K-Producer C68 Promoting myself

Byul-ho returned home after his morning exercise, the cool air still clinging to his skin. He made his way to the kitchen, quickly preparing a simple breakfast of rice, grilled fish, and miso soup. As he sat down to eat, he called out to his butler.

"Seon-woo, do you have the latest financial reports? I haven't been keeping track while dealing with the Thailand partnerships."

Seon-woo smiled, nodding. "Of course, young master. Let me fetch the folder from the study room."

A few moments later, Seon-woo returned with a thick folder. He opened it and began to read:

"For the past three months, our total revenue has reached 1.35 billion won. Music sales, including digital downloads and physical albums, account for 540 million won. Our merchandise sales, particularly the new ASCEND jacket line and photocards, have brought in 450 million won. Endorsement deals have contributed another 360 million won to our revenue."

Seon-woo paused, allowing Byul-ho to process the information before continuing.

"After accounting for expenses, our net profit stands at approximately 337.5 million won for the quarter. This represents a significant increase from our previous earnings, largely due to Ascend's rising popularity and our successful merchandise launches."

Byul-ho nodded, taking in the figures as he finished his breakfast. The numbers were promising, showing that Golden-Star Entertainment was indeed performing above the level of most rookie groups. However, he knew there was still a long way to go to reach the top tier of the industry.

While the profits were encouraging, he was well aware that they hadn't yet recouped his initial investment. Still, the gradual earnings were a positive sign, and he was confident in the company's trajectory.

As he reflected on the company's progress, Byul-ho couldn't help but notice how his role had evolved. He'd become somewhat disconnected from the day-to-day cultivation of his K-pop groups, a realization that both concerned and relieved him.

"Next week," he announced to Seon-woo, "I'll be reviewing resumes for a new executive position. It's time we brought in someone to manage the company more directly."

Seon-woo raised an eyebrow. "Are you looking for a puppet, young master?" he asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Byul-ho chuckled. "A president, Seon-woo. Let's call it a president. I'm thinking of making myself to chairman."

"Ah, delegating the heavy responsibilities, I see," Seon-woo nodded sagely. "Planning to reduce your workload from 'Japanese salaryman' to merely 'overachieving Korean student'?"

Byul-ho laughed outright at this. "Something like that. Maybe I'll even have time for a social life."

"Let's not get carried away, young master," Seon-woo deadpanned, causing Byul-ho to laugh even harder.

As their laughter subsided, Byul-ho felt a sense of anticipation.

He just hoped he could find the right person for the job - someone competent enough to handle the responsibility, but not so ambitious as to threaten his vision for the company.

"Well," Byul-ho sighed, still smiling, "I suppose I should start practicing my 'stern chairman' face. Can't have the new president thinking I'm a pushover, can we?"

Seon-woo merely shook his head, a fond smile on his face as he began clearing the breakfast dishes.

***

One week later, Byul-ho found himself in his office, surrounded by stacks of resumes. He'd been skimming through applications for over an hour, his enthusiasm waning with each passing minute. Just as he was considering taking a break, a particular resume caught his eye: Han Lee.

Han Lee's credentials were impressive. A graduate of Oxford University with a degree in Business Management, he had a solid background in the entertainment industry, having worked for a mid-sized agency for three years. His experience included managing rookie groups and coordinating international promotions - valuable skills for Golden-Star's future plans. Most importantly, while competent, his resume didn't suggest someone who might threaten Byul-ho's position.

Intrigued, Byul-ho wondered why someone with Han Lee's qualifications would apply to a relatively new company like Golden-Star. Deciding not to look a gift horse in the mouth, he immediately arranged a meeting.

Later that day, Byul-ho found himself face-to-face with Han Lee, a man in his early thirties with a sharp suit and an earnest expression.

"Thank you for meeting me on such short notice, Mr. Han," Byul-ho began, studying the man before him.

Han Lee nodded respectfully. "Thank you for the opportunity, Mr. Jeon. I'm very interested in the position."

Byul-ho leaned forward, his tone businesslike. "Let me be direct about my plans, Mr. Han. I'm looking to transition into a chairman role, focusing more on the company's overall vision and strategy. The president would handle day-to-day operations and management. It's a significant responsibility. Are you prepared for that?"

Han Lee's eyes lit up with enthusiasm. "Of course, Mr. Jeon. I've been looking for an opportunity to take on more responsibility, to truly shape a company's growth. Golden-Star's rapid rise has been impressive, and I can see that it has a future."

Byul-ho's eyebrows raised as he said, "You definitely have an impressive background. It's also a puzzle to me why you're willing to work for me. Is it because my company managed to catch your eye?"

Han Lee chuckled and leaned forward slightly. "It's part of that, yes. But it's also because of you, Mr. Jeon."

Byul-ho's eyebrows rose in surprise. "Me?"

Han Lee nodded, his expression earnest. "I saw you on KRS before. There was something in your eyes, a drive that caught my attention. I could see greatness there, potential waiting to be unleashed. When I heard about Golden-Star's success, I knew my initial impression was correct."

Byul-ho smiled, quite amused. "It's a bit early for such flattery, don't you think?"

Han Lee laughed good-naturedly. "Perhaps. But I've always believed in recognizing potential early. It's served me well in my career so far." He paused, then added with a grin, "Besides, if I'm going to work for someone, I'd rather it be someone on their way up rather than someone already at the top. More exciting that way, don't you think?"

Byul-ho couldn't help but chuckle at that. "Fair point. Though I hope you're prepared for the challenges that come with a rapidly growing company. It's not all glamour and excitement."

"Oh, I'm counting on it," Han Lee replied, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "The challenges are what make it worthwhile. And between your vision and my experience, I believe we can overcome any obstacle."

As their conversation continued, Byul-ho found himself increasingly impressed with Han Lee's blend of confidence and humility. He seemed genuinely excited about the prospect of joining Golden-Star, and his experience could prove invaluable as the company expanded.

By the end of the meeting, Byul-ho had made his decision. Han Lee would be Golden-Star's new president, allowing Byul-ho to step into the role of chairman.

***

A few days later, Byul-ho gathered all the employees and Ascend members in the company's main meeting room. The air was thick with curiosity and a hint of nervousness as everyone wondered about the reason for this sudden assembly.

Byul-ho stood at the front of the room, his posture confident but relaxed. "I have an important announcement to make," he began, his voice carrying easily through the room. "Golden-Star Entertainment is entering a new phase of growth, and with that comes some changes in our management structure."

He paused, letting the words sink in before continuing. "I'd like to introduce you all to Han Lee, our new company president."

Han Lee stepped forward, bowing politely to the room. A murmur of surprise rippled through the crowd.

Jae-sung, always quick to speak up, raised his hand. "Byul-ho hyung, does this mean you're leaving the company?" His voice carried a note of concern, echoed in the worried faces of the other Ascend members.

Byul-ho laughed, the sound easing some of the tension in the room. "No, no, I'm not going anywhere. I'll be taking on the role of chairman, focusing more on our long-term vision and strategy."

He saw relief wash over the faces of Ascend and the other employees.

"Mr. Han will be handling the day-to-day operations of the company," Byul-ho explained. "This change will allow us to manage our growth more effectively and pursue new opportunities."

Min-jae raised his hand next. "But you'll still be involved with Ascend, right hyung?"

Byul-ho nodded, his expression softening. "Of course. I'll always be here for Ascend and our future groups. This change just means I can focus more on the big picture while Mr. Han ensures everything runs smoothly day-to-day."

As the meeting continued with Han Lee introducing himself and outlining his vision for the company, Byul-ho watched the reactions of his employees and artists. There was a mix of excitement and apprehension, but overall, he sensed a positive reception to the change.

After the meeting, as people filed out of the room, Byul-ho overheard snippets of conversation:

"A president from Oxford? Wow, we're really moving up in the world!"

"I wonder what this means for our comeback schedule..."

"As long as Byul-ho-ssi is still in charge overall, I think this is good for the company."

Byul-ho smiled to himself. Change was always challenging, but he was confident that this was the right move for Golden-Star's future. With Han Lee on board, he could finally start to shape the company into the industry powerhouse he envisioned.