August 2011.

  A huge wave assaulted the normally calm entertainment industry.

  The storm began from Yoonseul Entertainment.

  DiaTeen, who had been quiet for nearly half a year, had made a comeback! Other girl groups, and boy groups, as well as singers who sang in a completely different genre, delayed their return to the industry. Even without Eddios, their power was amazing. On top of that, there were rumors that President Choo ManJi had prepared everything he could for this, so it was no wonder that people were staying low.

  And so that stage began on the 2nd week of August.

  The beginning of the stage began with a live broadcast of Music Camp over at DLE TV station. -

  You can steal my lips – my lovely oppa –


  Sexy waistline, bright smile, as well as a cropped tee that accentuated their abdominal area. DiaTeen’s powerful choreography was emphasized by the costume that they were wearing.

  “*Gasp*…!”


  “Awesome, awesome!”


  “Ah! Segyung, I love you!”


  The fans watching the live show were all having heart attacks. All of the members shouted ‘I love you oppa!’ at the end of the song with a wink, and that dealt the finishing blow on most of the men in the audience.

  Their new song, titled ‘I love you oppa’, was aimed directly at the male fanbase. It was geared towards the more retro, yet unique style, and DiaTeen managed to attain great success in their image change.

  The on-the-scene reactions were very hyped. The lyrics may have sounded cheesy, but even the female fanbase was lovestruck after watching their powerful moves.

  Naturally, those good reactions at the scene were later reiterated into the news show and news articles.

  “Hahahahahahahahaha!”


  President Choo ManJi, in his office, was laughing with great joy. Three days – that was all it took to sweep across the music sales ranking, and the number of event requests was coming in like a flood.

  Some of the news articles started stating that they were beginning to threaten the top spot belonging to Eddios. Some of the articles even quoted some facts, like the number of their fanbases. He did not imagine after all that hard effort in imaging them to be better than Eddios until now, this would be the final blow.

  “Sheesh, it looks like I will have to pay a hefty sum for that music.”


  According to the contract, there were additional installments according to the achievement of the music. However, President Choo ManJi did not think of that as a waste at all. They were finally able to shake the position that Eddios was in, so this album was as good as a success. On top of that, it had only been three days. Things would only get better as time passed.

  President Choo ManJi called up KangYoon. After a few seconds of ringing, the call connected.

  – Lee KangYoon on the phone here.

  “Greetings, It’s Choo ManJi from Yoonseul.”


  – Oh, hello indeed!

  After a brief greeting, they immediately talked about the new album. KangYoon was also happy that the album was doing well. However, from his voice, it could be felt that he was wanting something.

  President Choo didn’t mind that and continued speaking.

  “Very well, then. I will do my best to advertise you this time.”


  – Thank you for your concern.

  “Let us work well from now on. I did imagine that things would go well, but not this well. The number of male fans is steadily increasing without end.”


  This was the part he put most of his effort into – the male fanbase. This was also the biggest power that Eddios had, and that DiaTeen was lacking. But with this new album, that fanbase started to shift, so his objective was accomplished.

  – That’s a good thing. Congratulations.

  “Hahaha, it looks like we are going to have a grand afterparty! You’ll see an invitation sent your way soon.

  – Okay then.

  Even after finishing up the call with KangYoon, President Choo did not stop smiling.

  “Hahahahaha!”


  He read the report over and over again and embraced his current feeling.

  ***

  Not long now.

  KangYoon had a look at the construction site where the acoustic tests were underway. The workers were currently adjusting the positioning of the woofer and the speakers at the ceiling to find the right balance.

  ‘I am going to need someone in charge of this place.’


  Thought KangYoon while watching the engineers doing adjustments in the broadcasting room. He himself could not be tied to this place. Although Manager Kim DaeHyun can do the job when White Moonlight was doing their show here, it would be nonsensical to have him do it for other bands. He needed professionals.

  ‘Money is so hard-earned, but so easily spent….’


  Money was literally leaking out of his pockets. He shook his head. He even thought that this was why there were evil bosses that underpaid their workers. Though, he still thought that employees living well meant a company doing well.

  KangYoon left the hall and returned to his company. When he did, he found that his office was filled with some youths.

  “Miss HyeJin, who might these people be?”


  “They’re here to rent the hall.”


  “Oh.”


  There were 5 people, a mix of both genders, sitting on the sofa. They stood up as soon as they saw KangYoon come in. Jung HyeJin seemed to have given them a cup of coffee already as there was a disposable cup each in front of them.

  KangYoon briefly introduced himself to the youths. These youths belonged to a band called Wish. It was led by the drummer, Kang MinChul, and centered around the vocalist Gong SeungHye.

  Their leader, Kang MinChul represented the team and spoke of their business here.

  “We wish to use the hall.”


  “What’s the time slot you want?”


  “7 p.m. Saturday.”


  They wanted the golden hours. 7 to 8 pm on Saturday was the most expensive time to rent.

  However, when KangYoon told them about the rental fee, all members of the band widened their eyes in shock.

  “Huh? Wait. Th, this is really cheap.”


  Kang MinChul was taken aback when the rental fees were much lower than he expected. The other members started whispering amongst themselves and talked about how the facilities might be horrible. Hearing that, KangYoon gave them the list of equipment used in the hall.

  “Wha…. These are seriously expensive equipment. Moreover, the acoustic engineering of this place…”


  Kang MinChul was very surprised by the photos of the hall. The sound absorption panels on the high ceiling and the walls, the hanging speakers, the mixers in the control room, every single piece of equipment were of extremely high-quality. He didn’t understand how the rent could be so cheap.

  “Please excuse me for asking, but isn’t the rent too cheap?”


  Eventually, he ended up asking KangYoon about it. It was no wonder as this venue had much better facilities than other concert halls, and it was so cheap.

  Although it could have offended KangYoon, he didn’t react so badly.

  “The very purpose of the hall is to vitalize the activities of indie bands, and that’s why the rent is cheaper than other places. If we lower the prices, then the other venues around this area should do the same. No one would go to those expensive places when they could pay much lower prices and use the much better equipment here. It was also due to the competition around the area.”


  “Oh….”


  “Wouldn’t the situations of hungry musicians become better if the rent becomes cheaper? Actually, this price isn’t too cheap. It’s the price that venues around here used to have in the past. We aren’t taking losses.”


  The members of Kang MinChul’s band exclaimed. The image of the small company known as World Entertainment was forever engraved in their minds.

  After they signed off the papers, they left the office.

  KangYoon gave the papers to Jung HyeJin. He was silently asking her to take care of this matter. She understood immediately and immediately photocopied and scanned the papers.

  After the matters at his office were over, KangYoon visited the rooftop before heading towards the studio. Kim JiMin was currently practicing in the studio-

  I open my eyes to the sweet sunshine —


  KangYoon was very familiar with this melody.

  ‘Together?’


  The song Kim JiMin was playing was ‘Together’, Eddios’s debut piece. Hearing it after such a long time, the melody was very refreshing to him-

  Our squishy love, can we still –


  It didn’t seem to be rearranged. However, listening to a kpop idol song on the guitar was very new. A cheerful song being played on an acoustic guitar was completely different than being composed electronically.

  ‘It might be good if it has some rearrangement.’


  Kim JiMin’s guitar skills were excellent as well. The note from the guitar and the note from her voice created a white light. He wanted to keep listening to it, like the time when Eddios had first debuted.

  ‘The song those girls sang also felt something like this.’


  KangYoon thought of the girls of Eddios while listening to Kim JiMin’s version of ‘Together’. Perhaps it was because he just created a song for DiaTeen, but it reminded him of the girls even more. Starting with Christie, the girl who had a cold attitude on the outside, but was more girlish than anyone, as well as Han JooYeon, who sang in a beautiful one, Seo HanYu who tried to take everything by herself, Lee SamSoon, who acted like a country bumpkin but was actually very cute, and above all,

  Jung MinAh, who was more passionate than anyone.

  The notes from the acoustic guitar reminded him of each of them.

  ‘I told them I would be together with them until the end….’


  KangYoon felt bitter as he felt he was irresponsible for leaving them behind.

  ‘Haaa, both they and I are pros now. I taught them that too, but…. it still feels bitter.’


  Reason and emotion are two different things. Choosing the right thing to do does not always equal following the heart. KangYoon right now was like that. However, he knew well that he would make the same decision if it came to him again.

  “Huh? SIr.”


  When the music ended, Kim JiMin raised her head. She was so absorbed in her practice that she hadn’t noticed him coming in.

  “Did I interrupt you?”


  “Not at all. Were you listening?”


  “I was. Looks like you practiced a lot.”


  “Not that much. How was I?”


  KangYoon thought about it for a moment before speaking.

  “It felt nice. An acoustic version of a girl group song feels new. Don’t you need any other instruments?”


  “I’m not sure. It might need some rearrangement….”


  “Speak to me if you need anything.”


  “This time, I’ll try to do it by myself.”


  KangYoon’s eyes were filled with curiosity.

  “Will you be fine?”


  “Didn’t you want this though?”


  KangYoon nodded his head.

  “Then go ahead. If you find it too hard, then you can ask.”


  “Yes, I’ll ask for help from the others.”


  “Okay.”


  KangYoon no longer spoke and left the studio. As soon as he left, Kim JiMin immediately took out her mobile phone.

  “Soyoung-unni. It’s me, Jimin.”
-

  Oh hey. What’s up?

  They started chatting over the phone. The practice whatnot, their makeup, and whatnot – all sorts of trivial chatter went past. Only after a long while did they talk about the matter at hand-

  You want me to rearrange ‘Together’?

  “Yes, can you do it?”
-

  I’m good with it, and it will be a good experience too. But wouldn’t KangYoon-oppa do that for you? I heard it was going to be performed on stage.

  “I told him that I’ll do it myself this time-

  You really are something. And KangYoon-oppa’s amazing to let you do it too. It’ll be a lot of pressure, but I’ll try

  “Thank you.”
-

  Nah, I’m thankful that you trust me. I’ll have it ready in two days.

  “Okay.”


  After the call, Kim JiMin grabbed the guitar again.

  “I guess I should start again.”


  After that, she practiced for a long time.

  ***

  A coffee shop in Gangnam.

  Lee HyunJi was holding her chin by the window seat looking outside at the rain. The sound of rain made her get emotional.

  ‘This feels nice.’


  The combination of the rain and the faint piano music in the background was dreamy. Looking outside at the couples walking around sharing an umbrella, a smile hung on her lips.

  ‘Good times.’


  Even though she wouldn’t usually think like that, the rain made her think like that today.

  She was enjoying her time alone at the coffee shop. However, she had an appointment today.

  “Over here.”


  Hearing the bell, Lee HyunJi waved her hand. A middle-aged man approached him from the entrance. It was director Lee HanSeo.

  “It’s been a while, president.”


  “Don’t call me president. I’ve long since left.”


  “I’m still used to calling you that.”


  Director Lee HanSeo extended his hand with his unique smile. Lee HyunJi grabbed his hand.

  The two then started talking about recent matters. Most of them were about what happened at their respective companies. They only talked about what was already publicly known and not any business secrets.

  “…I see. Team leader KangYoon is still as amazing as ever. He made the near-cripple Kim JaeHoon reappear in the industry and already gained more than he paid. We gave up on him too… What an amazing person.”


  Director Lee HanSeo was genuinely surprised by the feats of KangYoon.

  “Don’t you get the news at MG?”


  “Team Leader, no, I guess he’s a CEO now. I’m getting a lot of news about him. However, no one would directly mention him.”


  “Haa, I guess we’re still too small after all. If we could only ….”


  “It’s not that.”


  Director Lee HanSeo denied what she said, and she was puzzled. He then said in a strong voice.

  “It’s a taboo to mention team leader KangYoon at the company. When he left, one director received severe punishment, the company lost a huge cash cow, the employees lost morale, and even our musicians were shaken. Even the directors did not know that he was so influential.”


  “That’s still a thing?”


  “Yes. The employees don’t know yet, but the directors still do. Though, most of it is that they don’t want anyone challenging their positions.”


  “And that’s also the reason Eddios is getting all the hate?”


  “That’s… haa.”


  Director Lee HanSeo sighed. He wasn’t able to refute Lee HyunJi’s words.

  “…Yes. None of the directors support Eddios. Even though they are the greatest cash cow since JooAh, they are still being thrown around all over the place by the directors. Ever since the chairman fell ill, they have had it hard. That’s the reason behind sending our greatest domestic musicians all the way to America.”


  “Aren’t you in charge of Eddios, director Lee?”


  “Yes, but I have no power over them. I’m incompetent.”


  Director Lee HanSeo clenched his fist. Although he was in charge of them, there was nothing he could do as he was always drowned away by the voice of the majority. In the end, the only thing he could do was to adjust their schedule. His effort managed them to work in Korean towns in America and not all over the US.

  “Looks like that place is very hectic as well. JooAh and the others must be having a hard time.”


  “Haa.”


  Director Lee HanSeo’s long sigh was enough of a reply.

  ***

  Today, there was a recording of the talk show named ‘Story Show with Park MinChang’. This show was held over at HMC station, and it was a TV program where the MC talked to successful CEOs and superstars about their behind-the-scenes life.

  However, today, their guests were different from usual

  “Hello! We’re DiaTeen!”


  The five girls of DiaTeen all greeted in a cheerful voice, and the male staff all blushed. Not only that, the MC of the show, Park MinChang was also unable to hide his joy.

  “Trendy, that I’m sure. Please take care of me.”


  “Yes, oppa.”


  Hearing the word ‘oppa’ made his smile even deeper, even though he was in his middle 40s.

  The members of DiaTeen then listened to the basic outline of the recording. Most of it was about their personal story, their life at the company, and what it was like to stand on stage.

  After the story, they were given a little bit of rest before the recording began. The recording took a considerably long time. However, the girls were professionals, they underwent the recording without a single complaint.

  Park MinChang had a really bright expression, as he was used to talking to older people all the time, but now, he was confronting cheerful girls. He alternated between questions on the script and questions not on the script and progressed the show in a good mood.

  When the mood reached a peak, Park MinChang started talking about dances.

  “Your new album did better than your previous albums. Miss SeGyung, can you show us the S dance that’s all the rage nowadays?”


  “It’s embarrassing though….”


  Kang SeGyung refused once. However, she stood up after being asked several times. The audience cheered while the background music started flowing out. She softly curved her body into an S shape and lightly flicked it. This was the S-dance that was also the main point of this song.

  Although the dance move was a light one, it was one that emphasized her thin waistline.

  “Ooooh—!”


  The audience applauded, and Park MinChang also clapped.

  “That looks cool. It also looks easy, can you teach me?”


  “Uhm….”


  Kang SeGyung tweaked Park MinChang’s stiff body and barely made it into an S shape. However, it wasn’t easy. The audience burst out laughing when they saw that.

  In the end, Park MinChang returned to his seat with an awkward smile.

  “Dancing is hard.”


  “Hahaha, we have it hard too. We have to maintain a uniform S-shape.”


  “Let’s leave the S-dance for DiaTeen to do.”


  “Hahahaha.”


  Joo YeAh’s comment made the others burst out laughing. The recording studio had a bright atmosphere.

  Park MinChang moved on from talking about dancing.

  “You know, DiaTeen’s boss is known for creating the title song for the team himself, isn’t he?”


  “Yes, phew….”


  Joo YeAh shivered for a moment, and that made people laugh as well. Park MinChang also continued after a smile.

  “But I heard that you outsourced your main song this time. Perhaps that’s why it felt different from the others you showed us until now.”


  “Yes, it should have been a little different from our usual image. We’re thankful for all the great feedback though.”


  Kim JiSoon was the one to reply. She replied very maturely.

  “I heard the one who made your song this time also created a song for Jay Han, and there was TnT too. Muse, was it?”


  “Yes. He’s a pretty popular musician recently.”


  Park MinChang’s eyes glistened when he heard Joo JungHyun’s reply. Of course, this was all pre-scripted.

  “Really?”


  “Yes, I picked this song after just listening to the sample version. He gives the singers the right song for them.”


  The recording studio of ‘Story Show with Park MinChang’ talked about this new wonder musician ‘Muse’.