Peninsula: It’s just a dream, are you serious?

Chapter 489 Chen Yan: I'm Actually Better at Romancing Female Idols (Seeking Monthly Tickets at the End of the Month!)

The computer screen displayed the top trending topic on Naver's hot list, but the topic was related to Chen Yan himself.

[Chen Yan: A Renowned Expert on Girl Groups]

The specific content of the entry is a discussion among netizens about Chen Yan's ability to support groups.

"Pengtuan" means to promote or make a group popular.

The reason why netizens are discussing Chen Yan's ability to promote girl groups is that in less than a month, from the end of June to now, he has successfully promoted two girl groups.

First came Girl's Day, whose song "Something" propelled them from a fourth or fifth-tier girl group to a second-tier one, where they firmly established themselves.

Then there's Apink, whose song "nonono" also significantly boosted their popularity, propelling them from a third-tier girl group to a second-tier one.

Although this situation is not solely due to Chen Yan's efforts, it is also due to the publicity and resources provided by the companies behind the two groups.

But without a doubt, Chen Yan played a key role in the significant increase in popularity of these two girl groups.

Their already high popularity meant that both songs received a great deal of attention even before their release.

The quality of the works is high enough to retain the attention attracted and maximize the conversion of that attention into popularity for the two girl groups.

Therefore, it is no exaggeration to say that Chen Yan single-handedly made Girl's Day and Apink famous.

His only notable achievement so far is making two girl groups famous, but no boy groups.

So, on the whim of some netizens, the title of "famous girl group member" was conceived and bestowed upon him.

Turning his gaze away from the computer screen, Chen Yan frowned in confusion.

Actually, he had seen this discussion on Naver's trending topics list two days ago while browsing his phone.

However, at that time the entry was at the bottom of the list and wasn't very popular. He clicked in to take a look, but just thought it was some netizens discussing it for fun, and assumed that the popularity would pass quickly, so he didn't pay much attention to it.

But unexpectedly, it has now reached the top of the trending list.

Chen Yan looked up at Park Jin-young: "Jin-young oppa, what's going on? Is this a trending topic bought by the company?"

Park Jin-young smiled slightly, reached for the mouse, operated it on the computer for a bit, and then gestured for him to take another look.

Chen Yan looked at the computer screen, which now displayed a different entry, the second most popular one on the trending list.

[Renowned music critic Kim Young-dae's review of Chen Yan's works]

The first post in the entry is an analysis and evaluation of Chen Yan's published works, which was posted by music critic Kim Young-dae on his SNS a little over two hours ago.

Chen Yan was slightly taken aback, and then quickly began to carefully read the details of the post.

This Kim Young-dae is not the same famous musician who openly came to cause trouble as last time. He is a highly acclaimed music critic and writer in the K-pop field, a member of the Peninsula Music Awards judging committee, and has participated in the selection of many music awards. He has a significant influence in the industry.

He started publishing music reviews in online magazines in the mid-1990s. Chen Yan had heard some of his previous articles mentioned by teachers when he was at Yonsei University.

This critic has provided feedback on every song, from his collaboration with IU (Lee Ji-eun) on "Peach" to his recent releases "Something" and "nonono," and his evaluations have all been very insightful.

For example, this music critic gave a very objective review of Girls' Generation's song "I Got a Boy," which received mixed reviews:

[It has an avant-garde style and is a bold attempt at K-pop, but it lacks consideration for the acceptance of local audiences in the Korean Peninsula.]

After commenting on each song, Kim Young-dae also gave his own evaluation of Chen Yan himself.

[From his musical works, it's clear that Chen Yanxi is a music producer with solid professional knowledge. He can create a variety of different musical styles, and his arrangement skills are constantly improving. I personally think he is a music producer with unlimited potential.]

Kim Young-dae also said that he is looking forward to the new song Chen Yan wrote for f(x) and will listen to it as soon as it is released at the end of the month.

At the very end, he playfully added: "Personally, I think Chen Yanxi seems to be better at writing girl group style songs."

After the post was published, it quickly attracted the attention of a group of Chen Yan's fans due to Chen Yan's current high popularity, making the post popular.

As more and more people saw it and joined the discussion, the entry eventually climbed to second place on the trending list.

After reading the post, Chen Yan looked at the comments below the ladder.

[That's very professional and insightful. I agree with what Kim Young-dae said. PD Chen is indeed an outstanding music producer and is definitely better at writing songs for girl groups. [laughing emoji]]

[Hahahaha, even Kim Young-dae thinks that PD Chen is better at writing girl group style songs. PD Chen is indeed a girl group master.]

[Wow, this music producer has a limitless future! Kim Young-dae's evaluation is so high! And his last sentence seems to be saying that he also thinks PD Chen is a master of girl groups, hehe.]

After reading the first few comments, Chen Yan subconsciously thought that he didn't think he was better at writing girl group songs.

He's actually better at flirting with female idols.

He then turned to look at Park Jin-young.

Park Jin-young smiled and said, "Now you understand, Xiao Yan, because of Kim Young-dae's comments, there's a lot of discussion about you online and in the industry. The topic of you being a top female idol group member has also been brought up again by netizens."

He paused for a moment, then continued, "Of course, the company's public relations department also played a part in this. The head of the public relations department noticed the online public opinion and reported it to me. I then asked him to further amplify the topic, which can further enhance your influence."

Chen Yan nodded, then frowned in confusion: "But why did Teacher Kim Young suddenly post this?"

Upon hearing this, Park Jin-young seemed to remember something and said, "I don't know the specifics, but I do know that Professor Kim Young and Professor Kim Sung-hoon, your teacher, are cousins."

Chen Yan was slightly taken aback, but quickly understood.

"I understand. I'll call the teacher in a bit."

Park Jin-young nodded, stopped talking about that topic, and started talking about something else.

"There's one more thing. Minister Park, who is in charge of culture at the Seoul JoongAng Ilbo, just called me and said he'd like to have one of their reporters do an exclusive interview with you, Xiaoyan."

“I neither agreed nor refused. I said I would ask Xiaoyan what she thought before giving them an answer. If Xiaoyan is willing, I will give you the reporter’s contact information.”

Chen Yan hadn't expected this. He didn't rush to agree or refuse, but after thinking for a moment, he looked at Park Jin-young and asked:

What does Zhenying think?

There are many hidden agendas in these mainstream media outlets on the Korean Peninsula. It's not too late to ask Park Jin-young's opinion before making a decision.

A hint of appreciation flashed in Park Jin-young's eyes, and he smiled gently: "Of course I suggest you agree."

"The Seoul JoongAng Ilbo wants to interview you because they are aware of your popularity and influence recently. Accepting an interview with a mainstream media outlet like Peninsula will help further expand your influence, and to some extent, it can be considered a form of recognition for you."

Chen Yan nodded: "Okay, I understand, then I agree."

"Okay, I'll give you the reporter's contact information. You can arrange a time with them and set up the interview at the company. I'll help you with the questions and such."

"Okay, thank you, Brother Zhenying."

After finishing their business, the two sat in the office and chatted for a while.

Chen Yan was mainly listening to Park Jin-young complain about SM Entertainment's cunning and shamelessness.

Just over half an hour earlier, SM Entertainment's official website suddenly released a video showing the five members of f(x) practicing the dance for their new song in a practice room.

The copy specifically points out that this is Chen Yan's work, and hopes that everyone will support it when it's released.

Posting at this particular juncture, and even specifically mentioning that it's Chen Yan's work, clearly reveals their intention to ride the wave of popularity.

It can only be said that SM Entertainment really won't let go of any opportunity to ride the wave of popularity.

After chatting, Chen Yan got up and left Park Jin-young's office.

On his way back to his office, he first called his teacher, Kim Sung-hoon.

Kim Young-dae did indeed receive instructions from Kim Sung-hoon regarding this matter.

When his students thanked him, Kim Sung-hoon replied with a touch of humor, "If you want to thank me, then work harder to increase your influence and become another shining example of Yonsei University, so that I can look good."

Chen Yan naturally agreed with a smile, saying that he would definitely work harder and try to make his mentor proud as soon as possible.

After chatting for a few more minutes and agreeing to visit each other's homes next time, Kim Sung-hoon hung up the phone.

Chen Yan didn't put down his phone. After thinking for a moment, he dialed the number Park Jin-young had just given him to the Seoul JoongAng Ilbo reporter.

The reporter was a woman surnamed Kim. After some discussion, the two agreed to meet at JYP Entertainment at 3 PM the day after tomorrow for an interview.

After hanging up the phone and putting it down, Chen Yan tapped the table lightly with his fingers, gathered his thoughts, and then let out a soft breath and smiled.

Giving an interview to mainstream media is another small milestone in his career.

I got up, left the office, and headed for the cafeteria.

It's time for dinner. It's time to eat.

Time flew by and it was past 2 PM the day after tomorrow, in a lounge at JYP.

Several people wearing uniforms from the Seoul JoongAng Ilbo were setting up equipment, preparing for the recording of an interview later.

After the recorded interview videos are edited and produced, they will be simultaneously updated on the newspaper's various social media accounts on the day the print newspaper is published.

At the entrance to the lounge, Chen Yan smiled and reached out to shake hands with the female reporter in front of him.

"Hello, Reporter Jin."

"Hello Director Chen, thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to grant us this interview."

Chen Yan blinked: "You're welcome. I'll trouble you to take good care of me during the interview later, reporter Jin."

This reporter is quite pleasant to talk to, and even took time out of his busy schedule to give an interview.

That makes sense, though. He is indeed quite busy. This morning, he even took some time out of his busy schedule to watch a classic Japanese movie in his office.

He was referring to "Love Letter".

Those who have impure thoughts should go stand in the corner and reflect on their actions for a second, and don't even think about speaking to me privately.

Reporter Jin, unaware of Chen Yan's inner thoughts, replied with a smile, "You're too kind. If you have any questions during the interview, please feel free to ask." "Okay."

Chen Yan and Park Jin-young have already reviewed the interview questions, and there are no problems.

At this moment, a staff member ran over and said, "The equipment has been set up and we can start the interview at any time."

"it is good."

Reporter Jin nodded and looked at Chen Yan, asking, "Shall we begin the interview now, Director Chen?"

Chen Yan smiled and nodded: "Okay, during the interview later, Reporter Jin can just call me PD. Like Brother Zhenying, I prefer the identity of music producer."

"Ok."

The two walked into the break room where the equipment was set up and sat down facing each other on two sofas.

The camera's indicator light comes on, indicating that recording has started.

Reporter Jin began with a brief introduction into the camera, which led to the introduction of today's interviewee, Chen Yan.

Chen Yan smiled at the camera that was turned to him and greeted, "Hello everyone, I'm Chen Yan."

The interview then officially began.

Reporter Jin first asked Chen Yan some questions about his own experiences, such as his experience of coming to the peninsula with his parents when he was a child, and his situation at school.

After discussing Chen Yan's experience studying at Yonsei University, the conversation naturally shifted to some career-related issues, and finally mentioned some online developments in the past few days.

"We noticed that renowned music critic Kim Young-dae posted an analysis and evaluation of your work online a couple of days ago, concluding with the assessment that you have a bright future. What are your thoughts on this?"

"Yes, thank you very much, Teacher Kim Young-dae, for your recognition and expectations. After seeing Teacher Kim's post that day, I immediately posted an update to express my gratitude. Thank you again, Teacher Kim. I will continue to work hard and strive to live up to your expectations."

"So, what do you think about netizens calling you a 'master of girl group songs' because of the recent popularity of your two girl group songs?"

Chen Yan laughed and said, "I am very grateful to the netizens for liking my work. However, I also write songs for boy groups. Maybe my next boy group song will become popular."

"Speaking of which, it wouldn't be right not to give a little plug. The song I wrote for EXO, a group under SM Entertainment, will be officially released at the beginning of next month, which is August 5th. Please give it your support then."

Upon hearing this, reporter Kim smiled and said, "PD Chen, you seem to be the first person to advertise during our interview."

Chen Yan blinked: "You didn't say it was impossible, did you?"

Reporter Jin reacted quickly, blinking as well: "But we can cut it out in post-production."

Chen Yan used a smile-disappearing technique.

No hehe.

"Are you really going to treat me like this?"

"puff"

Her expression, which carried a hint of grievance, made several staff members in the lounge burst into laughter.

The reporter opposite, Kim, also leaned back slightly, covering his mouth and laughing.

Unexpectedly, this PD Chen has a sense of humor.

Such a positive response will undoubtedly be a highlight of the interview, and she has already decided to tell the post-production team that this segment must be kept.

"We're not cutting it anymore, please smile again."

Chen Yan responded with a smile again: "Okay."

The inexplicably funny reaction made everyone present chuckle again.

Soon, the interviews were back on track.

"PD Chen, what are your work plans for the future? Could you give us a brief overview?"

"Well, I'll be in charge of miss A's comeback album, and I'll also write a single for Suzy. I hope everyone will support me then."

Reporter Jin's eyes lit up; this was undoubtedly another interesting point to watch.

"Can you reveal what style of songs you wrote for miss A and Suzy?"

"Since we are still in the preparation stage and only have general ideas, we are not sure what the final style will be. We can only say please look forward to it."

"Okay, I'm already looking forward to it. So, PD Chen, will you be collaborating with other companies in the future?"

"Of course I will. I won't refuse to cooperate with other companies just because I'm a company director. It's just that it's unlikely to happen this year. As I just mentioned, I'm preparing songs for miss A and Suzy, so I basically don't have any time this year."

After a few questions, when asked what his favorite Peninsula food was, a bright smiling face suddenly appeared in Chen Yan's mind.

A smile, the same curve as the smiling face in his mind, appeared on his lips as he replied, "I love Jeonju bibimbap the most."

Reporter Kim gave a sudden realization: "Ah~ Jeonju bibimbap, it really tastes great, I like it too."

At this moment, she seemed to have thought of something, and after a moment of hesitation, she said, "May I ask a question that is not part of the interview? Of course, if you feel uncomfortable answering, you don't have to, and we will cut that part out later."

Chen Yan paused for a moment, then nodded and said, "Go ahead and ask."

"You said your favorite Peninsula food is Jeonju bibimbap. Is that related to Kim Tae-yeon? We understand that you and Kim Tae-yeon are very close. When you were in Jeonju, your families were neighbors."

As a journalist, it's her job to find ways to make the interviews more exciting and engaging.

After Chen Yan mentioned Jeonju bibimbap, she thought of his relationship with Kim Tae-yeon, which is why she brought up this question to see if she could add another exciting moment to the interview.

After all, Girls' Generation's popularity on the Korean Peninsula is unparalleled at the moment, and any topic about Girls' Generation's leader Kim Tae-yeon will undoubtedly attract more attention.

Of course, it's okay if Chen Yan doesn't answer; she'll instruct the post-production team to cut that part out, as it was indeed a question she came up with on the spur of the moment.

Chen Yan was taken aback upon hearing this. After thinking for a moment, he replied, "I am indeed very close to Taeyeon noona. My answer about Jeonju bibimbap was indeed related to Taeyeon noona."

Ok?
As if they had caught a whiff of gossip, everyone present, including reporter Kim, perked up their ears and their eyes lit up.

There's something going on? Let me elaborate!
At this moment, he suddenly turned his head slightly to look at the camera: "But to be more precise, it's because of someone who is even more beautiful than Taeyeon noona. That person is Taeyeon noona's mother. Auntie, I miss your Jeonju bibimbap. I will definitely find time to go back and eat it later."

After saying that, he even made a heart shape with his hands towards the camera.

Upon seeing this, all the staff present were stunned for a moment, feeling as if they had been tricked.

Chen Yan smiled inwardly; this was exactly the effect he wanted.

Upon hearing the first half of his sentence, most people would subconsciously assume he was going to talk about his relationship with Kim Tae-yeon, immediately generating gossip and anticipation.

But then he suddenly changed the subject and confessed his feelings to Kim Tae-yeon's mother.

It might surprise the listener, but upon closer inspection, it seems to make a reasonable point.

However, what others don't know is that when Kim Tae-yeon's older sister sees the interview video later, she will definitely realize that her real intention was to mention her, which can be considered as subtly showing off their affection in front of the public.

But doing so won't cause any dating rumors or have any impact on Kim Tae-yeon.

He can make his wife happy, focus on his career, and even please his future mother-in-law.

After a few more questions, the interview officially ended.

Reporter Jin walked up to Chen Yan and thanked him again, saying, "Thank you for accepting our interview. We will edit the video of the interview and send it to you by the day after tomorrow at the latest. After you have watched it and are satisfied with it, we will upload it to social media platforms."

Chen Yan smiled and nodded: "Okay, thank you."

The two exchanged a few more words, expressing their hope that they would have another opportunity to interview each other in the future.

Then Chen Yan said goodbye to reporter Jin and left the lounge.

Instead of going back to his office, he went straight to the underground parking garage and drove home.

There's nothing important to do at the company, so I might as well skip work early and go home to rest.

Back home, Chen Yan first fed Jin Ze dog food, then sat at the dining table and happily ate the Jeonju bibimbap he had just bought.

It tastes pretty good, somewhat like what Kim Tae-yeon's mother used to make.

During the afternoon interview, the topic of Jeonju bibimbap came up, which suddenly made him crave it, as he hadn't had Jeonju bibimbap for quite some time.

So he specifically found a Jeonju bibimbap restaurant and ordered a portion to take back with him.

Sitting in the store to eat is a bit unrealistic; given his current popularity, taking off his mask risks being recognized.

After finishing his meal, he stayed at home until after 6 p.m. before getting up and leaving again.

He made plans with Lee Ji-eun that evening to record a song for her.

The car drove out of the underground parking garage of the residential complex and headed towards LOEN Company.

After greeting the security guard at the entrance, Chen Yan entered the company building but did not see Li Zhi'en. It seemed she was waiting for him in the recording studio.

"Ding"

The elevator doors slowly opened on the composition studio floor. Chen Yan stepped out of the elevator, walked straight and then turned a corner to arrive at the door of Lee Ji-eun's private recording studio.

He raised his hand, entered the password, and opened the door. In front of the recording console, a petite figure was already sitting there, just like last time.

Hearing the door open, the girl turned her head and glanced at it. Upon seeing Chen Yan, she immediately puffed out her cheeks and let out a soft hum.

"Humph! You bastard!"

After saying that, he immediately turned his head back.

Chen Yan's smile froze as he was about to greet them.

Well, last time he ignored me completely, and this time he's turned into a jerk again.

What's wrong now?
(End of this chapter)