Rookie Talent Agent Knows It All

Chapter 458: Treviang (2)

In practice room 1, the three Treviang members stood side by side after their tears finally dried.

Han So-Yoo addressed them firmly. "Girls, you are not going to fail. So forget the nonsense that lunatic said earlier! Got it?"

The now-composed Oh Ji-Ah responded in a calm and mid-range voice, "Yes, Ms. Han."

Next, Hong Mal-Sook glanced around nervously before replying. "Okay..."

Despite her sexy and feline-like appearance, her voice sounded childlike.

Finally, Seong Ji-Hyo asked in a hard tone, unlike her cute looks, "What should we do from now on?"

Han So-Yoo pointed at me. "From now on, Mr. Jung here will be helping us. You've heard the rumors, right? Everything Star Jung touches turns to gold!"

Perhaps still stung by the earlier remarks about failure, Han So-Yoo emphasized success with unusual intensity.

The three members drenched in sweat and tears turned their eyes toward me.

"We've heard so much about you even before we joined Hoop Entertainment."

Just the news that I would be helping them made their eyes sparkle with hope. Though they had spent three years under Han So-Yoo, their total trainee period combined ranged from six to eight years.

As they were approaching their mid-twenties now, failure would likely mean being pressured into retirement. Their ages were still very young in the broader world, but in this industry, retirement at their age wouldn't raise eyebrows.

Because of this, they were more desperate than anyone else for success.

First, I decided to give Treviang some reassurance. "Let me tell you something first: the company would never invest in a team they think will fail. You know that, right?"

The members hesitated briefly before answering, "Yes."

"Over one and a half billion won has already been spent preparing for your debut. To put it bluntly, the company invested that money because they believe you can earn far more than that."

The three of them quickly grasped my point.

"So relax. Your current situation is leagues better than when Cherry Blossom was on the verge of disbandment."

When I added that saving them was nothing compared to Cherry Blossom, relief washed over their faces.

"Now, can you show me the choreography?"

"Yes, sir."

Treviang moved to the center of the practice room while Han So-Yoo headed to the corner to play the background music.

In the meantime, I made a video call to Park Seon-Nyeo.

-Ho~ Mr. Jung, what's the occasion today?

Park Seon-Nyeo answered energetically as always. After a brief exchange of greetings, I got straight to the point.

"Mrs. Park. Do you remember Treviang, the group I mentioned before? Can you take a look at their choreography?"

-Sure. Are you showing it now?

"Yes."

I turned the phone toward the practice room and adjusted it.

"Can you see them clearly?"

-Raise it a bit more... Okay, that's perfect.

At that moment, Han So-Yoo started the music. "We'll begin now."

With that, Treviang took their starting positions.

Du du du du! Boom, boom, boom!

The intense bass and drums of 'Treviang,' an electronic hip-hop track, began to play.

『Don't you wanna be like Treviang~?』

The song filled the practice room with an intense beat. Though the song was identical to the version from before my regression, the choreography was completely different. As Han So-Yoo mentioned, the current choreography by Ahn Chang-Hoon was clunky and better suited for a male boy group.

The most glaring issue was the point choreography in the chorus.

'What's this? Why are they sweeping the floor with their hair?'

In the highlight section, Treviang got down on their knees in a cat pose, headbanging and swinging their heads side to side as if sweeping the floor with their hair. If this choreography were to be released, it would undoubtedly be dubbed the "broom dance" and become a viral meme online.

After two minutes, the first verse performance ended.

"Stop. Great job."

The three girls got up and caught their breath. Their hair was now streaked with dust from sweeping the floor.

I ended my video call with Park Seon-Nyeo and called her back on a regular line to speak privately.

"What do you think?"

Park Seon-Nyeo responded calmly.

-The girls have solid fundamentals, but the choreography is awful.

"I thought so too. Do you have a solution?"

-No problem~ Don't worry, I'll redo everything myself. Oh, and just so you know, that 'broom dance' is out. No exceptions.

"Of course. It's the biggest issue, isn't it?"

-If they go out with that, they'll be mocked until retirement. You know how crucial point choreography is, Mr. Jung.

Choreographies like the hip thrust in 'Hurry Up!' or the finger heart moves in 'My First Love Story' were simple, catchy, and easy for anyone from kids to seniors to mimic. In contrast, Treviang's current point choreography was an eyesore, akin to sweeping the floor.

-Anyway, I'll brainstorm a point move that fits the lyrics. Bring the girls over later and we'll go over the details in person.

"Understood, ma'am."

Ending the call, I summarized the key point to Han So-Yoo. "It's all good. She doesn't make empty promises, so you can trust her."

At last, Han So-Yoo exhaled deeply in relief. "Thank you, Mr. Jung."

Just then, the glass door to the practice room opened with a clunk and Eun Ji-Yoo entered looking flustered. "Mr, Jung, why haven't you been answering your phone?"

"I was watching Treviang practice. What's the matter?"

Eun Ji-Yoo hesitated before whispering, "Mr. Kang wants you and Ms. Han to come to the meeting room immediately."

"Why?"

"Team Lead Seong Eun-Soo is threatening to call the police unless Ms. Han is disciplined right away."

Han So-Yoo clenched her teeth and braced herself as if she already expected this and turned to reassure Treviang. "Don't worry, girls. I'll be back soon."

After calming them, Han So-Yoo turned to me.

"Let's head up, Mr. Jung."

I left Treviang in Do Ran-Hee's care and walked to the elevator with Han So-Yoo.

On the way, Han So-Yoo sighed and made a request. "If I get disciplined or suspended... please take care of my girls."

"Don't worry. That won't happen."

I glanced at my planner, which still contained a crucial entry about Seong Eun-Soo.

[Everyday V12]

[Date: January 13, 2021]

-11:00 p.m: Choreography Team Lead Seong Eun-Soo's misuse of corporate card (Meeting: Internal Disciplinary Committee convened).

Before the regression, Seong Eun-Soo had been caught misusing her corporate card.

An employee from the choreography team had reported her to the audit team. While the misuse amounted to less than one million won per month, the matter was settled by recovering the funds and issuing a warning.

Applying stricter scrutiny could implicate other department heads, which was why minor issues were often overlooked. But if I pinpointed Seong Eun-Soo specifically, it wouldn't be a small matter anymore.

I reconfirmed the planner's entry and confidently reassured Han So-Yoo. "Don't worry, Ms. Han. You won't be disciplined. Instead, it'll be Team Lead Seong Eun-Soo."

"I'm sorry?"

At that moment, the elevator arrived.

Ding.

As we stepped inside, I answered with a confident smile. "Just trust me. After all, I'm Star Jung the Fortuneteller, aren't I?"

***

Inside the meeting room sat Kang Gam-Chan, Kang Ji-Yung, and Kwak Moo-Hyuk. Across from them were Seong Eun-Soo and Ahn Chang-Hoon.

Seong Eun-Soo sat with her arms crossed while making no attempt to cover her bruised cheek.

I wasn't involved in the incident directly, but it was clear why Kang Gam-Chan had summoned me: to testify about what happened on the second floor and help find a resolution.

"Everyone, please take a seat."

When Kang Gam-Chan gestured to Han So-Yoo to sit down, Seong Eun-Soo erupted. "Mr. Kang! What do you mean take a seat? I'm asking for the disciplinary committee to convene right now! Otherwise, I'll call the police!"

Kang Gam-Chan chuckled dryly. "Team Lead Seong, shouldn't I at least hear what happened first before making a decision?"

"What's there to hear? You can just check the security camera!"

"I've already asked the facilities team to retrieve it."

"Don't you dare tamper with the security camera! I'll have the police check it!"

Frowning, Kang Gam-Chan turned to Kang Ji-Yung. "Make sure they don't touch the security camera."

"Understood, sir."

Kang Ji-Yung canceled the request via intercom, and Kang Gam-Chan shifted his attention back to the room. "Let's first clarify the situation. Chief Han, did you assault Team Lead Seong?"

"Yes, I did."

A grim expression crossed the faces of Kang Gam-Chan, Kang Ji-Yung, and Kwak Moo-Hyuk.

It was December, a hectic time with year-end concerts and Treviang's debut scheduled for January. If Han So-Yoo were suspended for assault, all plans would be delayed.

Kang Gam-Chan shot me a glance. "Team Lead Jung, you were a witness. Is that correct?"

"Yes, I saw everything."

The moment I confirmed it, the emboldened Seong Eun-Soo raised her voice. "See!? I told you so!"

"I understand."

Kang Gam-Chan sighed and turned to Han So-Yoo.

"Why did you do it, Chief Han?"

Before Han So-Yoo could answer, Seong Eun-Soo interrupted and yelled, "Why does it matter? The fact is I was assaulted and there are witnesses!"

Ignoring Seong Eun-Soo, Kang Gam-Chan focused on Han So-Yoo.

Han So-Yoo took a deep breath and explained. "She insulted the girls saying they were doomed to fail right in front of them. I lost control and hit her. I'm sorry."

"Doomed to fail…? She said that right in front of Treviang?"

"Yes. As you know, members of Treviang have been working hard day and night. They are short on sleep and haven't even been eating properly. They gave up everything for their dreams. But when I heard such girls are doomed to fail, I couldn't help but act out. I apologize."

Kang Gam-Chan's face slowly turned red with anger and Kang Ji-Yung's expression darkened as well. Having once fled the grueling life of an idol trainee herself, Kang Ji-Yung understood better than anyone how brutal the process was.

Kang Ji-Yung asked sharply, "Ms. Seong…is what Ms. Han said really true?"

Seong Eun-Soo hesitated and softened her voice. "I spoke out of frustration. It wasn't my true intent..."

"So you did say they would fail?"

"It was a mistake!"

Seong Eun-Soo's voice grew louder as she claimed unfair treatment. It was as if she would stab someone and call it a mere accident.

Now, it was finally my turn to step in.

Fixing my glaring gaze on Seong Eun-Soo, I asked, "Ms. Seong, are you sure you want to demand a disciplinary committee for this incident?"

Seong Eun-Soo glared at me. "Of course! Did you think I'd let someone slap me and get away with it?"

Seeing her shamelessness and complete lack of remorse, I felt no hesitation about revealing what I knew.

Turning to Kang Gam-Chan, I spoke firmly. "Mr. Kang. In that case, I have something to report as well."

Kang Gam-Chan turned his attention to me. "What is it?"

"I also request a disciplinary committee to be convened regarding Team Lead Seong Eun-Soo."

"For what reason?"

"I received a report that Team Lead Seong has been misusing her corporate card."

Seong Eun-Soo's misused expenses amounted to about one million won per month over the past two years. While not a large sum, it was undoubtedly illegal.

"Ms. Seong. You've been using the corporate card to purchase personal items for two years, haven't you?"

Seong Eun-Soo's face turned pale with shock. She clearly hadn't imagined I would know about this.

"Who... who told you that?"

"Well, the audit team will uncover everything anyway. So why not admit it now instead of resisting?"

As Seong Eun-Soo's panic grew more evident, Kang Gam-Chan's lips curled into a slight smile, realizing my claims were true.

At that moment, Kang Gam-Chan issued a loud and decisive order to Kwak Moo-Hyuk. "Team Lead Kwak!"

"Yes, sir."

"Direct the audit team to pull all of Team Lead Seong's corporate card transactions immediately. Prepare to file charges for breach of duty."

"Understood!"

Seong Eun-Soo's face turned ghostly white as she hadn't expected Kang Gam-Chan to act so decisively.

Panicked, Seong Eun-Soo shouted desperately, "Mr. Kang!"

"What is it?"

"I'll drop the charges against Chief Han! So let's just forget all of this happened. I'll repay everything I spent, okay? Please, just let it go!"

It was a pathetic attempt to propose a truce.

At that moment, Kang Gam-Chan's thunderous voice echoed through the room. "Are you joking right now, Team Lead Seong?!"

Ristretto's Thoughts

That is literally the worst way to ask for forgiveness