Chapter 84. Three Years Later, a New Beginning (4)

Translator: Synopsis

– You are – the greatest gift – wait for me –

First was Lee Min again. She started off lightly just like before. The yellow notes from her generated white light after mixing with the recording.

– My heart burns – Please tell me –

Kim SeSol chimed in and the white light shook. A green note was coming out of her. When her light was added, white light gained strength. Unlike just a moment before when there was a little bit of grey light, there wasn’t any grey at all.

– I know that feeling of being in love – I know the feeling of being excited –

While everyone was under surprise, Jin SeAh decorated the next part.

‘Her voice is a little weak.’

It wasn’t that the white light disappeared. Her voice was good and clear. However, it was a little weak so he wished it could be a little stronger. KangYoon boosted her a little. Then, the light became stronger after receiving a little bit of strength.

The song continued on. Perhaps due to the proper sound setting, the grey light was no longer visible anywhere. Even the TNT members were delighted as they sung.

– Don’t tell me why —-

When everyone sung in unison at the climax bit, the sound meter went all the way up to yellow. The white light also reached its peak. KangYoon was satisfied with the voices he could hear through the headset. Although he would have to be even more detailed if he wanted to record, this was more than enough for the song selection.

After the song finished, the members of TNT left the booth in joyous expressions.

“This is so good.”

“Didn’t I say that we must absolutely do this?”

Joo JungHyun and Lee Min, who were of the same age, were all excited thinking about doing this song. Jin SeAh agreed as well. Only the quiet Kim SeSol and the leader Kim HyoRin had no changes in their expressions.

Now that the song was over, President Lee WooSung approached.

“Should we go with this one?”

“Yeees!”

When he asked, they all answered without a shred of hesitation. Actually, he was also inwardly agreeing with this as well. He heard all this, if he didn’t accept, then it wouldn’t make any sense.

“…Okay. Let’s go with this.”

“Yaaay!:

“Mr. composer, then please take care of us.”

Amongst the cheering members of TNT, President Lee WooSung and KangYoon shook hands. KangYoon had a slight smile on his face.

‘This is the start.’

He was able to convince everyone with his music. He felt satisfied and proud of that. However, he also felt heavy thinking that this one song would decide a group’s fate.

***

When KangYoon came to work in the morning, President Lee HyunJi wasn’t there yet. She messaged him that she would be a little late as she drank with some TV station people late last night.

“Sheesh, they’re vicious alright. Drinking until 6 in the morning….”

Jung HyeJin shook her head after hearing about that. As gave a cup of coffee to KangYoon, she preached that alcohol was bad.

“Seems like you don’t drink that much, Miss. HyeJin.”

“Yes, I can’t drink at all. Why are all the people in this industry drinking like there’s no tomorrow… It’s scary to think about it.”

“It differs from people to people. Anyway, Director Lee also must be having a hard time. If it’s the people from the TV stations, they must all be quite the alcoholics. She must be a female warrior.”

KangYoon felt pity for Lee HyunJi having a hard time doing business. It was also her tragic fate as a businesswoman. Though, she does drink quite well….

Around 10 in the morning, Lee HyunJi appeared at the office in immaculate form. There were no signs of having drank until 6 am on her at all.

“Are you alright?”

“I won’t collapse from that just yet. I’m still young after all.”

“Amazing.”

KangYoon shook his head. Lee HyunJi, she was really like a female general.

The two started morning conference. Lee HyunJi talked about the things she talked about with the TV station people yesterday… well, today.

“Why don’t you try appearing in a TV programme?”

“Me?”

“Yes.”

KangYoon was slightly confused. A TV programme? He was no celebrity. This was out of the blue.

“Do you know about the programme called Korea ONE STAR?”

“Yes. Isn’t it an audition programme? I remember it causing a sensation in the music industry.”

“You’ve got an invitation, as a judge. Although it is just once as a guest judge in the regional preliminaries…. It should still help in public advertising.”

(T/N: Basically… K-POP star)

KangYoon doubted his ears. Appearing on TV? And this was an audition programme too. When KangYoon asked for more explanation, she continued.

“To simplify, it’s thanks to your actions three years ago, president. Yoy’ve done a lot of things back in MG. You’ll be going on the regional preliminaries as a judge with the title of a concert planner.”

“And that’s why you drank until so late….”

“Well, I guess I had some hard time. I did have to pour soju for those old asses.”

She drew a V with her fingers. KangYoon felt sorry for all her efforts.

“You must have had a hard time. And thank you as well.”

“Why thank me? It’s our work now. Don’t tell me you’re thinking of something weird because it was drinking? You’re no kid.”

“Pfft, there’s no way I would, is there?”

Although Lee HyunJi spoke lightly, it was a position she earned after a long night of drinking. KangYoon.resolved to himself that he would do well.

After that, he talked about how he settled the song and Lee HyunJi praised him a lot.

“You snapped that Lee WooSung’s stubbornness? Now that makes me refreshed.”

“Well, a good song is the best attack.”

“You really…. Sheesh, the contents are top-notch, I guess there’s no way he would say anything.”

Focus on the one, most important thing. That was KangYoon’s style. Lee HyunJi liked this kind of style.

After hearing a lot of things, the two ended the morning conference. Lee HyunJi departed from the office saying she had something to do, and KangYoon also went back to his seat and started working.

When KangYoon was working, his phone rang. It was from HeeYoon. KangYoon was delighted and received the call after leaving the office. After an exchange of greetings, KangYoon talked about how HeeYoon’s song was officially sold.

– Wow…. It’s somewhat… mystifying.

“What’s mystifying. You’re a full-fledged composer now.”

– I still can’t believe it. A song I made is going to be sung by a singer.

HeeYoon felt somewhat weird. In fact, KangYoon was happier about it than her. He told her that the music was under the alias ‘Muse’, and told her to wish that it would go well.

– Okay, then. Oh, did you find any singers that would debut from your company?

“No, I’ll have to start looking after this.”

– Please look for one quickly. I have a lot of songs to give out.

“Fine, fine.”

KangYoon said yes at HeeYoon’s enthusiastic words. Their call ended after wishing each other safety.

***

‘An audition, eh….’

KangYoon looked up the TV programme named Korea ONE STAR. It was an audition that any Korean citizen could participate in, and disregarded age, gender, and background.

‘The Seoul regionals. Looks like there will be a lot of people at least.’

Seoul had the highest population density in all of Korea. It was likely that there were many talented people as well. Although appearing on TV was important, there was also the implication of having to find a talent if he could find one. Even small entertainment companies would have to have trainees if they wanted a future.

‘As a small company, it’s probably impossible for us to have a lot of trainees, so should we go with a solo singer? The trend is girl groups…. But doing something that everyone else is doing will obviously lead to failure….’

KangYoon was agonized. It wasn’t easy to pick trainees. Trainees were precious existences for small companies like World Entertainment. They weren’t treated like spare tires for a car which would be the case for large companies.

‘It’s time.’

Time flew by while he was immersed in his thoughts about work. Today was the day they recorded ‘Good Feelings’. He already said beforehand that he would be present as the composer. KangYoon immediately headed to Laurel Entertainment.

When he arrived, an employee there guided KangYoon to the studio. The members of TNT were already in the booth, and President Lee WooSung was sitting in front of the mixer, controlling things.

“You’re here.”

“Hello.”

KangYoon greeted him and stood behind him. The members of TNT also waved their hands at KangYoon. Jin SeAh was getting ready to record.

“Did you divide the parts?”

“Yes, we just need to record now.”

President Lee WooSung was full of confidence, as though to say that everything was ready to go. KangYoon took a step back. The recording began.

– You are – the greatest gift – wait for me –

Jin SeAh did the intro. Like her outgoing personality, her voice was also quite strong and thick for a girl.

‘Isn’t this too strong for the intro?’

KangYoon was confused. This song wasn’t a kind that was supposed to start off loudly.

“SeAh, the sound is a little weak. Can we do it again after raising it a little?”

But unlike what he thought, President Lee WooSung asked for a stronger voice.

– Yes.

The recording resumed. The voices of TNT became stronger and stronger, but the white light in KangYoon’s eyes kept dimming. This was literally a waste of energy.

‘This is not it.’

KangYoon shook his head. He felt as though the song was being interpreted wrong.

It was the same afterwards. With this song, KangYoon pursued ease of singing that would stick to anyone’s minds. However, President Lee WooSung kept adding effects like echo when he pursued this song.

‘Now I know why this place is so bad.’

This guy, just didn’t have any senses. This was the conclusion KangYoon came to. The white light became weaker and weaker. At this rate, the song would go haywire.

After watching quietly for a while, KangYoon eventually stepped up.

“Why don’t we try loosening a little at this bit?”

President Lee WooSung looked back at KangYoon who stayed quiet all this time. His eyes filled with displeasure.

“…Really?”

There was no way KangYoon did not know the implications behind that gaze. However, he continued on with his opinion while pretending not to notice it.

“As you said, president. It might be good to emphasize that feeling. However, I think that we might be able to add more rightness to the song if we loosen it up a little.”

“…….”

President Lee WooSung’s reactions were very bland as he did not like someone interfering. However, it would be bad to ignore the original composer’s opinions. He turned around to the mic after saying he understood.

“SeSol. Can we loosen up at the ‘feeling’ part?”

– Okay.

The reply came, and President Lee WooSung resumed the recording.

– I know that feeling of being in love – the feeling of excitement –

Kim SeSol loosened up a little. Then, the sound became softer. When her notes were mixed in, the light also became stronger.

“…Huh.”

President Lee WooSung involuntarily made a noise as though he felt something. KangYoon’s opinions wasn’t anything big, but it made a clear difference. However, he didn’t say anything since he didn’t want to admit it.

‘Sheesh, what a stubborn man.’

KangYoon clicked his tongue. However, he didn’t stay still anymore. This guy’s musical senses were definitely terrible. KangYoon gave light advice when he felt something strange. Just enough so that he wouldn’t scratch the other guy’s pride. It was his own way of respect.

Perhaps thanks to KangYoon’s advice, the recording speed got boosted. President Lee WooSung didn’t seem to like listening to KangYoon, but he didn’t just ignore them either. He didn’t hide his displeasure, but it wasn’t like he could simply ignore KangYoon’s opinions. This was the power of the original composer.

Like that, the 1st verse ended and rest came.

President Lee WooSung left for a smoke, and KangYoon sat down for a little. He felt quite tired after standing throughout the entire recording session.

However, a lady approached him, it was Kim SeSol.

“Excuse me, composer.”

“What is it?”

As they weren’t that close yet, Kim SeSol didn’t call him by name. Kim SeSol carefully spoke to KangYoon.

(T/N: If you haven’t noticed already, in Korea, it’s ‘polite’ to refer to people with their titles. It’s like saying ‘sir’)

“I have a question. I’m doing the chorus for the 2nd verse, but I can’t think of how I should sing that part.”

“Oh, really? What do you think you should do ,then?”

“Me? Well….”

Kim SeSol spoke after a moment of thought.

“First, this is a retro-style song and a bright one, and it still has to be different from the first verse…. But JungHyun gave it power in the first verse. So that’s why I’m worried about the 2nd verse. I don’t have as loud of a voice as JungHyun.

Kim SeSol sighed in worry. Kim SeSol and Joo JungHyun were the two main vocals of the team. But Joo JungHyun had a stronger vocal power.

KangYoon picked up a note and a pen before speaking while writing some things down.

“Well, in my opinion, we should record from scratch with Miss JungHyun, but that’s the president’s right, so I can’t help that. Since this is the case, why don’t we try something different?”

“Something different?”

“If the first verse was powerful, we should add some characteristics for the second one. We’ll add some effects to the voice to give it a different feeling. Your voice is more suited to adding effects so I think that would be good.”

“Ah, okay!”

Kim SeSol seemed to be relieved of her worries as she left with a smile.

The resting time ended, and recording session began again.

Thanks to KangYoon’s advices, the recording went smoothly. He could see President Lee WooSung getting tired of it, but he did not stop. If the light from the song shook even a little, KangYoon spoke without hesitation.

“SeSol, it’s your turn.”

When the recording progressed like that, Kim SeSol’s turn came. She went into the booth and grabbed the mic.

– If you know how I feel – tell me – lululu –

Kim SeSol’s song ended, and President Lee WooSung spoke into the microphone.

“SeSol, it’s a little bit weak.”

– Should I add some more power?

At that time, KangYoon spoke up.

“The first verse was powerful already. Wouldn’t it be rather repetitive to go with powerful for the 2nd verse as well? She has a good tone of voice. I think it would be better to just mix it.”

“Ehem. Is that so?”

“Yes. Miss SeSol’s vocal power might be lacking compared to Miss JungHyun, but her tone is clear if we mix it well and edit it later, I think we’ll have a good melody.”

“… If you say so.”

President Lee WooSung nodded with a displeased expression. And as KangYoon had said, he added a few effects before resuming.

– If you know how I feel –

“!!!”

President Lee WooSung was extremely surprised. He didn’t even add that many effects, but the feeling was drastically different from the 1st verse. The melody was now a lot easier – he could feel that.

“Huh….”

He couldn’t deny it anymore. This was the real deal. Without speaking anything, he replayed the recording back into the studio and the booth.

“Wow….”

After hearing it, the members of TNT widened their eyes. Even the owner of the voice, Kim SeSol doubted whether this was her voice or not. It felt like it stuck to the mind a lot easier and made them feel that they wanted to listen to more.

“Thank you, composer!”

President Lee WooSung bowed towards KangYoon from the bottom of his heart. KangYoon only shrugged his shoulders.

***

Midnight between Friday and Saturday.

The members of TNT, who had just finished their debut at a TV station, were gathered around a computer.

“Hey hey, is it there yet?”

When Jin SeAh asked, Kim HyoRin told her to look at the lock. Jin SeAh pouted saying that she couldn’t help it.

“It’s here!”

Around 5 minutes after midnight, the song ‘Good Feelings’ appeared at the bottom. The ranking was 98, rock bottom.

“Hey hey! Play it, now!”

To raise the rankings, the members all played the song on all the devices they had: computers, their phones, etc.

“We should have bought more computers.”

“Where do we have the money to?”

Lee Min replied to Joo JungHyun’s words, and the rest of the members were all talking about the rise and fall in the rankings.

Like that, 1, 2, …. 4 a.m.

Everyone couldn’t fall asleep.

“Dammit, it sure isn’t rising. Maybe because it’s the night.”

Complained Kim SeSol. The current ranking was 91.

“Did we get too excited? Let’s sleep since we have a schedule tomorrow.”

Eventually, everyone went to their rooms and slept under the leader Kim HyoRin’s words. Wishing that their rankings would have rose when they woke up.

And the next day.

“…What the.”

When Lee Min checked the first thin in the morning, it was at 88th place.

“Other singers get 1st as soon as they release, too.”

“Are we those singers?”

“Just saying….”

When Joo JungHyun expressed her disappointment, Jin SeAh added. Everyone felt rather disappointed.

And a few days later.

Although they checked frequently while running events, but the rankings only went up to the 60s. The members were all slightly happy at the better results than before. However, they were disappointed as well as they thought that they would go up to the 40s at least.

“Haa… so it’s an ordinary one this time?”

Kim SeSol, who was checking for the comments on her phone in the van, sighed. Although none of the others said anything, they felt no different from her.

***

A week passed since the release.

Kim HyoRin woke up first as always and stretched her body before washing her face. As always, she started the day with checking the rankings of the song on the computer.

However….

“Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek?!”

She, who was always calm as the leader, screamed after looking at the computer screen.