Chapter 792: Youth, Once Again! (1)

"I want to give this song to Hyun-Ji unnie."

The Hyun-Ji unnie that Lee Mal-Soon referred to was Kim Hyun-Ji—my singer Kang Ha-Na's mother.

In her younger days, Kim Hyun-Ji had performed only on nightclub stages as a Kim Hyun-Ja impersonator, once a superstar in the trot scene. Back then, she had a sisterly bond with Lee Mal-Soon.

I exclaimed, "Ah..."

"Chief Jung, you promised me, remember? That you'd help Hyun-Ji unnie make a comeback? So I want this song to go to her."

If Kang Ha-Na's mother ended up singing this song, it would change everything I knew about the future.

Even if a strong trot song had the power to turn a nobody into a star, the profits were vastly different when someone like Lee Mal-Soon—called the queen of trot—sang it, compared to someone like Kang Ha-Na's mother.

"Chief Jung, please. I'm asking you. With this song, her fate is bound to change. I really want Hyun-Ji unnie to sing this."

I couldn't give her an answer easily. An S-class trot song could earn around ten billion won a year just from performances and events. Even if it wasn't quite that much, the composer and arranger would still receive substantial income.

In short, the singer directly affected the composers' earnings.

𝚏𝕣𝕖𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚋𝚗𝐨𝐯𝕖𝕝.𝕔𝐨𝕞

So I looked at the original composers Han Hye-Jung and Yoon Sae-Yeon, and the arranger Bang Seon-Woo, to ask their thoughts.

"What do you think, everyone?"

To my surprise, all three readily said they would respect Lee Mal-Soon's wishes.

"Yes, ma'am. We'll go along with your decision."

"Yes, same here. Of course, it'd be ideal if you sang it, but if not, we're okay with the singer you recommend."

No matter how great a song was, if no singer wanted to perform it, it remained nothing but an audio file. It was just like how it had been shelved after being rejected by Han Yo-Jung. Perhaps because they were newcomers, the two composers emphasized that having the song released at all was what mattered most.

Then Lee Mal-Soon broke into a bright smile and replied, "Don't worry. Hyun-Ji unnie is one of the few real singers I acknowledge! She'd never disgrace you talented composers. You can trust me on that."

The composers' faces immediately lit up.

Yet I had one lingering concern, so I cautiously asked Lee Mal-Soon, "Ma'am, I just want to be sure. You do know how valuable this song is, right?"

"I'm Lee Mal-Soon. I've been in this business for 30 years. You think I wouldn't know? I can tell at a glance how much this song will earn. And Hyun-Ji unnie can sign with Hoop Entertainment before recording, so there's no risk of money leaking outside the company."

"

Ah

, no, that's not what I meant. I'm just wondering why you would go this far for her."

Lee Mal-Soon's expression turned serious as she glanced around at everyone. "Can you all keep this to yourselves?"

The two new composers swallowed hard. "We can keep a secret. Actually, maybe we should just step outside."

Bang Seon-Woo nodded too. "Me as well."

Yoo-Jin and Miso both covered their mouths with their hands and nodded.

But I looked straight at Lee Mal-Soon and said firmly, "If it's something difficult to talk about, you don't have to say anything. Even if it slips by accident, it could bring trouble to you. And if that happens, you might start doubting everyone here, which is something I'd never want. So please, just keep it to yourself."

Words, no matter how careful one was, could always leak out. It was better not to hear them in the first place. I couldn't let any misunderstanding fall on the people I cared about.

However, that attitude only made Lee Mal-Soon smile even more. "Seeing how firm you are, it actually makes me want to tell you more. Don't worry, a few close friends already know. So even if it leaks, I won't suspect anyone. And I think it's time you knew, Chief Jung. I just wanted to ask for everyone's discretion."

With that, Lee Mal-Soon began to talk about her past.

"It's personally a little shameful, which is why I never said anything before... but when I debuted, every trot singer had to perform on the nightclub circuit. This is something that happened back then, with my boyfriend at the time."

If it was thirty years ago, that would have been when trot singers were often under the thumb of gangsters. Even the largest company dominating the music industry at the time turned out to be a suspicious organization run by a pseudo-religious cult, and the nightclubs where singers performed were controlled by gangs.

At the time, Lee Mal-Soon had come to Seoul from her hometown Mokpo to pursue her childhood dream of becoming a singer. She passed her audition thanks to her talent, but instead of getting an album, her agency sent her straight to nightclub stages to make money. That was when Lee Mal-Soon started dating her talent agent, who seemed to care for her in every way.

Then one day, overwhelmed by the hardship, Lee Mal-Soon tried to run away. However, her boyfriend forced her back onto the stage. From then on, he would beat her in hidden places whenever she refused to perform. That was when she realized he wasn't a real boyfriend but a handler assigned by the agency to watch her.

After that, she endured frequent beatings. One day, she was severely beaten after fighting back. That night, Kim Hyun-Ji—Kang Ha-Na's mother—happened to be at the same venue for a performance. She showed up with Kang Ha-Na's father and rescued Lee Mal-Soon.

"I got hit harder than usual that day. Unnie came to see me with her husband and saved me... but she got hit in the face by a bottle that the bastard swung."

Kim Hyun-Ji suffered a severe injury to one side of her face and had to focus on recovery for an entire year. By the time she returned, her short-lived fame had already vanished. After that, Kim Hyun-Ji couldn't even work as a copy singer anymore and had to get by singing other people's songs wherever she could.

Now I understood why Kang Ha-Na's mother had been so against her daughter becoming a trot singer. She had feared her daughter might suffer the same fate she had.

"Anyway, her husband reported him to the police, and the bastard went to jail. The agency went down with him... but so did unnie's life. That's why I want to make it up to her, even if it's just with this song."

When I met Kang Ha-Na's mother last time, I had noticed faint scars around her left eye and cheek.

"So that's how she got those marks on her face."

Lee Mal-Soon nodded. "Yeah. They've faded a lot over time, but back then, she had to keep half her face covered."

It was the kind of story that made my fists clench. I had to ask the culprit.

"Who was the one who did that?"

Lee Mal-Soon shook her head. "It's ancient history. Don't waste your energy. People like us—and you, Chief Jung—shouldn't have anything to do with scum like that anymore."

I didn't reply. Maybe I didn't know, but there was no way I could just let someone like that off the hook. Judging by the way she talked, he might still be in the industry. I planned to find out.

Then Lee Mal-Soon asked me a question. "Aren't you curious why I'm only helping her now? Why I ignored her for decades and suddenly want to play the saint?"

It had been strange, indeed. Until Kang Ha-Na's success with 'A New Beginning' and 'Soul Fire,' her family had struggled financially. Considering Lee Mal-Soon's generous nature, it was odd that she had turned her back on her benefactor. If she had wanted to help, she could have done so long ago.

Still, I trusted her.

"I'm sure you had your reasons."

Lee Mal-Soon gave me a bitter smile. "Yeah. Truth is, I did want to help. But right after the accident, I was broke myself. Not a single penny to my name. So I signed with another agency and sang myself hoarse every night to send money... but it turns out my talent agent was pocketing all of it."

"..."

"It may sound pathetic, but that's how things were back then. Singers like us were constantly on the road, performing everywhere. There were no cell phones, so we handled everything through messengers. We had no choice but to trust our talent agents. When I finally found out and skipped a schedule to go see her at the agency... She had already retired and moved down south. I was so frustrated and sorry."

"I see."

"Then one day, after a show in Gyeongju, I saw her in the crowd holding Ha-Na and smiling so brightly with her husband. When our eyes met, she shook her head and looked away as if she didn't want to see me again..."

"Do you really think she held a grudge all this time?"

"Wouldn't you? Her life turned out like that because of me."

That couldn't be true. When I met Kang Ha-Na's mother, she smiled without any shadow in her eyes and said she was happy to talk to Lee Mal-Soon.

"But you two spoke so warmly last time on Ha-Na's phone."

"She probably only answered out of courtesy. That's why I'm asking you not to tell her. Just give her this song. If I can do that... maybe I can make amends for the life she lost."

Now I fully understood why she wanted to give her the best song she had.

"Understood. But please, meet with Ha-Na's mother and have a real conversation. The Kim Hyun-Ji I met did not dislike you in the slightest."

"I hope that's true... but I'm scared..."

"Don't worry too much. I'll arrange a proper meeting and I'll help ease your worries."

After a moment of hesitation, Lee Mal-Soon nodded. "

Sigh

~ alright. I'll leave that to you, then."

Tears welled up in Lee Mal-Soon's eyes as she let go of her long-held story. But alongside the tears was a faint smile as if a deep burden had finally lifted from her chest.

And in that moment, an idea to maximize Hoop Entertainment's revenue and launch Kang Ha-Na's mother into the spotlight all at once flashed through my mind.

"Ma'am, I have a suggestion that could both repay Ha-Na's mother and bring our company's revenue to new heights. Would you like to hear it?"

"

Hmm

? There's a way?"

"Yes."

"What is it?"

I took a deep breath and shared my idea. "Let Ha-Na's mother be the main artist, and you do the featuring."

If someone of Lee Mal-Soon's caliber featured on a track sung by Kang Ha-Na's mother, it would instantly become the talk of the town as the so-called Queen of Trot, Lee Mal-Soon had never collaborated with anyone in her later years. Having her feature—not even as a duet partner, but as a guest—would naturally stir huge curiosity.

'

They're guaranteed to wonder who this singer was that warranted a feature from the queen herself.

'

The moment I said it, Lee Mal-Soon's face lit up. "You really are something, Chief Jung. But... Do you think unnie would agree?"

"There's no need to wonder. Let's call her right now."

Just then, Yoo-Jin leaned over with a suggestion. "Oppa, Ha-Na's in Recording Room 2 right now. Wouldn't it be good to have her nearby when you call her mom?"

Kang Ha-Na did nightly MeTube livestreams from the underground studio at Hoop Entertainment. She must have arrived early to prepare. Yoo-Jin was right and I agreed that would be best.

"Yeah, good idea. Thanks."

I immediately called Kang Ha-Na.

"Ha-Na, can you come down to the basement studio for a bit?"

-Sure, oppa. I'm on my way.

The moment I ended the call, everyone's expressions began to brighten. Everyone was hopeful that we might finally fulfill Lee Mal-Soon's long-held wish.

***

As soon as Bang Seon-Woo had a free moment, he began working on the arrangement to determine the featuring parts alongside composers Yoon Sae-Yeon and Han Hye-Jung. Just as they finished the new arrangement, Kang Ha-Na arrived at the studio.

Kang Ha-Na bowed politely to Lee Mal-Soon. "Hello, ma'am!"

"Ha-Na, have you been well?"

"Yes. But what's the occasion? Why is everyone here?"

I answered in place of Lee Mal-Soon. "Ha-Na, we've got a song ready for your mother. And Mrs. Lee Mal-Soon will be doing the featuring. What do you think?"

Kang Ha-Na's eyes widened. "A song for my mom... and Mrs. Lee Mal-Soon will be featuring?"

"Yes. So I'd like you to help us get in touch with her."

Just hearing there was a song for her mother was a shock, but the fact that Lee Mal-Soon would be featured left Kang Ha-Na speechless.

"Did you get that, Ha-Na?"

"

Oh

! Y-Yes. I'll call her right now!"

Without waiting for any more explanation, Kang Ha-Na called her mom on speakerphone.

-

Oh

~ it's my beautiful daughter! What can I do for you, love~?

Kim Hyun-Ji's warm and loving voice rang out.

"Mom, you're on speaker."

-

Oh

, really?

Hahaha.

Are you on a broadcast or something?

Kim Hyun-Ji sounded flustered, maybe embarrassed by her usual tone.

"No, nothing like that. Mr. Jung is here, along with Yoo-Jin, Miso, the composers... and Mrs. Lee Mal-Soon too."

-Mal-Soon is there? Mal-Soon! How've you been?

"I've been good, unnie."

-But why is everyone gathered like this? Ha-Na's new song announcement isn't for a while, right?"

At that moment, I jumped in. "Mrs. Kim, this is Chief Jung speaking."

-Oh my~ Mr. Jung! It's been a while!

"Do you remember the promise we discussed last time?"

-Promise? What promise?

"You said you'd consider returning to singing if the opportunity came. Well, we've got the perfect song for you now. I'd love for you to come to the company."

-Me? As a singer? Oh my... I don't know what to say...

Even though she had said yes during our previous meeting, now that it was actually happening, Kim Hyun-Ji's voice betrayed her surprise.

That's when Kang Ha-Na chimed in, excited. "Mom! You have to do it! Things are totally different in the trot scene now. And Hoop Entertainment is huge. No one can mess with us anymore. Seriously!"

There was a moment of silence, followed by a hesitant voice.

-That sounds nice, but... I've never worked with anyone other than your dad...

Ever since her debut, Kim Hyun-Ji had only ever worked with her husband as her talent agent.

I suggested, "Then how about your husband rejoining Hoop Entertainment as a talent agent?"

-Ha-Na's dad too?

"Yes. He's got the experience, and we can hire him through a special process."

Kang Ha-Na jumped up and down in delight. "Mom, this is great! Dad quit his last job anyway. do it together, please?"

Kang Ha-Na's mother sighed.

-

Sigh

~ I did make that promise to Mr. Jung last time, and now there's a song... I can't really back out, can I? Fine. I'll do it. What the heck. Let's go for it! But I'll need a bit of makeup to cover my scar...

I spoke up. "Our company works with dedicated plastic surgery and dermatology clinics. You can continue treatment there, and when it's time to perform, Assistant Manager Yang So-Ri will handle the makeup. Please don't worry."

-Thank you, Mr. Jung.

"And Mrs. Lee Mal-Soon has offered to feature on the track. For the singer Kim Hyun-Ji."

At that, Lee Mal-Soon waved her hands as if to say I shouldn't have said that yet. She was still unsure whether Kim Hyun-Ji had truly forgiven her. However, I was confident. From everything I had seen, Kim Hyun-Ji harbored no resentment.

And sure enough, Kim Hyun-Ji's laughter came through the speaker, light and genuine.

-

Hahaha

. My Mal-Soon, the lucky charm, is going to feature for me? Then I'm all in. But... what if I get overshadowed by her?

Then Lee Mal-Soon spoke, her voice trembling. "Unnie. Is it really okay... if I feature for you?"

-Okay? What do you mean? If the queen of trot lends her voice, that's only a good thing for me~

I raised my eyebrows as if saying 'I told you so.'

Lee Mal-Soon shut her eyes tightly. "Unnie. Do you... do you not hate me?"

-Hate you? Me? Why would I?

"That scar on your face... it's because of me... and at that Gyeongju amusement park event, you avoided me..."

There was silence as if Kim Hyun-Ji was reaching back in her memory. Then, slowly, she spoke.

-You really thought I hated you because of that night?

"Yeah... because your life turned out that way because of me..." Lee Mal-Soon's voice grew smaller.

Just then, Kim Hyun-Ji let out a soft sigh and began to explain why she had turned away from Lee Mal-Soon that day.

-Actually, that night...