A New Career Singer Who Can Read The Future [EN]: Chapter 216

The aggressive marketing of The Dreamer Label was in full swing.

The announcement that Seokwon had become The Dreamer’s second artist was made the following Monday.

Following the announcement, people began searching for Seokwon’s name, discovering his work, and listening to his music.

Seokwon felt a surge of happiness as he watched his social media followers increase daily.

Meanwhile, Irae was steadily gaining recognition on the music charts.

Her double title track, ‘Wicked,’ soared to the top of all major music sites.

She even set a record by reaching number one on the 24-hour chart, solidifying her position as an impressive rising star.

Of course, Doyun’s dedicated fandom, Honeys, had contributed significantly to her success.

Nevertheless, her achievement was largely due to the high quality of the song itself, rather than solely relying on fan streaming efforts.

Unsurprisingly, The Dreamer Label’s PR team was working tirelessly.

From the news of signing their second artist to Irae’s song maintaining its top spot on the 24-hour chart, there was a constant stream of promotional opportunities.

The Dreamer Label had its own dedicated PR team comprised of experienced industry professionals, but Hu Entertainment also offered their assistance until The Dreamer Label was fully established.

Therefore, coordinating both teams fell under Doyun’s responsibilities.

Before each press release was distributed, Doyun meticulously reviewed it.

“At this point, it’s perfectly fine to release it as is. Thank you for your hard work. You must be incredibly busy these days?”

Doyun inquired of Hong Juwon, the head of The Dreamer Label’s PR team.

Juwon offered an awkward smile and replied that it was nothing out of the ordinary.

“But, CEO. Many reporters are requesting interviews with you. We’ve received numerous proposals to interview you not as the singer Na Doyun, but as the CEO of The Dreamer Label!”

Doyun considered that he should grant an interview as the CEO of The Dreamer Label once or twice to support Irae and Seokwon.

However, he was hesitant to do so because he felt he hadn’t yet achieved results that met his own high standards.

“Um… Isn’t it a bit premature? I think it would be better to do an interview as the CEO after successfully launching the second, or perhaps even the third, artist, Team Leader Hong.”

“Ah… I understand. I wanted to get your opinion before contacting the reporters. In that case, I’ll inform them that an interview is planned for the future, and I’ll reach out again when the timing is right.”

“Honestly, if I do an interview now, it would primarily benefit Irae, who is currently promoting her music. I want to ensure that everyone succeeds equally.”

When Doyun spoke candidly, Team Leader Hong Juwon nodded in agreement and left the CEO’s office.

It seemed that his duties as CEO for the day were coming to an end.

Irae was occupied with a demanding schedule of music show appearances. She was even making appearances on various variety shows.

Doyun, who briefly encountered Irae, asked if she was finding it difficult.

However, Irae shook her head and replied that it was manageable.

She smiled brightly, stating that being busy was part of being a celebrity.

‘Now, it’s crucial to decide on Seokwon’s stage name and begin working on a song that perfectly suits him.’

Since his first artist was steadily gaining popularity after her debut, he felt it was paramount to ensure the success of his second artist.

Fortunately, while Irae was still learning how to write her own songs, Seokwon already possessed that skill.

This meant that his first full-length album could be comprised entirely of songs written by Seokwon himself.

The Dreamer Label shared the same building as Hu Entertainment. Only one floor was designated as The Dreamer Label’s workspace.

Doyun left his office and headed to the 3rd floor, where the studios were located.

Having contacted Seokwon in advance, he found him sitting in a chair, engrossed in his laptop, as soon as he entered the studio.

“Oh, Seokwon.”

“Hyung! I was waiting because I came up with an amazing beat.”

“What did you have in mind? Can you let me hear it?”

Seokwon quickly played the beat he had created.

“…Oh. It’s good! It sounds like it would be perfect for a rap track. Actually, you’re a true all-rounder. You have the skills of a vocalist, and you’re also a talented rapper. So, I think it would be great to showcase both. But one thing I believe is most important in an album is…”

“Organic connection. Making listeners want to play your entire album from start to finish. That’s what creates an organic connection. Once they start listening, they realize they’ve already heard all the songs.”

“Exactly. Your album will also have that organic connection. Just like Irae’s album, which follows the concept of a bird breaking free from its shell and experiencing the destruction of love in a new world from the first song to the last.”

“Oh… I love it! I actually have a concept in mind.”

“What is it?”

Doyun was eager to hear what concept Seokwon had developed.

Doyun’s vision was to run The Dreamer Label by prioritizing the opinions and creative input of its artists as much as possible.

“First of all, Irae embraced the concept of destruction and ruin. I want to do something completely different. I was in an ambiguous position within the group, but now I’m a solo artist. So, a concept that reflects that… As an all-rounder, the concept I can best showcase is… sexiness? Irae is a bird that emerged from its shell, so I’m revealing sexiness in a chaotic world… Ahem.”

“Hmm. Not bad. But I prefer the previous idea you mentioned.”

“Which one?”

“The chaotic world. Showcasing a shining concept within a chaotic world. Overcoming numerous competitors and making a solo declaration of independence. Becoming the only light in the chaos. Like a star in the distant sky. But if you look at the periphery of those stars, it’s chaotic. How about exploring that kind of concept?”

“Oh! I like it. I initially wanted to pursue a sexy concept because that’s what the fans wanted… The only light and salvation in a chaotic world. If I go with this concept, I can release albums as a series.”

“That’s right, exactly! In that sense, I think the beat you created could definitely be included in the album. Of course, you know that it has to go through a blind test, right?”

Doyun was implementing a policy of preventing any undue musical influence within The Dreamer Label.

His approach was to avoid unconditionally including his own songs on his artists’ albums.

Irae’s album was also created using this method.

Relevant personnel were gathered, blind tests were conducted, and the selected songs were included in Irae’s first full-length album.

Seokwon’s album was also scheduled to follow the same process.

“Hyuuuung… I love it so much. Keu [onomatopoeia for a satisfied sound]. But didn’t my words sound like a famous line? The only light and salvation in a chaotic world. It’s so good.”

“Yeah. I think the concept you described is excellent. The overall concept of the album should convey the message ‘I will save you from chaos and darkness.'”

“I’m already getting excited just thinking about it!”

“Then, for now, I and the general PD [production director] will also work on songs in that direction. If we find anything suitable, we’ll purchase songs that complement those lyrics. I hope you, Seokwon, will also work in that direction.”

“Yes, Hyung!”

“Ah, and… Irae doesn’t have her own studio yet because she’s still developing her songwriting abilities. You can write lyrics, compose, and produce all by yourself. Your studio will be under construction soon. Beatdrop PD, who used the room next to mine, moved to another company. That space will become your studio.”

“Wow… the best employee benefits… I haven’t been under contract for long, but is it okay to give me so much already?”

“The Dreamer is a label dedicated to nurturing young talent. So, it provides opportunities to discover the abilities of its artists. As it’s a label under Hu Entertainment, there will be many collaborations with Hu Entertainment. There will be times when you’ll be asked to contribute your songs to singers belonging to Hu Entertainment.”

Seokwon’s face lit up with excitement at Doyun’s words.

Seokwon possessed a wealth of talent, but he was often overshadowed by other members when he was in the group.

Now, Seokwon finally had the chance to showcase his true potential.

Doyun had laid the foundation for that opportunity, and Seokwon was ready to seize it.

“I think I’m really going to cry. I’m so happy.”

“Don’t cry. This is just the beginning. I’m going to make sure the world recognizes your talent and nurture you properly. The next Na Doyun… it’s too ambitious to say.”

“I like it! The next Na Doyun. But Hyung, has the third artist been decided? With the current aggressive marketing strategy, I assumed you had already chosen the third artist…”

“Not yet. I’m planning to attend some performances in Hongdae [area in Seoul known for its indie music scene] for the time being. The artists who will join The Dreamer Label are those who haven’t had their chance to shine, regardless of genre. I need to go see Hongdae performances and catch up on the music shows I’ve been missing, and find someone who deserves to be brought on board.”

“…A terrible workaholic.”

Seokwon muttered.

Come to think of it, he hadn’t been able to spend quality time with Hana for the past few days because he had been so focused on Seokwon.

Of course, Hana had also been busy writing articles, dealing with the constant stream of incidents and accidents in the entertainment industry, and she hadn’t been feeling well, so they hadn’t been able to go on a date.

“…I should go on a date for the first time in a while today. To avoid being labeled a terrible workaholic.”

Seokwon’s eyes widened at his words.

“Hyung. What is that… Don’t tell me you’re seeing someone?”

One of the reasons why he valued Seokwon and Hyunho so much was because they were both discreet.

“Yeah. We haven’t been dating for very long. We haven’t been able to go on many dates because we’ve only been together for a short time and we’re both incredibly busy. But since you called me a terrible workaholic, I have to go on a date today, even if I’m exhausted.”

“Wow… what good deeds did that person do in her previous life?”

“No. Rather, I accumulated good deeds in my previous life so that I could receive her love in this life. She’s been loving me for a very long time.”

Seokwon cautiously asked, as if he had noticed something in his words.

“Don’t tell me… you’re dating a fan?”

“Half right, half wrong. It’s more different than wrong.”

“Hyung, are you crazy? You’re dating a fan? What do you lack! Don’t you know that if you get involved with attention-seeking fans, it can become a nightmare?”

When Seokwon offered his advice, Doyun laughed heartily.

“You have to hear the whole story, Seokwon. She’s been a fan of mine for a long time. And… she’s a reporter. This is the first time I’m revealing it… no, I told my manager, so it’s the second time now.”

“Hyung….”

Seokwon’s expression darkened at the news that he was dating a reporter.

Doyun could sense what Seokwon was worried about without needing to ask.

However… his love and trust were unwavering.

The thought that Hana would never intentionally harm him, even if their relationship ended someday, reassured him.

“She’s someone I’ve trusted and admired for a long time. She’s also with me because her trust in me is the foundation of our relationship.”

“Wait! Meeting me… Don’t tell me you asked her out first? Not that she confessed her feelings first?”

“Yeah. I asked her to go out with me. I practically begged her to say yes.”

“Hyuuuung… you must have been incredibly lonely….”

Doyun chuckled at Seokwon’s words.

“No. I just wanted to be trusted and loved by someone who knows me best and who I’m familiar with. I didn’t want to meet just anyone. Like in an old story, I chose her.”