Peninsula: I created the golden age of girl groups

Seoul Records.

In the South Korean music scene in 2007, he was a name that carried considerable weight yet was somewhat awkward.

Unlike SM, YG, and JYP, it is not a famous star-making factory.

Its core business has always been deeply rooted in the mid-to-back end of the music industry chain, involving record production, distribution, copyright management, and so on.

At the time, Kang Woo-hyuk was involved in the Korean entertainment industry and vaguely remembered that by this point in time, it should have been acquired or controlled by SK Group, South Korea's largest telecommunications company.

It is on the eve of transforming from a traditional record distributor into a comprehensive entertainment company.

This is probably why Lee Sung-soo's childhood friends, upon hearing the rumors, were eager to try their luck.

A network of contacts is always the most valuable asset!

However, in most people's eyes, it is still an old, traditional company, even though it has been branded with SK.

But Jiang Yuhe knew.

Next year.

2008 years.

After completing its internal integration, Seoul Records will be officially renamed LOEN Entertainment, thus beginning a golden expansion!

It no longer focuses solely on distribution, but leverages SK's strong capital and distribution channels to fully enter the digital music field, acquiring MelOn, South Korea's leading music platform, and using this as a foundation to gradually build an entertainment empire that integrates artist management and music production!

More importantly, it will discover and nurture IU, Lee Ji-eun, who is known as the "Queen of Digital Music" and a one-woman group in the future!

This is a behemoth about to take off, and now is undoubtedly the best time to enter the game!

Thinking of this, Jiang Yuhe regained his serious expression. "President-nim, if you trust me... perhaps you shouldn't advise your friends to give up. Instead, you should seriously consider it, and even... get involved as much as possible."

Upon hearing this, Lee Sung-soo paused slightly in his cigarette.

Then she looked up and stared at Jiang Yuhe with a surprised expression.

The relationship between the two is actually quite delicate.

Officially, they are the president and the artist, but after getting to know each other, they are more like friends, just like in their previous conversations.

This was also the first time Jiang Yuhe had made such a formal suggestion to him.

Lee Sung-soo was silent for two seconds, then his expression turned serious. "Give me a reason, Woo-hyuk."

"In my opinion, the decline of the traditional record industry is an inevitable trend. Although Seoul Records has a solid foundation, I don't think it's worth investing in... You don't know the amount they plan to invest; it's no small matter..."

Jiang Yuhe nodded in understanding.

SK's acquisition of Seoul Records is not news, and its financial strength is also common knowledge.

Although their specific shareholding methods are unclear, the amount of capital involved must be enormous.

"President."

After thinking for a moment, Jiang Yuhe continued, "Based on the current situation, that is indeed the case, but perhaps... we should take a longer-term view."

Lee Sung-soo's expression stiffened, but he still patiently pretended to listen.

Jiang Yuhe quickly gathered his thoughts and continued, "The decline of traditional models often signifies the birth of new consumption patterns... Just like music, people won't stop listening, they'll just find a different way to listen..."

"For example... shifting from buying physical records to online downloads, and... more instant streaming services."

"I think this is the main reason why SK acquired Seoul Records."

Lee Sung-soo nodded and pressed further, "Then why Seoul Records?"

"Profound heritage!"

Jiang Yuhe raised his voice, "A music copyright library accumulated over decades, coupled with the backing of SK, which boasts the largest user base and advanced network infrastructure... the combination of the two!"

"This means that once the streaming era arrives, the combination of these two will completely seize the initiative and control the market!"

Lee Sung-soo's eyes lit up immediately, and he asked almost impatiently, "Anything else? Continue!"

"In my view, taking a stake now may seem like investing in a traditional record distribution company, but in reality, it's more like betting on the SK Group and their determination to integrate entertainment resources."

"With such a platform as a foundation, in the future, whether it is expanding artist management, organizing concerts, or developing music derivatives, it will all be a natural progression. By diversifying our business, our ability to withstand risks and our profit margins will also increase significantly."

Lee Sung-soo remained silent.

Looking at Jiang Yuhe was like looking at a stranger.

A moment later, he raised his hand, took a deep drag on his cigarette, then dropped it and crushed it hard.

Excitement gleamed in his eyes.

"Digital distribution...streaming platforms..."

He repeated it in a low voice, then slowly nodded, "The logic is fine, especially considering the timing of SK's intervention... Woohyuk, these thoughts of yours... don't seem like something an artist who spends all day joking around on variety shows should have."

Jiang Yuhe smiled but didn't say anything more.

Lee Sung-soo didn't seem to mind. He simply straightened up and gently patted Kang Woo-hyuk's shoulder. "However, even so, I still need to understand some specific details before I can make a decision."

"However, your idea has opened a window for me, thanks! If this can really work out..."

Lee Sung-soo smirked and joked, "Why don't you quit being an entertainer and come work for me? You can start as an entertainer manager, how about that?"

Jiang Yuhe smiled and nodded.

The time is ripe; further words are pointless.

The fact that Lee Sung-soo and his childhood friend could casually mention investing in Seoul Records clearly indicates that their influence is not as simple as it seems.

What I'm saying today may just be a suggestion, but it will definitely bring me considerable benefits in the future.

Thinking of this, Jiang Yuhe smiled and bowed slightly.

"Then I wish the president and your friends a successful negotiation."

"Thanks for your kind words. I'm leaving now; those impatient folks are probably getting impatient."

Lee Sung-soo glanced at his watch, waved, and turned to walk quickly toward the black sedan that had been waiting by the roadside.

Watching the car drive away, Jiang Yuhe gradually calmed his thoughts.

The sun is shining brightly.

Should I go straight back to the rooftop to work on the plot, or find a quiet place to clear my head occasionally... like the Han River Bridge?

His cell phone suddenly vibrated in his pocket.

It's So-yeon.

He answered immediately, his voice unconsciously softening: "So-yeon?"

There was silence on the other end of the phone. After a few seconds, Su-yeon's soft voice came through, her tone strangely calm, "Yes, Oppa. It's me."

Jiang Yuhe's heart skipped a beat, but he still feigned calmness and asked, "Have you decided?"

"Okay, I've decided."

Park So-yeon's voice was soft, "This morning, I had a formal talk with the company's department head and the teacher in charge of us. They understand, but they feel it's a bit of a pity... The formalities are already being processed."

She paused, then added, "I plan to leave next weekend, so I'll pack my things slowly... Well, there's not much to pack."

"Hmm," Jiang Yuhe responded, at this point, he didn't know what to say.

Park So-yeon remained silent for a few seconds before speaking softly.

"Oppa... will you be free then?"

"Can you come pick me up and take me...home?"