did I expect? Of course you wouldn’t know when you just rely on the reports being brought to your desk. When was the last time you personally checked with the publicity team?”

“It was two days ago, but...”

“Two days? Jeez! If only I were ten years younger, I wouldn't have been this easy on you!”

As Kang Gam-Chan stepped forward, Lee Gi-Cheol flinched. After glaring at Lee Gi-Cheol for a moment, Kang Gam-Chan called in the team lead of the publicity division through the intercom.

Beep.

“Team Lead Sung. Come up.”

“Yes, Mr. Kang.”

A moment later, Team Lead Sung Min-Suk of the publicity division rushed in holding a tablet.

“Give me a briefing on the current situation of Singer Division 2.”

“Yes, sir.”

“And the financial status as well. Oh, if you don’t have the information, call in the team leads of the planning division and finance division.”

“There’s no need, sir. I’ve brought all the necessary data with me.”

“Is that so? Great. Then go ahead and begin.”

Upon Kang Gam-Chan’s instruction, Sung Min-Suk began the briefing, his nervousness evident as he froze in place.

“The status of the celebrities under Singer Division 2 is...”

As the report continued, Lee Gi-Cheol’s face became increasingly twisted.

The moment Sung Min-Suk was done with his briefing, Kang Gam-Chan glared at Lee Gi-Cheol and opened his mouth.

“Did you hear that?”

Cold sweat streamed down from Lee Gi-Cheol’s forehead because the report stated the monthly deficit of Singer Division 2 was indeed 100 million won, but according to the current trend, they could reduce the deficit by half within the next three months.

“Um, Mr. Kang. What I meant was...”

“That’s enough. Shut your mouth.”

Lee Gi-Cheol hastily bowed his head.

With a frown, Kang Gam-Chan spoke to Sung Min-Suk.

“Send the data you brought to my KkTalk and tell the managing director to come up immediately.”

“She’s actually already waiting outside, sir.”

“Is she? Director Kang! Come in right now!”

With a stern expression, Kang Ji-Yung walked into the office and bowed her head at Kang Gam-Chan. But without greeting her, Kang Gam-Chan sharply confronted her.

“Hey, Director Kang. Does it feel nice slacking off at the company?”

“Not at all, sir.”

Kang Ji-Yung responded with a rigid, soldier-like attitude, taken aback by Kang Gam-Chan’s unusual demeanor.

“I told you to make sure each division and their chiefs operate independently, didn’t I? Do you remember that?”

“I remember, sir.”

“Then why is this even happening right now? I took my eyes off internal matters a bit because I was focused on the business in China and Japan, and now everything’s a mess!”

“I apologize, sir. I will rectify the situation right away.”

Kang Ji-Yung lowered her head at Kang Gam-Chan’s rebuke. However, the most anxious person at this moment was Lee Gi-Cheol because Kang Gam-Chan’s comment was essentially a direct insult to him.

Caught meddling with the company as he pleased, Lee Gi-Cheol didn’t dare lift his head.

Kang Gam-Chan gazed silently at Kang Ji-Yung and opened his mouth again.

“Am I trusting you too much?”

“No, sir. I will do better.”

“If this is too much for you to handle, let me know anytime. I will step in myself.”

Kang Ji-Yung shuddered.

“There is no need, sir. I can handle it.”

“I’ll keep my eye on you.”

“Yes, sir.”

Kang Ji-Yung glared at the bowing Lee Gi-Cheol and bit her lips tightly.

I had never seen this side of Kang Gam-Chan in my past life as he usually appeared laid-back. But today, I could see all of his meticulousness, decisiveness, and charisma.

‘

Indeed. Kang Gam-Chan is the core of Hoop Entertainment.

’

In addition to Faithful, I decided to look out for Kang Gam-Chan. As long as Kang Gam-Chan remained strong and well, Lee Gi-Cheol would never dare to act recklessly.

As Kang Gam-Chan continued to reprimand his own daughter without mercy, someone knocked on the door.

Knock, knock, knock.

“Who is it?”

At Kang Gam-Chan’s sharp words, the door opened slightly.

“It’s me.”

Kang Gam-Chan frowned upon seeing Finance Director Jung Su-Hyuk, whom he had been friends with since he was a child. He originally worked in the finance team of a large corporation and was an accountant by profession, but he retired five years ago and joined Hoop Entertainment at Kang Gam-Chan’s persuasion.

He was the only person who could calm the rampaging Kang Gam-Chan down.

“Everyone outside can hear. Please calm down.”

Given they were in a formal setting and there were many eyes on them, Jung Su-Hyuk remained very courteous. However, Kang Gam-Chan was still visibly irritated as he breathed heavily out of anger.

“Hey, Director Jung! How can I calm down when...”

“Ms. Lee Ji-Yeon has arrived.”

Kang Gam-Chan quickly changed his words.

“...Lee Ji-Yeon is here?”

He then stood up abruptly from his seat.

“What is Lee Ji-Yeon doing here?”

“She’s here to discuss an issue concerning an actor that guy over there is in charge of.”

Jung Su-Hyuk pointed toward me.

***

Kang Gam-Chan, along with Kang Ji-Yung and Gu Seong-Cheol, went down to the conference room on the sixth floor.

Although I was a newbie, I also participated in the meeting as the person-in-charge.

Upon arriving, I could see that Kim Soll-Ip had come along with Lee Ji-Yeon.

“

Ha ha ha

. Ms. Lee. What brings you here at this late hour?”

Lee Ji-Yeon grumbled at Kang Gam-Chan’s question.

“Why? Are you not pleased to see me?”

“Hey! Who said I’m not happy to see you? Was it you, Chief Gu? Or was it you, Director Kang?”

Lee Ji-Yeon laughed at Kang Gam-Chan’s joke.

“You’re not funny. Anyway, Soll-Ip sent a script but there was no reply, so we came by to check what was going on. Also, it’s been a while since I saw you, Mr. Kang~.”

Kang Gam-Chan looked puzzled at Lee Ji-Yeon’s words.

“Director Kang, what script are we talking about here?”

“Ms. Kim Soll-Ip sent us the script for Miss Jung Yoo-Jin’s next drama this morning. It’s a drama set to air on SBC on April 1st, and she wants to cast Miss Yoo-Jin for a major supporting role...”

Kang Gam-Chan’s face instantly brightened.

“Haha, what good news. Ms. Kim, please take good care of Yoo-Jin.”

Kim Soll-Ip looked quite surprised at Kang Gam-Chan’s courteous greeting.

“Oh, of course, Mr. Kang.”

“

Ha ha ha

. Now that you’ve become a writer, what should I give you as a debut gift?”

At that moment, Lee Ji-Yeon made an unexpected declaration.

“By the way, Mr. Kang. There’s a role perfect for Yoo-Jin in my new drama as well.”

Gulp.

After a brief silence, I heard someone gulp. The people in the meeting room were left in an absurd situation where they could neither laugh nor cry. Because now, both writers were competing to cast Yoo-Jin.

Kang Gam-Chan carefully opened his mouth and broke the silence.

“W-wait a minute. So both of you want to cast Yoo-Jin?”

Both Lee Ji-Yeon and Kim Soll-Ip nodded simultaneously.

“Supporting Soll-Ip’s debut drama and giving up a favorite actor are two separate issues. So you need to make a choice. Do you want to go with my work? Or Soll-Ip’s work?”

Looking sideways, I could see Kim Soll-Ip grinning.

‘

Is she confident or just fearless?

’

She didn't even bat an eyelid at the competition with Lee Ji-Yeon.

“

Ha ha ha.

W-what should we do about this?”

Everyone looked perplexed.

Most people would likely choose Lee Ji-Yeon’s work, but the problem was that Kim Soll-Ip was Lee Ji-Yeon’s assistant. A wrong decision might end up causing hard feelings.

𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

As everyone hesitated to answer, Gu Seong-Cheol took the initiative and replied.

“Ms. Lee. Why don’t we discuss this matter after the scripts have come out and...”

“Oh my, I haven’t sent the script yet? I must’ve been out of it because I’ve been so busy lately.”

Lee Ji-Yeon immediately sent the script via KkTalk.

“You can read it right now if you want. I’m confident about my script. I’ve actually been preparing it for a long time and have completed it up to the fourth episode, and the outline to the end is set. The production company is Red Moon and the male lead is Choi Jun-Woo from Ace Entertainment. You know how hot he is, right?”

Having teamed up with the top drama production company in the industry, Lee Ji-Yeon was brimming with confidence.

I pretended to read the script I received on KkTalk while I glanced through my planner. However, my concerns regarding Lee Ji-Yeon’s next work remained.

At that moment, Lee Ji-Yeon turned to face me.

“Hey, Yoon-Ho~. Don’t you want Yoo-Jin in my drama? Why the long face?”

After Lee Ji-Yeon spoke, I felt all eyes on me.