Chapter 837: Beginning of Change (2)

I arrived at the executive meeting room located on the 7th floor of Hoop Entertainment. Both Chief Gu Seong-Cheol and Team Lead Oh Duk-Gu had offered to come with me, but I declined. This was something I had to handle on my own.

Knock knock.

"This is Chief Jung," I said as I knocked on the meeting room door.

-Come on in.

Click.

I stepped inside.

On the right-side sofa sat President Kang Gam-Chan, Director Kang Ji-Yung, and Director Ahn Ye-Eum. On the opposite side sat the key artists from Singer Division 4, including Bok Seon-Ill.

Bok Seon-Ill, age 45, was a ballad singer enjoying a second career peak with 'The Hundredth Ballad.'

Jeon Tae-Mi, 33, was a 10-year soloist who sang the hit original soundtrack 'Rival' from

Ballerina of Time

, a film that also featured Cherry Blossom's Yoo Eun-Ah in a supporting role.

Oh Ji-Seon and Sung Hee-Yeon, both 27 and best friends, formed a 5-year-old female duo that recently cracked the top 10 in real-time charts with 'Shall We Love,' also becoming the most played café background music.

These four generated about 70% of the revenue for Singer Division 4. And today, they were all here to defend Chief Yoon Dong-Gu and confront me.

Still, I bowed respectfully. After all, I wasn't here to fight them but I was here to win them over.

"Good morning."

All four looked at me warily.

Bok Seon-Ill, the most sunbae of the group, spoke first, his voice sharp. "I was just thinking I needed to talk to you, Chief Jung. Good timing."

"I apologize for not greeting you properly before. I'll make sure to check in more often."

"Forget that! I heard you've been going around badmouthing Chief Yoon. That's pretty low, don't you think? Same company and all."

I had no idea what Yoon Dong-Gu had told them.

I opened my mouth to clarify, but before I could speak, Kang Ji-Yung burst in. "

Ugh

, this is so frustrating! How many times do I have to say it? Chief Yoon caused the problem first!"

Bok Seon-Ill pouted and replied. "He says he was framed. And come on, when have the broadcasters ever taken a planning agency's side? They probably messed up and dumped it all on Chief Yoon. Can't you tell just by looking?"

'

So he had heard what happened

.'

Yet Bok Seon-Ill still chose to back Yoon Dong-Gu.

"Wow. Seriously. You're impossible. Fine. Do you want to go to the broadcasting station with me and check for yourself?"

"To the station? Why would I? That's what agencies are for."

"Then trust what your agency is telling you!"

"I do. I trust Chief Yoon."

Kang Ji-Yung groaned in exasperation. "

Ughh,

seriously!"

Kang Gam-Chan stepped in to calm her. "Director Kang, take a breath. Chief Jung hasn't even spoken yet. Let him talk."

"

Sigh

...Right. Sorry. I lost my temper."

Kang Ji-Yung gulped down a glass of water, clearly trying to support me but boiling over with frustration.

Kang Gam-Chan, visibly restraining his displeasure, addressed me. "Chief Jung, Bok Seon-Ill and the others have made a simple request. They say what Chief Yoon did yesterday was a minor mistake. At the upcoming disciplinary hearing, they want the penalty reduced. They claim their careers will suffer if he's removed."

Given that these four artists brought in over 20 billion won a year, their words couldn't be brushed aside. If they decided to boycott activities, Hoop Entertainment's freshly-listed stock would plummet.

Kang Gam-Chan's expression was grave.

"So, what kind of reduction are they asking for?" I asked.

"Two months' salary cut."

Yoon Dong-Gu smeared a fellow department head and sabotaged artists from the same company, yet they wanted to settle that with just a two-month salary cut. I nearly laughed in disbelief.

That's when Jeon Tae-Mi spoke up in a soft, coaxing tone. "Chief Jung, you know there aren't many people who can write and produce songs for artists like us. Right?"

"Yes, I'm aware."

"So then, can't you take a step back? Someone with your potential should think big. Didn't you say you owned a big stake in the company too?"

Then Oh Ji-Seon and Sung Hee-Yeon chimed in, backing her up. "She's right. If you're one of the company's pillars, shouldn't you think about the artists too? You know how hard it is for non-idols like us to survive in this industry. Please, Mr. Jung, we really need Chief Yoon."

Bok Seon-Ill tried intimidation and Jeon Tae-Mi used sweet persuasion, while Oh Ji-Seon and Sung Hee-Yeon appealed emotionally. That was how important Yoon Dong-Gu was to them as a lyricist, composer, and producer.

However, I already anticipated this approach and I had the perfect countermeasure that would clear up all their worries.

"There's no need to be concerned about that. Composer and producer Bang Seon-Woo is already prepared to assist all of you."

At that, I saw Jeon Tae-Mi, Oh Ji-Seon, and Sung Hee-Yeon falter, just slightly. Bang Seon-Woo was currently one of Korea's top composers. Plus, newly signed writers Yoon Sae-Yeon and Han Hye-Jung were rumored to be producing excellent work. Not to mention Kang Ha-Na, a singer-songwriter, had already proven her ability with 'A New Beginning' and 'Soul Fire.'

Just then, Bok Seon-Ill loudly derailed the mood. "Bang Seon-Woo? That kid thinks he can match our style? I need old-school, emotionally rich melodies! Who's going to write those lyrics for me? The only one who gets what my fans want is Chief Yoon!"

Then he turned to Jeon Tae-Mi with a sharp look.

"And Tae-Mi here—her vocal tone and phrasing are so unique that she can't just sing any old song. She tanked with other composers and only found success after settling with Chief Yoon."

Jeon Tae-Mi replied with an irritated look. "Excuse me? My past albums did pretty well."

"Give me a break. After your album flopped, you holed up in your house for a month. Don't think I didn't know."

"W-Who said I holed up?!"

"What, did I say something that wasn't true?" Bok Seon-Ill scoffed, then turned to the duo of Oh Ji-Seon and Sung Hee-Yeon. "And you two... look, I hate to say it, but that whole 'we're best friends' act? Total bullshit. That's why only Chief Yoon can handle these two trainwrecks."

Oh Ji-Seon and Sung Hee-Yeon frowned and snapped back.

"Oh come

on

, sunbae-nim. Was that really necessary?"

"Seriously, what is wrong with you today?! When did we ever pull bullshit?"

"What, you gonna deny it?" Bok Seon-Ill glared, flexing slightly.

Oh Ji-Seon and Sung Hee-Yeon flinched and looked away.

'

You think I don't already know all this?

'

Bok Seon-Ill needed deeply emotional, old-school melodies. Jeon Tae-Mi needed songs tailored to her distinctive phrasing. Oh Ji-Seon and Sung Hee-Yeon couldn't stand each other.

𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

Bok Seon-Ill insisted only Yoon Dong-Gu could handle all of them, but he couldn't have been more wrong.

I pulled out my phone and made a call.

"Seon-Woo, can you come up to the executive meeting room?"

-Just me?

"No. All of you."

-Got it. We're on our way.

Click.

I turned to the four artists. "Let's go over what we've prepared. After that, we can talk again."

Bok Seon-Ill scoffed. "

Hah.

What's the point? We already know how this ends."

I smiled calmly, brushing off his glare.

'

Just wait. You're in for a surprise.

'

***

A moment later, Bang Seon-Woo entered the meeting room carrying a laptop, joined by composers Yoon Sae-Yeon and Han Hye-Jung, and Producer Kim Ae-Ran.

The four of them bowed politely. Bok Seon-Ill gave the briefest of nods, barely acknowledging the team with his usual disinterested look.

Wasting no time, I turned to Bang Seon-Woo. "Seon-Woo, let's hear what you've got."

"Yes, sir." Bang Seon-Woo set his laptop down on the meeting room table. "This is a track for Mr. Bok Seon-Ill. Working title is 'Recollection.'"

As soon as he spoke, Bang Seon-Woo tapped the keyboard.

Click.

Ding-ding—ding.

A slow-tempo, old-style melody played from the laptop speakers, carried by classical guitar. It was a simple tune, something you could hum after one listen, but the acoustic resonance left a lingering and emotional depth.

At that moment, Bok Seon-Ill's stony expression began to shift. As a veteran artist, he could recognize a quality song when he heard one.

Thirty seconds passed. Just as he was getting drawn in, I subtly signaled to Bang Seon-Woo.

Click.

The music stopped.

"What the hell? Why'd you stop it when I was getting into it?!"

It was exactly the reaction I wanted. My plan was to leave him hanging, just enough to shake him.

"Did you like it?" I asked.

Bok Seon-Ill quickly backtracked.

"W-Who said I liked it? The melody's okay, so I focused. That's all. But compared to what Chief Yoon used to make, it feels unfinished! It's not like a half-baked demo, but still. Just 'cause it's a classical guitar doesn't mean it has to be so simple! These days—"

That's when Bang Seon-Woo interjected gently. "The parts that feel empty are where your voice would go, Mr. Bok. No matter how beautifully guitar strings might sound, they can't compare to your voice."

Bok Seon-Ill blinked, caught off guard. "My... voice?"

"Yes. This song only becomes complete once your voice is added."

Anyone could say what they wanted about Bok Seon-Ill's attitude, but his vocal talent was top-tier. Bang Seon-Woo had composed this song with that exact voice in mind, simplifying the melody so it would shine. Only a genius like Bang Seon-Woo could have done it.

I took that moment to chime in. "Seon-Woo really poured his heart into this. The lyrics are already written, too. Would you like to give it a try?"

I held out my phone, displaying the lyrics written by Jang Ye-Bin for 'Recollection.'

"What? You want me to sing it right now?" Bok Seon-Ill asked.

"What do you think? We're all company here."

He hesitated for a moment, but couldn't resist. "

Hmm

... Alright, I'll sing a line or two."

I looked at Bang Seon-Woo.

Bang Seon-Woo nodded and held up three fingers. "On your cue." Just like in a recording studio, Bang Seon-Woo slowly counted down with his fingers. "Three, two, one... cue!"

Bok Seon-Ill looked at the screen and began to sing.

『If I live again~

I'll search for you~

...』

Over the soft guitar melody, Bok Seon-Ill's rich, mellow voice gently layered in.

And just like that, his vocal and the guitar track fused perfectly into a wistful, evocative harmony like two magnets snapping together. It was another showcase of Bang Seon-Woo's genius.

Despite saying he would only sing a line, Bok Seon-Ill kept going. Sure, he fumbled in spots since it was his first time with the song, but he stayed with it and sang all the way through the first verse.

And when it ended, Bang Seon-Woo hit the space bar and paused the music.

Click.

Bok Seon-Ill, mouth slightly ajar, lingered in that afterglow. "They weren't kidding when they said you were a genius..."

He was clearly impressed, the earlier talk about needing Yoon Dong-Gu now completely forgotten.

Next to him, Jeon Tae-Mi's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Sunbae-nim, I think this one's a guaranteed hit." When Bok Seon-Ill didn't respond, Jeon Tae-Mi pouted a little and turned to Bang Seon-Woo. "Who composed this?"

Bang Seon-Woo quietly raised his hand. "That would be me."

"You wrote an old-school style song like that?"

"Yes. I tend to work across genres. But I always ask Yoon-Ho hyung to review my tracks, and he said this one would suit Mr. Bok Seon-Ill perfectly. So I refined it a little more."

"So it's basically a custom-made track? Man, I'm jealous."

"There's no need to be. I made a song for you as well."

"You did?"

"Yes."

Jeon Tae-Mi turned to me. "Chief Jung, does that mean I can try my song too?"

"Of course. Seon-Woo put a lot into it. Let's give it a listen."

Jeon Tae-Mi looked excited. "I'm not like Sun-Il sunbae-nim, so I can't just sing off the cuff. Give me the lyrics first and let me hear the verse melody once or twice."

"Sure." I turned to Bok Seon-Ill, who was still holding my phone with the lyrics. "Mr. Bok Seon-Ill? May I have my phone back?"

Bok Seon-Ill's energy had already softened as he handed it over. "

Uh

, yeah. Here..."

I pulled up the lyrics to 'Forever, Just Like This

'

and passed the screen to Jeon Tae-Mi, who read through them once, twice, then nodded.

"Alright, let me hear the melody a couple times first."

"Of course."

Bang Seon-Woo started the playback. The song opened with offbeat rhythms and a complex, tricky tempo, not something often found in an average track.

Nevertheless, Jeon Tae-Mi's face actually relaxed. She was most at ease with challenging tempos like this. After listening to it twice, she gave a nod and signaled she was ready to try. And with that, she began singing along to the accompaniment.

『Don't make me say

the same thing again.

I've already told you,

I like things just as they are...』

Receiving a song that fit her so precisely, Jeon Tae-Mi shed her tension and completely lost herself in the music.

***

"You... you're no joke, are you?"

Jeon Tae-Mi was full of praise for Bang Seon-Woo.

Bang Seon-Woo scratched his head, sheepish. "Did you like it?"

"Like it?

Phew

. Are you kidding? It's amazing!"

I was relieved she was happy. In truth, this song had been made specifically with Jeon Tae-Mi in mind.

Before the regression, during an interview with Womans, Jeon Tae-Mi had once revealed a personal secret—her nasal structure was different from the average person's. She admitted that was why her songs had always been unusually difficult to sing.

Knowing this, I had given Bang Seon-Woo a discreet hint about that. Thanks to his perfect pitch, he caught on immediately and composed a track tailored exactly to Jeon Tae-Mi's needs.

"Seon-Woo mentioned you might want to get that checked out. He said you might have a nasal cavity issue."

Jeon Tae-Mi flinched, visibly shaken. After all, the only ones who knew about that were her and Yoon Dong-Gu.

"...I see."

'

Another one swayed

.'

Then, as the conversation suddenly shifted from confrontation to song pitching, Oh Ji-Seon and Sung Hee-Yeon hurriedly asked, "Do you happen to have a song for us too?"

Though they were known to be inseparable since middle school, the truth was that they didn't get along at all. Every time a song was released, they fought over line distribution. And Yoon Dong-Gu had been the one managing that conflict as producer.

That was the reason I had prepared someone who could step into that role.

"Ms. Kim?"

Kim Ae-Ran, recruited during the acquisition of Yeeum Planning stepped forward. She was the very producer who, in the previous timeline, had revived the failed Cherry Blossom member Sae-Ri into a successful solo artist. And currently, she was helping manage Sae-Ri's mental well-being and assisting in producing not only for Sae-Ri but also for Kang Ha-Na.

"Yes, Mr. Jung." Kim Ae-Ran stepped forward and began explaining the song to the two singers. "The song you two will be singing is called 'Old Friends,' composed by Yoon Sae-Yeon and Han Hye-Jung here. I've divided the parts based on my judgment."

Oh Ji-Seon protested immediately. "What? How can you just divide the parts without even asking us?"

Sung Hee-Yeon, not to be outdone, also fired back. "This song is structured like a dialogue between two people. So I designated Part A for Ms. Oh Ji-Seon and Part B for Ms. Sung Hee-Yeon. But the keys are different, so if you switch parts, it'll sound strange."

Kim Ae-Ran had preemptively divided the parts to prevent any fights, but Oh Ji-Seon and Sung Hee-Yeon insisted on listening first before deciding.

Kim Ae-Ran shrugged. "Fine, go ahead and decide after you listen."

As she nodded, Bang Seon-Woo began playing the track. Moments later, both Oh Ji-Seon and Sung Hee-Yeon fell silent. They clearly liked 'Old Friends,' but since the base keys of Part A and Part B were entirely different, switching parts was out of the question.

"So? Do you want to switch parts?" Kim Ae-Ran asked.

Oh Ji-Seon and Sung Hee-Yeon lowered their heads. "No... we'll just do it as you said."

At last, every singer present today had been satisfied.

It seemed certain now that they would choose me over Yoon Dong-Gu and support the disciplinary action against him. After all, they were well aware of who now truly held power in Hoop Entertainment.

Just then, something unexpected happened. Bok Seon-Ill, who had been dazed for a while, let out a long sigh and cautiously spoke. His former hostility was gone but what he said hadn't changed.

"Chief Jung. I appreciate the great songs you prepared for us. I really like them. But... it still won't do. We can't leave Chief Yoon. We have to stick with him."

'

Even after all this, he's still insisting on needing Yoon Dong-Gu

?'

Everyone looked like they were blown away by the songs I brought. Even Bok Seon-Ill, who had been the most opposed, looked clearly satisfied.

I couldn't understand, so I asked again. "Why not? No matter what it is, I can fix it for you. Songs like these—I can get you one every month if you want."

That's when Bok Seon-Ill shook his head, looking troubled. "That's not it. The truth is..."

Bok Seon-Ill began to explain the real reason he couldn't abandon Yoon Dong-Gu.