In This Life, The Greatest Star In The Universe

Producer Na Sang-yoon, trembling with excitement, closed his eyes.

The other composers leaned back in their chairs, their expressions a mix of exhaustion and satisfaction.

It was clear evidence of the song’s quality.

The rest of the staff nodded to each other, exchanging looks that said, “Isn’t this really good?”

As the song, lasting 3 minutes and 40 seconds, came to an end.

“I can tell whose song this is without even looking,” Seokhwan said, prompting laughter to spill out.

While everyone in the meeting room turned their gaze on me, the department head joked,

“At this rate, we might as well say the song has its own fingerprints.”

“It’s really good. The first song. I don’t know who wrote it yet, but it’s incredibly catchy, isn’t it?” Hong Seo-young, the manager, said, and everyone nodded in agreement, smiling.

“It deviates from the latest trends, but the song is fantastic.”

“It’s not a hook song, but the melody sticks in your ears. This is going to be big.”

“It gives off a vibe similar to when we confirmed ‘Fireworks.’”

The praise from the A&R team suggested the song was ready to be released as is.

The producing team shared a similar sentiment,

“Speaking for the producing team, from both a listener’s and a composer’s perspective, the song is unbelievably good.”

“Oh?”

President Park Gyu-ho asked,

“Is the song that good?”

“Yes. Normally, for a song to succeed, it needs both recognition and quality to create synergy…”

Na Sang-yoon, the producer, looked at us and said,

“With the recognition already massively secured, and the song being this incredibly good…”

“That’s right.”

With everyone’s mood lifted by the excellent song from the start, the president gestured,

“Let’s move on to the next song.”

The room refocused.

After about two hours of listening and reviewing songs,

“I’ll report the results,” said the TF team leader, displaying the results on the meeting room screen.

“By unanimous decision, Candidate Song No. 1 has been selected as the title track. The name of Song No. 1 is ‘Falling Blossoms,’ composed and written by New Black.”

I exchanged high-fives under the table with my siblings.

While everyone applauded, I turned to the producing team members across from me, who were squinting their eyes.

They returned my apologetic smile with a playful ‘tsk tsk.’

“Uju has done something big again,” the president said, smiling.

“I heard you created it with a ghost in Jeju Island.”

“Yes, we made it while filming the reality show. But there seems to be a misunderstanding; it wasn’t a ghost…”

We tried to clarify, “It’s not a ghost,” but everyone just laughed it off.

They joked, asking where exactly this powerful ‘ghost’ was located.

After deciding on the title track and the included songs,

We also discussed the album title we had in mind, should it be selected as the title track.

“How about ‘New Black Mini Album 4: Separation (別): Into the Black’ for the title?” I suggested, writing it on the whiteboard.

The main title would be ‘Separation,’ written in Chinese characters, and the subtitle ‘Into the Black’ to signify a new entry into darkness.

It was a title that would conclude the six-part series themed around ‘meetings and partings’ that began with our debut single and connect to our first full album due later this year.

“We’re thinking of including ‘Separation (別)’ in the Intro, connecting it to the last special album. And for the Outro, we’re considering adding a rap performance of ‘Into the Black’ written by Jung-hyun.”

“That sounds good,” Director Jo Gyuhwan commented.

“We could also use petals or stars for the album cover.”

“That’s a nice idea.”

As we discussed these concepts,

The A&R team briefed us on the current trends and how they might affect the song’s release.

“Idol music is currently divided into two categories. One follows the style of Nine.”

There were indeed many songs similar to Nine.

Nine had gained popularity in the latter half of last year, solidifying as a trend in the first half of this year.

Listening to the charts recently, I realized that the similarity to our style was not just my imagination.

“The impact of Nine was so significant that composers joked about it spreading like a plague.”

“Ah…”

“If a team doesn’t have a solid concept like Street Boys or Teen Spirit, it seems everyone tries a Nine-like concept at least once, aiming for international popularity.”

This translation and editing maintain the narrative flow and character voices while ensuring clarity and readability in English.

Apart from that, the top of the charts was dominated by drama OSTs.

The drama featuring Hallyu stars Lee Gyeon-woo and Kwak Si-hyun as the leading duo became a massive hit, and consequently, its OSTs were lining up in the charts.

Names like Jang Sowon, Yoon Chan-hyuk, and Cha Woo-hyun caught the eye.

Below them were recent spring season songs and ballads, including “Something,” ranking high.

“Did ‘Something’ chart again?”

“It did, once more…”

A brief laughter filled the conference room as the song, returning every spring like a street performer, made its appearance again.

Meanwhile, our A&R team leader had suppressed the song that had been holding the number one spot.

A refreshing sound with a hint of tropical sound.

“That’s the biggest variable…”

“Reality, the song by Serenity. I listened to it as soon as it was released, and it was incredibly good.”

An addictive and refreshing hook song.

It was “REALITY” by the girl group Serenity, who made a comeback with an American high school movie concept.

The song was currently devouring the charts.

Just listening spread a wave of freshness, and everyone laughed.

“It deserves the first place.”

I heard it’s almost confirmed for the first half of the year’s top spot.

Though recently released, it’s performing so well that it’s already being predicted for the annual number one.

It was the song we heard everywhere while filming our reality show in Jeju.

“Serenity’s atmosphere is amazing. They even broke records by surpassing 80,000 initial sales.”

They had overtaken the second-generation top group Daylight, seizing the top spot for girl group debuts.

Following them, NYX and Blink were hot on Scarlet’s heels, vying for second place.

High Color, in their second year, was also rising.

And the third-generation girl groups, who debuted around the same time as us, were starting to make their mark.

And then.

“With this hit refreshing genre, it seems other girl groups will release similar tracks…”

While the public enjoyed the cool and refreshing songs.

I wondered if it was okay for us to come out in the midst of spring in May with a wistful ‘The Flowers Wilt…’

A TF team member commented on it.

“The season is indeed tricky. Such songs should come out when it’s cold or getting chilly to be a hit.”

“True, it’s a unique genre…”

“But remember, when ‘Nine’ was released, there wasn’t a similar song on the charts. It’s only now become a trend.”

Everyone seemed hesitant to try a genre that hadn’t hit big before.

As we all racked our brains on how to make it work better.

Bijoo suggested.

“After listening to the chart-topping songs, why don’t we give ‘Falling Blossoms’ another listen?”

“That’s a good idea.”

After listening to the top chart songs in succession, we played ‘Falling Blossoms’ again.

It felt out of place, yet harmoniously blended before long.

Unanimously, we decided to proceed with the original version of ‘Falling Blossoms.’

However, there was another concern amidst the chart full of refreshing songs.

“But the genre of ‘REALITY’ sung by Serenity…”

After the meeting, a passing A&R team member mentioned.

“Isn’t it similar to your debut song? It has a vibe like ‘Fireworks.’”

“Right. It does have a similar refreshing feel.”

Everyone agreed as I said.

“It’s because they’re both in the house genre. We went deep house, and they added tropical.”

“True. I wonder if ‘Fireworks’ would have been a hit if released now…”

“Definitely… It feels like ‘Fireworks’ was a bit ahead of its time.”

Though it was just passing conversation, I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of anxiety with my juniors.

Wondering if ‘Falling Blossoms’ might also be a song ahead of its time.

The youngest started fiddling with his fingers on his temples.

“Think positive. Think positive.”

“Input complete.”

We drew an ‘OK’ in the air and laughed, and the youngest nodded.

It seemed he was momentarily anxious due to the pressure that it had to be a success.

And then.

“Sunwoo-juuu…”

The producing team members, with dark circles under their eyes, approached like mummies, hands outstretched.

Upon closer inspection, their shoulders and wrists were covered in pain-relieving patches.

Then they began to mimic me.

“What should we do? We’re really stuck with this song.”

“Could it be a slump?”

“I’m worried we might have lost our touch with the song…”

“…”

I averted my eyes from the glaring stares.

As my siblings burst into laughter, shouting, “Please scold him a lot!” I pulled out my wallet.

“Snowflake sirloin.”

“…!”

“Five servings per person.”

“…!”

“Unlimited soju and beer mix.”

The employees’ anger melted away as we exchanged a handshake of friendship.

Producer Na Sang-yoon asked me.

“Can’t we get one exemption from work instead of drinks?”

“That’s not possible.”

At my firm response, the employees feigned sadness before bursting into laughter.

“Hahaha! Really, it’s not possible?”

“Yes.”

“Well then, let’s eat some meat…”

After the album planning meeting.

For days, I was caught up in a whirlwind of meetings, one person after another.

There was so much to do.

“I’d like the choreography to emphasize curves this time.”

Centered around Bijoo, I conveyed my dance requirements to the choreographer.

We had always hired foreigners, but this time, we employed a local choreographer who specialized in Korean dance.

For the intricate movements of the choreography, I also sought advice from someone who handled action scenes in historical dramas.

“Hello!”

Alongside Stylist Director Kim, we visited a designer to commission outfits.

It was Designer Seo In-ah, famous for showcasing Hanbok at international fashion shows.

When we sat in the office meeting room.

“Are the singers here too?”

“Oh, we’re in charge of producing.”

“Ah, then…”

As I pondered where to direct my words between Team Leader Seokhwan and Director Kim.

Director Kim pointed at us.

“You should speak to these friends first. They are really the center of everything here.”

“Ah, I see.”

She looked amazed, not knowing we were involved in the actual album production.

When my siblings handed over the printed PPT they had prepared in advance, her expression grew even more astonished.

Papers filled with dense notes.

Regrettably, none were mine.

My siblings had responded with disdain when I offered my brilliant opinion on the costumes.

“Oh… You’ve prepared so meticulously.”

“Yes. We thought it would make your work easier.”

The designer, who had been examining the details, commented.

“You’ve written it so well that there’s hardly any need for further explanation. It’s the first time I’ve seen such clear requirements for idol outfits…”

When Bijoo smiled kindly at the fresh but positive reaction.

“Of course, these are just our wishes, and we believe you might have better ideas.”

“You mean, take this as a direction?”

“Yes, exactly.”

After Designer Seo In-ah asked a few questions and my siblings answered.

Director Kim began discussing the finer details using industry jargon.

After a warm meeting.

“It’s my first time handling outfits for a big group like New Black, which is great, but there’s one concern.”

“What is it?”

“Given the nature of the costumes, there will be quite a few modifications. Some people don’t like that.”

She had previously designed for another boy group.

People had come to her social media, cursing, “What kind of Hanbok is this?”

“It’s… I even consulted professors about the costume. Yet, they said it wasn’t Hanbok.”

“Don’t worry too much and work comfortably.”

I said with a smile.

“We’ll mention it during interviews, and you can also appear on our MeTube.”

“MeTube?”

“Yes. It’s an account for our fans…”

Suggesting a segment to reveal the behind-the-scenes of the costumes seemed to reassure her.

Afterward, Director Kim and Team Leader Seokhwan stayed behind to discuss practical matters, while we moved on for our schedule.

“Ugh…”

Even after diligently sipping on Korean red ginseng, I was still exhausted.

It felt like taking a potion in a game where my health bar barely increased, a mere red sliver of life.

“Hey, pass me some of that ginseng too,” I called out.

“Me as well… Now that I’m a senior, I feel like I’ve aged,” another voice chimed in.

Between recording sessions and dance practice, sleeping for just two or three hours left us feeling like death warmed over.

The worst part was starting a diet; there simply wasn’t enough energy to move.

As I sucked on the ginseng handed to me, Jiho spoke up, “I wish we could finish filming ‘MiPro’ soon. Is it next week already?”

“Probably.”

“After watching it, everyone won’t be so surprised like they are with our designer now, right?”

It seemed like we had to explain ourselves at every turn, asserting, “Ah, we’re producing it ourselves.”

Everyone seemed half-convinced, half-doubtful, “Are you really producing it?”

The youngest among us seemed to think that appearing on ‘MiPro’ would dispel all those doubts.

“Well, we’ll only know once we actually film it.”

As we headed to the next schedule, driving to the studio, we rolled down the windows, trying to lift our spirits.

The end of March was perfumed with the scent of spring.

Winter had retreated completely, and spring was in full bloom.

It was Friday.

The elderly, as usual, turned down the volume of PBS1’s “My Hometown Now” from nine to seven.

Then they let out a sigh.

They had grown accustomed to lowering the volume in anticipation of the noisy band NewBlack, which usually appeared in the latter half of the show.

But now…

“They’re not even on anymore…”

The volume went back up to nine.

There was a sense of loss.

At first, they were just noisy, and I wondered what they were about. But after three weeks, they had grown on me like the neighborhood’s puppies.

“Will they show up or not?”

I was feeling unjustly resentful when, at the end of the program, the male announcer made an unusual comment.

“To celebrate this Friday, we have a very special guest returning once again, don’t we?”

“That’s right. Our beloved guest who had left for a while has returned.”

Just when I thought it was going to be about spring herbs…

“NewBlack is back on ‘My Hometown Now’!”

The screen transitioned.

It was a video of NewBlack, recorded at an external studio.

“One, two, three! Hello, we are NewBlack!”

“Did you miss us? I missed you so much!”

“Yes! NewBlack, appointed as the ambassadors for regional balanced development in 2016, has returned as the heralds of local events in your hometown!”

The introduction to the segment continued.

Every Friday, for about a minute, they would announce, “Next week’s local festival is…?”

The members, dressed in outfits related to the events they were introducing, smiled brightly.

A smile naturally formed on the viewers’ faces.

Especially someone in Jeju Island, watching the program, felt an extra surge of happiness.

It was because of a postcard that had arrived from the Seogwipo night market, where they had asked, “Won’t you come back on?”

[We kept our promise! Be sure to watch today] – NewBlack’s Woojoong and the crew♡

As the broadcast ended and positive feedback flooded the viewer’s message board, the production team smiled.

At the same time…

The fans, the Soufflés, were busy devouring new tidbits on the fan community.

NewBlack cut from “My Hometown Now”

Was the promise made with someone from Jeju on Wapp today’s broadcast? 😭😭😭

Looks like the duty-free shop ad is up 😂😂😂 (link)

Where’s that suit Jung-hyun is wearing from???

Ads featuring NewBlack, which they had shot in early March, were being released one after another.

Following Korean Wave stars Lee Gyeon-woo and Kwak Si-hyun, TNT, and others, NewBlack members sang the Duty-Free song.

There was also an ad themed around freedom in everyday life.

[Sometimes, you just want to break free and escape]

Woojoo, contemplating what to wear while looking at a wardrobe filled with stylish clothes.

Bijoo, wandering the streets, capturing moments with a film camera.

Junghyun, quietly reading at home.

And scenes of Rihyuk crumpling up his notes and tossing them behind him, and Jiho cooking.

Oh my… Everything is wrong from one to ten 😂😂😂😂😂

Who’s in charge of the ads? Didn’t do their job?

You’re now witnessing Kim Bijou, the master of finding her way—haha, just kidding!

Everyone, check out the behind-the-scenes footage uploaded by DA Duty-Free. You’ll see Bijou getting lost there.

At this rate, it’s almost false advertising.

Freedom in daily life? That means it doesn’t exist.

Tourists from China and Japan would probably watch this and go “Wow!” I wish I could too, but I just can’t focus—haha!

Even my mom watched it and tilted her head in confusion.

The advertisement, deliberately featuring different characters, was causing quite a few laughs.

As befits the title of ‘the latest trend,’ I’m amazed by the sheer number of ads pouring in.

This year’s major agency earnings… TJ Entertainment remains firmly in first place.

Hwai Entertainment has been in the ‘red’ for two consecutive years—a warning signal has been lit.

Teen Spirit, Serenity, and others are ‘hits’… MOP Entertainment has reached its all-time high in earnings.

Towards the end of March, posts about the previous year’s earnings of various agencies began surfacing on idol communities.

Among them, one place received the most attention alongside the top four agencies.

[Lemon Entertainment’s 2015 revenue: 83.8 billion won… a 40 billion increase from the previous year]

(Article Screenshot)

‘It’s estimated that New Black contributed about 35 billion to the increase in revenue.’

Indeed, it was Lemon Entertainment that had achieved remarkable results in 2015, with a revenue of 83.8 billion won.

Wow, that’s incredible!

Is this including the Japan tour?

No, no, it’s just for the year 2015.

Realizing why ‘New Black’ offered free small theater tours after reading ‘It’s estimated that New Black contributed about 35 billion to the increase in revenue.’

But what about the operating profit? The cost of sales seems really high.

Hey there… A high cost of sales isn’t a bad thing… It means your favorite idols are getting paid well in royalties.

This is insane… If they contributed 35 billion to the increase, that’s almost 40 billion, right?

Half of the company’s revenue is thanks to New Black—no wonder Kyuho is always smiling when he comes to work.

Lemon isn’t small fry anymore, not since they first entered the idol market with Scarlet.

And so, discussions about the 2015 earnings of various agencies also began to rise.

[2015 Major Agency Earnings + Lemon Entertainment Added]

(Overall ranking of agencies’ revenue)

If we’re talking about idol agencies, it goes TJ (270 billion) > MOP (230 billion) > SNH (97 billion) > Lemon (84 billion) > KM (75 billion).

After that, there’s a significant gap starting with DNS and Hwai.

When did Lemon climb up so high?

New Black really did well… It’s like hitting the jackpot in life.

Shouldn’t MOP be higher if we’re talking about net income?? TJ doesn’t seem to have much substance.

Market capitalization-wise, TJ is number one.

This year, MOP is likely to top the charts—Teen Spirit is currently a huge hit, and Serenity also struck gold.

TNT must be a significant part of TJ’s revenue… There are rumors that Hanbyeol Jang might leave during the next contract renewal.

Hanbyeol Jang’s personal sales > TNT’s total sales in China.

It’s impressive they haven’t split yet—I’d leave if I were them.

Flow really sucks… The more you look, the more it seems like the haters want TNT to disband more than anyone else.

The fans are already sensitive, and they’re just provoking them subtly.

Teen Spirit is all puffed up after barely winning an album award last year through a loophole—when did they become a grand prize group?

But objectively, isn’t this TNT’s last year? Teens are all about Teen Spirit and the newbies now, and if Hanbyeol Jang leaves, there’s no chance for full group activities… It’s either units or solo from here.

KM’s momentum has really died down.

Do kids these days stan based on net income? This industry gets weirder by the day.

As the agencies’ earnings were revealed, the idol community was once again thrown into chaos and destruction.

In front of Lemon Entertainment’s building, vehicles bearing the PBS logo were arriving one after another.

People carrying equipment hurried into the company.

“Alright, let’s start preparing for the shoot!”

They were the production crew of ‘Mr. Producer.’