Devil’s Music

Geon blinked in astonishment at the unreal figure, momentarily failing to grasp the situation.

Smiling broadly, Lin addressed Geon, "12 million yuan is the highest treatment even from our perspective as an 'S-grade' Hallyu star. It's merely for a two-day event, and that's specifically for drama promotion."

Rising and walking over to Geon's table, Lin took a seat. Though her tight skirt didn't create an awkward scene, Lin, being lively, just sitting there caused Geon's face to flush.

With a deep, almost endearing smile, Lin remarked, "Japan is a significant domain in the music business with strong competitiveness, but it's a country with a distinct inclination. They prefer their own music, hence are becoming somewhat isolated within their league. Unlike the K-POP expanding globally, J-POP remains unknown outside the Western sphere. Just a decade ago, Japan was a burgeoning powerhouse in Rock music. Have you heard of 'Loudness,' the band? Japan used to produce such bands but is now considered backward in cultural ventures."

Loudness.

Formed in 1981 with Akira and Munetaka as core members, they released Japan's first metal album, "The Birthday Eye." Their 1985 release, "Thunder in the East," surged to 74th on the Billboard charts, followed by "Lighting Strikes," reaching 64th. Influenced by British rock yet infused with Japan's sensibilities, they briefly soared until internal turmoil led to their decline before truly making a global mark.

"Our China differs from Japan. Some conceptually lacking Chinese proclaim superiority, disregarding other Asian nations, especially those that were once their superior countries centuries ago. However, that's only a 'part' similar to Japan's far-right.

Certainly, China, being vast with the world's largest population, harbors a significant number of such conceptually lacking individuals. Yet, their ratio compared to the entire population is small. We are prepared to learn and accept. As you know, Korea's cultural influence is swiftly recognized globally, with numerous acquisitions of broadcast programs and Hallyu stars. Our purchasing power and amounts are globally unparalleled."

Lin, showing Geon signed documents, remarked, "Mr. Geon, 12 million yuan may seem insignificant in your future."

Puzzled, Geon looked, and Lin, lifting the documents, met his gaze firmly, "Three major Chinese planning agencies linked to our CCTV presented contract terms to you. While I'm here for your signature, it's also to recruit you to China. Oh, there might be a misunderstanding. You'd only need to operate in China, not necessarily live here. After all, Korea and China are neighboring countries."

From her embrace, Lin produced three folded documents, "Mr. Geon, I won't expect an immediate reply after what I've just shared. Please consider and contact us. Here's my business card. These documents detail the terms proposed by each agency to you, and utmost confidentiality is crucial. That's for Yeongseok and other actors too. However, sharing the approximate amount is permissible. By now, there might be news on Korean websites."

Surprised, Geon asked, "Korea?"

Lin nodded, "Yes, Korea is sensitive to Hallyu star contracts originating in China. Given the larger market and amounts here compared to Korea."

As Geon gaped at his smartphone, Lin unfolded the papers, "Here are the contract terms for your review."

Geon read the content on the table:

Production: Fantasio

Artist: Geon Kim

Exclusive Contract Duration: 7 years

Scope of Activities: Lyricist, Composer, Performer, Singer, Digital Albums

Advance Payment: 60,474,601.8 CNY (1 billion KRW)

Revenue Share (R/S): Artist 60% : Production 40%

Production: Hongkong Dong A Entertainment

Artist: Geon Kim

Exclusive Contract Duration: 9 years

Scope of Activities: Lyricist, Composer, Performer, Singer, Advertising, Broadcasting, Events, Acting, Modeling, Digital Albums (Includes publicity rights)

Advance Payment: 72,525,081.59 CNY (1.2 billion KRW)

Revenue Share (R/S): Artist 50% : Production 50%

Production: Tenzen

Artist: Geon Kim

Exclusive Contract Duration: 8 years

Scope of Activities: Lyricist, Composer, Performer, Singer, Advertising, Broadcasting, Events, Acting, Modeling, Digital Albums (Includes publicity rights)

Advance Payment: 75,546,596.9 CNY (1.25 billion KRW)

Revenue Share (R/S): Artist 45% : Production 55%

Seeing Geon's surprise at the amounts, Lin smiled broadly.

After exchanging greetings with Lin, Geon was left alone in the conference room. He had tagged along for the event just for a mere million won, but now that they were discussing figures in the hundreds of billions, his mind felt tangled.

"Still, there's schooling ahead... postponing becoming a singer might be fine, right? No... if I delay, my value might diminish. With the stocks skyrocketing, could they be negotiating at this level? Ugh... what should I do?"

Geon sat for a long while, wrestling with his thoughts. Then, Yeongseok entered the conference room. Seeing Geon deeply absorbed, Yeongseok, with a grin on his face, as if expecting this, approached.

"Geon."

Startled, Geon turned around.

"Hyung!! I was actually thinking of coming to find you. You're still up."

Yeongseok briskly walked over and sat next to Geon.

"I had a feeling you'd still be here. Did you receive any proposals from China?"

As Geon sent a perplexed look, Yeongseok chuckled and patted his back.

"Ha-ha, I've been in this industry for 15 years. I can roughly guess the situation. Most likely, they offered a jaw-dropping sum, didn't they?"

Geon nodded.

"Yes, hyung. They say the amount is confidential... I don't know what to do about this."

Glancing at the papers before Geon, Yeongseok spoke.

"What to do? You can do whatever your heart desires. You want to become an entertainer? Well, you already are. You're garnering more attention than the idol kids here in Korea, aiming for fame."

Yeongseok firmly grasped Geon's shoulder.

"You're good at studies, right? Not just within the school or city, but nationwide, isn't that what they say? Then focus on your studies. In my eyes, your worth won't diminish even after years. Of course, if you don't consistently stay active in this industry, you might be forgotten. But you'll rise again quickly, won't you? Think about it. With your skills, you can tread on the paths of those renowned elites. When you debut as a singer or actor, that will be your trump card. Look at those kids who debuted without even finishing high school and entered Seoul National University's acting department. See how ignorant they appear on TV."

As Yeongseok got up and brushed his pants, he continued.

"Here's my take. Aim for the best university first. Then reappear in the best form. Not in Korea or China but in bigger markets like the UK or the US. You seemed quite interested in rock music, but you know Korea and China aren't fertile grounds for rock, right? To do rock music, you need to go west."

Walking to the center of the conference room, Yeongseok spread his arms and proclaimed.

"Introducing! The musical genius, a Harvard University graduate! Kim Geon!!! What kind of music will his brilliant mind produce in rock music?"

As Geon stared wide-eyed, Yeongseok chuckled.

"Ha-ha-ha! How about that? Doesn't it sound thrilling? Cool, right? How awesome will it be, ha-ha."

Yeongseok teased, loosening up Geon, who finally burst into laughter.

"Hehe, it does sound cool, just like you said, hyung. It's quite impressive to pursue art even after graduating from a top-tier university, right?"

"Exactly, that's it, Geon."

Approaching Geon again, Yeongseok said, "Why study? That's a question you've pondered internally, right? I did too. To be a PD at a broadcasting station, you need to reach the sky. I studied well, not as much as you, though. But in middle school... I couldn't find a reason to study. So, I asked my private tutor, and they said this: 'Studying is like paving a highway. It's like cutting through from Seoul to Busan on a superhighway. The destination might be Daejeon or Daegu, but with this highway, you can easily reach anywhere. At your age, having a clear dream is tough. Of course, some people have that. Study with the feeling of breaking through a highway.'"

Patting Geon's head, Yeongseok concluded, "All choices are yours. Life is the 'C' between 'B' and 'D.' You know? The Choice between Birth and Death. But if you want advice from me, postpone it until after college. That'll be like a pair of running shoes that are lighter and better ventilated in the marathon of life."

Geon nodded.

"Thank you, hyung. I'll ponder over it deeply, but I'll cherish and engrave your words."

Yeongseok smiled and stood up.

"Okay, it's late. I've got a busy schedule tomorrow too. Oh, before you sleep, contact Daehae. She seemed worried after seeing your news all over the internet."

Geon also smiled and stood up.

"Sure, hyung. I'll do that. Sorry for taking up your time when you must be tired. Good night."

Geon watched Yeongseok leave and then looked at the phone to call Daehae, but it showed:

[Missed Calls: 81]

[Unread Messages: Preview of 198]

[KakaoTalk] (Shihwa) Hey, Kim Geon, pick up the phone!

[KakaoTalk] (Shihwa) What's up, something going on, oppa?

[KakaoTalk] (Shihwa) Oppa, did your news come out on the internet?

[KakaoTalk] (Juhee) Geon, saw the news. Are you really going to China?

[KakaoTalk] (Jooyong) Hey, saw all the news. When you're back, I owe you a treat~

[KakaoTalk] (Yongtae) Geon, the company from the country you're in keeps calling me. Give me a call.

[KakaoTalk] (Daehae) Geon, ㅠㅠ Still in a meeting?

[KakaoTalk] (Eunpyo) Geon, save me, there are managers from the agency waiting in front of the studio, I can't even go home.

[Text] This is Manager Kim Miyeong from Hwansallon. With an interest rate of 27.8%...

Geon, sweating profusely, spent over an hour making and answering calls and messages here and there, and only in the early hours of the morning could he finally manage to sleep.