Since Jang Wonyoung, An Yujin, and Kim Gaeul were all here, the group might as well be called IVE.
As for the song, he decided to write a track specifically for their group—choosing a market-tested hit that he could adapt and recreate.
Without hesitation, he opened the music production software on his computer and began working on the group's debut song—
"Kitsch."
Although this song had been criticized for its repetitive nature, it had debuted at number two on Melon after release, won first place on multiple music shows, and featured an addictive melody with relatively simple choreography—making it perfect for a debut track.
Creating an original song might be challenging, but adapting something familiar felt effortless, flowing naturally from his fingertips.
Whether it was his predecessor's professional knowledge or enhanced memory from his transmigration, Lee Kyung managed to complete the lyrics and composition for "Kitsch" in just over ten minutes.
"Next, I need to produce a demo of the song and hire a dance team for choreography."
Large companies like SM, JYP, and YG typically have in-house choreography teams, while smaller companies like LY Entertainment usually hire external dance crews.
There was no choice—maintaining a full dance team was simply too expensive for small companies to afford.
At best, they might employ a few dance instructors to train trainees and artists, and many companies couldn't even afford that.
"The people and song are ready. Once we sort out the choreography, we can begin promotions."
Lee Kyung didn't plan to produce a music video.
With the company's tight budget and upcoming expenses for promotions and music show appearances, every money counted.
Besides, filming an MV would take too long and significantly delay the debut of four rookies who hadn't officially debuted yet—a counterproductive move.
After finishing the song, he opened a document on his computer and began writing IVE's concept and promotional strategy.
Who would have thought that in his previous life as a programmer writing code, he'd now be a company president writing these kinds of documents? Was he truly destined to be eternally busy?
Meanwhile, in LY Entertainment's trainee development office, scout Lee Hyunwoo was scrolling through Instagram during his break.
With the company on the verge of bankruptcy, he hadn't been out scouting for potential trainees in quite some time.
Going out wasn't really an option anymore—with no other work to do, he could only scroll through Instagram in the office.
Better to slack off now while he still could; once the company collapsed, he wouldn't even have the opportunity to procrastinate.
His finger swiped quickly across the screen until a girl's selfie caught his attention.
"Hmm, this girl?"
Lee Hyunwoo studied the photo. The girl had a sharp, heart-shaped face with long, phoenix-like eyes that gave her an intense, striking appearance, while a beauty mark at the corner of her mouth added an alluring charm.
Such distinctive features—with proper packaging, she could be excellent trainee material.
"Karina?"
He looked at the girl's Instagram handle, clicked on her profile, and browsed through all her posted content.
Very fashionable. In scout terms, this person had real star quality.
"Nothing to lose by trying, considering the company's current state anyway."
With that thought, he opened the direct message interface and started with a simple "Hello":
"Hello, I'm Lee Hyunwoo, a scout from LY Entertainment. I noticed you perfectly fit our company's trainee standards, and I hope..."
Within seconds of sending the message, his phone chimed with a notification.
...
"Wow, it's already this late?" Lee Kyung finished writing the final step of the promotional plan, leaned back in his chair, stretched lazily, and worked out the stiffness in his neck.
"Time to clock out!" Having to work overtime as an employee was one thing, but working overtime as a company owner defeated the whole purpose of starting his own business.
Lee Kyung quickly shut down his computer and tidied his desk.
Just as he stood up to leave, someone knocked on his door.
"Come in!" Lee Kyung said somewhat wearily.
What was this about? How could there be employees more eager to work overtime than the boss? Were people really this passionate about work these days?
Kim Sooyeon heard Lee Kyung's response and pushed the door open directly.
"President," she approached his desk, "the trainee development team brought in a girl. You mentioned that all trainee contracts need your approval, so I came to report."
"A new trainee? Right now, all the company's energy should be focused on the group's debut. We can't afford distractions."
"By the way, what's the girl's name?" Lee Kyung finally finished organizing his desk and asked casually.
"Yoo Jimin. She's an Instagram influencer," Kim Sooyeon understood the implication in Lee Kyung's words. "Should we give her travel money and politely decline?"
"Yoo Ji... what?" Lee Kyung suddenly perked up and stood straight. "What did you say the girl's name was?"
"Yoo Jimin." Kim Sooyeon repeated the girl's name.
"Let's go take a look!" He immediately stood up and motioned for Kim Sooyeon to follow.
He hadn't expected such good fortune in a single day: first Jang Wonyoung, now Yoo Jimin. Had he really gathered all the top fifth-generation idols?
Hearing Yoo Jimin's name, Lee Kyung's pace quickened considerably.
Compared to Jang Wonyoung, he actually preferred Yoo Jimin—both in terms of visual appeal and stage presence.
Before even entering the trainee development office, Lee Kyung could see a figure standing inside through the glass window.
Although he could only see half her face, the tall figure, familiar profile, and signature beauty mark at the corner of her mouth were enough for Lee Kyung to confirm that the girl inside was indeed the authentic fifth-generation top-tier idol—aespa's leader, Yoo Jimin, also known as "Karina".
Initially, he worried it might just be someone with a similar-sounding name.
After all, in Korea, there were too many people with similar names—otherwise, there wouldn't be so many Jimins around.
He opened the office door, and Yoo Jimin (19 years old) inside turned around, attracted by the sound.
Now her face was fully visible to Lee Kyung—that familiar heart-shaped face showed a hint of confusion, and her long phoenix eyes narrowed with suspicion, making her look even more striking, like an elegant but dangerous beauty.
"President, this is Yoo Jimin-ssi." Lee Hyunwoo enthusiastically introduced Yu Jimin.
He couldn't help but be enthusiastic—a scout's salary and commissions were directly tied to the trainees they discovered. The company gave him a substantial bonus for each trainee signed.
"Lee Hyunwoo." After confirming that the girl before him was indeed Yoo Jimin, Lee Kyung instead turned his attention to the scout who had discovered her.
"I remember you also discovered Jang Wonyoung, right?"
"Yes, President." Lee Hyunwoo nodded honestly.
"Perhaps you know about aespa?" Lee Kyung suddenly asked, staring intently at his face to watch for any change in expression.
Lee Kyung's suspicion wasn't unfounded.
For a small company scout to discover two of fifth-generation top-tier idols before the Big Three entertainment companies was something even Lee Kyung himself couldn't accomplish.
Could Lee Hyunwoo actually be the protagonist?
Was the title of the story actually "Reborn as a Scout in Another World"?
"What's that, President?" Lee Hyunwoo first showed a confused expression, then forced a smile.
"Nothing."
Seeing that Lee Hyunwoo's expression didn't suggest he knew anything, Lee Kyung decided to drop the matter.
As long as he could continue discovering trainees, even if he were a fellow transmigrator, Lee Kyung would accept it—after all, it wouldn't hurt him.