Chapter 324: One's Own Position
On July 12th, Red Velvet fired the first shot in the DM family's summer girl group battle.
As soon as their comeback title track, “Red Flavor,” was released, it quickly became popular in the K-pop world. Its rhythm, perfectly suited for a refreshing summer theme, combined with the song's lyrics and distribution, tailored to Red Velvet members, once again proved the industry's recognized adage: “Jiang Shu's productions are always masterpieces.”
Even before official promotions, the mere release of the sound source had already sparked a summer craze. Red Velvet, widely recognized as a top-tier goalkeeper, was now surging towards becoming a super-tier goalkeeper.
Previously, all groups whose popularity data surpassed Red Velvet were considered top-tier groups. Now, this standard is moving towards the super-tier.
As DM Entertainment's most stable group, it's hard to find a group with more stable popularity and fan loyalty than Red Velvet across the entire K-pop industry.
The popularity of each comeback varies but consistently maintains a top-tier level. Such a group truly makes many people envious.
Groups like IZONE, ITZY, and IVE are too difficult to replicate; it's even hard to catch up to them. Red Velvet, on the other hand, is at least visible and something one can strive for and work towards.
After Red Velvet's comeback, IZONE also officially announced their comeback on August 4th, a piece of news that further added to Red Velvet's comeback buzz.
Under DM Entertainment's relentless marketing, family love is arguably the best in the industry in this regard. Fans of DM Entertainment's groups are mostly happy to boost the popularity of other groups; many have a good impression of other groups, or even stan several.
Even aespa, who are constantly embroiled in fierce fan wars, mostly maintain a supportive attitude towards other groups.
Besides positive impacts, Red Velvet's comeback also had some negative ones. IU, who made her comeback last month, directly clashed with Lee Sun-mi, another of the four major female soloists, and easily defeated Lee Sun-mi. After a period of development, Lee Ji-eun has far surpassed this former top two female soloist.
However, this buzz was far less intense than when Lee Ji-eun first emerged and defied Kim Hyun-a.
Back then, it was a new soloist “overestimating herself” and challenging the peak.
Now, it's a new peak challenging another peak. The buzz is high, but it won't reach the dramatic effect of that initial defiance.
Nevertheless, Lee Ji-eun once again crushed an opponent who was also one of the four major female soloists. The inherent buzz of this event, no matter how low, couldn't drop too much. However, the news of Red Velvet participating in the summer girl group battle directly suppressed the buzz of this confrontation, causing Lee Ji-eun's comeback buzz to decrease as well.
There's no helping it. Before Unique Star evolves, she can only specialize in solo artists. To suppress other concurrent artists and transform into “The Great Mist,” she still needs to evolve.
...
July 22nd, Shu County, across the street from Wanda Plaza.
Jiang Shu, wearing a hard hat, was inspecting the bare plot of land, surrounded by a group of people.
“The county has approved the land, and the relevant hotel procedures are being prepared. However, we are discussing whether to find a designer from the K-pop industry or from domestic designers for the hotel's design drawings,” Su Wan said, wearing a hat, beside Jiang Shu.
“Just find one domestically. Tell them our requirements, and let them produce the drawings,” Jiang Shu said casually.
“Okay.”
“Can this K-pop hotel really be popular? I feel this culture is still very niche in China,” Jiang Father said hesitantly from the side.
“Don't worry about that,” Su Wan interjected before Jiang Shu could speak. “Being niche isn't a problem. With the population base here, no matter how niche it is, there will be plenty of people willing to pay.”
“That's right,” Jiang Father nodded, suppressing his doubts. With both a Cultural Center and a hotel, the Jiangshi Group's investment this time was in the hundreds of millions. If DM Entertainment hadn't injected capital, the Jiangshi Group alone wouldn't have been able to afford this amount.
This was also the reason for Jiang Father's concern.
The investment was too large.
“Relax,” Jiang Shu turned back to look at Jiang Father. “After more than a year of marketing, Shu County has become highly associated with the K-pop label. You can see it from the increase in tourist numbers and cultural tourism revenue. Not to mention, Director Zhang hasn't communicated with you guys any less, right?”
Jiang Father and Su Wan both nodded. The head of Shu County's cultural tourism department indeed frequently ate and communicated with them, and his attitude was quite good.
“If he wasn't optimistic about this business, would he be so diligent? He's a leader, after all,” Jiang Shu said, smiling to reassure them.
That's right. Only by bringing results would these arrogant leaders humble themselves. Clearly, their K-pop hotel and Cultural Center business fit this standard.
Thinking of this, Jiang Father and Su Wan both breathed a sigh of relief.
“By the way, you must maintain a firm stance. No matter what happens, you can choose not to earn money, but you must pay attention. If you encounter something you're unsure about, you can contact me or Zhengwen,” Jiang Shu instructed.
This industry can be either big or small. As long as they don't take the wrong side, it's not a big deal. Conversely, it's something that can be used as an excuse at any time.
“Don't worry, your mother and I won't hold you back,” Jiang Father said with a smile.
Jiang Shu nodded, leaving some things unsaid.
Then, Jiang Shu turned around and looked at Choi Ji-yeon and the group secretaries who were following at a distance behind him.
Seeing Jiang Shu look over, Choi Ji-yeon immediately stepped forward. The others were a half-beat slower but quickly reacted and followed.
“Where are Xiao Yuan and the others?” Jiang Shu's voice came as Choi Ji-yeon approached.
“Three more stops. If there are no delays, they will arrive at Shu County North Station at 3:42 PM,” Choi Ji-yeon replied smoothly. The IZONE and ITZY members had only arrived in Qingdao this morning and then took the high-speed train from Qingdao, which was a long journey. Choi Ji-yeon had been keeping track of their schedule.
“Are the pick-up arrangements made?” Jiang Shu asked.
“They've been arranged. Minister Jiao from the group's administration department is leading the team to pick them up. We've arranged two large buses and a motorcade of four security vehicles,” Choi Ji-yeon said.
The news that two DM Entertainment groups would be invited to the K-pop Cultural Center's opening ceremony had been announced over a month ago. In the past two days, there have been many outside tourists and K-pop enthusiasts in Shu County, and among them, there might be some extreme fans, so security measures must be in place.
“Mm,” Jiang Shu nodded. Just then, Jiang Father spoke.
“That old man Wang Xinhao will also be coming for the Cultural Center's opening this time. Pay attention to him.”
“Who is Wang Xinhao?” Jiang Shu raised an eyebrow and asked.
“The chairman of Xinshi,” Jiang Father said with a strong tone of displeasure.
Upon hearing this, Jiang Shu realized. So it was him.
