Chapter 922 Where to Go

"In terms of audience base and popularity, Neon is different from Ami. After more than ten years of development and exploration by the company, Kpop currently has a significant and widespread influence in Neon, with a fixed and loyal audience. And many other non-fan listeners are not too repulsive towards Kpop music sources and groups.”

"The groups under the company, including BOA, TVXQ, Girls' Generation, and SHINEE, have all achieved very good results in Neon. Especially TVXQ, who are also a boy band, even in the face of local first-line popular singers. It is very competitive, and many of the albums we have released in recent years have all topped the sales charts, which proves that our experience in the neon market is effective.”

"And with the in-depth cooperation and support of Neon Aihui...Based on this basis, I think EXO's development in Neon has a great chance of success...or it will definitely succeed."

"Neon is the second largest music market in the world. As long as we gain a firm foothold, the benefits we gain will definitely make up for or even exceed our losses in the mainland market, and we will even make great progress."

The head of the department stood there and talked in front of everyone's gaze. It was obvious that he had made a lot of preparations for today's meeting.

He saw Li Xiuman, who was in charge, smiling at him and nodding for him to continue. Then he seemed to be greatly encouraged. He smiled, turned the page of the information and continued:

"Furthermore, EXO is different from other unfounded groups. We made our debut on Neon last year and released our first Japanese single album. Although according to the previous plan of 'prioritizing the local and mainland markets', we did not debut on Neon. Hong has been doing too many activities, but what is surprising is that the title song "boy with luv" has unexpectedly achieved very good results. "

His expression looked extremely surprised: "Without too much publicity or promotion, this album has sold more than 280,000 copies so far, and has topped the sales list many times, especially "Boy with Luv" ”, after Ai Hui’s market research, this song has become one of the favorite songs of many young people in Neon, and it is also one of the must-click songs on the KTV song list...

This is still the case when XO has not had many activities and its potential has not been fully released. If the focus is on neon this year, there will definitely be a lot of room for improvement in performance."

"Furthermore, Neon Aihui is very optimistic about EXO's development there after market research. It has been repeatedly shown that XO's development potential in Neon is huge, not weaker than TVXQ, and because of its activities in Neon since its debut last year, From last year to now, Ai Hui has sent several messages to communicate that he hopes to let EXO go to Neon for activities..."

After giving examples and data, and convincingly describing the benefits of the neon market, he suddenly changed the topic and talked about Europe and the United States:

"But Ami is different. The pop music there is extremely mature and it is difficult to integrate music from other regions and genres. Even though it is a market that all Kpop companies want to enter, but so far, except for PSY's "Gangnam" "Outside of style"..."

"But whether this song is a matter of good luck or whether it has a mature and usable long-term development method, everyone must know it. After all, PSY's next songs have not achieved the results they imagined."

"So so far, all the combinations and groups that have tried to break into America have failed... The song that has achieved the best performance in America so far is actually the song "Boy with Luv" from EXO's third regular album last year. This..."

As he said that, he couldn't help but smile weirdly, then shook his head slightly, and finally concluded: "Although it has achieved good results and expanded its popularity, Kpop still has a very niche audience in Ami. Therefore, I think we need to be cautious when planning to enter the United States. At present, it is best to focus our activities on the neon market. ”

The surrounding staff all nodded slightly after hearing this. What the room manager said was indeed correct. The development difficulties of the Neon and Ami markets are not at the same level. One has been developed for many years and has considerable experience. There is a house with a reliable partner, and the other is a virgin land that has been tried to open up many times, but all failed. The difficulty of the two is not at the same level.

As for EXO, which has just lost the mainland market and has been targeted and excluded in the peninsula, the choice of shifting its development position this time is very important. Once the choice is made wrong, it is likely to have extremely negative consequences, so while being extremely cautious, the choice is simpler and has a higher success rate. The higher side is safer and more in line with what more people think.

Chi Jingyuan also had a thoughtful look on his face when he heard this. He knew that although EXO didn't do much activity in Neon, the song "BWL" was indeed very popular. From time to time, he heard Mingjing Nan say that this girl has Once she even said with a smile that her brother also liked this song. Chi Jingyuan often saw Japanese messages on his Instagram, and many of them were still asking him when he could go to the neon event.

With that being said... maybe neon is indeed simpler and safer.

"...I think this time the focus should be on the Aramco market."

While the others were thinking, suddenly another person raised his hand and stood up to speak: "Neon is safe, but after all, there have been many Kpop groups there before. Even if EXO went there and performed well, they are just one of the many Korean groups." It’s just one of them... In comparison, Aramco’s market opportunities and profits are only”

Chi Jingyuan took a look. He knew this staff member. His name was Jin Dongxu. He was a representative of the marketing department. He had talked with him twice before and felt that this representative Jin had quite some ideas.

"As Director Lee said just now, no Korean group has successfully entered the United States so far...but EXO is different."

Jin Dongxu stood up, looked at Li Xiuman, and said loudly with the other's encouragement:

"After long-term market research by our Aramco company, Kpop originally had a small but loyal audience in Aramco. Especially after "Boy with Luv" topped the B list last year, Kpop's influence has become very obvious. The spread of music, especially EXO, has also gained a group of extremely loyal fans."

"These fans are not the Asians we are familiar with. Instead, they are mostly local young men and women from Ami. They are extremely active and fanatical. They will spontaneously promote EXO. You can often see their support for EXO on various SNS and music software. Amway and recommended.”

"Although this kind of behavior will be disgusted by some people, the effect is extremely obvious. It will significantly increase EXO's popularity and attract more fans to join. As more and more people join, it also shows a viral effect. According to our investigation, the number of young people from Aramco who know EXO and are interested in it is already very considerable.”

"Coupled with the previous results of "Boy with Luv", this is enough to prove that EXO has a very good foundation for its development in the Aramco market, and it is even a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

His words were resounding and made many people's eyes light up.

"And the most important thing is, I don't think EXO can continue the company's previous plan this time."

Jin Dongxu seemed to have hit the point. He paused here. After feeling everyone's eyes on him, he took a breath and continued in a deep voice:

"Because of the differences in music between Peninsula and Amerika, as well as the unknown market that has not yet been developed, groups under the company would actively follow the trends of European and American pop music every time they went there to perform.

Collaborated with well-known Ami producers to create songs whose music style is close to or homogeneous with European and American pop. In the album, regardless of the song selection, appearance, makeup, or character packaging, all of them have given up some of their own characteristics as a Kpop idol group to a certain extent. Traits. "

"Previous examples of failure have proven that this needs to be considered... I also do not agree with EXO continuing to take this approach."

"I think that even if I become a beauty, I will still be an idol group, a Kpop boy group."

Having said this, Jin Dongxu repeated it emphatically.

"The core competitiveness of idol groups lies in their fans, their loyal and crazy fan base far beyond that of ordinary singers, and their powerful ability to attract fans after being packaged."

"I think if you are trying to break into the European and American markets for the first time, don't go too far with the popular mainstream, and don't try too hard to cooperate with well-known producers, or buy so-called pop hits. First of all, it doesn't matter whether you can buy suitable songs. Even if you buy high-quality songs, they will be wasted because there is not enough audience base and because of Ami’s well-known xenophobia and prejudice.”

"If we count the previous Kpop songs that have accidentally become popular in Europe and the United States, without exception, they all have strong rhythms, addictive melodies, neat and exciting dances, plus a certain attractive gimmick and characteristic... This is also the most popular Kpop song. What we are good at is our main style.”

"Once we abandon these and sing so-called European and American pop songs, what is the difference between us and those ordinary American singers? Under the objective conditions of inferior singing skills and strong xenophobic environmental factors, why do people like us? Woolen cloth?"

"So I think if they want to enter the United States, EXO must maintain their own style. The music selection should be more rhythmic and energetic dance music, and the choreography should be more difficult and unique. Use addictive melodies to impress people. Use stage performances and visual effects to gain a foothold, gain a group of loyal fans, and spread the influence of Kpop before considering going further.”

"It is always difficult to create a market, but once we succeed, as the first Korean group in Kpop history to gain a foothold in the American market and even achieve outstanding results, the benefits and influence we will gain are unimaginable."

At this point, Jin Dongxu's tone became high-pitched, his eyes shone, and his words were very stimulating... and the effect was very good. Chi Jingyuan clearly saw that the staff around him who had just agreed with Neon's development route were somewhat moved. , even Lee Soo Man couldn't help but hold the frame... After all, becoming beautiful is the ultimate dream in his, Park Jin Young's, and even all Kpop people's hearts.

Don't talk about them, Chi Jingyuan himself was a little moved by what he said, and he still felt that what this brother said made sense.

"One more important thing."

After Jin Dongxu waited for the surrounding emotions to stabilize, he finally added something pointedly:

"Everyone knows that due to the industry environment, EXO cannot carry out too many activities in the mainland this year. Given the renewal and the habit of getting bored with the old and liking the new in the mainland market, coupled with the exposure of the love affair, our popularity and influence will definitely decline to a certain extent, and the degree of this decline will even exceed our expectations."

"If we focus on Japan, even if the activities are successful and achieve good results, due to well-known factors between the two countries, such results will not affect the local views and popularity at all, and may even cause some people to be disgusted."

"But, if it succeeds in Amei, it will be completely different..."

At the end, he did not finish his words, and very cleverly left a blank.

But everyone also understood what he meant instantly...The people of the Peninsula have a strong mentality, and they have always been very incompatible with Japan, but they have always valued Europe and the United States. Just look at the impact after Chi Jingyuan became the spokesperson for GUCCI.

Even a world-class handsome guy promoted by a fake magazine can make some people proud, not to mention that he really succeeded in the United States... Once EXO really gained a foothold in the United States or even succeeded, the feedback they received would definitely be far beyond imagination.

"Very good..."

After listening to Kim Dong-wook's ideas, Lee Soo-man couldn't help but smile and praise him. He tapped the table lightly: "What other ideas do you have, please tell me."

"I think Kim Dong-wook's ideas are very good..."

"I think it's better to be safe if we want to transform."

"..."

Under his command, all the staff who came prepared also expressed their opinions, but the general meaning was similar to the two people who spoke at the beginning, divided into two factions, talking about facts and data, each with their own reasons, and they were all very convincing.

"..." After listening for a while, Lee Soo Man nodded and remained silent for a few seconds. He suddenly looked at the EXO members who had been listening for a long time without saying a word, and put his eyes on Chi Jingyuan, and asked: "Jingyuan, what do you think?"

"Ah?"

Chi Jingyuan was a little surprised when his name was called while he was listening carefully. He paused and smiled: "I don't have any ideas. The company will decide."

He really didn't have any good ideas. He felt that what people on both sides said was very attractive... It was impossible to make such an important choice for a while.

"Hehe~" Lee Soo Man smiled and shook his head without asking any more questions. After turning his head to discuss with several company executives around him, he knocked on the table and summarized today's meeting:

"Everyone's ideas are good. We can discuss them again and come up with some specific details and plans. We will discuss them next time."

"But we can start taking action to collect songs. Neon will ask Avex to provide some opinions. As for Amei... In addition to collecting songs from other companies, let the well-known producers who have been cooperating with us for a long time produce a few songs, and then make comparisons and considerations."

"Let's stop here for today. The meeting is adjourned."

With Lee Soo Man's words, the nearly three-hour meeting ended. Everyone stood up, bowed and said goodbye, and left the meeting room in twos and threes.

Although EXO didn't say anything throughout the whole process, as their debut time increased and their popularity rose, their voice in their own albums and songs became more and more powerful. In many cases, the company would not refute the decisions made by the team vote, so it was necessary to attend.

"Jingyuan."

When Chi Jingyuan was about to leave with the other members, Lee Soo-man called him. Halfway through the two of them, he squinted his eyes and smiled at Chi Jingyuan, and asked curiously:

"Where do you think XO should focus on next... Why didn't you tell me your opinion just now?"

""

It feels that Lee Soo-man really values ​​his ideas, or wants to refer to his suggestions, but Chi Jingyuan laughed awkwardly: "Because I really haven't figured out what to do... Well, I think what Director Lee and Representative Kim Dong-wook said just now makes sense..."

After speaking, he pondered for a few seconds, blinked, and said casually without thinking too much: "And... It doesn't have to be the same... …There is so much time this year, can't we go to all the Japanese and American shows? "

"Hahaha~"

Lee Soo Man laughed when he heard it, and shook his head affectionately: "Greedy."

After saying that, he seemed to be inspired by something and paused for a moment, but soon came back to his senses, patted Chi Jingyuan on the shoulder and reminded him: "This year is a very critical year for EXO, remember to tell me if you have any ideas as soon as possible... Also, you have to participate in the music matters, and put forward one or two songs as candidates. If you have no clue or are too busy, you can communicate with producer Jiang. "

"Okay, I will talk to Hyo Shin brother. "

Chi Jingyuan immediately nodded in response. EXO's entry into Japan and the United States is such a big thing, he must also participate.

Nodding with satisfaction, Lee Soo Man immediately reminded him when he remembered something: "You must not delay your solo. This is as important as the group's overseas debut. Your solo is the most important project of the company in the first half of this year."

"Don't worry, Mr. Lee Soo Man. Of course I value my own solo... I'm going to discuss it with Representative Choi and the others."

…………

"..."

“…The location in LA has been selected. These are the photos and videos taken. Jingyuanxi, please take a look to see if they meet your requirements.”

In the meeting room, Chi Jingyuan took the information handed over by the staff and read it carefully.

Just after the group meeting, he came to his solo meeting without stopping. He felt a little tired from working non-stop, but his spirit was extremely excited. Whether it was the group or himself, he had a strong expectation for his career development this year.

After talking about the album preparation for nearly an hour, they finally talked about the shooting of the MV.

“…This place is OK, but we need to see if there are high-rise buildings around that block the light. The light requirements are still very high when shooting.”

“This place is not OK. I hope it is a road section with some graffiti and a slightly street style background. The style looks a little sunny…This place is too street and too dirty.

“Okay, I know, I will contact the people over there immediately. "Director Cui, who is in charge of this, did not refute and nodded immediately.

After putting the information away, he looked at the memo and remembered something. Looking at Chi Jingyuan, he asked me tentatively:

"By the way, Jingyuanxi, after the end of the year, when do you think it would be more appropriate to hold the audition for the female lead of the MV that was postponed before?"

"Audition?"

Thinking of this matter that had been postponed for a week, Chi Jingyuan hesitated for two seconds: "I have to go to the crew tomorrow... Let's hold it the day after tomorrow. I will rush back the day after tomorrow afternoon and audition together then."

"Okay, I will notify their company and agent immediately."

"Do they all have time? Is it too rushed to notify them only one day in advance?" Chi Jingyuan thought about it and asked with some concern.

"Don't worry, Jingyuanxi, let alone notifying them one day in advance, they can come even if they are notified one hour in advance."

"Ha..."

This flattery made him feel secretly happy. Chi Jingyuan laughed and shook his head, took out his mobile phone to check the time:

"Ah? It's already 8pm, let's go, let's go have dinner and chat while we eat."

…………

"Hmm..."

After chatting with the staff at dinner, Chi Jingyuan returned to the company after having a good meal and a good drink, ready to go to the practice room to get his things, and then rush to the crew to film. Due to the delays of various schedules at the end of the year, the amount of filming previously was almost not enough.

But when he came out of the elevator and was walking towards EXO's practice room, he suddenly heard a familiar voice coming from the side.

"...How do I know? What can I do if the company insists on doing that? "

Hearing the voice, Chi Jingyuan paused slightly. Although it was a little far away, he recognized it as Jin Zhongren's voice. He looked around and quickly found the source of the voice... It came from the stairwell not far away.

This is their habitual place for making phone calls and even dating.

Just when Chi Jingyuan had just found the source of the voice and had no time to think about it, Jin Zhongren's voice came one after another:

"...I just found out that we were photographed, and I was not prepared at all."

"...What's the use of you crying? I can't control them scolding you. Just bear it, it will be fine in a few days."

"That's a statement issued by the public relations department. What does it have to do with me! "

After just two sentences, Chi Jingyuan almost got the general idea... Kim Jong-in should be talking to his girlfriend, the exposed Xu Huilin.

But the content he said...

Alas~

Although Chi Jingyuan understands Kim Jong-in's behavior to a certain extent, after all, his career and popularity have been greatly affected.

But... he still can't help but look down on his behavior from the bottom of his heart. This behavior, like ZICO, putting all the responsibility on the woman is really disgusting. It has gone beyond the scope of a scumbag and has risen to the level of character.

But he can't control other people's affairs. He hasn't experienced what Kim Jong-in has experienced, so he can't be too lofty to accuse him of anything.

All I can say is, learn from it.

Chi Jingyuan didn't stay to eavesdrop , and quickly left and walked towards the practice room. However, when he walked two steps and was about to reach the door, he suddenly remembered something.

He took out his mobile phone, and several unread text messages marked with Ming Jingnan's name were very conspicuous.

He received a text message from his girlfriend before the meeting, but at that time he was also affected by Kim Jong-in's side, and his mood was not very good. In addition, he was about to go to the meeting, so he was too lazy to reply.

And now... one unread text message has become several.

Although he didn't click in to read the content, he felt the girl's mood through these unread numbers.

Chi Jingyuan looked at these unread text messages, stood there for a moment, pursed his lips and was about to reply, when his mobile phone suddenly vibrated and a call came in.