160 - Upki Girl

< Villains, Know Your Way to Hell > Two weeks ago. On that day, the second round mission unexpectedly shifted to a sports day event. While I was initially thrilled after reviewing the event lineup, a cloud of unease lingered in a corner of my mind. There were Jin Sang-yun, the CP, Jang Ho-jun, the PD, Eyecontact, and Kim Seok-won, the company CEO. No matter how well we performed, as long as our relationship with them didn't improve, we'd likely continue to face obstacles like this. It might have been more relieving to fail outright due to lack of skill, but it was frustrating to hit the wall of corruption and connections that was beyond our control. I also felt a pang of guilt, worrying whether my missteps were the cause, and that I was somehow letting the kids down. Should I just quit instead of continuing on in this constant state of anxiety? How would the production team react if we withdrew? With our current form, wouldn't they try to convince us to stay at least once? Or would they retaliate with the sheer power of the broadcasting network, deeming our withdrawal audacious? Withdrawal. It started as a fleeting thought in a fit of frustration. In truth, even before discussions to appear on Replay Girl started, our debut album had flopped, and we were desperate. But now, Upkey Girl had garnered enough recognition that we didn't need to cling so desperately to Replay Girl. It might be more beneficial to drop out and expedite the release of a mini-album. While it was a shame to let go of the guaranteed viewership of a network variety show and the connections with high-profile judges, given our current momentum, it seemed possible for other great opportunities to arise elsewhere. Above all, what unnerved me the most was the potential of being exploited for ratings and then getting blindsided right at the end. — At this point, it was before the first broadcast, but hadn't we already suffered from deceptive editing in the initial episode?— But daydreams are just that. I believed that Upkey Girl's talent and skills were sufficient to overcome these challenges. And with a degree of confidence that the information screen would help us in dire straits, I decided to hold off on making any drastic decisions for now. If we continued to face disadvantages after the sports day, I planned to have a talk with Jin Sang-yun. Having settled my thoughts, I was about to go to sleep when a message from Aliya popped up. She wanted to talk, so she asked me to come up to the second-floor living room. When I went out, there she was, sitting on the sofa with a wine glass in hand. This wasn't Aliya, the youngest member of Upkey Girl, but Aliya the investor and chairman of our fan club. "I've thought about it. This problem is too much for a timid and cautious person like you, Langkkangkkang. I'll have to step in and give a bit of assistance." Aliya also concluded that Jang Ho-jun and Jin Sang-yun had clearly overstepped. Therefore, some form of restraint was needed, and knowing my nature, she decided she would take action since it was clear I wouldn't. "Langkkangkkang, do you know where corporations and capitalists find it easiest and most convenient to exert control? It's the broadcasting station. There's nowhere else where the power of capital hits as hard and perfectly as it does there. A broadcasting station runs on ads provided by corporations, so it's only natural." Hearing those words from someone capable of such actions made them overwhelmingly persuasive, even though I already knew this. It served as a stark reminder of Aliya's immense presence. Sometimes, being so close, I forget. Her world, the one she's involved in, is that of the top 1%, perhaps even higher—an ultra-elite class. Even though I couldn't clearly gauge the depth of her power, seeing her "Royal Phone" with its third contact list—Aliya usually carries two phones—made me realize. These were the scions of chaebols, the conglomerate dynasties, who were just starting to actively participate in management—third or fourth-generation heirs—and equivalent figures. Most of whom oversee tasks like advertising and marketing. In other words, they're advertisers, maintaining a tight network among themselves, creating their own world. "Most of these people are uncles and big sisters around your age, so I don't attend meetings often. But when there's something we can assist each other with, we prefer to engage in give and take as long as it doesn't mar our reputation." Aliya's message was clear. To trash like Jin Sang-yun or Jang Ho-jun, talking would achieve nothing. They don't even realize what they're doing wrong. For them, it's just business as usual—a common practice under the guise of tradition or convention. When some suffer losses, others gain benefits; that's the present lesson from these power holders—be in a position to gain benefits somehow if you're unhappy with being the one harmed. It's a feudal contract no rookie can escape, especially if they aren't under a major agency. "So you just deal a blow to make them feel who's the real boss, then state what you want. That's the rule in their world." That's how it is, indeed. Aliya's outlook, shaped by a life at the pinnacle of power, dictated that tyranny is countered with supreme tyranny. "Don't hold back. If you've decided to discipline them, do it right." "But isn’t it risky to reveal your true self like this?" "Why does it matter, as long as I haven’t committed any crimes? Moreover, your skills aren’t lacking. You all will succeed without needing Aliya’s backing. From what I've observed, there are many people out there who are less capable than you guys. While I don't excel in singing, my looks and dancing are top class, aren't they? Agree?" "Yes, I agree." That’s great self-esteem. "Anyway, I'll take care of everything, so you just enjoy yourself, Langkkangkkang." "Thank you." "What's there to thank when we’re so close? Oh, by the way, tonight I'm crashing at your room, so you'll have to read me a fairy tale." Crashing at my room tonight, it seems. It feels like a royal visit to the queen's chamber or something... "When caught in the filthy reality of life, sometimes we need a fairy tale to cleanse our minds." Eventually, Aliya went up to my bed first, and I played the role of a bedtime storyteller until she fell asleep, then escaped to the room next door. “I gather all my precious feelings. I wish to show you everything with courage. When the clock's hands quickly reach twelve, I’ll leave my heart behind. Find me in our future. Spinning, spinning, round and round…” *** “No need.” Aliya had ordered them solely to kneel, but soon lost interest in Jin Sang-yun and Jang Ho-jun, who were now devoid of spirit. “Anyway, it wouldn’t be a sincere apology. And our dear sisters despise such a hostile atmosphere.” “But I like it—whether it’s sincere or not, just saying sorry—ugh!” Seowon was silenced by Hongi. Although it was stopped in the end, Jin Sang-yun and Jang Ho-jun were genuinely about to kneel in front of the girls. Despite the many onlookers, they showed no shame or hesitation. It was a stark demonstration of how overwhelming the power of capital was within the broadcasting network, just as Aliya had indicated. Still, as satisfying as it was, we couldn’t wholly relish the outcome. Hongi had restrained Seowon for that very reason. It’s said people instinctively empathize with the underdog. To third parties unaware of the full story, it seemed like we were the ones abusing power. I could feel a certain detachment forming in the eyes of the judges and the MCs watching us. I had to explain ourselves to them. I took the six main judges and two main MCs aside to clarify why we had no other choice but to act as we did. "I'll stick to the facts I've directly seen and heard. The Eyecontact CEO and CP Jin Sang-yun are close friends. They met privately and arranged to give Eyecontact an unfair advantage before the show even began. We have a recorded confession confirming this." Also, this is an internal whistleblow from the production staff. Eyecontact, along with some teams, planned the athletic event to hinder Upkey Girl's early lead, and PD Jang Ho-jun actively aided them under the guise of balancing out the fifteen teams. And that's not all. They tried to nullify our ascendant teaser performance score, drawing back only when we strongly objected. During the sports day, when we clinched first place, they attempted to change the rules. Moreover, from the broadcast, you probably noticed how maliciously they edited to make Yona look like an antagonist. However, the reason Yona left Eyecontact was due to CEO Kim Seok-won. He acknowledged his fault and voided her contract without conditions, yet now they’re tarnishing her reputation. Having said this, I added a touch of exaggerated exasperation with a sigh. "Can you imagine how our members felt knowing all this? It’s a wonder they managed to perform, determined to get at least a nod from the MCs and judges. Frankly, the company wanted us to withdraw at the athletic event." The judges nodded in understanding. Jeon Seong-mo seemed to taste betrayal, grimacing slightly. Taejin, taking the lead, responded. "So, what will you do now? Are you really going to withdraw?" "Naturally, we want to keep going. As you’ve seen, the girls live for singing and dancing on stage. They crave fair recognition based solely on their talents, not luck or connections. If the production team isn’t changed, we might have to just give up." "But the way things are headed, it seems the staff change is likely." It was Jason. "Didn’t you get a call earlier from the station director? Didn’t advertisers threaten to pull out all ads if Upkey Girl was gone? The youngest one—no, the Oscar Hotel president triggered some kind of 'buster call,' wasn’t it? Haha. But is she really the Oscar president?" "I’m not involved in operations, just holding shares." "Unreal level of wealth. Why the girl group then? Is it just a hobby?" Rae Yena joined the conversation with a smile. "Have you seen her dance? It seems more absurd for her to run a hotel with those talents and enthusiasm." Taejin and Rae Yena, who had been involved from the item meeting stage, were personally recruited by CP Jin Sang-yun, hence their disappointment and confusion were even greater than others. Soon, the director of entertainment visited the filming location directly. He was on his way home when he turned back after a call from the advertising department. Given the stakes with the ads and PPL on Replay Girl, it was inevitable for him to come directly. TV ads are categorized from SA to C grade. Replay Girl's Friday night time slot is classified as the highest SA grade, with a 15-second ad costing 12.5 million won. Premium ads between parts one and two can soar to 17 million won. Upon arriving, his first quest was Aliya, but she delegated all authority to me. I repeated our reasons for taking such drastic actions, demanding the replacement of the CP and PD, Eyecontact's departure due to cheating, and a formal apology broadcast for the malicious editing in the first episode. All these demands were met on the spot. The main PD was immediately changed to Kim Gyu-cheol, and Eyecontact agreed to voluntarily leave after their next mission. PD Kim Gyu-cheol opted for a dramatic reentry instead of reshooting Upkey Girl’s withdrawal scene, having the judges persuade them to rejoin. Thus concluded what felt like an exceptionally long recording session. **Knock, knock** While preparing to head home, someone came to the waiting room. “Yes, who is it?” “It’s Eyecontact.” It was Kim Seok-won. I wondered if Kim Seok-won had come for a bitter revenge, so I asked from behind a locked door. “And?” “Our kids want to apologize to Yona. Can we come in for a moment?” “What kind of apology?” “Please, open the door.” Hearing his voice, it didn’t sound like a lie. I turned to Yona for her opinion. “What do you think? Should I open it?” “Yeah, it's fine.” —Click “Whoa, what is this? Why are they doing this?” Outside the open door, in the hallway, Kim Seok-won, the road manager, and all of Eyecontact were on their knees. Bowing his head, Kim Seok-won pleaded with me. “Please, save our kids just this once.” “Oh, come on, what is this? If someone sees this, they’ll think we’re the ones abusing power.” “Just accept their apology for now.” Leader Sumi continued. “Yona, we’re really sorry. Please forgive us for old times' sake... okay?” She cried. One by one, the other members started to sniffle too. Sigh. Despite everything, there’s a strange bond even in dislike. While Kim Seok-won is one thing, seeing these young ones like this softens my heart, even knowing it’s an apology forced out of desperation. Sometimes, it might actually be easier if we could just have it out in a fight. Why does Hyunjin, who joined late, have to suffer? In the hallway, other teams on their way out stopped to watch the scene unfold. “Dang it... ugh…” Even the kind-hearted Eunbite and Hongi were getting fidgety, glancing nervously at Yona. Yona’s expression wasn’t pleasant either. Pursing her lips left and right, she sighed through her nose. “You’re not doing this because you’re truly sorry, right? It’s because you want to cancel the withdrawal, isn’t it?” They didn’t deny it. Kim Seok-won continued with a bitter expression. “Yona, they’ll really work hard. Please look past it just this once.” “Then why don’t you apologize? You’re the one who really needs to apologize.” “I am sorry, of course I am. I don’t have a leg to stand on with you. What more can I say?” “That apology should apply to the other members too, shouldn’t it? If you're sorry to me, you should be sorry to them as well.” “They came of their own accord…” With so many ears listening, the conversation couldn’t hint at collusion and went no further. Kim Seok-won seemed resigned, muttering. “I’m sorry... I’ll give up my pride or anything else, just please, reconsider the kids’ withdrawal…” It was peculiar. Despite the formality of kneeling, there was a notable sincerity in Kim Seok-won’s tone. “Sigh…” Yona bit her trembling lip hard, holding back her resentment. Sympathy or perhaps disillusionment. And the injustice of past wounds. She fought hard to suppress these mixed emotions threatening to explode. But her face eventually crumpled, and she covered it with her hands, running into my arms. “Huu…” “Yonna, why are you crying again, huhuhuuu…” “Eyecontact is the worst! The absolute worst! Get out of here now! Get out! Go to hell!” “Yeonhong, push them all out and lock the door.” “Oh, oh. Everyone, please leave.” “Whoa, what’s going on? The way you’re pushing, you’re like a wrestling champion... Okay, okay, I’ll go on my own— ow! Hey, that hurt!” Kim Seok-won and Eyecontact were ushered away by Hongi and Jang-woo to the other side of the hallway. Knowing what Yona had been through, the kids in the waiting room tangled together in a bout of tears. Yona, whose eyes swelled from crying, decided to forgive Eyecontact and Kim Seok-won. At her request, I told PD Kim Gyu-cheol to relinquish their withdrawal, and he agreed. Five days later. Just two days before the "Role Model Mission" broadcast, a substantial incident broke out. [Exclusive] Popular Idol Group Member Arrested for Drug Use by Police... [Second Comprehensive Report] A-Tension's Mad Max Arrested for Drug Use at Woo-hyun's Residence [Entertainment Hot Issue] 'Idol Drug Shock' Mad Max, Woo-hyun, along with Girl Group Member Also Found at the Scene... [S1★On-site] 2nd-Year Peer Idol Groups 'A-Tension,' 'Eyecontact' Collective Hallucination Party... Villains, make your way to hell. You need not go far. < Villains, Know Your Way to Hell > The End