Chapter 61

Posted by Kuze, ? Views, Released on March 10, 2025

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“Aah, status window….”

How tedious it is.

I thought it had gone quiet for a while, but just when I was about to forget, it surfaces yet again and pokes me.

“VTuber cosplay, what’s that about…?”

Though it’s a bit confusing, this development feels almost familiar by now.

After a brief moment of silence, Hayoon began to formulate various ideas in her head.

First things first…

“We’ll have to do a limited run.”

Of course, Hong Seohyun’s VTuber cosplay photo book will naturally be a limited edition. This differs slightly from Cosplayholic, where the goal set by the status window was to sell as many as possible.

This mission is straightforward: just take some photos. More importantly, in the world of VTubing, whether it be a hundred viewers sponsoring 1,000 won a month or one viewer sponsoring 100,000 won, the difference is not significant.

Therefore, positioning this as an extremely limited edition “Debut Special” would be more effective. Especially given that Hong Seohyun has just started out, it’s better to elevate the loyalty of the big spenders purchasing this exclusive debut edition to boost her presence.

It’s necessary for Hong Seohyun’s stable income too.

“I’m unsure how much VTuber fans like photo books…”

Even though the cosplay photo book was created through a third party, merch is merch.

VTuber fans typically do not like their VTubers being consumed outside the fan community, but they do enjoy a sense of superiority knowing they have limited items unavailable to other fans.

Therefore, producing just 50 copies would be the ideal amount for this project.

“Strangely, there’s no penalty this time?”

-Do you feel disappointed? Should I add one?

“No thanks.”

After creating an appropriate sales strategy, Hayoon had a brief internal tussle with her status window.

“Hong Seohyun seems interested in collaborating with us. Let’s take this chance to bring her in properly. If we establish a consistent promotional platform…”

“Indie games lack proper promotional strategies, which this arrangement could compensate for. Even if Seohyun just mentions it occasionally, a considerable number of people will be drawn in.”

“Exactly.”

“I agree too. Even though it’s my first time with virtual avatar rigging, I’ll do my best.”

Hayoon confirmed one last time with Do Jin Ho and Arin. Of course, despite all the support from our side, whether Hong Seohyun will become a successful VTuber depends on her.

If Seohyun focuses solely on cover songs, her position as a rare Korean-language lyricist could solidify her advantage. Nevertheless, streaming is a different story altogether.

Even Hayoon has ended up in a prolonged break due to trying to achieve too much at once.

This isn’t a market where doing as one pleases yields easy success. Hence, it will be beneficial to focus clearly and selectively. As the domestic VTuber market is still in its nascent stages, merely riding the initial wave isn’t enough to sustain growth.

“Anyway, I’ll meet with Hong Seohyun during lunch break and discuss the concept properly. We’ll also gather song concepts for operating her Utaite channel and start thorough preparations.”

This push has to work. Since we’re in the early stages of the VTuber trend, there should be steady demand for Hong Seohyun.

Certainly, it’s worth attempting.

#

“What’s up?”

During lunch break,

Hayoon pulled Hong Seohyun aside. Needless to say…

“Do you know what a VTuber is?”

“Uh…? What’s that…?”

“Yes, VTubers.”

“What on earth is that…?”

This is about VTubers.

However,

Seohyun seemed just as clueless as Arin and needed a similar explanation.

“To sum it up, it’s a streamer who sings while hiding behind a virtual avatar, right?”

“Yes, exactly. They operate inside their characters without revealing their true identity.”

“Ah, I kind of get it. It’s like a faceless singer, right?”

“Exactly, just that feeling. Plus, there are overseas virtual idols as well.”

Seohyun understood quite quickly because associating it with singing made the concept easier to grasp.

“Why are you asking me about this?”

“Frankly speaking, it’s too expensive for me to consistently provide illustrations for you.”

“Huh…?”

Hayoon, who earns 2 million won monthly through Patreon, had spearheaded the visual novel “Cosplayholic,” which reached 36 million won in funding. Considering her current standing, even if she priced her illustrations for broadcast use at 300,000 won each, the cost remains high.

“300,000 won per piece. Can you afford that?”

“Uh, if I sing for you and even create PVs…”

“Factually speaking, professional studios offer video editing for under 500,000 won. Amateur outsourcing often goes for around 100,000 won.”

“But… about the vocals…”

Unfortunately, the exchange isn’t economically viable. Even though Hong Seohyun confidently argued about her vocals…

“Even at the highest rate, vocal outsourcing rarely exceeds 1 million won per song, especially for amateurs.”

“Ugh…”

Seohyun, disappointed, clenched her fists tightly. However, there was no disputing the imbalance. While Hayoon’s skills could rival professionals, Hong Seohyun’s singing, though distinctive in tone, barely crossed the amateur-professional threshold.

It’s not that her singing is terrible, but one vocal outsourcing commission cannot equate to several months of dozens of illustrations.

Thus…

“Wanna sign a contract with me?”

“Contract…?”

“I’ve heard that even if the Utaite channel is small, it can bring in some income. We’ll consider the revenue from that, along with the profits from the original songs we might commission from you, and a portion of any income from VTuber broadcasting.”

“Are you suggesting I join a management agency?”

“Yeah, kind of like that.”

“What is the split ratio?”

Gulp.

After swallowing a dry gulp, Seohyun asked about the percentage.

“Let’s start with a 50-50 split and gradually adjust in your favor.”

“Do you really think that’s… fair?”

“Creating virtual avatars costs millions of won as a base. Since we’re waiving those costs, we think 50-50 is fair.”

“Urgh…”

A 50-50 split might seem harsh for someone unfamiliar with the industry. However, there are cases where some companies take even more from VTubers.

The 50-50 split is a considerable concession from Hayoon, especially since she plans to provide illustrations for Seohyun’s debut without additional charges.

In fact, this is an exceptionally generous contract from Seohyun’s perspective.

“Hence, what…?”

While Hayoon contemplated other possibilities, Seohyun quietly checked the cost of virtual avatar creation and fell silent.

‘Even if we consider five illustrations for PVs monthly, that’s 1.5 million won. If I include the first month’s PV and vocal work as my costs, afterward it’s all debt…’

Starting from the third month of her Utaite VTuber debut, the monthly debt burden would be 1.5 million won. Though she could use her savings for the first few months, when combined with the cost of a virtual avatar, it would be an astronomical amount beyond the reach of a high school student’s allowance.

“Why are you helping me this much?”

By this point, a natural question arises: Why is Hayoon providing such extensive support?

Initially, Hayoon only intended to discuss illustrations to set up Seohyun’s VTuber channel and had perhaps tried to negotiate more favorable terms. But now, they were discussing VTuber debut strategies.

What is this all about?

“Because I believe the VTuber market will continue to grow. Singing Korean-language cover songs is also a distinct advantage. More importantly…”

“More importantly…?”

“Seohyun, don’t you hate school?”

“Yes, that’s true…”

“Considering you aren’t particularly engaged with school life, it feels like you wouldn’t pass up this opportunity to earn money by singing.”

“The chance to make money while singing…”

Though confused by the flow of the conversation, that part is no longer important.

Clearly, Hayoon is offering her support.

In return, Seohyun only needs to surrender half of her future earnings.

By accepting half of her future income, Seohyun secures the opportunity to run an Utaite channel and debut as a VTuber. Even if she doesn’t fully understand VTubing yet…

“I like it. Do we need a written contract?”

“Yes, I’ll prepare a contract for about three years.”

“Whoa… Are you serious…?”

“Yeah?”

“No, it’s just that a contract is binding… once it’s signed, it can’t be undone easily…”

“Hmm, that’s true.”

“Phew…”

I’m doing it.

No matter what.

If she misses this opportunity, she won’t be able to operate the Utaite channel under Hayoon’s proposed conditions with just her savings.

It’s now clear after calculating the costs.

This opportunity must not be missed.