K-Producer C79 Nominees

The next day, Byul-ho walked into the busy studio where the first "My Love from the Stars" rehearsal was underway. The place was buzzing, with staff rushing around and the actors preparing for their scene.

As Jun Ji-hyun and Kim Soo-hyun started running their lines, Byul-ho noticed some familiar faces peeking through the studio door. It was the Ascend members and the girl group trainees, clearly drawn by the buzz about the famous actress on set.

Jae-sung nudged Byul-ho, his voice barely above a whisper. "Hyung, that's really Jun Ji-hyun, isn't it?"

Byul-ho nodded, trying to hide his amusement. "It is. But keep it down, okay? They need to concentrate."

Watching the rehearsal, Byul-ho couldn't help but notice the awkwardness between the leads. Their interactions felt a bit forced, lacking the natural flow he remembered from the drama in his past life.

Kim Soo-hyun seemed particularly on edge. His hands kept fidgeting, and he kept glancing at Jun Ji-hyun like he couldn't quite believe he was acting opposite her. It was clear the young actor was still finding his footing.

Jun Ji-hyun, while professional, seemed a bit guarded. She nailed her lines, but her interactions with Kim Soo-hyun felt hesitant, like she was still sizing him up.

Byul-ho made a mental note to organize some cast bonding activities. He knew from experience that getting along off-camera often led to better on-screen chemistry. Maybe a casual dinner or a fun day out would help them loosen up around each other.

Byul-ho observed as Jang Tae-yoo, the director he'd chosen for the project, stepped in to guide the actors. Tae-yoo, a talented but underappreciated director, was clearly eager to prove himself. His recent dry spell in projects had left him hungry for success, and Byul-ho could see the determination in his eyes.

"Jun Ji-hyun-ssi, Kim Soo-hyun-ssi," Tae-yoo called out, his voice gentle but firm. "Let's try something different. Before we continue with the scene, I want you to improvise a conversation as your characters. Don't worry about the script for now. Just... get to know each other."

The actors exchanged uncertain glances, but nodded in agreement. As they began to speak, their initial awkwardness slowly started to melt away. Jun Ji-hyun's character teased Kim Soo-hyun's alien persona about Earth customs, and he responded with a mix of confusion and dry humor that felt more natural than anything they'd done so far.

Byul-ho watched, impressed by Tae-yoo's approach. The director was taking initiative, showing why he deserved this chance.

***

As February drew to a close, Byul-ho found himself settling into a comfortable rhythm as chairman. His newfound freedom allowed him to drop in on Ascend's practice sessions more often, listening to their latest recordings and offering feedback. He also made time to check on the progress of the new girl group, watching their dance practices and vocal training with a keen eye.

On the morning of March 1st, Byul-ho was sipping his coffee and scrolling through his emails when one subject line caught his eye: "24th Seoul Music Awards - Nominee Announcement."

Ascend had been nominated for the coveted "Rookie of the Year" award. Not only that, but their hit song "Love Sentence" had also earned them a nomination for "Best Dance Performance - Male Group."

The Rookie of the Year nomination was a significant recognition of Ascend's impact as newcomers in the industry. And the Best Dance Performance nomination for "Love Sentence" was a testament to the group's hard work on their choreography and overall performance skills.

Byul-ho double-checked the email sender, confirming it was indeed from the official Seoul Music Awards address. His excitement was further validated when Han Lee burst into his office later that morning, waving his phone.

"Did you see? Ascend's been nominated!" Han Lee exclaimed, his usually composed demeanor giving way to enthusiasm.

Byul-ho nodded, a smile playing on his lips. "I did. It's incredible news."

A few hours later, Byul-ho made his way to the practice room. Through the glass, he could see Ascend running through their latest choreography, sweat glistening on their faces as they moved in perfect synchronization.

As the music faded and the members caught their breath, Byul-ho stepped in, trying to keep his expression neutral.

"Great work, everyone," he said, earning tired but proud smiles from the group. "I've got some news for you."

The members gathered around, curiosity piqued by Byul-ho's tone.

"You've been nominated," Byul-ho paused for effect, "for Rookie of the Year at the upcoming Korean Music Awards."

For a moment, there was stunned silence. Then the room erupted in a cacophony of cheers and disbelieving exclamations. Jae-sung, usually the most composed, looked like he might faint.

"Really?" Jae-sung asked, his eyes wide with disbelief. "You're not messing with us, are you, hyung?"

Hyun-woo chimed in, "Yeah, this isn't some kind of prank, right?"

Byul-ho shook his head, a warm smile spreading across his face. "It's true. I wouldn't joke about something like this."

The confirmation seemed to break a dam of emotion within the group. Min-jae suddenly jumped up, pumping his fist in the air. "This is worthy of celebration! Let's drink!"

Byul-ho chuckled at their excitement before raising his hand to calm them down. "Alright, guys, don't get too carried away. The event is still about a month away, and we don't know if we'll win anything yet."

Do-hyun, usually one of the quieter members, spoke up with unexpected passion. "Are you kidding? Being nominated alone is already amazing. Even if we don't win any awards, I'm still over the moon."

Murmurs of agreement rippled through the group. Sung-ho nodded vigorously, adding, "Do-hyun's right. This nomination is recognition of all our hard work. It's a win in itself."

Byul-ho watched as the members continued to celebrate, their joy infectious. Despite his words of caution, he couldn't help but feel a surge of pride. They had come so far in such a short time, and this nomination was proof of that. Whatever the outcome, this was a moment worth savoring.

After a moment of consideration, Byul-ho sighed, a smile tugging at his lips. "Alright, let's go celebrate!"

The group erupted in cheers, high-fiving each other and bouncing with excitement.

Byul-ho raised his hand for silence, then added with a mischievous grin, "But we're only going to celebrate at the pojangmacha down the street."

The members burst into laughter, nodding enthusiastically.

"We're used to it," Jae-sung chuckled, playfully nudging Byul-ho's shoulder.

Min-jae piped up, "It's better if it's a cheap place anyway. We can be as loud as we want and sing our hearts out without worrying about disturbing anyone."

Sung-ho nodded in agreement. "Plus, the soju tastes better when you're squeezed into a tiny tent with your friends."

As they filed out of the practice room, still buzzing with excitement, Byul-ho felt a warmth spread through his chest. This was what it was all about - not just the success, but these moments of genuine joy and camaraderie.

The pojangmacha might be cheap, but the memories they were about to make were priceless. And as they walked down the street, the members already starting to sing, Byul-ho knew this was a night they'd remember for a long time to come.

Byul-ho and Ascend let loose at the pojangmacha, their laughter and off-key singing filling the small tent. Bottles of soju were emptied, and plates of tteokbokki and sundae were cleared as the night wore on. In their celebration, they lost track of time and their alcohol intake.

It wasn't until Kim Seon-woo, Byul-ho's ever-reliable butler, showed up that they realized just how late it had gotten and how intoxicated they were. Seon-woo surveyed the scene with a mixture of exasperation and concern.

"Aish, jinjja!" Seon-woo exclaimed, his tone sharp. "Young master, what were you thinking? And you," he turned to the group members, his eyes narrowing, "you should know better! You have schedules tomorrow!"

As Seon-woo herded the stumbling group into the waiting van, he continued his scolding. "Do you think this is how professionals behave? Getting drunk like college students! What if someone had seen you? Have you forgotten your position?"

Byul-ho and the members hung their heads, properly chastised despite their inebriated state. Seon-woo's words, though harsh, came from a place of genuine care and concern.

As they drove back to the studio, Seon-woo's lecture gradually softened into worried muttering. "What am I going to do with you all? Ai-go, this will be a rough morning..."