Rookie Talent Agent Knows It All-Chapter 791: New Song Discovered

Before the regression, Lee Mal-Soon released 'Youth, Once Again!' and became a nationwide sensation. But now, that very song was displayed right there on the monitor.

I barely managed to steady my pounding heart and pointed at the title. "What's this song? Just from the title, it doesn't sound like a dance track or a ballad."

Han Hye-Jung looked at 'Youth, Once Again!' and answered, "Oh, that? It's a trot song. Mr. Choi Tae-Yong got a request to make something upbeat and fun, so I gave it a shot... but the client trashed it after one listen."

Apparently, Han Hye-Jung laid down the base melody, and Yoon Sae-Yeon handled the arrangement for 'Youth, Once Again!' The lyrics were the result of the two of them wringing their brains together.

'But seriously. Who in their right mind rejected such a great song?'

"Who was the client?" I asked.

Yoon Sae-Yeon, pouting beside me, answered. "It was Ms. Han Yo-Jung."

"You mean that so-called 'trot fairy'?"

Han Yo-Jung was currently twenty-eight years old, a third-year idol in the trot scene. She burst onto the scene like a comet, capturing the hearts of middle-aged men with ease and forming a solid fandom, who affectionately called her the trot fairy.

Han Yo-Jung originally debuted as a member of the girl group Lovely Lovely, but quickly reinvented herself as a trot singer when the group disbanded. With her stunning looks and idol background—especially in knowing how to handle fans—she instantly won overwhelming support from male fans, and even topped the trot charts last year with the bubbly track 'Hey, Oppa!' To this day, Han Yo-Jung was still trading places for first with Lee Mal-Soon.

However, I couldn't wrap my head around it. Before the regression, every song Han Yo-Jung released became a hit and people praised her for her keen taste in music. Her focus on male fans was just part of a larger, calculated strategy. Later, she even branched out into diverse genres and was dubbed the nation's daughter-in-law.

'And she rejected this song?'

I asked, "Did she say why?"

Han Hye-Jung shook her head. "Nope. She just said the song sucked."

Yoon Sae-Yeon nodded in agreement. "She came in, chewing gum, listened to it once, and threw a fit, asking how we could call that a song. Then she stormed out. Thanks to that, we got an earful from Mr. Choi Tae-Yong. He told us never to write trot again. That day was hell."

"Seriously. And trot fairy? What a joke. She's got a nasty temper and treats people like servants. That was my first time meeting her, and she told me to warm up her coffee again because it had gone cold... Oh, sorry."

The two were clearly still bitter, venting about something that happened three months ago before catching themselves.

I shook my head. "It's fine. I've heard about Ms. Han Yo-Jung's personality too."

Han Yo-Jung raked in over ten billion won a year just from event appearances. So naturally, everyone bent over backward to stay on her good side. But now that these two were my songwriters, I had no intention of letting them go through that again.

"That kind of thing won't happen to you two anymore. I'll make sure of it."

They bowed their heads in thanks.

"Alright. Then can I hear the song? I'm really curious what kind of trot the two of you came up with."

"Yes, Mr. Jung!"

After hearing their response, I called over to Bang Seon-Woo, who was also working on a trot track lately.

"Seon-Woo, can you listen too and give your thoughts?"

"Sure, hyung."

Bang Seon-Woo nodded and hit play. The moment the speakers blasted that familiar rhythm, an infectious and lively melody filled the studio.

And in that instant, I was transported back to the year-end stage before the regression, where Lee Mal-Soon had performed this very song with joyful abandon.

***

Bang Seon-Woo couldn't hide his excitement after hearing the song.

"It's really good! It's packed with that exciting energy. Mrs. Lee Mal-Soon's been asking me to find her a good song, and I think she'd love this one, hyung!"

At the mention of Lee Mal-Soon's name, Han Hye-Jung blinked in disbelief. "You're saying someone like Mrs. Lee Mal-Soon would sing our song?"

"Come on, noona. You don't have to be so formal. We're all part of the same company now."

Bang Seon-Woo was twenty-four this year, a year younger than both of them.

"Still, it just feels a bit..."

Clearly in awe of Bang Seon-Woo, the two hesitated but eventually nodded at his urging.

"Alright."

"Hye-Jung noona, Sae-Yeon noona. Would it be okay if I tweaked it a little? I think I can keep that trot energy while making it sound even more polished."

An idea had clearly sparked in Bang Seon-Woo's head. He was practically itching to do the arrangement.

"We'd be honored if you did."

"Give me a sec, then."

With a bright expression, Bang Seon-Woo turned around and grabbed the mouse.

Click click click click.

The notes on the monitor's staff began shifting rapidly. He filled in gaps and cut out excess, working as if he had already mapped it all out in his head. Without pause, he brought the edit to completion.

Click.

Finally, Bang Seon-Woo let go of the mouse. The final note snapped into place, and without even previewing it, he turned back around.

"All done."

Five minutes was all it took for Bang Seon-Woo to rearrange a song that Han Hye-Jung and Yoon Sae-Yeon had spent an entire month creating.

"You're done already?" I asked.

No matter how many times I saw it, Bang Seon-Woo's speed always stunned me. He was indeed a genius.

"Yup. The original was so good that the inspiration just kept flowing. Seriously, this song is amazing!"

Right then, Han Hye-Jung and Yoon Sae-Yeon both shouted in shock.

"What the heck! That's scary!"

"I've read about people who compose by the minute, but it's real?"

"So this is why everyone's always going on about Bang Seon-Woo..."

Han Hye-Jung and Yoon Sae-Yeon had studied composition, piano, and vocal training for four years in college, and even after graduating, they had spent two years learning under the professional composer Choi Tae-Yong. They had recently written the new single for Pink Diamond, undeniably pros themselves.

And yet here was Bang Seon-Woo, a high school graduate and self-taught musician, rearranging their song in five minutes. Naturally, they were floored.

'Yeah. I'd reacted the same way once.'

I remembered being just as amazed the first time I saw Bang Seon-Woo in action.

As I calmed the two down, I turned to Bang Seon-Woo. "Let's hear it, Seon-Woo."

"Sure, hyung."

Beaming, Bang Seon-Woo played the rearranged version of 'Youth, Once Again!' In an instant, the recording studio filled with a melody even more stylish and addictive than the original traditional trot version.

Without meaning to, I started bouncing my shoulders to the beat.

***

The rearranged 'Youth, Once Again!' emphasized that distinct vibe of trot while layering in a faster beat that made it feel modern and fresh. On top of that, the repeating chorus melody stuck in your head like an idol hook. Of course, this polished arrangement only worked because the original melody was so strong to begin with.

While I was lost in thought, Bang Seon-Woo glanced at me. "Hyung? You don't like it?"

"Of course I love it. I was just thinking—the vibe's different from the original, so I needed a moment. But this isn't really for me to judge, is it? How do you two feel about it, since you wrote the original?"

Han Hye-Jung and Yoon Sae-Yeon both looked stunned.

"We love it! Absolutely!"

"Is it because Seon-Woo's a genius? I mean, how did he manage to turn a traditional trot into something this refined?"

Bang Seon-Woo scratched his head. "It's not me. You two laid down a solid melody. I just added a little seasoning."

Just like Bang Seon-Woo said, the rearrangement turned out so well precisely because the base melody was already excellent.

I suggested, "I think we need to get a professional opinion on this one."

Before the regression, the original 'Youth, Once Again!' had become a nationwide hit thanks to Lee Mal-Soon's vocals. I knew how successful the song was, but since I had never heard the rearranged version, I figured it was best to see for myself. With trot songs, the real charm often shone when a live performer sang them.

"Hang on a second."

I immediately called Lee Mal-Soon. After a few rings, she picked up.

-Chief Jung. What's up?

"Where are you right now? We've got a great song here, and I think you should give it a try."

-Guess we're on the same wavelength. I was just thinking of calling you. I'm on the fourth floor with Yoo-Jin and Miso. We're hanging out and waiting for you to come up. Where are you?

"I'm in the basement recording studio. Yoo-Jin has to record something anyway, so why don't you both come down?"

-Got it. I'll bring Yoo-Jin and head down right now.

"Alright."

A few minutes later, I heard singing from the hallway.

-Cheer up~~

-Poweeeer~ Tuff!

-Give us courage~~

-Power Tuff!

-Let's all shout it out~~

-Poweeeer~ Tuff!

Miso took the lead, while Lee Mal-Soon and Yoo-Jin joined in on the chorus. True to her trot roots, Lee Mal-Soon sang with impeccable bends in her notes. Yoo-Jin, with her crystal-clear voice and flawless diction, hit each chorus note perfectly like the trained actress she was.

I quickly stepped out to welcome them. Yoo-Jin, Miso, Lee Mal-Soon, and her talent agent, Team Lead Yang Hong-Seok, were standing in the hall. Yang Hong-Seok was filming the three of them singing with his phone.

As soon as Miso saw me, she stopped singing and ran over. "Uncle Yoon-Ho! Mrs. Lee gave me a present. Look at this!"

Miso proudly showed off a Power Tuff Girl shoulder bag she had just received from Lee Mal-Soon. It was a round yellow bag with a Power Tuff doll attached.

I smiled warmly, then turned to Lee Mal-Soon. "Thank you, ma'am."

"There's no need for thanks. I bought it for Miso in the first place. Anyway, let's head in. You said there's a song?"

"Yes, come on in."

"Great~"

As expected of a lifelong singer, her entire demeanor changed the moment music was mentioned.

I started by introducing the composers. "These are Composer Yoon Sae-Yeon and Composer Han Hye-Jung. They've just joined our company as exclusive talents, and they wrote the song we'd like you to try. Seon-Woo handled the arrangement."

At that moment, Lee Mal-Soon greeted the two with surprising courtesy. "Let's do great things together, Ms. Composers."

Yoon Sae-Yeon and Han Hye-Jung were clearly shocked to be greeted that way by Lee Mal-Soon and quickly bowed their heads.

"It's an honor to meet you, ma'am. Please feel free to speak casually."

"M-Ma'am, my mom's been your fan for years."

As the two bowed deeply, Lee Mal-Soon gently helped them back up. "Thanks to composers like you, singers like me get to keep going. So don't bow too much. Or else it will become a habit."

Han Hye-Jung and Yoon Sae-Yeon looked deeply moved. Unlike the so-called trot fairy Han Yo-Jung, this 30-year veteran of the scene was treating them with genuine respect.

I felt the same. Just seeing one of the top trot singers in the industry value the people I had brought in made me feel genuine gratitude to Lee Mal Soon. Thanks to Lee Mal-Soon's words, the two composers, who had always had to tread carefully around singers, now stood a little taller.

"Yes, ma'am. We will keep it in mind."

Lee Mal-Soon gave a satisfied smile. "See? Doesn't that look better already? Anyway, can I hear the song now? I'm really excited. You know, everything Chief Jung puts his heart into always ends up a success."

I straightened my back with pride. "There's both the original and Seon-Woo's rearranged version. I'll play them both."

"Okay."

Looking slightly nervous, Lee Mal-Soon closed her eyes.

Bang Seon-Woo hit the play button. Soon, the original and rearranged versions of 'Youth, Once Again!' began playing through the studio speakers.

A moment later, Lee Mal-Soon trembled with joy.

"Chief Jung, you're telling me this is my song?"

"Do you like it?"

"Like it? That's not even a question. No, I can't wait. I'm going to sing it right now."

Brimming with excitement, Lee Mal-Soon stepped into the recording booth. The moment she gripped the standing mic and took a deep breath, Bang Seon-Woo hit play.

Then, Lee Mal-Soon's rich and emotive voice began to fill the studio.

『One life to live~

No room for regrets.

What is youth, really?

It's all in your mindset.

...

Life is a party.

You're the lead.

It's not too late, even now.

So let's enjoy it, starting now.

Our second chance.

Youth, Once Again!!』

Singing as if she were at a dinner show, Lee Mal-Soon belted out 'Youth, Once Again!' with vibrant energy. Yoo-Jin bounced her shoulders to the beat, and even Miso, unfamiliar with trot, grabbed her mom's hand and jumped in place with glee. It was the kind of song that made your body move just by listening.

At this rate, it was bound to be a hit. It was no question.

***

"Great work!!"

After singing both the original and the rearranged versions back-to-back, Lee Mal-Soon stepped out of the booth with a warm smile. I quickly handed her a handkerchief as she wiped the sweat from her forehead.

"Huff, huff... thanks. Gosh, I must be getting old. Singing two versions in a row really takes it out of me."

"I couldn't tell at all. You didn't seem tired."

"That's just face acting, darling~"

"So, what did you think of the songs?"

Catching her breath, Lee Mal-Soon answered, "What do you think? They're both so good, it's a problem! The original fits me like a custom-made outfit. But the arrangement is so polished. It's great. I think the second version could really connect with a younger audience."

"That's a relief to hear."

Suddenly, Lee Mal-Soon looked over at the composers. "Oh, and just to be clear—I don't mean I dislike your original, okay? It's just that after singing in one style for thirty years, I get fickle from the monotony. Don't take it the wrong way."

Yoon Sae-Yeon and Han Hye-Jung waved their hands quickly.

"Oh, no, not at all. We also think the rearranged version works better for a broader audience." 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

"Totally. It's a sure hit."

Lee Mal-Soon grinned. "Glad you understand." But then, Lee Mal-Soon brought up something completely unexpected. "By the way, Chief Jung, Ms. Composers... I'm sorry, but... would it be okay if I gave this song to someone else?"

I couldn't believe what I was hearing.

'Why would she hand over such a great song?'

"Ma'am, is something bothering you about it? Just say the word, and we'll rearrange it again—"

Lee Mal-Soon shook her head gently, smiling. "No, it's the opposite. The song is so good that I want to give it away."

"Too good to keep...? Who are you planning to give it to?"

"You know them too, Chief Jung."

'She wanted to give the song to someone I knew?'