Chapter 833: To Number One (3)

I knew that KBC, being a public broadcaster, couldn't allow expensive luxury brands on stage.

So I had already spoken to PD Cha Tae-Hee. I told her that although the outfit was designed by Jason Cho, currently the hottest designer in Korea, it wouldn't exceed three hundred thousand won.

She said it wouldn't be a problem then, but now, we were being told to change the outfit out of nowhere.

"Why are we suddenly changing the outfit? You know the price, right?" I asked.

Cha Tae-Hee let out a sigh. "It's not about the price. The director cut it because he said it was too revealing."

Song Hyun-Tae, the current head of KBC's entertainment division, had recently taken charge. He was known to be quite political and had close ties with the Broadcasting Commission Chair. Before my regression, he had never issued such aggressive directives. There was no benefit in making enemies with an entertainment agency, as it only created unnecessary noise.

Especially considering that he had quit the station and taken a job as a director at an entertainment company before my regression, it was unusual for him to issue such a drastic order now.

I wondered if Song Hyun-Tae had some kind of personal grudge against Jason Cho.

"Ms. Cha, did you mention that the outfit was designed by Jason Cho?"

"No. You told me to keep it as confidential as possible, remember? So I didn't. Anyway, they're saying it's absolutely out of the question because the outfit's too revealing and we're a public broadcaster."

That reminded me of La Boom, the five-member girl group from TK Entertainment, whom I had seen in the waiting room earlier. La Boom had gone all-in on the sexy concept. Their outfits were way more revealing than ours.

"What about La Boom? Did they get cut too?"

Cha Tae-Hee furrowed her brows. "I brought them up too. But apparently, they're fine."

"What kind of biased standard is that?"

"My point exactly!"

Cha Tae-Hee bristled with frustration, clearly sharing my sentiment. The fact that La Boom hadn't been asked to change their outfits meant there was over a 90% chance we were being deliberately targeted.

'

Could it be that Chief Yoon Dong-Gu pulled some strings

?'

Just earlier outside Berry Six's waiting room, Yoon Dong-Gu had looked visibly startled when he saw Treviang's outfit. A seasoned girl group producer like him would never underestimate the power of fashion. And Yoon Dong-Gu wasn't just close with CP Ahn Dong-Gyu but he was also well-acquainted with Song Hyun-Tae.

To be certain, I needed to meet and speak with him directly.

"Ms. Cha, could you arrange a meeting with Mr. Song?"

After a moment of hesitation, Cha Tae-Hee picked up her phone. Few people understood my capabilities better than she did.

"Alright. I'll give him a call first."

Cha Tae-Hee dialed Song Hyun-Tae right away.

"Yes, sir. It's about the issue you mentioned earlier. Chief Jung would like to meet you—"

At that moment, Song Hyun-Tae exploded into a tirade over the line.

-Hey. If I give an order, just handle it on your level. Why make such a fuss over changing an outfit?

Cha Tae-Hee snapped back.

"Sir! Do you not understand how important Hoop Entertainment is to our station right now? The least you can do is agree to a meeting!"

Song Hyun-Tae sounded exasperated.

-Enough already. I've said my piece. Just pass on the message. That outfit is absolutely not going on stage. This is KBC!

Click.

WHen Song Hyun-Tae hung up on her, Cha Tae-Hee screamed in fury. "This is unbelievable! Does he think I'm holding back because I'm mild-mannered or something? Does he even know whose outfit that is?! Damn it!!"

Her voice, boiling up from deep in her gut, echoed down the hallway of the dressing rooms.

Thud thud.

Staff heading our way quickly turned heel and bolted. Silence fell over the corridor.

Come to think of it, the way Song Hyun-Tae blew up at me and kept dodging made it obvious. This wasn't really about the outfit being too revealing. He was just making excuses to do someone a favor.

Just then, Cha Tae-Hee looked over at me after calming her breath and settling her anger. "

Phew

... Mr. Jung, so what now? Mr. Song always comes down to the sub-control room before the live broadcast, so it'll be nearly impossible to sneak anything past him."

'

So he doesn't want to meet me, huh? Then I'll just have to make him come to me.

'

I smiled calmly at Cha Tae-Hee. "From now on, just sit back and pretend you don't know anything. I'll handle the rest myself."

Cha Tae-Hee's eyes widened. "What are you planning? Every time you get that look in your eyes, something big always happens! Come on, tell me so I can prepare."

I just gave her a gentle smile and didn't answer. "Just watch. It'll be fun."

"M-Mr. Jung..."

"See you later."

With that, I left the flustered Cha Tae-Hee behind and walked into the waiting room, fully intending to flip KBC upside down.

'

They want our girls to change outfits? What a joke. The only thing that needs changing is KBC itself

.'

***

Click.

Inside Song Hyun-Tae's office, he hung up the phone with Cha Tae-Hee, then turned to Ahn Dong-Gyu beside him.

"I'll head down during the main broadcast later, so you keep an eye on PD Cha. She might ignore my orders and push the show through anyway."

Ahn Dong-Gyu nodded. "Yes, sir I already told AD Jo Jin-Seok under her to report to me if anything happens. You don't have to worry too much."

"Good. But you think there'll be any complaints from Executive Director Han Yoo-Sik's side? He's pretty close to Chief Jung."

Han Yoo-Sik, the president of Mirinae and former KBC executive director, had a very close relationship with Jung Yoon-Ho. He also happened to be in the same faction as Oh Han-Guk, the current head of KBC, and still had plenty of juniors working there.

Nevertheless, Ahn Dong-Gyu answered with a relaxed tone. "Nah, there's no need to worry about President Han anymore. Let's be honest—he's not a KBC exec anymore. He's just a production company president. We're the ones holding the power now."

Only then did Song Hyun-Tae clear his throat awkwardly. "

Ahem.

Well... you're not wrong."

"And really, what's there to be worried about? The directive to change Treviang's outfits is fully justified under exposure regulations. Just forget about it, have a drink tonight, and blow off some steam."

Since Ahn Dong-Gyu had gotten a little something from Yoon Dong-Gu the night before, he was going all in to support his lobbying efforts.

Berry Six was currently topping the music charts, so he felt no need to hold back. On top of that, the idea of knocking Chief Jung Yoon-Ho down a peg, that cocky know-it-all, made the corners of his mouth curl upward.

Song Hyun-Tae licked his lips at the thought of alcohol and smiled. "Okay. So, where's this place Chief Yoon booked for tonight?"

"He says he knows a great spot in Itaewon. Told me with absolute confidence it won't disappoint."

"

Hahaha

! Is that so? Then tonight, we'll—"

Bang Bang.

-Mr. Ahn! Mr. Ahn!

A loud knock erupted on the door.

Ahn Dong-Gyu shouted irritably toward the noise. "Who is it?!"

-It's Jin-Seok. May I come in?

It was Jo Jin-Seok, the AD working under Cha Tae-Hee on

Music Stage

. He had been told to report in case of trouble, but no one expected it to happen this fast.

"Come in!"

Bang.

Jo Jin-Seok burst in, panting heavily. "

Huff, huff

—"

Ahn Dong-Gyu barked at him. "I said only come if it's serious! What is it?"

"Huff, huff. It is serious."

"Like what?"

Jo Jin-Seok held out his phone. "Five minutes ago, articles started going up saying Treviang's outfit would be revealed on KBC's

Music Stage

."

[Treviang, Treviang in Fashion Too!]

-

Treviang is set to showcase a new outfit this afternoon on KBC

Music Stage

.

Armed with a beautiful look, they are ready to take the stage.

(Clip: Gun dance with Kang Ha-Na.)

(Comments)

-Wow~ Did they get a new stylist? The outfits are gorgeous!

-I'm a fangirl. Does anyone know where this outfit is from?

-They're not disclosing the brand at all. My friends say they've never heard of it. Is it a luxury overseas brand?

-It's being unveiled for the first time on KBC's music show. I have to watch it live today!

-Stunning.

...

On Jo Jin-Seok's phone screen, headlines were starting to flood in about Treviang's outfit debuting today on KBC's

Music Stage

.

"Since this morning, ever since Kang Ha-Na uploaded a video to her MeTube channel with 2 million subscribers, reporters have been jumping to publish articles. Every piece is blowing up with views. If we change the outfit now, it's going to be chaotic."

Ahn Dong-Gyu snapped. "You think we should reverse our decision because of some article? Don't be ridiculous. Call the newspaper and have them take it down! No, I'll call them myself."

He picked up his phone to call the reporter. Just then, a notification chimed on Jo Jin-Seok's phone.

Ding.

The moment Jo Jin-Seok glanced at the screen, he shouted in panic, "Sir! We have a problem!"

"Now what?!"

"Kang Ha-Na just uploaded another video to her channel. But the content... You better watch it yourself."

Jo Jin-Seok held out the phone.

[Ha-Na Tube]

[Subscribers: 2.001 million]

[(T_T) KBC told us to take down our stage outfits. smh. (Backstage at KBC

Music Stage

with Treviang)]

-Got word from higher-ups that we have to change our outfits. Our styling team and the production crew are completely thrown. Not sure what we're even going to wear—heck, not even sure we'll get to perform. We might not make it on stage at all.

(Views: 13,283)

(Comments)

-Why? Why are they being forced to change outfits?

-Don't tell me it's because the skirts are a little short?

-Come on~ They wouldn't ban that level of exposure, right?

-KBC goes full Taliban mode sometimes ‘cause they're a public broadcaster. But this is going too far.

-(BREAKING) Apparently it

is

because of exposure. A staff member leaked it.

-There's already an article on Star Exclusive. Go check! (link)

-Insane. Might as well wear hijabs on stage!

-Off to post a complaint on the Blue House board. Let's gooo!

...

Kang Ha-Na's latest MeTube upload was a direct shot at KBC.

Ahn Dong-Gyu exploded. "This is just unbelievable! These brats think the station's a joke?! Hey, pull up that article link. Let's see what they said."

"Yes, sir."

Jo Jin-Seok nervously showed him another article.

[(Exclusive) KBC's Stretchy Outfit Standards – What Are These Regulations Really For?] (Star Exclusive Reporter Kim So-Hye)

-

KBC's production team reportedly ordered an outfit change for an idol group set to appear on today's music program, citing excessive exposure.

However, reports say another group with even more revealing outfits faced no restrictions.

Such inconsistent regulations not only hinder Korean idols, who are fighting at the forefront of global cultural competition, but also raise serious doubts about the competence of a public broadcaster meant to strengthen cultural influence.

Jo Jin-Seok spoke urgently. "Mr. Ahn. If we don't shut this down fast, it's going to blow up."

Just then, Song Hyun-Tae scowled at Ahn Dong-Gyu, who had been standing there listening to the report. "Hey! CP Ahn! You said nothing would happen!"

Ahn Dong-Gyu bowed his head in panic. "

Ah,

yes. I'll take care of it right away! No—I'll call Jung Yoon-Ho and have him handle it."

"Fine. Do something!"

"Yes, sir."

Flustered, Ahn Dong-Gyu quickly dialed Jung Yoon-Ho. Then, from beyond the office door, the sound of Treviang's song, 'Stand Alone,' began to play.

『I'm now going solo...』

The music abruptly cut off, and Jung Yoon-Ho's voice came through the phone.

-Hello?

Ahn Dong-Gyu yanked the phone away from his ear and shouted toward the door. "Jung Yoon-Ho!! Get in here right now!"

At that exact moment, the door flew open and in walked Jung Yoon-Ho.

Ahn Dong-Gyu shot to his feet, pointing and cursing furiously. "You son of a bit—

urk

?"

He stopped mid-curse. Because standing beside Jung Yoon-Ho was a very familiar face.

"What was that? Were you swearing at me just now, CP Ahn?"

The person who had entered with Jung Yoon-Ho was none other than Oh Han-Guk, the president of KBC.

Chills ran down Ahn Dong-Gyu's spine and his knees began to tremble. One thought echoed through his mind.

'

I'm screwed.

'

***

"You're not answering? Were you talking to me just now, huh?" Oh Han-Guk's voice grew sharper.

Though Ahn Dong-Gyu bowed his head, his eyes shot daggers at me like he was silently vowing revenge.

However, I met his glare with a calm expression.

'

And what exactly do you plan to do with that look?

'

I had already braced myself for a full-blown incident before coming here. In fact, I had called Han Yoo-Sik just before this to give him a heads-up that I was about to make a scene. Han Yoo-Sik, president of Mirinae and former KBC executive director, immediately phoned his hoobae, President Oh Han-Guk, to ask for help.

That led to me being summoned, explaining the situation directly to Oh Han-Guk, and ultimately being called into the director's office.

Sure enough, Ahn Dong-Gyu was right there in the thick of it. This meant one thing: Yoon Dong-Gu was behind this too. After all, staff had been talking all day about how Yoon Dong-Gu had been glued to Ahn Dong-Gyu's side.

Then Ahn Dong-Gyu finally spoke to Oh Han-Guk.

"I wasn't talking to you, sir."

"So you were swearing at Chief Jung instead? That's even worse!"

When Oh Han-Guk snapped, Ahn Dong-Gyu responded with a sour expression. "Sir. With all due respect, the one stirring things up at the station isn't us. It's Chief Jung!"

"Well, why exactly are you interfering with someone else's outfit choice? What Treviang wore today was perfectly acceptable. You two—cancel the outfit change order, immediately."

Ahn Dong-Gyu clenched his teeth. "If we cave in just because of pressure from a talent agent, it sets a bad precedent. I can't back down."

Song Hyun-Tae quickly jumped in to support Ahn Dong-Gyu. "I feel the same, sir. As a public broadcaster, KBC must make conservative choices."

Though Oh Han-Guk held the title of president at KBC, he didn't fully control the organization. Since KBC was state-owned, real hiring power rested with Chairman Park Yung-Hwan of the Broadcasting Commission.

"These bastards..."

Just as Oh Han-Guk was about to explode, I stepped forward. This was my mess to clean up anyway.

"Mr. Song, may I ask you just one thing?" I asked.

"What is it?"

"Treviang's outfits show far less skin than La Boom's. So why are you only telling

us

to change?"

Song Hyun-Tae flinched, then snorted.

"

Hah

! Don't play dumb. La Boom shows refined sex appeal. The rags your girls are wearing? Just plain vulgar."

'

Vulgar

?'

I couldn't believe my ears.

La Boom's outfits today looked like they belonged in a nightclub, not on a public broadcast stage. Meanwhile, our girls were wearing pieces designed by Jason Cho and Assistant Manager Lee Mi-Ri. They were so admired by other artists that staff were whispering in envy.

'

And yet that's what he called vulgar

?'

I nearly blurted out what I was thinking.

'

Maybe it looks vulgar to you because that's what you are.

'

Nevertheless, I held it back. It was time for the final move.

"In that case, we'll be withdrawing from today's KBC music show."

Treviang, one of today's top-charting acts and the center of this media storm, had just announced they wouldn't appear.

Song Hyun-Tae looked at me like he wanted to kill me. "You... you really want to take this to the end?"

"What choice do I have? I have no power to disobey the station's orders and we didn't prepare a backup outfit. So we'll be heading straight to SBC."

SBC had a music broadcast today too. And

Project I.O.A.

was airing there as well. For this reason, their head of variety department had been begging me to come over and promised anything I wanted if I pulled out of KBC.

So I bowed my head, turned, and made for the door.

That's when Ahn Dong-Gyu yelled behind me in a panic. "Jung Yoon-Ho! If you step out that door, you're banned! Banned! None of your artists will ever appear on KBC again, got it?!"

At that moment, Oh Han-Guk exploded. "CP Ahn! Who the hell do you think you are, handing out bans on your own?"

"And what about you, sir? Are you just going to sit there and watch this arrogant punk run wild? Fine. I'll report this straight to the chairman of the Broadcasting Commission!"

"

Ugh

, Ahn Dong-Gyu! Are you serious right now?!"

Thanks to Ahn Dong-Gyu's close relationship with the chairman, even Oh Han-Guk was being ignored and now he was going completely rogue.

Thanks to that, I no longer had to hold back either. I stopped in my tracks. Right on cue, my phone buzzed with a Kk Talk notification.

[Star Exclusive Reporter Choi So-Hye: Yoon-Ho, it's up. (article link)]

The article I had requested was live.

'

You're done now.

'

I clicked the link, then turned with a smirk and held my phone out toward Ahn Dong-Gyu. "Do you really think the chairman's going to take your side after seeing this?"

As expected, Ahn Dong-Gyu's face began to go pale as he read. "W-What the hell is this..."