Spring Has Come, But 4
He hesitated, fiddling with his phone. He wasn’t entirely sure if this task was right for him.
But he quickly changed his mind. Discretion was a fundamental part of his job, after all.
He pressed a speed dial button, and the phone rang. His heart pounded.
“Yes, Director. This is Woo Byung-jun.”
The voice on the other end was as monotonous as ever.
“Mr. Woo, it’s Jin Do-jun.”
“Yes, go ahead.”
“I have a favor to ask.”
“It’s not a favor, it’s an order, Director.”
“Right. Then I’ll give you an order. There’s an entertainment agency in Gangnam called Time Music. They train singers.”
“Yes.”
“I need you to investigate the company president and the financial state of the company.”
“Is there anything specific I should focus on?”
“Entertainment agencies are full of con artists. Check if they’re just running a sponsorship scam with celebrities, luring investors to swindle money, or if the president has a criminal record.”
It’s easy to find wealthy people eager to connect with celebrities. Many agency heads focus solely on coaxing investments from such gullible individuals.
Once they catch a sucker, they often introduce them to a young woman, claiming she’s part of a new girl group, and then extort a fortune for album or music video production.
If the place where Sang-jun works is like that, I need to get him out quickly.
“Is there anything else you need?”
“No, that’s all for now.”
“Understood. It will take about four days.”
After the call ended, he let out a sigh of relief.
When will I get used to Woo’s dry voice?
On the third day, a day earlier than expected, he met with Woo Byung-jun at a café near the company.
Woo placed a thick stack of documents on the table.
“I didn’t find any particular reason to investigate, but it turns out your brother, Jin Sang-jun, works there.”
“Yes, that’s why I wanted to check.”
“There was nothing unusual. No con artists or swindlers.”
“What about the company’s financial state?”
“You’re the expert on that, Director. I’ve brought the financial transactions of the company and the president for the past five years.”
A quick glance at a couple of pages made him chuckle. He already knew it was a small operation, but both income and expenses were minimal.
It’s a typical vanity project.
A company run by someone who turns their passion into a livelihood, earning little, spending little, and convincing themselves they’re living a happy life.
“The reputation wasn’t bad. They seem to have a knack for identifying potential in newcomers and working on music that suits them.”
If that’s the case, they should have succeeded by now. The world hasn’t yet been overrun by idols. Many idols and girl groups have succeeded, but solo artists are just as strong.
So there’s only one reason…
“This company operates mainly in the underground scene.”
Woo’s expression shifted slightly but quickly returned to its usual impassive state.
“Yes. I’m not sure what ‘underground’ exactly means, but they’re known for focusing on unpopular genres.”
That was all he needed to know. As he gathered the documents, Woo asked, “Is there anything else you need?”
“No, this is enough. Thank you for your hard work.”
“Not at all. I’ll take my leave then.”
Woo stood up and gave a slight nod. As he was about to leave, he seemed to remember something.
“Oh, how are the new employees? If there’s anything you’re uncomfortable with, please let me know.”
“No, they’re all quite reserved, which I like.”
“That’s good to hear. Well then…”
Watching Woo’s broad back as he left the café, he let out a short sigh.
When will I be able to have a conversation with him and actually smile? Or will that day ever come?
Cho Hwan-kyu, the president of Time Music, fidgeted in a suit he hadn’t worn in ages. No matter how much he tried to relax, his trembling hands wouldn’t stop.
“I’m here to see CEO Oh Se-hyun. I have an appointment…”
“Are you the president of Time Music?”
The receptionist at the company entrance glanced at her notepad for confirmation.
“Yes.”
“He’s expecting you. This way, please…”
Cho Hwan-kyu walked nervously through the opulent office. When he knocked and entered the CEO’s office, a middle-aged man greeted him with a bright smile.
“Nice to meet you. I’m Cho Hwan-kyu.”
“I’m Oh Se-hyun. Please, have a seat over here.”
As he perched on the leather sofa, his anxiety only grew. Even though Miracle had reached out first, he couldn’t shake the feeling of unease.
To dispel his anxiety, Cho decided to address his curiosity first.
“Mr. Oh, to be honest, I’m quite bewildered. After our call, I looked up Miracle Investment online and realized it’s an enormous investment firm.”
“Oh, an entertainment agency president who doesn’t know about investment firms?”
Oh Se-hyun asked, feigning surprise.
“Well, I never thought it would concern me.”
“Didn’t you ever consider seeking investment?”
The question hit the mark, leaving Cho momentarily speechless. As he fell silent, Oh Se-hyun continued with a smile.
“Let’s cut to the chase. Listen carefully.”
“Yes.”
“Our company, Miracle, is going to invest in Time Music.”
“What? Our company?”
“That’s right. We’ll tailor the investment terms to fit your industry’s standards. So, Mr. Cho, it would be wise for you to visit other agencies and familiarize yourself with the common investment terms. You need to ensure that the terms we propose align with industry standards. Understand?”
“Yes.”
“The initial investment is 2 billion won.”
“Two billion…?”
Cho couldn’t believe his ears. It was an unbelievable sum. And another question crept into his mind.
Why?
“Is it too little?”
“No, it’s not that…”
“Focus more on the word ‘initial.’ If things go well, we could invest 20 billion.”
Cho tried to recall the dream he had last night. Though he couldn’t remember, he was sure it involved a pig farm or a dragon ascending to the sky with a pearl.
“I have only one condition.”
Cho gathered his wits and listened intently to the condition Oh Se-hyun was about to state.
“With our 2 billion investment, you absolutely cannot use it to support indie bands or underground artists. You can continue to handle that as you have been.”
“Then…?”
“I hear it costs 500 million to 1 billion won to nurture a new girl group. Is that right?”
“I’m not sure… But I’ve heard it costs a lot.”
“Use the 2 billion to develop two teams. Girl groups can earn small amounts from events right away, can’t they? So, the idea is to nurture profitable newcomers.”
“But I have no intention of expanding my business in that direction. It doesn’t align with my vision.”
When Cho, who had been stammering, finally gave a clear answer, Oh Se-hyun’s face hardened, and his polite tone shifted.
“Mr. Cho.”
“Yes.”
“Think before you answer. You’ve hit the jackpot. It’s like finding a gold nugget on the street!”
Cho felt the tension rise again under Oh Se-hyun’s piercing gaze.
“Use that gold nugget to run a successful business and make a lot of money. Then, with that money, you can support the indie bands or underground musicians you love. You need to separate your hobby from your business. Don’t you agree?”
Hobby.
Cho felt a surge of indignation at his business being reduced to a mere hobby, but given Miracle’s scale, it was hard to argue.
“Our Miracle’s U.S. headquarters invests heavily in films. Did you know that?”
“No, I didn’t.”
“We mainly invest in Hollywood blockbusters, but we also invest a lot in independent and art films. We often lose money on those. Do you know why we keep investing?”
”…”
“Because it helps the entire film industry grow. New actors from indie films and young directors from art films flow into commercial cinema. This cycle is what keeps Hollywood thriving.”
Oh Se-hyun’s tone softened a bit.
“I did some research, and you have a good reputation, Mr. Cho. People say you have a keen eye. Use that eye to discover talents with both commercial and star potential. Whether it’s an idol, a girl group, or a ballad singer, nurture them into stars. We’ll back you with as much money as you need, so don’t worry. Once those stars start earning, you can pursue your artistic endeavors. Isn’t that a simple calculation?”
Cho couldn’t speak for a while. As he remained silent, Oh Se-hyun waited patiently.
Finally, Cho spoke up.
“May I ask a question?”
“Of course.”
“Why are you investing in me? There are countless agencies in Gangnam nurturing idols. You could invest in any of them, so why choose our company, which pursues a completely different direction?”
“I told you, you’ve hit the jackpot.”
“Why have I hit the jackpot?”
“You recently hired someone, right? Jin Sang-jun.”
“Yes, a graduate from abroad…”
“He’s the son of my best friend.”
“Oh…!”
It wasn’t last night’s dream. The dragon with the pearl was the new PD.
“They sent him abroad for studies despite their limited means, but it seems like he’s headed for a life of struggle rather than success. But what can you do? Like you, he wants to do what he loves, so I can’t exactly talk him out of it.”
“So you’re investing because of your friend’s son?”
“Does the reason matter? Enough to pass up a golden opportunity right in front of you?”
“No, it doesn’t.”
“Then, Mr. Cho, you should focus on how to grow your business rather than the reason.”
Cho thought for a long time before cautiously speaking again.
“If I don’t accept the investment…”
Before he could finish speaking, Oh Se-hyun’s voice erupted in frustration.
“Do you think I’d just stand by and let my friend’s son waste away under a boss who kicks away golden opportunities like they’re nothing? I’d drag him out by the collar if I have to. Honestly, I’d be better off starting my own company!”
He meant every word.
Oh Se-hyun was itching to grab Sang-jun by the collar and pull him out of such a company right this minute.
Amateurs…!
He was investing his precious time in someone like President Jo, who lived without much thought, because he admired Sang-jun’s determination to stand on his own and was touched by Do-jun’s earnest desire to support his brother.
“One more thing.”
Jo Hwan-kyu, who had been bowing his head under Oh Se-hyun’s stern voice, slowly lifted his face.
“My investment must remain a secret from Sang-jun. If he finds out, he might quit on the spot. His pride is on par with any chaebol heir.”
With his mind made up, President Jo stood up abruptly.
“Thank you for giving me this opportunity, whatever the reason. I promise I won’t waste it.”
“You’ve made the right decision. Our company’s experts will be closely managing Time Music. You can focus on discovering talented newcomers and creating great music. Trust us.”
“Yes, please guide me.”
As he watched President Jo bow repeatedly and leave, Oh Se-hyun clicked his tongue without realizing it.
“Tsk tsk. That Do-jun is like a young head of the family, taking care of his father and brother. What an unlucky kid.”
For a moment, Oh Se-hyun forgot that Jin Do-jun was born the grandson of Korea’s wealthiest man.