章 5: Newcomers

"This is Jae-sung, our first signed artist," Byul-ho introduced, as Jae-sung emerged from a practice room.

The two newcomers exchanged glances. Jae-sung wasn't a name they recognized, but there was something about him – a confidence, perhaps – that caught their attention.

Byul-ho, sensing their interest, continued, "I have plans to debut a K-pop group. With your talents combined with Jae-sung's, I believe we could create something truly special."

Min-jae and Sung-ho listened intently as Byul-ho outlined his vision. The idea of pursuing their passion full-time, with the backing of a real company, was tempting.

"It's a risk," Byul-ho admitted, "but I believe in your potential. Together, we could make waves in the industry."

***

Byul-ho's persuasive efforts paid off, and both Lee Min-jae and Park Sung-ho agreed to sign with Golden-Star Entertainment.

The contracts were drawn up, reviewed, and signed with a mixture of nervousness and excitement.

As they began their training regimen, Min-jae's natural talent for dance became even more apparent. He picked up the choreography with ease, even showing surprise at some of the complex moves Byul-ho had incorporated – moves that weren't yet common in the current K-pop scene.

"These dance routines are incredible," Min-jae commented during a water break. "I've never seen anything quite like them."

Byul-ho just smiled, pleased that his future knowledge was already proving valuable.

While overseeing their practice and continuing his talent scouting efforts, including distributing flyers for upcoming auditions, Byul-ho was approached by his butler, Seon-woo.

"Young master," Seon-woo began hesitantly, "I hate to interrupt, but I must remind you about your schooling. It's been two weeks since you've attended classes."

Byul-ho sighed, running a hand through his hair. He'd been dreading this conversation. "Seon-woo, I... I don't think I want to go back to school."

The butler's eyes widened in shock. "But young master, your education is crucial for your future!"

"I know it seems that way," Byul-ho said, struggling to find the right words without revealing the truth about his reincarnated knowledge. "But I already have the knowledge I need to run this company. School feels... redundant now."

Seon-woo's brow furrowed with concern. "I understand your passion for this venture, but please consider the importance of a formal education. Your parents would have wanted—"

"I know," Byul-ho cut in, his voice softening at the mention of his parents. He could see the genuine worry in his butler's eyes. "Look, I promise I'll think about going back later. Right now, I need to focus on getting Golden-Star off the ground. There's so much potential here, Seon-woo. I can feel it."

The butler still looked uncertain, but he nodded reluctantly. "Very well, young master. But please, don't dismiss your education entirely. Perhaps we can discuss alternatives in the future?"

Byul-ho agreed, grateful for the temporary reprieve. As Seon-woo walked away, Byul-ho turned his attention back to the practice room, where his first three artists were hard at work. He knew he was making the right choice. School could wait – he had a K-pop revolution to lead.

***

Two days later, Golden-Star Entertainment's modest office was buzzing with activity. Byul-ho, flanked by his small team of employees, sat behind a long table, ready to oversee the auditions.

The waiting area was filled with young men, all hoping for a chance to join the company's first boy group.

As the auditions progressed, Byul-ho saw a mix of desperation and talent. Many of the hopefuls were clearly driven by difficult circumstances, their desire for a better life evident in their eyes. While some showed promise in singing or dancing, Byul-ho found himself searching for something more, something that would complement the skills of Jae-sung, Min-jae, and Sung-ho.

Three hours into the auditions, just as Byul-ho was beginning to feel discouraged, a young man walked in that immediately caught his attention.

Kim Hyun-woo, a 20-year-old with a lithe build and striking features, took center stage. What set him apart wasn't his vocals or his dance moves, though both were solid. It was when he pulled out a small keyboard that Hyun-woo truly shone.

His fingers danced across the keys, creating a melody that was both complex and catchy. As he played, Hyun-woo began to sing, his voice blending seamlessly with the music he was creating. It was clear that this wasn't just a performer, but a true musician.

Byul-ho leaned forward, his interest piqued.

Here was the missing piece he'd been looking for - a talented composer and instrumentalist.

Someone who could contribute to the group's music creation process, adding depth and originality to their sound.

As Hyun-woo finished his performance, Byul-ho exchanged glances with his team.

"Kim Hyun-woo-ssi," Byul-ho called out, a smile playing on his lips. "I'd like to speak with you further about joining Golden-Star Entertainment."

Hyun-woo's eyes widened in surprise and hope. As he stepped forward, Byul-ho could feel the pieces of his vision falling into place.

With Hyun-woo's composition skills added to the mix, the group he was forming had the potential to revolutionize the K-pop scene in ways this world had never seen before.

***

Byul-ho leaned back in his chair, studying the profiles spread across his desk. Two weeks of grueling auditions, sleepless nights, and countless cups of coffee had led to this moment. Seven faces stared back at him from the glossy photographs, each one a piece of the puzzle he'd been meticulously assembling.

"Seven," he murmured to himself, a small smile playing on his lips. It felt right, a number that balanced vocal harmonies with visual impact.

He picked up Jae-sung's profile first, his fingers tracing the edge of the photo. The raw talent that had caught his eye on that fateful day in Hongdae had been polished into something truly spectacular. Jae-sung's voice could make you weep or soar, sometimes in the same song.

Next came Min-jae, all fluid grace and sharp angles. Byul-ho had seen the way people's eyes followed Min-jae when he danced, like they couldn't look away even if they wanted to.

Sung-ho's profile made him chuckle. The rapper's sharp wit was evident even in his official headshot, a glint in his eye that promised lyrics that would stick in your head for days.

Hyun-woo's gentle smile belied the fire that burned in him when he sat at a piano or picked up a guitar. Byul-ho knew that Hyun-woo's compositions would be the backbone of their sound, setting them apart in a crowded industry.

The newer additions rounded out the group. Yoon-seok, with his boyish charm and dance moves that seemed to defy gravity. Do-hyun, whose deep voice and charismatic stage presence promised to draw fans in droves. And finally, Hae-won, the youngest, still rough around the edges but with a sparkle that Byul-ho knew would soon shine bright.

Byul-ho gathered the profiles together, tapping them on the desk to align them neatly. Seven young men, each talented in their own right, but together... together they could be extraordinary.

His fingers traced the edges of the glossy photographs on his desk, a sense of pride swelling in his chest.

The practice room down the hall echoed with the sounds of his newly formed group hard at work, their voices and footsteps blending into a promising rhythm.

His mind wandered to Jae-sung, who was currently recovering from the facial surgery Byul-ho had promised.

The other members who'd opted for enhancements were scheduled for their procedures in the coming weeks.

It was a delicate balance, refining their looks without losing the unique charms that had caught his eye in the first place.

"Soon," he murmured to himself, thinking of the music compositions taking shape under Hyun-woo's talented hands.

Once the tracks were polished, he knew his father's old contacts would prove invaluable. The industry connections that had once seemed lost might just be the key to launching his group into the spotlight.

"Young master."

The stern voice of his butler, Seon-woo, cut through his musings.