92 - Upki Girl

< When It’s Time to Tame > Caught talking behind my back. Have I ever felt such a cringe-inducing moment in my life? The subject involved is not just popular domestically, but an internationally acclaimed boy group from a top domestic entertainment company. It was clearly our fault, 200% our mistake, and with a whim, they could potentially bury Upkeygirl in the entertainment industry. Even a single snide comment like, "These days, new artists really lack common sense," posted on social media could trigger the netizen investigation squad to unearth the whole truth in an instant. The post would then spread globally like cells dividing, leaving Upkeygirl torn to shreds at the microscopic level. Even if such a scenario were to unfold, we wouldn’t have a leg to stand on. It was a colossal blunder, no, a grave mistake on our part. Even Seowon and Alia's faces tensed up awkwardly, realizing the gravity of the situation this time around. Just when the silver lining was within reach, in swoops Seowon. Just when Upkeygirl was about to succeed, in comes Ria. In those past days, I naïvely believed that with the ability to perceive a star's aura and an information window, I could create a mega star. When Alia's financial backing came into play, I thought the Korean entertainment industry was ripe for Upkeygirl to dominate. I was nothing more than a novice ignorant of the world's workings. Talent and capital don't ensure success, much like the slogan for 'Find your Dream’ auditions that says, “Even if you have a pearl of wisdom, you need to string it together to make a debut.” If success were only a matter of talent and resources, every idol debuting under major agencies would succeed. After experiencing several issues, I realized that talent and investment are merely vehicles to start your journey, whereas others are still on foot. Sure, it’s faster and more comfortable than running, but no one can predict a car’s potential defects, unexpected traffic or accidents. Sometimes, it’s quicker to go on foot depending on the road conditions. Out of the five cars I owned, two were Mercedes with severe engine defects. It was these defects intervening on the highway that led to catastrophic accidents. Apology. There’s no way out except for an unequivocal apology without excuses. An overwhelming apology akin to cleansing the soul, as if pressing my forehead on a red-hot iron plate! Ae-tension’s manager, Yoon Sung-il, surveyed me and the kids with a derisive look, letting out a wry chuckle. Although I immediately apologized, his words cutting into mine rendered it meaningless. “I’m sorry. Our kids…” “What company are you with?” “We’re a team called Upkeygirl under Hum Hum Sound.” “Hum Hum? Never heard of it, new on the scene?” “Yes.” “How long since debut?” “About 40 days.” “Ah… 40 days… I’m just asking, did something happen with our boys downstairs?” “No, we just exchanged greetings.” “Wow, I really don’t get it. Nothing happened, but they said that? A rookie group only a month into debut?” Neither do I understand... “Did you not educate them on manners before debut?” “We did, but… I apologize. There’s no making excuses. I’ll go down and apologize directly to the Ae-tension members…” “Hey.” He cut me off and turned to Seowon and Alia. With a face full of fear, Seowon answered with a timid “Yes?” and he continued in a calm tone. “What are you going to do? You debuted with difficulty after years as trainees, right?” Seowon couldn’t string any words together. Instead, Alia raised her hand slightly, responding with forced nonchalance. “Sorry.” I swear, if I don’t buy a leash and muzzle the moment we leave here, I’d be a fool, a fool. But knowing Alia’s personality, I see that she made her utmost, sincere apology. Honestly, hearing a “sorry” from her was so shocking it gave me chills. However, to those who don’t know her, she must seem like a lunatic. The Ae-tension manager also regarded Alia with that kind of look. “I’m sorry!” I knelt before him before it was too late. In my memory, aside from an old scolding with elder Kim Kyu-don, I can’t recall kneeling before anyone as a gesture of apology. I didn’t think it’d ever happen again. “These kids aren’t mature yet. But that’s no excuse for the tremendous wrong they’ve done. It’s my fault for knowing but not intervening. I’ll kneel and sincerely apologize before the Ae-tension members.” Fortunately, the Ae-tension manager turned out to be a decent human being. Even if he slapped me and hurled insults, we would deserve it, but instead, he told the kids to help me up. “Hey, get him up. It’s all forgiven.” “Ria, just keep quiet... Manager-nim, get up. We'll apologize directly…” Who are you telling to hush? Han Seowon, you too, zip it. I pushed aside Han Ga's arm and stood up on my own. Apologizing is a given, but I aim to use this opportunity to correct their impudence. Rather than demanding they apologize directly, I believed it would be more effective for me to show a humiliating side. Hence, I went downstairs to the Ae-tension members and knelt before them too, recounting word for word the atrocious things my kids said in front of the salon staff. Seeing me kneel, they were surprised and knelt reflexively. “Oh, please, get up!” “We're really okay. We know we’re short.” Despite their tough outward demeanor, their training at a major agency showed through. Whether fake or genuine doesn’t matter. At least, when in public, this is how one should behave. Whether they lacked personality education or not, this much should be fundamental. It’s Seowon and Ria who are skewed. Han Ga and Jin Ga watched my apology scene with devastated expressions, akin to children witnessing the horrors of war for the first time through books. They tried to mumble some self-justifications midway, but my eruption of anger kept them silent. "The kids have forgiven, so let's leave it at that. Stand up now." Yoon Sung-il didn’t insist on an apology from Seowon and Ria. He seemed to have understood my intentions and was deliberately setting this up to impart a shock therapy on them by having their manager apologize on their behalf. Sure enough, as I stood up, he turned to our members with a sly smile. "This is all because of you guys, you know? Seriously, what are you going to do? You debuted only a month ago and you're already pulling stunts like this? Are you in such a rush to crash and burn before you even start?" He wasn't wrong. If this had happened with someone like CEO Kim Seok-won, who knows what could have occurred. "I’m sorry…” Finally, an apology escaped Seowon’s lips, accompanied by tears. Meanwhile, Ria demonstrated an out-of-body coping method, awkwardly patting my back as if to console me. "Good job, Yup-yup." I can't fathom what kind of life one leads to become so shameless. At least she didn't spout any more nonsense, which was a relief. "A—Yo, it's okay. We made tons of verbal blunders when we were rookies too," offered Mad Max, the leader of Ae-tension, attempting to lighten the mood. I initially presumed he was just an immature kid trying to mimic foreign sensibilities, yet he exhibited a straightforward and charismatic personality on par with the magnanimous Jug Kim Joon-young unleashing an army of Ultralisks. Yes, an eccentric as charming as this is endearing. From today, I’m a fan of Ae-tension. Yoon Sung-il, however, wasn’t as easily swayed. "Hey, this isn’t the same! Regardless of seniority, there should be respect among industry peers! Why badmouth people who aren't even involved?" "Oh come on, let it slide just this once. They’re adorable, right? Hahaha!" "And what's that supposed to mean?" "Hyung, don’t you know the legendary sea bream video? We watched it together!" "So what does that mean? Oh... are they that group?" "That’s right, the Sea Bream Idols." Yoon Sung-il nodded at Alia, his anger slightly dissipated. "Yeah, that's right. That friend next to him. But he’s taller than I expected?" "I think we're about the same. Yet some get called tall, while others get dubbed hobbits." Kang-goon, one of the members, pulled a self-deprecating joke, making the other members chuckle. "Hey, I’m over 170 cm. I’m quite offended being lumped together with you guys." "Hyung, fans see us all the same anyway. Don’t delude yourself." True to the reputation of the artists from Three S, the group members were lively, and the aura they exuded was charming, making them an incredibly delightful team. "Isn’t that the person who was on NoDue?" Kang-goon pointed to Seowon. Considering it was the most talked-about episode in NoDue’s history, it’s not surprising that people recognized him. "Oh, yeah, you’re the one who didn’t talk for three years?" "Two years, isn’t it?" "Ah, was it two years?" Mad Max appeared to find our kids adorable. It was as if a battle of wits erupted, with everyone trying to be noticed. Had this been another girl group, romantic sparks might have flown by now. They even initiated the idea of taking a group photo. Ahh, just when the atmosphere seemed to be lightening up. I tensed again. The vibe felt American-style, but if anyone dared to rest a hand on Alia’s shoulder, another ice age would befall us. Fortunately, Ae-tension refrained from physical contact, and Ria and Seowon didn’t cause further trouble, graciously posing with capitalistic smiles. Seeing their cooperation struck a chord with me, making it seem I was the one being tamed. Unbeknownst to me, like a wife living in fear of domestic abuse, I found myself easily swayed back to contentment by a single show of goodwill after enduring a hundred lashes. "Thank you. I’ve learned a lot. As expected, big agencies truly do it differently." "Phew, seeing how these kids behave, it must be tough for you." With the situation under control, I conversed separately with Yoon Sung-il while the kids had their hair done. Starting as a road manager at Three S and recently promoted to Management Team 1 Leader, he empathized with my struggles, saying he saw glimpses of his younger self in me. "Still, only two of them are troublemakers, the other three are well-behaved." "That’s a relief. It does make things a bit easier when you have at least one sensible member on the team. I started out with Hippy Child." "Ah... Hippy Child..." "That should give you an idea." "Yeah..." Hippy Child, the first girl group of Three S, active in the early 2000s, is legendary in its own right. Dreaming to be the Korean Destiny's Child, they debuted ambitiously but all three members were free spirits with an inclination for drinking, partying, and brawls. They were often embroiled in club fights and widespread dating scandals. Meanwhile, their teamwork led them into infamy and eventual disbandment when they were convicted for marijuana use. Some fans argue they couldn’t possibly have been using just marijuana, as nothing short of hard drugs would suit their legendary status. They were that level of intense, true queens of the scene. "You seem too nice, Manager-nim. Don’t let them off just because they’re girls. When they need discipline, give it to them straight." "Phew, I want to, but my resolve crumbles when I see their faces. They’re all kids I coaxed into joining, after all." "Well, that's a different matter. It's not as if you're forcing the kids to do something they don't want to do, right? They do it because they like it." "How did you handle things back when you were with Hippy Child?" "Ah, I was just a road manager then, so I only ended up with a stomach ulcer. The person who was in charge at the time is now the head of Three S's Japan branch. After that experience, he completely shifted from fieldwork to management." "Oh..." "But he always says this: Hippy Child was a truly talented group ahead of their time, capable enough to make it even today. He just regrets not disciplining them more. Although corporal punishment is no longer acceptable, administering penalties equivalent to it is beneficial for the team’s future. They’re already like this as rookies, and if they ever make it big, they’d end up just like Hippy Child. It's crucial to handle this well now." Although there's no escaping the rumors circulating from the salon staff, managing to resolve the incident to this extent was the best possible outcome. However, the problem is that there could be a next time. The kids might have realized they need to be careful about their behavior, but people's nature and disposition aren’t something that changes overnight. This is the time to firmly correct their habits. Honestly, I felt like dropping everything right there and going on a trip for a few days. But if I were to go, I’d first have to wrap up Seowon’s game broadcast recording scheduled in a few hours. Alia has a different operational system, so I’m not worried about her. But if I keep scowling at Seowon, it’s bound to ruin the show. The game broadcast recording lasted for about four hours. The other guest was an actress, Joo Jeong-ha, from a vocal group background. Like many female celebrities seen in real life, she looked more petite and charming off-screen. Known for her love of gaming, she was even part of an entertainer gaming team. After the storm from earlier, Seowon restrained his temperament for the filming, and Alia kept cautiously watching for my signals. They competed mainly on new mobile games, and the winning team was granted the privilege to promote themselves. Seowon and Dong-ha’s team suffered a landslide defeat with a score of 1-4 after five rounds. They used their lone victory to promote Upkeygirl’s song “Hug Me.” Joo Jeong-ha kindly offered one of her tickets for Seowon to perform an additional ballad, showcasing his forte. Watching them bicker and blame each other within friendly bounds with Dong-ha was amusing, surely making for great content. See, you can do well in variety shows if you just temper that attitude a bit. Seowon’s variety skill increased by 3 points. After a satisfying wrap to the recording, and exchanging farewells with the production team and cast, I addressed Seowon and Ria. "Jang-woo will bring the car up, so go in with him." "You called oppa Jang-woo? Aren't you coming with us?" "I don’t think I can anymore. Look at this, how can I live long like this?" "Yum-yum, you’re really upset..." "I tried tolerating it because I was the one who initially reached out to you, but I don’t think I can anymore." "So, are you saying you're quitting? What about the shoot at the dorm tonight?" "Who knows what might happen there. It's been fun." "Yum-yum, don’t be like this... This isn’t like you." Now, it’s my turn to tame them. Leaving them in the lobby, I stepped outside the building. Indifferent to the surrounding people, Seowon and Ria yelled out. "Manager-nim, what's wrong! We admit we were wrong!" "Yum-yum! Stop! Come back! Come baaack!" < When It’s Time to Tame > End