Chapter 788: Film Production Begins (3)

Copyright referred to the broad set of rights related to creative works.

This concept included two main categories: moral rights and economic rights. Moral rights allowed the creator to be identified as the author of the work and could not be transferred or leased. Economic rights, on the other hand, were like stocks—they could be bought and sold.

So if someone bought the full set of economic rights, they could claim all future profits from a work currently registered under Choi Tae-Yong's name, such as 'Dreams Come True.' Since this included rights to future profits, the price naturally increased. However, it was a worthwhile investment considering the song was projected to earn 3 billion won annually.

That resolved the issue of ensuring the original creator received fair profit sharing, but there was still one more task left. It was to free the original composers, Yoon Sae-Yeon and Han Hye-Jung, from Choi Tae-Yong's exploitative grip.

"Ms. Sae-Yeon. Thank you for speaking up. So, may I ask—are you planning to stay here going forward?" I asked.

Aspiring composers typically worked under well-known professionals to debut, but these two already had the skills to debut as shown with 'Say It Again' by Pink Diamond.

Yoon Sae-Yeon shook her head. "No. But even if we leave, it's not like we can afford our own studio. We'll probably take part-time jobs for now and start composing together when we've saved up a bit."

"Then how about working with Seon-Woo from our company?"

The two had proven themselves capable of composing both major hits like 'Dreams Come True' and idol sub-title tracks. Collaborating with Bang Seon-Woo, a genius composer, was sure to create a strong synergy.

"W-Wait, really? With Composer Bang Seon-Woo?"

"Yes. The songs you've created are commercially viable. Why don't you sign with us?"

Yoon Sae-Yeon blanked out for a moment, then pinched her cheek. "

Ouch

. Okay, guess I'm not dreaming..."

Yoo-Jin gently reached over and removed Yoon Sae-Yeon's hand from her cheek. "Don't hurt that pretty face. You'll leave a mark."

When Yoo-Jin smiled and touched her cheek gently, Yoon Sae-Yeon blushed in embarrassment.

"I haven't even washed yet..."

Yoo-Jin grinned and held Yoon Sae-Yeon'snd tightly.

"It's okay. And like Yoon-Ho oppa said, come join our company and make your dreams come true. Together with your friend."

Yoo-Jin knew better than anyone that I never recruited people without a good reason. That was why she spoke kindly, reassuring Yoon Sae-Yeon with confidence.

'

Thank you, Yoo-Jin.

'

Being with Yoo-Jin made me feel like I had a powerful ally who always believed in me.

Yoon Sae-Yeon, softened by Yoo-Jin's warmth, turned to me. "Okay. Hye-Jung and I will join Hoop Entertainment. We never signed anything with this studio, so we can switch right away."

"Got it. And for your music work, did you use the computers here?"

"Hye-Jung and I both use our personal laptops. We only used the studio equipment for final arrangements."

I asked just in case, thinking we might need copyright evidence later. Fortunately, they had the files.

Then Yoon Sae-Yeon asked, "By the way... does this mean we're now in-house composers for Hoop Entertainment?"

"That's up to you. If you choose to become in-house, you'll receive a salary and housing, but the company will take a slightly larger revenue share."

"Then I'll go in-house."

"

Um

...Well, you could earn a lot in the future. Are you sure?"

"Yes. No one here has ever taken an interest in us. But you did, Mr. Jung. So now I want to be part of Hoop Entertainment and feel protected."

Right now, what mattered more than future dreams was their immediate livelihood. Yoo-Jin understood that and chimed in to support them. After all, when she was scouted from Burger Queen, she also started off as a salaried employee at Hoop Entertainment.

Yoo-Jin smiled. "Smart choice. Actually, I'm an assistant manager at Hoop Entertainment too."

When Yoo-Jin pulled out her business card and handed it over, Yoon Sae-Yeon's eyes widened. "Seriously?"

"Yep."

Thanks to Yoo-Jin, the persuasion ended smoothly. Now it was time to prepare for the song deal.

"Alright, we can talk about the details later. First, we need to buy some songs. Knowing Mr. Choi's personality, if we ask for just one, he'll charge a fortune. So we're going to buy multiple copyright licenses at once. Do you have any recommendations?" I asked.

Out of the 150 songs, I had only listened to five. Since I came specifically to buy 'Dreams Come True,' I hadn't paid much attention to the rest.

When I asked Yoon Sae-Yeon just in case, she confidently picked out a few she was proud of. Then I saw them.

'

Wait... these are

...'

Among the ten songs she selected were 'Spring Light Flutter,' 'Cherry Blossom Path,' 'One Day Out of a Thousand,' and 'This Song, That Song'—all of which would become title tracks for idols debuting under TK Entertainment over the next four years.

'

Who would've thought these were all by assistant composers Yoon Sae-Yeon and Han Hye-Jung

?'

I had come for 'Dreams Come True

,

' but ended up finding two powerhouse talents.

I quickly composed myself and cleared my throat. "Alright. Then let's go with four from your list, along with 'Dreams Come True.'"

"Yes! Thank you so much."

I hadn't even mentioned splitting the rights yet, but just the idea of recovering part of her ownership brought a smile to Yoon Sae-Yeon's face. For a composer, a song was like their own child. So the fact that the profits would now go to me or our company instead of Choi Tae-Yong felt more comforting to her.

However, I had no intention of robbing the original creator of her rights. For me, working with them was already a huge gain.

'

Ms. Sae-Yeon, I'll make sure you share in the profits, and one day, I'll get you your full rights back too.

'

With that vow in mind, I hit play on the songs Yoon Sae-Yeon had chosen. Sure enough, they were the same ones I remembered. I couldn't stop my lips from curling into a smile.

What thrilled me more than the potential profits was the chance to ensure rightful earnings went to the original creators.

***

A few moments later, the studio door swung open and Composer Choi Tae-Yong burst in, out of breath.

"

Huff, huff.

Sorry I'm late. The girls from Petit More are on edge because of their upcoming comeback and I've been calming them down. So, how were the songs? You listened to them all?"

I took a deep breath and answered. "Yes. I liked every single one."

"

Hahaha

! I knew it. You always know a good song when you hear one, Chief Jung. Alright, pick the ones you want. I'll give you a deal."

That was a lie. He had never once offered a fair price. His rates were always at least three times higher than other composers.

However, I kept a straight face. "Well~ I do have one request."

"What is it?"

"Rather than just licensing usage, I'd like to purchase the full copyright."

When I said I didn't want to deal with messy rights later, Choi Tae-Yong's eyes gleamed. "Really? And who's getting them? Don't give me that 'for a rookie soloist' line, because it won't work. You came all the way here, so I bet it's for someone big, right?"

As expected, there was no fooling someone as seasoned as him. So I gave him the most plausible excuse.

"It's for a mission song on

Project I.O.A.

"

Only then did Choi Tae-Yong finally break into a grin. "A mission track, huh? And probably using it for performances too, rearranging it on your side?"

"Exactly."

With a glint in his eye, Choi Tae-Yong leaned in with a proposal. He clearly knew

Project I.O.A.

was the hottest thing right now.

"

Hehehe

... alright then. Let's make a deal."

"How much are you asking?"

"If you want the full copyright, it starts at 30 million won per song. And a few of them have premium value. I'll tell you which once you pick."

In the end, a song was worthless until it was released. Some copyrights went for as low as a million won. Despite his bluff, Choi Tae-Yong was demanding 30 million won per song.

'

So that's how he wants to play it

.'

If I had picked only 'Dreams Come True,' he would have tacked on a premium and asked for 300 million won just for that. That was exactly the kind of person he was.

I swallowed my frustration and bundled the offer. "Thirty million per song is too much. I'll pay 100 million for five tracks I choose."

"Come on now. Five songs for 100 million? That's only 20 million per song. You'll have to raise it or there's no deal."

"Then 120 million. That's my final offer."

"Nope. I'll drop the premium, but five songs will be 150 million."

Choi Tae-Yong finally gave me a number.

I pretended to think it over, then sighed like I had no other choice. "Alright. But I pick the five tracks myself?"

"Wait, just don't choose from these twenty. I'm not selling them."

Choi Tae-Yong separated out twenty songs, ones he likely composed himself or was particularly fond of. It didn't matter, because the five I had picked weren't on that list anyway.

"That's a shame. Some of my favorites were in there..."

"

Hehe

, is that so? Then we can recalculate."

"No need. I've got a budget to stick to, so I'll go with alternatives."

I flattered Choi Tae-Yong while stalling, then pointed out the songs I wanted.

Once I finished, Choi Tae-Yong grinned smugly. "Don't feel too bad. The ones you picked are still solid tracks."

Choi Tae-Yong called the legal team, face lit up with a triumphant smile. I contacted Legal Team Lead Kwak Moo-Hyuk to prepare the contract on my end.

Seeing Choi Tae-Yong so smug, he clearly thought he had played me. Yet once the film was released, he would understand and realize who the real fool was.

'

Thirty million per track? 'Dreams Come True' alone would rake in more than 3 billion won per year

.'

And the other four weren't minor songs either. They would bring in major profits. Even if we couldn't win the copyright suit, Choi Tae-Yong had just thrown away at least 10 billion won in future earnings.

***

At the entrance of his basement studio, Choi Tae-Yong was beaming after the 150 million won hit his account.

"Chief Jung, come by anytime if you need more songs!"

"Will do. See you next time."

After waving to Yoo-Jin, Choi Tae-Yong turned and disappeared back into the studio.

Buzz~

When the door shut behind him, I checked the time and it was 11:40 a.m. I had plans to meet Miso at the school gate in Cheonho-dong around 12:20, so it was time to head out.

However, I paused and turned to Yoo-Jin. "Hey, Yoo-Jin. One sec."

Yoo-Jin smiled knowingly. "You want to see Ms. Sae-Yeon before we go?"

"You know me too well."

Yoo-Jin shrugged. "Of course."

Being around each other so much, Yoo-Jin didn't need words to know what I was thinking.

Five minutes later, Yoon Sae-Yeon came out wearing a faded pink jacket with frayed cuffs, a bag slung over her shoulder.

Buzz~

Just as I suspected, she hadn't received even five hundred thousand won for her song.

"Ms. Sae-Yeon! Over here!" I shouted.

Yoon Sae-Yeon looked up in surprise when she heard my voice. "

Oh

, you're still here?"

"I had to give you this before leaving."

I pulled an envelope from my pocket, filled with one million won.

Tap.

"Take this and use it for whatever you need. Maybe take your friend to the hospital too."

"I-I'm sorry? What?"

"It's like an advance. Don't worry about paying it back and just use it. I'll see you this evening.

Oh

, and where do you live? If it's on the way, I can give you a ride."

Still trembling, Yoon Sae-Yeon clutched the envelope tightly and said, "I'll definitely repay this, Mr. Jung."

"No need. Just consider it a thank-you for helping choose the songs."

I offered an easy excuse to lessen her burden.

Yoon Sae-Yeon nodded repeatedly, grateful. "Thank you so much, Mr. Jung."

"Sure. So where do you live?"

"I'm in Cheonho-dong."

"Perfect. We're headed that way. Hop in."

Luckily, we were going in the same direction. After picking Yoon Sae-Yeon up, we headed toward Cheonho-dong.

On the way, I called Han Hye-Jung, her partner and roommate. After hearing the situation from Yoon Sae-Yeon, Han Hye-Jung couldn't hold back her tears.

-

Sob.

Thank you, Mr. Jung. Really.

Han Hye-Jung had hurt her back at a part-time job and was bedridden. On top of that, they were behind on rent and facing eviction. They needed that five hundred thousand won to pay their overdue rent, or the landlord was going to kick them out in a week.

"For now, forget about everything else and go to the hospital I recommend. I'll give the address to Ms. Sae-Yeon."

-Okay. See you later. And really, thank you.

"Of course."

After hanging up, I gave Yoon Sae-Yeon the address to Kim Soo-Myung's clinic.

"I'll call ahead, so just take a taxi and tell the front desk that Chief Jung from Hoop sent you. And after that, grab a nice meal nearby and head over to our office. We'll be going there with Miso as well."

"Okay, Mr. Jung."

"And if you've got any more songs composed, I'd really like to hear them."

"Sure. I'll bring everything Hye-Jung and I have worked on."

They had created over a hundred songs, hoping even a few might make some money. My heart raced wondering how many of them I might recognize. Just getting 'Dreams Come True' was already a win.

But the real success today was bringing these two talents on board.

***

We picked up Miso in front of the school and headed to Mirinae. The parking lot at JU Entertainment's building had only Ju Yung-In's car. After getting out with Miso, we went to Ju Yung-In's office and ordered a simple lunch. Then we headed upstairs to Mirinae's script reading room.

After greeting President Han Yoo-Sik's team, lead actor Sung Gyu-Hwan and the supporting cast began to arrive one by one. Director Oh Sang-Do, Chief Hyun Jong-Yeon, and writer Yoo Tae-Pyung also came in, and after greeting them, Yoo-Jin and I took seats in the back row reserved for talent agents.

Once Ju Yung-In sat down, she called out to Miso beside us. "Miso, come sit here."

"Okay~"

Miso went to sit beside Ju Yung-In. Since they were playing mother and daughter in

Missing – The Lost Ones

, their bond had grown stronger.

Yoo-Jin smiled as she watched them. "Miso really hated Yung-In at first, but not anymore. Sometimes, I even get jealous that they're so close. Look at this."

She showed me a photo on her phone of the two at the filming site. Even as she grumbled, her eyes sparkled with affection for Miso.

"

Oh

, right. I need to film something for Instargem."

I took out my phone, planning to record the script reading and upload it later. When I smiled at Miso, she waved back. Miso grabbed her script again, preparing for the reading.

Then, Yoo-Jin suddenly grabbed my arm. "Oppa... don't be shocked when you see Miso act."

"Huh? Why?"

"You'll see. I was so stunned I nearly told her to stop."

With everything going on lately, I hadn't seen Miso act in a while. I nodded, holding my phone ready. "Okay."

A moment later, Han Yoo-Sik stood up. "Alright, since many of you couldn't attend the initial meeting, today's the first full gathering of the cast. Don't be too nervous. Think of this as a test run. Step by step. Today is just about finding what needs work, so don't stress over small mistakes."

Over 40 people—including Park Sang-Gyu playing Wolryeong, actors for a college couple, a couple with a seven-year-old, a young athlete, and middle-aged friends—fell silent.

"PD Oh, go ahead."

"Yes, sir." Oh Sang-Do adjusted his glasses and picked up the script. "Since we've gathered such busy folks, let's dive right in. I'll read the narration, and you each deliver your lines. We start with Miso, right?"

"Yes!"

"Begin right after I finish the narration."

"Okay."

The scene was from a hundred years ago, the final moments of Illyeong, a seven-year-old child sacrificed in a shaman's ritual. Miso took a deep breath and immersed herself in the role.

"Scene 1. A hundred years ago on Haze Island. A foggy island in the southern sea. Once a month, a thick mist covers Yeonmu Island. Here, the shaman Wolryeong plots to turn a seven-year-old child into a guardian spirit to amplify her powers. Inside a small wooden barrel. Illyeong, trapped within, has eaten nothing, surviving six days on seeping water alone. Her senses dull, her vision fades. At that moment, Illyeong..."

As Oh Sang-Do finished narrating, Miso placed her script down on the table.

Thud.

Everyone's eyes turned to her. Miso stretched her arms forward, then let her upper body slump lifelessly onto the table like a corpse.

And just like Yoo-Jin said, Miso's bone-chilling performance began.