Rookie Talent Agent Knows It All-Chapter 508: Project G (4)

I carefully added Park Chan-Sik's name to the mental list of targets in my head.

***

Even with Park Chan-Sik constantly finding faults, Kang Gam-Chan remained composed and emphasized that Hoop Entertainment would eventually become the industry's top company.

While verbally offering congratulations, Park Chan-Sik showed no real joy. After a silent but intense power struggle between the two, we finally stood up in the KBC president's office.

I said, "Well then, we'll be leaving now."

The still seated Park Chan-Sik merely waved his hand dismissively. Gone was the anxious man worried about Wang Min's interview going south. He had returned to his usual arrogant self.

Park Chan-Sik answered, "Yeah, yeah. I have to call the Minister now, so all of you leave. You can discuss the audition issue with Director Im."

"Yes, sir."

Kang Gam-Chan, Kang Ji-Yung, and I bowed before exiting the office. The moment I stepped out, I checked my planner again.

[Everyday V12.1]

[Date: February 15, 2021]

-02:00 p.m: Delivery of congratulatory wreath for KBC President Park Chan-Sik's reappointment.

His reappointment was still scheduled to succeed. However, that was only if I didn't intervene.

'Enjoy your comfortable seat while you still can, Mr. Park.'

Seeing me glancing back at the president's office and smirking, Kang Gam-Chan asked curiously, "Yoon-Ho, why are you smiling like that?"

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"Oh. Just watching him so desperate for reappointment made me think he might mess up and fail in the end. Besides, after this incident, he's probably already on the Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism's blacklist."

I casually deflected, and Kang Gam-Chan nodded in understanding. "I hope things go as you say. That man tends to hold grudges for a long time,"

Kang Ji-Yung sighed quietly. "That's true. We've gained the upper hand this time, but who knows what he'll try next?"

"Don't worry, Ms. Kang. President Park may hold grudges, but he's also someone who carefully gauges the situation. He won't dare mess with us for a while."

Kang Ji-Yung nodded in agreement. "Well, that's also true."

"Please, head back first. Since I'm here, I'll go see Mr. Ji Yung-Sik before I leave."

Before my regression, PD Ji Yung-Sik had worked with Kang Gam-Chan to plan an audition program like Project G. However, the plan fell apart after Kang Gam-Chan collapsed. Ji Yung-Sik eventually left KBC, partnered with Top Entertainment, and successfully launched a show on SBC.

This time, I was determined to make him our program's PD instead.

Kang Gam-Chan nodded. "Alright. Then we'll head back to the office first."

After seeing Kang Gam-Chan and Kang Ji-Yung off, I made my way to KBC's variety department.

***

As soon as I arrived on the 7th floor where KBC's variety department was located, several PDs started teasing me as the restrictions imposed by the KBC entertainment director had now been lifted.

"Team Lead Jung. I heard you had it out with Director Im, huh?"

"Wow, Team Lead Jung is really on a roll these days. Even taking on the director?"

"Still, you should try to stay on his good side. Help us out by getting Yoo-Jin and Miso on our variety shows. That way, we won't have issues like today."

"Yeah, you know how it is. If you don't keep up your presence at KBC, guys like President Im from Ace Entertainment will take advantage."

I nodded as I replied. "I already spoke with both the president and the director about that. Starting next year, I'll be paying a lot more attention to KBC's variety shows."

At that, the PDs' expressions eased.

"Hahaha, that's more like it."

"Yeah, you should've done that sooner."

With the mood lightened, I carefully asked, "By the way, do you know where Mr. Ji Yung-Sik is?"

Han Jung-Sik, the PD of KBC's popular variety show Wild Escape, frowned. "Yung-Sik? Why do you need him?"

"Oh, I just wanted to say hello and have a chat."

Ji Yung-Sik was running Starlight Moonlight, a late-night music variety show airing at 11 p.m on Wednesdays, featuring 70s music. However, it was on the verge of cancellation with its viewership ratings at just 1%.

I threw in a little lie to avoid spreading rumors about an audition program. "I have an acquaintance who's a big fan of the show."

Han Jung-Sik made a reluctant expression. "Uh... now's not a great time... That guy just stormed off to the CP's office, saying he was quitting."

For me, this was perfect timing.

With luck on my side, I might be able to get Ji Yung-Sik out of KBC even sooner than expected.

***

Outside CP Park Jong-Min's office, loud shouting echoed through the closed door. His furious voice was laced with harsh profanity.

-You punk! Does a broadcasting station have to cater to every little thing you want? What did you say? Competition makes it fun? You've barely been in this industry for three years, and you're talking to me about entertainment?

Ji Yung-Sik, sounding exasperated, retorted.

-Mr. Park. If we want to break past 1% in viewership ratings, we need to try something! Are you just going to sit back and watch the show get canceled?

-Canceled? Who said it's getting canceled? And what do you mean 1%? Just two days ago, we hit 2%! That's pretty decent for a late-night slot, you idiot.

-That's only because I brought in a special idol guest to sing! That's the only reason we managed that!

-Bullshit. It's because we played classic 70s and 80s nostalgia hits, that's why!

-Sigh... sir, those songs only got attention because Girlfriends7 sang them! If we had Cherry Blossom or Kang Ha-Na on the show, we could've easily hit 3%—maybe even 5%!

-You little punk, where do you get off talking back to your sunbae like that? If you want to plan your own shows so badly, why don't you just quit and start a MeTube channel or something?

Unlike Ji Yung-Sik desperately trying to save the program, Park Jong-Min remained stubbornly stuck in his ways and was unwilling to listen.

-Sigh... Fine. I give up. I won't do it anymore. Here, just accept my resignation.

-You asshole. Why are you always threatening to quit? Fine! This time, I won't stop you. Get out! You'll only realize how good this company was once you're out in the real world!

Although Ji Yung-Sik didn't actually leave KBC until two years later in my previous life, it was clear that half of his heart was already gone from this place. Before my regression, this resignation had been rejected and he had been forced to endure his miserable job for years.

Now that I was about to launch Project G, there was no way I would let him follow that same future.

-Yeah, yeah! I'm leaving!

Hearing the commotion, I quickly moved away from the door. Then I stood in the hallway and waited for Ji Yung-Sik to come out.

Moments later, the door swung open and Ji Yung-Sik stepped out. Judging by the dark circles under his eyes, he must have pulled another all-nighter.

As the fuming Ji Yung-Sik walked toward me, greeted him with a small bow. "Mr. Ji!"

"Huh? Mr. Jung?"

Ji Yung-Sik belatedly recognized me and looked awkward as if he was worried that I had overheard his argument with Park Jong-Min.

"If you're here to see Mr. Park, you should wait a bit. I... might've put him in a bad mood."

It didn't even cross his mind that I had come to see him.

I smiled. "Actually, I came here to meet you, Mr. Ji."

"Me? Why?"

"I have a program in mind, and I'd like to discuss it with you. Do you have a moment?"

Ji Yung-Sik hesitated briefly before shaking his head. "Sorry, but now's not a good time. I just submitted my resignation."

Though he spoke as if troubled, I held out my tablet. "Then at least take a look at this program proposal."

"Come on, Mr. Jung. Now's really not—"

Ignoring his reluctance, I boldly opened the file for Project G. The main page displayed an image of Ling Ling and Seo Hee-Joo at the forefront with silhouettes of fictional idol trainees behind them.

The moment he realized it was an audition program, Ji Yung-Sik's irritated expression shifted to curiosity. "Hmm. An idol audition program?"

"Yes. It's a ten billion won global project. The production budget is already secured. All we need is a PD."

Ji Yung-Sik's eyes widened. He glanced around the hallway before clearing his throat and answering, "Alright... let me take a look."

Taking the tablet from me, he silently flipped through the pages. As the screen scrolled, his expression gradually transformed to that of anticipation and excitement.

'I got him.'

***

After reading through the proposal in one go, Ji Yung-Sik asked excitedly, "You're really looking for a PD to run this program?"

For any PD, helming such a large-scale production of ten billion won would be a monumental career opportunity. Ji Yung-Sik had already wanted to produce an audition program, so his enthusiasm was obvious.

"Yes, Mr. Ji. But... it might be difficult to do this within KBC."

Without hesitation, Ji Yung-Sik replied, "I submitted my resignation. Don't worry about the network."

I subtly observed his reaction before responding. "Understood. Then let me discuss it with MBS and SBC, and I'll get back to you."

It was only after we had finalized our agreement that Ji Yung-Sik, now somewhat calmer, asked, "Look, it's not that I don't trust you, but... why me? There are plenty of PDs more experienced than I am."

The biggest reason I had sought him out was that he had successfully produced an audition program before the regression. Beyond that, he also had a deeper understanding of such programs than any other PD because his childhood dream had been to become a singer. And he had even competed in several audition programs himself.

I spoke as I tapped on my tablet, "About ten years ago, you competed on Idol Chase, right? You probably know better than anyone how audition programs work. I remember you as contestant number 11, Hip-Hop Warrior Ji."

A video played. On-screen was a middle schooler with an afro, wearing oversized hip-hop pants and sunglasses, rapping enthusiastically.

『The world! The world! This damned world! Change it! Change it! I'll change it all!』

On the screen, Ji Yung-Sik, overflowing with passion, was bouncing all over the stage. Completely caught up in his own performance, he rapped and danced with exaggerated movements. Back then, he had become an internet meme and earned the nickname "Hip-Hop Warrior Ji."

"After watching this, I doubt there's another PD who understands audition programs better than you, which is why I'm..."

Before I could finish, Ji Yung-Sik hurriedly stopped the video. "H-How did you even find this...? P-Please delete it. I'll take the PD job."

I nodded. "Of course."

I deleted the video right in front of him, not that it mattered. The moment he started producing this show, Hip-Hop Warrior Ji would be plastered all over TV anyway. And not just the name, but his most cringe-worthy moment where he boldly grabbed the mic and declared, 'I will become the guardian of the earth and conquer the world of rap!' would be broadcast for all to see.

Nevertheless, that was fine. After all, Ji Yung-Sik was the type to throw himself into the fire for the sake of viewership ratings.

With the PD position for Project G settled, Ji Yung-Sik cautiously asked, "By the way, President Im Sung-Hak was causing a scene earlier... did you run into him?"

"No. And you don't need to worry about Ace Entertainment anymore."

I smirked, leaving the rest unsaid.

'Because that company is going down.'

***

After parting ways with Ji Yung-Sik, I left the variety department. Now that I had fended off Ace Entertainment's attack, it was time to work with Seo Jae-Ill to strike back.

At the moment, entertainment news was flooded with articles about Eun-Ah. Now, I planned to have Ace Entertainment's name appear in the society section as well.

'I'll have to drop by the newsroom first.'

Just then, the elevator doors opened.

Ding!

Inside, I spotted two KBC newsroom reporters—Choi Han-Sung and Bae Yung-Woo with ten years of experience.

I had intended to bring up Eun-Ah's situation, but they beat me to it.

Choi Han-Sung asked, "Team Lead Jung, what happened with Eun-Ah today? I heard Ace Entertainment was behind it."

Bae Young-Woo chimed in. "Yeah, and I heard President Im put pressure on the entertainment department too."

Since they were already curious, I quietly explained what had happened today. As I spoke, their expressions brightened.

"So President Im did all that, huh?"

"Yes. And..."

By the time we reached the first floor, both reporters were itching for more details. They suggested continuing the conversation in the lobby cafe.

I happily agreed and enjoyed my coffee while providing some additional inside information. "And as for Ace Entertainment..."

The more I shared, the more their eyes gleamed. "Nice~ Thanks for the tip."

I smiled. "I'll leave it in your hands."

With the tip-off handled, I headed to the underground parking lot. My car was parked at Basement Level 2, near Column F11. As I walked toward it, I pulled out my phone to call Seo Jae-Ill because I wanted to check on the investigation into Ace Entertainment.

That's when a sharp car horn blared.

Honk!

Across from me, the rear door of a white, top-of-the-line Binz swung open.

"Jung Yoon-Ho!"

A sharp voice that called out my name belonged to none other than Im Sung-Hak.

'Of course. Fated enemies always meet on a narrow bridge—or, in this case, an empty parking lot.'

As the fuming Im Sung-Hak stormed toward me, I thought to myself that I might just see his name at the top of tomorrow's society news ranking if things went well..

'Come at me, man.'