GalaxyTL
The title of being "the first" always garners attention, so journalists were obsessed with getting their articles out before anyone else.
Breaking a story that no one else knows, securing interest, and establishing a dominant position—that feeling was beyond words.
The journalist, who had brazenly called his editor "Hey," chuckled contentedly as he looked at his article.
"Troupe Spark—What Kind of Troupe is It?"
On March 12, 2013, an announcement was posted on Kim Donghu's fan cafe, stating that Kim Donghu had joined Troupe Spark, signaling an end to his hiatus. And the members are remarkable.
Starting with actor Jang Geonho, along with Kim Yuryeon, Han Taegon, Seo Jinwoo, and Kim Sujin. It's an assembly of major stars, often regarded as box-office draws.
Netizens are reacting with curiosity, saying things like, "What is going on?", "I can't tell what they’re planning," and "With these members, are they planning to set the stage on fire?" Various reactions are pouring in as people await more details.
So far, the troupe has come together as a form of volunteer work. Their aim is to instill hope in underprivileged children and nurture the spark in their hearts.
We hope for many to join…
ㄴIs this for real?
ㄴThis is huge.
ㄴWow... They’re doing volunteer theater with this lineup?
ㄴI saw they’re recruiting staff on the fan cafe.
ㄴThe crazy part is they’re paying the staff, while the most expensive people are going unpaid.
ㄴHaha, looks like the journalist was in such a hurry there are tons of typos.
ㄴThey had to rush it out before anyone else found out, obviously!
Each time he refreshed the page, the view count skyrocketed, filling him with satisfaction.
And if that wasn’t enough...
The article’s impact on real-time search rankings was undeniable:
"Even my editor said to just call him by name if I ever pull off something like this again."
The journalist basked in his triumph, unaware that his article was written as part of a carefully orchestrated strategy. Unwittingly, he had become Troupe Spark’s publicist. But he didn’t realize this yet.
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At the same time...
"Who are we contacting first? Who’s the main sponsor? There has to be one!" "Um... Veritas? It’s Veritas!" "Did I ask you a question? If you knew, you should’ve contacted them already! You want me to lose my mind?!" "S-sorry! I’m sorry!"
Every company’s marketing team was in a frenzy.
"It’s an incredible cause! For orphans, for kids who’ve lost their parents. Troupe Spark! It’s amazing, right?" "Absolutely!" "And right when our company’s name comes in as a donation, just imagine the image boost!" "Right!" "Then why haven’t you called Veritas already?!"
Corporations are always thirsty for good marketing, wanting to increase brand visibility while cutting costs.
It was basic business: reduce spending, increase profits. But finding a way to advertise without backlash was becoming almost impossible.
And in the midst of this, Troupe Spark had emerged.
"Doesn’t this mean they’re saying, 'Come crawling to us, and we’ll promote you for free'?" "Yes, yes..." "Then why aren’t they answering? Why are we getting a missed call notice?!" "Um... because they’re on another call with another company..." "So why were we late?! Aaaahhh!!!"
Companies were losing their minds after receiving missed call notifications. Meanwhile, those with prior ties to the cast members—essentially, those who already had them as ad models—were delighted. Seokho Choi was busy handling these companies.
So we were thinking of going with a campaign like, 'Our instant rice provides a meal for children'... "That sounds fantastic. Kids need a solid meal, after all."
Hatbap, which had a good relationship with Kim Donghu, pledged to support more than just food.
And our FJ subsidiary runs a music program, so we’d like to provide some additional support in that area as well. What do you think? "We’d love that."
They pledged to be a strong supporter of Troupe Spark, pending a finalized contract.
On top of this...
We heard that many children struggle with school uniform costs, so our company, Brilliant, would like to provide uniforms free of charge. Would that be okay? "That would be wonderful; thank you."
With a deep breath, Seokho Choi felt the impact of what was unfolding.
"This is beyond my expectations."
His phone rang incessantly, the office phones at Veritas buzzing nonstop with offers. Only a few people had his personal number, which allowed him to filter through proposals first.
"Please bear with this. I’ll make sure you get a substantial bonus this month…"
He tried to take a break with a cup of coffee, only for his phone to ring once again.
The familiar laugh and sound of cherry pie being eaten told him exactly who it was.
"Director Kim Cheoldo?"
KBC.
Beep.
And then again.
SKS.
Beep.
Beep.
"Director Park Seoljae?"
MNC, too.
Three rapid calls, and Seokho Choi felt dazed.
Is this really happening?
It had only been a day—barely 24 hours since the troupe was announced.
And investment in Troupe Spark? It’s an odd idea now.
Investments typically meant paying a part of the current cost for a future return. But Troupe Spark was not structured for profit.
But there was one company uniquely positioned to benefit from this altruistic endeavor.
Veritas—the management company that invested everything, even a mortgage, to support Kim Donghu’s vision as the lead actor.
My company.
Involuntarily, Seokho Choi clasped his hands together in a prayer-like gesture, feeling a new wave of reverence for Kim Donghu.
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Seoul Arts Center.
The cultural hub of Korea, where various forms of global art converge.
An unexpected visitor was sipping tea in the director’s office.
Slurp.
"Have you been well?" "Yes, doing fine. And you?" "Of course, still enjoying guiding the younger generation."
The current director of Seoul Arts Center, Hwangjoon Yi, nervously swallowed, knowing exactly why this visit was happening.
"You didn’t have to come; we would have reached out to you first..." "Oh, come now. Other companies are going crazy; why is the one that should be loudest so quiet?"
Former director of Seoul Arts Center, Edward Park, was seated across from him.
"Does it make sense for Troupe Spark to perform in Daehak-ro? Seoul Arts Center should be inviting them immediately."
And so, Troupe Spark's automatic pull began to spread.
"And especially since our student is the lead actor. Kim Donghu, incredibly talented, impossibly handsome."
Edward Park’s admiration for Kim Donghu was apparent, and Seoul Arts Center’s excitement only grew from there.