Perhaps to solidify EXO's current popularity, or perhaps to demonstrate the team's cohesion to the outside world, the company quickly announced two important pieces of news.
First, the production team of MBC will create a reality show specifically for EXO to record their real lives both on and off stage.
Secondly, a special winter album will be released at the end of the year as a way to thank fans.
The news was met with jubilation from fans, largely diverting attention from the controversy surrounding the absence from the concert.
At the same time, Ou Yangguang's personal work offers have indeed exploded. Various fashion magazine covers, high-end brand endorsements, and variety show invitations have poured in.
However, when he enthusiastically discussed several seemingly promising collaborations with his main agent, Seung-hwan, he received disappointing news.
"Xiao Guang, after the company's evaluation, we feel that these... conflict with the team's overall schedule, so we may not be able to contact them for the time being." Cheng Huan's tone was apologetic as he handed back the list of invitations he had carefully selected.
Ou Yangguang looked at most of the items crossed off on the list and remained silent for a moment: "Not even one? The schedules for these magazine shoots can be completely coordinated."
Chenghuan sighed and lowered his voice: "It's not just a matter of time. You're too popular right now, and the company... might want to balance things out a bit. Besides, the team has just stabilized, so the focus should still be on group activities."
Balance? Ou Yangguang pondered the word, a bitter feeling settling in his heart. He had achieved success through his own hard work and opportunities, but now he was to give up some rare opportunities because of "balance"?
Don't the other members have any individual activities? Aside from the TV dramas, which they secured through their own efforts and promises to the company, these audition opportunities were hard-earned.
The only show he participated in solo was "We Got Married," and the reason he was chosen to participate was quite obvious. When the show was filmed and aired, the internet was flooded with negative posts attacking him.
Even for solo magazine appearances, the company often requires the individual to bring along members, something he has never said anything about.
A few days later, even more unexpected news arrived. On the way to the film set, Seung-hwan hesitated for a long time before finally speaking:
"Xiao Guang, there's something... I think you should know. Back in China, they were in contact with you about the third installment of the 'Tiny Times' film series, and recently they sent you the script for a character named Gu Zhun, the younger brother of one of the main characters, Gu Li. Director Guo Jingming personally requested that you play the role."
Ou Yang's heart skipped a beat. He was well aware of the influence of the "Tiny Times" series in China, which was an extremely tempting opportunity for any young actor.
“However,” Seung-hwan’s tone shifted, becoming serious, “the company has clearly rejected it. The reason is… the team’s schedule is full at the end of the year, and they cannot coordinate enough filming time. Moreover…” He paused, his voice lowering, “the company’s senior management believes that your current development momentum in Korea is very good, and you should not approach the domestic market too early.”
A hush fell over the carriage. The street scene outside the window rushed past, and Ou Yangguang stared at his blurry reflection in the glass, his emotions a complex mix. Turning down a magazine endorsement was understandable, but to reject a film offer of this caliber without hesitation... it seemed that the company's plans for him had created a rift between him and his own expectations.
He recalled his father's words on his coming-of-age ceremony: "Now that you're grown up, you need to be more responsible in your work." Responsibility is not only for the team, but also for one's own life and career.
He also recalled the doubts circulating online: "Have you forgotten how you debuted?" Of course he hadn't forgotten; he had deep feelings for EXO and its members.
But if it means having a better career as a celebrity and standing on a better, higher, and more dazzling stage, should I just give it all up like this?
Now that the team is about to launch their variety show and winter album, he will naturally give it his all.
But what happens after that? Is he left with no choice but to passively accept all the company's arrangements and give up those personal opportunities that might be fleeting?
Ou Yang closed his eyes and took a deep breath. The echoes of the Bird's Nest controversy still lingered in his ears, and the news of the rejection of the "Tiny Times" script added another layer to the mix.
On the road to fame, flowers and thorns always coexist. How to live up to the expectations of his team and his own ambitions on this path will be the most challenging issue he will face in the future.
He felt as if he were standing at a crossroads, and he needed to clear away the fog ahead himself.
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