159 - Upki Girl

< Gahhh! > On the day of the shoot, it was unheard of for a show participant to suddenly announce their withdrawal without any coordination with the production staff. Even if an irreconcilable dispute arose between the participant and the production team, it was in the participant's best interest to continue filming until a replacement was found for the sake of their career and image—unless, of course, they were an untouchable top star. But for a rookie girl group, just four months into their debut, to unilaterally announce their withdrawal? And from a terrestrial broadcast show, no less? In a typical situation, they would have been blacklisted from the industry. However, we weren’t just any ordinary rookies, and Replay Girl was not your average entertainment show. Although the judges and MCs were fixed, the girl group participants, if eliminated, had to pack up that very day like mayflies. Also, being an audition show, similar to other competitions or sports events, the participants had the option to withdraw or quit halfway. While it's standard to discuss such matters with the producers beforehand, it's more of a recommendation. It’s not an issue even if they chose not to consult; the contract doesn’t stipulate any penalties for withdrawal anyway. Yo-na, seemingly offering an explanation, turned to the bewildered panel of judges. "The mental burden is too much for me to proceed with the next mission." A rookie girl group, keen on turning this program into a stepping stone for success, withdrawing due to mental strain? Yo-na's excuse was transparently insincere. Moreover, considering it was the leading team, who had been on a winning streak while performing as if the stage was their own living room, who would believe her? Despite the high viewership ratings for the first episode, the mood was high during the extended recording session, making this last-minute decision feel like a sudden splash of boiling water. The judges would naturally recall how Yo-na had previously suffered from being portrayed negatively due to malicious editing in the first episode. Otherwise, they might assume there was some discord between the production team and her agency. Witnesses of at least 15 years in the industry, the veteran top stars would easily discern the situation. They would assume that this was Yo-na's way of protesting something crooked between the production team or the program. "Let's take a short break!" At the assistant director's signal, the recording was officially paused. The male judges, led by Tae-jin, moved toward the production team, while the female judges, Ra Yena and LIMY, headed to the center of the stage where Upkick Girl was standing. Watching the so-called "dance singer dream team" move together, the weight of the stage where the kids stood became palpable anew. Ra Yena, a beauty icon who needs no further adjectives, was the first to gently pat Yo-na on the back. "What happened, guys? Is something going on? Talk to me." Debuting at 16, devouring the markets in Korea and Japan, and making a move to the U.S. to become the first and only domestic female solo artist to hit the Billboard 100, LIMY, spoke firmly to the sound director. "Director, we're going to have a chat, so please turn off the mics." Meanwhile, Tae-jin, who had approached the main production crew with me, questioned Producer Jang Ho-jun. "What’s the issue here?" Ho-jun hesitated, unable to give a quick answer. He merely rubbed his chin, lost in thought. It was clear he was deliberately avoiding eye contact, fully aware of my immediate presence. His inability to meet my gaze was understandable. He surely thought he had me completely subdued, so this unexpected counter move must have infuriated him. His mind would be reeling, trying to figure out how to counter this major blow. But, countering wasn't straightforward. While personally, he might wish to just tell us to leave, as the leader managing the program, he couldn't afford to do that. Fully aware of the intertwined contracts, the amount of footage centered around us, and the buzz both inside and outside Replay Girl, Ho-jun knew that our withdrawal just three rounds into the main competition would deflate much of the program's momentum. He absolutely could not accept Upkick Girl's withdrawal, and I was willing to bet my life on that. This wasn’t a decision he could make alone. At the very least, Chief Producer Jin Sang-yun should be involved. Above all, it was because of Upkick Girl's potential value as a product. Much like during "Girl Crush," after Replay Girl ended, we'd be carrying out schedules and profit distribution under joint management with SBS for six months. Of the 15 teams currently, none ranked higher in brand ranking, whether as a group or individually, than Upkick Girl. Brand ranking equates to public value, a synthesis of positive recognition and popularity. Upon the end of Replay Girl, once the group ventured firmly into concerts, broadcasts, CFs, and more, Upkick Girl was the team expected to bring in the highest revenue for the broadcasting station. And the scale would likely be in the billions. Moreover, having left a strong impression on the judges, the real owners of the program with today's performance, if Jin Sang-yun CP and Ho-jun, who have wronged us, are exposed, they won’t sit idly. It would be a case of losing the goose that laid the golden eggs. "Judging by the producer's expression, there's clearly an issue." As Tae-jin received no response, his smile disappeared. "What’s going on?" Knowing the cause and inner workings of this whole situation, watching Ho-jun’s expression as if he were constipated was pure entertainment for me. Deliciously amusing. Given what he's done to us so far, he wouldn’t dare beg. Yet his pride was too interwoven with too many relationships to uphold it now. So, Mr. Jang Ho-jun. What’s your next move? Care to give a response, hmm? "Let’s do the closing first." Despite the intensity of the anger, it seemed Jang Ho-jun was managing to hold himself together. Like someone who passes gas and then shows irritation, he looked at our girls with an annoyed expression and replied tersely. “They aren’t the only ones on set, you know. We need to consider the other teams too.” Tae-jin questioned, looking even more deflated, “Are you saying we should just end it here?” He would understandably feel his opinions were being brushed aside. “Hey, Tae-jin, lighten up,” Jason, a senior from the same agency and Tae-jin’s former colleague, interjected to ease the tension a bit. “You’re the happiest newlywed in Korea right now; that face doesn’t suit you.” After dropping his comment, Jason quickly removed himself from the uncomfortable situation. “There’s clearly an issue. As I said before, I detest this kind of atmosphere during a shoot. I’ll be waiting in the dressing room, so call me once things are resolved. Just so you know, I’m on the side of my musician juniors. Seems like the production team has messed up. Let’s keep things amicable.” Standing over 190cm tall, he parted the gathered managers and staff surrounding him like an ice cream bar slicing through, leaving the studio. Amidst the curious onlookers, Kim Seok-won’s pale face was visible. That man should’ve been pleased with our withdraw, yet there he stood with such a sour expression. Then I remembered—the debacle with Eye Contact earlier today. Eye Contact performed a Teenagers song and was critically panned by Song Hyun-woo, the infamous harsh critic. “If you’re unhappy with Teenagers, just openly bash them. The previous stage was an intellectual execution of the original artist.” Representative Kim Seok-won, regardless of cozying up to the CP or PD, what good is all that if you’re consistently criticized to the level of group assault every episode? Once the official competition stages air, he will blame the production team that edited the content to create a rivalry between us. “What’s going on?” Latecomer MC Jeon Sung-mo joined in, having overheard bits of the discussion from his previous spot. “From what Upkick Girl said, they think it’s better for the show if they pull out? What does that mean? Was there something between the direction team and Upkick Girl?” As the most senior among the regulars and a well-connected, affable figure in the industry, he facilitated communication between the production and participants on Replay Girl. Jang PD repeated the same line to Jeon Sung-mo. “Senior, let’s get the closing remarks done first.” “You’re going ahead with their withdrawal?” “Well··· um···.” Jang Ho-jun, initially trying to keep up appearances, couldn’t bring himself to firmly confirm that decision. As Jeon Sung-mo casually shifted his gaze, he finally noticed me beside him and inquired. “Oh, the manager of Upkick Girl is here. Why are they withdrawing? You’ve discussed it with the company, right?” Every eye, including those of Tae-jin, Joo-ho, and Song Hyun-woo, turned towards me, except for Jang Ho-jun’s. With a reluctant expression, I nodded. “Yes, the company decided that withdrawing was the better option.” Jeon Sung-mo pressed, playfully challenging, “Why, though? What’s the reason, the reason?” “There are issues that need resolution with PD Jang Ho-jun, so I can’t say more. We’ve made up our minds not to reconsider. As Jang PD mentioned, other teams are waiting, so it’s best to proceed with the closing first. We’re genuinely grateful for all your support, Sung-mo, and the judges. Luckily, we’re ending on a high note with praise.” It was now almost evident to everyone that there had been a conflict between the production team and us. Jeon Sung-mo, known for being calm, showed a rare hint of irritation as he looked at Jang Ho-jun. “Let me make it clear; you know I can’t do any additional recording, right? I’m flying to Spain tomorrow for 'Trick Travel'. So resolve this now, or record alternate versions. Decide immediately.” Jeon Sung-mo wasn’t the only one. Among the judges present, how many would agree to additional recordings? Given the current atmosphere, no one seemed inclined to accept Upkick Girl’s withdrawal either. “Hoo...” Jang Ho-jun exhaled deeply, rubbing the back of his neck. You fool. Instead of trying to work together and support the new kids, look at the mess you've created. Did Jin Sang-yun CP tell you to do it like this, hmm? “Let’s step outside for a moment.” Ultimately, it was Jang Ho-jun who extended a hand first. I apologized to the staff and participants for the delay and followed him out. The Upkick Girl members on stage were maintaining their composure admirably. Except for Eun-bi, Seo-won, Hong, and Li-ya. Geez, you troublemakers, no matter how satisfied you must feel, stop grinning so openly. --- “How’d you hold it in all morning?” Settled in the empty editing room, Jang Ho-jun sneered with a vexed look, as if eaten up inside. “Wow, buttering up from the start, laying the groundwork perfectly for this moment. Satisfying, isn’t it? So, what is it you want me to do?” “Why do people switch to informal speech when they're at a disadvantage?” “Cut to the chase. What do you want? Be quick, people are waiting.” Looks like he’s trying to brush it off as if he’s busy, huh? Not a chance. “An apology broadcast, maybe? Admitting that you edited unrelated cuts provocatively for entertainment?” “That's a given.” “Then what else?” “I can’t work with you anymore.” “What? You want me gone?” “Yes.” “Are you crazy? Or out of your mind?” “If you’re unwilling, then remove Eye Contact. Although they’re a team destined to be eliminated based on skill, I’d prefer not to run into them even once more.” "Hehehe... Seriously, what kind of people are you? Who are you?" "PD Jang, Eye Contact, and Upkick Girl. I’d like it if one of these three doesn’t show up at the next shoot." "Let’s keep it reasonable, okay?" "You said the production can intervene anytime for balance adjustments, right? Surely, you can drop a team that doesn’t even meet the basics for the quality of the program. What’s the deal? Did Representative Kim give you something?" "Watch your mouth." "Okay. Then I guess there’s nothing more to discuss. We’re sticking with the withdrawal. If you want to have this conversation again for the same issue, you'll have to be ready to kneel then." "Kneel for what?" I left no room for further conversation. Leaving him chuckling cynically, I walked out of the editing room. It was twenty minutes later when PD Jang Ho-jun returned to the studio, along with CP Jin Sang-yun. Pointing his finger at me and ranting like Hitler giving a speech, Jin erupted: "You guys crazy? Is this set your playground? Do you think PDs are just a joke? You seem to think the show will crash and burn without your pathetic group. Go ahead, try it. But let me ask you something. What makes you so cocky? Is it because one of your members is supposedly the daughter of the Oscar Hotel owner? So what? Is Oscar so great? Whatever, just get lost! We’ll see what happens to you guys now. You think you can just go to another network after this, huh? This industry is tight, everyone knows everyone, you punks." The studio fell silent, not even a whisper could be heard. With the CP himself causing a scene, it was no surprise that both staff and cast were dumbfounded. Superstars like Tae-jin, Ra Yena, and LIMY exchanged glances, trying to gauge the situation. Amidst all this, some eyes kept darting towards our members. Expressions seemed to say, "One of you is the daughter of the Oscar Hotel owner?" Actually, not a daughter—the owner herself. It wouldn’t take long to identify the suspect. There is undoubtedly one conspicuously suspicious individual. Aliya, sitting in her dedicated chair while receiving a shoulder massage from Jang Woo, stood up. "Rang-kang-kang, Aliya, should I speak now?" Yes, that's right, folks. "The riffraff are all here." The timing was earlier than expected, but everyone had indeed gathered. Jin Sang-yun, Jang Ho-jun, Kim Seok-won, Eye Contact. "Rang-kang-kang, should Aliya do what she pleases now?" "What? Oh. Do what you want, Aliya." "I thought I’d die from frustration. Where does a mere CP yak on and on... Ugh! For what wealth and honor am I enduring this!" Listen closely, every ear, for this message of clarity from the princess who employed networking banks alien to her nature just for this sip of soda. "I'm saying this only once, so listen well. Have you ever heard of a Buster Call? It means every single ad deal coming towards Replay Girl can be canceled with just one call from Aliya." Yes, it’s true. Multiple social clubs and membership groups where Princess Aliya is a member have all agreed to lend her a hand. "For God's sake, stop speaking nonsense. Did I become a girl group just to feel like a drowned rat carrying a personal grudge? I despise this, it feels like using a sledgehammer to swat a fly. But I dislike you even more." Jang Woo placed a smartphone in Aliya's outstretched hand. Usually, Cash guards the royal phone. By posting in the group chat, the Buster Call was activated. Barely a minute passed before Jin Sang-yun CP's phone rang. "Yes, Director. I’m currently on-site… Yes? Yes, at the Replay Girl set." His wandering eyes finally settled on Aliya. "Ah... Yes... Understood. No, there’s no need for you to come down; I'll handle it... Ah, they hung up... Hey, Jang Ho-jun." "Yes?" "We really need to get down on our knees." "Yes...?" Jin Sang-yun, noticeably pale, continued, addressing Kim Seok-won. "And Representative Kim, from the next shoot onwards, you don’t need to show up. Eye Contact should withdraw instead." "Excuse me? Why us?" "We’re overdue for doomsday. The program might end early. Jang Ho-jun, why are you just standing there? Go kneel before the boss, quickly, you fool." "CP, sir." "Uh... Yes?" "You kneel too." "Me too?" "Yup. Arm-in-arm with the flimsy PDs, kneel before our ladies and Rang-kang-kang." Gahhh! < Gahhh! > End.