Episode 72: Producer (1)
The concept meeting is the first step in album production.
It determines the artist’s schedule and budget allocation.
What kind of song they’ll perform.
The style of stage outfits and makeup.
How promotion will unfold, and even the rough framework for music show stages and music videos—essentially, this meeting shapes the entire activity cycle.
But this concept meeting is a bit different.
Typically, you decide the concept, gather songs, and pick the best fit. Here, the song is already set.
The process is reversed—tailoring the concept to the song—but there’s not a hint of gloom on anyone’s face.
“Hylliy’s identity, with its dreamy hues, will remain, but we’ve decided to break from the usual pink tones to unveil a fresh image. Let’s listen.”
Why? The song’s good.
They might just feel it’s great, but “Mysty”—blending “mist” and “mystic”—was already validated by public taste.
Topping charts for 7 weeks in 2027 and staying in the top 30 into 2028, it’s Laira’s signature track from Starlight and proof that Producer Han Yujin’s talent isn’t limited to Polaris.
‘Adjusting to Hylliy’s vibe toned down Laira’s crisp freshness a bit.’
That shift amplified the mysterious atmosphere, making it perfect for the tail end of winter.
“The artist’s enthusiasm is strong. Sora even canceled her return home after hearing it.”
As evidence, the melody filling the room cuts off just before the interlude, backed by the management team’s support.
Bong Cheol-jin, stepping in for the absent team leader, adds weight.
“If the artist wants it and we have the song, we should do it.”
“Yes. I’ll arrange the budget.”
The management head nods with a resigned look at Yoonje’s words.
‘Man… MyWay’s really something else.’
It was the same with me.
The management team, usually nitpicking over profitability, approves so easily here.
‘I hear the management team has the highest turnover at MyWay.’
For sure, it’s the one team where the lack of fulfillment must sting.
“The timing’s perfect too. The tide’s in. Hylliy’s second place in the last activity has fans buzzing. It’s similar yet distinct from the old concept, so image fatigue shouldn’t be a big worry.”
Contrastingly, the PR team is thrilled.
Their long-prepared “debut first music show win” press release might finally see use, their voices thick with anticipation.
“However…”
The PR head’s gaze shifts to me.
The pause hints at unease.
At this critical juncture for Hylliy, is it wise to gamble with a producer like me?
That doubt flickers not just on the PR head but the management head too.
No matter.
Ailee from the A&R team, who’ll collaborate with me.
Bong Cheol-jin from management, often overseeing Hylliy.
Yoonje, who appointed me.
‘The key players are on my side.’
Sorry to say it, but—
Management head? A figurehead.
PR head? With Yoonje’s trust, he’ll have to spin me positively.
“Oh, we haven’t had introductions. Even if it’s formality, a first greeting’s due. How about our ‘new producer’ says a few words?”
My hunch holds.
Yoonje’s firm label of “producer” prompts a business smile from the PR head.
“Yes. We’ve notified the artist of part assignments. We’ll start vocal recording once they’re ready.”
Sadly, my reply cracks that smile.
‘I get it.’
Concept meetings are planning stages.
Things can go awry, and my move—promising unconfirmed work to the artist—might seem reckless.
Charitably, it shows I care for Hylliy.
‘I’m part of the MyWay family too.’
I can’t fault their bias toward longtime members.
‘Results will settle it.’
If insecurity stems from lack of results, delivering them should resolve it.
Though our perspectives differ now, a shared goal can mend any friction.
If Mysty pushes Hylliy to a career high—
The next concept meeting, whether for “Blue Poem” or “First Step,” will see their faces mirror Ailee, Bong Cheol-jin, and Yoonje’s current expressions.
So—
“Though it’s my first time and I’ll be lacking, I’ll strive for the artist’s success. Please guide me if I fall short, even if it’s frustrating.”
With a confident smile, I wrap up the meeting with a humble yet assured greeting.
***
After the concept meeting, I head to MyWay’s cafeteria.
Marveling again at the quality rivaling Starlight’s lavish meals, I sit, only to be met with a sharp voice.
“Guidance, huh? Like you’d ever accept it.”
“Why think that? I might.”
It’s Ailee.
Her teasing earns a retort, followed by—
“Ha.”
—a scoff, as if she’s exasperated.
“Someone who’d burn 2% of the first recording session doesn’t need guidance.”
“Oh.”
“Don’t say you didn’t know. We saw every smug look.”
I’d forgotten.
Ailee witnessed my 7-hour nonstop recording marathon firsthand.
I shut up and look away, prompting her to chuckle and continue.
“Your face said it all. ‘Guidance’ on your lips, but your vibe screamed, ‘Shut up and follow my lead.’”
“I wasn’t that bad.”
“You’re not denying it entirely.”
Ah, I walked into that.
Her level of leading questions should’ve been beneath me.
Zia’s situation must’ve loosened my mental guard.
“Well, a producer needs that backbone. Hylliy’s kids are nice and listen, but no guarantee for the next project.”
I smile at Ailee’s add-on.
‘Should I thank her for this?’
Her tone suggests my producer role is a done deal.
Earning the A&R team leader’s nod—someone I’ll work with most—is a resounding success for my debut.
‘Next steps won’t worry me either.’
My next project will likely be the new boy group launch.
Unlike girl groups, I’ve got a surefire trick for boy groups.
As I ponder—
“What’s this? All the pro-new-producer folks gathered here?”
Jeon Seonwoo, setting his tray beside Ailee, joins us.
He didn’t need to attend the meeting due to his rookie development role.
“Pro-producer? What’s that?”
“Team leader, you didn’t need to say that…”
I question the idea of votes or sides, and Ailee frowns, scolding Seonwoo.
“Producers are picked by the CEO, sure, but backstage chatter’s inevitable. Those backing Yujin-ssi’s producing are me and A&R, the rookie team, and management’s Bong Manager as team lead proxy—three of us.”
“Why spill all that? Even the naysayers aren’t against him producing. Uh, not sure if this fits, but they’d rather he start with less urgent acts to build experience gradually.”
Seonwoo’s expected take and Ailee’s hasty clarification follow.
Since I’ve settled on “prove it with results,” it doesn’t bother me.
“Honestly, I’m fine if Hylliy doesn’t win this time,” says Bong Cheol-jin beside me.
His hushed tone, despite the “honestly,” shows he knows it’s risky.
As I stay quiet—
“Really?”
Ailee probes, and—
“I think they’ll learn a lot just working with Yujin-ssi.”
—he responds.
Ailee and Seonwoo tilt their heads, but I get why Bong Cheol-jin backs my unseen producing.
‘It’s from watching E-GIS.’
In just 4 days with me, E-GIS transformed.
Their simple fan service, picked up from me, spread across communities, boosting Minerva’s fandom size.
Summarizing this for Ailee and Seonwoo, Bong Cheol-jin sets his spoon down.
“With Hylliy’s skill, a music show win’s inevitable soon. Not that they lack there, but I feel Yujin-ssi might teach them methods we’d never consider.”
“Isn’t that expecting too much from a producer?”
“Maybe? But as a producer, shouldn’t he influence that more?”
Their exchange flows—Bong Cheol-jin, Ailee, Seonwoo—while I silently sip mushroom soup.
‘MyWay’s got a long way to go.’
That’s not for a producer, manager, or staff to teach—it needs the whole company’s unified effort.
‘Probably because they’re not a specialized idol management.’
Aside from Ahjeong and Hylliy, MyWay’s singers often shine for their individual songs.
Not a flaw, but it doesn’t help Hylliy.
‘The road ahead is long…’
But it’s fixable step by step.
‘Pre-regression, Hylliy and Oberon succeeded despite it.’
Shortening their trial-and-error won’t be hard.
If they follow me.