K-Producer C57 Desperate

Byul-ho sat at his desk, scrolling through the concert reports on his computer screen. A small smile played on his lips as he read the overwhelmingly positive feedback. The Busan show had been a success, exceeding even his optimistic projections.

Ascend's digital downloads were skyrocketing, and physical album sales were outpacing their initial estimates. It was a good problem to have, but one that would require quick action to meet the unexpected demand.

As he was about to call SM Entertainment to discuss increasing production, an email notification popped up on his screen. It was from a local city newspaper, requesting an interview with him and Ascend.

Byul-ho leaned back in his chair, considering the request. It wasn't a major media outlet, but it could be a good opportunity for some local press. He also noticed a similar request from a K-pop blogger in his inbox.

He quickly drafted a response, agreeing to the interviews but emphasizing that the focus should be on Ascend as a group, not just on him as the CEO.

After sending the replies, Byul-ho dialed the number for his contact at SM Entertainment. As the phone rang, he jotted down notes about the unexpected increase in demand and the need to adjust their production schedule.

***

In a luxurious office on the top floor of a gleaming skyscraper in Gangnam, Wan Jin-ae sat across from her father, Wan Ho-Min. The expansive windows offered a panoramic view of Seoul, a fitting backdrop for a man who commanded a multi-million dollar shipping conglomerate.

Ho-Min's presence filled the room, his tailored suit and stern expression exuding an aura of authority that Jin-ae had known all her life. His secretary stood silently by the door, ready to take notes if needed.

"Jin-ae," Ho-Min began, his voice steady and business-like, "what are your plans for the future of Butterfly Agency?"

Jin-ae straightened in her chair, trying to project confidence. "Father, I still believe we can create the most popular K-pop girl group in Korea. We just need more time and-"

"And how exactly do you plan to accomplish this?" Ho-Min interrupted, his eyes narrowing slightly.

Jin-ae opened her mouth to respond, but found herself at a loss for words. Her father's piercing gaze seemed to see right through her lack of concrete strategy.

After a moment of uncomfortable silence, Ho-Min leaned back in his chair. "If you don't have a solid plan, I can no longer justify investing in this venture."

Jin-ae felt a wave of panic rising in her chest. "Father, please," she began, her voice tinged with desperation. "I just need a little more time. I've learned so much, and I'm sure that-"

"Enough," Ho-Min cut her off, his tone cold and final. "I entered this business venture to make money, Jin-ae. I was willing to risk a significant investment at the beginning to support your dream, with the expectation of eventual profit for our family. But after years of no results, I'm pulling my support."

Jin-ae felt the weight of her father's words settle on her shoulders, the finality of his decision threatening to crush her long-held dreams.

Jin-ae's eyes glistened with unshed tears as she pleaded, "Father, please. Just a little more time."

Ho-Min paused, his stern expression wavering for a moment. He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "One month," he said finally, his voice gruff. "That's all I can give you."

"Three months-" Jin-ae began, but her father cut her off sharply.

"Don't push your luck, Jin-ae. And don't act like the spoiled girl I've tried so hard not to raise," Ho-Min's tone was firm. "I'm already being more than generous."

Jin-ae bit her lip, nodding reluctantly. "Thank you, Father. I understand."

As she left the building and slid into the backseat of her car, Jin-ae felt the weight of her father's ultimatum pressing down on her.

She stared out the window, her mind racing with half-formed ideas and mounting anxiety.

Her assistant, noticing Jin-ae's distress, cleared her throat softly. "Jin-ae-ssi, if I may make a suggestion?"

Jin-ae turned, raising an eyebrow. "Go on."

"Well," the assistant began hesitantly, "we've been researching Golden-Star Entertainment and Ascend. What if... what if we approached them for a collaboration with our girl group?"

Jin-ae's eyes widened, a spark of interest igniting in them. "A collaboration?"

Her assistant nodded, gaining confidence. "Yes, it could benefit both companies. We could leverage their rising popularity, and they could expand their reach through our resources."

Jin-ae leaned back, her mind whirling with possibilities. A collaboration could be just the boost her company needed. It was perhaps even a bit desperate, but it might be her only chance to save Butterfly Agency.

"It's not a bad idea," Jin-ae murmured, a small smile playing on her lips. "In fact, it might be exactly what we need."

She turned to her assistant, a newfound determination in her eyes. "Set up a meeting with Jeon Byul-ho as soon as possible. We have a proposal to make."

As the car pulled away from the curb, Jin-ae felt a glimmer of hope.

It wasn't a perfect plan, but it was a start. And with only a month to turn things around, she needed every advantage she could get.

***

Byul-ho sat at his desk, poring over financial reports and marketing strategies. His brow furrowed in concentration as he jotted down notes on potential partnerships and upcoming promotions for Ascend.

A soft knock on the door interrupted his train of thought. "Come in," he called out, not looking up from his work.

Han Yun, his newly hired secretary, stepped into the office. "Excuse me, Byul-ho-ssi," she said, her voice professional but with a hint of uncertainty. "I've received a call from Butterfly Agency. They're requesting a meeting with you."

Byul-ho paused, his pen hovering over the page. He leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "Butterfly Agency?" he mused, the name vaguely familiar but not ringing any immediate bells.

After a moment of consideration, he turned to Han Yun. "Before we agree to anything, I need you to do some research on Butterfly Agency. Find out what you can about their business, their artists, and their standing in the industry."

Han Yun nodded, already making notes on her tablet. "Of course, sir. Any specific areas you want me to focus on?"

Byul-ho tapped his pen against his desk, thinking. "Look into their financial stability, any past collaborations or notable projects, and see if you can find out who's behind the company. I don't want to waste time on a meeting that won't benefit us."

"Understood," Han Yun replied. "I'll have a report for you as soon as possible."

Byul-ho turned back to his work, but his mind was already spinning with possibilities. A meeting with another agency could lead to interesting opportunities, but it could also be a potential distraction from their current trajectory. He'd need all the information he could get to make the right decision.