.jpg)
“Why are you so surprised? Didn't you think those were things to use in the house you'll stay in once the sponsorship is decided?”
Hee-jin hadn't given that a single thought. She had been preoccupied with the sponsorship itself; she hadn't had the mental capacity to consider the specific details that would follow. Thus, she couldn't respond immediately to Seok-hyun's nonchalant words and could only stammer foolishly.
“Is there anything else to see? I'd like to head up and talk for a bit.”
“You can leave now.”
She was conflicted about whether it was right to take Seok-hyun's hand, but she couldn't help but be swayed by the things he had offered her. Because of that, she couldn't bring herself to tell him to stop, even as he acted as if the sponsorship had already been decided.
Reading those feelings in Hee-jin's expression, Seok-hyun smiled silently. No matter how much she wandered or agonized, she would eventually have no choice but to step onto the path he had laid out. It was a smile steeped in that kind of conviction.
From the third floor onward, it became quiet instantly, as if it were an area for administrative work. Even though it was the weekend, a few employees passed by occasionally, recognizing Seok-hyun and offering brief greetings. The meeting room was decorated like a cafe rather than a stiff office, and Hee-jin almost walked right past it.
“Meet her, this is branding consultant Song Min-young.”
Leading Hee-jin inside, Seok-hyun introduced the person who had arrived first.
“You're Yoo Hee-jin, right? I've heard a lot and have been looking forward to this.”
With hair cut so short it was nearly a buzz cut and wearing a floral print dress, Song Min-young's first impression was one of boisterous energy. She explained that she specialized in professional personal branding and usually dealt with people seeking public recognition.
“I don't know much about classical music. I mostly listen to things used in movie OSTs. When I heard that Yoo Hee-jin could become my client, I watched your videos—in the old-fashioned way, like a tape wearing out from overplaying—and you are just insanely cool. I'm so excited to be the one to 'make' someone like you.”
While Seok-hyun personally stepped out to bring snacks and coffee, Min-young led the conversation with her bright energy. Her expressions were so varied and her gestures so flamboyant with every word that it was slightly overwhelming, but the important thing was the purpose for which Seok-hyun had introduced Song Min-young.
“As you know, the classical music world has died down a lot. We have to admit that the traditional ways are no longer effective.”
As Seok-hyun, sitting opposite her, began the serious discussion, Hee-jin's expression turned solemn. The fact that the classical music world had taken a huge hit recently was something she had felt firsthand at the orchestra. With large-scale performances being canceled in droves, there were even cases where prestigious agencies couldn't hold on and closed their doors.
“Well, unless you win something like the Gramophone Classical Music Awards in the UK.”
The Gramophone Awards were a top-tier classical recording ceremony where one had to be called a 'genius of the century' just to be nominated. If someone were an overwhelming genius capable of winning such an award, they wouldn't have to worry about attracting an audience, but Hee-jin was not that. Therefore, she couldn't simply hope that audiences would come; she had to devise another strategy.
“When I was preparing to start my business, the first thing I kept in mind was how quickly the times were changing. You have to take a method people are familiar with, but you must be different from others. These days, athletes and artists do a lot of broadcasting and SNS activity. TV appearances are good for raising general awareness, and SNS is great for building a core fanbase, so they strive desperately to become famous. You should view them as half-celebrities.”
When Seok-hyun looked toward her, Song Min-young, who had been quietly waiting her turn, took the baton.
“My role is to create an image that will appeal to the public in that way.”
The woman, who had been energetic and bubbly throughout, suddenly radiated a professional aura. She said they would start by analyzing Hee-jin's unique strengths and talents to construct an identity to present to the public.
“Graduating top of the class from Peabody Conservatory and joining the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. The public will already perceive Yoo Hee-jin as an incredibly great musician based on that alone, right? On top of that, we'll set a concept with a differentiated character to show just how charming violinist Yoo Hee-jin is.”
“The public...”
Song Min-young framed a rectangle with her hands and mimicked taking a photo of Hee-jin.
“As for looks, it's a waste of breath to even mention them. It would be perfect if you had a sense of variety-show humor, but looking at you, I don't think that's the case.”
Having quickly grasped Hee-jin's personality, she drew an X on her notepad with a look of disappointment. Still, she reassured her not to worry.
“These days, a sense of humor often comes out naturally when you show yourself as you are, so it's not a big problem. All you need is the passion and will to do it. You don't have to be funny, but you can't shrink back saying you're not good at it or be afraid of ruining your image.”
“…….”
Min-young thumped her chest, telling her it was fine and to just trust her, but the more she did, the darker Hee-jin's complexion became. Celebrities, entertainers, broadcasters. She didn't know which word to use, but the image Min-young wanted to create was vastly different from what Hee-jin had imagined.
Wondering if this was right, she looked at Seok-hyun, but seeing his impassive face, it seemed he had also been thinking of this approach.
“But isn't that too... like a celebrity?”
“These days, they're called broadcasters. If you play the violin on TV and do variety show activities, you develop ticket power. The ability to sell tickets. If you win the Paganini Competition, classical music lovers will buy tickets, but if you become a celeb, the general public will buy them.”
“…….”
It made sense. She thought of it as an effort to find a breakthrough in the current reality where the classical music world had withered. However, despite understanding this, Hee-jin's expression did not recover.
“Let's take a break.”
Seeing Hee-jin's poor expression, Seok-hyun cut the conversation short. Noticing the reluctant reaction, Song Min-young quickly stood up, saying she was going to go smoke a cigarette.
“What do you not like?”
“I understand well what you and Ms. Song Min-young want to say. But still, I...”
Hee-jin paused for a moment, choosing her words.
“I don't want to become a clown.”
It didn't matter if he thought she was acting out of artistic pride because she was too comfortable. Hee-jin felt a repulsion toward gaining recognition through something other than her skill. She wondered if that would truly be interest in the person 'Yoo Hee-jin.'
To think that creating a specific character and doing variety show activities was the way to become a world-class soloist. No matter how important ticket power was, she couldn't shake the feeling that the cart was being put before the horse.
Unless one had achieved undeniable accomplishments in their field, they could easily be caricatured and ignored. No matter how naive Hee-jin was, she knew that public interest flared up and extinguished with surprising speed. How much effort would it take to maintain that public attention? It was more likely to hinder her performance activities.
“Don't you want to be in the spotlight on stage? Then first, you have to create the stage.”
“…….”
“If you're worried about how people will see you, just prove it with your skill.”
“You really are...”
Hee-jin smiled faintly at Seok-hyun's firm words. Just like yesterday, Go Seok-hyun didn't seem to consider the influence of 'image' at all. It was probably because he had lived a life where he never cared about the eyes of others.
“Since Noona finds it so uncomfortable, let's put this on hold for now. Preparing for the international competition is a higher priority anyway.”
Hee-jin's eyes widened slightly at Seok-hyun's reaction, which was more conceding than she expected. She thought he would push her by preaching the efficiency of this method, so it was unexpected.
“It'll be more effective after winning the Paganini Competition.”
At the trailing words that assumed she would naturally win the Paganini Competition, Hee-jin let out a small cough and unconsciously bit her lip. In the eyes Seok-hyun cast upon her, there wasn't a shred of doubt.
“…Why me?”
.jpg)