Top Star By Luck [EN]: Chapter 186

186

A few days later.

A café terrace filled with the aroma of coffee.

In this setting, Lee Minki and the entire Maiyar Pictures team unexpectedly encountered someone.

“…I didn’t expect to see you like this.”

Lee Minki’s voice held a mix of surprise and mild embarrassment, to which the man across the table responded with a pleasant smile.

“I was kind of hoping for it, though.”

He was a middle-aged man.

A middle-aged man with the first hints of white in his hair, speaking with a subtle English accent, suggesting he wasn’t a frequent Korean speaker.

He smiled and said,

“I wanted to see my savior sometime and treat him handsomely.”

Indeed.

The man before them was none other than Bae Jeongmun.

“We meet on land this time.”

He was the man Lee Minki had met—and saved—on the plane during his trip to America.

[This is our celebrity. He saves people.]

He was also the person who inadvertently triggered Lee Minki’s rise to fame in America.

As a celebrity who saved someone’s life.

Bae Jeongmun was also a director at AST, but this time, he seemed to be engaging with Lee Minki in a different capacity.

“I never expected you to transfer to Netplay.”

From a high-ranking executive at AST to the vice president of Netplay.

Even so, was it acceptable to move so readily to a competitor within such a tight-knit industry? Was such a move even possible?

Bae Jeongmun chuckled at Lee Minki’s questioning gaze.

“You must think it’s strange for me to transfer to a competitor.”

“Yes? No, not particularly.”

“It’s alright. It’s a common occurrence in America anyway. Bringing in an executive from a rival company is nothing unusual. It could even hinder the competitor’s growth.”

“I suppose so…”

Intel, the renowned CPU company, had once brought in an AMD executive and appointed him as vice president.

“Some Netplay executives have also transferred to AST, so you could say they exchanged personnel.”

Was it really that simple?

He spoke casually, but it seemed like something significant must have transpired behind the scenes.

Lee Minki suppressed his urge to inquire further. This was, after all, a business meeting. There would be time to discuss any sensitive matters later.

Of course, the primary reason Bae Jeongmun left AST was Lee Minki.

‘AST had become too complacent.’

He realized this through the Lee Minki incident.

‘It’s hard to expect further growth from a company that is complacent and stagnant.’

AST had lost its momentum.

It was true that they had achieved considerable success with Emma Specter. However, as a result, AST had become overly reliant on the success formula she had established.

AST only pursued success within parameters they could perfectly control.

What did they do when a problem arose?

‘Entrusting Emma Specter with OTT [Over-the-top media services].’

Under the guise of a demotion, they delegated the entire OTT business to Emma Specter.

It was truly absurd.

OTT, which held the potential to be a significant future revenue stream.

Instead of assigning the most capable person in the company to that role, they treated it as a form of exile. It was a decision that could only be seen as short-sighted.

So, Bae Jeongmun made a decision.

‘I’ll aim higher.’

He decided to move to the forefront of the OTT industry.

Fortunately, Netplay welcomed Bae Jeongmun. They saw it as a valuable opportunity to strengthen their position, given their lack of expertise in the theatrical business.

There had been many twists and turns in just one year. Bae Jeongmun, reminiscing about that time, smiled lightly and said,

“You may not know this, but I owe my position here to you, Actor Lee.”

“It’s a bit embarrassing when you put it that way.”

Saving his life was, admittedly, a significant event.

Lee Minki, feeling slightly out of place, felt awkward, while Bae Jeongmun continued.

“So, here are the conditions I’ve prepared this time.”

This was the main point.

Lee Minki, Director Shim Sungbo, and Director Jin Jooyeon, sensing that the personal chat was over, perked up their ears.

‘It’s starting.’

They had been informed of the general conditions beforehand. However, the specific adjustments would be made from now on.

What conditions would Netplay offer?

This would be the key.

‘First, we must secure theatrical release at all costs.’

Director Shim Sungbo’s priority was the theater.

[Turned Out I’m a Music Genius] was a work that emphasized sound to the extreme. Naturally, it needed to be experienced with booming sound in a theater to fully appreciate its original intent.

No matter how much Netplay favored exclusive OTT content, he had no intention of compromising on this.

‘At least in America. No, we have to get a theatrical release in Korea and America.’

These two were essential.

Investment in production costs was secondary. They could secure that kind of investment from elsewhere.

‘Theater.’

‘First, the theater.’

‘OTT is already a secured card. We have to secure the theater first.’

Gulp.

The moment Bae Jeongmun spoke his next words, all three people’s attention was riveted on him.

“We will screen it simultaneously in theaters in 41 countries worldwide.”

“As expected…”

The next moment.

“Pardon?”

Lee Minki’s eyes widened.

What had he just heard? Simultaneous release in 41 countries worldwide? Not 4 countries, but 41 countries?

He momentarily questioned his hearing.

“We will release it in theaters before launching on OTT. Simultaneous release is a given, and we will consider everything from manga and novel adaptations to drama adaptations and even some variety show productions if necessary. Of course, translation into all languages is a given. We will also proceed with the best promotions.”

Imagination.

An overwhelming proposal that far exceeded their expectations was presented.

Just give us the work. Netplay would take responsibility and market it in every conceivable way.

It was tempting.

But it was also a suspicious proposal for that very reason. Lee Minki, paying close attention, spoke up.

“Isn’t Netplay an OTT company?”

It was a question of whether an OTT company could truly distance itself from its core business.

Was there a hidden catch somewhere? Were they demanding a lump-sum buyout of all rights?

He looked at Bae Jeongmun with slightly suspicious eyes.

“Yes, of course, Netplay is an OTT company.”

Bae Jeongmun nodded calmly and continued.

“Before considering this work, I set aside Netplay’s perspective. In other words, I considered Maiyar Pictures’ position first. And I came to a conclusion.”

He put down the cup he was holding and folded his hands.

“Now is not the time to rigidly adhere to Netplay’s identity.”

“…”

“It’s beneficial to emphasize exclusive OTT content. The quality and quantity are increasing daily. The number of subscribers is also growing. But…”

Bae Jeongmun’s voice momentarily turned serious.

“OTT is still just OTT in the end. Why does the OTT industry lack the same ‘hook’ or appeal compared to the theatrical industry?”

He suddenly posed a question.

What was the problem with OTT? Wasn’t he the one who joined the OTT industry to promote OTT business?

What did he expect them to answer?

‘Should I just be honest?’

Bae Jeongmun didn’t seem like someone who would engage in wordplay.

Lee Minki, after a moment of consideration, made his judgment and spoke.

“Is it because it’s less enjoyable to watch the same work on a smaller screen?”

“Wrong.”

“…”

He said it was wrong.

Lee Minki, feeling rejected so quickly, was disheartened. Bae Jeongmun took over and answered in a confident voice.

“It’s because what you see on OTT is not a proper movie.”

“…Not a proper movie?”

Was he implying that the quality of OTT exclusive movies was lacking? Was he echoing a common criticism? Was he planning to change that perception with [Turned Out I’m a Music Genius]?

As Director Shim Sungbo’s thoughts reached this point, Bae Jeongmun’s context shifted.

“Yes, movies should be seen in theaters to be truly enjoyed. It has to be shown in theaters to be a movie.”

It was a tribute to the theatrical experience.

“No matter how well OTT performs, it’s still just OTT in the end. Honestly, people watch it for the lower price, but if the price were the same, who would choose to watch it on OTT? Of course, they’d watch it in the theater.”

His head was spinning.

Lee Minki was momentarily stunned by the statement, which was delivered with a conviction bordering on fanaticism.

‘Is it okay to say such things?’

Could a vice president of a global OTT company make such pronouncements? Wasn’t he undermining his own position?

Doubt began to creep in. However, Bae Jeongmun’s next words continued without allowing that doubt to take root.

“Why do we love theaters?”

With a truly grand question, Bae Jeongmun’s powerful voice continued.

“The environment shapes the space, and the space shapes human thought. We were born in the age of theaters, and we grew up watching movies in theaters. The theater was a space filled with our spirit and dreams. That’s the theater. Should we watch movies in theaters? Yes. Watching movies in theaters is the right thing to do. That’s how we think.”

A story rooted entirely in romance.

It was the kind of sentiment you wouldn’t typically bring up in a business meeting, let alone a new product promotion presentation.

But what could they say?

Listening to him, as moviegoers, their hearts were deeply touched.

‘That’s right.’

‘The theater.’

‘I can’t even imagine watching a good movie outside of the theater.’

For them, the theater was also the most cherished place in the world. It was hard to give up. It was simply a place they were endlessly fond of.

No other reason was needed.

Profitability and symbolism were irrelevant. The theater was like their hometown.

“Regardless of the actual profit, we are those kinds of people.”

Bae Jeongmun said, as if putting a period at the end of a sentence.

“If I wasn’t a person from Netplay, if I were in Maiyar Pictures’ shoes, I would definitely think the same way. I want to show the movie in theaters. Absolutely.”

“Ah.”

In that moment, Lee Minki realized what Bae Jeongmun was trying to convey.

‘Netplay has set aside its identity.’

They had yielded.

Even if it meant setting aside their identity as an OTT platform, securing just one upcoming work from Maiyar Pictures was enough for them.

They wouldn’t impose any other conditions. Just give them the work.

‘The aim is probably the prestige associated with the title itself rather than the work’s inherent value.’

Netplay had secured a contract with Maiyar Pictures. Netplay believed that this one title was sufficient.

But.

‘Romance is only half the story after all.’

The real intention was likely different.

Lee Minki, having completed his analysis, spoke.

“After all, this conclusion is based on the judgment that you can recoup any potential losses simply by acquiring the exclusive OTT distribution rights after the theatrical release concludes, correct?”

The next moment.

“Yes.”

He was right.

Bae Jeongmun continued in a still confident voice.

“Yes, if we can secure Maiyar Pictures’ work, we are willing to concede anything else.”

He admitted it.

However, it still wasn’t the whole picture.

Lee Minki sensed a hidden layer of truth in his words.

‘He’s pretending to be generous, but in reality, these are just minor details.’

There was something he was concealing.

The promise that Netplay would handle the secondary media mix, whether it was a drama, manga, or novel adaptation, was a prime example.

‘In other words, it’s the same as delegating OSMU [One Source Multi Use] rights in advance.’

These days, media mix is standard practice.

Moreover, depending on the scope of the promotional narrative, it wouldn’t be much different from allowing them to handle the work as they see fit.

This was something that needed to be negotiated separately in detail.

But this negotiation wasn’t his responsibility. Maiyar Pictures had experts for that.

‘I can trust Director Jin Jooyeon to handle it.’

It was Director Jin Jooyeon.

If it was her, the ‘mistress’ of details, she wouldn’t overlook a single point.

In addition, Bae Jeongmun considered one more thing.

‘It’s an opportunity to demonstrate that Netplay can successfully screen films in theaters.’

It was a chance to promote Netplay through Lee Minki’s new work.

Just because they entrusted the work to Netplay didn’t mean they had to forgo a theatrical release.

‘No matter which country you go to, they are hesitant to screen OTT works in theaters. But what if it’s a work by Maiyar Pictures?’

It would be an exception.

However, exceptions are made for works that significantly exceed the usual quality standards. If it was a work by Maiyar Pictures, it could be that exception.

In addition, Director Shim Sungbo had a quiet confidence in Netplay.

‘Even if it underperforms, they will have no choice but to promote it aggressively.’

Even if it was an empty promise, they would be compelled to market it in every possible way.

‘Netplay is desperate to partner with established studios. It’s an opportunity to show how much they can invest once they secure a deal.’

They were aiming to overturn the perception that Netplay’s works were of lower quality than those released in theaters. They would strive to improve that image.

‘If we were dealing with traditional theaters, we would be just another ordinary studio, but it would be different with Netplay.’

Either way, it was a win-win situation.

Maiyar Pictures and Bae Jeongmun, both sides completed their respective calculations.

In the common ground of that calculation.

“Do you happen to like tuna?”

“I like it if it’s a proper place.”

“That’s good.”

In any case, they both concluded that partnering with each other was the most advantageous option.

“It’s the best place I’ve ever been.”