The Architect of Survival

Ha-neul had heard the news from the company on the same day the article maliciously using Ji-ho’s photo was published.

[I’m going to visit that internet newspaper office in person. They aren’t answering their phones. Sigh, a rookie quit yesterday, so there’s no one left in the office to handle this. Could you drop by for me?]

It was the voice of her boyfriend, Yong-ha, who sounded more exhausted with each passing day since Pentagram’s accident. For several days, she hadn’t even seen his face, only hearing his voice over the phone. Heartbroken, Ha-neul had volunteered to help with his work.

However, there were limits to how much Ha-neul, a stylist, could assist someone at Yong-ha’s managerial level. The most she could do was look after Ji-ho at the hospital on his behalf or, as she was doing now, visit the office to receive instructions.

“So it’s just the two of us from our team left again. The A&R team called for the management team? Sigh, I still find Manager Kim difficult to deal with.”

At Star Entertainment, the atmosphere was usually friendly because most of the senior staff had started as rookies and been promoted together. Consequently, Kim Gwon-ho—the A&R team lead who had been scouted from the outside less than a year ago to revive the company—was a foreign and intimidating figure to many.

He was the primary contributor who had raised the company from the brink of death by turning the unknown Pentagram into a success, but—

‘Even our team lead is strict, but Manager Kim feels different somehow.’

Stepping into the elevator, Ha-neul swallowed her discomfort as she headed to the 4th floor. The A&R team, which Gwon-ho had newly organized upon his arrival, even had their office on a different floor.

Like the other teams downstairs, most of the staff here were out handling the aftermath of the recent incident, leaving the atmosphere hollow. In a glass-walled office used for meetings, Ha-neul glanced at Gwon-ho, who sat across from her in an unreadable silence.

He was a young man with a sharp business style, a rarity in the typically casual entertainment industry.

With his hair neatly slicked back and wearing a perfect suit and watch, Gwon-ho exuded an aura that commanded respect. The reason Ha-neul hesitated to meet his eyes wasn’t just because of the rank difference.

“Um, what are the matters I need to relay to Yong-ha O… I mean, Team Leader Jin?”

“Ah, I kept you waiting while I organized my thoughts. Hmm… these are sensitive matters to relay via email or phone, which is why I asked to see you in person.”

Contrary to his cold appearance, Gwon-ho’s tone was gentle. His way of speaking, intended to make the other person feel considered and at ease, allowed Ha-neul to relax slightly.

“Is this about the article on Ji-ho that came out today?”

Gwon-ho didn’t answer, but his silence was an affirmation. Only after an A&R staff member served two cups of coffee and disappeared did Gwon-ho begin in earnest.

“Our A&R team handles the overall directing for Pentagram, but as you know, I’ve asked each team leader to take a proactive role. Specifically, the PR team stepped forward to take responsibility for Pentagram’s crisis management.”

“Yes? Yes, I’m aware.”

Although she was part of the management team, Ha-neul’s specific role as a stylist meant she was somewhat removed from internal corporate politics. Thanks to Yong-ha, she had a general idea of the situation, but she had no clue what Gwon-ho was getting at.

“I have no intention of undermining that standard. A company needs clear division of labor, and Manager Choi of PR is highly capable. However, regarding recent events, there are many unsettling elements.”

“……”

“So, please understand there are no ulterior motives in me calling the management team to discuss this.”

“I understand. Please, speak freely, Manager Kim.”

“I believe there is a specific reason why Ji-ho, a victim of the accident, was suddenly targeted.”

“A reason?”

“During the last regular meeting, it was shared with the management team that the malicious comments regarding Pentagram were not being properly managed. However, due to a lack of manpower, this agenda was pushed back and forth between Management and PR and never resolved.”

It was a known fact within Star Entertainment that there was a faction spreading vitriol and following every post related to Ji-ho to leave hate comments. They knew these people had existed since before Pentagram’s debut and were sasaeng fans of Jun-oh, who had been cut from the debut lineup.

As a member of the management team responsible for the idols’ mental health, Ha-neul knew the severity of the situation. She had seen Yong-ha warn the members multiple times to stay away from the internet.

“So the article and the controversy were all because of those malicious fans targeting Ji-ho. No wonder the comments seemed particularly harsh.”

“Simultaneously, it’s a failure of our management capabilities as an agency. PR said they would take legal action against the news outlet, but that won’t solve everything. In fact, it might even get worse.”

“Ji-ho has recovered enough to speak to the media. Is there no solution in that direction?”

“It’s too late for a simple fix. Because of this, the public has begun to view the accident itself negatively. There are even rumors of discord. Public opinion has heated up to the point where it could affect the ongoing police investigation into the accident.”

“Even the investigation?”

“If the public labels Ji-ho a villain and demands the ‘truth,’ there’s no telling where the sparks might fly.”

Perhaps because he mentioned the issue Ha-neul was most worried about, or perhaps because of his tone, Gwon-ho’s words sounded incredibly convincing despite being quite simple. Ha-neul’s face grew paler.

Setting aside her worry for the company she’d been with for so long, wasn’t her boyfriend, Yong-ha, deeply involved in the accident? Fortunately, evidence like the black box proved he hadn’t been drowsy or speeding, but the issue regarding the vehicle modification was certain to face legal punishment.

‘Seat modification is usually just a fine if you’re caught. I don’t know why the police keep calling Team Leader Jin in. I guess it’s because a famous idol is involved… Don’t worry, Ha-neul. It’s not something that would lead to prison.’

Ha-neul recalled the words of Yu-jin, who had comforted her. As if reading her mind, Gwon-ho mentioned Yong-ha next.

“Pentagram’s future activities are a problem, but for the sake of Team Leader Jin, who is undergoing police investigation, we need to silence the media quickly. That’s why I’ve arranged this meeting to ask for the management team’s cooperation.”

“Do you have a good method in mind, Manager Kim?”

Ha-neul noted that Gwon-ho hadn’t used the company’s internal network to relay this, guessing that the upcoming plan wasn’t something meant to be disclosed publicly. Still, she had to listen.

The words that followed were a radical method that far exceeded her expectations.

“I want the management team to persuade Ji-ho. Have him announce a hiatus for recovery… and then we proceed quickly with the release of the 1st full album as a 4-member group. If we do that, the public will soon forget the accident, and the current controversy will die down.”

“Exclude Ji-ho from the 1st full album? You mean…”

Ha-neul was too flustered to react further. She didn’t know what to ask or what intentions Gwon-ho had for saying such a thing.

However, Gwon-ho continued regardless of her reaction. Thanks to his fluid and flexible way of speaking, his words sounded remarkably persuasive until the very end of the conversation.

*******************************************************************

When the long discussion ended, Ha-neul left the A&R office with a troubled face. Hee-jun, who had briefly appeared to bring coffee, approached Gwon-ho after watching Ha-neul leave.

“Did you really bring up Ji-ho’s voluntary withdrawal? If Management takes issue with your instructions, it’ll be a headache.”

“Where is the problem? I have full authority over Pentagram. That includes member management. And ‘voluntary withdrawal’? Choose your words more carefully.”

“It won’t be easy to get your way. You know the people here. Management has basically lived with those kids since the debut lineup days. You phrased it delicately, but it’s obvious you’re telling them to dump Ji-ho. Will they really follow through?”

The gentle tone Gwon-ho had used with Ha-neul was gone. His high-handed attitude toward his subordinate was the complete opposite of how he had treated her, but Hee-jun seemed accustomed to it.

Even to Gwon-ho’s following sarcasm.

“It seems you’re also dissatisfied with my method. I guess you haven’t washed off the tacky ‘Star Entertainment’ water yet?”

Gwon-ho’s eyes, as he spoke lowly of his own company, were cold. They contained a trace of contempt.

It was no wonder; Gwon-ho couldn’t understand Star Entertainment’s mindset of being “friends” with celebrities, prioritizing “idol human rights” over profit, or building a “family-like” company.

What was the result of CEO Hyeong-jun building a celebrity-centered company with such weak thoughts? Continuous failure and a mountain of debt.

‘I never dreamed that even I would end up at this mom-and-pop shop. But now, the situation has changed.’

Looking around the old office interior, which he disliked as much as the CEO’s convictions, Gwon-ho reminisced about the past.