Chapter 534: Backside (4)

"It's advertising from Seven Star Electronics Mobile Division."

I had anticipated that Hong Seok-Joon might try something, so on my way out of Daecheon Inc., I had called Kim Cheon-Seok, the executive director of public relations at Seven Star Electronics.

When I asked if they could step in with ads for

Hwaranjeon

in case any slots opened up, Kim Cheon-Seok readily agreed and promised to run their ads if any slots became available.

As I mentioned the name of the top-tier advertiser, Ryu Han-Joon's eyes widened. "Miss Yoo-Jin became the model for Galactica?"

"Yes. It'll be officially announced soon. While we're at it, let's also request that the ads run during the premiere of

Hwaranjeon

."

Ryu Han-Joon tried to suppress his excitement as he asked me, "Um... Chief Jung, sorry, but could you confirm that for us? This is too big to leave to chance."

"Of course. I was about to call Mr. Kim anyway."

I dialed Kim Cheon-Seok right away.

"Mr. Kim, I just heard that an ad slot has opened up."

-That's great news. But who on earth would pull their ads from

Hwaranjeon

?

Haha.

'

It was the fool from HK Inc.

'

I held back my laughter and continued.

"Mr. Ryu Han-Joon is here with me. Could you speak with him?"

-Yes, please switch to speakerphone.

I switched to speakerphone mode, and Kim Cheon-Seok's voice came through the phone.

-Hello, Mr. Ryu.

"Ah~ Mr. Kim, it's been a while."

-I'll be visiting more often going forward. So, how much ad time is available?

"We have about 1 minute and 30 seconds open. How much would you be able to take?"

Usually, drama ad slots were sold in 15-second units. Since

Hwaranjeon

was a highly anticipated show at MBS, each 15-second slot cost a whopping fifteen million won.

Additionally, if the viewership ratings surpassed 25%, advertisers would pay a 30% premium. And if ratings exceeded 30%, they would pay a 50% premium. In short, 1 minute and 30 seconds now would cost at least seventy five million won per episode.

At that moment, Kim Cheon-Seok responded energetically.

-We'll take the full 1 minute and 30 seconds. Also, if we make a contract for all fifty episodes, what's the discount rate?

"A-All 50 episodes?"

-Yes, every single one. If additional slots open up, we can cover up to 2 minutes—1 minute before and 1 minute after the show. For now, let's split it into 45 seconds before and after.

Currently, only ten episodes' worth of ads for

Hwaranjeon

had been sold due to the high costs, with other advertisers waiting to see the viewership ratings before committing further. However, Kim Cheon-Seok was boldly offering to buy ad slots for the entire series.

"I'll look into it and get back to you."

-Understood. If you offer a 20% discount, we'll sign immediately. Oh, and please apply that discount to the premium fees if the ratings exceed 25%, too.

"Of course!"

-Then please get back to me today. We'll need to adjust our ad schedule starting next week. Ideally, we'd like to start running the ads with the first episode of

Hwaranjeon

.

There was no need for me to make a separate request.

"I'll contact you right away."

Then Kim Cheon-Seok mentioned another matter.

-Oh, and Mr. Jung, I'd like to reschedule the formal ad contract we were going to finalize the day after tomorrow to 2 p.m on the 8th. I have to make an urgent business trip to the U.S.

Currently, Seven Star and Yoo-Jin were under a preliminary contract. The formal contract had been scheduled for two days later, but now he was asking to move it to the 8th. If MBS approved the ad slots, the commercial shoot would take place on the 11th.

"Understood. I'll visit your office at 2 p.m on the 8th."

-Great, I'll see you then.

After ending the call, Ryu Han-Joon grabbed my hand tightly. "Chief Jung! You know I absolutely love you, right?"

Ryu Han-Joon's enthusiastic gaze was enough to make my face flush. "

Haha

. Yes."

Then, Oh Bok-Hee spoke up. "Ah, Mr. Ryu, we need to notify the press that we're changing the venue for the production presentation."

"Changing? Why?"

"Because of HK Inc."

Oh Bok-Hee explained how the friction between Hong Seok-Joon of HK Inc. and I almost caused the presentation to be canceled.

Ryu Han-Joon's face contorted in anger, but when I mentioned that we secured an even better venue with help from Daechon Inc., he calmed down a little. "Has HK gone mad? HK Apparel is already in chaos over the design leak, and now HK Electronics with Hong Seok-Joon? There's a limit to how much they can mock a broadcasting station!"

Seeing Ryu Han-Joon's frustration, a strategy to strike back at HK suddenly came to mind. "Mr. Ryu, how about letting the news division know about this?"

Since Ryu Han-Joon's wife was the head of the news division, there was a high chance it would get covered if we asked.

Ryu Han-Joon nodded. "That's a good idea. But we're still missing concrete evidence of President Hong Seok-Joon's abuse of power. I'll suggest tying it with the ongoing HK Apparel design leak and any personal corruption related to Hong Seok-Joon."

"In that case, I have something to share about him."

"What is it?"

"There's a group Hong Seok-Joon hangs out with. The heirs of conglomerates meet at Club Angel's VIP room, calling themselves the Leaders Club. They believe they'll be running Korea's future."

It was a gathering of heirs, including Hong Seok-Joon, where they discussed internal stock trades, real estate speculation, and more. They also brought along 'companions,' most of whom were female celebrities. If we could record what happened inside that club, we could take down Hong Seok-Joon and the others in one blow.

I mentioned the Leaders Club and checked my planner for their next meeting schedule.

[Everyday V12.1]

[Date: January 3, 2021]

-4:00 p.m: General Meeting (Topic: Han Yoo-Joo from Actor Team 3 attending the Leaders Club meeting on January 2)

'

It's still on.

'

That meant the next Leaders Club meeting was tonight at 10 p.m.

"There's a meeting tonight at Club Angel. A royal family member and a companion can get in, so you'll need to prepare someone. Oh, and phones aren't allowed inside, so you'll need to bring a high-end hidden camera. Cheap ones will get caught at the entrance scanners, so make sure it's top-notch and discreet."

"Tonight? That's tight, but I'll try to assemble a team."

Although pulling together a news crew and someone to go undercover wouldn't be easy, he was willing to try. After all, it would be a massive exclusive if successful.

Ryu Han-Joon stood up, leaving the production presentation in our hands. "Then before heading to the news division, I'll first check in with the director and president. We need to discuss the ad discount situation too. Since HK came to us, we can't just sit back."

I also stood and spoke to Oh Bok-Hee. "Then I'll head out to see Cherry Blossom now."

Since HK had tried to pull their ads from the drama, they might also target Cherry Blossom, who was aiming for their 11th consecutive music show win at today's MBS'

Show! Music Center

.

Oh Bok-Hee nodded. "Got it. I'll handle things here. Oh, and wish Cherry Blossom good luck on getting 1st place today."

I bowed my head to Oh Bok-Hee, then headed toward the MBS public hall.

***

Meanwhile, Hong Seok-Joon, the president of HK Electronics and director at HK Inc., was making calls to block Jung Yoon-Ho's path. He was applying pressure to every affiliate linked to HK Inc., including broadcast stations.

"Yeah, cut all ads connected to Hoop Entertainment. That talent agent punk dared to challenge me!"

Just then, the door to his office clicked open.

Hong Seok-Joon, still on the phone, shouted angrily. "Who told you to come in?"

"It's me."

The person who walked in was Chairman Hong Moon-Gyu of HK Inc.

Hong Seok-Joon instantly stood up from his seat. "Father."

"How is it going?"

"We're handling it well. We gave them a choice: Hoop or HK. Everyone's falling in line. Looks like these punks know better than to cross HK."

Hong Seok-Joon's smug attitude made Hong Moon-Gyu sigh heavily. "Did you hear anything from H Hotel in Samseong-dong?"

"Well, their production presentation is on the 4th, so they'll probably contact us on the day itself. We told them to cancel it just before the presentation."

"And what about MBS?"

"We just pulled the ads, so they should be in disarray. I'm sure we'll hear from them soon."

Suddenly, Hong Moon-Gyu exploded in anger. "You fool! The production presentation has already been moved to Daechon Hotel. And the ad slots you pulled have been snatched up by Seven Star Electronics!"

"W-what are you saying?"

Hong Moon-Gyu could barely contain his fury. "Useless brat! You're the president of HK Electronics, yet you can't even handle a single talent agent!?"

"Father, please don't just yell. Explain it so I can understand."

"While you were sitting on your ass making phone calls, that Jung Yoon-Ho punk was out there, on foot, neutralizing every move you made!"

Hong Seok-Joon couldn't believe it. He had pressured H Hotel just this morning, barely five hours ago. He couldn't fathom how Jung Yoon-Ho not only found out but also lined up alternatives in such a short time. Especially since, being early in the year, every banquet hall in the city should have been fully booked.

Panicked, Hong Seok-Joon called H Hotel, only to be told that MBS had already canceled the event. He then tried calling the head of MBS's drama division, but no one was picking up.

"What... what is going on?"

Watching this, Hong Moon-Gyu gave a frustrated look and turned to his chief secretary. "Secretary Park, replace Seok-Joon's entire secretary team immediately! If the boss is lazy, the subordinates should at least be efficient!"

Park Han-Bok, the chief secretary, bowed and left the office. "I'll handle it right away, sir."

Even as his aides were being cut down before his eyes, Hong Seok-Joon couldn't say a word.

Hong Moon-Gyu glared and said, "Get it together, Hong Seok-Joon! The one you're targeting, Jung Yoon-Ho, is being closely watched by both Daechon's and Jinseong's chairmen!"

"What? But he's just a talent agent..."

Hong Moon-Gyu roared again, "He's the one who put your brother behind bars! Do you want to end up in prison alongside him?"

Only then did Hong Seok-Joon snap out of it. Though his father often got irritated, it was rare for him to truly lose his temper.

"I-I'm sorry, Father."

"Straighten up. Otherwise, you'll be next."

After issuing his warning, Hong Moon-Gyu slammed the door shut behind him as he left. Left alone, Hong Seok-Joon clenched his teeth and called one of his now-dismissed secretaries.

"Hey! What's happening with Cherry Blossom?"

The fired secretary answered.

-We took action, but I'm not sure what happened after that.

"Damn it. Fine. Just lay low for now, and I'll send you the money later."

-Thank you, sir.

Hong Seok-Joon ensured his people would stay silent before ending the call. Though he was furious about being scolded by his father, he knew better than to ignore the warning.

At that moment, Hong Seok-Joon thought of his next move.

"Right, the Leaders Club!"

The Leaders Club, where the heirs of conglomerates gathered, often pooled their power to take down common enemies. Even if it meant spending a lot of money, wiping out Jung Yoon-Ho would be worth it. Once Jung Yoon-Ho was out of the picture, Jin Ah-Ram would be his for the taking.

"Jung Yoon-Ho, you're finished, you punk!"

Grinding his teeth, Hong Seok-Joon grabbed his phone again, unaware of what Jung Yoon-Ho was truly capable of.

***

Inside the waiting room at MBS'

Show! Music Center

, Cherry Blossom's members were nowhere in sight with only Do Ran-Hee and the stylists tidying up the stage outfits.

"Oh? Mr. Jung, didn't you say you couldn't make it today?"

"Ah, I had an urgent meeting at MBS, so I stopped by. Where are the girls?"

"Ms. Eun took them around the waiting rooms with Assistant Manager Lee Ju-Yung."

Even though Cherry Blossom was a top contender for first place, they were still respectfully visiting their sunbaes' waiting rooms.

I asked, "Where's Mrs. Lee Mal-Soon? I didn't see her in her waiting room earlier."

"She went to see the PD with Ms. Baek Hee-Yung and Mr. Yang Hong-Seok."

Trot singer Lee Mal-Soon, who recently moved to Division Jung, was performing today with her hit song 'Blowing Up,' written by composer Dragon Taoist, following the success of "Trust Noona!"

"Okay. Anything else I should know?"

"Oh, Mrs. Han So-Jin is also performing today."

Han So-Jin debuted at twenty-eight and had a twenty-year career as a solo artist. In the past, when the record market was thriving, she hit multiple million-seller records thanks to her sweet and powerful vocals. However, she was notoriously difficult as she was very high-handed, sensitive, and strict about hierarchy.

"Mrs. Han So-Jin? She didn't even show up at the face meeting last week because of her comeback next week."

"Yeah, but I think she worked it out with the CP today."

MBS'

Show! Music Center

had recently switched PDs to Park Yung-Min, and the new CP was Oh Se-Chan. Oh Se-Chan had been close with Han So-Jin since they joined the company, so it seemed he had slotted her into today's lineup.

"Show me the cue sheet."

Do Ran-Hee handed me a copy, saying she had secretly grabbed it from the waiting room. "Here you go."

Lee Mal-Soon was placed mid-program, while LaLaLa Band and Lim Ga-Joo, who had been neck-and-neck contenders last week, were scheduled for later. Right after them was Han So-Jin with Cherry Blossom closing the show.

"They gave her a pretty good spot."

Thanks to her connection with the CP, Han So-Jin's comeback stage was strategically placed between the two 1st place contenders—an impossible slot for anyone but a diva like her.

Then, my phone vibrated with a new notification.

[Notification: January 2, 2021. A new schedule entry has been added for Kim Sae-Ri.]

I tapped on today's schedule entry in Everyday to check it out. But what popped up was so absurd that it made me freeze.

'

Because of me, Cherry Blossom's streak for 11 consecutive music show wins is about to get canceled?

'