Chapter 24: Congratulations on your successful entry into S.M.

Lee Min-woo flipped through the profiles of trainees who had recently participated in auditions.

The Korean idol industry was fiercely competitive. Hundreds of entertainment companies, large and small, across Seoul were all pinning their hopes on launching a hit group to achieve instant success; even achieving modest name recognition was enough to turn a profit. Among them, S.M. Entertainment was the undisputed industry leader. In fact, the very trainee system currently used throughout the industry—a localized version of the Japanese model—was created by Lee Soo-man.

In Seoul, it was easy to become a trainee, but difficult to become a trainee at a major agency. Regardless of the hardships endured, debuting under one of the "Big Three"—S.M., YG, or JYP—at least guaranteed a certain baseline of success, even if one didn't reach the very top. If one debuted at a small company, it might just be the first step toward failure.

"Hmm... Kim Min-jeong..."

Lee Min-woo set aside the other files and picked up Kim Min-jeong’s resume. In this industry, success often relied on the exchange of resources. A trainee like Kim Min-jeong, who possessed both solid natural talent and an extraordinary family background, was highly sought after. Who knew if the company might have collaborations with Ming Yan in the future? Doing a favor wouldn't hurt. As for the child's current performance—if she were already a finished product, there would be no need for the company. S.M. loved trainees who were like blank slates, allowing them to be molded according to the group's concept.

"Approved!"

***

"Min-jeong, put on your school uniform again and let your uncle have a look."

Ming Yan tried to coax his young niece. Kim Eun-sook had already confirmed the arrangements for Kim Min-jeong’s enrollment, and in a couple of days, Ming Yan would take her to register. Today, they had gone out to buy her uniform for Hanlim Multi Art School, along with other school supplies. Kim Min-jeong was a bit shy at first, but she couldn't resist her uncle and eventually let him buy whatever he pleased. Beyond the uniform, her backpack and stationery were all the latest models.

Ming Yan had been quite flush with cash lately; after completing a new commercial shoot, hundreds of millions of won had poured in, making these expenses mere pocket change. That was the allure of being a celebrity: one day you might be a nameless extra, but the moment you hit it big, you wake up to a bank account overflowing with money. Not to mention the immense attention and cheers. Ming Yan had established a fan club after *The Heirs*, and saw a massive surge in membership after finishing *Descendants of the Sun*.

If it weren't for his own reluctance, Jung Won-ryong would have organized a fan meeting right then and there. Making money, much like dating, had to be done while the iron was hot. However, Ming Yan didn't want to be too high-profile. His future wouldn't end here; he wanted to build a solid foundation first. He had stumbled into acting by chance, met great mentors and friends, and now considered this his lifelong pursuit. A soldier who didn't want to be a general wasn't a good soldier, and an actor who didn't want to be a film festival winner wasn't a good actor. With good work, fame and fortune would naturally follow. Take it slow.

"Uncle, I already tried it on when we bought it," Kim Min-jeong said, blushing as she refused. She wasn't one of Ming Yan’s toys.

"Put it on, I want to take a photo and send it to your mother so she can see how her daughter looks in her new uniform."

Ming Yan thought his niece looked quite grown up in the Hanlim uniform. Unlike the bright beige of the School of Performing Arts Seoul, Hanlim featured a dark blue blazer paired with a light grey pleated skirt and a necktie, a look that was both understated and luxurious.

Kim Min-jeong was highly skeptical of Ming Yan's reasoning; she suspected he just wanted to tease her. Such an unscrupulous elder! But... she did want her mother to see. This was Hanlim Multi Art School, a place she hadn't even dared to dream of back in Yangsan. Krystal Jung was a senior who had graduated from this very school. Many famous idols had attended Hanlim. For instance, Red Velvet’s Yeri and TWICE’s Dahyun were currently seniors there. In Kim Min-jeong’s mind, entering Hanlim was the first step on a long journey, and at the very least, she had finally set foot on the path.

"Min-jeong? Min-jeong?"

Ming Yan noticed the girl drifting off and waved his hand in front of her face.

"Ah, Uncle, wait a second, I’ll go change now." Kim Min-jeong snapped out of it, ran to change, and then let Ming Yan take her picture. She couldn't wait to show off to her friends back in Yangsan.

A while later, Ming Yan looked at his niece with the satisfaction of a parent watching a child grow up. Although it had only been a few days, he had fully embraced his role as an uncle. Having settled her schooling, he felt he could safely notch a win on his "Uncle Achievement" scorecard.

"Min-jeong, smile," Ming Yan directed her pose. "Let’s try a different angle; this one is for your mom."

"What about the one from before?"

"That one is for me to brag about. My niece is a student at Hanlim Multi Art School!"

Kim Min-jeong didn't know why her uncle was so happy about a transfer, but she liked living with an elder who was so full of positive energy. Ming Yan snapped several photos, and the final results earned Kim Min-jeong’s approval. "Uncle, you’re really good at taking photos."

"If you have a friend who loves to be photographed, you’ll naturally improve," Ming Yan said with a hint of melancholy. His skill was purely the result of quantity leading to quality. It was all because Im Nayeon loved taking photos. Like Kim Jisoo, he wasn't particularly interested in photography, and only took photos when Nayeon dragged him into it. As the saying went, long-term illness makes a good doctor; Ming Yan could take decent photos simply because he knew exactly how to make them look bad and avoided those pitfalls.

"Jisoo unnie?"

"Nayeon."

"Oh~" Kim Min-jeong nodded thoughtfully.

The two of them went back to their phones. Kim Min-jeong sent the photos to her parents, while Ming Yan posted them to the group chat he shared with Kim Jisoo and Im Nayeon, also sending a thank-you text to Kim Eun-sook. As they were busy with their phones, Kim Min-jeong’s ringtone suddenly broke the silence.

"Is it Mom?"

"No, it’s an unknown number."

"Go ahead and answer it, see who it is. Your uncle is here," Ming Yan signaled that it was fine.

Kim Min-jeong answered obediently. "Hello?"

"What did you say? I... I didn't hear you clearly."

"I passed the S.M. audition?!"