Echoes of Asael: A Manager's Second Chance

Concept Clash: ASAEL's Managerial Dilemma

Almost two months had passed, during which ASAEL diligently followed their daily routine of training. As PD Oh promised, no one interfered with them, and their schedule went smoothly. They even completed their first appearance video, ready to be uploaded to YouTube.

The audience's feedback on social media was mostly positive, but I didn't dwell on it. What mattered more was the buzz on Twitter about Yaara's appearance. Titles like:

[The long-lost artist, Lee Yaara]

[Ex MANA trainee, Lee Yaara]

[Lee Yaara, 8 years as a trainee]

...showed that Yaara had been famous for a long time. For me, this was a good sign. Yaara's appearance would boost ASAEL's fame, especially as they prepared for their first concert.

And there's also topics about:

[AZ new debut girl group]

[ASAEL's members profile]

[ASAEL's first appearance YouTube]

I would like if there's any highlight about other's member, but, I think I need to be more grateful for now.

...But there was one issue. Why was I sitting with the AZ production team right now?

"I don't think this concept suits ASAEL..."

"Why don't we upload a video of them battling each other? Wouldn't that attract more viewers?"

"Are you sure we need to put these two in the center position?"

What was going on? This meeting seemed unrelated to my role as ASAEL's manager. My job was to follow the production team's instructions, so why was I here brainstorming ideas for ASAEL?

I glared at PD Oh, sitting across from me. If it weren't for his invitation, I wouldn't be here!

Then again, wasn't this an opportunity? If I could voice my opinions, perhaps I could influence ASAEL's image for the better. Should I take the chance?

"I've never seen you before. May I know who you are?" someone asked. They were likely curious about the new face at their meeting.

"Ah, I'm Soojin, the manager responsible for ASAEL." I introduced myself, bowing respectfully.

"A manager? What are you doing here? Managers shouldn't be in these meetings."

Exactly, even I didn't know why I was here.

"I called her here," PD Oh interjected.

The room fell silent. Even so, I could hear whispers around me.

"This is PD Oh's first time in a meeting with us..."

"Yes, it's surprising. He never involves himself in idol production..."

"He even brought the manager of the new group..."

Are you whispering or talking? I was sure PD Oh could hear them too.

PD Oh cleared his throat loudly and adjusted his seat.

"I know I've never participated in a meeting like this before," he began.

Oh my, he heard them.

"But I believe this manager needs to be aware of matters concerning the group she oversees. That's why I brought her here. Don't worry, proceed as usual. I'm just here to monitor the meeting's progress."

The team exchanged glances. After a moment, someone stood and walked to the whiteboard.

"Good morning, PD Oh, Manager Soojin, and everyone. I am the leader of this production team. As you know, we are here to discuss the concepts for our company's new girl group, ASAEL."