91 - Upki Girl

< Are our kids kind of noisy? > ――――――― Program Production Proposal 1. Program Title: Girl Group Revival Project 'Replay Girl' 2. Theme: Re-evaluating girl groups within three years of debut and forming new units. 3. Planning Intention: Too many idols disappear without even having a proper chance to shine. It's not due to a lack of talent but often due to inadequate company funding and marketing failures. We want to create a stage where the talents and skills of small to mid-sized agencies and their idols can be truly showcased. 4. Program Format: Comprehensive format (Studio/Outdoor) 5. Production Length: 80 minutes 6. Production Team . . . ――――――― After arriving at the dorm, we reviewed the program proposal sent by Manager Kim Sang-in with the Upkey Girl members. Filming starts in three months. Fortunately, it doesn't conflict with the schedules for the female rapper program Yoona and Hongi plan to attend. I began weighing the pros and cons, gains and losses, of participating in the program. —Pros, Gains 1. It's scheduled during the time slot of 'Jungle Expedition,' the number one Friday night entertainment show. 2. We can expect significant promotion and push from the broadcast network. Just looking at the confirmed and prospective mentors shows how much effort is being invested. 3. The audition format is suitable for showcasing Upkey Girl's appeal and talents. —Cons, Losses 1. Re-evaluation sounds nice, but essentially, it's a final showdown among girl groups that haven't made it big. It's premature for Upkey Girl, who debuted just a month ago, to appear. It might attach a stigma of being a failed group before even having a proper start. 2. Signing an appearance contract means sharing management rights and profits for the next year with the broadcast network. Although mutual agreement between the network and agency is ideal, the network tends to hold more power, leading to unavoidable situations like unwanted schedules. 3. The spontaneous and instinctive tendencies of Upkey Girl members could lead to unprecedented disasters in broadcast history if caught in 'devil’s edit.' Ratings might skyrocket, but Upkey Girl’s image could go down the drain. Usually, when contemplating this much, a popup window gives some insight, but the info window hasn't provided significant information about 'Replay Girl.' This implies appearing or not appearing isn't crucial, but considering the trait of the info window not issuing 'warnings' might lead to unavoidable misfortunes. Wasn't it the same with the unexpected drug-related death incident at the showcase without any particular warning? However, considering it predicted the great chemistry between Eun-byeol and 'Flap Flap,' the info window's functions aren't totally paralyzed. In my opinion, the challenges and hardships that arise after debut might be processes and experiences leading to success. So, as long as the info window remains silent, I've decided to rely on the judgment and capabilities of the company, myself, and the kids. Wouldn't it at least warn us if there were life-threatening issues or critical risks to the team's survival? Darn info window, we’re not strangers! “What do you guys think?” After explaining the pros and cons of participating, I asked for the kids' opinions. Naturally, they were all in favor. Their reasons were all summed up in one sentence by Eun-byeol. “It sounds fun!” Yoona asked, “So, what’s the slightly bad news?” “They say Eye Contact might also be there.” Indeed it was. Manager Kim Sang-in, being familiar with the writers, subtly inquired about the currently confirmed teams, noticing Eye Contact included among them. The kids' reactions were as if they expected it. Especially Seowon and our Hongi lit up with a competitive spirit. “It’s perfect. We should show the difference in skills this time.” “I hope we face them in the first round.” “Is there a mission that includes fighting? If we send pre-transformation Hongi, he can take them one-on-nine. Hongi, bulk up again. You can do it, right?” “I can win even in my current state.” “Well, still, you are heavyweight now.” “Looks like you’ll have to fight me before facing Eye Contact.” “Manager, Hongi’s trying to hit me.” “Hongi, if you’re going to hit someone, take it outside. You’re disrupting the meeting.” “Okay…” “Manager, you know you’re a real tease, right?” “Yeah. I love you too.” “Oh, wow. That got my heart racing.” “Yoona, how about you? Does meeting Eye Contact bother you?” “Since our last encounter on Trend Song, I’ve set my mind. I’m going to destroy them this time.” “Wow, Yoona, you’re so fierce. True girl crush material.” “Aliyah’s totally falling for it.” “Aww, hey, that tickles!” Watching Aliyah cling to and nibble on Yoona’s back, I rose from my seat. “Then I’ll let Manager Kim know we’ll participate. Seowon, make sure to put her to bed early for tomorrow’s schedule.” “We were planning on doing a live stream after a long time.” “Just for an hour. I’m heading up first.” *** Next Morning. “Ah, when did this kid sneak in…” Upon waking, I found Seowon sleeping in my bed. It seems my body is no longer mine alone. “Han Seowon, wake up. It’s a bright and robust morning.” “Hm... just 10 more minutes, please... Wake me after you’re done washing, Manager...” “Alright.” “A hug before leaving.” “Hm. Nope.” “Hug me, hug me, hug me, hug me.” “Good, warm up your voice a bit. They’ll let you sing promo songs every time you win a round.” Coldly rejecting Seowon’s hug request, I visited the bathroom and then headed to the kitchen on the first floor, sensing an inexplicable discomfort. The source of that discomfort soon became clear. For quite some time now, I haven't experienced the natural biological morning phenomenon expected of a healthy male. Yes, that's right. It's been quite a while since I've had a morning erection. No, it has definitely been a while. Though I've always had a lower-than-average libido, it used to be a mental issue rather than a physical one. What is happening now? Currently, it's no different. It's one thing not to see Seowon as a woman, but when lying next to a woman in the same bed, the instinctive reproductive mechanism should be kicking in. Yet, there's no sign of it at all. Like a ripened grain, it's humbly drooping its head. Come on, get up! When did this start? When did I stop greeting him in the morning? Since moving into the dorm? Since the day Seowon first infiltrated my bed? Since the time when I felt nothing looking at the kids' slender legs and thighs? Or was it after the series of botched encounters with Jehee? No, it's probably since Eun-byeol moved into our place. Damn, damn, damn! What have these little brats done to my body? Could they possibly be using my vitality as nourishment, improving their functions as singers? As I sat at the table drinking water, such thoughts occurred to me. Would I end up dying a lonely old man after just taking care of the kids? Would I be left alone after marrying them all off? Would I, along with Yeom, Hyundong, and I, spend our later years in a retirement village, now that the good times have passed—although they've already passed—? Is that the price for the superpower given to me in exchange for the kids' success? Soon, I'll be thirty-six. If we assume a girl group's average lifespan ends when their standard 7-year contract expires, and if Upkey Girl works until then, I'll have to live engrossed in gojarysm until my mid-forties, at least... How did I end up like this when my life's goal was to meet someone compatible, settle down, and lead a normal life? Come to think of it, I haven't even been on the blind dates I used to do two or three times a month since meeting Eun-byeol. No, like a lie, offers stopped coming. Whether I asked friends or they contacted me, I used to get set up two or three times a month, but that has completely ceased. The fate of Kim Yoon-ho as a solitary man seems increasingly likely. No. The most important thing is my life, and I don't want a passive life. While following the mainstream, I should maintain the choice of path myself. To avoid being devoured by the monster called ‘inertia,’ I must keep reminding myself of my existence. My life and the success of Upkey Girl shouldn't be a fair trade! In that spirit, let's start dating again! I need to take care of my life too! "Good morning, Yam Yam.” I flinched. It's Aliyah. She's up early to accompany Seowon to the recording, even though it's not her usual time to wake up. Today's nickname is Yam Yam. “Oh, did you sleep well?” “Water.” “Here.” I took out her special water from the fridge, opened it, and handed it over. She took a short sip before asking, “Why so serious?” “What?” “What were you thinking about?” “Nothing. I was just spacing out, trying to wake up.” “Don’t lie. Do you think I don’t know Yam Yam? You looked really serious just now.” Was it that obvious? I made an excuse. “It was just… thinking about Seowon's recording today…” “Now that I think about it, Yam Yam only ever thinks about the older sisters all day. Poor thing…” “Huh…?” “Because of the nature of your job, artists have to come first, so you don't have your own life.” Goodness. Aliyah unexpectedly hit the nail on the head. Is it written all over my face? Though she usually seemed just like any other kid, she shows maturity at times like these. “Don’t you have a girlfriend, Yam Yam?” “If I did, would I be living here?” “Here? Why?” “Would a girlfriend be okay with it?” “Why wouldn’t she?” “Living with other girls might be a bit much, no matter what.” “I don’t get it. Aren’t you an adult, Yam Yam? Why would you need a girlfriend's permission for that?” “Well, I do think like you, but most don’t. I doubt there are many women who would accept it. Could you understand if your boyfriend lived with other girls without discussing it with you?” “No. Aliyah wouldn’t understand. It could be a breakup reason if he made such a decision without consulting me.” What's with this kid? The world revolves around her, right? I'm annoyed with myself for having briefly treated her as a fellow being. “You’re going to the shop for hair and makeup, right?” “Yeah.” “So, you meet a staff member at the recording. What should you do?” “I’m Aliyah, the youngest of Upkey Girl. Please take care of me.” “Good! Now, you’re in the recording. But the MC or production team starts making unreasonable demands or mistreats Seowon. What would you do?” “Leave it to Yam Yam and just watch with my arms crossed.” “Exactly! Now imagine Jang-woo was late bringing Aliyah's chair. What would you do?” “Stupid Lee! How can you use someone who can't even do that right? You’re fired!” “Just for being late with a chair?” “...Was that too much? Maybe dock his pay?” “No, he’s barely making enough as it is…” “Aren’t the employees like kings? Aliyah can’t do this anymore. I’d rather be a manager than a CEO at this rate.” “No, this is where the noble Princess Aliyah shows her magnanimity. Noblesse oblige.” "Yam Yam, you talk big. If it were that easy, why would there be labor disputes? You seem like a Peter Pan still living in Neverland, for someone who's supposedly experienced social life. Seriously." Do I really have to listen to this kind of talk from a seventeen-year-old who hasn't even lived half of my life? Money sure is a tyrant, really. *** "Hello, we're Upkey Girl, here for our 7 o'clock appointment." "Yes, please head up to the third floor." We were headed to the salon in Cheongdam-dong with which we're contracted during Upkey Girl's activities. Payments are settled at the end of the month and, with the celebrity discount, we receive a 30% reduction on services compared to regular customers. For events, the salon usually does the initial set-up, while a senior stylist and an assistant adjust at the shoot location, but for solo activities, only one assistant accompanies. On early morning schedule days, only our dedicated designer shows up to do makeup, but it seemed another team was here today as well since the second floor was bustling. The structure of the building meant there was no way to reach the third floor without passing by. As we ascended the stairs and reached the second floor, we encountered a group sitting in a row getting their hair styled. Someone from their group immediately stood up and introduced themselves. "Hello! We're A-Tension!" "Oh, yes, we're Upkey Girl." A-Tension is a five-member male idol group. They're the second-year boy group under Threes Holdings, the same company as Red Shadow. Being under Threes, their skills are impeccable, and they have the name recognition to reach first place at least once when they release an album. A hip-hop based group, they embody a laid-back attitude with a touch of hip-hop braggadocio. The leader 'Mad Max,' who made history as the first idol to win the male season of the rapper audition Honggi is planning to join, is part of this group. There he is, sporting dreadlocks and a headband, flashing a smile. For some reason, in a good mood from the morning, he points at us, shouting in rap tones. "Yo! Upkey Girl! I know you! Fishing live stream! Big sea bream!" His outburst draws the attention of the other uninterested members, who quickly chime in. "Oh, you're the ones. We enjoyed the video. It was charming!" "Yes, thank you. Thank you." I offered a representative thanks and led us up to the third floor. It feels good that a well-known group recognized us first. I'll ask them for a photo with our kids later and post it on SNS. However, Seowon and Aliyah seemed unimpressed. "They seem a bit cheap in person. They looked cool on screen." "They're hobbit-sized." "Right? None of them seemed over 170." "They seem so lightweight." Our crew spares nobody, be it man or woman. "Hey, keep your voices down. They might hear." "They won't hear us with this level of noise. They're busy chatting amongst themselves. Why are the boys so chatty anyway?" "And so what if they do hear. Yam Yam, you're too timid." True enough, the boys were noisy, but our voices probably wouldn't reach the second floor. Since our stylist hadn't arrived, we were alone on the third floor. However, if there was a blind spot, it would be the terrace used as a smoking area. —Creak. Startled! There was someone there! A man, who clearly had 'chief manager' written all over him, walked in and came straight to shake my hand, raising one side of his mouth suggestively. "I'm Yoon Sung-il, the manager for A-Tension. Our boys can be a bit noisy, can't they?"