CP Kang Dae-Woong of Project I.O.A. furrowed his brow and began explaining what HK was planning.

"HK Entertainment has joined hands with KNET."

"Joined hands?"

"Starting in two weeks, they're airing an audition program called Once Again, Idol! in the same time slot as our broadcast. Those bastards."

Once Again, Idol!, which was about to be announced, was a program that gathered retired famous idols to form a new girl group. And for that, HK Entertainment was reportedly pouring in a staggering 30 billion won.

"They're clearly targeting us."

"Yeah."

President Kim Gab-Soo of SBC let out a heavy sigh beside us. "They call it HK Entertainment, but it looks like the entire HK Inc. is backing them. Otherwise, there's no way they'd throw 30 billion won at this."

Director Hong Ah-Yoon's plan was obvious. With overwhelming capital power, she intended to strike at the program I had planned. That was why everyone gathered at the lobby entrance wore such grim expressions.

However, launching an audition program in just two weeks meant there were countless issues to handle. If there were cracks in their preparation, that would be our opening.

So I immediately asked, "How are they planning to gather audition participants in just two weeks?"

Kang Dae-Woong answered, "Their cast will all be former idols. If they set their minds to it, they could probably gather them in a week. I hear they've secured quite a few recognizable names too."

"Has the lineup been released?"

"No. It's still top secret. But knowing how they operate, you can assume most of the famous ones will show up."

"That's possible. But who's the CP and PD for the program?"

"We don't know the CP yet, but the PD is Choi Go-Bong. You know him, right?"

Choi Go-Bong was KNET's top variety PD. Originally from KBC, he had been scouted to KNET with a 1 billion won annual salary and was known as the best audition show master in the industry. He was also the PD who had trained Ji Yung-Sik, the main PD of Project I.O.A.

His most recent audition show, Tomorrow I'm Idol!, had achieved a record-breaking peak viewership ratings of 17.3% five years ago. However, he had squeezed out those ratings through so-called "devil's editing." And because of that, every audition show he produced had sparked controversy.

That meant this time would likely be no different.

So I reassured the worried group. "Isn't he an outdated PD who can't even use apps properly and can't read trends anymore? Besides, our Episode 4 viewership ratings are higher. What exactly are we worried about?"

Project I.O.A. had recorded 9.3% viewership ratings in Episode 4, far surpassing the 6.3% that Tomorrow I'm Idol! had achieved at the same stage. 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

"Still, he's PD Choi Go-Bong."

Kim Gab-Soo couldn't hide his unease and agreed. "Exactly. Experience doesn't just disappear. And his peak viewership rating was 17.3%. If the entire HK Inc. pushes this one, it's bound to be different. I hear the KNET production team has been sharpening their knives."

Though the two of them were anxious, I answered without wavering. "No matter how many famous former idols they bring in, our contestants are hotter right now. Go Eun-Seo, Sung Na-Ra, Song Mi-Hee, Yang Bing Bing, Minamoto Aoi, Han So-Won, Kudo Minatsu, Wang Lina... every single one of them has over 100,000 fans inside our app."

Beyond the broadcast itself, the [PROJECT : I.O.A] app had already surpassed 1.5 million registered users. Viewers were deeply immersed in following their favorite idols' every move through the app. We had even enabled small-scale fan clubs within the app, and the top-ranked members each had fandoms exceeding 100,000.

There was no need to panic.

As I firmly stated that, Acting President Jin Ah-Ram began nodding and taking my side. "That's true. There's never been a failure when Mr. Jung has taken charge. I guess we worried for nothing."

President Jin Sung-Joon regained his confidence and agreed. "Exactly. If they have PD Choi Go-Bong over there, we have Chief Jung over here."

Kim Gab-Soo of SBC cleared his throat and asked again. "It's not that I don't trust you, Chief Jung. But is there perhaps something more systematic we can do?"

"A systematic method?"

"The shareholders are nervous because HK Entertainment stepped in. As you know, most of them are quite elderly."

Now I understood why the SBC president had come all the way to Incheon. Then I needed to offer a solution.

"Understood. In that case, after today's Week 5 second elimination, how about eliminating one team every week starting next week?"

Project I.O.A. would be left with eight teams after today's Week 5 elimination. Originally, we planned to eliminate two teams every two weeks, and once four teams remained, eliminate one team at a time. But if we eliminated one team every single week, the tension would skyrocket.

In other words, from Week 6 through the final Week 12, there would be eliminations every episode.

Kim Gab-Soo's expression finally brightened. "That's good. If a team gets eliminated every week, it'll generate buzz and constant headlines." He seemed pleased and turned to Kang Dae-Woong. "CP Kang. Can we adjust it as Chief Jung suggested?"

"Yes. We can absolutely change the elimination format. In fact, now that we're at Week 5, the contestants' skill levels are becoming clearer, and there were concerns some might grow complacent. Weekly eliminations would be better."

"Okay!"

I took that opportunity to add one more idea. "And like today, we'll occasionally have other Hoop Entertainment artists appear as special guests."

"Hahaha. Really? If you do that, we'd be thrilled."

At that moment, Miso raised both hands in a tiny V shape. "Mr. Kim! I'll come every week!"

'Miso, do you even know how much your appearance fee is? You can't just volunteer like that.'

I was about to stop her, but Kim Gab-Soo already seemed to know it wasn't realistic and burst into hearty laughter. "Oh? If our superstar comes every week, it would be my honor."

Then Yoo-Jin raised her left hand from Miso's left side. "Me too!"

Lee Tae-Poong, who had been watching the mood, stepped forward and raised his right hand on Miso's other side. "Me too?"

The three of them lifted their hands, forming a double V pose with Miso in the center.

'Fine.'

Even if not every week, I decided to bring them often and make sure to squeeze a hefty appearance fee out of Kim Gab-Soo.

Just then, a camera flash went off.

Click.

Everyone turned, thinking reporters had arrived. However, it was Lee Dae-Ho, who had gotten out of the car and was holding up his phone, taking a picture of the three of them. He looked sheepish.

"It's perfect for Instargem. I'm sorry if I startled you."

Jin Ah-Ram laughed. "If you're going to take a photo, you should do it properly in front of the lobby. After all, they're our hotel's exclusive models, aren't they?"

I immediately turned to Yoo-Jin. "Yoo-Jin, one more time."

Miso stood in the center, Yoo-Jin to her left, and Lee Tae-Poong to her right. Then Miso whispered something to Yoo-Jin and Lee Tae-Poong. They both nodded and looked straight ahead. I had no idea what she was planning, but their expressions suddenly turned serious.

Tilting my head in confusion, I raised my phone. "In that case, to show we're definitely going to win—Victory~ V~"

That's when Miso dropped to one knee and boldly drew a large V in the air. At the same time, Yoo-Jin knelt beside her, stretching her left hand outward while placing her right hand at the tip of Miso's V. Lee Tae-Poong mirrored her on the other side, extending his hand symmetrically.

Following Miso's lead, the three of them struck the signature double V pose of the Powertuff Girls as if declaring absolute victory.

Click.

With a faint smile, I took the photo and immediately uploaded it to Instargem.

[@miso1004 : Victory, no matter what!]

Now, it was time to push interest in today's Week 5 broadcast of Project I.O.A. to its peak so that when Once Again, Idol! began airing in two weeks, it wouldn't even dare to challenge us.

***

"Ah! Mic test! Mic test! The left speaker's volume is low. Turn it up!"

The sound check echoed through the convention hall of Jinseong Resort in Yeongjongdo.

Go Eun-Seo, who had been steadying herself in front of the restroom mirror, took a deep breath at the sound.

"Sigh. I can do this. Go Eun-Seo. Let's move up to Team 1 this time. You've got this!"

Team 1 of Project I.O.A. consisted of four members: Korea's 1st and 2nd place, China's 1st place, and Japan's 1st place. However, Go Eun-Seo was currently ranked 4th in Korea, barely holding onto a spot in Team 2. Although eight members would debut up to Team 2, her ambition wouldn't allow her to be satisfied with that position.

But moving up wasn't easy. Korea's 1st and 2nd place were Sung Na-Ra, the popular former member of FIVE Angels, and Song Mi-Hee, a ten-year trainee. Both had firmly secured their spots with outstanding skills.

And in the same Team 2, Choi Yeon-Mi, a trainee from Ace Entertainment, was also talented and full of idol-appropriate charm.

The problem was that even Han So-Won and Park Eun-Chae in Team 3 below them were strong contenders she couldn't afford to underestimate.

"Where on earth did Mr. Jung even find all these girls? Tch."

Once arrogant and convinced she was destined to debut, Go Eun-Seo was finally tasting reality. After drying her hands, she left the restroom and headed toward the waiting room.

Click.

As she opened the door to the convention hall's attached waiting room, she saw the large space divided into tables by team. On each table were boxes of cake snacks sponsored by Jinseong Foods, THE Best coffee, and THE Water. Behind them stood two high-end air dressers[1] per team, sponsored by Daechon Electronics, so the contestants could refresh their stage outfits.

In front of each table, the 64 competitors were mentally preparing and getting ready for rehearsal.

However, at the very corner, something absurd was happening at her Team 2 table. Team 2's Korean member Choi Yeon-Mi, Chinese member Liu Lan, and Japanese member Nagai Haruko were surrounding someone.

Looking closer, the person they had cornered was Oh Hae-Nim from Team 9, the same girl Go Eun-Seo had lent lip gloss to yesterday. She wasn't quite at rival level skill-wise, but she was always smiling and Go Eun-Seo had felt a subtle fondness toward her.

'Why isn't she with her own team? And why is she getting bullied here again?'

Not knowing the full story, Go Eun-Seo couldn't step in immediately, so she lingered a few steps away, listening.

That was when Team 2's Choi Yeon-Mi began pressing Oh Hae-Nim, clutching a silver necklace tightly in her right hand.

"Hey, Oh Hae-Nim. If you tell the truth, I'll let it slide. This necklace is mine, right?"

Oh Hae-Nim, on the verge of tears, tried to snatch it back. "N-no. It's mine. So give it back."

"You've got to be kidding me. Do you even know how much this costs? It's three hundred thousand won. And you're saying it's yours?"

"M-my oppa bought it for me."

"Oppa? Aren't you an orphan? What oppa?"

Oh Hae-Nim's face flushed red. "Not... my real brother."

"Then who? Who is it?"

"..."

"See? You can't answer because you're lying. I'll let this slide without telling the higher ups this time, so just get lost."

Oh Hae-Nim, close to tears, shook her head. "No. My oppa really gave it to me. Give it back."

"Wow, your shamelessness is on another level. Fine. Then let's call the higher ups and ask them. Let's see whether they believe an orphan like you or me."

Choi Yeon-Mi was the youngest daughter of a mid-sized construction company president in Incheon, so buying expensive accessories wasn't difficult for her.

However, the bigger problem was that she hid her true personality behind a façade so convincing that she was nicknamed "Angel Yeon-Mi." Fans, staff, and talent agents alike all praised her for being kind.

Perhaps because of that, Oh Hae-Nim couldn't respond when Choi Yeon-Mi suggested calling the teachers. If, by any chance, they didn't believe her, Team 9's Oh Hae-Nim would receive penalty points and almost certainly be eliminated today.

In the end, Oh Hae-Nim stood there helplessly on the verge of tears.

Only then did Go Eun-Seo grasp the situation. She frowned and muttered to herself. "Seriously. Did I catch Mr. Jung's meddling habit or something?"

At that moment, Kudo Minatsu suddenly appeared behind her. "Eun-Seo. Aren't they on the same team? What's going on?"

"They're saying Hae-Nim stole Yeon-Mi's necklace."

"Huh? She's been wearing that necklace since the first day."

"You saw it?"

Kudo Minatsu stuck out her tongue sheepishly. "She looked sweet and quiet, so I tried getting close to her because I thought she'd be easy to push around."

"You're awful."

"I've reflected, okay? I did that thing—what was it—gae-ga-cheong-seong? Something like that. Mr. Jung is scary."

"It's gae-gwa-cheon-seon[2]. If you're going to work in Korea, study Korean harder."

"Whoa~ Are you dissing me right now?"

"Yeah. I am. And what's with that tone?"

"Acting cute?"

"It suits you because you are cute. Just don't overdo it."

"Okayyy."

Then Go Eun-Seo stepped forward.

"What are you going to do?"

"You might be annoying, but you don't lie. And I shared a room with Yeon-Mi for a week. She's careless with her stuff and lies easily. That necklace is probably Hae-Nim's. That softie isn't the type to lie."

Kudo Minatsu's eyes sparkled as she followed. "Oh, are we going in as warriors of justice? I'm coming too."

"Justice, my foot. I'm just going to step on someone annoying."

In the past, Go Eun-Seo would have ignored it entirely, whether Oh Hae-Nim was falsely accused or not. But after being taught by Jung Yoon-Ho, she couldn't pretend not to see something like this. So she approached, dragging along the clingy Kudo Minatsu.

Even as Oh Hae-Nim lowered her head and cried quietly, Choi Yeon-Mi held up the necklace with a smug expression.

"Then I'm taking this. Oh, and try your best to survive today. Only eight teams will remain, so you'll need to work harder, Team 9's Oh Hae-Nim."

At that moment, Go Eun-Seo stopped in front of her and spoke coldly. "Hey. Isn't that Hae-Nim's?"

Choi Yeon-Mi whipped her head around. "Go Eun-Seo! I told you to use honorifics with me. I'm older than you."

"An unnie should act like one. Just because you were born earlier makes you an unnie?"

Choi Yeon-Mi glanced around. Now that they had stepped out of the corner, they were fully visible to the surveillance cameras.

In the end, Choi Yeon-Mi forced a bright smile and lowered her voice. "Go Eun-Seo. This isn't your business. Why don't you stay out of it?"

"Don't smile while you talk. It's disgusting."

"You little—! Watch your mouth."

"It's a shame people don't know what you're really like."

"What?"

"And that necklace Hae-Nim's wearing—someone saw her wearing it from the very first day."

Choi Yeon-Mi flinched. "W-who?"

Kudo Minatsu beamed and shot her hand up high. "Me! Me!"

Go Eun-Seo jerked her chin toward her. "You saw it, right? So unless you have proof it's yours, hand it over."

Choi Yeon-Mi trembled as she glared at Go Eun-Seo. They had shared a room for a week, and she had always thought Go Eun-Seo was insufferable.

Then Choi Yeon-Mi narrowed her eyes and said, "Fine. Let's call the higher ups. Then we'll see whether they believe that orphan or me."

Oh Hae-Nim panicked and waved her hands, her voice shaking. "E-Eun-Seo. I-I'm okay."

Choi Yeon-Mi shrugged as if to prove a point. "See? Even she admits it. So you can just—"

Smack.

At that moment, Go Eun-Seo's hand struck across Choi Yeon-Mi's head.

Choi Yeon-Mi froze in shock. "Y-you hit me?"

Go Eun-Seo flicked her hand as if brushing off dust. "You were talking crap, so a fly in the waiting room must've been drawn to you. I was just swatting it. Sorry I missed."

"Y-you bitch..."

A curse slipped from Choi Yeon-Mi's mouth, but Go Eun-Seo snorted and raised her hand again. "Huh? Another fly's coming."

Choi Yeon-Mi flinched and stepped back.

Just then, Choi Yeon-Mi's eyes darted around. She suddenly dropped to the floor and burst into tears.

"Sob, sob... E-Eun-Seo. Why are you doing this to me... What did I do wrong..."

Go Eun-Seo and Kudo Minatsu stared at her in disbelief.

"What are you doing right now?"

That's when a booming voice came in. "Go Eun-Seo! What do you think you're doing!?"

At the booming voice, they turned around. Kang Dae-Woong was striding toward them with an angry expression. Behind him stood Jung Yoon-Ho, Jung Yoo-Jin, Jung Miso, PD Ji Yung-Sik, and Chief Lee Dong-Min.

Go Eun-Seo, her hand still raised, finally began to panic. From anyone's perspective, it looked like the ill-tempered Go Eun-Seo had just assaulted the famously kind Choi Yeon-Mi.

She felt cornered. For a moment, she regretted stepping in. However, there was one person she didn't want to misunderstand her.

"M-Mr. Jung... It's not what it looks like—"

At that moment, Jung Yoon-Ho spoke calmly. "Lower your hand first, Eun-Seo."

"Mr. Jung, what you're seeing isn't the whole—"

Go Eun-So's words tumbled out quickly as she tried to explain, but Jung Yoon-Ho said something she hadn't expected.

"I'll listen to everything you have to say. So you can put your hand down. You're not the type to do something like this without a reason."

In that instant, Go Eun-Seo felt her chest tighten. The same Jung Yoon-Ho who had once been so harsh with her was now trusting her.

"Mr. Jung..."

Just then, Miso, who had been holding onto Jung Yoon-Ho's waist, tilted her head and stretched out her arm. "Uncle Yoon-Ho! That unnie is fake crying!"

Miso's small finger pointed straight at Choi Yeon-Mi, who was sitting on the floor, sobbing dramatically.

1. AirDresser is like a closet that can steam and sanitize your clothes ☜

2. Korean idiom for redemption ☜