Peninsula: I created the golden age of girl groups

"After the planning meeting that day, I tried to contact Hyori."

Yoo Jae-suk spoke up, his expression somewhat helpless, "I could tell from the phone call that she... didn't seem to be in a good mood."

"Bad mood?"

Jang Hyukjae was somewhat surprised and subconsciously said, "I remember, didn't she just sign with a new company? 3 years, 22 billion won, that's a record-breaking contract for a female singer in Korea, how come..."

When he said that, everyone else present remembered it too.

This is big news, it's caused quite a stir.

Discussions about this matter were held on almost every community forum, and it became incredibly popular.

But on second thought, it seems quite natural...

After all, that's Lee Hyori!

With unparalleled popularity and influence, she can be considered a top female solo artist who swept through an era.

Zhao Xiaozhen also looked puzzled. "Besides, didn't she just release a new album recently? The title track... is called 'Toc Toc Toc,' right?"

"It's incredibly popular, it's playing everywhere, and it's definitely one of the most popular songs recently."

What he said was true.

The popularity of this song is undeniable.

Like the day Kang Woo-hyuk drove Kim Tae-yeon home, the radio in the car was playing.

Not only did their music sweep the top spots on various music charts, but they also won first place on music shows such as M! Countdown and Inkigayo.

This demonstrates Lee Hyori's strong market dominance.

Even screenwriter Jang Yoon-jung couldn't help but chime in, "Yes, and isn't 'If We Love, It's Like Them,' starring her and Lee Dong-gun, currently airing on our SBS? With success in film, television, and music, how could she be in a bad mood?"

Many people looked confused.

Only Zhao Hengji's expression darkened slightly when he heard the title of the play.

Upon hearing this, Yoo Jae-suk sighed. "The problem lies with this drama. Chief Manager, you must have heard something about it too, right?"

Zhao Hengji was silent for two seconds, then sighed softly, "Well, this drama... seems to have overstepped its bounds in terms of product placement, and it's also suspected of using the plot to promote the album in disguise... I heard it might face quite severe penalties."

The atmosphere inside the meeting room suddenly became heavy.

Although Zhao Hengji stated that it was "rumored," everyone knew the weight of this "rumor" given his status.

The problem lies in the degree of punishment...

Yoo Jae-suk continued, "So, when I mentioned the new program offer to Hyori that day, she didn't directly refuse, but she didn't give a clear answer either. She just said she needed time to consider it."

"this……"

Jang Hyuk-jae looked visibly hesitant, glancing at Jo Hyung-ki, and cautiously asked, "Chief, if... if that's really the case, should we still insist on inviting Lee Hyori?"

"After all, with such controversy surrounding her, it's inevitable that her personal image will be affected. Our program is just starting out, so inviting her... wouldn't the risk be too great?"

Zhao Hengji pondered for a moment, then looked up at Jiang Yuhe.

"Yuhe, what do you think?"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yuhe also fell into deep thought.

He was genuinely unaware that such a thing had happened to Lee Hyori.

But he knew better than anyone else how irreplaceable Lee Hyori was for "Family Outing"!

She is not only a top star, but her interactions with Yoo Jae-suk, Kim Soo-ro, and others are the soul of this show!

How can someone be replaced by just anyone?

Jiang Yuhe slowly shook his head, stating firmly, "I believe that Lee Hyori's position in this project is virtually irreplaceable!"

"Especially her popularity and the contrast she brings will be one of the core highlights of our show, and it will be hard to find someone to replace her."

He paused, then changed the subject, "And I think that now is precisely the best time to invite her."

"The best time?" Zhao Xiaozhen asked, puzzled.

"That's right."

Jiang Yuhe explained, "What she is currently facing is only the controversy brought about by the TV series, not any fault of her personal morality or ability. The main responsibility does not lie with her; it's just that because she is the most famous, she has attracted the most attention and pressure."

"Under these circumstances, she may need an opportunity more than ever... an opportunity to show a different side of herself, thereby mitigating public opinion and even turning it around."

"So, it's not just our show that needs her, she needs our show too."

"Conversely, if everything had gone smoothly for her, would we have been able to invite her?"

Everyone fell silent.

Yes.

Given Lee Hyori's status, it would be almost impossible for her to participate in a program as a regular cast member.

Yoo Jae-suk nodded with a wry smile, then added, "Actually, in terms of program effect and viewership appeal, I really can't think of a more suitable candidate than Hyori."

"Take 'Infinite Challenge' for example. The special episodes where she appeared as a guest consistently had viewership ratings of over 20%, or even higher. Meanwhile, the regular episodes' ratings generally hovered around the teens. Her appeal is undeniable."

Zhao Xiaozhen stroked his chin, looking troubled: "But the problem is, according to what Jae-seok said, Hyori-ssi probably isn't in the mood to consider a new program right now, is she? If we keep waiting, how long will we have to wait?"

"We still have to give it a try!"

Kang Woo-hyuk insisted, "After all, Hyori didn't explicitly refuse, did she?"

Yoo Jae-suk looked at Kang Woo-hyuk, who had a determined expression, and spoke after a moment of contemplation.

"What Woo-hyuk said makes sense. I know Hyori's personality; she's not the kind of person who's easily defeated, but this incident has really bothered her. Perhaps... a brand new job could help her temporarily distract herself."

He turned to look at Jiang Yuhe and suggested, "It's really impossible to explain the whole picture of the program and our sincerity just by talking over the phone. How about... we find some time to meet her together and talk to her in person?"

"Okay! Brother Jae-seok!" Kang Woo-hyuk immediately agreed.

He also didn't want Lee Hyori's absence to affect the show's future ratings.

Seeing that the two were so determined, Zhao Hengji thought it over and over again and finally made a decision.

"Alright, then we'll leave the invitation to Lee Hyori to Jae-suk and Woo-hyuk. Do your best to get it and show your utmost sincerity. However…"

He then turned to look at Jang Hyukjae and Jo Hyojin, saying, "The program preparations can't stop. We need to keep in touch with the other candidates. Today we've basically sorted out the general direction and core elements. Once the final lineup is confirmed, we'll immediately enter the filming preparation stage."

"I just received news before I came that KBS's 'Happy Sunday - Ready' has officially started filming, and the first episode is expected to air in May. Time is really running out for us on 'Family Outing'."

"Yes! Understood!"

Everyone's expressions tightened, and they responded in unison.

KBS's speed was indeed beyond their expectations.

Only now did they truly feel a sense of urgency.

After the meeting, everyone immediately got busy.

Kang Woo-hyuk then followed Yoo Jae-suk back to his car.

Yoo Jae-suk didn't start the car immediately. Instead, he took out his phone and, while scrolling through his contacts, said to Kang Woo-hyuk, "I'll call Hyori now and see if we can arrange a time to meet."

Suddenly, his fingers paused, and then he said, "Oh right, and that meal we mentioned last time... Why don't we invite Hu Dong and the others too? There's no time like the present, you don't have anything else to do today, right?"

"without."

Jiang Yuhe shook his head, "I'll follow Brother Zaishi's arrangements."