K-Producer C38 Growth

After the concert, Byul-ho sat in his bed, a sense of satisfaction mingling with anticipation. He knew the ripple effect of tonight's performance would soon be felt.

Fans would share their experiences, creating a buzz that no amount of paid advertising could match.

In the two weeks since receiving the funds, Byul-ho had already set several plans in motion. The company's in-house studio had seen a significant upgrade, with new recording equipment and improved soundproofing. The difference in sound quality was immediately noticeable, and Byul-ho knew this investment would pay dividends in their future releases.

The dance practice room had also undergone a transformation. Expanded and refurbished, it now boasted high-quality mirrors and a sprung floor to prevent injuries during long practice sessions. Byul-ho smiled, remembering the members' excited reactions when they first saw the renovated space.

A substantial portion of the funds had gone into styling and wardrobe. Byul-ho had hired a team of designers to create custom outfits that would help establish Ascend's unique image. The retro-modern fusion they'd showcased tonight was just the beginning.

However, many of Byul-ho's plans were still in the works. He had initiated discussions with a respected music video director for their upcoming single, but production wouldn't start for another few weeks. Similarly, he had reached out to potential language tutors for the members, focusing on English and Japanese, but lessons hadn't begun yet.

One of the most significant upcoming expenses was the planned series of small concerts in other cities. Byul-ho was in the process of securing venues and working out logistics, but it would take time to bring everything together.

The funds had given them a boost, but he knew the real challenge lay in using them wisely to build sustainable success for Ascend. Every decision needed to be carefully considered, balancing immediate needs with long-term goals.

***

As the night wore on, activity on Cyworld and Naver's café forums began to buzz with excitement.

An Ascend fan page, modest in size with only about four hundred members, became the epicenter of a growing phenomenon.

One dedicated fan, using the username 아센드사랑해, posted a short clip of Ascend's retro-style dance performance from the concert. The video was slightly shaky and the audio quality wasn't perfect, but the group's energy and unique style were unmistakable.

Within the fan café, the reaction was immediate:

"Daebak! This is so cool!"

"How can they dance this well?"

But it didn't stop there. Members began sharing the clip with their friends on other platforms. The video started to spread beyond the confines of the fan café, reaching a wider audience.

As dawn broke, the view count, which had started in the dozens, had climbed into the hundreds and was rapidly approaching thousands. Comments began pouring in from viewers outside the fandom:

"Who is this group? They dance so well."

"It's a retro concept, but why does it feel so fresh?"

In the chaos of excitement, some viewers mistakenly attributed the performance to other groups:

"Is this SHINee's new choreography?"

"BIGBANG comeback?"

Ascend fans quickly jumped in to correct these misconceptions:

"No, this group is Ascend! The group we saw on KRS."

As the clip continued to gain traction, it was clear that Ascend had struck a chord with viewers.

Their unique blend of retro and modern styles was capturing attention in the crowded K-pop landscape, sparking curiosity and admiration from those discovering them for the first time.

As the short clip continued to circulate, its impact rippled through social media. Curious viewers, captivated by Ascend's unique performance, began searching for more information about the group.

The official Ascend social media accounts saw a sudden surge in activity. Their Cyworld page, which had been hovering around 38,000 followers, started to tick upward.

Their Naver café, which had a more modest following due to being a newer platform for K-pop groups, also saw growth. From about 15,000 members, it climbed to over 18,000.

But perhaps the most dramatic growth was seen in the fan-managed Ascend Fan Page. What started as a small community of 400 fans exploded overnight:

5:00 AM: 500 members
7:00 AM: 650 members
9:00 AM: 750 members

By the time the new day was in full swing, the fan page boasted over 800 members and was still growing.

The sudden influx of new fans brought a mix of excitement and slight confusion to the existing fanbase:

Wow, I didn't expect our fandom to grow this fast!"

아센드러버99: "Welcome to all the newcomers! Have you listened to Ascend's songs yet?"

뉴비팬: "I came after seeing the clip. I want to listen to their other songs too!"

As the Ascend fandom experienced this sudden growth spurt, it was clear that the group's unique charm was starting to capture the attention of a wider audience.

The small concert and its aftermath had become a turning point, propelling Ascend further into the spotlight of the K-pop world.

Meanwhile, audience of KRS who had followed the group since their KRS days were pleasantly surprised. One fan, who goes by the username KingJoseon92, expressed his thoughts on the Ascend fan café:

"Honestly, I was worried when they left KRS. The idol market is so competitive... But seeing them continue to grow like this is really impressive!"

Another long-time supporter chimed in:

"We haven't heard much from the other groups after being kicked out of KRS, but Ascend keeps showing us new things. That's our boys for you!"

The contrast between Ascend's trajectory and that of other former KRS contestants wasn't lost on observers. A music blogger posted a thoughtful analysis:

"Many groups are struggling after leaving KRS. But Ascend is different. Their relentless effort and creativity are getting attention. Isn't this what true artists look like?"

Even some who had initially doubted Ascend's staying power were changing their tune. A comment on a popular K-pop forum read:

"I originally thought they were just riding the KRS wave, but after seeing this video, they've got real talent. I'm looking forward to what's next."

***

As the teacher droned on, Byul-ho sat quietly, his mind partially on the lecture and partially on Ascend's recent success. His classmates, still dismissive of him, remained oblivious to the strides he was making in the entertainment industry.

Later in the cafeteria, Byul-ho had just settled into his seat when Seul-gi plopped down across from him, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Byul-ho oppa! I'm so sorry I missed the concert," she blurted out. "My parents are super strict about going out at night."

Byul-ho smiled, suddenly remembering that Min-ji's friend was an Ascend fan. "It's okay, Seul-gi-ssi. There will be other opportunities."

"When's the next one?" Seul-gi leaned forward eagerly. "I saw some clips online and I can't believe I missed it!"

Byul-ho gave a noncommittal shrug. "We're still planning. Nothing's set in stone yet."

Seul-gi pouted, clearly unsatisfied with the vague answer.

Changing the subject, Byul-ho asked, "Where's Min-ji today?"

"Oh, I'm not sure..." Seul-gi trailed off, her eyes scanning the cafeteria. Suddenly, she pointed. "There she is! But who's that with her?"

Byul-ho turned to look. Min-ji was standing at a distance, talking to a young man in a different school uniform.

Seul-gi gasped. "Oh! That's Hong Jae-hyun. He's from the Sambyeul family. I heard he's been... interested in Min-ji for a while."

Byul-ho raised an eyebrow. "Interested?"

Seul-gi nodded, lowering her voice conspiratorially. "You know, as a potential husband. It's all about making good connections in these circles."

Byul-ho watched the interaction between Min-ji and Jae-hoon, his expression unreadable. The world of chaebol families and arranged marriages seemed so far removed from his current focus on Ascend and the entertainment industry.

"I see," he said simply, turning back to his lunch.

Byul-ho continued eating his meal, his mind already drifting to the day's tasks for Ascend. The romantic entanglements of his classmates weren't his concern, and he saw no reason to dwell on them.

Meanwhile, across the cafeteria, Min-ji stood with a polite smile plastered on her face as Hong Jae-hoon droned on about his family's latest business ventures.

"...and then uncle said the merger would be completed by the end of the quarter," Jae-hoon was saying, his chest puffed out with pride.

Min-ji nodded automatically, her mind wandering. "That's... interesting," she said, though her tone suggested otherwise.

As Jae-hoon launched into another story, Min-ji found herself marveling at how dull she found this conversation. Just a few months ago, before her interactions with Byul-ho, she might have been mildly intrigued by Jae-hoon's stories. Now, it all seemed so... mundane.

Her eyes drifted across the cafeteria, landing on Byul-ho chatting with Seul-gi. There was an ease to their interaction that made Min-ji feel a twinge of... something. Not quite jealousy, but a sense of being left out.

"Min-ji-ssi? Are you listening?" Jae-hoon's voice cut through her thoughts.

"Oh, yes, of course," Min-ji replied smoothly, years of social training kicking in. "Please, go on."

As Jae-hoon resumed talking, Min-ji's gaze flickered back to Byul-ho. She couldn't help but wonder what he and Seul-gi were discussing so animatedly. Whatever it was, it certainly seemed more engaging than this conversation about corporate mergers and family connections.