PLANS FOR LATER
Song Kyungho scoffed when he heard that. "So, are you saying that everything you've done until now wasn't meddling?"
"We only did what we had to for the betterment of Boys Odyssey," Representative Choi said. "For example, we heard that PD Kim, who was initially offered the position, has a habit of editing and directing the survival programs he's in charge of in a way that ensures contestants he doesn't like have no chance of debuting. It's very obvious in the past two survival programs he's been in charge of that he hasn't changed that bad habit of his. Should we just stay still, knowing that some contestants might lose the chance of debuting just because PD Kim does not like them? JH doesn't condone such things. Just like PD Song, we only want those who are deserving to debut."
There was a prolonged silence in the conference room, largely because no one could refute what Representative Choi had said. PD Kim indeed had that bad habit. In fact, if the PD of the Idol Producer series hadn't been jailed for vote rigging, PD Kim might have done the same. But with rigging off the table, malicious editing was his only recourse.
But since he also had the talent to make survival programs interesting, which therefore led to higher ratings, the management chose to look the other way. In fact, most of the staff were relieved when PD Kim was replaced by PD Song. PD Kim not only had that bad habit but also a terrible temper. He frequently abused his power, especially towards those in lower positions, including interns.
That's why they were glad that PD Song replaced him. At least, even though PD Song was strict, he was very fair. They wouldn't have to walk on eggshells around him. As long as they did their jobs properly, they didn't have to worry about him getting angry at them unreasonably.
Song Kyungho also couldn't voice his thoughts because he shared the same sentiments. He disliked PD Kim for those very reasons. Without being arrogant, he believed he could do better than PD Kim. However, he knew his chances of securing the position were low because he was relatively young compared to other, more senior PDs. In any industry in this country, seniority often held more importance than ability.
That's why when he unexpectedly received this position, he couldn't believe it at first. However, he soon calmly accepted it, even feeling excited about the new opportunity. Many new ideas flooded his mind. But before he could fully be happy about it, JH Entertainment suddenly made requests that nearly crossed his bottom line.
Kyungho let out a long sigh and looked at the woman sitting at the opposite end. "Can I have your assurance that from now on, you won't interfere with whatever happens in Boys Odyssey?"
Representative Choi smiled. "As I've said, as long as PD Song does his job properly, then you wouldn't have to worry about that."
Kyungho wanted to sigh once again. Talking to this woman felt like interacting with a cunning snake. "Then you also don't have to worry because I always do my job properly."
"Good. I'm glad we've reached a mutual understanding." Representative Choi clapped her hands. "Shall we now review the audition tapes?"
***
When the afternoon classes ended, Haneul prepared to leave. Just as he was about to walk out of the classroom, a female classmate called to him. It was Kim Wonhee, one of the classmates he had spoken to this morning.
"Haneul-ah, we're going to karaoke. Wanna come?"
As soon as she said that, some of their classmates who hadn't left yet all looked in their direction. It must have been a surprise since none of them had ever really invited him to karaoke or anything else, for that matter. It wasn't because they were isolating him; rather, they assumed he wouldn't enjoy such places because, in their minds, he was the perfect model student—always diligent, focused on studies, and seemingly uninterested in social activities.
Before their conversation this morning, Wonhee also thought the same. But after talking to him, she realized that he wasn't as rigid as she imagined. He was fun to talk to, different from the studious image she had initially perceived. She even felt regretful that she hadn't started a conversation with him much earlier.
"Sorry, Wonhee. I have an initial appointment. Maybe next time?" Haneul said with an apologetic tone.
"It's okay. But I hope you can come next time, okay?"
Haneul said. "I promise."
As he walked out of the classroom, he overheard some of his classmates asking Wonhee how he had suddenly become close to him.
Haneul just shook his head with a helpless smile. It seemed that his image among his classmates was like that of a touch-me-not flower. Not that he could blame them, though.
Anyway, he didn't refuse Wonhee because he didn't want to go to karaoke with them, but he truly had an appointment today.
It was with Robin. The two of them were planning to look for a dance studio to practice.