The Road To Glory [EN]: Chapter 361

The Tide of Glory – Episode 36

# 36 The World Where Only the Survivors Remain

The Atlantic waves began to ripple gently.

Korea, which had been turbulent during the weekend, reached its peak on weekdays, not calming down.

[(Soaring) Show by Show (Show your show 3. Supporting song) │ JJ]

“Wow, I thought it was good. People’s ears are all the same. It finally went up.”

“What? Oh, Show by Show.”

“Yes, isn’t the rookie about to beat your song, noona [older sister or female friend]?”

She chuckled and sipped her water through a straw. Leeve, known as the Queen of Korean Music, was 30 this year but still had a youthful appearance, like she was in her 20s.

She could film a Pocari Sweat [a popular Korean sports drink] commercial, exclaiming ‘Kya-‘ refreshingly and fixing her hair. Hmm, not bad.

“If the song does well, the broadcast will do well, so it’s good for me. But, I won’t give up first place easily.”

She pretended not to care, but the manager chuckled at her words. It seemed half joking, half serious. The pride of the music queen! The staff exclaimed, “Ooh!” and gave her a thumbs up.

“Well, they still have a long way to go to compete with you, noona. The Cold Brew album also came out well this time, and they have to beat the zombie-like carol songs that come back to life.”

Show by Show still has a long way to go to reach number one.

However, the manager realized as he spoke.

All the songs he just mentioned were formidable songs in the Top Ten.

Yes, Monday, 9 PM.

Show by Show finally entered the Top Ten. Someone said the chart board of Show by Show was pretty, and they weren’t wrong. The steeply rising upward graph never faltered.

The reason was simple.

The song was good.

To be more specific, the hook was on another level. In fact, some even said it would have been a hit no matter who sang it.

“Hello, Director!”

Leeve got out of the van and greeted each staff member as she entered the studio.

The studio was in Ilsan [a district in Goyang, South Korea, known for its broadcasting studios], and today’s filming was for the loser’s revival round for the contestants who had been eliminated in the 1:1 battles.

And in the next filming, mentor-mentee pairs would be created. Of course, all the mentors had mentees in mind they wanted to pair with.

Leeve subtly followed Gil Laon with her eyes, greeting the contestants who were already out.

The contestants who won the 1:1 battles were flustered by her greetings, and the contestants who would be participating in the loser’s revival round…

The contestants participating in the loser’s revival round were somewhat pitiful. While the winners were relaxed and friendly with each other, these contestants showed two reactions.

“Hello, Leeve-nim [a respectful title, similar to ‘Ms.’ or ‘Mr.’].”

Some, despite having an opportunity, bowed weakly to her, already feeling defeated. And the other group tried desperately to survive.

“Jinsu, aren’t you thirsty? Do you want to drink Pocari Sweat? Hyung [older brother or male friend] will buy it for you.”

“Jinsu, aren’t you cold?”

They were trying to befriend the dark horse, the one contestant who was certain to be revived among those participating in the loser’s revival round.

They seemed to be trying to get something from him, as he was the contestant currently dominating the Watermelon Chart [a fictional music chart, likely analogous to Melon, a popular Korean music streaming service].

And they were also conscious of being exposed to the camera.

Leeve, who had experienced a long period of obscurity in her teens, could fully understand them.

“I-I’m okay.”

She also understood the child’s awkwardness towards the adults who were suddenly acting friendly.

Leeve rolled her eyes and looked at Producer Hwang Je-il, who was actively conversing with the PD [Production Director].

There were two main reasons why the contestants were confident in No. 56’s revival.

First, the power of ‘Show by Show.’

It was the only song among Soyou’s supporting songs that entered the Watermelon Chart—even landing in the Top Ten—so even if his skills were somewhat lacking, the PD wouldn’t easily discard the No. 56 card.

However, since the rules couldn’t be forcibly changed for No. 56, there was still a possibility that No. 56 could be eliminated.

Yet, the contestants were confident because of Producer Hwang Je-il.

His expression, which seemed like he would immediately unleash harsh criticism during the second round’s a cappella stage, changed drastically as soon as he heard ‘Show by Show.’ And then, he openly sent a love call [an expression of strong interest or admiration] to Jang Jin-soo.

There had never been such a persistent and blatant love call.

Leeve understood why Producer Hwang Je-il was so enthusiastic. Still, even to Leeve and the other mentors, it seemed a bit excessive. He didn’t seem to be considering the pair round that would take place in the next filming at all.

He had unconditionally chosen No. 56.

Producer Hwang Je-il seemed like he would pick No. 56 even if he was eliminated in the loser’s revival round, using the wild card given to him as a mentor.

Well, it wasn’t bad.

If he really wanted to be a pair, and the potential of No. 56, who created ‘Show by Show,’ couldn’t be ignored.

But one thing that bothered her was the existence of the composer and arranger who had their name on the ‘Show by Show’ track.

If No. 56, whom Producer Hwang Je-il saved with a wild card, didn’t show that much potential, how would the contestants who tried to befriend No. 56 react?

What would the viewers think?

Especially the fans of someone other than No. 56.

“Hello.”

“Oh! Hello. Leeve sunbaenim [a term of respect for a senior colleague or mentor]! I’m a fan! I’m JJ, No. 56!”

No. 56, who jumped up in surprise and looked at her with admiration, was too young.

He would probably get hurt a lot like her.

There’s no way to avoid getting hurt.

All you can do is endure.

“I’m listening to Show by Show a lot.”

“It’s an honor! I listen to sunbaenim’s songs every day!”

“Leeve-ssi [a polite suffix, similar to ‘Mr.’ or ‘Ms.’], you’re here?”

As the PD called her, Leeve smiled at No. 56 once more and turned her head.

She felt his gaze staring intently at her back.

She walked away, encouraging him in her heart.

There was nothing she could do for the child.

Because this is a world where only those who endure survive.

#

[Congratulations. Your participation in the NUTUBE Partner Program for the NUTUBE HALO_OFFICIAL channel has been approved, and you can now monetize on NUTUBE.]

“Finally…”

Halo checked the approval email that had taken a long time.

Finally, NewTube had done its job, and the monetization permission email had arrived.

Soon, money would be deposited into his account linked to NewTube.

However, unfortunately, it wouldn’t be deposited today. According to the notice, revenue confirmation is on the 10th of each month.

And it is usually deposited on the 21st.

So, Halo would be able to receive his earnings from next month.

Still, the fact that revenue was coming in made him wiggle in his seat. Halo smiled brightly and turned on the green window [likely referring to a search engine or portal site with a green interface, such as Naver in Korea].

There were many things he wanted to buy, so this was good.

Of course, his mother would buy them for him if he asked, but he didn’t ask for everything. His mother’s money was not his money.

Also, his mother had already kept her promise, so that was enough for Halo.

He could buy the rest himself.

He put the equipment he had been looking at into his shopping cart. This world has developed efficiently, not only in broadcasting but also overall.

He could choose items without having to go to department stores or markets, and they would be delivered to his home.

Moreover, there were even reviews from buyers.

He added various musical instruments and computer parts. And just things he liked.

He stopped looking after the total reached ten million won [approximately $7,500 USD], so he didn’t know how much he needed. Halo thought he would buy as much as he could afford.

He had no concept of saving.

To him, consumption was like groundwater. No matter how much he used, it kept gushing out. He didn’t have to worry about any consumption and wasted it without hesitation.

The habit of loving luxury wasn’t going anywhere.

If he had managed his assets, it might have been different, but unfortunately, his asset manager was someone else.

A few days later, Jang Jin-soo, who came to hang out after finishing filming, was shocked to see this.

“Hey, what’s wrong? Are you going bankrupt?”

“Why are you at my house again?”

“I ran into your mother while eating a triangle kimbap [a popular Korean snack, a rice ball shaped like a triangle] at the convenience store…”

They lived in the same neighborhood, so they ran into each other often.

“I heard you got NewTube monetization permission, but still, aren’t you spending too much? How much do you think you’ll earn from NewTube?”

“Why not?”

When he asked as if it were obvious, Jang Jin-soo was momentarily speechless. Are all gold spoons [a Korean expression for someone born into wealth] like this? He didn’t know because he wasn’t a gold spoon.

“People like us who do unstable work need to do financial planning in advance. Don’t do things like Bitcoin, invest in savings or safe assets.”

Then Jang Jin-soo created an Excel sheet.

It looked familiar, like his old asset manager, so when Halo stared blankly at the Excel sheet, Jang Jin-soo scratched the back of his head, wondering, ‘Was I being too nosy?’

“I don’t get an allowance like you, so I learned how to manage my money early while working part-time.”

That’s why he seemed quite skilled.

“Anyway, how about saving some money now and getting a studio later?”

“Studio?”

“Yeah, the equipment you’ve chosen is not only a problem to buy, but also to manage. It’s better to get a studio first… wouldn’t you say?”

Halo had thought about it too.

However, when he searched for real estate, the unit of his NewTube revenue was different, so he immediately gave up. He didn’t know how long he would have to wait with this revenue.

“I can’t even pay the monthly rent.”

“It’s absolutely impossible with the current revenue. Especially if you want to find one nearby.”

Jang Jin-soo nodded and opened NewTube.

And he looked at the monetization conditions.

“Let’s think about how to increase revenue. For example, putting in ads.”

He showed various forms of advertising.

But Halo wasn’t interested.

That’s because ads on music are terrible. Just the thought of the music being interrupted and ads coming out was awful. Even if it wasn’t a video and was a banner format, he didn’t like it. It was like sticking unnecessary memos all over his album.

“Anything else?”

At Halo’s answer, Jang Jin-soo nodded as if he expected it.

“Then there’s only one thing left. Increase the length of the video.”

“Forcibly increasing the length of the song…”

“No, not that. You only upload music, so you don’t know, but other people upload covers, make making-of videos, and even vlog-like things. If you upload additional long videos, your revenue will increase.”

Then Jang Jin-soo suddenly remembered.

Nohaeil’s busking video.

Looking at it, it seems like he doesn’t hesitate to show himself to people.

“How about making videos or music videos?”

He likes to show himself to people, and above all, all the songs on his 1st and 2nd albums are well-suited for music videos.

Looking at the somewhat crazy comment reactions, it seems like they’ll like whatever Halo does.

However, Nohaeil didn’t look interested. He didn’t know what he was thinking, but his expression was always annoying.

He was clearly half-listening to his words.

Jang Jin-soo thought so.

Since Nohaeil already has a lot to do, it would be impossible unless he joins a label or hires someone directly.

.

He can think about it after the revenue comes in.

But will he not do it because it’s annoying?

Sometimes he wanted to open Nohaeil’s head. He wanted to know what he was thinking and how he lived. Then he would leave him to sew it up himself.

While Jang Jin-soo was having cruel fantasies, Halo was seriously thinking about revenue streams. Of course, not the method Jang Jin-soo suggested, but the problem he had been pondering all night.

Halo recalled the numerous emails he had received.

Now he had deleted them all, leaving only one.

“I’ve decided.”

“What?”

He had finally decided.

To sign a contract with a music distribution company.

#

“Kids, let’s eat.”

When Halo came out of the room, he found pamphlets near the sofa again. They were spread out together as if trying to attract attention. Halo raised one corner of his mouth and ignored them.

At first, he thought they were tourist pamphlets.

“What are those?”

“Ignore them.”

Jang Jin-soo approached with a curious face, but when he saw the lengthy English, he was shocked and returned.

“Is it a thesis or something?”

It wasn’t.

They were promotional university pamphlets.

Pamphlets from famous universities overseas.

He didn’t know where they got them, but he knew who got them.

He wondered why they had agreed so readily.

It seemed like they were thinking about this side altogether.

“Can you read all of that?”

“Yeah.”

“Wow, how…? Oh, right. You were a model student? I forgot.”

Nohaeil wasn’t a model student, but Halo wasn’t either, but there was no way to explain, so he nodded vaguely.

Throughout the meal, his father subtly looked at Halo. He seemed to be expecting something. He was definitely waiting for the name of a specific university to come out of his mouth. He had meticulously prepared music school pamphlets like Berklee or Juilliard so that he would be interested.

Halo was still not interested.

Still, Halo was thinking of expressing his intention. Even if he didn’t mention the university, there was something he had to say.

“I have something to tell you.”

“Tell me anything.”

At Halo’s words, his father paused for a moment. In the meantime, his mother answered.

“I already told you that I don’t want to join an agency separately, but I want many people to listen to the music. So, how about signing a contract with a music distribution company?”

“How are agencies and distributors different?”

His mother didn’t know much about this field yet. Halo kindly explained.

“It’s a place that only handles distribution issues without the interference… no, managing, management that management companies usually do.”

“So, can I think of it as a distribution team that came out separately from the agency?”

“Yes, that’s right. And they also provide additional services.”

That’s what it said in the notice that came by email.

In addition to simple distribution, they help with the issuance of ISRO (International Standard Recording Code) and UPC (Universal Product Code) and provide services such as NewTube royalty collection and streaming reports.

This is something to show his parents after dinner.

“Haeil, which one do you want to sign with?”

Universe Record, Sona’s Music, Winner Music.

His mother said names she roughly knew.

There were no music distributors (Aggregators) among them, only major labels.

Perhaps the general public wouldn’t have much opportunity to hear about music distributors. Unlike those labels, specifically record companies, which actively come forward, they were roles that supported from behind.

“You probably haven’t heard of them.”

“It’s a foreign company.”

At his father’s words, Halo nodded.

Well, Halo’s channel itself was almost a foreign account, so it was natural.

“I’ll show you the email after dinner. However, there’s something I want to discuss.”

“What is it?”

Halo recalled the phrase he had seen last night.

“They said they want to have a meeting.”

“Isn’t that natural?”

At his mother’s words, his father also agreed.

“They either come directly or request you to come, so I’m wondering what to do.”

“What do you want to do?”

“I…”

Halo recalled the distributor’s address.

London. A nostalgic name. The scent of his hometown wafted up from the letters.

“I want to go.”

At Halo’s words, the meal ended.

His father, who put down his spoon, said.

“You have to meet in person when you sign a contract. Let’s decide after seeing them once.”