Echoes of Asael: A Manager's Second Chance

Leading ASAEL's Evolution

Finally, he arrived.

PD Oh entered the room, trailed by a girl walking silently behind him. It appeared they had already acquainted. I turned my attention to the other members. Some recognized PD Oh, while others seemed unfamiliar. Understandable. I had never crossed paths with him either, as he preferred the seclusion of his studio on the ground floor.

They probably didn't recognize Yaara standing beside PD Oh. They knew her as an 8-year-old, not as the grown woman before them. I flashed Yaara a warm smile, but she remained unresponsive.

"Alright, everyone, let's bow," I instructed. They complied, including Eun-ju, the only one who seemed familiar with the man before her.

"Allow me to introduce PD Oh Jihye, the Founder of AZ, standing before you. Many may not have met him face-to-face, especially our members from abroad," I announced.

Next, I intended to introduce Yaara, "The girl next to PD Oh is-"

"My name is Lee Yaara, but you can call me Yaara. I'm currently 18 years old and studying at Yonsei University. Nice to meet you all." She bowed to everyone except me.

Typical Yaara... her stubborn habits persist even in a new environment.

"I'm sure Manager Soojin has briefed you on the new members joining ASAEL. Firstly, I'd like to apologize for the sudden announcement. I trust you understand the rationale behind my decision. ASAEL requires an experienced leader, which is why I've recruited Lee Yaara, a former Kpop trainee, as the group's 'leader.' I hope this decision garners everyone's agreement."

I glanced at Eun-ju. It seemed she wouldn't question PD Oh's words, and I assumed the other members would follow suit.

"May I say something?" Yaara raised her hand, seeking permission to speak. PD Oh nodded, granting her the floor.

“Could you, PD Oh, give me some time?”

What?

"I've been away from Kpop for a while, and I feel my talent has dulled. What's the point of leading if my skills aren't up to par? Give me time to sharpen my talents, and I'll return as a leader you can rely on. Isn't that what you want from me?”

I smiled nervously at her, nearly panicking at the thought of her rejecting the leadership position. You always keep me on my toes, Yaara.

"What's your take?" PD Oh directed Yaara's question to the other members. They exchanged glances, contemplating their response.

After a brief silence, Youngji spoke on their behalf, "Alright. But don't take too long. We're waiting for our leader.”

“Pfft! Okay, I won't be long. Don't worry," Yaara replied with a soft laugh.

I allowed Yaara to acquaint herself with the other members before approaching PD Oh, who stood observing the ASAEL group.

"I thought you weren't interested in this group," I began, provoking him slightly. But PD Oh merely chuckled in response.

"Do you know who came up with the idea for this new group?” he countered.

"Wasn't it PD Oh?" I replied, mirroring his question with one of my own.

His laughter filled the room. I had never seen him so lighthearted. Was his stern demeanor just an act when in front of camera?

"When I watched your interview before joining this agency, you had such a naive expression. I expected you to be like other managers, simply following the idols' orders. I didn't have high hopes for you," he revealed.

He watched my interview recording? PD Oh himself?

"One day, out of the blue, you approached me, urging to include someone in our group. At first, I suspected some outside 'pressure or favoritism at play'. I was inclined to refuse, but when you suggested Lee Yaara, renowned for being pursued by numerous agencies, I reconsidered. Your determination was palpable, so I reluctantly agreed. I expected failure, yet you managed to bring her in just in time for our ASAEL gathering."