NOVEL NEXT Episode 33
JTVN’s main conference room.
President Jeon Nam-hoe sat in the center, with executives on either side. All were prominent figures within JTVN.
The reason for their gathering was clear. Such meetings only occur when deciding crucial company matters. As the meeting reached its midpoint, Director Ko Dong-guk spoke up.
“Next, as shared in the email, we’ll discuss Writer Kyukyu’s next work,
Department Head Kim Dae-young spoke first. He was currently doubling as the vacant Programming Planning Director.
“It’s on par with
In response, the portly Nam Deok-hyun, Management Planning Director, chimed in.
“I found the first episode script intriguing. The first episode, that is.”
He was the one who had previously moved up the airing date of ‘Eccentric Doctor Ham In-ju’ due to the ‘Ugly Boss’ incident. Since Ham In-ju had become a massive hit, he was embarrassed and not particularly welcoming of Writer Kyukyu’s next work.
“It’s just the first episode. I think it’s premature to make a decision now.”
Director Nam pointed at the estimated script fee for
“The amount is considerable for a writer’s second work. I believe it’s safer to decide after seeing additional scripts.”
This opposition was expected. Director Ko had once thought the same way.
“That’s a fair point. I had the same opinion when I first received the script for
Chuckles were heard in the conference room. Director Ko was known for his role as a lubricant in typically rigid executive meetings.
“And as you know, my stance has now completely reversed. Doubt has turned into certainty.”
Department Head Kim added:
“While verification would be ideal, the situation is different now. Unlike before when there was just one script, the writer now has an outstanding previous work.”
Director Ko continued:
“Several production companies have already attempted to contact Won Management, which Writer Kyukyu belongs to.”
His tone was quite cautious.
“The only reason they haven’t made any progress is that we have the right of first negotiation due to our connection from working on the first project together.”
Then he scanned the room persuasively.
“This means we don’t have much time left. The moment we hesitate on the contract, the first episode script of
Department Head Kim chimed in.
“By then, it would be too late. Our advantage would disappear, and we’d have to compete solely on terms with our rivals.”
Management Planning Director Nam’s brow furrowed.
‘Did they suddenly join forces? What are they up to?’
Within the company, Director Ko typically maintained a neutral position. He focused solely on the Drama Department rather than internal politics. The same was true for Department Head Kim, who was facing retirement next year.
Seeing their naturally fluid teamwork was disconcerting.
Just then, another voice was heard.
“Aren’t we judging based on the premise that-“
Eyes shifted towards the source of the voice.
“the next work will definitely be a hit? Let’s try to shift our perspective.”
It was JTVN’s Vice President, Seo Il-hae. Vice President Seo refreshed the viewpoint.
“Even the industry’s top star writers don’t succeed with every work.”
Not to be outdone, Director Nam jumped in.
“Exactly! No writer is without fluctuations. Isn’t it common for a writer to have a hit and then stumble with their next work?”
Vice President Seo’s thin eyes narrowed further.
“Is there no possibility that this concern could apply to us?”
He then passed the ball back to the opposing side.
“We’re talking about a writer who’s only released one work, with no follow-up data to gauge. Don’t you think we might be rushing?”
The first player for this side. Department Head Kim caught that ball.
“As you say, the industry still has limited data on Writer Kyukyu.”
He then used the momentum of the ball to send it back.
“Conversely, this means we alone have the most accurate data from working with her.”
Though he’s nearing retirement now, Kim was once known for his judgment that could sway channel programming.
“Limited data implies potential for both overvaluation and undervaluation of a product’s worth.”
Such a person was speaking more than usual today.
“From the perspective of having the most accurate data in the industry…”
Department Head Kim’s eyes sparkled like in his prime.
“Writer Kyukyu falls into the latter category. Considering the future market value of Writer Kyukyu, today is her lowest point.”
The next player was Management Planning Director Nam. Like his boar-like appearance, his specialty was power spikes.
“For data to be trustworthy, conditions must be identical. Isn’t the genre different?”
Several heads in the conference room nodded.
“Shouldn’t we then view this as a new attempt? There’s too much uncertainty for the previous work to guarantee success.”
He then added gruffly:
“It’s not like we’re short on people. If we’re doing a romantic comedy, bringing back Kim Seung-yeon is also an option.”
As his spike hit…
“It was just a few weeks ago that Writer Kyukyu beat Kim Seung-yeon in ratings. Seems you’ve forgotten.”
Department Head Kim lightly touched the ball and deflected it back.
As Director Nam cleared his throat with a “Ahem-“,
“Haha, good, good.”
President Jeon Nam-hoe, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke. He then encouraged the executives with an intrigued expression.
“Seeing such lively discussion of opposing views, I think it’s a blessing for our company.”
Everyone focused at those words. They knew it was time for him to summarize the situation.
“Writer Kyukyu.”
President Jeon turned his gaze to Director Ko.
“Bring her in by any means necessary. I won’t interfere with how much you spend on writer fees.”
President Jeon flashed a grin after speaking, but Director Ko merely nodded slightly.
He knew it was a sweet trap.
-There’s no upper limit on writer fees.
No naive person who would take those words at face value would be in this position. Even a new employee could buy a product by paying whatever is asked.
-Not only bringing her in, but completing the contract at a reasonable price.
President Jeon would be watching. Watching to see what appropriate value Director Ko assigns to Writer Kyukyu.
A moment later.
Director Ko changed the PPT slide and spoke again.
“Next… is the agenda regarding the establishment of Drama Department Production Team 4.”
-Production Team 4.
It’s a new production team being formed after 5 years. Given that President Jeon is the initiator… In a way, it could be seen as a special unit directly under the president. The final list of candidates selected from each team has already been compiled.
President Jeon, noticing a modification in the content, spoke up.
“A new name has been added to the list you previously provided?”
Director Ko cautiously opened his mouth.
“Yes, I suggested it.”
President Jeon asked.
“Do Ji-won… Who is this?”
Director Ko tried to understand the intent behind the question. President Jeon already knew about Do Ji-won’s existence.
On the day of Ham In-ju’s wrap party.
Director Ko had seen the president’s secretary calling Do Ji-won out and putting him in President Jeon’s car.
He doesn’t know what they talked about. He didn’t particularly call Ji-won to ask about it either. He judged it wasn’t his place to know.
Now President Jeon was playing dumb. As if asking, do we have such an employee in our company?
Director Ko’s eyes trembled slightly. As always, this man’s thoughts were hard to read.
Director Ko answered:
“He’s a PD who served as assistant director on the
Director Ko smiled as he recalled his memories.
“I judge him to be a talent with a keen sense for numbers and calculations, combined with excellent intuition and drive.”
He then added the reason for his recommendation.
“That’s why I think he’s suitable for Production Team 4, which needs dynamism.”
President Jeon asked:
“It seems more explanation is needed.”
Director Ko raised a finger.
“First, it’s about the proposal. The planning proposal was so meticulous it was hard to believe a 5th-year PD wrote it, and a significant portion was actually applied to the work. And JTVN, after a very long time, broke through 20% in ratings.”
President Jeon’s gaze now turned to Department Head Kim.
“The one who first discovered him, Department Head Kim, must have something to say too?”
Department Head Kim nodded and spoke:
“He managed to cast actor Han Se-gyu, which no other PD in Korea could do. That fact alone makes him more deserving of the PD title than anyone else, in my opinion.”
President Jeon said, as if surprised:
“Both of you are unusually generous in your evaluations.”
That’s when it happened.
“This friend called Do Ji-won.”
Management Planning Director Nam opened his mouth.
“He’s good with numbers, not just calculations but also has a good sense for content? Is that right?”
Department Head Kim answered his question:
“That’s correct.”
“Then wouldn’t he be more suitable for the Management Planning team?”
Is this what it feels like to be hit on the head with a hammer? Director Ko’s eyes widened, and Department Head Kim’s gaze wavered. The protagonist raised his hammer again.
“Being good with numbers, he’d excel in the company’s finance and accounting, and with his good sense, he’d also play a role in efficiently allocating resources.”
He folded his arms over his protruding belly.
“It takes a good six months to shoot one drama, doesn’t it?”
Then he smiled slyly.
“Instead of being tied up with one drama, how much more helpful would it be for the company if he could oversee ten pieces of content? Don’t you think?”
Director Ko’s hand moved to his temple.
This was a troublesome development.
He hadn’t expected Director Nam to make such an argument. Originally, Management Planning Director Nam wasn’t the type to covet talent.
-Valuing absolute loyalty over ability.
That was his personnel selection principle.
‘…This doesn’t sound like his idea…’
If so, there’s a high probability this idea didn’t originate from him.
And
He realized there was usually someone behind the scenes pulling his strings in situations like this.
Perhaps due to similar speeds of thought? Director Ko and Department Head Kim’s heads turned simultaneously towards one person.
“……”
Strategic Planning Director Shin Young-jin.
He was quietly observing the situation.