Chapter 10
I drove to Yongsan to drop off Kim San-ha, went to my studio apartment to shower and change clothes, and by the time I got to the company, it was nearly 3 PM. I hurried up to the small performance hall on the 7th floor and was preparing for the choreography audition when about twenty male and female trainees, along with Blue Velvet’s members, arrived. Manager Lee Woo-seong and staff from various departments filed in one after another. Shortly after, Division Head Seon Woo-cheol arrived, followed by the white-haired CEO Geum Sang-cheol, Executive Director Kim Joon-soo, and several other executives.
I’d expected Division Head Seon Woo-cheol to attend, but I hadn’t anticipated the CEO and other executives showing up. Surprised by CEO Geum Sang-cheol’s sudden appearance, I calmed Airy, who was visibly nervous, and proceeded to host the audition.
The dance trainer went first. Perhaps because she’d only had a few days to prepare, the choreography she presented was little more than an edited or copied version of many existing routines. It wasn’t cool, cute, fun, or eye-catching.
‘Nor was it unique.’
It was no wonder Division Head Seon Woo-cheol’s expression darkened.
After a brief pause, Airy’s demonstration began. The choreography, which was elegant, sexy, and at times precise, immediately captured everyone’s attention. I was thoroughly satisfied, and even the other members, as well as the competing dance trainer, kept exclaiming in admiration—it seemed the choreography was just as well-made as the song. She must not have had much time due to vocal practice, yet she created choreography of this level in just a few days. Her talent was certainly extraordinary.
‘Why is he like that?’
CEO Geum Sang-cheol was also pleased with Airy’s choreography. But Executive Director Kim Joon-soo alone had a face like he was chewing shit. During the dance trainer’s demonstration earlier, he’d been all smiles, but now his displeasure was unmistakable. Considering the internal power dynamics, it wasn’t hard to understand, but it contrasted sharply with Division Head Seon Woo-cheol’s magnanimous attitude during the Blue Velvet plagiarism incident.
‘So petty.’
It was disappointing for someone of his executive rank. Suddenly, I remembered I hadn’t checked Kim Joon-soo’s status window yet. To be precise, this was the first time I’d encountered Kim Joon-soo since returning from the afterlife.
‘Let’s take a look.’
[Kim Joon-soo]
J-Entertainment, Head of Planning.
Personality: Opportunistic. Flattering. Scheming. Stubborn. Vindictive. (Evil > Good)
Special Notes: Considerable dismay due to failure to interfere with Lovely’s choreography.
<<Appearance: 68/73, Acting: 42/63, Singing: 72/79, Dance: 62/67, Wit: 69/71, Perception: 88/89, Charm: 57/62>>
‘Failure to interfere with Lovely’s choreography, huh…’
I thought about what that meant. Judging by the context, he’d tried something to obstruct Lovely’s choreography, but it hadn’t worked, leaving him dismayed.
‘No way…!’
We’d originally planned to hire top-tier choreographers, but they all said they couldn’t take the commission due to scheduling, so Airy stepped up. In the end, a great choreography was born, but if I hadn’t had the status window, we’d have been stuck with the dance trainer’s routine… just thinking about it was terrifying. But what if it wasn’t a coincidence but Kim Joon-soo’s machinations?
That was it! So that’s why it felt so strange—there was a hidden mastermind behind it all. The problem was Kim Joon-soo’s pettiness; he’d probably keep interfering.
‘I need to be prepared for this.’
As I’d learned from this incident, Executive Director Kim Joon-soo had considerable connections and influence in the entertainment industry. If someone of his caliber was determined to obstruct us, there could be situations a mere roadie couldn’t handle.
‘Still, I can’t just let this slide.’
Preparation was one thing, but I had to settle the score. I knew that using spiritual energy on humans recklessly would accumulate karma, but this time, I was willing to bear it—I absolutely wanted to retaliate. Fortunately, I had accumulated 37 merit points from vanquishing vengeful spirits, so I probably didn’t need to worry about the karma from this incident.
To ensure that everyone present at the audition hall could see well, I invited CEO Geum Sang-cheol to the stage to ask for his impressions, choosing the best composition and timing. Then, I called Executive Director Kim Joon-soo to the stage and asked for his opinion as well. Kim Joon-soo, who had reverted to his usual expression, began spouting nonsense with a serious face, saying that Airy’s choreography was decent, but the dance trainer’s was particularly impressive. His intention was obvious.
‘He’s someone who doesn’t know remorse.’
Unable to contain myself any longer, I released a burst of spiritual energy from behind him for the first time in a while. Hit by the surging spiritual energy, Kim Joon-soo, mid-sentence, suddenly twisted his body in fear and simultaneously relieved himself from both ends. The yellowish liquid soaking the stage and the distinctive stench wafting from behind were unmistakable.
As many people were flustered, unsure how to react to the unexpected situation, Yewon and Airin of Blue Velvet kept their composure and said exactly what was on their minds. Though their voices were low, the hall was so quiet, almost silent, that everyone heard them clearly.
“Ah! It smells like poop.”
“That ajusshi didn’t just pee, he pooped too, I guess.”
“Ugh~ what did he eat for it to smell this bad?”
“If he’s going to poop in a place like this, shouldn’t he be wearing a diaper?”
Thus, the nickname “Diaper Poop Executive” was born. That day, even Division Head Seon Woo-cheol had a bright smile on his face.
—
* * *
—
Despite a bit of commotion, the audition ended successfully. It went without saying which choreography was chosen. As Lee Woo-seong approached, saying I’d worked hard, I suggested we grab some coffee. Perceptive as always, Lee Woo-seong just looked at my expression and followed without a word.
“What is it today?”
“Manager, I heard from a manager at another company that their side had no issues working with the top-tier choreographers.”
“Right. Choi Young-jun just got put in charge of the new KAK girl group a few days ago, didn’t he?”
“Did you know about that too, Manager?”
“I heard about it. Choi Young-jun had worked with us twice on Black Girls’ projects. It’s disappointing he’d betray us like this.”
I’d made up this story to inform him of Kim Joon-soo’s scheming, but it turned out it was actually true. Lee Woo-seong’s information network was impressive. However, he was completely unaware that there was a mastermind behind it all.
“Did you hear anything else?”
“What?”
“I heard from a top-tier choreographer at a drinking session that someone from J-Entertainment told them not to take Lovely’s choreography.”
“Are you talking about Keanu?”
“Pardon?”
“I noticed it too.”
“What do you mean?”
“I knew Keanu had a light schedule for a while, so I commissioned him, but he said he was too busy. I didn’t mention it, but I suspected something from then on. Looks like Executive Director Kim Joon-soo was behind it.”
“Is Keanu close to Diaper Poop Executive?”
“Keanu definitely got his big break after he was recommended by Diaper Poop Executive for Super Heroes, right?”
“Makes sense. But do you think Diaper Poop Executive will stop his scheming here? That’s what worries me.”
“He’s known for being a tough cookie; he’ll probably keep playing games.”
“I think so too. Shouldn’t we prepare for it?”
“Yes. I’ll talk to the Division Head too.”
—
* * *
—
Three days later, Friday morning. Division Head Seon Woo-cheol called for me. It was probably about Executive Director Kim Joon-soo’s scheming. I hurried up to the 6th-floor division head’s office. Lee Woo-seong, who I naturally expected to be there, was absent, and only Division Head Seon Woo-cheol was present.
“Hello, Division Head.”
“You’re here. Have a seat over here.”
“I heard you were looking for me.”
“I have an important proposal for you, Su-ho-ssi. Let’s have some coffee first. Would you like some?”
“I already had some, so I’m fine.”
As always, Division Head Seon Woo-cheol didn’t speak informally. It was nice that someone of his rank treated me this way every time.
“As I mentioned before, could we get a song from JH?”
“May I ask who the artist will be?”
“Jay will be singing it.”
“Black Girls’ leader Jay?”
“Is there any other Jay in our company?”
“No, I was just surprised because it’s so unexpected…”
Compared to Black Girls as a full group, it might have slightly less buzz and impact, but it was Jay, who always took #1 whenever she released a new song. Moreover, within Black Girls, she had the most international fanbase, and her songs did quite well not just domestically but in Europe and North America as well.
“Jay really likes ‘Black Excitement.'”
“It hasn’t even been released yet, how did she know…”
“She came to see me and happened to hear it. She liked it so much that she asked for the song first.”
Once the choreography was decided, “Black Excitement” started to become known within J-Entertainment. And everyone who heard “Black Excitement” reacted just like Jay. Even Executive Director Kim Joon-soo’s intense interference could be partly because of this.
‘Hwang Jae-hu will be happy about this.’
With Jay, there was no reason to refuse. Just as I was about to accept the proposal, Seon Woo-cheol continued. But what he said next was significant.
“Bruno Haynes will be featuring on that song.”
“The Bruno Haynes who sang ‘Just the Way’ in America?”
“Yes. He holds the record for the most Billboard #1s in the shortest time since Elvis Presley, and he’s the male solo artist with the most Billboard #1 songs in the 21st century.”
“Good heavens… I can’t believe it.”
“Jay and Bruno have a close friendship, so it’s possible. The catch is that the song must pass Bruno Haynes’ standards.”
“Even if Jay likes it, it could be rejected if he doesn’t.”
“That’s possible. And not just JH—other composers will be commissioned as well.”
It wasn’t just about making a song; I had to win the competition. And even if I won the competition, I had to meet the expectations of Jay and Bruno Haynes. It was the same for any song—you have to compete with other composers and satisfy the artist. And Hwang Jae-hu would likely pull it all off without much difficulty.
“Understood. I’ll make a song.”
“I look forward to good results.”
“What’s the deadline?”
“It’s scheduled to be released between June 30th and July 4th. Since both artists have busy schedules and need ample preparation time, the song must be ready by the end of next month.”
“I’ll make sure it’s not late.”
Considering Hwang Jae-hu’s enlightenment conditions, I had to accept this without hesitation. This was truly the perfect opportunity to produce the first mega-hit. Hearing my answer, Division Head Seon Woo-cheol explained the direction and concept Jay and Bruno wanted for the song.
—
* * *
—
That Friday afternoon. I headed to KS Studio with Lovely’s members. Today was the day to record “Black Excitement.” I was set to produce the recording. As soon as we arrived at the studio, Hwang Jae-hu appeared. It had been three days since the last possession ended. During the previous possession, I’d intensively coached Lovely’s members on the vocals for “Black Excitement.”
– Today’s the recording.
‘Yeah.’
– How’s the members’ condition?
‘Good. They’ve been taking care of their voices since the day before yesterday.’
– Shall we start right away?
‘We’re not even done setting up yet, and the members need to warm up their voices.’
I held back Hwang Jae-hu, who was rushing to possess me, and brought up Jay’s proposal.
– Bruno Haynes is going to feature for Jay?
‘You know Bruno Haynes too?’
– He’s the top artist dominating the Billboard charts right now. Of course I know him. But why are you bringing that up?
– Jay said she liked ‘Black Excitement.’
‘It’s not just Jay—when the song’s released, the whole nation will love it. Just wait.’
– Stop showing off.
‘I’m stating an obvious fact. How is that showing off?’
‘Yeah, yeah, you’re the best. Anyway, I got an offer to work on a song for Jay, and I accepted. You’re happy about that, right?’
– Really? Of course we have to make a song.
‘This offer wasn’t just made to me—it was also made to other composers. To get your song chosen, you’ll need to consider not just Jay but also Bruno Haynes when working on it.’
– That’s basic. And if we’re releasing simultaneously in the US, we should aim for the Billboard too, so we’ll need to pay attention to the lyrics.
‘Surely you don’t mean writing the lyrics in English?’
– I think we’ll have to.
‘Are you good at English?’
– Besides English, I’m fluent in Japanese, Chinese, and Thai at a native level.
‘Were you a language genius?’
– I am a Seongju-shin, after all. Anyone who enters this studio, my territory, I can instantly copy their talents.
‘So you copied language abilities from foreign members of idol groups who visited this place?’
– That’s right.
‘…Damn it. Some people study their asses off all the way through college and still can’t get it, but others pick up a foreign language in an instant with a snap of their fingers! Isn’t the world unfair?’
– My ability is your ability now, so why are you so jealous? You’re also copying my abilities.
