Chapter 185
Hayes smiled as though he found my confidence amusing.
“Usually, when I say something like that, people start feeling pressured.”
“But you really are different, Director Min.”
“That confidence of yours... I’m looking forward to seeing what you come up with.”
Pressure?
If anything, I wanted to show him as soon as possible.
I thought back to the dramas that had shown the world the power of Korean content through Network Flex before my regression.
Kingdom of Blood, which had given rise to the term “K-zombie” worldwide.
Victory Ship, which proved the potential of Korean science fiction.
Rules of the Game, which had ranked number one on Network Flex in 130 countries and created a worldwide phenomenon.
And The Hell....
Big Picture had already secured the original IP rights to many of those projects through its annual competitions and the web novel platform New Moon.
While I was briefly lost in thought, Hayes continued.
“Personally, I think a genre piece might be a good choice for the first project.”
“Something like a crime thriller.”
“It’s already a proven genre in Korea, and at the same time it has a universal kind of tension and entertainment that global audiences can relate to.”
I smiled.
“I’m not so sure.”
“In my opinion, the first project should be something a little more unconventional and daring.”
“For example... zombies.”
“Oh, a zombie series...”
Hayes’s eyes lit up.
With the American drama The Walking Dead already becoming a worldwide hit, interest in zombie stories was high.
“Do you already have something in mind?”
“Yes.”
“Actually, there is one project I’m already considering as Network Flex’s first Korean original.”
“Really?”
Hayes looked genuinely surprised.
“It’s a project currently being developed at Big Picture.”
“And I think it would be more than suitable as Network Flex’s first Korean original.”
“Then could you give me just a little hint about what it’s about?”
Curiosity shone in his eyes.
I paused for a moment, then lowered my voice as though afraid someone might overhear.
“It’s set in the royal court during Korea’s Joseon era.”
“There are rumors that the king has turned into a monster, while a mysterious epidemic begins spreading through a village.”
“And everyone infected by the disease becomes...”
I suddenly stopped.
Hayes, who had been completely absorbed in my story, blinked at me.
Why did I stop?
I grinned.
“I think I’ll stop there.”
“We haven’t signed anything yet.”
“I can’t reveal such a valuable idea like this. Hahaha.”
Hayes stared blankly at me for a moment.
Then he clenched the hand holding his fork.
“Director Min, that’s cruel.”
“How can you stop the story there?”
“You’ll get used to it.”
I laughed.
“That’s how K-dramas end their episodes.”
Hayes laughed along with me.
We agreed to form working-level teams and discuss the specific contract terms later, then stood to leave the restaurant.
Before we parted, Reid Hayes spoke one last time.
“I really enjoyed today.”
“I’m genuinely looking forward to working together.”
“So am I.”
“Though I’ll admit... I’m slightly worried I may end up regretting today’s decision.”
I looked at him, wondering what he meant.
Hayes smiled.
“I might be personally helping to nurture the man who’ll eventually become Network Flex’s biggest competitor. Hahaha.”
“Rather than competitors, how about thinking of us as partners who can both benefit?”
“I’m certain Network Flex will grow together with us.”
Hayes smiled regretfully.
“You really are... an interesting man.”
“It’s honestly a shame I couldn’t bring you onto our side.”
I held out my hand again.
“I hope we can become good partners.”
“I hope so too.”
“Even if we become rivals three years from now. Hahaha.”
We shook hands and parted.
On the way back to the hotel, I stared out at the San Francisco cityscape passing beyond the window.
Before my regression, Korean dramas and films had begun succeeding worldwide through Network Flex.
That success had given confidence to the entire Korean content industry.
But by then, it was already too late.
Foreign companies had already taken control of the OTT platform market.
Korean companies had been reduced to little more than subcontractors supplying content.
This time will be different.
First, we’ll use Network Flex as a springboard to prove that Korean content works globally.
At the same time, we’ll learn how Network Flex operates.
And while that happened, Hanshin Media would prepare its own platform using Quantum’s CDN technology and cloud infrastructure.
Just then, my phone vibrated.
It was Executive Director Baek Seonghan.
“Yes, Executive Director.”
“Director Min, where are you?”
“CEO Han and I are already at Quantum.”
“Ah, yes.”
“I’m on my way too.”
After ending the call, I spoke to the driver.
“Could you go a little faster, please?”
The car accelerated.
Seven hundred billion won in capital secured through the Mega Cinema sale.
Technology obtained through an eight-year partnership with Quantum.
And now the operational know-how we could learn through our partnership with Network Flex.
Piece by piece, every part of the puzzle was falling into place for the beginning of a Korean global OTT platform.
A smile naturally appeared on my face.
After finishing our schedule at Quantum headquarters, we returned to the hotel.
“I need to organize some materials for tomorrow’s meetings.”
“So I’ll just order room service for dinner.”
“I’m exhausted.”
“I think I’m going to skip dinner and sleep.”
The TF staff looked completely drained after spending the entire day in back-to-back meetings.
