Chapter 197. Everything Has Its Uses (1)

(T/N: I’m pretty sure I’ve made this statement before, but ‘idols’ in Korea (and maybe Japan) have that ‘everyone’s girlfriend’ image, so many companies (and fans) don’t want their idols to be in a relationship. So, if it’s revealed that they’re in a relationship, it’s called a ‘scandal’, not some congratulatory news.)

It was a natural instinct for men and women in their primes to be drawn to each other.
Regardless of industry or place, members of the opposite sex were drawn to each other.
As such, relationships existed in whichever form and it influenced a lot of people.
Inside a car under a bridge on the Han river.
Han JooYeon of Eddios and Doo ChangSoo, the leader of Heroy, a group under Yoonseul Entertainment, were talking to each other.

“Ah, that’s good. It felt so good driving like that.”

Han JooYeon stretched her arms out and smiled.

“Call me anytime. I’ll always…”
“Tell that to the girlfriend.”
“Hahah, we aren’t in a relationship yet?”

When Doo ChangSoo grinned, Han JooYeon also smiled as she replied.

“I don’t know? Maybe not yet?”
“Hahaha.”

The vague answer made Doo ChangSoo shrug his shoulders.
Although idols ‘enjoyed everything’ in secret, many considered Eddios as an exception to that rule.
But right now, a member of that very group was in front of his eyes.
As a man, the higher a mountain was, the deeper the desire to climb it.

“Should we get some wind?”

When Doo ChangSoo left the car while hiding his inner thoughts, Han JooYeon also left the car.
Snap! Snap!
At that moment, a small sound, then the sound of quick footsteps could be heard.

“Oppa, did you hear anything just now?”
“No?”

When Doo ChangSoo tilted his head, Han JooYeon also became less suspicious.

‘It shouldn’t be anything much, right?’

Nothing bad would have happened, she thought.
Rather than worrying about that, she wanted to enjoy her momentary breakaway.

***

The next day.
It was mid-November.
Although it was a little late, KangYoon gathered all the artists and employees of World Entertainment at the studio. This was for the monthly meeting.

“Is everyone here?”
“The director isn’t here yet.”

Jung HyeJin replied to KangYoon’s question.
As KangYoon had already heard that Lee HyunJi would be a little late, he said that it was okay and started the meeting.

“We’ll hold JaeHoon’s concert in February. Eddios will do an album in Spring next year as well… As for Eunha, I think we should wait a little more. White Moonlight, you guys keep doing what you’re doing now. This is the general outline. If anyone has any opinions, please speak up.”

Kim JiMin replied to KangYoon.

“Uhm, is it okay for my activities to happen at the same time as the unnis?”
“You two take completely different fields so it should be fine. Oh, wait. I think spring should be fine. Spring of twenty, or something? How about it?”
“I think it’s good.”
“Okay, then let’s talk about that later.”
“Yes.”

KangYoon spoke about the various schedules that the artists had and went into detail about what World Entertainment strived for. The employees wrote down records and noted the things that they needed.
When KangYoon spoke about how he was pursuing a joint project with FinesTok to create a music platform and the fact that he was creating a theatrics department, the artists all widened their eyes.

“…Wow. It really looks like we’re on our way to a big company.”

When Jung MinAh gasped, KangYoon replied with a smile.

“This was only possible thanks to you all. You guys are doing your best, so I should do my best as well. Although it would take a lot of time for our projects to see the light, it will benefit everyone. Next month, we’ll have someone who can take care of actors and actresses as well. If this goes well, the artists here may receive help in the form of music videos or musicals so I hope you get along well.”
“Yes.”

Everyone had different reactions.
The members of Eddios looked as though this was natural while Kim JaeHoon looked a little surprised. The members of Whtie Moonlight discussed among themselves about what they should do in the future.

‘…Hiccup.’

The youngest one, Kim JiMin, had hiccups due to the sudden surprise.

“You can talk to me in private if you want to know about something.”

KangYoon was about to finish the meeting when the door to the studio slammed open and Lee HyunJi came in.
Her face looked flushed.

“Director?”
“P, President! *pant, pant*…”

As Lee HyunJi was mostly calm, this was a surprise to KangYoon as well.
Lee HyunJi’s flushed appearance made the artists and other employees surprised as well. Seeing that, KangYoon approached her and calmly spoke.

“Director, calm down a little before you speak.”
“Ah, yes….”

Only then did Lee HyunJi realize that other people were here and took deep breaths.
After calming down, she took out her phone and showed it to KangYoon.

– JooYeon of Eddios enjoys a date night out with Tae, the leader of Heroy. A pink mood between the two of them?
‘What!’

KangYoon’s brows twitched.
Seeing that, the others seemed to be curious and approached him to see it, but KangYoon put down the phone, face down, and spoke.

“Let’s end the meeting here today. Then take care.”
“Yes.”

Everyone wondered, but they all left the studio one by one.
The artists were leaving one by one but KangYoon had Han JooYeon stay behind.

“JooYeon, shall we talk a little? MinAh, you too.”
“Yes.”

A while later.
The four of them sat down on the sofa in one corner of the studio.

“Let’s have a talk after you two see this.”

KangYoon showed the two the news article.

“Han JooYeon! You!”

As soon as she read the article, Jung MinAh’s eyes trembled and she abruptly stood up.

***

At Yerang Entertainment’s President’s office, smiles were blooming.

“Hahahaha. Thank you for your work. Looks like I’m indebted to you this time. I’ll treat you to something big next time. Yes, yes. Hahaha.”

President Kang ShiMyoung laughed heartily on the phone. He scheduled an appointment before ending the call.

“Heroy, those boys were a pain in Japan, but I guess this makes it harder for them to keep being active. Who told them to be so vulnerable? If Eddios goes down as well, it will be better for WINCLE as well. Hahaha.”

Joyfully, he even gave his secretary, who brought him tea, some pocket money.
The secretary refused it several times before accepting it and left his office.

– JooYeon of Eddios, Tae of Heroy takes her out for a spin?
– Tae and JooYeon, a love between two artists of different companies?

On his monitor, there were many articles full of scandals as well as the reactions of the fans.

***

“Hey, you damned brat! We’re at such an important moment… Are you even human? HUH!?”

President Choo ManJi glared at the muscular man in front of him. It was very rare for him to get angry.
However, the muscular man, Doo ChangSoo replied in a strong tone.

“W, we aren’t in a relationship, never. It’s just a drive in the car…”

Hearing that, President Choo ManJi abruptly stood up and pointed his fingers at him.

“Who said that you two were in a relationship? Why did you allow for such articles to appear by getting caught? Did I tell you off for sleeping with, uh, who was it, Ami from CCR?”
“…No.”
“Why do you think I did that?”
“That’s…”

President Choo ManJi sighed.

“…It’s because you didn’t get caught. Do you think I’m telling you off because you met a girl? Why give those trash something to bite on? What are you going to do about the fans that will no longer be fans? Moreover, don’t you know that the Japanese fans are sensitive to things like this? We’re already having a hard time competing with the guys over at Yerang in Japan, and you just had to do this… And moreover, why touch Eddios of all people? Didn’t I say that everyone should keep a close relationship between the people at World?”
“I, I didn’t do anything…”
“Shut up. Just stay holed up somewhere quiet for the time being. Phew…”

Doo ChangSoo left the office quietly.

“…I can only hope that people will eventually forget about it. Looks like Yerang will take the winter market this time.”

By himself, President Choo ManJi sighed deeply.

***

“*sob… sob…*”

Han JooYeon teared up after reading the articles that stemmed from her momentary breakaway.
Even Jung MinAh flinched when she teared up, but KangYoon coldly spoke.

“It’s not looking good for both of us. In the case of Yoonseul, the hit won’t be small. This scandal should have affected their Japanese album this time. Our fans are shaking as well… Your fans especially, JooYeon, are showing signs of breaking away.”
“*Sob sob… sob*”
“This is why idols should not get caught up with scandals.”

Han JooYeon’s sobbing became louder.
She finally realized the consequences of her actions after listening to KangYoon’s words.
She did that without much thinking as she wanted to relieve the stress from her long career of singing, but she did not realize that the consequences would be so big.
Returning the phone to Lee HyunJi, KangYoon calmly spoke.

“It’s not like you were actually dating, so there’s a room for excuses. However, since the two of you were alone in a car at night… it’s not looking too good.”
“I guess… aren’t we better off since we’re in a rest period?”

When Jung MinAh spoke with a calmer voice, Lee HyunJi spoke.

“Better off than Yoonseul, at least. They got hit right in the middle of their activity period. However, this will affect our next album as well. Imagine the word ‘Tae’s girl’ tagging along with you every time you do something. Would the fans like that?”
“…..”

Han JooYeon buried her head on the table.
Guilt and remorse on top of other mixed emotions made her unable to hold herself together. She didn’t want her actions to damage the other members as well.
Clap-clap.
At that moment, KangYoon clapped to get attention.

“That’s enough scolding. Let’s think about the solution.”

Jung MinAh’s eyes shone when she heard those words.

“I knew you were good, President! You’re the best!”
“MinAh, leave that for later.”
“Tch, even though I’m complimenting you… fine, fine.”

As he knew that Jung MinAh spoke those words to brighten the mood a little, KangYoon continued to speak.

“First, I think we should give a formal explanation. Let’s upload a notice to the fan cafe. JooYeon, you will have to do this.”
“…Me?”

Han JooYeon looked at KangYoon with reddened eyes.
Hearing that, KangYoon said that it was natural and nodded his head.

“I know that you don’t write a lot in the fan cafe. But that’s precisely why it will be more effective. Han JooYeon, who rarely writes, uploaded an apology. We can convey to the fans sincerity like that. Don’t make excuses and apologize properly. You’re at fault for breaking the fantasies of your fans. Also, don’t forget to say that you will not act lightly in the future.”
“…Yes, I understand. Is there anything else I have to do?”

Han JooYeon accepted quickly.
KangYoon continued to speak while opening up a calendar app on his phone.

“Rather than you alone, JooYeon, this is for all of Eddios. Let’s pull the date forward for the album.”
“What? The album?”

Even Lee HyunJi’s eyes widened at KangYoon’s words.

“Aren’t we doing one in Spring? We’re not delaying it but pulling it forward?”
“There are two meanings behind this. Regardless of our explanation or apology, JooYeon and Tae will stick to each other in the search terms for a while. And that will stick to the people as well. Since it’s like this, let’s just use it as a marketing strategy. I think a Christmas single would be perfect.”
“…It would be good if the album is good. Maybe people will think that we did this on purpose for marketing strategy. After all, they will listen to it if they search for her name.”

Lee HyunJi clapped in understanding. Actually, a scandal was the best form of noise marketing.
While Jung MinAh and Han JooYeon blinked several times, KangYoon spoke on.

“Stars are supposed to shirk away from activities when a scandal occurs. However, there’s no reason to do that if it’s false. Although their rest period will decrease a little, we should undertake that risk. Is that okay with you, MinAh?”
“*Sigh*. I accept it with a wide heart.”

Jung MinAh put her arm around Han JooYeon’s shoulders.

“….Thank you.”
“Treat me to something later. I’m getting a lobster off you this time for sure.”

Jung MinAh’s words made the four of them laugh and ended the meeting on a bright note.
After Han JooYeon and Jung MinAh returned to their dorms, KangYoon opened the article on his computer and frowned.

“Director, you told me a place called ‘Starfree’ kept digging into our backs, right?”

At KangYoon’s question, Lee HyunJi replied with a frown as well.

“Yes. The managers found them taking photos of us in secret and warned them. They’re quite vicious, they keep stalking us even though they were taken to the police several times for it. Now that I think about it, wasn’t the first article from them as well?”
“Yes.”

KangYoon thought for a moment before looking at Lee HyunJi with determination.

“Do you perhaps know any lawyers?”
“A lawyer? Why do… oh.”

Lee HyunJi realized KangYoon’s intentions immediately.

“They’re hindering our kids so much, so we can’t leave them be.”
“The lawyers I know are quite expensive. Is that alright with you?”

KangYoon replied without hesitation.

“It doesn’t matter how much they cost. We have to make sure an event like this never happens again in the future, we need to teach them a lesson about trying to touch the World Family.”
“Leave that to me.”

Lee HyunJi put her thumbs up.

***