hanks to director Kim Sang-hyeok and writer Kim Eun-sook, as well as the hard work of everyone on the crew and the actors. I've just borrowed some light."Chi Jingyuan smiled shyly."You..."Li Xiuman wo...Looking at the members who seemed rather embarrassed, Lee Seong-hwan understood them very well. As EXO's main manager, he shared their joys and sorrows—EXO's difficulties meant his own weren't any better.
After the members had calmed down, Lee Seung-hwan continued by sharing some uplifting news:
"The news I got is that our comeback this time is a big project. If I'm not mistaken, it should be the direct release of the first regular album, and it will be in a dual main song format. However, it's just a plan right now, and it's not very certain. It's possible that the follow-up mode will change."
"The first highlight is that the company specially collaborated with Kenzie and American composers to tailor-make these songs for you. I heard from friends in the record department that this song has great potential and is very suitable for our style."
What about the second main attraction
Members' faces beamed with excitement as they immediately chimed in.
"Second Main..."
Lee Seung Hwan glanced at them with a strange expression, his gaze finally landing on Ji Kyeong-won: "It was written and composed by our own member, Ji Kyeong-won, with the assistance of the company's composer for arrangement. I heard that Director Lee Soo-man is very optimistic about it and thinks it has the potential to be a hit."
"Jingyuan"
Everyone exclaimed the name in unison, their eyes all turning to where Chi Jingyuan was sitting. There was confusion, bewilderment, uncertainty, and astonishment—a mixture of emotions painted across their faces.
This was their first time knowing that Chi Jingyuan would also create songs.
"Pool-jeong source lightly lifted the hands of Woo Shi-hoon and Do Kyung-soo, who were lying on his lap, shrugged at the members, and admitted: “Yes, it was me. It's what Lee Soo-man teacher instructed me to do before. I didn’t expect him to like this song so much, after some consideration he directly chose it.”
In May, after receiving the task of creating a song for the group from Lee Soo-man, Ji Seong used about a month to refine the arrangement and recorded a demo in the company's studio. Then he directly gave it to Lee Soo-man to listen to.
He remembered the scene vividly. After the deo played, just the prelude was enough to make Lee Soo-man's eyes light up noticeably. Upon finishing it, he nodded and clapped happily, praising Ji-seong a few times. His gaze held admiration mixed with a hint of surprise.
Ji Jingyuan could tell that Li Xiuman probably didn't take his so-called creative talent too seriously before, assigning him tasks only to look after and comfort him. In fact, he didn't have high expectations for his works.
Originally, ** Entertainment wasn't very focused on the members' songwriting talents. They had many well-known composers they collaborated with and a vast library of songs, so there was no need for the members to write songs.
But of course, better than nothing. What's more, reality gave him a huge surprise. The song Pool Jingyuan gave him was impressive at first listen, with his insights into the Korean music scene evident. It even surpassed the main track tailored for EXO by a renowned composer commissioned by the company.
After that, Lee Soo Man immediately made an internal call to have company staff listen to the song together. After receiving much approval, he told Park Jin-young that this song, tentatively titled "growl," would definitely be featured in EXO's next comeback, and it would most likely be the title track.
And he also promised to let Ji Jingyuan participate in the production process of the song "Growl," allowing him to give his opinions, which he would carefully consider.
It's been several months since that day, and I didn't expect to hear the news today.
"Alright, don't dwell on Jingyuan anymore. Even I only found out about this recently. For other news, we will naturally have a meeting upon returning to the company after the holiday break. I told you guys beforehand because I hope everyone can have a better mood during the New Year."
Lee Seung-hwan clapped his hands to bring everyone back from their surprise, and finally smiled and gave a blessing: “Well then, that’s it for now. Everyone, please disband. I wish you all a good rest when you go back home, have a wonderful New Year, and Happy New Year.”
"Wishing you, Kang Sangmida, a happy new year."
Members simultaneously bowed in thanks and then dispersed after teasing each other.
Ji Jingyuan and the members returned to their dormitory together. After sending a message to Park Jaehyun, he began packing his things.
He, Sehun, and D.O. were in the same dormitory room, all busy packing up. However, after a short while, D.O., as if he remembered something, got up, quietly closed the door, and then walked over to ask in a low voice: "Kyung Soo, Sehun, have you guys received any news about the adjustments"
"Adjust" Seeing Do Kyung-Soo like this, Ji-Won's voice also softened as he asked a question.
"That's it..." Do Kyung-soo pointed at his face with his hand, making a gesture.
"Oh, you mean adjusting your face"
Qi Jingyuan understood what Duojingshu meant. He was talking about adjusting his face.
Have you received the company's message
"Um... I guess so."
Chi Jingyuan recalled, remembering a few days ago when Li Chenghuan had vaguely asked him on the phone. After he directly refused, Li Chenghuan didn't bring it up again.
"I also heard from my agent that it seems like several departments in the company hope for a more successful comeback this time, so they suggested this, having the company pay for some minor adjustments or whitening procedures for the members." Wu Se-hun nodded and added.
This is really common on the peninsula. It's a country that places a very high value on appearance, and looks are one of the core competitive advantages for entertainers. A significant portion of celebrities who make their debut will undergo some adjustments, even if it's not surgery, they might whiten their skin, get double eyelids, or have orthodontic treatment.
Of course, there are also naturally handsome men and beautiful women who make no adjustments at all, but the proportion is very small.
Many small companies have artists debut under their banner, and this is not free. The company loans them money, and the costs are deducted from their share of the profits later on, along with interest, essentially forming an entire industry chain.
It's already a privilege that the company is willing to invest this time.
"What do you think" Do Kyung-soo asked, his eyes seemed a little lost. He had been thinking about this for days already.
Wu Shih-hsien also looked over, clearly very interested as well.
“Me Do you think I need to adjust my face”
Chi Jingyuan was a little surprised by their reaction. He pointed at his own face and asked,
“Well… you’re already pretty handsome, but it might make you even more refined after doing it.”
"Impossible, no matter how you DO it, it won't be as good looking as I am now." Chi Jingyuan curled his lips: "I've already refused, what about you guys"
"I don't know either, the company said to think about it, and I'm also struggling with it now."
Do Kyung-soo and Woo Se-hoon both wore expressions of resignation, sighing as if in some internal struggle.
In my opinion, you two are already pretty good-looking. Maybe Kyung Soo could get a bit of whitening, but there's really no need to make major changes.
"Se-hoon's looks might be a little lacking compared to mine, but among all the male idols on the peninsula, he's already considered very outstanding in terms of visuals, so there's no need to worry about that."
Chi Jingyuan glanced at the two people, sincerely giving his advice, but he didn't make a decision for them: "But I still respect your opinions. After all, this is about your own affairs. Think it over carefully."
"But what if the company takes a hard stance..." Do Kyung-Soo was a little worried.
If an artist firmly refuses, the company generally won't force them. However, if they don't listen to the company's management, their resources and investment may be reduced accordingly.
However, sometimes it's not always accurate, as different companies have different circumstances.
"Don't worry, the company won't force you to..." Chi Jingyuan nodded towards the two of them, giving them a reassurance.
First release on the Traditional Chinese Novel Network.posed, fans below also looked over curiously.Because...He played coy for a few seconds before letting out a light sigh and spreading his hands helplessly, looking at the camera: “Because the productio...