K-Producer C72 Han Lee's idea

Byul-ho leaned back in his chair, a satisfied smile playing on his lips as he reviewed the latest statistics for Ascend's "Love Sentence" music video. In just 24 hours, it had amassed over 97,000 views - a significant milestone for the group.

This surge in popularity was exactly the kind of promotion Ascend needed to solidify their place in the industry.

As he contemplated the video's success, an idea began to form in Byul-ho's mind.

The music video's unique blend of retro and modern elements could appeal to an international audience. Releasing "Love Sentence" in Thailand could be the perfect way to test the waters for Ascend's international debut.

His Thai partners could start with targeted social media campaigns, introducing the group to Thai K-pop fans through snippets of the music video. Perhaps they could arrange for Ascend to appear on popular Thai music shows, performing "Love Sentence" and showcasing their charm to a new audience.

Byul-ho was deep in thought, considering the international potential of the "Love Sentence" MV given its domestic success, when his phone rang. It was Han Lee, the president of Golden-Star Entertainment.

"What's up, Han Lee-ssi?" Byul-ho answered, curious about the reason for the call.

***

Meanwhile, at SM Entertainment, the executives were gathered for their regular meeting, discussing various aspects of their company's operations. Suddenly, one executive brought up the recent popularity of Ascend's "Love Sentence" MV.

Several executives nodded, their expressions a mix of impressed and thoughtful. They turned to Park Ji-won, the executive who had a connection to Byul-ho through his friendship with Byul-ho's late father.

"Ji-won-ssi," one of them said, "you've been close to that Byul-ho kid, right? He seems to have a knack for predicting trends. Last time you mentioned he had some interesting ideas about international expansion. Any insights you can share?"

Park Ji-won maintained a neutral expression. "Our discussions were primarily business-related," he replied carefully. "Even if I knew something important, as a friend of Byul-ho's father, I wouldn't disclose it. That's not how we maintain trust in this industry."

Park Ji-won's response was met with visible disapproval from the other executives. The senior vice president, Kim Sung-min, leaned forward, his expression stern.

"Ji-won," he said, his voice carrying a note of warning, "even if you are a friend of someone, you've got to remember that you are working in this company. Loyalty to old friendships has no place here. What we need is to focus on our own company's interests and to grow our groups."

The other executives nodded in agreement, their eyes fixed on Ji-won.

Feeling the pressure, Ji-won tried to deflect. "It's just pure business talk with Byul-ho. Nothing substantial that would affect our operations."

Kim Sung-min's gaze didn't waver. "You should always think, Ji-won, that your primary concern is the future and interest of our company. Friends and personal connections must be set aside."

Ji-won nodded outwardly, maintaining a neutral expression. "I understand, sir. The company's interests come first."

But inwardly, Ji-won felt conflicted. If it had been anyone else, he might have been willing to share his thoughts on their plans. But this was Byul-ho, the son of his old friend. He knew that Byul-ho needed this advantage to rise in the industry. Revealing his plans to SM Entertainment could potentially crush Golden-Star's chances before they had truly begun.

***

Byul-ho entered Han Lee's office, his curiosity piqued by the unexpected summons. As he saw the files spread across Han Lee's desk, he raised an eyebrow. "You wanted to expand our entertainment industry?"

Han Lee nodded, a glint of excitement in his eyes. "Yes, chairman. I've been inspired by your father's company, Starlight Entertainment." He gestured to the files. "I think we could follow in their footsteps."

Byul-ho's brow furrowed slightly. "Well, President Han, our main focus is K-pop and building groups. Don't you think expanding our operations might distract us from that core mission?"

Han Lee smiled confidently. "Not at all, sir. In fact, I believe it could enhance our group training and overall company growth." He began to explain his vision, his words coming fast with enthusiasm.

"Imagine, chairman, if we expanded beyond just making groups and handling advertisements. We could venture into producing dramas and movies, just like your father's company did. This expansion could actually benefit our idols in multiple ways."

"Our idols could gain acting experience, which would make them more well-rounded entertainers. We could use our drama and movie productions as platforms to showcase our groups' music. It's free promotion, essentially."

Byul-ho listened intently, his expression thoughtful. Han Lee pressed on.

"Moreover, by diversifying our revenue streams, we'll have more resources to invest back into our groups. Better training facilities, higher quality music production, more elaborate music videos - all of this becomes more achievable with a broader company base."

Han Lee paused, gauging Byul-ho's reaction. "What do you think, chairman? Couldn't this be the next step in making Golden-Star Entertainment a true powerhouse in the industry?"

Byul-ho leaned back in his chair, his expression serious. "You have to understand the risk we're taking here, Han Lee. If the dramas or movies fail to make any profits, it could be the end of our company."

Han Lee nodded, his enthusiasm tempered by Byul-ho's caution. "I understand, chairman. But consider this: our country's production of dramas and movies is thriving. We're on the cusp of 2010, and the Hallyu wave is gaining momentum. With the right novelists and passionate directors, we could create compelling content that not only turns a profit but also elevates our idols' profiles."

Byul-ho listened silently, impressed by Han Lee's insight into the potential of K-dramas. Truth be told, he had been contemplating this industry himself lately. It was undeniably profitable and could indeed help their groups gain exposure. But the risks were significant.

His mind raced with the knowledge from his previous life - memories of successful K-dramas and movies that had yet to be made in this timeline. But it wasn't as simple as just recreating those hits. There were complicated matters involved - company politics, timing, casting decisions, and myriad other factors that could influence a production's success.

Looking at Han Lee's eager face, Byul-ho felt curious. The president's initiative in proposing this idea was promising. Maybe, with careful planning and strategic use of his future knowledge, it could work.

"You've clearly put a lot of thought into this, Han Lee," Byul-ho said finally. "I'm not saying yes yet, but I'm intrigued. Let's dive deeper into this. I want a comprehensive risk assessment, market analysis, and a detailed plan for how we'd integrate this with our existing operations. If we're going to do this, we need to be thorough."

Han Lee's face lit up. "Of course, chairman. I'll get right on it. Thank you for considering this."