Chapter 834: To Number One (4)

[(Exclusive) Treviang's outfits turns out to be from Korea's hottest new designer Jason Cho's new brand!]

-Genius designer Jason Cho launches his new brand, Courage.

A bold collaboration with girl group Treviang.

Instead of the runway, their debut will be on music shows.

New outfits will be showcased weekly throughout the first half of the year.

Our publication brings you Jason Cho's words, unfiltered and direct.

-Jason Cho:

There was a boy who was bullied for dreaming of becoming a fashion designer and enjoying sewing. But decades later, that boy has become a designer who can now inspire confidence in others through clothing.

Since last year, I have even been honored with the title of Korea's leading designer. It's touching, and I'm grateful, but I won't let it go to my head.

That is why I have decided to return to my roots with this new brand—back to the designs I first sketched as a teenager. Even when my sketchbook was snatched away and I got punched in the face, I never let go of the dream that filled my heart.

Remembering those emotions, I'm launching the brand Courage.

I will do my utmost so that anyone wearing my clothes can share in the emotion I carried in my heart back then.

Going forward, Courage will collaborate with idol group Treviang to present new outfits each week through music show performances.

Also, since these shows have a large teen audience, we will be selling innerwear sets to wear underneath the slightly revealing stage outfits. So parents can rest easy.

Lastly, I would like to express my deep gratitude to Mrs. Lee Mi-Ri, who was a tremendous help in this project.

-According to this reporter's findings, Jason Cho has already prepared dozens of designs.

We look forward to seeing what he reveals next.

(Star Exclusive Reporter Choi So-Hye)

I shoved the Jason Cho feature article that came out this morning under Ahn Dong-Gyu's nose. It was long enough to warrant scrolling, but Ahn Dong-Gyu couldn't tear his eyes away. That was because he had just realized that the outfit he had rejected belonged to none other than Jason Cho, the genius designer.

"T-Treviang's outfits were made by Jason Cho... that guy who designed Jung Yoo-Jin's dress and Lee Tae-Poong's tux last year?"

"Yes. And Jason Cho, knowing that teens make up most of the music show audience, plans to sell innerwear sets for those actual teen-targeted outfits. But you turned it down, so... this article's probably getting updated now. The title would be something like 'National broadcaster KBC rejects clothing from Korea's most acclaimed designer.'"

Not only Ahn Dong-Gyu, but Song Hyun-Tae and Oh Han-Guk all turned visibly pale. KBC was a state-run broadcaster, which meant anything involving national interest or prestige was highly sensitive. And they had just rejected designs from Jason Cho—Korea's representative designer who was on friendly terms with major global celebrities—on the grounds that they were too revealing. That alone was enough grounds for disciplinary action against the two KBC staff involved.

I confirmed that much and added, "Also, if Jason Cho finds out the reason his outfit was swapped was because it was 'vulgar,' he'll probably give another interview. He's a calm and quiet person, but when it comes to his clothes, he doesn't compromise."

The moment I suggested Jason Cho, currently the hottest designer in Korea, might criticize KBC in a follow-up interview, Ahn Dong-Gyu reached out to stop me in a panic.

"C-Chief Jung. Look, let's just... hold on a sec. Don't leave. We need to talk..."

"

Oh

, and there's one more thing I'd like to show you."

I pulled up a second article to drive the nail in.

[(Exclusive) Treviang's accessories—produced by Snowflake, the accessory brand of 'Standing Alone,' the social enterprise for single mothers supported by Jung Yoo-Jin.]

Ahn Dong-Gyu trembled and swallowed hard. "The accessories aren't from a luxury brand but they're from a social enterprise?"

"That's right. The makers are women who can't get other jobs because they have children. They make accessories to support themselves, and I imagine they'll be deeply disappointed. They said there was an interview scheduled later... I wonder what they'll say..."

Now Ahn Dong-Gyu and Song Hyun-Tae were both spiraling into panic.

'

See? This is why you don't mess with me

.'

I looked at them with thinly veiled pity, shaking my head as I spoke. "I should've just gone with SBC where I built rapport while working on

Project I.O.A.

That would've been the smarter choice. I had hoped to build a good relationship with KBC since we hadn't had the chance before, which is why I decided to start here... but that was clearly a mistake. You said you'd be putting me on the banned list, right? Fine. Do as you please. From now on, neither I nor any of my entertainers will set foot in KBC again."

I ended my words firmly and turned toward the door.

One step.

Two steps.

Before I could take a third, Oh Han-Guk rushed over and grabbed my arm. "Wait. Who said you're banned from entering, Chief Jung? Hang on! That's never going to happen while I'm here!"

I reluctantly turned my gaze. "You heard them telling me to leave, didn't you, Mr. Oh?"

Oh Han-Guk immediately turned to Ahn Dong-Gyu and Song Tae-Hyun with a furious shout. "CP Ahn. Chief Song. The two of you. Do you want to be humiliated all across the country when the KBC News Division tears you apart? Or should I go ahead and destroy you myself right now?"

Only then did Ahn Dong-Gyu and Song Hyun-Tae snap out of it and shake their heads frantically.

"W-We're sorry. This seems to have been a misunderstanding. We'll cancel the wardrobe change order immediately."

"Yes, exactly. I think we may have... misunderstood things."

Oh Han-Guk barked. "A misunderstanding? That's what you're calling this?"

"We're sorry."

"Pathetic excuses for professionals!" After berating them, Oh Han-Guk turned back to me, trying to soothe the situation. "Chief Jung. I'll deal with those two myself, so please calm down and do things your way. No, better yet, let's have a private talk..."

Fighting a broadcast station would only end up hurting my entertainers anyway. I figured it might be best to stop here and instead push Ahn Dong-Gyu to admit that Chief Yoon Dong-Gu was behind this mess.

At that moment, Oh Han-Guk's phone suddenly started vibrating.

Buzz~

"Sorry, Chief Jung. Give me a second to take this call."

"Of course, sir."

Oh Han-Guk answered the phone with an uncomfortable look. Then he glanced at the screen and jumped.

"Mr. Chairman?"

Oh Han-Guk hesitated for a moment before switching the call to the speaker.

"Yes, Mr. Chairman. It's me."

In the next moment, Chairman Park Yung-Hwan of the Broadcasting Commission burst out in a furious voice.

-President Oh! Did you see the article? Is it true that KBC tried to reject Jason Cho's designs? Have you all lost your damn minds?

"Chief Song and CP Ahn made the decision on their own, Mr. Chairman. That's why I came down here to cancel it. This is a speakerphone and the two of them are right here with me."

Park Yung-Hwan growled through the line.

-Well done. Now listen up, Song Hyun-Tae and Ahn Dong-Gyu. Are you two insane? Huh? The Blue House is preparing to award Jason Cho a medal for his contributions to the arts, and you want to do what? Are you trying to get my head chopped off? Should I just bury you both at the foot of Mount Bukhan?!

'

Bury them at the foot of Bukhan Mountain? That's creative

.'

Ahn Dong-Gyu and Song Hyun-Tae were already out of their minds, rubbing their hands together in desperation.

"We're sorry, Mr. Chairman!"

"I-I think we must've gone crazy for a moment..."

-Shut up! Just sit tight and wait for what's coming. And for the record, the 'Standing Alone' accessory group? That's the one the First Lady visited. I'm being summoned to the Blue House right now. If that article's not taken down by the time I get there, I'll bury the two of you myself. Got it?

"Yes, sir!"

"Yes!"

-Then move, you sons of bitches!

Park Yung-Hwan's roar left Ahn Dong-Gyu and Song Hyun-Tae completely shell-shocked.

***

After the storm had passed.

Ahn Dong-Gyu and Song Hyun-Tae, desperate to save themselves, finally confessed that today's incident had been instigated by lobbying from Yoon Dong-Gu.

Oh Han-Guk immediately issued an order banning Yoon Dong-Gu from KBC premises. He also instructed Ahn Dong-Gyu and Song Hyun-Tae to appear before a disciplinary committee.

Meanwhile, I contacted Kang Ha-Na and Reporter Choi So-Hye to inform them that the situation had changed. As a result, correction articles started appearing.

[(Correction Notice) KBC

Music Stage

. The Treviang outfit switch stemmed from a miscommunication by on-site staff.]

-A source from KBC's Variety Department stated that today's commotion was caused by a miscommunication. A temporary field staffer misunderstood an instruction to alter the costume and relayed it as a complete replacement.

The source requested a correction to the article.

We have verified that the original order has since been cancelled, and accordingly, we are updating our report.

(Comments)

-LOL, the broadcast crew got scared.

-A temp worker's mistake? You expect us to believe that?

-The moment it was revealed those outfits were Jason Cho's, the attitude switch was instant.

-Behold, the power of public broadcasting. LOL

-Now we can watch the show live!

...

Half the comments were scathing, but Oh Han-Guk breathed a sigh of relief, saying it was a miracle it ended this cleanly.

"

Phew

~ this is close enough to a wrap. Chief Jung, let's head out."

"Yes, sir."

I exited the office with Oh Han-Guk.

Thunk.

When the door shut behind us, Oh Han-Guk turned to me with a smile. "It was a bit of a hassle, but thanks to you, I got to give those two a proper dressing down."

"I apologize for causing such a stir."

Oh Han-Guk smirked. "No, it's fine. Things like this happen in the field. But next time, give me a heads-up first."

"Understood."

"

Oh

, and I'll be telling PD Cha to go all-in on support today, so make sure the girls are ready. Treviang's a top contender now, right?"

"I'll prepare them as best as I can."

"Good. Then keep up the good work and let's catch up again soon."

Oh Han-Guk gave me a pat on the back and walked toward the elevator with renewed energy.

I gave a polite bow, then checked the music charts. With all the morning's chaos, Treviang had gained a noticeable spike in attention. Sure enough, there was movement on the chart

[April 4, 2021]

[Current Time: 10:00 a.m.]

[Real-Time Chart Rankings]

1 (+1). 'Stand Alone' - Treviang

2 (-1). 'I'm Cinderella' - Berry Six

3 (–). 'White Day Proposal' - Park Eun-Bin

'

Yes!

'

Treviang's 'Stand Alone' had finally claimed the number one spot on the real-time music chart. I nearly shouted for joy right outside the chief's office.

Today's live broadcast of KBC's

Music Stage

was scheduled for 5 p.m. The tides had shifted fast enough that we could now realistically expect a top result. If we managed to secure strong live votes, a real first-place win wasn't out of reach.

At that moment, my phone vibrated.

Buzz~

[Caller ID: President Kang Gam-Chan]

I calmed myself and answered the call.

"Yes, sir."

-I heard Chief Yoon's banned from KBC, huh?

President Kang Gam-Chan was fuming, saying he had just been contacted by KBC.

"Yes. Mr. Oh Han-Guk issued the order personally."

-Then we need to convene a disciplinary committee for that bastard immediately.

Kang Gam-Chan's voice was full of force.

I promptly informed him of the massive spending on Berry Six's stage today.

"It seems about thirty million won was spent on Berry Six's stage production."

-What?! I told him just last night to give up his spending authority, and this is what he pulls?

A stage budget of thirty million won was something usually reserved for a group's comeback. Sure, it might have been justified if Berry Six had taken first place, but the problem was that someone who was supposed to have relinquished their spending authority last night had gone ahead and used the money anyway.

-Good. I'll make sure that's included in the disciplinary report as well.

Judging from Kang Gam-Chan's tone, I no longer had to worry about Yoon Dong-Gu.

'

Farewell, Chief Yoon

~'

***

Three minutes before the live stage, I walked backstage with Treviang who had been waiting in the green room. Right now, Berry Six's performance was in full swing on stage.

『I'm your Cinderella~

Pick the shoes that are just for me~

...』

The six members of Berry Six were singing their debut track 'I'm Cinderella' atop a lavish set. At the center stood a sparkling glass slipper over three meters tall, slowly rotating under the lights. Flanking it were two crystal staircases decorated with white roses.

The members wore white gowns like princesses, glass tiaras on their heads, and even their microphones were adorned with oversized floral ornaments. Thanks to the thirty million won spent on stage production, their performance was the most extravagant of the night.

Nevertheless, the audience was silent as a grave. Not only Petit Angel but all the other fan clubs had lowered their heads and were ignoring the stage entirely.

It was a classic tactic meant to rattle the singers' nerves, but the fact that fan clubs of rival artists had unified like this probably meant Bae In-Jung was behind it. She used to pull these kinds of stunts even before the regression.

'

You really don't change, do you, Bae In-Jung

?'

I turned away, unfazed. In the end, all Treviang had to do was stay focused and deliver a great performance.

Still, maybe because Treviang's 'Stand Alone' had hit number one on the real-time chart following the morning's uproar, the girls looked visibly tense. They still had to perform live and earn enough viewer votes to secure the win.

I immediately stepped in to calm Treviang down. "Girls, close your eyes and take a deep breath. Long and slow. If your breathing slows down, the nerves will too."

"Yes, Mr. Jung!"

Led by Oh Ji-Ah, the three members of Treviang followed my lead and took deep breaths.

With each breath, the tension began to ease from their faces.

With their nerves somewhat settled, I guided their focus. "Just concentrate on showing everything you've practiced. The rest will follow naturally."

They nodded in unison. "Got it. We'll give it our best."

"Good. I believe in you."

As if the word 'believe' worked magic, their expressions lit up with renewed confidence.

Just then, a staff member ran up. "Treviang, there's thirty seconds to showtime. Please follow me."

Without delay, we followed the staffer toward the stage-side stairs.

『...I'm your Cinderella!』

Berry Six's final line echoed out and the stage lights cut out.

"Alright! Move, move! Let's go!"

"What are you all standing around for? Get that back screen up!"

"Hold the stairs! Move the glass slipper first! Hey! Be careful, it's worth fifteen million won!"

A massive LED back screen rolled into place, hiding the elaborate set from view. Berry Six, dresses trailing behind them, exited the stage quickly. After offering a brief bow, Treviang turned toward the stage steps.

That's when Berry Six's leader Yoo So-Jung reached the bottom of the stairs and paused beside Oh Ji-Ah, who was about to go up. Then she leaned in and whispered something in her ear.

'

What the hell was that

?

What was she saying to a girl who's about to perform live?

'

I didn't hesitate and yelled, "Yoo So-Jung! What do you think you're doing?"

"It's nothing!"

Yoo So-Jung scampered off, pretending like nothing happened. However, I didn't have time to chase her down as the staff was already urging Treviang to get on stage.

"Treviang! Please head up now!"

I let Yoo So-Jung go and rushed over to Oh Ji-Ah to calm her down. "Ji-Ah. Whatever she said—"

But before I could finish, Oh Ji-Ah met my gaze with unwavering eyes. "Don't worry, Mr. Jung. I'm totally fine."

The other two members followed with firm, determined voices.

"Yes, Mr. Jung. We're only thinking about the stage. There's no need to worry about us."

It seemed Yoo So-Jung had tried to rattle them, but it looked like she had only fueled their fire.

I smiled. "Yeah? Good. Then go out there and blow them away."

"Yes, sir!"

Treviang nodded confidently and headed for the stage with the look of artists ready to claim first place. Moments later, they stepped onto the stage and took their positions. The lights came back on.

At the staff's cue, the intense EDM intro of 'Stand Alone' with its driving hip-hop beat filled the venue.

Du-du-du-dung

That was when it all began.

A hostile crowd, rival groups trying to shake them, and a broadcast station that nearly stripped them of their chance to wear the outfits they had worked so hard for—all of it vanished.

Treviang's dazzling performance had begun.