Chapter 855: Answer (8)

March in the music industry.

Unlike the outside world, where the gentle warmth of spring was slowly beginning to blow in, a winter wind was sweeping through the music scene.

“W... what is this?”

Agencies everywhere were letting out screams.

“Have you seen this? NewBlack’s Wooju is coming out with a new track!”

“A new track? There wasn’t any talk about that, was there? What’s going on? ...Hey! Does anyone know what’s happening?”

“We called every entertainment reporter we know, but no one has any info. Looks like Lemon just dropped it out of nowhere.”

It was complete chaos.

Naturally so.

‘This is driving me insane. Seriously.’

Recently, most comebacks in the industry had been concentrated in either March or May.

With the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics over, the public’s attention was returning to entertainment, and as the seasons warmed up, the dominance of winter ballads was starting to fade.

And.

Most importantly of all—

The current strongest force in the music industry was making a comeback in April.

NewBlack to release full-length album Vol. 3 in April... “The return of the digital chart dominator”

Either way, the number one spot on the charts was practically guaranteed to NewBlack.

And with their overwhelming buzz, it only made sense to avoid them. After all, when a sudden rainstorm comes, you take shelter.

No—NewBlack wasn’t a rainstorm. It was a typhoon.

“But why... why are they releasing a new song in March?”

“Ah, seriously, what do we do, Team Manager?”

“It’s fine. We’re {N•o•v•e•l•i•g•h•t} not the only ones screwed. Every agency is probably clutching their phones and panicking right now.”

The agencies that had shifted their artists’ schedules to March to avoid NewBlack were now getting blindsided.

“So when’s the comeback?”

“It sounds like it’s dropping as early as next week. Since it’s a special release, it seems like they’re not doing much promotion before the release.”

“They don’t need to. The name NewBlack itself is promotion.”

Manager Kim from MOP let out a sigh and asked the road manager.

“How are our kids reacting?”

“They’re losing their minds, swearing nonstop.”

“What level of swearing are we talking about?”

“Uh... about level three. Doesn’t seem like it’s reached level four yet. They’re kind of just accepting it. They’ve been through this too many times...”

The managers at MOP nodded and swallowed their tears.

They muttered inwardly.

‘...Damn it.’

Every time they came back and started promotions, they somehow ended up overlapping with NewBlack.

Just when they thought they had avoided them, schedules would suddenly change. Or Junghyun would drop a massage chair song as a mixtape.

‘Should we do a ritual or something?’

After giving instructions to take good care of the members until their comeback, Manager Kim browsed the internet.

“This is bad. This is really bad.”

Every community and SNS page in his bookmarks was filled with news about the collaboration track.

holy shit this is insane

is Wooju the top of Korean hip hop now

a collab with Cold Brown??? wtf lol never thought I’d see this in my life

who is that

top US hip hop artist of the 2010s... basically NewBlack of rappers

since it’s Answer is that a reference to the Pyeongchang stage??? what is this

Lemon why aren’t you dropping any teasers this isn’t like you guys

wow Cold Brown lol

his name is Cold Brown?? like cold brew?? lol

one decaf Cold Brown coming right up~~

Lemon look at this, because there’s no teasers people are just making boring jokes like this

Even so, it was only word of mouth spreading wildly.

Hearing that there would be no separate promotions before the release, the MOP manager let out a sigh of relief.

‘Well... it’s just a digital release. What’s there to worry about? It’s not like they’ll appear on music shows. And it’s not like he’s even coming to Korea.’

He rationalized like that.

But a few days later, shocking news arrived for Manager Kim Taeyoon of MOP.

Ding-dong.

A message from the PR team: [Manager, look at this].

The moment he opened the linked community post, he held his breath.

[holy shit I just boarded the plane and Cold Brown is here]

Cold Brown was on a flight to Korea.

The same expression as the artists appeared on his face.

‘We’re screwed....’

Inside a plane heading to Korea.

Passengers aboard Koreana Air Flight KA 273 were murmuring among themselves.

“Is that him?”

“Yeah.”

“He’s handsome... how is his head shape so perfectly round and nice?”

“They say he’s a really famous rapper in the US.”

The reason for the commotion was a passenger sitting in economy class.

A slim rapper wearing a hoodie and jeans.

With neatly trimmed short hair and a stylish beard, the handsome man was drawing the attention of Koreans.

Cold Brown.

A singer with such overwhelming influence that he could be called the embodiment of American hip hop in the 2010s.

Which made it strange.

‘Why isn’t he on a private jet?’

Usually Hollywood celebrities flew private. Why was he in economy instead of even first class?

Curious, but unable to approach due to his large bodyguards, the Koreans whispered among themselves.

“By the way, why is he coming to Korea?”

“I think he’s releasing a song with Wooju.”

“Ahh.”

While they talked, someone brave approached Cold Brown.

“Hi....”

“Hi. How are you?”

At the handsome man’s bright smile, the Korean reflexively replied, “I’m fine thank you and you?”

As Cold Brown kindly responded and provided fan service, the surrounding people’s eyes lit up.

‘He’s so kind!’

Someone, driven by curiosity, asked:

“Why aren’t you taking a private jet?”

“Environmental concerns. I usually take a private jet, but the staff traveling with me this time is very small in number. It didn’t feel right to generate emissions for such a small group, so I chose a commercial flight.”

“Ooh.”

His clean, easy-to-understand English gave him an intellectual air.

He continued answering questions.

“Korea? I’m visiting to release a track called Answer with Sunny. I’m really looking forward to Korean food.”

“Photos? Hmm. That’s difficult right now. After we land safely and exit the plane, I’ll gladly take them. Could you please pass that along to others? I only speak English, so I can’t explain in Korean.”

“That’s a cute child. May I hold them later?”

With a gentle smile and eloquent speech, he naturally won people over.

Anyone who spoke with him for even a few moments couldn’t help but feel fond of him.

‘Wow. He’s really nice.’

Completely different from the typical image of an American rapper.

No “A-yo,” no crooked smirks.

Especially for Koreans, it was refreshing.

‘He doesn’t even swear.’

‘He seems like a normal person.’

In a way, it was only natural.

The last major American artist to visit Korea had been Hailey Blue.

For Koreans, “American singer = Hailey Blue.”

Thanks to his colleague unintentionally lowering the average, Cold Brown was benefiting from the contrast.

“But looking at him, he’s not really a rapper. He’s more like...”

“Doesn’t he seem like a politician?”

“Yeah. His expression feels like an American politician.”

As Koreans got that impression, Cold Brown chuckled quietly.

‘The plan to win over Korean passengers on this flight is a success.’

Among American rappers, he was the one most driven by ambition for recognition.

While others pursued different values, what Cold Brown valued most was “influence.”

How much more influential he could become.

With his Grammy win, his next goal was expanding his influence in Korea.

‘A new land of opportunity.’

His previous attempts to enter East Asia had repeatedly failed.

Japan hadn’t shown much interest in hip hop.

China had banned his entry after he wore a sunflower T-shirt during a performance, interpreting it as a political symbol.

Which made Korea—the last stronghold in East Asia—even more promising.

Through this promotion, Cold will definitely achieve meaningful results in Korea. Very few artists visit, so it’s easy to build a positive image. And most importantly, hip hop is a popular genre there.

He was already imagining his concert in Korea.

“Everyone! I love Korea!”

“Waaaah!”

“My rap for you, Korean people! Listen!”

“Hehehehehe....”

Looking out the window at the fluffy clouds, Cold Brown swayed slightly in his seat.

The title “Most Beloved American Artist in Korea” was already floating in his mind.

‘I’ll make Koreans fall for me.’

And he knew exactly how.

Holding his phone, he recalled the manual.

[Let me tell you what to watch out for, Cold.]

A guide on how to gain favor in Korea.

[Hands pressed together like a greeting? That can come off like you’re picking a fight. Even if you explain, it can look like a power move, so don’t do it.]

No clasped-hands greeting.

[Mention sing-alongs. If you talk about Korean fans’ passion on American radio or talk shows, even better. That clip will circulate on MyTube for ten years.]

Mention Korea casually in overseas media.

[If you find a Korean dish you like, ask the restaurant owner if you can get the recipe. That story will spread across SNS and communities. Or buy boxes of snacks you like.]

A collection of tips on how to gain affection from Koreans.

‘Reminds me of my old self.’

Thinking of NewBlack’s ambitious leader, he smiled.

At the very least—

‘This is going to be fun.’

He had a feeling they would get along well.

At last, Cold Brown arrived in Korea.

Greeting people at a familiar Korean angle, he made a strong first impression.

[Photo] “Learned from NewBlack” Cold Brown doing a Korean greeting

[Photo] A warm man. “Please call me Warm Brown from now on”

[Photo] Cold Brown: “This is the K-heart”

The crowd reactions in the footage were explosive.

Perhaps because of that, the Cold Brown standing before me now was grinning nonstop.

“Hey, man. Been doing well?”

“As you can see.”

“Wow. You look really slim. Are you preparing an album?”

“Yes. Though I thought I had put on some muscle...”

Seeing Cold’s solid build, I nodded.

By American standards, maybe I did look slim.

After exchanging fist bumps with Cold Brown, whom I had grown close to through award shows, I introduced the others.

Sparkling eyes.

“Wow... seriously, every time I see you... I’m a huge fan.”

As our rapper shyly said that, Cold Brown flashed a grin.

“If you’re my fan, I can’t not give you a hug! Come here, Big K!”

“If possible... twice...”

“Let’s make it three. And a handshake too.”

Hearing him call Junghyun “Big K” because he was the tallest among us, we all glanced at Biju.

If Junghyun was Big K, then Biju would be Sma—

Biju smiled brightly.

“Yes?”

“No, nothing.”

We all knew what happened if you got on Biju’s bad side.

Strange grains appearing in your rice.

Suspiciously getting the fish head portion every time.

Meanwhile, Cold Brown spoke again.

“I think you told me before that you were my fan. Looks like you really are?”

“Yes. A real fan.”

Cold Brown treated Junghyun, who was shyly meeting his childhood idol, with practiced ease.

Less like a fan interaction—more like a politician greeting a supporter.

Unlike me, who’s obsessed with money, Cold is obsessed with fame.

Hailey’s words came to mind.

He loves being loved more than anything, so he’s always out doing good deeds. He probably has multiple UN ambassador cards. He doesn’t care much, but whenever there’s a social issue, he rushes out immediately. In the Black community, he’s almost like a god.

I had heard he had a strong desire for recognition.

In some ways, he felt similar to me.

“Sunny.”

“Cold.”

We shook hands and smiled.

Cold whispered in my ear.

“Grammy.”

Just hearing it made laughter burst out.

“Uh-hahaha!”

“Hahaha!”

At Ri Hyuk and the others’ puzzled looks, I gestured them closer.

Then I whispered.

“Grammy.”

“...!”

They burst into laughter.

Though their interests differed, they all shared a burning desire for awards.

The youngest muttered.

“You all look like jars full of greed...”

I showed him his reflection on my phone.

“Ah... I do too.”

While we indulged in our Grammy fantasies, Cold Brown and I waved to the others.

“Hyung’s heading out. Don’t eat anything good without me.”

“See you soon.”

We left Lemon Entertainment to promote the new track with Cold Brown.

It was a hectic schedule.

The day before the release, most of today’s schedule had been chosen by Cold Brown.

A schedule that made it seem like he was running for office in Korea.

Cold Brown visits elementary school... “Children should be happy”

NewBlack’s Wooju and Cold Brown visit traditional market... smiling after eating twisted donuts

Cold Brown visits US military base in Korea... “Regret not visiting Panmunjom”

He sang children’s songs and performed magic tricks at an elementary school.

He walked through a traditional market, shaking hands with merchants.

At the US base, he rapped “Thank you for your service” to soldiers.

Online reactions were quite positive.

why is everyone visiting Korea like this lately

suspiciously knowledgeable foreigners about Korea are increasing... something is happening

totally different kind of culture shock compared to Hailey Blue lol

this is too extreme though lol

they say he’s like a cardinal of the Black community in the US... is this what that means

rap emperor

lol rap emperor

is Wooju controlling him like a puppet lol if you look closely you might see strings

???: now repeat after me... I... like... Korea...

For a rapper who looked like he should be speeding in a sports car, his actions were unusual.

Though it was all part of building a good image in Korea, I found the day enjoyable as well.

Doing good things felt good.

We ended the day at Gyeongbokgung and then took him to a dakgomtang restaurant, similar to chicken noodle soup.

“Oh.”

Cold Brown widened his eyes as he took a spoonful.

“By the way, I thought of a few more things I want to do. If you have time, can we fit them in?”

“Of course.”

“I didn’t make any mistakes today, right? Tell me honestly if I did.”

“You were perfect.”

He was the most thoroughly prepared person about Korea I had seen recently.

“Good.”

He smiled with satisfaction.

Then we discussed the showcase and performance schedule for tomorrow’s release.

Curious, he asked:

“And there’s a performance called Music On tonight. Could you explain it in more detail?”

“Ah, that.”

“It’s unfamiliar. We don’t have something like that in the US.”

I smiled.

“In Korea, most artists appear on TV after releasing music. Not everyone—only selected artists. They compete for first place every week. Music On is one of those shows. It’s on a public broadcaster...”

“That’s impressive.”

“Well...”

“A public music competition show. Winning first place there must be a great honor.”

“...Yes. It is. Haha.”

It was too complicated to explain fully, so I just agreed.

I could feel our managers staring, but I shrugged it off.

...It wasn’t a lie.

PBS music program office.

“....”

“....”

From the main PD to assistant directors and writers—

Everyone stared at the screen with identical expressions.

A video of Cold Brown smiling politely.

[Sunny told me this is a very honorable program. I would like to thank you for inviting me. I look forward to meeting you soon. I have high expectations.]

‘An honorable program?’

‘Us?’

‘You have high expectations...?’

The staff’s hands began to tremble.