Top Management

TM Chapter 141

TL: emptycube / ED: Isleidir

“Three percent?”

I felt stuffy.

“No? Eight percent?”

I could breathe.

It wasn’t just me. Everyone gasped.

An eight percent start was okay. Considering the number of viewers that would tune in within the hour, we should be able to hit double digits at least. From there, we could slowly gnaw away at other broadcasting companies’ dramas…

“Six percent? Six like 666?{1} Huh? 11 percent?”

“Hey, you 666 bastard! What are you saying?”

Dried squid, peanuts, and curses were thrown at the man.

Someone took the lead and shouted,

“Do you want to see someone die of anxiety?!”

“The master control room is really noisy right now! I can’t hear them well!”

“So what is it?”

“11 percent!”

“Hey, listen properly!”

“It IS 11 percent!”

The chaotic commotion in the bar died down.

“… What did you say?”

“11 percent! One one!”

The production assistant shouted.

“The real-time graph is sharply increasing!”

***

{‘Royal Family’ 14.1%! It overtook ‘Crappy Car’s falling ratings to take first place!}

{Breaking its own record, ‘Royal Family’ Second Episode 16% Ratings!}

{Thanks to the star-studded cast? 20 million viewers tune in during ‘Royal Family’!}

{Royal Family, about to hit 20% by its fourth episode! A frightening rise!}

“It’s plastered on the newspaper columns again.”

“There wasn’t a drama with 20% ratings for a while now. The drama department is excited.”

PBS’s cafeteria.

The broadcasting team employees walked while continuing to talk.

“The entertainment department is making a fuss, telling us to get the Royal Family cast to appear on our show.”

“Then our program probably won’t even be able to bring it up.”

“Ohohoh, isn’t that Chief Jung Sunwoo? Right?”

The youngest writer pointed to the other side. It seemed like they had just finished eating as two men were walking towards them whilst having a friendly conversation. One was the chief producer of the drama department while the other was Chief Jung, who came up quite a bit in the news.

The second writer poked the producer’s side.

“Producer! Lee Songha, get us Lee Songha!”

“Ah, just call them.”

The producer shirked away, but the writers pushed his back.

“We were already rejected a hundred times on the phone! They might make an exception for you! The entertainment producers help their programs with casting through their connections!”

“You said that you did a program with Neptune when they were still unknown!”

“No, that’s…”

“Chief Jung Sunwoo!”

The second writer quickly raised her hand.

Seeing him personally, Chief Jung Sunwoo seemed quite gentle despite his outer appearance.

However, he was quick to refuse.

“I’m sorry. We don’t even have enough time to sleep.”

“Yeah, our international star Lee Songha is busy these days!”

The chief producer patted Chief Jung Sunwoo’s shoulder.

“Chief, we heard you work on a program with our producer?”

Chief Jung Sunwoo stared at the producer.

The producer’s eyes trembled like there was an earthquake like he had something to hide.

Soon, Chief Jung Sunwoo opened his mouth.

“We did. It’s been a while, producer.”

“Uh, Chief Jung. I’m sorry about the past. That time, there was so much rain…”

“It’s fine. Even though we were cut from the live broadcast, the video of them rehearsing in the rain and Songha falling helped improve their image.”

The mood became strange. Including the chief producer and the second writer, the broadcasting team employees simply blinked as they listened to their conversation.

“Ah, th-that’s right? In the end, it was helpful.”

The producer stated awkwardly.

“The concept we’re preparing is ‘International Stars’. It’ll be…”

“I’m sorry, we are simply too busy right now.”

Chief Jung Sunwoo said with a smile.

“A day, no, can’t you even make room for half a day?”

“Yes. There are schedules that were set months ago so we can’t change them.”

“Uh, if you’re upset about what happened…”

“No, that’s all in the past.”

Still smiling, Chief Jung Sunwoo waved his hand and said goodbye before walking away. His refusal was without fault, but it left a strange icky feeling. The chief producer clicked his tongue and walked away with him.

The writers whispered quietly next to the red-faced producer.

“The one you both worked on was that campaign broadcast? The one where Neptune overexerted themselves in the rain and that was criticized as the broadcasting company abusing their power?”

“I would have rejected if I was Chief Jung as well.”

The producer kicked the floor.

“He was all humble back when he was a road manager, yet he’s changed because he’s some bigshot now, huh?! He’s so full of himself because everything he does ends up in a success. Someone like him needs to fail horribly one day!”

“That person’s next project was Royal Family. The one with 20% ratings.”

When the second writer gave him a pitying look, the producer shouted,

“There’s that movie! I hope that flops horribly!”

*

Yeongdeungpo MA Cinema.

It was bustling with photographers, cameramen, and security guards in front of the VIP screening photo wall. A commotion even louder than when other celebrities passed by broke out.

“Uh, uh, the cast of Royal Family have arrived! Yoon Taekyung and Im Joowon!”

“Only Seo Eunkyo isn’t here?”

Fingers were already rapidly tapping on their laptops. Articles went up within minutes.

{Even during this busy time, the ‘Royal Family’ cast shows their loyalty, but where is Seo Eunkyo?}

The photographers continued to press the shutter even after the two men had left the photo wall. Chief Jung Sunwoo, who came out to greet them, led them into the theatre.

“Please wait! Could we get a 5-minute-!”

An entertainment reporter, who rushed with his press card stretched out, was bounced away by a security guard. Other reporters, who were half-worried, half-expectant that the reporter got an exclusive interview, turned their gazes.

Soon, Jung Sunwoo’s picture was framed on the portal site.

{Whatever he picks is a success? Chief Jung Sunwoo of W&U, is it ‘luck or skill’?}

{When will Chief Jung Sunwoo’s divine choices end? Showdown at ‘Alive’}

“I think there’ll be a ton of newsworthy stuff if we get close to Chief Jung.”

“He used to come out to get-togethers in the past, but he doesn’t show up anymore? Why is it harder to have a couple drink with a chief than a director?”

“Who is it? Park Woojeong of G-Today? Apparently, they became close while he was still a road manager and now she’s hit jackpot. Why can’t I have that much luck?”

“Who would have known Jung Sunwoo and Lee Songha would become this big in two years?”

The reporters sighed, consoling their regrets.

While they were talking, celebrities attending the screening were posted on portal sites as if showing off Alive’s large scale. Their outfits, body, makeup, and even actions were dissected and filled the entertainment column.

“It’s Neptune!”

Flashes erupted simultaneously.

Neptune, without Lee Songha, were walking up to the photo wall. When Im Seoyoung, who had her hair done up, waved her hand, the spectators shouted like they were at a consolation performance.

“They all came? I guess they are close?”

“Since Lee Songha’s the only one who blew up, it’s about time for some bad rumors to spread, isn’t it?”

“Well, if you compare to when they were unknown two years ago, they blew up too. Lee Taehee’s OST song{2} is first on the charts, and Im Seoyoung and LJ are regular members on an entertainment program and host their own radio show.”

“I heard they were preparing for their next album. Will things fall apart if that fails?”

{All Neptune members attending the ‘Alive’ screening! Confirmed ‘Loyalty’ Idols!}

{Lee Taehee, whose ‘Royal Family’ OST swept through the charts on first place, appeared for the first time in a while!}

Chief Jung Sunwoo appeared again and brought them inside. The same reporter came rushing forward for an interview, but he was bounced away by the same security guard.

The returning reporter huffed while saying,

“Just you wait! If the movie screening reactions aren’t good, I’ll write a hundred articles criticizing it!”

*

Once the media movie screening ended, social media, movie, and entertainment communities posted their reviews.

-Finally, a ‘not-embarrassing’ Korean zombie movie appears. (Park Bumtae @3scene)

-While it’s a feelgood movie with tons to see, it mixed in observations of the cruel nature of human society without it going stale. Looking good! (Shin Boyoung @kor-cine)

-At first, I only saw the actors rather than the background, but I became completely absorbed by the movie at some point. All the top actors on the poster are amazing. However, the scene-stealer was elsewhere. (Oh Hyunjin @film magazine)

-I thought there would nothing to eat at this rumored feast, but I hope people who have the same thoughts as me would go watch it. I am fully sated. There was even something that wasn’t on the menu. That was amazing. (Lee Saechul @movie adventure)

*

A large, slick van finally found a place to park.

There were six people who got off the van and looked around the parking lot. Four middle-aged men and women and a man in his twenties. Finally, there was a female student with short-cut hair and a Mickey Mouse hoodie.

They were Nam Joyoon’s family who had come to see Alive’s paid screening.

The glasses-wearing middle-aged man, Nam Joyoon’s father, approached the driver.

“Driver, thank you for bringing us all the way here. We were able to come here comfortably thanks to you, but I don’t know if Joyoon paid you for your troubles.”

“Don’t worry and please enjoy the movie.”

“You should watch this movie too. My son is in it.”

“Of course, I have already bought tickets.”

Nam Joyoon’s father grinned when he heard the driver’s response. His cheeks became rosy like he had a few drinks. Nam Joyoon’s mother dragged him towards the elevator.

“Geez, you old man, act your age!”

“Ah, what’s wrong? It’s good if one more person comes to see!”

“I bet people will watch even if you don’t? It’s the most popular one right now.”

The female student holding the elevator, Nam Joyoon’s cousin, said.

“Really?”

“There are tons of internet articles about it too because famous actors are in it.”

“Does Joyoon have any articles?”

Nam Joyoon’s aunt, who was fixing her purple scarf, asked.

This time, Nam Joyoon’s male cousin shook his head.

“Not one, mom. I already checked.”

“That’s not important. What’s important is that he’s appearing in such a big movie!”

Nam Joyoon’s father said resolutely. The higher up they went, the brighter his smile became. The tip of his dress shoes tapped the floor like he was listening to music.

Nam Joyoon’s mother shook her head at the sight.

“Haa, this old man can’t contain himself.”

“What about it?”

“You’ve never been so happy besides when you go out to drink.”

His father kept tapping his shoes while laughing despite her scolding.

His mother’s cheeks were slightly flushed as well.

MA Cinema was on the eighth floor. As soon as the elevator doors opened, the heat inside overwhelmed them. The smell of nutty popcorn, buttered squid, and nachos filled their noses. The theatre was bustling with hundreds of people.

Nam Joyoon’s uncle looked around with a shocked face.

“Oh, it’s crazy in here. We won’t be able to find each other if we get lost.”

“All theatres are like this, dad.”

Nam Joyoon’s female cousin glared at him.

“Don’t you dare answer your phone in the theatres! I’m going to act like I don’t know you!”

“Fine, throw your father away.”

They slowly walked in.

Interviews at Alive’s VIP screening played on the big screen on the wall. Alive’s poster was displayed on the electronic ticketing system, and there was a huge display used to promote Alive.

They could hear loud noises coming from the box office.

“It is impossible to buy Alive tickets on site, dear client.”

“There are more than four hundred seats, yet none are available?”

“They were completely sold out through pre-orders for this screening.”

“They say they can’t. Let’s just see what we came here to watch.”

“Ah, I really wanted to see this. The media’s reviews say that this is really good.”

“Highly reviewed movies are usually no fun anyways!”

Each station was bustling with people trying to purchase tickets for the screening.

People were chattering on while holding a few pamphlets from the display stand.

“Let’s take a copy of the pamphlets. Look at Lee Kihwan. He’s a feast for the eyes!”

“They have pictures of the cast. Park Saeryung and Lee Songha look so awesome.”

Perking his ears, Nam Joyoon’s father went to the display stand. Looking around, he grabbed an Alive pamphlet. The cover was Alive’s movie poster, and inside were individual posters for the cast.

Carefully examining the pamphlet, Nam Joyoon’s father grabbed a couple more.

Then his mother placed them in her purse.

“Brother-in-law, why are you taking them?”

“I want to take some home to commemorate this day. I want to show our family members who didn’t get to come today and show other people as well.”

At his words, Nam Joyoon’s aunt flipped through a pamphlet.

“I wish Nam Joyoon’s face would at least be on it, no matter how small.”

“They normally only display famous actors on the poster. Hyung’s not famous.”

Nam Joyoon’s male cousin shrugged.

“I didn’t even see him in the trailer. What is his role?”

“Is he a zombie? Maybe you couldn’t recognize him because he was all dressed up?”

“Then I’ll tire my eyes out trying to look for him for two hours.”

“You don’t have to.”

A voice was abruptly heard behind them.

Nam Joyoon was carrying a box full of soda and popcorn with both hands.

His father held his arm with a happy expression.

“Why did you send a car for us? We could have watched it at a theatre nearby.”

“They say this theatre is good. And it’s big.”

Nam Joyoon said, smiling silently.

“Also, father, I’m not the one who sent the car…”

“Oppa!”

His female cousin, who was distracted by other things, quickly came over.

“Oppa, did you go to the VIP screening too? Did you see the celebrities there?”

“Some.”

“You should have taken some pictures with them! Did you get close to Lee Kihwan or Park Saeryung on set?”

“Not really.”

“Ah, so frustrating! You need to get close when you have an opportunity like this! You don’t know when you’ll see them again!”

His female cousin stomped her feet in frustration. Then she suddenly became surprised.

A man wearing a black knit sweater was approaching them. He was holding a box of popcorn and soda with one hand. And for some strange reason, he was wearing sunglasses.

Coming up close, he respectfully greeted them.

“Hello, I am Jung Sunwoo.”

When his family gave him blank stares, Nam Joyoon walked next to him and introduced him.

“He’s a dongsaeng I work with. He’s the one who sent the car. Last time, he-“

“Is he the one who gave you side dishes last time?”

His mother’s eyes shined. Nam Joyoon bashfully nodded.

His family greeted him with eyes of puzzlement and gratefulness.

Even until then, Nam Joyoon’s female cousin was suspiciously staring at him.

“Excuse me, why are you wearing sunglasses indoors?”

“Ah, because people might recognize me. I’ll take them off when we’re inside.”

The man said with a slight smile.

“Are you a celebrity?”

“No.”

“Who would recognize you when you’re not even a celebrit… Huh? Jung Sunwoo? Are you a manager?”

She asked as though she was going to rush over to him.

The man lowered his sunglasses a bit. His cold eyes curved into a smile.

“That’s right.”

“Wow! Oh my god!”

“Shh, people might recognize me.”

Nam Joyoon’s two cousins rushed over to Jung Sunwoo and whispered,

“Are you close with our oppa? Joyoon oppa, you seem like an actor now!”

“Are you really Lee Songha’s manager? Did Lee Songha come here too?”The more of a fuss they made, the more lost the adults’ expressions became.”

“Why are you like that?”

“Aunt, he’s a hundred times more famous than Joyoon oppa!”

“He’s famous?”

“He’s Lee Songha’s manager! Why you saw him on TV!”

“He does seem familiar.”

Nam Joyoon’s father leaned closer and examined Jung Sunwoo’s face.

Then Nam Joyoon’s mother slapped him on the back.

“Why are you staring at him! You’re making him nervous!”

“Ah, I’m just surprised Joyoon has a famous dongsaeng!”

“Not long from now, hyung will be much more famous than me.”

Jung Sunwoo said, his lips curling upwards.

“A hundred times more.”

“Ehh? Joyoon oppa has been an unknown actor for ten years now, you know? There are hundreds of people here, yet none of them recognize him.”

His female cousin said without a hint of expectation. Nam Joyoon’s family had similar expressions. Even Nam Joyoon didn’t have any reaction. The ones who actually seriously listened to Jung Sunwoo’s words were Nam Joyoon’s mother and father.

Soon, Jung Sunwoo looked back at the theatre entrance.

People were pouring in.

“I think it’s going to start soon. Shall we go in?”

{1} A minor adaptation. The original was ‘cursing someone’, which had the word ‘Six’ in it.

{2} OST – original soundtrack for movies, dramas, and etc.