Regardless of Peninsula's YouTube, Twitter, or Xia Guo's scarf, SM's official account released an article titled "New Girl Group Red Velvet's Debut Teaser Video" that was filled with insults and doubts.
"I don't like red velvet! I want FX!"
"shit! Forever anti!"
"Such heavy makeup is really ugly. SM's girl group has never debuted with such heavy makeup. Are they all too ugly and can't see people without this kind of makeup? But even with it, it's so ugly."
"Isn't this style copied from fx? Can it have some of its own characteristics?"
"Can you tell who is who among the four? Why do I think they look like quadruplets? They are all equally ugly."
"Go to hell with this new girl group! We want Girls' Generation, we want FX!"
"That's disgusting, disband, disband!"
If it were an ordinary passerby, the audience wouldn't be so aggressive. After all, it's just a preview video and it would be fine to watch.
It's just that according to SM's tradition of new groups debuting, whenever a new group debuts, many of the people who are most opposed and resistant are fans of their own company's senior groups.
And this time is probably no exception. From the comments, it can be seen that they are mainly fans of two girl groups, Girls' Generation and FX.
This year, Girls' Generation began to expose their relationship at the beginning of the year. Their return in March did not achieve the expected results, and the overall decline was obvious. Moreover, this year is also a contract year, and the news about the renewal of SNSD's entire contract has not been confirmed yet. Their fans are now
I am always on tenterhooks, fearing that news will suddenly come out that one of the members will not renew their contract.
The launch of a new girl group at this time is clearly meant to take over and replace Girls' Generation. It's hard not to make these fans who are worried about Girls' Generation think too much.
Fans of fx are even more furious because SM has just announced that fx’s comeback period has been shortened and no follow-up activities have been announced. It feels like it has been idle for a while, and the launch of a new girl group at this time is just perfect to attract all the fans.
FX fans on fire.
In addition, there are actually many EXO fans.
"There is a P girl group at this time. Isn't it more useful to give resources to our XO oppa than to these four idiots? It's because you have caused XO to only have eleven members now. It's really disgusting."
"We at EXO are making so much money but we don't have enough resources. At this time, we are splitting off to form a new girl group. Is Kim Young-min mentally ill? Or is there his concubine in it?"
"If the company hadn't given away resources to this girl group, Luhan and Oppa probably wouldn't have left. He would have boycotted this bad red group with such a complicated name, which makes him look like a fool."
Because of the public opinion on the Internet a few days ago, many fans within XO started arguing because of the uneven resources within the team. Just when they were arguing with each other, SM suddenly formed a new group, and the new group will inevitably be divided again.
After using a large amount of company resources, the planet fans who had previously been jealous of each other suddenly began to speak out in unison, and they also boycotted Red Velvet.
At a glance, the comment area is filled with all kinds of messages of boycott, opposition and insult. Occasionally, there are one or two relatively objective comments and comments of support from fans, but the number is very small compared to the opponents.
Little, he was instantly submerged in the wave of condemnation, and it was impossible to see clearly unless he looked carefully.
Chi Jingyuan feels that this storm is exactly the same as when EXO first debuted. The timing of Red Velvet’s debut at this time was too coincidental. It happened that several groups in the company happened to be in trouble, and they were on the cusp of a disagreement among fans who were very excited and angry.
time.
And because the vital interests of their idols were involved, the fans of several groups were full of fire. As a result, the degree and number of boycotts and abuses they received were much higher than that of EXO at that time.
Even though SM has a tradition of new groups being hacked upon their debut, this time Red Velvet was hacked too badly, it was a bit too much.
Moreover, the company had been preparing for XO's debut for a long time, including a large number of trailer videos, such as Chi Kyung-yuan's trailer that fans often recall. These allowed the entire team to accumulate a considerable number of fans even before they debuted.
Even though they were badly criticized after their debut, there were still many fans who supported them and spoke out for them.
It's a pity that Red Velvet didn't have much preparation for their early debut. They basically don't have any fan base, and it's hard to even find people who are willing to speak for them.
"Alas." Chi Jingyuan quickly slid his finger across the screen and sighed softly when he saw the ugly comments everywhere he looked.
The attention and popularity that Bae Joo Hyun and the others received since their debut is really amazing.
If we go by one of the promotional concepts that SM has always believed in, "Black and red are also red," Red Velvet should be considered popular now.
It's just that I don't know if they can resist this "red" method...
"Jingyuan, come on, let's continue the rehearsal." Jin Junmian shouted from the other side of the entrance.
"coming."
Chi Jingyuan heard the words and put the phone away.
Things like being hacked, attacked and scolded are also a very important aspect of an idol's career. As long as they are debuting artists, there is no one who has not been scolded. Including Ji Jingyuan and EXO, basically all idols behave like this.
Came here.
And whether it's Bae Joo Hyun, Kang Seulgi, or Son Seungwan, they have all been working hard for a long time to debut, so they must be mentally prepared for this.
As a relative and friend, Chi Jingyuan feels that he should believe in the resilience of each of them, and should also affirm the passion of their beliefs and dreams that they have put in countless sweats and persevered in confusion as trainees for so many years.
As he ran towards the stage, he dismissed some complicated thoughts and quickly got into working mode.
Luhan's departure from the group will have the biggest impact on EXO's market in China, as well as Team M's normal activities here.
Just what Chi Jingyuan saw on the Xiaguo Internet has already caused many former XO fans to split and turn against each other. They were arguing endlessly about Luhan on the Internet, and the entire fan group was greatly affected by various negative factors and emotions.
Influence.
Coupled with the conscious efforts by some brokerage companies and marketing accounts to fan the flames, this trend has been further fueled.
However, SM is the company that gets scolded the most online here, EXO is only affected, and the group does not have a particularly big impact on the overall image.
Although the fan base is divided, after all, XO's magnitude is there, and the concert tickets are still very popular. This time, the 16,000 seats at the Star City concert were all sold out. Even the food here is somewhat similar to the food on Peninsula.
The rebellious mood was aroused by this incident, and the cheers and screams were even more enthusiastic than usual.
Because the impact of the incident has not yet passed, EXO also temporarily suspended activities in the summer mainland during this period. They did not stay after the concert and took a flight back to the peninsula on the morning of the 28th.
After landing, I went directly back to the company building. After repairing for a while in the practice room, I was taken to the conference room on the fourth floor for a meeting by Li Chenghuan.
In addition to the eleven members of EXO and several major managers, there are also several people from the company's planning and management departments involved.
After sitting down, a director of the company's planning department distributed the documents to all members, and then began to talk:
"Luhan's withdrawal from the group has had a great impact on both the company and XO. During this period, the company's efforts have reduced most of the negative reviews, but there is still a big aftermath."
"After market research and research, in addition to the performances and itineraries that have been negotiated before, XO will focus on concerts and personal itineraries in the next period of time, and group itineraries will mainly focus on advertising shootings and important large-scale events.
on public stage performances.”
"Next, the company may also adjust this strategy in a timely manner based on various factors."
At this time, Jin Junmyeon raised his hand and answered loudly after being called: "Chief Nim, do we have any plans to return in the near future?"
"Due to the current negative news and many uncertainties, there are no plans yet, but discussions about the XO winter special at the end of the year are ongoing."
After hearing this, the members looked at each other and said nothing.
Some members are quite anxious. They have been smeared and spread rumors every day recently. Watching many familiar fans lose their followers also makes everyone feel angry. The most direct way to erase these negative comments is to use real words.
The return results prove that even with eleven members, they are still the top group that is about to reach the top.
However, Chi Jingyuan doesn’t think it will happen so soon. It’s only been less than three months since they made their comeback in May. Even if they release another mini-album, it seems a little too late. EXO doesn’t make comebacks several times a year.
model worker group, not to mention that this time is indeed not very suitable.
After answering, the room manager pointed to the information in front of him and motioned for the members to open it and take a look. At the same time, he explained: "In addition to XO's tour and this year's 'SMtown' that will start soon, the latest project now is XO's exclusive variety show "EXO 90:
2014》.”
"This variety show plan was agreed upon by the company with ment before, because Luhan's matter has been postponed for a week. After discussion, the company decided to implement it according to the original plan. This variety show is also the first variety show after the withdrawal incident.
Sub-group variety shows can also play a role in warming up and testing the waters to a certain extent."
As the room director explained, Chi Jingyuan and the others also opened the documents and started reading.
The program "EXO90:2014" is EXO's new group project, also known as "EXO's K-POP Time Machine".
90:2014 means 1990 compared to 2014. The content of the entire variety show in the plan is that the members and the host review the classic Peninsula songs of the 1990s, and invite the singers to participate in the discussion and reminiscence. At the same time, each issue will
An XO member will choose a classic song from his predecessors and re-interpret it, including a cover and remake of the MV.
Through conversations with singers from two different eras in 1990 and 2014, as well as re-interpretations of classic songs, we demonstrate EXO's original intention for music and pay tribute to our predecessors, so that those classic songs of the past will not be forgotten.
After reading the entire information, Chi Jingyuan nodded lightly and felt that the planning of this variety show was pretty good. The chat session was no less than participating in a talk show, and whether it was the presence of the seniors or the re-interpretation, it was very gimmick, as were some of the previous hit songs.
Bring your own traffic.
"Everyone will take a look at the information first. After we finish the meeting here, we will go to the TV station and hold a pre-production meeting with the program team in the afternoon."
"Jingyuan." At this time, the head of the room called Chi Jingyuan's name after the introduction, and Chi Jingyuan immediately looked over and raised his hand to indicate that he was listening.
"The company and the program team have decided that the first episode of the group show is very important, and you will be the re-interpretation member. We have also selected the song, H.O.T.'s "Hope", whether it is sung or understood.
It fits perfectly."
"I understand." Chi Jingyuan nodded.
"Hope" is one of H.O.T.'s classic songs. It is a song with warm melody and moving pattern that gives people strength. It has now become the special song for the ending of the SMtown family concert.
Basically all the artists in the company can sing this song. Chi Jingyuan has naturally practiced it before and it is not difficult at all.
"Starting from the second phase, male trainees from SM rookies will join you to perform with you. The member of the second phase is Chanyeol, you come."
"…………"
After the director of the department explained the matter, Lee Seung-hwan stood up and made a summary: "This is roughly what happened. Let's go back and prepare first. The specific shooting process will be determined at the Mnet production meeting in the afternoon."
"By the way, Jingyuan stays for a while."
"Kangsangmita."
After hearing this, the members all stood up, glanced at Chi Jingyuan, and then politely bowed and thanked them, opened the door and walked out one by one. At the same time, staff from several departments of the company also left together.
Chi Jingyuan also stood up and blinked, looking at the agent standing opposite with some confusion.
Li Chenghuan walked to the side and took out a stack of bound folders from his briefcase. He came over and sat next to his colleague who handed the files to Chi Jingyuan and explained;
"During this period, our XO team has very few activities. This new team is not the focus, and every shooting does not require all members to be present. Only four to five people are needed for each episode. It is not necessary to change it.
Delaying time for personal activities.”
"Jingyuan, your recent personal schedule has nothing but the usual advertising and promotions. The company took a look and found that from August to the end of the year, except for a few important stage performances of the team, your overall personal schedule
There’s a lot of space left.”
"You also know the current situation of the group after Luhan quit. The company hopes that you will not waste this time. It is best to try it in film and television, such as taking over a TV series. I am suing you personally.
At the same time, it can also increase the popularity of the group, win back or create a new group of fans... Last year, "The Heirs" has been released for almost a year, and your hiatus as an actor has been relatively long.
.”
As he said that, Li Chenghuan laughed, looked at Chi Jingyuan with appreciative eyes like looking at a gem, and smacked his lips: "Speaking of which, even after so long, the company still often receives film and television invitations about you. You are so popular in the industry.
A young idol actor is something that our SM has never encountered before. He is indeed Wuli Jingyuan!"
"Brother, it's really embarrassing for you to praise me so much..." Chi Jingyuan sneered, raised his head and glanced at Li Chenghuan, he spread his hands helplessly: "I didn't say I wouldn't accept it, do you need to praise me like this?
Me? It's a bit exaggerated..."
"Hahaha...you saw it!" Li Chenghuan laughed twice as if he had been exposed, and patted Chi Jingyuan hard on the back twice, as if to express his kindness and also to hide his embarrassment.
While smiling, Li Chenghuan saw Chi Jingyuan open the information and browse it, and he also leaned over and pointed to the information to explain to him: "These are collected by the company. Several major TV stations are setting up crews to look for actors in the next few months, or have already done so.
We are forming a team to prepare information for some TV series that are waiting to be filmed.”
"Many of them were inquired about by the company on their own initiative, and there are also a few where the crew took the initiative to submit scripts and invitations to the company in the hope that you would star in them. When you go back, take a look and consider which one is more suitable."
"Can I participate if I think I'm suitable?" Chi Jingyuan raised his head and glanced at Li Chenghuan playfully. His smiling eyes made the experienced agent feel a little embarrassed, and couldn't help but pat him hard again.
on his back, and said angrily:
"After you are interested in it, the company will definitely take the initiative to help you contact and win roles... Although you are very competitive based on your resume and popularity, you also know the company's situation in the film and television industry. If you want to 100% guarantee your participation,
If you want to perform it, you still need Jingyuan to put in some effort..."
"Of course, there are a few people who have taken the initiative to send us invitations. I guess it won't be that troublesome. You just need to nod and we can negotiate the contract right away."
"Arazo." Chi Jingyuan nodded with a smile and roughly flipped through the information Li Chenghuan gave him. There were several drama titles written on the catalogue.
"Secret Door"
"Tomorrow Cantabile"
"White Night at Apgujeong"
"Pinocchio"
"Unborn"
…
The information records a lot of information about the TV series that will be filmed in the next two months, including the director, screenwriter and other creative teams, the estimated shooting and release dates, the rough script and plot outline, and the actors who have been confirmed to participate in the roles and who are suitable for their roles.
As well as some major competitors and other information, the records are quite detailed.
The scripts of some of them are not simple but very detailed. They are probably the TV series that Lee Seung-hwan proactively sent to invite Chi Kyung-won to star in.
"Do you need me to give you some advice?" Seeing Chi Jingyuan looking through the information, Li Chenghuan interrupted while explaining.
Chi Jingyuan turned to look into his eyes and asked solemnly: "Is it my brother's opinion or the company's opinion?"
"Well... the company's film and television department asked me to convey it..."
"Kang Sangmita, no need, brother, I'd better go back and do some research on my own." Chi Jingyuan refused without even thinking.
He has already heard about SM's discernment in selecting dramas, and Chi Kyung-won has also witnessed with his own eyes how Yoona, with the company's careful help, gradually put the hat of ratings poison on his head.
Of course Li Chenghuan knew why Chi Jingyuan reacted this way, but his face turned red because of the blockage. The corner of his mouth twitched and he looked at Chi Jingyuan who lowered his head to read the information again. He couldn't help but laugh and curse: "You bastard..."
…
In the afternoon, I rushed to ment and held a production meeting with the "EXO90:2014" program team. The director and writer described the theme and concept of this group show in detail, and also determined the specific shooting time for the first four episodes, while supervising and arranging the Chi Jing
Specific matters regarding Yuan's cover and remake of the "hope" MV.
It is said that it is a remake by the members themselves, but in fact it is all arranged by the crew. After all, not everyone among the eleven members of EXO has this kind of talent, and time is very tight. The crew does not have the time to wait for you to research and design how to shoot.
A lot of it has been considered and designed beforehand.
The premiere date is set on August 20th, and there are still more than 20 days to shoot two episodes. There is still plenty of time, so there is no need to rush.
In the next two days, according to the company's previous meeting arrangements, EXO's group schedule was reduced a lot, and all members began to run their own personal schedules.
Do Kyung-soo is still busy filming TV dramas. The SBS drama "It's Okay, It's Love" in which he participated premiered on July 23. The ratings of the two episodes aired in the first two days reached 9.3%. For the first TV drama, it has already
It was a great result. After the ratings came out, his motivation suddenly became much stronger. In the past two days, he was busy re-choreographing and rehearsing while also taking care of the filming of the crew. He only slept for a few hours for several days in a row.
They all survived.
Chen also sang the OST of this TV series "The Supreme Luck", and released the sound source when it premiered on the 23rd. This OST performed very well, both in terms of sound source and reviews.
It's just that in those two days, the popularity was overshadowed by Luhan's resignation from the group, and it didn't attract much attention. Now that the aftermath and influence have dissipated, the reputation of the song has slowly grown, and he has received many invitations to perform in the past two days.
Park Chanyeol continues to film his variety show "Roommate", but one of the members of the variety show, Park Bom, has been stopped by YG due to the drug scandal. He also announced that he would be leaving "Roommate" the day before yesterday.
Moreover, I heard Park Chanyeol complaining in the dormitory that the ratings of this variety show are getting lower and lower, and several members have left. It is estimated that this season will end soon, and he has not actually gained much substantial popularity growth from it.
Kim Jong-in had a magazine shoot, and he was also busy helping his good friend Taemin's solo. He took part in a variety show in China, and was wrapped by a group of assistants before going back to record the show. Even Tao was filming company artist Zhang Li
Yin's new song MV.
Each member basically has his own personal schedule, and SM has never been stingy with EXO in this regard.
In addition to running endless advertising campaigns, Chi Jingyuan has also been studying several TV drama materials given to him by Li Chenghuan in the past few days.
Some of them saw the role arrangements, such as second male, third male, etc., and he passed directly. With his current position among young actors, if he was in such a small-scale Mizuki or Moonfire drama,
If he wasn't playing the leading role, he basically wouldn't take it.
Unless it is a very big production, a well-known screenwriter and a very famous male and female protagonist, it is acceptable to play the second male and the third male, otherwise this approach is purely self-degradation.
And some scripts that didn't work at first glance were directly excluded.
Chi Jingyuan's last movie "The Heirs" was so successful. It was quite important to choose a script when he came back to TV dramas after nearly a year. After watching it for two days, he still hadn't decided yet, but he already had it in his mind.
There is a relatively obvious bias.
In addition to studying the script, Chi Jingyuan also took time to go to the music room to study the songs included in the music library, and also added a few new songs.
Although depending on the company's intention, EXO still has a long time before its next comeback, Ji Kyung-won has already started thinking about the next album.
The second mini album has just been released this year. According to SM’s arrangements and plans for EXO, excluding the possible winter special at the end of the year, the next official return of EXO will definitely be the regular second album. The next comeback is very important for them. Can they
This is the only way to completely eliminate the shadow of Luhan running away, to face the constant criticism of them due to members quitting the group, and even to go one step further, to reach the level of the peninsula's top boy band in a real sense.
Chi Jingyuan is going to start slowly considering and thinking about the planning and song selection of the next regular album now, so as not to be in a hurry when the company asks him to participate, and he can't come up with a suggestion or a planning report.
Everyone was busy with their own things, and the three days flew by.
At noon on August 1st, after dinner, Chi Kyung-won disguised himself with a hat and mask, carried a bag, and walked into the recording building of KBS2's "Music Bank" while humming a song.