Chapter 17

Have a safe trip .

KangYoon went out while receiving HeeYoons farewell . After joining the army of men in suits in the bus and train, he arrived at the company when he received a call to the Presidents office . It was due to the report he gave yesterday .

KangYoon took some papers and headed to the Presidents office .

Hmm

President Lee HyunJi repeated flipping and flipping back one page after flipping it for a while . Normally, she would refreshingly approve, but today was different . She repeated flipping and flipping back and in the end, signed with difficulty .

Today it was quite difficult to sign . Please take it to the Chairmans office yourself .

I understand . May I inquire the reason?

Im good with everything, but I dont understand why you picked this member .

President Lee HyunJi pointed to Lee SamSoon at the very back of the report . She did sign but she couldnt be satisfied with this member this was her meaning .

KangYoon spoke confidently in order to quench her worry .

President . The current Lee SamSoon is a top tier member . Her individuality doesnt even need to be spoken about, and she can also satisfy the star quality element .

Its not like I cant believe you, Team Leader KangYoon . However, this member iss a little too different to our concept . Exceptional is good, but its hard to be assured . First, go to the Chairmans office .

KangYoon bade farewell and left the presidents office . Usually, President Lee HyunJi would go submit the report to the Chairman herself, but this time she said to give it to the Chairman himself . Her intention was for him to convince the Chairman himself . Of course, KangYoon had the confidence to do that .

KangYoon was about to step onto the elevator to go to the Chairmans office when someone stood in front of him . It was a female secretary clad in a white suit .

Good morning, Team Leader Lee .

Yes . Hello .

Director Jung HyunTae wishes to see you .

A call from a Director KangYoon wondered what it was . KangYoon temporarily postponed going to the Chairmans office and turned back and followed the secretary .

Welcome . Nice to meet you .

Director Jung HyunTae was a middle aged man with a bulging belly and strands of white hair in his 50s . He stood up and offered his right hand as soon as he saw KangYoon . They shook hands and sat down straight away .

Would you like tea?

May I have a cup of coffee?

Yes, of course . Are you fine with Luwak coffee?

Director Jung HyunTae ordered for a high class coffee . He looked kind on the outside but his atmosphere gave off a feeling that he was plotting something . KangYoon was on his guard .

As he thought .

The girl group selection this time . I called you here to give a little help .

He said help . Help when all the rights were with KangYoon? This meant that he would interfere . KangYoon thought it was absurd but he replied calmly .

Help? Im very thankful with just your words .

No, no . You worked in Japan so long, so I thought you might have a little trouble while working in Korea . I thought you would need my help . And so I called you here to know you more and to talk about that . Thanks for your time .

Not at all, sir . Im very thankful with just those words of help .

This was not a good intention . KangYoon accurately saw through Director Jung HyunTaes intention . Moreover, the timing was like this too . To think a situation like this would happen just when President Lee HyunJi was suspicious about Lee SamSoons qualifications KangYoon was on his edge .

I want to recommend a child to you . Theres a girl called Kang JiHee . Do you know?

JiHee . Yes . I do .

I think you overlooked that child . I thought you might want to take another look at her . She has skills and shes a good kid .

KangYoon subconsciously gripped his fists tightly . In the end, he meant that he would put a hand . His intention was to grow his strength by putting a hand on a large scale project like this .

Disregarding that, it wasnt like KangYoon didnt have a look at Kang JiHee . She definitely had not so bad skills . However, KangYoon pondered deeply before choosing another person than her . This was also an insult to KangYoon .

Director .

Ah ah . I already know . You must have had a hard time selecting . But you know? I want you to take another look . Who was it again The kid who has accent like a country bumpkin . I wonder if she really can become a star .

He referred to Lee SamSoon . How did this Director know that Lee SamSoon was selected? KangYoon was about to speak when he decided not to . Disregarding that, he didnt see the value in speaking anymore . This was a clear abuse of authority and a breach of rights . Moreover, KangYoon had already promised them . To go with them until the end .

Hahaha . I can make a country bumpkin into a star, alright .

At KangYoons words, Director Jung HyunTaes face slightly twisted .

Fufu Is that so? But since were doing it . Isnt Seoul better than some country bumpkin?

Seouls not the only part of Korea, is it? Im thinking of embracing the whole country . Im sorry but I have a lot of work piled up so I will take my leave .

KangYoon stood up just like that and left the Directors office . Director Jung HyunTae called him but KangYoon didnt even look back .

You overconfident bastard! Lets see how your I-can-do-everything attitude lasts . Secretary Lee!! Secretary Lee!! Bring me water!!

As soon as KangYoon left, Director Jung HyunTaes face twisted fiercely . The pretty secretary who entered with a cup of water on a tray, couldnt help but shiver in fear when she looked at such a figure .

***

Its novel . Good . But why did you come yourself this time?

Chairman Won JinMoon seemed satisfied with the report and immediately signed in approval .

The President said for me to go myself .

Really? But why?

Chairman Won JinMoon was curious . To think President Lee HyunJi didnt sign a report like this KangYoons report was literally perfect . When he flipped the pages in suspicion, there was indeed an element of doubt at the back .

Its because of Lee SamSoon .

Chairman Won JinMoon knew straight away . Lee SamSoon that KangYoon selected it was due to the worry about her . Of course, there was a clear reason behind KangYoons selection of Lee SamSoon . It was approvable . The problem was that she was too different to the singers of MG Entertainment until now . A new approach would always bring pain . In another point of view, the fact that President Lee HyunJi, who pursued safety, decliend this was quite obvious . It was a difference in thinking .

I mentioned last time, but President Lee HyunJi doesnt approve unless there is a clear, logical reason . But if she signed despite that, then its quite clear that she recognizes you .

Is that so?

JooAh is still on the hots due to the momentum . Isnt there a saying that results are the best proof?

Chairman Won JinMoon didnt speak anymore . He thought that KangYoon would understand with just this .

I understand . I will take my leave .

I look forward to it this time too .

KangYoon headed to his office after leaving the Chairmans office .

In the end . Lee SamSoon is the problem Lee SamSoon is Lee SamSoon

It was Lee SamSoon that president Lee HyunJi was worried about and also the reason why a Director tried to interfere in this . He obtained the signatures but he needed to solve their worry over Lee SamSoon . This kind of thing must not happen in the next Directors meeting . KangYoon realized .

KangYoon headed straight to the practice room where Lee SamSoon was .

Mornin, sir?

Yeah . Hello .

Lee SamSoon, who greeted him with a savory accent, would usually make him smile but to the current KangYoon, he had no such leisure .

See me for a sec?

Lee SamSoon followed behind KangYoon with the worry why so suddenly .

In the resting area, KangYoon offered Lee SamSoon a bottle of water . Other drinks were unsuitable for trainees .

Thank you .

SamSoon, is practice going well?

Yes . Its goin fine . The teachs are all teachin us fine and Im also tryin my best .

Lee SamSoons accent was savory and leisure could be felt from it . It was a thin sound like a girl but when an accent came out, a special attractiveness could be felt from hehr .

KangYoon asked her about her current situation for a brief time before going into topic .

Why dont we do a performance?

A perfmance? Why so suddenly?

Its too much to think of it as a performance, so just think of it as a presentation . We will just lightly put on the music in the street and sing . How about it?

Im good .

Lee SamSoon was refreshing . Her voice was also bright as if she wasnt nervous .

Good . Then shall we go?

Ya mean now?

Yes .

KangYoons decision was very quick . He immediately got the key to the storage room and packed the equipments before going to Hongdae where street performances were everywhere .

Befitting its name of The Walk of Youth, Hongdae had a lot of people . The street filled with people was bustling with activity .

Sir, theres sure a lotta people .

While moving the various equipments like the mixer, Lee SamSoon was busying herself with looking around the place as if she was curious about everything . Company, dorm, Company, dorm to her who had repeated such a life, this street was wonder itself .

There are . There seems good .

KangYoon pointed towards a square .

When they finished setting the mixer, the amplifier, the camera, and the microphone, etc People started gathering while wondering what was going on .

Ah . Ah . Im doin a mic test . Tester~ .

Kukukuk . (Muffled laughter)

When Lee SamSoons savory voice was projected through the microphone, some people muffled their laughters . However, Lee SamSoon didnt feel down and smiled . Instead, she smiled more brightly and waved her hands to the people . Very naturally .

As expected .

When he looked at that figure, KangYoon was reassured of his previous thoughts . The people were all laughing but they couldnt take their eyes off her . A cute girl who uses accent, and even someone who doesnt feel down at that . Lee SamSoon had a natal star quality . Rather than feeling down, her mood became even more lively and she was about to have a talk show with the people if someone didnt stop her .

When preparations ended, Lee SamSoon officially greeted the people .

Hello!

Puhahahaha!!

Im Lee SamSoon . Im a trainee if MG Entertainment, and I cameere to perform .

Although it was small, cheers started erupting from the crowd . A cute girl was speaking confidently with an accent . An accent that didnt match her appearance was giving off attractiveness . KangYoon was also holding back his laughter .

Im thinkin of doin a performanceere . Is it alright?

Oooh!! Pull off an Ummunna!! (T/N : This song here)

That will be difficult since Im weak at trot . (T/N :Trot , Old style Korean Music)

Lee SamSoon laughed off the half-jokes that the audience said . The setting ended soon, and KangYoon gave a signal .

Lets start .

Yes .

KangYoon started the music . Then, Lee SamSoons voice started ringing throughout the square through the microphone .

The lively and light singing of a girl spread out through the square . The feeling or the tone ot the accent was all gone .

Yes . Its this!!

KangYoon rejoiced in his heart . People started clapping when they were surprised at Lee SamSoons complete change in image . The people who thought that they were here for a comedy also became absorbed .

Its this!!

KangYoon turned the camera through the remote control and didnt forget to capture the reactions of the audience . The usual accent are gone without a trace when she sings . It was thanks to Lee SamSoons hard effort . This was the reason he picked Lee SamSoon . White light emitted from her already and made the people dance .

KangYoon smiled when he saw her having a high-five with the people he saw for the first time .

***

The next day .

It was the usual planning conference but today, the characteristics were different . Usually, the planning team and the stage production team and the other staff would gather and have a meeting, but today, an order came from above for even the Directors to gather . It was because KangYoon had asked Chairman Won JinMoon .

Hmm, to think you want the Directors here too It seems theres something interesting, Team Leader Lee .

Chairman Won JinMoon asked KangYoon while entering the wide conference room .

I called them here since I have something to show to them .

I look forward to it .

Chairman Won JinMoon lightly placed his hand on KangYoon shoulders when entering . He was having a better impression of KangYoon as time went past . His work was very clear, and more importantly, unpredictable so it was quite interesting .

After the Chairman, the President, followed by the Directors all entered . When they all came in, this planning conference produced a heavy atmosphere that wouldnt lose out to a usual Directors meeting . When everybody was here, KangYoon pointed the screen with a laser pointer and started the meeting .

Directors, President, Chairman . Thank you for your attendance today . The reason I gathered you here today is to talk about the finalization of the next generation girl group members .

At KangYoons words, the Directors started whispering to each other . President Lee HyunJi spoke amidst of that .

Interesting . Please begin .

President Lee HyunJi urged KangYoon . The next generation girl group project was an important business that would decide the companys future . This needed approval from the Chairman, the President, the board of Directors . Moreover, this was a planning conference . But when KangYoon said he had something to show them, they were all interested .

Then let me begin .

KangYoon started showing the materials he prepared one by one . This member was chosen for this reason and there is such data and I plan to go with this concept in the future He added some additional materials to support them . Due to being a meeting, the Directors would usually interfere a lot, but due to the well prepared materials, there were no such things

However, the problem began at the end .

Finally, its Lee SamSoon . To briefly summarize, Lee SamSoon is an inferior student in MG Entertainment . The problem was her accent and her appearance . However, there are no problems with her skills . Appearance would be solved in due time with management .

Wait .

Director Jung HyunTae raised his hand . He showed a completely different side to him from just until now, when he kept silent .

You said there was no problem with her skills . However, everyone here knows the problem with her stubborn accent . When I looked into it, not only the trainers, but even the President mentioned it during the audition but it seems she still havent fixed it . Wouldnt this be interpreted as that she might be going against the company in the future? Is there a reason to select a trainee that might bring up problems even though there are other good alternatives?

I already said that theres no problem with her performance . And also, to say that she will go against the company in the future just because she hasnt fixed her accent is too big of a conjecture . Trainee Lee SamSoon never brought trouble during her 3 years as a trainee . I think the reason of she might rebel against the company is insufficient .

You

Director Jung HyunTae gritted his teeth . Team Leader Lee KangYoon didnt tremble or lower his head when he was in front of the directors . He spoke what he needed to and they were clearly backed up by evidence . Director Jung HyunTae could feel that his face was hot when his own words collapsed . An insult like this in an official place like this

It seems the Directors are doubting about trainee Lee SamSoon . I have something to show you . Would you have a look at this?

KangYoon played the video he recorded last night .