Debut or Die - Chapter 454

Let’s think about what would happen if TeSTAR went to LeTi. First, the advantages.

We’ve already done it before. I already know what the president of that agency is like and how the planning team operates. After all, we did a debut survival show there. Although it’s a few years back, and it’s more like a simulated virtual system they created.

We’d adapt quickly. And since LeTi is a big, publicly listed agency, there’s little chance they’d have a problem maintaining TeSTAR’s brand value. Moreover…

They don’t have any new male idols.

At least while VTIC is in the military, the probability of TeSTAR receiving significant investment is high.

We’d be buying a few years of time. With T1 Stars sinking, this seemed like a pretty decent option.

If we can negotiate good contract terms, we might even be able to maintain TeSTAR’s identity.

But… there was a critical issue. One that couldn’t be compromised. So, my answer was ultimately one.

After finishing all these thoughts in 30 seconds, I immediately replied.

<No, thank you. But thanks for the congratulations.>

Yeah, I’m not going.

Soon after, a reply came back.

Well, well.

After a short message, I answered the incoming call.

“Sunbae-nim.”

<Hoobae.>

I knew he wouldn’t release the recorded call publicly, but just in case, I began politely.

“What do you mean by ‘joining as a label’?”

A soft voice continued.

< We’re thinking about creating a label under LeTi.>

“…!”

Cheongryeo’s words fit perfectly, scratching where they itch. And he recommended it again.

“…”

I opened my mouth. “But about that label…”

<Yes.>

“You’re saying the strength lies in TeSTAR being able to plan as it wishes.”

<That’s right. And it’ll be much easier to work, too. The agency has a well-established system.>

“I see.”

That guy must have established his own system. He’s surely not lying about the autonomy in planning, but…

“But promotions and scheduling are controlled by LeTi headquarters, not the label, right?”

<…>

“And LeTi is your agency.”

That’s right. What does it mean to go to LeTi?

I took the smartphone away from my face and looked down at the caller’s name.

[VTIC Shin Cheongryeo Sunbae-nim]

This means this guy can control TeSTAR’s schedule.

Even if I tried to make my mark now, it would be difficult to beat someone who’s spent 10 years in the agency in just a few months. Especially if the other party had already successfully strategized against the same agency dozens or hundreds of times.

I’m not an idiot.

Giving control over the group’s fate to a competitor is foolish. But it’s a huge advantage for the competitor. That’s why he made the proposal.

I recalled Cheongryeo’s strange message from the year-end awards ceremony last year. It had a video attached. The video was of a stray dog receiving a new cushion to replace a broken one.

New cushion. Did he mean a new agency or a new home at that time? Maybe he’d been observing the situation at T1 since then and weighing his options.

It pissed me off that I was behind in terms of information, but his behavioral pattern was clear. He calculated it. This guy is no saint. He made the proposal because it benefits him.

After a brief silence, a soft voice was heard again.

< You’re still sharp.>

Isn’t it stupid if you don’t know?

“Even if there comes a time when they must choose between VTIC and TeSTAR?”

“…”

< Isn’t it benefitting everyone?>

I looked down at my smartphone. After some intense and brief thinking, I spoke again. “… I’ll think about it.”

<Ah.>

It probably sounded like a declaration of surrender. His tone became more friendly.

“But could you spread some rumors to raise our value?”

<Hmm?>

“A rumor from an insider that TeSTAR isn’t going to renew.”

So the agency doesn’t get suspicious, just in the form of gossip. But it would be best if outsiders could be half-sure about it.

I calmly added the reason. “Shouldn’t there be some competition to make sure LeTi provides more? It seems like the best way to get good contract terms.”

<Hmm.>

Cheongryeo agreed shortly, seemingly understanding.

Good. If rumors spread like this…

<Hoobae, you have no intention of coming, do you?>

“…”

You shaman-like b*stard. Did he figure it out right away?

He’s right. I’m not planning to go to LeTi if I can help it. No matter how you look at it, it’s like sticking my head into that guy’s mouth. I don’t think he’ll start wielding a sledgehammer now. But it’s not about that. It’s about risk management. Besides, think about it. Is TeSTAR going to LeTi, VTIC’s agency, after fighting like dogs with them since our debut?

It would tear the fans apart. They’d think exactly what I’m thinking and would naturally want to pick a better option.

To strike a deal from spreading rumors, I should stake something. So, let’s test the waters.

I was about to open my mouth, but the person on the other end spoke first.

<Well… fine. It’s not difficult.>

“…!”

Surprisingly, he agreed readily. Of course, that wasn’t the main point.

“Yes, I will.”

I have accepted it to gain momentum to say that.

As I was convinced about my decision, Cheongryeo then abruptly changed his tone.

<Hmm. I don’t think there’s even a need to say this.>

“What…”

Do you mean?

Then, a voice tinged with amusement came over the smartphone.

“…”

< I’ll send the contract terms via email. Once again, congratulations, Hoobae.>

And a few days later, subtle contacts began coming in from various entertainment companies.

* * *

“As Moondae said, quite a few are coming in.”

“…Right.”

Each member held their smartphones, reviewing the offers they received through their personal connections. First, those who came to Bae Sejin’s were from several agencies that managed a broad range of talents, from actors to idols. Ryu Chungwoo had a lot of contacts, probably because he was the leader. Big Sejin had several decent agencies that idols often chose when renewing their contracts.

You can see their networking personalities.

And Kim Raebin…

“…? It’s a hip-hop label. Why are they sending an offer?”

“Hmm, maybe they have ambitions for an idol group?”

I’d bet my smartphone that it’s from his AR team connections, who treat Kim Raebin almost like the youngest member.

And for me… I also received a few contacts, but there were many from old adversaries.

Even these guys sent one.

Golden Age group, to which Gold 1 and Choi Wongil belonged. The agency that was embroiled in a huge scandal involving industrial espionage.

I read the long KakaoTalk message that began with <Hello, I’m Team Leader Park Minjung from Traveler Entertainment. I apologize again for what happened last time…> without clicking it. Although it annoyed me, I decided to keep them in mind since they were a well-performing agency.

If TeSTAR joins, things will be chaotic because Golden Age and TeSTAR will align perfectly in terms of position and seniority…

As I thought that, a question came from the side.

“But MoondaeMoondae, how did you spread the rumors?”

“…”

“Hmm?”

Now… it’s time to share.

I explained the offer I had received a few days ago. And it sparked an explosive reaction.

“L-LeTi??”

“…Cheongryeo sunbae-nim…”

“I don’t like it there. [He likes the creepiest people I’ve ever met in my life. Seriously, you’re not considering going there, are you, hyung?]”

I never thought Cha Eugene could speak so clearly for so long.

I summarized the situation briefly. “I said no. But I told them I’d think about it, so they spread the rumor.”

“Phew.”

Kuen Sejin let out a deep sigh and sat down on the couch. I pinched my brow.

“It’s not like I’d decide to go alone when we’re all moving together. Of course, we’d discuss it…”

“Come on~ Let’s vote right now! Anyone who doesn’t want to go to LeTi?”

Five people raised their hands. I held my forehead.

“Ooh, Aren’t you joining, Moondae?”

Yeah, I’ll join, you brat.

With the conclusion ‘Not going to LeTi’ firmly established in the middle of the living room, Kim Raebin hesitantly asked me in a small voice. “…I remember it as a good agency, though. Isn’t it?”

“…”

Sure enough, he’s a guy who fits LeTi’s taste from head to toe.

There were still some meaningful contacts from a few other places, but the problem was that the time limit was approaching.

We need to decide quickly.

Each member had different ‘must-have’ requirements, so there were few agencies that met them all. Moreover, most had drawbacks or potentially dangerous elements. Too small to care for us properly, too big to have male idols in the same position, or too unique to handle TeSTAR. Given that, LeTi, who came out with an independent label proposal from the start, was clearly the best option.

Damn it.

I ruffled my hair. No wonder Cheongryeo was so confident.

Alright, let’s assume we end up going to LeTi.

Even so… the fundamental problem would be impossible to solve wherever we go.

…The name TeSTAR.

That name is the group’s concept. All these trademarks and copyrights were already held by T1 Stars, our agency. What can we possibly do about that?

“Um… are you still sorting things out?”

“Yeah.”

Seon Ahyeon sat across from me at the dining table. I pushed aside the paper covered in hastily scribbled keywords, but he seemed to have already seen it.

-Continue using TeSTAR name

…that keyword.

“You’re, still thinking about, how to keep the name…”

“…”

“Wouldn’t it be great, if we could negotiate with the agency, and buy the rights…?”

“…That would be nice.”

But they won’t give it up easily. Even if we put up a staggering amount of money, the chances are slim. The decision isn’t made by a single person but rather involves multiple stakeholders. I explained this to Seon Ahyeon. He listened calmly and nodded.

“Still, even if it’s difficult, we should at least try…”

“…Yeah.”

“Mmm. Maybe, if something will come up at the agency, they’ll allow it…!”

“…”

Something will come up? At that moment, a thought struck me like lightning.

They won’t sell the trademark? Then… we could just create the right ‘circumstances’ that make them want to sell.

I nodded. “That’s right. Thanks.”

“…”

“I know what to do now.”

“…Eh?”

I spoke reassuringly to the confused-looking Seon Ahyeon. “This agency needs to go bankrupt.”

“…?!”

Who knew it could be summed up so simply?

“M-Moondae?”

Thank you, Seon Ahyeon.

And the next day, I attempted to contact two guys.

[Spacer Kwon Heeseung]

[Miry-nay Park Minha]

They were members of other groups from the same agency.

<Miry-nay Park Minha: Hello, Sunbae-nim!>

I started typing bluntly.

<Hello>

If there’s nothing to eat, they’d sell even a humble straw-roofed hut.

Let’s cut off all their income.

The answer is… the agency’s demise.

Debut or Die - Chapter 454

Comments for chapter "Chapter 454"