Kpop Club

by YR Choi

  “That’s a huge relief,” said Krystal. “There is one more thing - my father doesn’t know I’m here or that I’ve been auditioning at all. I’d need his blessing before I sign anything.”

  “Of course, Krystal, that makes perfect sense. I’ve signed a lot of young artists and am very familiar with parents’ concerns. Obviously, you can’t sign a contract here and now. You’ll want some time to think things through - I wouldn’t want you to sign without being happy – that wouldn’t be in either of our interests.”

  Krystal smiled.

  “Here’s what I suggest,” said KYM. “Go home now and talk to your dad - convince him to come to our offices. We can all sit down together and talk about your future. I’d like to give both of you a tour of our offices and then we can run through a contract together. I’m confident I’ll be able to convince you and your dad that signing with KYM Entertainment is the right choice. There’ll be no obligation to sign anything and you can have as long as you need to consider things. How does that sound?”

  “It sounds amazing, thank you.”

  “Excellent! Well if you could let me know when works, that’d be great. I’m generally free most lunchtimes except Tuesdays and Thursdays. Please take a copy of my business card as well and tell your father he is welcome to call me at any time if he wants to discuss anything beforehand.”

  “Thank you very much!” said Krystal, a big smile beaming across her face. “I’ll get in touch as soon as possible.”

  “Excellent. So where do you live, Krystal?”

  “In Yonhui-dong.”

  “Well come on then, let me put you in a car home,” said KYM, taking Krystal by the hand and guiding her to the reception desk. “Krystal, this is Jihae, our receptionist; Jihae, as you know, this is hopefully the final member of Kpop Club - Krystal.”

  “Lovely to meet you,” said Jihae, with a warm smile.

  “And you,” said Krystal, returning the smile.

  “I have a few things I need to get on with in the studio,” said KYM. “Jihae, please can you arrange a car to take Krystal back to her house in Yonhui-dong.”

  “Certainly,” said Jihae.

  “Krystal, it was an absolute pleasure, I really hope we’ll be working together soon. Go home safely and please get in touch as soon as possible,” said KYM.

  “I will do, thank you so much.”

  Jihae led Krystal to the front entrance where a black Mercedes was waiting to take her home. Krystal said goodbye, got in the back of the car and laid her head against a soft leather headrest. I could get used to this, thought Krystal, as the car slowly pulled away.

  8

  The KYM tour

  Krystal spent the next couple of days plucking up the courage to tell her dad about her KYM meeting. At first he was extremely upset that she had been going to auditions without telling him; anything could have happened to her behind closed doors, he said. He couldn’t stay mad at her for long however, and eventually agreed to meet with KYM the following Sunday.

  When the big day finally arrived, Jihae took Krystal and her dad straight to KYM’s office where he was waiting with his door open. He shot up the moment he saw them.

  “Krystal! Thank you for coming. This must be your father, it’s a pleasure to meet you Mr Kim,” said KYM, extending his hand.

  Krystal’s dad gave KYM a firm handshake and said hello. Krystal knew he’d remain suspicious of KYM until he got to know him better.

  KYM asked them to sit down on the sofas and offered them a drink, Krystal again going for a plum tea and her father opting for a hot black coffee.

  “Thank you so much, Mr Kim, for coming to meet me today. I know as a parent you must be very concerned about Krystal’s wellbeing. This is obviously an important time in her life, having just finished school. I just want to say, I’m here to address any and all of your concerns. I want you to know that when I sign an artist, I keep their best interests at heart.”

  “Is that so?” said Krystal’s dad.

  KYM smiled.

  “Yes, sir. You may have heard a lot about some of the slave contracts some kpop stars are made to sign? We’re a very transparent company; contracts at KYM Entertainment are very fair, as I hope to illustrate to you later. I believe this is the perfect place for your daughter to launch her career.”

  “Right,” said Krystal’s dad.

  “I don’t know how much Krystal has told you about the group I’d like her to be part of? Kpop Club?”

  “She’s told me a little bit about it but I’d like to hear it from the horse’s mouth,” said Krystal’s dad.

  “Certainly. As you may know, people around the world are becoming more and more interested in kpop music. One limitation of the genre is that only a very small percentage of international fans understand Korean. Kpop Club will have 10 members from different countries and their songs will be sung in different languages but will retain that kpop feel. The group will send out positive messages that you don’t have to look a certain way to be successful or happy and that kpop is for everyone. Krystal would be a vital member of the group as she’s talented, confident and speaks English.”

  “Right,” said Krystal’s dad.

  Krystal started to feel a little embarrassed that her dad was being so short with KYM.

  “Before we go into precise details about contract terms, I’d like to give you a tour of our offices so that you can see what goes on behind the scenes,” said KYM.

  “Yes, that sounds great,” said Krystal, doing her best to sound enthused for her and her dad.

  “Excellent - well if you’re ready, please follow me,” said KYM, getting up and walking over to open the door for them. “First, I want to take you to one of my favourite places in the whole world – the canteen.”

  KYM led them out of his office and down the corridor to a cosy room that contained a number of large wooden benches. The walls of the room were painted brilliant white and played host to a number of plasma TVs showing kpop videos. One of those TVs would do nicely in their living room, thought Krystal.

  At the end of the room was a big open plan professional kitchen. Krystal could just about make out two chefs bouncing around; they were preparing something that smelled gorgeous.

  “This is today’s lunch menu,” said KYM, pointing to a blackboard with the day’s specials written on it.

  Bulgogi Jeongol Set

  Dwaengjjang Jjigae Set

  Pasta Set

  Salad Set

  “As they say, an army marches on its stomach – not that we’re an army!” said KYM, laughing to himself.

  Krystal’s dad couldn’t help but crack a smile.

  “It’s very important for all our artists to eat well. We’ve hired a top chef, Luigi Kim, who does a combination of Korean and Italian food. How’s it going Luigi?!” yelled KYM looking towards the kitchen.

  A rather rotund man popped his head around the corner.

  “All good thank you, boss – how are you?” said Luigi.

  “Great stuff, all good thanks, Luigi,” said KYM, turning back to face Krystal and her dad. “Krystal, when you sign a contract with KYM Entertainment, all the food in the canteen is free. When we’re on tour then we always organise food and can accommodate any dietary requirements.”

  “Brilliant, but you needn’t worry - I eat everything!” said Krystal.

  “I do like this kitchen,” said Krystal’s dad, starting to relax a little.

  “Right, let me take you to the gym,” said KYM.

  They left the canteen and walked into a corridor on the other side of the reception area. The gym was the first room on the right. As they walked in Krystal saw two members of the group, X:EAT, running on treadmills; she was completely star struck – she couldn’t quite believe they were right there.

  “This is a state of the art gym,” said KYM. “We have a personal trainer, Sebastien, who comes in every other day to help with any training needs. He also works with our medical team to check that all our artists a
re fit and healthy. I won’t show you now, but we also have really nice men and women’s changing rooms with saunas and Jacuzzis.”

  “Cool!” said Krystal.

  “Yeah, there are actually three kinds of Jacuzzi in the changing rooms – normal, black tea and green tea. We find that with all the dancing we have to do, Jacuzzis offer the perfect way to sooth aching muscles. Speaking of which, let me take you next door to one of the dance studios.”

  KYM took them one door down the corridor to a huge studio with wooden flooring and floor to ceiling mirrors on all the walls. Parts of the mirrors were covered up by posters of KYM artists.

  “Krystal, did you ever wonder why I didn’t ask to see you dance?” said KYM.

  “Now that you mention it, I guess it’s strange that you didn’t,” said Krystal.

  “I didn’t need to because we have the best dance instructors in the world here at KYM Entertainment. We could make you dance like MJ even if you had two left feet!”

  Krystal sniggered and her dad grinned.

  “Out of interest though, how good a dancer are you?” said KYM.

  “I think I’m pretty good but I’ll let you be the judge of that.”

  “She’s always dancing around the house. It’s a good job we live in the basement otherwise the people downstairs would be miserable,” said her Dad.

  KYM chuckled.

  “Great stuff,” said KYM. “Well, as I say this is a good example of one of our dance studios – we have 8 more like this, dotted along the hall. There’s a lot of dancing that goes on here but all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy as they say. Let me show you how we unwind – please, follow me.”

  KYM led them out of the studio and up a flight of stairs that spiralled behind the reception desk. The walk up the stairs took them to an almost identical reception area, with two corridors shooting off it on either side.

  “This place is surprisingly big,” said Krystal.

  “Yeah it is,” said KYM, leading them down one of the corridors. “We managed to fit a lot of facilities into the building. The rooms in this corridor are for chilling out and unwinding. This room here is a karaoke room. The room next to it is a video games room. Then we have a TV room, a hairdresser, a nail artist, a masseuse, a laundrette and finally here we have our own coffee shop.”

  The rooms were masterfully kitted out; Krystal and her dad were speechless.

  KYM then showed them back across the reception area into the opposite corridor.

  “The rooms in this corridor contain beds and sofas for when people want a little bit of peace and quiet.”

  “This is amazing,” said Krystal.

  “Yeah, we try and make our artists comfortable here,” said KYM. “Now there’s one more thing to show you. Because of our busy schedule and the fact that we’re often on the road, we ask that our groups live together. This doesn’t mean that they can’t have occasional nights at home but we just feel that it makes sense if everyone’s together. If you could follow me downstairs again, I would like to show you where the Kpop Club members will be living.”

  Krystal hadn’t even thought about living arrangements and could tell that her dad was a little taken aback as well. She kept a brave face.

  They followed KYM downstairs; jumped back into the Mercedes and made a short journey to a swanky neighbourhood in Apgujeong. The car stopped outside a ginormous house, surrounded by high stone walls. KYM got out of the car, unlocked the main gate and led them up a short but steep flight of stairs onto a very well-kept front garden. They walked past a few young pine trees to a rather grand front door. KYM keyed in a pass code, opened the door and ushered them inside.

  “The other girls have been living here for the last 6 months but are currently away visiting their families as I’ve given them a week’s holiday,” said KYM. “This is a ten bedroom house; it has 5 bathrooms, 2 living rooms and 24 hour security. If you’d like to take your shoes off, I’ll show you to the room you’d have, Krystal.”

  Krystal and her dad removed their shoes and followed KYM upstairs onto a big landing.

  “Your room is the first one down here on the left,” said KYM, leading them down a passageway off the landing.

  Krystal’s room was massive; as big as her living room and bedroom at home combined. Inside sat a king-size bed and a white wooden bedroom set which included a full-size dresser. To Krystal’s delight, there was also a small balcony that looked out over the garden.

  “Everything in this room would be yours to use for free as part of your contract. You only really need to bring your stuff and some bedding,” said KYM.

  KYM continued the tour, taking Krystal and her dad from room to room and leaving them thoroughly impressed. Once they were done they drove back to the office and sat back down on the sofas in KYM’s office.

  KYM cleared his throat, adjusted his tie and brought his hands together on his lap.

  “Thank you for letting me show you around today. May I ask what your initial impressions are and do you have questions?” said KYM.

  For the first time all day, Krystal’s dad answered before Krystal.

  “All the facilities seem top class, so I don’t really have any concerns about that. We still obviously need to discuss her contract though. Darling, what do you think?”

  “Yes Dad, I agree. It all looks great to me – it looks like I’d be very happy here - I guess we just need to know what my contract says.”

  “That’s music to my ears - I can definitely help you there - I’ve prepared a copy of the contract for you to look at, but why don’t we start by going through the main terms together?” said KYM, revealing a big envelope and pulling out a contract.

  “Yes, that makes sense,” said Krystal’s dad.

  KYM placed the contract on the table. Krystal read the front page to herself.

  Contract of Service between Krystal Kim and KYM Entertainment Limited

  “As you’ll see, the contract is for an initial term of 5 years and is governed by Korean law,” said KYM, flipping over the front page. “Your main duties are covered in clauses 10 to 20 and include things like performing at concerts, recording songs, making appearances at press conferences, etc. You will be obliged to record 2 albums with KYM Entertainment over the course of 5 years. In return for your efforts we pay you a salary of $200,000. You are entitled to a yearly royalty equivalent to 1% of the profit from any single you record. The right to this royalty will expire 20 years from the day on which the single is first released.”

  Krystal’s dad nodded in approval.

  “We pay you a $10,000 bonus if any of your songs make number 1 on the Haon chart. You are covered by our medical insurance, your accommodation is free and as discussed, all food and drink is free. That’s an overview of the main terms; I’ll now give you some time alone to read the contract and discuss things in private, does 30 minutes sound about right?”

  “That’d be good,” said Krystal’s dad.

  Krystal was happy to let her dad do most of the talking but smiled and nodded to KYM to make sure he knew she was happy too. KYM left the room and Krystal and her Dad began to study the contract in detail.

  “Dad, this is amazing isn’t it?” said Krystal.

  “I have to say, darling - you’ve done well here. This looks like a great deal but are you sure this is what you want? You know many artists have very short careers? You could always go to university first and then come back and do your music stuff later?”

  Krystal’s dad looked her straight in the eye. Krystal stared straight back.

  “I’m sure, Dad. This is all I want and it’s too good an opportunity to pass up.”

  “No, I understand, darling. Okay, well I tell you what – let’s make a deal. I’ll give you my blessing as long as you agree to put at least three quarters of the money you earn each year into a savings account.”

  “Yes, Dad! Yes! Whatever you say! Thank you so much!” said Krystal, kissing him on the cheek and giving him a big hug.”


  “Ok, darling – well done,” said her dad, kissing her on the forehead.

  KYM returned almost exactly 30 minutes later.

  “How did your talks go?” said KYM.

  “I think we have a deal,” said Krystal’s dad, standing up and shaking KYM’s hand.

  “Amazing news!” said KYM, furiously shaking Krystal’s dad’s hand. “Congratulations Krystal! I can’t wait to work with you. Let me get some champagne to celebrate. Wait here one second.”

  Within minutes KYM reappeared with 3 champagne flutes, a bottle of Moet and a fresh copy of the contract for Krystal to sign. Krystal signed immediately, KYM corked open the champagne and they toasted Krystal’s future.

  “You’re going to be such a great artist, Krystal, well done!” said KYM. “We’ll have to have a proper celebration with you, your dad and the other girls. They’re back in a couple of days - what say we do something next Saturday night?”

  “Dad, are you free then?” asked Krystal.

  “Yes that should be fine,” said Krystal’s dad, visibly pleased. “Cheers to next Saturday!”

  “Cheers!” said everyone, raising their glasses with a clink.

  9

  Celebrations

  KYM called Krystal the next day to confirm that the celebration meal would take place on Saturday night at the Intercontinental Hotel and a car would be sent to pick them up in the evening. Time passed quickly and it wasn’t long before Saturday arrived. Krystal was expecting a black Mercedes and so was a little shocked when a huge white Chevrolet Starcraft van pulled up outside their apartment block. Having checked that the van was for them, Krystal and her dad jumped in and sped off en route to the hotel.

  Krystal was really quite nervous about meeting the other girls. What if they didn’t get along? What if they were horrible? She did her best to remain positive and in an attempt to get her mind off things, started to talk to her dad about how big the van was. This proved effective as he made her burst out with laughter when he mistakenly thought that it was called a Chevrolet “Starship”. This amused Krystal so much that she decided that from then on, that was its new name.