"Ms. Se-Na, if we make your diagnosis known to the public, you can easily get out of the contract."

Every contract included an exemption clause that allowed you to avoid penalties. It usually stated that if the contract cannot be fulfilled due to force majeure[1] or other unavoidable circumstances, liability is waived. So if we could prove that Yoo Se-Na is unable to participate in the audition due to her illness, she wouldn't have to pay any penalty under that clause.

That was why I planned to properly reveal Yoo Se-Na's condition to the public. Of course, Director Hong Ah-Yoon would likely dispatch HK Inc.'s legal team and try to cling on no matter what, but I was confident I could win.

On top of that, the 3 billion won contract Yoo Se-Na signed to appear up to episode 10 of Again, Idol! was an entirely under-the-table agreement. So there was even less reason for her to pay a 10 billion won penalty.

Yoo Se-Na blinked and asked again, "You're saying if my illness becomes public, I can terminate the contract without paying any penalty?"

"Yes. But it has to be handled properly so that it earns public sympathy. That way, neither HK Entertainment nor KNET would even dare to push a sick person onto a broadcast."

President Ahn Yung-Hee, who was sitting on the sofa in the VIP room peeling apples for Yoo Se-Na and Ju Yung-In, nodded. "That's right, Se-Na. Mr. Jung is unmatched when it comes to shaping public opinion, so you can trust him."

At that moment, Yoo Se-Na's phone lit up again. It was a series of calls and messages from her mother.

"Then what about my mom and dad? Don't they bear any responsibility?"

Since Yoo Se-Na didn't belong to an agency, the contract had been signed under her own name. That meant all the responsibility fell solely on her.

I shook my head. "Since the contract is in your name, the responsibility won't extend to them. However, if they secretly took money on the side, they won't be able to avoid accountability for that."

At that moment, Yoo Se-Na clutched the blanket tightly and spoke to me. "Could you... do something about that too?"

Yoo Se-Na's parents didn't just spend her money freely—they acted recklessly, relying on their daughter's fame. If left alone, they could continue to block her future. So this had to be dealt with now.

I said, "For your parents' sake as well, you need to draw a firm line here. Otherwise, they might go too far and end up being charged with fraud or even dragged into something dangerous."

"Mr. Jung, I'm not asking you to do the impossible. They may be like this now, but they still tried in their own way to help me get better. So... just this once."

Yoo Se-Na sat on the hospital bed, head lowered like a guilty person. The relationship between parent and child was something sacred, something not easily cut off. I couldn't bring myself to say anything harsh.

Just then, Ahn Yung-Hee, who had been peeling apples on the sofa, gestured with her hand as if slitting her throat.

'Chief Jung. You need to cut this off now. It'll only get harder later.'

'No, really—why mime cutting your own throat with a fruit knife?'

In the past, I might have agreed with Ahn Yung-Hee, but now that I had regressed, I knew a better solution.

'I'll handle it.'

I replied silently with my lips, then turned to Yoo Se-Na. "Alright. I'll help your parents, but I have a condition as well."

Yoo Se-Na flinched and lifted her head. "What is it? I'll agree to anything."

"First, sign a contract with JU Entertainment right now. It will be a five-year contract."

"You can make it longer if you want."

"Then we'll set it as five years with an option to extend upon renewal. Also, we'll establish a separate asset management team so your parents can't freely spend your money anymore. There are many things they've been doing with your money that shouldn't be happening, and those could seriously harm your career going forward."

Yoo Se-Na's eyes wavered. She seemed worried about how her parents would live if they no longer had access to her money.

But in the end, she slowly nodded. "Al...right. I'll do it that way. It's better than them ending up in prison."

"You've made a wise decision. And honestly, just selling the Ramborghini and Rose-Rise they currently own would be more than enough for them to live on."

"Okay." Yoo Se-Na still looked worried, but she didn't say anything more.

At that moment, I added something to reassure her. "In return, if your parents stop doing anything reckless and reflect on their actions, I'll arrange for them to receive 2 million won per month as living expenses. That should be more than enough for them. What do you think?"

Right then, Yoo Se-Na's face brightened. "Really?"

"Yes. You need peace of mind to perform at your best, don't you? I'm not trying to be overly harsh. My priority is protecting you."

Ménière's disease required avoiding stress, and the source of her stress was her parents. Which meant that in order to treat Yoo Se-Na, I had to manage her parents as well. And I already had a way to do that.

"Yes, that's enough. Thank you, thank you so much, Mr. Jung."

Yoo Se-Na kept bowing her head, so I quickly grabbed her shoulders. "Remember, you're a patient."

Even as she swayed slightly, Yoo Se-Na smiled. "Yes, Mr. Jung. And I'll never forget what you've done for me today, not for the rest of my life."

"Alright. Then from this point on, I'll help you withdraw from Once Again, Idol!."

"Okay!"

I immediately made my first move and called Reporter Jang Moon-Ki. "Mr. Jang, please come to Gangnam Seven Star Hospital right away. I'll give you an exclusive."

-I love you, Chief Jung! Today and tomorrow, it's all Chief Jung! Love, love, I love you!

I had no idea where he kept picking up these ridiculous catchphrases. Still, since he had been a great help today, I didn't complain. I simply ended the call quietly.

Beep.

[Call ended]

***

[(Exclusive) Superstar Yoo Se-Na Diagnosed with Ménière's Disease! Emergency Hospitalization, Tearful Confession About Yesterday (Weekly Star – Reporter Jang Moon-Ki)]

-Yoo Se-Na, the leader of Sunshine who recently returned after five years, calmly spoke about yesterday's incident in an interview with our publication.

She reportedly collapsed in the waiting room ahead of the final rehearsal for Once Again, Idol! Although she had hoped to recover in time to meet her fans, she was ultimately in no condition to perform during the second half. After collapsing again, she was transported to the hospital, where she finally discovered the identity of the illness that had forced her retirement from Sunshine five years ago.

The diagnosis: Ménière's disease (a condition affecting the inner ear that causes dizziness and headaches). Yoo Se-Na herself had believed it to be an unnamed incurable illness, and after five years of neglect, she is now in need of rest and stabilization.

Through this publication, Yoo Se-Na asked that an apology be conveyed to her disappointed fans and the public. She also expressed her determination to recover and return in good health.

...

(Attachment 1: Partial medical certificate)

(Attachment 2: Current hospitalization scene)

(Comments)

-Ménière's disease? What's that?

-It's a condition that causes severe dizziness and headaches. Pretty rare.

-She didn't even know the diagnosis for five years? That must've been awful. Poor thing.

-No wonder, she didn't seem like herself yesterday.

-Yeah, thinking about it, someone like Yoo Se-Na wouldn't slack off on stage.

-Right. Se-Na wouldn't do that.

-Yoo Se-Na, stay strong!

-We won't see her on Once Again, Idol! anymore, but let's see her again someday!

-Guess I'll start watching Project I.O.A next week then.

...

The behind-the-scenes story of yesterday's pre-recorded audition, the reason for her retirement five years ago, and Yoo Se-Na's health condition—each one was a headline-worthy issue, so the article Jang Moon-Ki wrote shot straight to the top of the entertainment section.

Of course, the part about yesterday's events had been slightly polished, but everything else was written as truthfully as possible.

Right then, Yoo Se-Na, who had been sitting on the bed reading the comments, began to tear up. "I thought... everyone would criticize me... but they're actually cheering me on."

"You always gave your best to your fans when you were active, didn't you?"

Yoo Se-Na hadn't become a top idol in the past just because of her talent. More than anyone, she truly cared about her fans. She had even sacrificed sleep to learn sign language for a hearing-impaired fan.

Ahn Yung-Hee and Ju Yung-In tried to comfort her as her mood dipped.

"This article may have a bit of exaggeration, but people will understand."

"Yeah, unnie. It's true you really tried to go on stage."

As they talked, Yoo Se-Na remembered how she had taken medication just to perform live. However, the dizziness hit her again, and she had ultimately been forced to give up.

Wiping her tears, Yoo Se-Na looked a little more at ease. "Yeah... okay."

At that moment, Kwak Moo-Hyuk, the legal team lead who had arrived earlier, finished reviewing the electronic contract and held out a tablet.

"Just sign here, Ms. Se-Na."

"Yes, sir."

With trembling hands, Yoo Se-Na began signing her contract with JU Entertainment.

Scratch, scratch.

Just as the stylus moved across the tablet, we heard a commotion.

-Hey! Yoo Se-Na! Where are you?! Bring my daughter out here!

-You can't do this. Not just anyone is allowed into the VIP ward.

-What the hell? Who do you think you are? Move! I'm Yoo Se-Na's mother!

Lee So-Min's voice rang out from outside the VIP room. It had finally come. Chief Choi Go-Yoon had said earlier that they were on their way from LT Hotel. Now they had arrived.

I immediately urged Yoo Se-Na. "You need to finish signing quickly so Ms. Ahn and I can handle the rest."

"Okay."

Yoo Se-Na shut her eyes tightly and completed her signature.

Tap.

"Now, just follow what I asked you to do."

"I will."

Right then, the VIP room door burst open. The moment Lee So-Min appeared, she started screaming at us.

"You crazy bastards! Who do you think you are, putting out articles like that?! Hey! Who the hell are you people?!"

Behind her stood Yoo Se-Na's father, Yoo Jung-Sik, and Hong Ah-Yoon from HK Entertainment.

The instant Hong Ah-Yoon spotted me, her expression turned sharp, as if she had caught her target. "I knew it. I knew this would happen. Jung Yoon-Ho, this was your doing, wasn't it?"

I shrugged. "My doing?"

"Don't play dumb. You're finished, you bastard!"

At that moment, Lee So-Min strode toward the bed. "Yoo Se-Na! Get up right now! Don't listen to that nonsense about some macaroon disease. Let's go see Mr. Chairman. I'll have him prepare proper medicine for you, so get out of that bed!"

Just then, Ahn Yung-Hee—now officially Yoo Se-Na's agency president—stepped in front of her. "Se-Na is now a celebrity under our company, ma'am. From this point on, you'll need to speak with me."

Yoo Se-Na's mother shot her a furious glare. "Hey, you little— I let you off earlier because I was in a hurry, and you still haven't learned your lesson?"

Yoo Se-Na's mother raised her hand, cursing, about to slap Ahn Yung-Hee.

Just then, Ju Yung-In caught her wrist midair.

Grab.

"Where do you think you're laying a hand on our president?!"

Ju Yung-In glared at Lee So-Min. Lately, she had been more docile in front of me, but she had always been known for having a fiery temper. Even under Yoo Se-Na's mother's vicious glare, she didn't flinch.

Lee So-Min looked at Ju Yung-In as if she had been betrayed. "Yung-In, how can you do this to me?"

"Maybe you should've treated me better when I was a rookie. Back then, you called me a pathetic bitch clinging to Se-Na unnie and cursed me out. Did you forget all that?"

From behind me, Yoo Se-Na asked in shock, "Mom... did you really do that?"

Yoo Se-Na's mother bit her lip tightly. "I don't know! I don't remember!"

At that moment, Yoo Se-Na's father stepped in with a booming voice. "Yoo Se-Na! Are you really going to let your mother be humiliated like this? Huh?"

Yoo Se-Na squeezed her eyes shut and shook her head. "Enough. I don't want to be dragged around by you and Mom anymore. I know what my illness is now, and I've been diagnosed. I want to get proper treatment and... just rest."

"Yoo Se-Na! What nonsense are you talking about? Mr. Chairman is treating you just fine! You're being fooled by these so-called doctors!"

At that moment, Ahn Yung-Hee spoke again in a firm, composed tone. "Mr. Yoo. Mrs. Yoo. Se-Na is not a minor. If you continue this kind of coercive behavior, we will file for a restraining order next time."

After saying that, Ahn Yung-Hee glanced at Ju Yung-In.

Ju Yung-In immediately released Yoo Se-Na's mother's wrist. "And don't you dare lay a hand on our president again! I'm the only one allowed to mess with her!"

'Ju Yung-In. That... wasn't really the point, was it?'

At that moment, Ahn Yung-Hee looked pleased. "That's right!"

'No, Ms. Ahn...That's not something to agree with, is it?'

Seeing her nod like she'd gladly take a hit from Ju Yung-In, the two of them really were a perfect match. However, I decided not to comment.

Then, Hong Ah-Yoon let out a scoff and glared at me. "Wow, you're all having quite the cute little moment. Chief Jung, did you forget? We signed a 3 billion won contract with Yoo Se-Na. The penalty alone is 10 billion. Oh right, I heard you've been making good money lately. Want to pay it for her?"

'Oh, that?'

I smiled faintly and answered, "If you'd like to discuss that, let's step outside to the lounge."

"Sounds like you're confident. Fine, let's do that." Hong Ah-Yoon called over her secretary. "Where's Attorney Kim?"

"He's at the end of the hallway with the security team."

"Tell him to come to the lounge immediately. We've got permission."

"Yes, ma'am."

Hong Ah-Yoon's secretary hurried out of the VIP room. Watching that, Hong Ah-Yoon reassured Yoo Se-Na's parents. "Just trust me, the two of you."

At that moment, unlike how she had acted toward us, Yoo Se-Na's mother now spoke to Hong Ah-Yoon with a servile expression. "Of course we trust you, Ms. Hong. Please put those two in their place."

Yoo Se-Na's father was just as eager, bowing and scraping beside her. "I feel the same as my wife. Once those people leave, I'll take responsibility and persuade Se-Na myself."

"Alright then."

With a satisfied look, Hong Ah-Yoon left first. Yoo Se-Na's parents shot us one last glare before hurrying after her.

I immediately turned to Ahn Yung-Hee and Kwak Moo-Hyuk. "Please go ahead first. I'll follow right behind."

"Alright."

Ahn Yung-Hee and Kwak Moo-Hyuk left the room first.

Thud.

As soon as the VIP room door closed, I spoke to Ju Yung-In. "Reporter Jang Moon-Ki is waiting on the first floor. I'm counting on you."

Ju Yung-In's eyes lit up as she grabbed the wheelchair handles. "Got it. Just trust me and Se-Na unnie."

Yoo Se-Na nodded as she transferred into the wheelchair. "Me too."

I had already told them how to completely nullify the 10 billion won penalty and turn the tables on Hong Ah-Yoon. I hadn't expected Yoo Se-Na's parents and Hong Ah-Yoon to show up like this, but if anything, it worked out even better.

"Alright, I'll contact you later. You got this!"

After seeing the two of them nod, I opened the door and headed to the lounge.

***

The moment I sat down on the lounge sofa, Hong Ah-Yoon shot me a sharp glare. "If you don't want to get completely wiped out paying that 10 billion penalty, why don't you just kneel now?"

As if I had been waiting for that, I shrugged. "I don't know. Based on the exemption clause, it seems like you'll have a hard time collecting that penalty."

Hong Ah-Yoon scoffed and gestured to Kim Dong-Gyun, the head of legal affairs from HK Inc.

"Director Kim, your turn."

"Yes." Kim Dong-Gyun stepped forward, his eyes gleaming. "If this is a case of intentional deception, deliberately entering the contract with the intent to breach it, then the exemption clause does not apply. Even someone who isn't a legal professional should know that."

In simple terms, intentional deception meant claiming that Yoo Se-Na knowingly participated in the program despite her poor health, just to pocket the 3 billion won.

At that moment, Kwak Moo-Hyuk stepped in to counter the argument. "Ms. Se-Na only received her first diagnosis today. Anyone can clearly see that this cannot be considered deception."

"That's for the judge to decide. And Attorney Kwak, let's be honest. Do you really think the legal team of HK Inc. would lose to the legal team of a mere entertainment agency like Hoop Entertainment?"

"We won't know until we try."

"Think carefully, Attorney Kwak. If this goes to court, not only will we block Yoo Se-Na from promoting under JU Entertainment, but if things turn ugly, we might even drag Hoop Entertainment into this mess entirely."

"Why would Hoop be involved?"

"Do you really have to ask? Recruiting Yoo Se-Na could be framed as sabotage to undermine the success of Once Again, Idol! If we pursue this as business interference, do you think you'll have any way out?"

As expected of the head of HK Inc.s legal team, he knew how to threaten properly. Kwak Moo-Hyuk looked at me with a tense expression. However, I simply smiled calmly. After all, this was all within what I had anticipated.

At that moment, Hong Ah-Yoon tilted her head slightly as she noticed my expression. "Why are you smiling? Have you lost your mind now that you realize you're screwed?"

"No. It's just that your so-called threats are a bit laughable."

"What did you say?"

I smiled faintly, took out my phone, and placed it on the table. Then I played a MeTube live stream and said, "If you're going to threaten someone... this is how you do it."

1. Force majeure is a contractual clause freeing parties from liability when extraordinary, uncontrollable events—such as wars, pandemics, or natural disasters—prevent performance ☜