JJ Entertainment, one of the top three agencies in South Korea.
That place was also where Yoo Seol had spent a long time as a trainee, nurturing her dreams of becoming an idol.
So Yoo Seol could confidently say,
“Ah, our Seol is here!”
“…….”
The JJ staff… especially the notoriously picky Manager Bang had never been this friendly towards her before.
And the sudden change in Manager Bang’s attitude was…
“Welcome, Seol. You came for the re-contracting, right?”
It was probably because of her re-contracting issue.
Yoo Seol’s contract with JJ was set to end by the end of this month.
Originally, JJ Entertainment had secretly prepared to terminate the contract with Yoo Seol without showing any willingness for re-contracting…
But everything changed when Yoo Seol hit the jackpot with the Rookies.
“First, have a seat.”
“…Yes.”
“I don’t remember the last time we talked like this, just the two of us.”
“…….”
Yoo Seol frowned at the bad memories evoked by Manager Bang’s words.
And Manager Bang, quickly sensing this, hurriedly apologized.
“…I’m sorry about what happened during Tail Rose five years ago.”
Manager Bang, who had been in charge of Tail Rose back then, had essentially picked the debut team with his influence.
That meant he had dropped Yoo Seol.
Of course, Yoo Seol knew that but…
“…It’s okay. Back then, I clearly wasn’t in a state to debut.”
She didn’t hold a grudge against Manager Bang.
Yoo Seol had two opportunities to debut with JJ.
Once at age 17 and again at age 20.
Especially at 17, she couldn’t focus on practice after her father passed away unexpectedly.
As a result, her performance quality dropped significantly, and she ultimately fell short of making the Tail Rose debut team alongside Manager Bang’s disapproval.
“Manager Bang had your reasons back then. I understand.”
“……Seol.”
Hearing Yoo Seol’s heartfelt words, Manager Bang wiped the excessive flattery off his face and shared his true feelings that had been bottled up inside.
“…I don’t think I did anything wrong. But… I’ve always felt burdened and sorry.”
“……”
“I brought you to JJ, but it felt like I couldn’t take responsibility for you….”
Yoo Seol recalled that moment long ago.
When Manager Bang had scouted her on the street.
“I’m telling you, you will become a top idol. Why don’t you audition for our company?”
It was definitely Manager Bang who had fertilized the hope for her childhood dream of being an idol.
Recalling that memory, Yoo Seol smiled and said,
“You definitely said I would become a top idol, right?”
“Yeah, I did. And I don’t think my thoughts back then were wrong.”
Boop.
Manager Bang lowered his head deeply and continued speaking.
“I apologize for any grievances the company may have caused you during this time. And while it might not seem like much, JJ Entertainment is thinking of nurturing you as a solo artist.”
Yoo Seol couldn’t help but feel a little shocked at this serious declaration.
“…Solo? Are you serious?”
“Of course. I’ve already received approval from the CEO.”
“……”
JJ Entertainment was famously known for never releasing solo artists.
The fact that they were offering her a solo debut and had already gotten the CEO’s approval…
‘This person is serious.’
Yoo Seol realized that Manager Bang and the company were determined to fully support her this time.
‘Ah…’
In her past, Yoo Seol had longed for moments just like this.
She had wished the company that didn’t recognize her value would take an interest and support her fully.
That dream-like moment had finally come to her.
Some might say JJ Entertainment was the weakest among the top three agencies, but that wasn’t the case.
Yoo Seol knew very well that JJ Entertainment was an optimized agency with vast experience and skills.
If she could make a solo debut with the support of JJ…
Rising to the top, as she had always desired, wouldn’t be impossible.
But…
“I will actively reflect the clauses you want in the contract. So….”
“I’m sorry.”
“……Huh?”
“I lack the intention to re-contract with JJ Entertainment. That’s what I wanted to say.”
“……”
Yoo Seol now was not the past her.
No matter how good the conditions were, she had no intention of re-contracting with JJ.
Manager Bang, taken aback by Yoo Seol’s firm stance, muttered as if in a daze.
“Is it because we were negligent towards you? Was it… such a deep wound that you can’t forgive us?”
“…If I said it wasn’t a wound, it would be a lie. But…”
Yoo Seol replied with a smile.
“At least current me does not hate either you or JJ at all.”
“……!”
In that moment, Manager Bang saw Yoo Seol’s smile as incredibly serene.
It wasn’t the fabricated smile of an actress but rather a reflection of her realization. He stared blankly and asked,
“If that’s the case, then why… JJ should be the best choice for you.”
“It might be the best choice to reach the top. However…”
Yoo Seol recalled what her mother had told her earlier.
‘…My Seol. Mom is really fine now, so don’t worry and pursue what you really want.’
Until now, Yoo Seol had always lived rationally.
How can I succeed? How can I make a lot of money?
That’s all that filled her mind.
But now she thought about doing what she truly wanted.
And what she desired was…
“I want to rise to the top together with my teammates, not alone.”
“……”
It was to reach the top alongside all the members of Rookies.
Manager Bang, having realized he couldn’t sway her decision after confirming her voice, her eyes, and her expression…
“Ha…”
Swish.
With a sigh of resignation and a smile of relief, he tucked away the contract he had prepared under the desk.
While it was incredibly regrettable to let her go, a smile of relief soon spread across Manager Bang’s face.
“…Looks like you’ve really met some good people, Seol.”
“Yes, that’s right.”
At the same time, a small shadow bloomed on Manager Bang’s face.
“…I’m sorry for not being able to give you what they have.”
“……”
“We must have disappointed you for not helping your dream.”
To even refuse a solo debut at a top three agency indicated that her feelings toward JJ had significantly diminished.
Manager Bang felt bad for not being able to take care of Yoo Seol after bringing her in.
But…
“Had that really been the case, I wouldn’t have come to say goodbye.”
“……!”
Instead of mocking or venting her frustrations at Manager Bang, Yoo Seol stood up from her seat.
“I’ve had many wounds and many good memories while at JJ.”
“……”
“Thank you very much for helping me nurture my dream of becoming an idol. …I will now take my leave.”
She bowed deeply to Manager Bang as she delivered her final farewell.
Manager Bang waved his hand with a genuine smile.
“…Alright, farewell. I believe you will reach the top even without JJ.”
“Thank you, then.”
Yoo Seol left JJ Entertainment like that.
And as soon as she crossed the threshold of the main entrance…
“Hello? Yes, Director Kang. You asked if I have any intention of contracting with Brotherhood Planning?”
She called Kang Hyung-man from Brotherhood Planning.
Meanwhile, at SAV Entertainment.
Recently, SAV was busy selecting a new four-member girl group debut team.
SAV was famous for producing girl groups that hit big every time they debuted.
All female trainees of suitable age concentrated on practice to become part of SAV’s girl group.
But one spot on that team was already secured for someone without any opposition…
“Selecting the debut team and producing the album will probably take about six months, right, Yoo Jin?”
“…….”
It was Seo Yoo-jin.
Seo Yoo-jin was originally a prized talent that Manager Min had cherished, overseeing girl group production at SAV.
Sending Yoo-jin to Na Ah Ah was also just to build her recognition…
Yoo-jin returned to SAV triumphant, having achieved greater success than Manager Min had anticipated.
Her recognition skyrocketed, and her already excellent skills improved even more, but what surprised everyone was…
‘Her manners have really improved.’
Seo Yoo-jin, who had been seen as having a rough attitude, returned having transformed into a proper lady after her time with Na Ah Ah and Rookies, which was a tremendous advantage.
Manager Min was planning to seat the perfected Seo Yoo-jin as the leader of SAV’s new girl group.
“We’ll have to hold auditions to fill out the rest.”
“…….”
“But with your skills, Yoo-jin, there’s no way you’d fall behind. It’s already been discussed with the higher-ups, so you don’t have to worry… Yoo-jin?”
However, something seemed off with Yoo-jin.
She looked dazed, as if she were deep in thought…
Above all, she wasn’t paying attention to Manager Min’s words.
“What are you spacing out about? This is an important conversation.”
“……”
Her eyes were all dull…
Manager Min thought maybe Yoo-jin hadn’t slept well last night and resumed explaining.
But…
“Yoo-jin, so as long as you do well at the audition two weeks from now, you’ll become the new girl group leader…”
“Manager.”
“…Huh?”
Right now, Yoo-jin was not listening to Manager Min at all.
Instead…
“I… I…”
“……”
“I’m really… truly sorry, but…”
“…This is the first time I’ve seen you apologize. It’s scary, girl.”
“I want to terminate my contract with SAV…”
“What?!”
An incredibly audacious thought buzzed through her mind.
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