Chapter 410 Girls' Generation
Li Fuzhen's decisiveness surprised Song Ci a little, but after thinking about it carefully, her choice was reasonable.
Throughout history, there have been constant feuds among wealthy families, and South Korea's Samsung is no exception.
"I'd like to toast Miss Fuzhen, no, it should be President Fuzhen." Song Ci picked up the wine glass, and the rich aroma of wine lingered around his nose.
At this moment, I am secretly looking forward to whether this Samsung princess can live up to her reputation and successfully help Weibo open up the Korean market and defeat Twitter in one fell swoop.
Li Fuzhen stood up gracefully, and a smile appeared on her cold face: "I toast to the president!"
She was humble and polite. After all, her brother would be the future leader of Samsung Group, and Weibo (Korea) was the career that deserved her full attention.
But if Weibo is to flourish on the peninsula, support from the China Group headquarters is crucial.
Song Ci was like a spring breeze, straightening his body: "Shishi, Miss Lin, let's raise our glasses together."
"Cheers!" "Cheeris! Fuzhen, I wish you a smooth cooperation with Mr. Song."
The crisp sound of clinking glasses echoed in the private room. As the glasses touched, the unfamiliarity between the two sides gradually dissipated, and the atmosphere on the scene became more harmonious.
The atmosphere was lively as everyone was toasting each other and chatting and laughing.
Song Ci cut the Chateaubriand steak with a knife and fork, and asked casually, "Can you two introduce me to the three major entertainment agencies in your country, SM, YG, and JYP?"
Upon hearing this, Lee Boo-jin turned her gaze to her friend beside her.
She usually knows limited things about the entertainment industry, but her friend has been in the fashion industry for a long time and has frequent interactions with many entertainment stars, so she must be quite familiar with the three major companies.
"Mr. Song, are you also interested in idol groups?" Lin Shiling's eyes were bright and she glanced at Song Ci in a charming way.
It is hard for mature women not to be moved by the face of the richest man. Some women will be attracted to him for thousands of years after just one sight.
"I am indeed somewhat interested." Song Ci smiled and nodded, "After all, whoever controls the idol's singing voice controls the heartbeat of young users. Of course, appearance is also important."
"I understand what Mr. Song means!" Lin Shiling instantly understood Song Ci's intention and said with a chuckle, "SM, YG, and JYP, the three major brokerage companies, have different operating styles and music positioning.
However, as the founders and leaders of Korean pop music culture, they have many commonalities in terms of core operating models, industrial layout and globalization strategies. "
Lin Shiling is worthy of being the daughter of South Korea's top chaebol. Her vision and perspective far exceed those of ordinary people. Her opening introduction instantly attracted the attention of the richest man.
Song Ci put down the cutlery in his hand, his expression solemn: "Please teach me, Miss Lin."
Lin Shiling paused for a moment, as if she was sorting out her thoughts, and then she began to talk: "The three major companies have all established highly standardized trainee systems.
The selection age is usually between 12 and 18 years old, and the training period is 3 to 5 years. The training content covers vocal music, dance, language, body management, artistic training and other aspects.
In addition to improving the selection and training system, the three major companies all have internal production teams. Their music styles are highly recognizable, they focus on the visual presentation of music, and use MV as an important communication core. "
Song Ci listened very carefully and said with emotion: "Such an industrialized star-making model has great ambitions!"
Lin Shiling nodded in agreement: “The three major entertainment companies in South Korea adopt differentiated positioning internally in terms of competitive strategy.
SM focuses on concepts, YG focuses on polishing the quality of music, and JYP focuses on creating affinity. However, when facing international competition, the three companies will work together. "
Liu Shishi and Lee Boo-jin listened attentively. Through this conversation, they gained a deeper understanding of the Korean entertainment industry.
Liu Shishi thought of Lehua Entertainment, which the studio had invested in, and asked curiously, "What are the main profit channels of the three companies?"
“All three companies are listed companies. SM and JYP are very strong, having successfully listed in 2000 and 2001 respectively. YG was much later, having just listed last year.
Concerts and peripheral revenues are their main source of income, and their idol groups have also taken on a lot of advertising endorsements.
SM focuses on top brand endorsements, YG focuses on high-end luxury, and JYP is favored by national brands because of its emphasis on the sincerity and modesty of its artists. As for film and television projects and IP derivative development, the three major companies are less involved. "
After gaining a basic understanding of the three major Korean entertainment companies, Song Ci raised the most concerning question: "What about music copyright?"
Lin Shiling quickly explained: "SM has the largest copyright library, holding nearly one million Korean song copyrights. YG is second, and JYP is a little less. If Mr. Song wants to get the music copyright, the key is to convince one person."
"Lee Soo Man?"
"That's right! Lee Soo Man, the chairman of SM Entertainment!" Lin Shiling raised her eyebrows, "Mr. Song, do you want to know what kind of person Lee Soo Man is?"
"I'd like to hear more about it."
"Lee Soo-man's status and influence in the Korean entertainment industry are far beyond the reach of ordinary entertainment company bosses. He is recognized as the 'Godfather of Hallyu'!" Lin Shiling's voice was filled with admiration.
"He pioneered the trainee system and the idol assembly line production model. In 1996, he launched Korea's first idol boy group HOT, creating the business model of "idol group plus fan economy."
Song Ci praised him: "I have heard a little about this. Just based on the fact that he reshaped the Korean entertainment industry and laid the foundation for the pop music industry, he deserves the title of "the great leader of the Korean cultural world."
Although Lee Soo-man has mixed reputations in the industry, and there are rumors in the country that he forced artists to sign unequal contracts, his business talent is undeniable.
Besides, for Song Ci, Lee Soo-man’s personal reputation has nothing to do with him. What he values is the exclusive music copyrights of the three major entertainment companies, which is crucial to the future competition in the global short video market.
Thinking of this, Song Ci said, "If it is convenient, please ask Miss Lin to tell Lee Soo Man to come to Beiping. Tengda hopes to cooperate with SM."
Lin Shiling showed an understanding expression, and her lips curled up slightly: "I have good news for Mr. Song! Lee Soo Man is currently in Paris, managing high-end endorsement matters for his Girls' Generation, EXO and other groups."
Song Ci's eyes lit up, and he immediately asked, "Miss Lin, can you..."
Before he finished speaking, Lin Shiling shook her head and interrupted: "We need Fuzhen to come forward for this matter."
Although her company, Elephant Group, is a Korean chaebol, it is not on the same level as Samsung Group.
No matter how powerful Lee Soo-man is in the Korean cultural and entertainment circles, he dare not disrespect the Samsung Group.
"Don't worry, President. I'll take care of this." Lee Boo-jin promised confidently. Having just reached a cooperation agreement with Song Ci, it was time for her to demonstrate her strength.
Song Ci added: "The promotion of Weibo also depends on the help of idol stars. Weibo (Korea) can actively cooperate with the three major entertainment companies and use the popularity of idol groups to attract users."
The next morning, when Lee Soo-man arrived at the reception room of the Four Seasons Hotel in Paris, Song Ci and Lee Boo-jin were already waiting inside.
"Mr. Song, Ms. Fuzhen, I'm very sorry to have kept you waiting for so long." Lee Soo-man bowed slightly, with an extremely humble attitude.
Ever since he received Lee Boo-jin's call last night, he has been completely confused. He doesn't know why the richest man in Asia and the eldest princess of Samsung wanted to see him.
Behind Lee Soo Man, the members of the girl group bowed to the two of them in unison.
Song Ci spoke fluent English: "President Li, please take a seat!"
After saying that, he glanced at several young and beautiful idol stars, frowned unconsciously, and was about to speak: "President Li..."
Lee Soo Man, who had always been observing people's expressions, took the lead and turned to the members of Girls' Generation and told them, "Wait for me outside."
Due to uncertainty about Song Ci's intentions and considering that the other party might have some ideas about his artists, Lee Soo-man specially brought the members of Girls' Generation along.
After all, some financial group bosses are quite covetous of young and beautiful female stars, but the richest man in Asia does not seem to have such intention.
The women followed instructions and left the reception room. The moment the door closed, they couldn't wait to start discussing in low voices.
"Taeyeon, the president is here to see Mr. Song and Ms. Fuzhen. What's the matter?"
Team leader Kim Taeyeon spread her hands and said, "How would I know that?"
Xu Xian patted her chest with lingering fear: "The president called us out early in the morning, I thought..."
Lin Yuner rolled her eyes at Lao Jiu and said unhappily, "What do you think? Hidden rules? If the other party is Mr. Song, you are the one who made the profit, okay? Think about his assets worth more than 50 trillion won!"
Several people looked at each other and saw helplessness in each other's eyes.
In the eyes of the public, they are glamorous big stars, but in front of the chaebols, they are just exquisite vases.
If that moment really comes, they would rather the other person is Song Ci. After all, that face is so handsome that it makes girls' hearts beat fast.
While the girls of Girls' Generation were lost in their thoughts, in the reception room, Song Ci had already begun discussing cooperation with Lee Soo Man.
"SM can obtain a share of the profits of its idol groups in the Chinese market, support for their concerts, and the rights to develop derivative products.
But the prerequisite is that Tengda must become SM's "China Copyright General Agent" and obtain exclusive authorization for all content such as audio sources, MVs, and concert recordings."
As the first person to export Korean pop culture overseas, Lee Soo-man had long planned to have his idol team fully enter the Chinese market.
Therefore, we have conducted an in-depth investigation into the Chinese entertainment giant Tengda Group and have a detailed understanding of the influence of Song poetry in China.
"Mr. Song, I am very willing to promote the cooperation between SM and Tengda Group, but I hope you can give SM more support."
Song Ci narrowed his eyes and asked softly, "For example?"
Li Xiu's eyes flashed with greed, and he cautiously asked, "Can you help SM get through the performance approval channel?"
Song Ci narrowed his eyes slightly and did not respond directly.
The field of cultural publicity has always been given high attention by the higher authorities. Although China-ROK relations have been in a honeymoon period in recent years, various cultural exchanges between the two countries have been in full swing.
However, he adheres to his principles and will not interfere with Korean idol groups holding concerts in the country.
"Tengda can provide ticketing resources and customize digital albums, but you need to go through the normal procedures for performance approval."
Lee Soo-man could not hide his disappointment. For SM, concert income is the core source of profit.
If Tengda is willing to help open up the approval channel and hold more concerts in China a year, the company's profits will increase significantly. However, this expectation has been temporarily dashed.
"Cooperation is about win-win. If Li Shehui has any other ideas, please feel free to bring them forward."
Lee Soo Man's heart moved, and he carefully asked, "Mr. Song, I wonder if SM can arrange for one or two artists to develop in the Chinese film and television industry, just like Jang Nara did before?"
He thought to himself that the three major entertainment companies were the leaders in the field of idol star-making, but resources for film and television projects had always been their shortcoming.
If SM could send a few artists to develop abroad and then "export them for domestic sales", it might be possible to cultivate one or two new film and television stars and try out a different path.
Song Ci readily agreed: "That's no problem." In the following years, many Korean stars came to China to develop their careers. Tengda Film and Television had rich resources, so Lee Soo-man's request was just a small matter of going with the flow.
With the initial cooperation intention reached, subsequent negotiations between the two parties became increasingly smooth.
Song Ci and Lee Soo Man discussed the strategic investment plan, and Lee Boo Jin also discussed with him and proposed that all SM stars should enter Weibo (Korea).
The two proposals made Lee Soo-man overjoyed. Tenda's investment would definitely drive SM's stock price up, and the guys on the board of directors would definitely agree with them.
As for celebrities joining Weibo, it is a no-cost business for him, as it can not only expand the artist's fame, but also allow him to get close to the Samsung Group.
It is a sure win, as Samsung is the No. 1 chaebol in South Korea and a company that Koreans cannot avoid throughout their lives!
Nearing noon, both sides were quite satisfied with the results of the conversation.
Lee Soo Man enthusiastically suggested: "Mr. Song, President Lee, I wonder if you two would do me the honor of hosting a lunch."
Song Ci glanced at his watch and declined, "No at noon, I have an appointment with a guest. How about changing it to the evening? My wife and I will host a banquet to entertain Chairman Li, President Fu Zhen, and Miss Lin Shiling."
He had an appointment with Henri Pinault in the afternoon to discuss Universal Music's acquisition of EMI Records, so he had no free time.
"Thank you, Mr. Song. I'd rather obey you than be polite." Lee Soo-man was delighted. Seeing that Song Ci and Lee Boo-jin were talking about something again, he tactfully said goodbye without disturbing them and turned to leave the reception room.
Outside the door, members of Girls' Generation were still waiting. When they saw Lee Soo Man coming out, they greeted him in unison: "President!"
Lee Soo Man nodded slightly, and his deep gaze swept back and forth across the pretty faces of the Girls' Generation members, finally stopping on Yoona.
Then he ordered, "Yoona stays, and the others go back to the hotel first."
Lin Yuna was stunned, and couldn't help but think of what the sisters had just discussed. Her cheeks instantly flushed, and a hint of anticipation arose in her heart.
When the other girls heard that the president left Yoona alone, they couldn't help but think of something. They felt mixed emotions and looked at each other in complicated ways. They were extremely envious of their good sister for having the opportunity to rise to the top overnight.
Lee Soo Man didn't know that the members of Girls' Generation had the wrong idea. After weighing the pros and cons, he preliminarily decided to choose Yoona to develop in the Chinese film and television industry, and wanted to ask Song Ci to give her some advice in the evening.
The girls looked back every few steps and said goodbye to Yoona reluctantly, which made Lee Soo Man confused. But was it necessary to be so reluctant to part for a while?
On July 7, after finishing everything in Paris, Song Ci and Liu Shishi embarked on their journey back home.
(End of this chapter)
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