Chapter 20: New Data Protection Officer

brought a huge shock, leaving the entire Korean music scene in astonishment.Since the rise of online song downloads from 2001, physical albums have gradually declined, with sales declining year by ye..., the Peninsula Asteroid

The 2014 F/W Seoul Fashion Week kicked off on March 21st at the Seoul Design Culture Park, aiming to showcase Seoul's fashion trends through various unique stages and clothing.

The entire event lasts for six days. Besides the special fashion show and music concert on the first day, attended by numerous designers and celebrity idols; each day will feature unique activities and shows to attract audience and media attention.

exo was invited to be the opening performance and runway guest for the 21st fashion week, performing the "Roar" stage which included a dance battle section added during last year's "aa" awards ceremony. After the performance, he also walked the runway with female models, attracting a lot of attention.

At that time, Ji Jingyuan was resting in the dormitory and didn't participate. After Park Jae-hyun told him, he specifically went online to watch videos of the members' performances and runway shows.

It's just average.

Because it wasn't a professional stage, there were no professional VJs, shooting equipment, or directors to switch cameras. The camera filming the stage didn't move at all throughout the entire performance, simply recording it in a straightforward manner.

Without the rendering of camera language and the embellishment of lighting and backdrop, the entire stage seemed somewhat bland, even though each member was actually quite handsome that day.

As for the runway show that follows...

It seems a little off, even though some members are tall enough. But when they stand on the runway with female models, they look quite young and inexperienced.

Especially Tao and Kai, even. The moment they stepped onto the runway, they made Chi Jingyuan laugh. They seemed so nervous that they didn't even know where to put their hands.

This opening performance, when mentioned years later, is very likely to become another black history for EXO.

…………

“I’ve always been quite interested in fashion, and Seoul Fashion Week is one of the trendsetters for Peninsula fashion. I’m honored to have been invited to attend.”

Chi Jingyuan first had a conversation with the organizers' staff, then walked onto the interview platform. After being surrounded by flashes and frantically photographed, he began to accept interviews from reporters.

A gray casual jacket with a white striped undershirt, and a baseball cap. The overall look exudes a simple and relaxed style.

With his well-proportioned physique and charming, slightly softened handsome features, paired with a pair of captivating smiles, he immediately drew the attention of many in the room.

This outfit wasn't chosen by him himself, it was specially put together by the company's designer for him. It's considered quite fitting for Chi Jingyuan's style of dress.

If he had chosen his own clothes, he probably wouldn't have dressed like this… But maybe s also took this into consideration and specifically asked the designer to put in the effort to prepare this outfit for him.

"The day before yesterday, yuanxi fainted, and fans were very concerned about your health. Today, you look much better, have you recovered" The host, also a part-time reporter, asked a question that everyone was curious about.

Today is the first time Chi Jingyuan has appeared in public since the news of him fainting and being hospitalized a few days ago. Naturally, many people are very interested in his current condition.

“As stated in the company announcement, it wasn't a serious issue, just a prolonged one. After treatment and rest, I have fully recovered.”

“The postponement of EXO's comeback has also become a hot topic among many fans. Can yuanxi reveal EXO's specific comeback date”

"This still depends on the company's considerations."

Chi Jingyuan smiled, looking a little helpless: "You know, I don't speak for myself."

"Haha..."

After a brief interview, Chi Jingyuan walked into the venue.

The venue for Fashion Week is much the same, with the main stage occupying the largest area. The runway extends across the entire venue, and several rows of tiered chairs are placed on both sides of the runway.

The chairs weren't randomly arranged; each one had a white paper with a guest's name written in black ink.

Under the guidance of staff, I found my seat on the first row in the middle of the right side of the runway. It's a pretty good view for watching the show.

When he arrived, it was already late. The surrounding area was almost full of people. He glanced around and didn't recognize anyone. Judging by the atmosphere, they were mostly industry professionals.

However, many people around knew Ji Jingyuan. Seeing him, quite a few people proactively greeted him with smiles, and Ji Jingyuan also responded with a smile before settling down on the chair.

As soon as he sat down, he felt someone was constantly taking pictures of him with their phone. He wasn't sure if it was a fan or something else. However, Ji Jingyuan had long been accustomed to being photographed like this. He smiled at the person taking his picture and then turned away to browse around, his gaze casually scanning the surroundings.

As soon as Ji-mi turned his gaze, he met the eyes of someone across from him. Upon seeing the face, Chi Jingyuan realized it was someone he knew.

It's Tara's Park So Yeon, I ran into her at the "Music Center" special program early this month. We even said hello backstage.

But I'm not familiar with them at all, just a greeting acquaintance.

After their eyes met, they both smiled and nodded lightly before looking away.

Having looked around the pool, Jiyeong really found quite a few idols she knew or had seen before. Tara came with three people, but they weren't sitting together: Park So-yeon, Park Hyo-min, and Park Ji-yeon.

Besides, there are several other girl group members like erschool, each dressed up beautifully in their seats, vying to show off their fashion sense and charm.

This kind of fashion show is very popular among female idols. Appearing at it is a small matter, the main reason is to get connected with the fashion circle, and to improve their fashion status in the eyes of fans or the public, shaping the image of a fashionista.

If you're lucky, your outfit could go viral unexpectedly and you might even receive some fashion endorsement deals.

After giving the place a quick glance, Ji-yeong retracted his gaze and sat down, starting to daydream. He didn't know anyone sitting nearby and wasn't in the mood to interact. Attending an event like this alone was really boring; it would be much better if other members were here. He could chat with Wu Shixun, especially Park Chan-wook, about girl idol gossip.

After a while, the music started and the fashion show officially began.

Chi Jingyuan sat up straight, perked up, and looked intently. One by one, models in various outfits walked past him, showcasing a wide array of clothing all at once.

After a while, Chi Jingyuan's face remained unchanged, but inwardly he sighed.

It's pretty boring.

The outfits on the models didn't really match Chi Jingyuan's aesthetic preferences. Some of them were too avant-garde, even bizarre, and Chi Jingyuan couldn't understand them as a form of fashion.

Chi Jingyuan couldn't quite accept these fashions, but Park Jae-hyun said that many fashion brands and some well-known designers on the peninsula actually liked him and had more or less proposed cooperation ideas.

But to follow his own ideas... or maybe anime collaboration items are more desirable.

………………

"Ah, Jia, are you rested"

Seeing Ji-yeong walk into the practice room, the EXO members who were chatting immediately started teasing him with a few yells. Oh Sehun even sarcastically retorted at him.

They were really worried when Chi Jingyuan fainted during their trip, but then they saw him just lying in the dormitory for almost a week and didn't know what to say.

The company even delayed their album release, you have to say they really live up to their royal status. Even though they've gotten used to it, they can't help but grumble a little inside when things get pushed back.

"The inside is especially comfortable to rest in."

Ji Jingyuan smiled and waved at him, then ambled over to Wu Shixun's side and sat down with a thud. He stretched languidly: "I slept too much these past two days, now I can't sleep at night."

"Aise."

Seeing Ji Jingyuan's arrogant demeanor, Wu Shixun couldn't help but directly hug him and start pulling his hair. Several others, including Doyoung, also rushed over, venting their frustrations.

Two fists can't fight four hands, and Chi Jingyuan didn't even think about fighting back. In an instant, his clothes and hair were messed up. After a few people dispersed, Chi Jingyuan shook his head, gave them a sideways glance, and straightened his clothes.

When tidying up his clothes, he suddenly thought of something and smiled at his teammates: "Oh right, I watched the video. You guys walked the runway really well! Where did you learn that from It's so full of feeling, especially Zhong Ge and Kai..."

"Oh, no more!"

Kim Jong-da and Kai directly yelled to cut off Ji-yeong's words, then shook their heads with a wry smile.

It seems they also know that the previous catwalk show became a black history, and they are unwilling to mention it themselves.

These days because the album release was postponed, everyone doesn't have to stay up as late, and it looks like every member's complexion has improved a lot. They look much more energetic.

Qi Jingyuan found a spot and sat down. The twelve people chatted in groups of three or four.

After about ten minutes, the manager, Lee Seung-hwan, came in with a notepad. He nodded at Ji-seong and stood in the middle of the practice room, clapping his hands to get everyone's attention.

"After Jingyuan came back, we restarted our album project, and we'll resume filming v from tomorrow."

"The set for 《dope》 is finished, and the professional camera company needed for filming has also been contacted. We will start shooting immediately after 《overdose》 is complete. Are you guys ready"

"Yes!" everyone replied immediately.

The v in 《dope》 was designed by Ji Jingyuan and uses a half-mirror, full-frame shooting method. Some shots require very high technical standards and need a professional, multi-functional camera. There aren't many of these cameras on the entire peninsula, and we even needed to rent them from a professional equipment company.

"Next month on the 10th, we'll be flying to Japan. We're going to hold your first fan meeting in Saitama. The songs you need to perform, Teacher already taught you a few days ago, Jingyuan, remember to catch up on your lessons."

"Good." Chi Jingyuan nodded to indicate that there was no problem.

Apart from preparing the album, our first Asia tour will officially begin in late May.

“The company has already secured the venue and the first concert will be held for two consecutive days on the 24th and 25th at the Seoul Olympic Gymnastics Arena. The performance tracklist has also been finalized, and the professional team responsible for the concert stage effects design, who is collaborating with the company, will connect with us the day after tomorrow to officially begin preparations for the concert.”

"This tour is our EXO's first solo concert, the significance doesn't need me to say more, right"

Lee Seunghwang's gaze swept around the circle. The members either nodded knowingly or vigorously in agreement.

They certainly know how important the success or failure of a concert is. To put it simply, it's a testament to their journey to the peak of popularity.

To be realistic, the success of a concert is closely tied to each person's share of the revenue. For the vast majority of Korean artists, touring is where idols truly make their money.

These days, everyone has had a good amount of time to rest. However, starting tomorrow, we'll be entering work mode again. Besides the album, preparations for the concert are equally important.

"Fight! " Lee Seung-hwan waved his right hand and gave a loud cheer.

"Fight!" All the members shouted in unison.

Lee Cheng Huan smiled and nodded, very pleased with the children's fighting spirit. He looked at the notepad in his hand, then called out a name:

"By the way, Chan."

"Hey, bro." Park Chan-hyeok immediately raised his hand.

As I mentioned before, the fixed guest position for the SBS variety show "Roote" has been secured. Filming starts next week officially, which will take up a lot of your time. Remember to come back and practice overtime.

"Don't worry, brother, I got it."

Park Chan-wook looked excited, grinning and nodding.

The other members all glanced at him, their eyes holding a strange mix of emotions.

This type of variety show fixed guest already belongs to pretty good personal information. If done well, it will have a very obvious effect on the growth of popularity and fans. I hope that the members who want to get this opportunity are not in the minority. In the end, it fell to Park Chan-wook.

This kind of person, Ji Jingyuan, is obviously a member of the Heavenly Dragon people. They can't compete with him, they don't even bother to count him in private competitions. Besides, he's really talented and writes his own songs. The members all respect him and are used to it.

But while other members may not say it on the surface, the under-the-radar competition is also quite intense. Everyone wants to get their hands on personal resources.

Before they could even ponder this, Lee Seong-hwan went on to announce several of his personal resources:

"Bo-hyun, the musical , the company has given you the role of Don Lockwood. It will officially begin performances in late April. The company will help coordinate your rehearsal schedule."

"D.O., SBS is preparing a television drama titled "It's Okay to Not Be Okay," and the company has secured an audition opportunity for you. The script and lines for the role will be sent to you shortly. Please prepare well."

"Hey!"

The two people who were named were both excited and beaming as they quickly responded, especially D.O., who had always envied actor Ji Sung's popularity. He had hinted several times before, and this time, he finally got his chance.

The unnamed members naturally had varied expressions, biting their lips and remaining silent.

"Jingyuan, come out for a bit."

After finishing his explanation, Lee Seung-hwan called out to Ji Kyeong-won and beckoned him over before turning and walking out. Ji Kyeong-won quickly got up and followed after him.

Closing the practice room door, the two of them walked a few steps aside. Lee Seong-hwan looked at him and spoke about what had happened to him recently:

"

The recording company's label department has already listened to 《dope》, but they are not satisfied with the final result.

"

"The rap in your song is quite a bit, and the style is a new attempt for EXO. However, judging by the actual recording quality, some members are lacking in the rap department."

"Um..."

Chi Jingyuan hesitated to speak.

The main rapper in EXO is Park Chanyeol. He's basically rapped on all the albums since their debut. While he might not be as good as some professional underground rappers, he's still pretty decent. ** Entertainment doesn't put a lot of rap in EXO's songs, so Park Chanyeol is more than enough.

Besides Park Chan-lyeol, there are also rappers like Tao, Kai, and Wu Shixun listed, but they basically just have a title. In reality, there's only a tiny bit of rap in each song, not enough for even just Park Chan-lyeol to handle, let alone divide it up. Moreover, they don't sing as well as Park Chan-lyeol.

Compared to EXO's most proud vocalist, LE, their rap skills are a bit weaker.

This time, the pre-release track "dope," including the song "eedu," has a much higher rap content than previous EXO songs. Especially the former has a continuous large section of rap.

With so many parts, it's natural that they wouldn't all be given to Park Chan-le. The company gave some of them to other rap members as well, but judging by Lee Seung-hwan's demeanor, the recording results seem to be somewhat unsatisfactory.

On our side, it's Ji Seong. I don't know who's on K team's side. For K team, it's Park Chan-ryeol, Oh Se-hoon, and Kai. When Ji Seong was listening during the recording, he thought it wasn't bad, not really hard to listen to either. I don't know who the company is unhappy with in terms of rap.

A Chinese Paladin

"The company's idea is that you try some of the rap parts in ," Lee Seong Hwan said, conveying the company's thoughts. "If it goes well, they'll have you re-record it."

"Well... Brother, I already have enough in this song."

Ji Jingyuan hesitated a little. He was the absolute center of this song, and if he snatched parts from other members, some people would really just become backup dancers. Besides, although his rap level was okay, he felt somewhat indifferent to it.

"Don't worry about that, if you re-record, the company will naturally redistribute the parts evenly among each member. As the lyricist and composer, you are still the center of the song."

Li Chenghuan waved his hand and spoke quickly.

"What about that team over there" Ji Jingyuan asked curiously.

The group doesn't even have a real rapper. It is said that their original rapper was Wu Sike, but after he left, Tao took over, but the actual effect can only be said to be barely listenable.

The rap in Xia Wen's fill-in-the-blank was naturally divided among the three members of the Xia Guo Le group. Although the recording effect wasn't very good, the company had no other choice, and there were no other people in the team.

"Because you're here, K team can try again." Talking about the team, Lee Seung Hwan also sounded a bit helpless. The members' skill level wasn't something that could be forced to improve.

"Then I'll give it a try." Chi Jingyuan thought for a moment, then nodded in agreement.

"Well, let's go to the recording studio tomorrow and see how it sounds. If it sounds good, besides being the main vocalist, you can also be a backup rapper in the future."

Lee Seung-hwan patted Ji Kyeong-won's back with a smile, then said in a pleading tone:

But in the future, when you're creating, it's best to add a little less rap lyrics.

"They're really not good at this..."

…………

“Didn't our company announcement say it It's just a cold that dragged on for a while, nothing serious. Didn't you see the announcement”

Ji Jingyuan was walking while talking on the phone with Zheng Eundi. His smiling expression showed he was in a good mood.

After arriving at the company today, team K went straight to the recording studio. Ji-seong attempted to rap a few times, and after comparing the results, with the agreement of the record department, sound engineers, and vocal coach, the parts in "" were reassigned, and they immediately started re-recording.

After discussion within the company, it has been decided that Ji-Seong will take on an additional role as a sub-rapper in EXO. In the future, he may be assigned more rap parts in some songs.

It's really annoying.

He was so busy that he didn't finish until dinner time. Ji Jingyuan had dinner with several members and on their way back, they happened to receive a call from old friend Zheng Endi. He signaled the other members to go ahead first, then lingered behind chatting leisurely on the phone.007, so innocent and cute.However, Chi Jingyuan did discover an interesting point. When Lai Debebe took her final bow, the audience's cheers were surprisingly loud. It's unclear whether it was fans of...