5. Let's Start Over (2)
"The key is emphasizing a sleek, minimalist design. Let's go with a concept that highlights enjoying videos and music anytime, anywhere on a large screen."
Jang Hana raised her arm and asked.
"Are we sticking with the current actor for the ad model?"
"With the concept completely changed, we should switch models too."
"But securing a model with similar name value on short notice won't be easy…"
Jang trailed off with a troubled expression.
Jaesung, having anticipated this, offered a solution.
"Name value doesn't matter. Focus on how well they fit the concept and express the vibrant energy of the new generation."
"So, even a rookie is fine?"
At Jang's question, he nodded without hesitation.
"A rookie might even outperform a model with a fixed image. Don't limit yourself and cast a wide net. Oh, and don't worry about the budget—I can increase the model fee beyond what was allocated."
"Got it."
Checking the time, Jaesung looked at the exhausted employees and said.
"That's it for today. Tomorrow, we'll finalize the draft and model. Come prepared with ideas."
"…Yes."
"Phew, understood."
Everyone looked drained from the long meeting.
As Jaesung gathered his papers and left, sighs erupted around the room.
"Ugh, I'm dying."
Kwon Hyuk-jae was the first to collapse on the table.
Perhaps because he caught Jaesung's attention early, his name kept coming up during the meeting, leaving him completely spent.
"Deputy, you're totally marked, aren't you?"
"Right? I feel it…"
Kwon banged his head on the table.
"Why'd you have to stand out and get noticed? Dummy."
"Hey, how was I supposed to know he'd act like that? He's usually just a lazy rich kid, so I got annoyed when he started acting up."
"Fair. I was put off at first too."
What a weird day, Jang thought, propping her chin.
"How does a person change like that overnight? The way he spoke today was so sharp."
"What, like the chaebol's youngest son was hiding his true power all along?"
Kwon smirked, but Jang got serious.
"Seriously, maybe he was pretending to be an idiot to observe how we'd act."
"Jang Hana, you've read too many comics."
"Wanna bet on it?"
"Fine, let's do it."
Kwon confidently took the bet.
Whatever had gotten into Jaesung, he was sure it wouldn't last a week before he reverted to his lazy, parachuted self.
As the two bickered childishly, Manager Hwang clapped his hands.
"Enough gossip. Time to get up."
The chaotic atmosphere quieted instantly.
"We've got another meeting tomorrow, so don't come unprepared like today. Be ready."
"Yes."
The team, grimacing at the sudden workload, gathered their things.
Just then, a female employee peeked into the meeting room.
"Good, you're all still here."
"Hyun-joo, what's up? Got something to share?"
Hwang, puzzled why Kim Hyun-joo from admin was there, asked as she opened a document envelope.
"The director said to cover taxi fares since it's late."
"Taxi fares?"
"Yes."
Kwon suddenly leaned in.
"How much?"
"100,000 won per person."
"No way!"
The team's faces lit up with joy.
Occasionally, transport costs were covered for late overtime, usually 20,000-30,000 won at most.
But 100,000 won? They couldn't help but be thrilled.
Even Hwang's lips twitched upward.
"Man, that's a golden spoon for you!"
Kwon raised a thumb, cheering.
His attitude flipped fast for someone who'd been badmouthing Jaesung moments ago.
"Chaebol third-gen, huh? He spends big."
"Totally."
As if their exhaustion had vanished, everyone rejoiced over the taxi fare.
Watching this, Hwang inwardly marveled at Jaesung's knack for squeezing the team hard while subtly rewarding them, keeping them in check.
I thought he was a wild colt, but he's a sly fox.
Jaesung stopped as a large luxury sedan pulled up, its headlights blazing.
"You're just getting back?"
Chairman Park stepped out of the backseat, casting a cold glance at Jaesung.
"You didn't go drinking with your friends again, did you?"
"No, sir."
"Then?"
"I was at the company, meeting with the team, so I got off work late."
"You were working?"
"Yes."
Chairman Park narrowed his eyes, looking at him suspiciously.
"You're not making excuses to avoid a scolding, are you?"
His gaze was blatantly distrustful.
"One phone call would reveal if I was there or not. Why would I lie when it's so easy to check?"
"Hmm."
As Jaesung said, a call could confirm his whereabouts.
But oddly, Chairman Park didn't feel the need to check.
Was it because, unlike before, Jaesung met his gaze directly?
Raising an eyebrow, Chairman Park said.
"I'll believe you. But if you revert to your old ways in a few days, you'd better quit now. Raising expectations only leads to bigger disappointments."
"That won't happen, so don't worry."
"…"
Chairman Park stared at his youngest son, who responded without much expression, before turning away silently.
Jaesung followed him through the main gate.
"You're revising the new phone ad campaign?"
The previous night's events lingered in Chairman Park's mind, so he summoned the chief of staff that morning.
Even if Jaesung seemed to have gotten his act together, he wanted to know how he was actually performing at the company.
"Is that true?"
Surprised by the report, Chairman Park furrowed his brow.
His trusted aide, Chief of Staff Jung Tae-kyu, quickly added.
"They're scrapping the original plan and starting from scratch with a new concept."
"I thought the product launch was imminent?"
"That's correct."
"And they're still throwing out the plan to make a new one?"
"Yes."
Leaning back in his chair, Chairman Park remarked.
"Did getting chewed out last time puff up his ego or something?"
"That's why there's a lot of talk in the wireless division."
A misstep could delay the schedule or force a launch without an ad, so the reaction was understandable.
What's he planning?
Hoping Jaesung wasn't just causing trouble without a plan, Chairman Park stroked his chin.
"Should I order them to proceed as planned?"
Gauging the mood, Jung asked, but Chairman Park shook his head after a moment.
"No. Leave it be."
"But…"
"It's a good opportunity."
Chairman Park stretched his legs leisurely.
"He seems motivated to work this time. Let's see if he can actually pull something off."
It was a matter that could potentially harm the company.
But with the chairman's decision made, no one could object.
"So, we're highlighting the large phone screen, our biggest advantage over competitors, in the ad?"
Deputy Kwon Hyuk-jae responded promptly.
"It's not just about the innovative wide PMP phone feature but emphasizing that BluePhone itself is a leader ahead of its time. The key is instilling the image of an icon of individuality in consumers."
Jaesung nodded slightly, listening attentively.
"We drew inspiration from the trend of comparing extremes. People dancing and partying in contrasting wide and narrow spaces, portrayed comically to entertain and spark consumer interest."
"That'll definitely differentiate us from competitors' ads, which focus solely on tech features."
Even Manager Hwang, who initially opposed the new concept, reacted positively.
"I think it's a very fresh idea."
Nodding in approval, Jaesung added.
"Just thought of this, but how about 'Play Wide. The Game Changes!' as the ad copy?"
The team reacted enthusiastically to Jaesung's suggestion.
"That's pretty good."
Kwon, mulling over the phrase, looked at Jaesung with surprise.
"Seriously? Don't just say it's good because it's me. Think about it."
"No, it's genuinely solid."
"It's short, punchy, and captures the theme perfectly."
Their expressions seemed sincere.
As expected. People think alike.
The phrase Jaesung suggested was an ad copy he remembered from his past life.
Seeing the team's positive response, he was confident the same strategy would work again.
"Let's go with this concept and finish the storyboard by tomorrow."
Kwon, looking haggard from the relentless schedule, sighed.
"Haa. Got it."
Jaesung knew they were struggling but had no choice to meet the launch date.
Turning to Manager Hwang, he said.
"If we start shooting next week, we can have the final ad ready before the launch, right?"
"It's tight. How about coordinating with the wireless division to push the launch back a week?"
Hwang voiced concern, but Jaesung shook his head without hesitation.
"First-mover advantage is critical for a new product launch. We can't do that."
"That's true, but…"
Jaesung addressed the team firmly.
"No launch delays. We're airing the ad simultaneously with the product launch on the 25th, so make it happen!"
The thought of no regular hours for a while left everyone deflated.
But since his reasoning was sound, no one openly objected.
"…Understood."
Pushing too hard could kill their motivation, so Jaesung offered a carrot he'd prepared.
"But if we complete the ad on schedule and it performs well, I'll ensure everyone gets a special performance bonus."
"Really?"
A team member's eyes sparkled at the mention of a bonus.
Jaesung smiled.
"If the chairman doesn't open his wallet, I'll pay it out of my own pocket, so don't worry."
"Woo!"
"Director, you're the best!"
"Love you!"
Transformed into slaves of capitalism, the team cheered and raised their thumbs.
The reaction was starkly different from just a week ago.
I'll show you myself.