Chapter 101 Strategic Vision When you come to SM, you can't avoid visiting Lee Soo Man, the godfather of Korean Wave. Even if BoA didn't say it, Jin Shiming would take the initiative to ask for a meeting. A legend is a legend after all. Even though many of Lee Soo-man's ideas and practices seem outdated to Kim Se-myeong, this does not prevent him from respecting this great predecessor. Under BoA's guidance, Jin Shiming finally met this influential man. "Anihasayo, Director Lee Soo Man!" Kim Se Myung was the first to greet. He is not an artist of SM company, so it is not appropriate to call Lee Soo Man a teacher. Calling him president feels weak, and calling him senior is even more inappropriate because of the generation gap. At this time, calling him by his position is the most appropriate, and it can also highlight Lee Soo Man's prominent position as the chief producer within SM. "I heard back then that Lee Haoyeon recruited an ACE-level all-round trainee, and DSP had found a treasure. I didn't think much of it then, but looking back now, Lee Haoyeon's vision is indeed sharp. It's a pity that DSP's operational capabilities are too poor and they didn't even make you, Shiming, famous!" Lee Soo-man had a kind smile on his face, and at first glance he even looked quite friendly.
However, Jin Shiming knew very well that the old fox's friendly smile was like a mask on his face. Hidden underneath is the businessman's shrewdness and the tyrant's cold-bloodedness. The entertainment companies that started out in the early years of the Peninsula were more or less involved in underworld backgrounds, otherwise they would not have been able to gain a foothold. For example, YG, which has all the five poisons, can be said to be a case of the top beam being crooked and the bottom beam being crooked. It is said that Yang Juhua, the company's president, still retains her yakuza ways. She often intimidates and threatens the company's trainees in private, and threatens to kill someone at any time. DSP's President Li Haoyan, although he is Jin Shiming's mentor, he was not a good person in the past and can dig up a lot of dark history. As for the famous Lee Soo-man, let alone him. It was once widely rumored in the industry that Lee Soo-man had beaten his own trainees many times and even broke a male trainee's leg with a stick. Regardless of whether it is true or not, it is basically an indisputable fact that Lee Soo-man exploits his artists to the extreme. "If you had chosen SM back then, SM could have built a top group around you that would surpass TVXQ!" Lee Soo Man said regretfully. "You're too kind. TVXQ seniors are the representatives of Korean idol culture. In comparison, I still have many shortcomings." Jin Shiming replied modestly. Just listen to what Lee Soo-man said and don't take it seriously. Does he regret missing out on Jin Shiming? Obviously not, he just missed out on a product that could have sold like hot cakes! Just like Park Jin-young who once went to SM for an interview, Lee Soo-man looked down on the gorilla's appearance but still wanted to buy his songs. If Kim Se Myung had gone to SM Entertainment and his narcolepsy had not occurred, perhaps Lee Soo Man could have really created a new super group. As for the core position mentioned by Lee Soo-man, haha, everyone understands. SM likes to maintain balance and prevent explosions the most, especially when dealing with members who are extremely popular. It is basic operation for the official to step in and lead the rhythm. Furthermore, SM does not welcome artists with creative abilities and rarely gives them space to display their creative talents. Even if Jin Shiming writes more songs, if the company refuses to use them, isn't he just a piece of toilet paper? "I don't usually go online, but recently I keep hearing your songs everywhere, Shiming. Your popularity is so phenomenal that it's on par with TVXQ and Girls' Generation!" Lee Soo Man praised.
"Yes, the trainees in the company have been covering your songs recently. Artists, in order to get a reaction on the show, at least they have to learn the chorus and sing along." BoA echoed. My goodness, this master and apprentice are praising each other, if it were an ordinary youngster, how could they resist? It was because Jin Shiming had a calm character that he was not fooled into becoming complacent. "In terms of popularity, BoA Nuna has appeared on the island country's Red and White Song Festival for six consecutive years and won numerous awards, worthy of the title of Asia's Queen. I feel honored to be invited to participate in the production of Nuna's album this time." Jin Shiming praised each other for a while and then turned the topic to business. "The international situation has been somewhat delicate recently, and the relationship between the peninsula and the island countries may deteriorate. BoA's focus in the second half of the year will appropriately shift from the island countries back to the peninsula, so we decided to release this Korean album." Lee Soo-man said in a deep voice. Kim Se-myeong also follows the news in his free time and knows that what Lee Soo-man is talking about is the dispute over Dokdo. The sovereignty of Dokdo has always been controversial. Both the peninsula and the island countries insist that it is their territory. It can be said to be a very sensitive issue. The current Kaka, the one with eagle eyes and wolfish watch, has been quite tough this time in order to step down gracefully at the end of his term. On the other hand, the island country's political arena is also facing changes, and the best way to shift internal conflicts is to establish an external enemy. Although the current situation between the two countries has not yet reached the point of hostility, judging from the current situation, it is only a matter of time before the relationship between the two sides reaches a low point. At that time, Peninsula artists performing in the island country will inevitably be seriously affected. If you are not careful, not only will you not make any money, but you will also be boycotted by local citizens, which will make you lose out on both ends. From this perspective, SM is indeed very far-sighted at the strategic level. Send Girls' Generation, which just reached the top, to the United States, and shift BoA's focus from the island country back to the mainland, and temporarily avoid getting involved in the muddy waters of the island country. Wait until this storm dies down and the relationship between the two countries is restored, then go to the island country to raise money and focus on making a seamless connection. In comparison, the entertainment companies that own other first-line girl groups either lack political acumen or are not decisive enough in making decisions. Jin Shiming has a hunch that the careers of those girl groups that are rushing to develop in the island country will suffer a severe blow in the second half of the year. Girls' Generation, which has already reached the top, can continue to dominate after returning to the mainland of the peninsula even if they fail to succeed in the United States. "This Korean album is a gift I prepared for local fans on the peninsula, and I also tried to compose lyrics and music for it. However, as the title song of the album, it is always lacking in meaning and cannot meet my expectations." BoA said distressedly, and briefly introduced the concept and style of the album. Jin Shiming listened carefully to BoA's story and referred to the lyrics and music composed by BoA, and soon he had a general direction. "Nuna, you plan to use this album to express your gratitude to your fans and complete a change in your musical style. I think the title song can be more lyrical. But in order to avoid an abrupt transition and maximize the display of Nuna's dancer charm, Lyrical Hip-Hop music is very suitable!" Jin Shiming analyzed seriously. Different from the power and directness of traditional Hip-hop, Lyrical Hip-hop emphasizes the combination of strength and softness. While displaying the beauty of power, it also retains its lyrical and gentle texture, so it is also called lyrical Hip-hop. This style of dance music not only requires the performers to have a precise grasp of the rhythm of the music, but also to have the ability to express emotions delicately. BoA undoubtedly meets these two points. As a senior who has debuted for more than ten years, her singing and dancing abilities are unquestionable, and she has a deep understanding of music and dance. "He is worthy of being the most famous talented producer at the moment. The young are really promising!" Lee Soo Man clapped his hands and said with emotion. Anyone who can create popular songs is already an excellent producer. Top producers can tailor works for artists on this basis to bring out the artists’ characteristics and charm. Jin Shiming is undoubtedly the top one! (End of this chapter)