Chapter 107
Hwang Donghyuk looked stunned when I said we would complete all sixteen episode scripts within six months.
Then he answered.
“Fine. If you really finish all sixteen episodes within six months like you promised, I’ll guarantee you a programming slot in the first half of 2012.”
Just like that, Hwang Donghyuk accepted my proposal.
From that day onward, Choi Kyungmin and Mabongchun practically lived in their studio as they began working on the script.
“The drama only ended recently, yet it looks like we’ll be jumping straight into another project without even getting a proper break. Hahaha.”
“Exactly. I didn’t expect us to start something else this quickly either.”
Inside CEO Han Taesung’s office, Han Taesung and Executive Director Kim Eunkyung sat across the table from me and smiled.
“It’s scheduled for the first half of the year after next, so we still have plenty of time.”
“That’s true.”
Kim Eunkyung smiled.
“Still, I never imagined you’d convince Director Hwang, who usually refuses to work with rookie writers, in that way.”
Han Taesung laughed.
“And when our famous hitmaker Team Leader Min personally went there and pushed the idea, I heard Director Hwang decided he could at least accept those conditions.”
With praise continuing to rain down on me, I felt strangely embarrassed.
I awkwardly shrugged my shoulders.
Seeing that, Han Taesung and Kim Eunkyung burst into laughter.
“Anyway, that isn’t why I called you here today.”
Han Taesung’s expression became more serious.
“It’s about what you said before. You asked me to find someone who could help us establish a connection with Joongwang Daily.”
Around the time the review process began for selecting operators of the new general programming channels, I had suggested that Han Taesung create a connection with Joongwang Daily, which was considered highly likely to receive one of the licenses.
“Did you find someone who could connect us?”
Instead of answering immediately, Han Taesung nodded.
Then he asked another question.
“But do you really believe Joongwang Daily will be selected for one of the general programming channels?”
Of course I was certain.
I was a regressor.
But I obviously couldn’t tell Han Taesung that.
“Well, unless I’m a god, there’s no way I can be completely certain about the future.”
I continued.
“But both the media and political world currently consider Joseong Daily, Joongwang Daily, and Donghwa Daily the three strongest candidates.”
Kim Eunkyung joined the conversation.
“But based on financial power, people are also saying the Daehyun Group has a strong chance.”
“And the Korea Business Newspaper already has experience operating a cable channel through Korea Business TV. Some people say they have a strong chance too.”
She clearly didn’t want us making a careless judgment.
“Of course, that’s possible.”
I nodded.
“But when we consider why the current government is creating these general programming channels in the first place, wouldn’t they choose companies that fit most closely with the current administration?”
“That’s probably true...”
Han Taesung muttered thoughtfully.
I looked toward him again.
“So who is this person who can connect us?”
“Ah. One of my seniors from university is an executive director at Joongwang Daily.”
Han Taesung continued.
“According to him, the Joongwang Group has already more or less decided internally which employees will move to the broadcasting channel if they win the license.”
“That makes sense.”
Kim Eunkyung nodded.
“Once the selection becomes official, building an organization and securing manpower will be more urgent than anything else.”
“Exactly.”
Han Taesung nodded.
“Anyway, my senior said he could introduce me to the person who has already been chosen internally to become a division director on the channel side.”
“That’s great.”
I smiled.
“If he’s going to be a division director, then he’ll be one of the people making real working-level decisions.”
However, despite my positive reaction, concern appeared on Kim Eunkyung’s face.
“Even if we meet someone from their side, we’re practically a new production company when it comes to dramas.”
“We’ve only produced one drama so far.”
She looked at me.
“Would they really be interested in us?”
“That’s true.”
I nodded.
“But once their general programming channel is officially approved, they’re going to realize they’re not really in a position to be overly picky.”
Han Taesung and Kim Eunkyung exchanged glances.
Neither seemed to immediately understand what I meant.
“Is it because of the negative reaction toward the general programming channels that’s spreading through the industry right now?”
In reality, the size of the advertising market wasn’t suddenly going to increase.
Because of that, many people worried that the new general programming channels would struggle to avoid massive losses.
Existing cable program providers were also complaining.
The cable advertising market had a fixed amount of money available.
They feared that the new general programming channels would simply eat into that market.
And once the channels were officially approved, quite a few people openly expressed hostility toward the channels because they would be controlled by conservative-leaning media companies.
Because of all this, some people were already betting that the general programming channels would collapse within only a few years, even though they hadn’t been selected yet.
Naturally, most existing drama production companies were still focused entirely on terrestrial broadcasters.
Interest in the new general programming channels remained extremely low.
“Yes.”
I nodded.
“And I believe public opinion will become even more negative for a while after the general programming channels are officially confirmed.”
I explained that existing production companies would also hesitate to move toward those new channels because they would be worried about public reaction.
Kim Eunkyung slowly understood.
“So what you’re saying is...”
“Because everyone else is ignoring the general programming channels right now, this is exactly the time for us to move first.”
“Yes.”
I nodded.
“Like you said earlier, Executive Director Kim, we’ve only just started opening a path into the drama industry.”
“This might be our only chance to secure an entire channel relationship before everyone else moves in.”
“Secure the channel first...”
Han Taesung looked impressed.
“You’re always one step ahead of what I’m thinking. Hahaha.”
But then his expression changed slightly.
“Still, there’s something I haven’t told you yet.”
He paused before continuing.
“My senior said the man who has been selected as division director is extremely rigid and very difficult to deal with.”
Rigid and difficult.
That probably meant he was a strict man who cared deeply about principles and rules.
People like that generally placed great importance on procedures, laws, regulations, and moral standards.
In other words...
They were usually extremely sensitive to people trying to gain favors through school connections, regional ties, or family connections.
“Ah...”
While I searched for something to say, Han Taesung continued.
“Well, no one gets full on the first spoonful.”
He smiled as though trying to relieve some pressure from me.
“Don’t push too hard just because you’re ambitious. For now, think of it as an opportunity to introduce yourself and make sure he remembers your face.”
“Yes. I’ll do that.”
“Good. Then I’ll arrange a meeting within the next few days.”
After the discussion ended, I returned to the planning team and called Kang Jooyoung and Lee Hyunwoo.
“Kang Jooyoung. Lee Hyunwoo.”
“How far along is the proposal I asked you to prepare?”
“Ah, it’s almost finished.”
“Really?”
I nodded.
“Please hurry just a little. I think we’ll have a chance to use that proposal within the next few days.”
Meanwhile, after Kibaek left the CEO’s office, Han Taesung remained silent for a long time.
Noticing that his mood was different from usual, Executive Director Kim Eunkyung carefully spoke.
“CEO Han, is something bothering you?”
“No.”
Han Taesung slowly shook his head.
