K-Producer C56 Butterfly Agency

Kim Chung-hee sat rigid in his seat, his stern expression a stark contrast to the excitement buzzing around him. His eyes, however, remained fixed on the stage, particularly on his son, Jae-sung.

As Ascend's performance unfolded, Chung-hee found himself grudgingly impressed. The synchronization of their dance moves, the harmonies in their voices, and the undeniable charisma they exuded - it was far beyond what he had expected.

His gaze shifted to the crowd. Thousands of fans were on their feet, light sticks waving in the air, voices raised in cheers and song. The energy was palpable, and even Chung-hee couldn't deny the impact his son and his group were having on the audience.

He glanced at his wife, Soo-min, whose face was alight with pride and joy. She caught his eye, and for a moment, Chung-hee's stern facade cracked. He gave a small, almost imperceptible nod.

Turning back to the stage, Chung-hee watched Jae-sung lead the group through a particularly challenging vocal section. His son's voice, strong and clear, filled the venue, and Chung-hee felt an unexpected tightness in his chest.

While he still couldn't fully embrace the idea of his son as an idol instead of a lawyer, Chung-hee had to admit that Jae-sung and his group were faring better than he had anticipated. The thousands of cheering fans were a testament to that.

***

As the concert wound down, Ascend found themselves at the autograph and photo session for VIP ticket holders. The members, still buzzing with adrenaline from their performance, greeted fans with warm smiles and heartfelt thanks.

Jae-sung was in the middle of thanking a young fan when he glanced up and saw his parents in line. His breath caught in his throat, and he felt a mix of anticipation and nervousness wash over him.

As the last few fans moved away, Jae-sung found himself face to face with his mother and father. He looked at his mother's beaming face, then turned to his father, his expression a complex mixture of hope and apprehension.

Bracing himself for criticism or a lecture, Jae-sung was caught off guard when his father, Kim Chung-hee, reached out and placed a firm hand on his shoulder.

"I see that you are doing well with your life," Chung-hee said, his voice gruff but not unkind.

The simple words, coming from his usually critical father, hit Jae-sung like a wave. He felt a warmth spread through his chest, and a genuine smile spread across his face. "Thank you, father," he replied, his voice slightly choked with emotion.

Jae-sung's mother, Soo-min, watched the exchange with tears glistening in her eyes, her hands clasped together in joy at seeing her husband and son finally reaching a point of understanding.

The other members of Ascend, noticing the family moment, exchanged knowing glances. Min-jae subtly nudged the others, and they quietly stepped back, giving Jae-sung some privacy with his parents.

"Your performance was... impressive," Chung-hee added, a hint of grudging admiration in his tone.

Jae-sung's smile widened. "I'm glad you could come and see it, both of you," he said, including his mother in his gaze.

Chung-hee cleared his throat, his expression softening slightly but still maintaining a hint of his usual sternness. "You know, Jae-sung-ah, I still believe you'd make an excellent lawyer. You have the talent for it, and it could provide a stable future for you and your children one day."

Jae-sung fell silent, his earlier joy dimming slightly at his father's words. His mother, sensing the shift in mood, gently nudged her husband. "Yeobo," she whispered, "let's not ruin this moment."

Chung-hee sighed. Then, to both Jae-sung and his mother's surprise, he said, "Do you want to eat at the house?"

The invitation hung in the air, unexpected and loaded with meaning. Jae-sung and his mother exchanged quick, startled glances. It was more than just an offer of food; it was an olive branch, a step towards reconciliation.

Jae-sung felt a lump form in his throat. He swallowed hard, trying to keep his voice steady as he replied, "Of course. I'd like that very much."

His mother's eyes welled with tears of joy, and even his father's stern demeanor seemed to soften further.

"Well then," Chung-hee said, his voice gruff but not unkind, "we should get going. Your mother will need time to prepare."

As they turned to leave, Jae-sung caught sight of his bandmates watching from a distance, their faces a mix of curiosity and support. He gave them a quick nod and a smile, silently communicating that everything was okay.

***

Wan Jin-ae stepped out of the BEXCO, the cool night air a stark contrast to the heated atmosphere inside. Her assistant hurried behind her, struggling to keep up with her purposeful stride.

"Ascend, huh? Golden-Star Entertainment," Jin-ae murmured, her voice barely audible over the chatter of departing concertgoers.

At 23, Jin-ae had spent years chasing her childhood dream of producing a successful K-pop group. Born into wealth, she had naively believed that money and passion would be enough. Reality had proven far harsher.

As they walked to her waiting luxury car, memories of her past failures flashed through her mind. Groups that never took off, trainees who left, criticism from industry insiders who saw her as nothing more than a rich girl playing at being a producer. Her Butterfly Agency would have shuttered long ago if not for her family's deep pockets.

She had been on the verge of giving up, of admitting that her dream was nothing more than a foolish fantasy. Then she'd heard about a young man named Jeon Byul-ho and his group, Ascend. They weren't big, not yet, but they were making waves in a way Jin-ae had never managed.

"Ms. Wan," her assistant's voice broke through her thoughts. "Your father called. He wants to know if you're still intent on continuing with Butterfly Agency."

Jin-ae paused, her hand on the car door. She thought back to the energy in the concert hall, the way Ascend had commanded the stage. It was something special, something she had always strived for but never achieved.

"Tell him," she said slowly, a new determination forming in her eyes, "that I need more time. I have some research to do."

As the car pulled away from BEXCO, Jin-ae's mind was already working. She had attended this concert out of curiosity, but now she saw it as a turning point. Jeon Byul-ho and Golden-Star Entertainment had achieved something she couldn't. And she was determined to find out how.

"I want everything you can find on Jeon Byul-ho and Golden-Star Entertainment," she instructed her assistant. "Background, business strategies, anything. And set up a meeting with our talent scouts. We need to reassess our approach."

For the first time in months, Jin-ae felt a spark of her old passion reigniting. She may have been ready to give up, but seeing Ascend had changed something. Now, she was ready to learn, to adapt, and to try again.

Jin-ae's assistant nodded dutifully, already tapping notes into her tablet. "Yes, Jin-ae-ssi. I'll start compiling information right away."

Leaning back in her seat, Jin-ae closed her eyes, replaying scenes from the concert in her mind. Ascend's performance had been... different. Their choreography had a fresh, dynamic quality that set them apart from the typical rookie group. And those songs - the melodies were still echoing in her head.

The vibration of her phone jolted her from her reverie. Jin-ae glanced at the screen, her expression tightening as she read the message from her father:

"We need to discuss the future of Butterfly Agency. Meet me tomorrow at 10 AM."

She sighed heavily, a familiar weight settling on her shoulders. Her father had been patient, indulging her dream far longer than most would have. But she knew his patience was wearing thin.

"Driver," she called out, her voice steady despite her inner turmoil, "please take me home."

As the car changed direction, Jin-ae's mind raced. Tomorrow's meeting could very well be the end of her dream.