Chapter 53
Chapter 53
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 53
Chapter Title: Chaebol Heir's Fall
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The massive headlines dominating the front page of the newspaper seized everyone's attention with unrelenting force.
📰 Breaking News No Peace for the 'Chaebol Third Generation'... Yu So-geum of Future Distribution Arrested for Embezzlement, Prostitution, and Drugs... These explosive headlines ignited a frenzy among the public.
The unprecedented arrest of a chaebol heir had the entire nation buzzing with excitement.
Right after Yu Kyung-su, once dubbed the tiger of the business world, was ousted from Future Distribution, the prosecutors—who had been waiting in the wings—moved in swiftly to arrest her.
💬 Comments — Anonymous Whoa! First time seeing a chaebol get arrested. — Netizen123 Doesn't that happen a lot? — TruthSeeker That was the president pulling strings. This is the first time prosecutors took the lead, right? — Agreeing Yeah, spot on. Even if they get caught, they bounce back quick. — Commoner And if they don't retaliate? We're just nobodies. What power do we have? If they say die, we die... The news felt like downing a refreshing glass of soda—people savored a strange sense of satisfaction.
'The tutorial's finally over.'
A market cap of 5 trillion won.
The effects of swallowing such a massive company were immediate.
Not only had my total assets surged dramatically, but I now controlled 30% of Korea's distribution network.
Needless to say, things got a lot busier.
'DJ Group, huh...'
Jin Seol-hwa had explained.
This operation had exposed our connection to the world.
Now the Korean government would scrutinize the name 'Kim Do-jun' relentlessly. That meant no more hiding in the shadows—I had to step fully into the light.
Jin Seol-hwa handling the U.S. headquarters.
Park Seong-ho at Selig Korea.
Im Seok-hyun at Future Distribution.
Olivia at DJ Investment.
And me, as CEO of Starlight.
My affiliates were multiplying. To officially launch as a group, we needed at least one subsidiary.
Of course, the control structure couldn't be handed off to anyone else.
I had to be the real owner—taking reports from the CEOs of each affiliate and making the final calls as 'Chairman.'
"Sir, a call from streamer Jin-seong."
"From Jin-seong?"
"Yes. He sounded thrilled—must be some good news."
Im Yun-ah handed me the receiver.
We agreed to meet at a nearby coffee shop.
Pi-yak, the female streamer, was coming along.
What could those two want at this hour?
Wasn't it prime streaming time?
"Sir! I saw the article. Congratulations!"
Was that why they called me out?
Jin-seong bowed at a perfect 90 degrees, overjoyed like family at the news of me devouring Future Distribution. Pi-yak, too, of course.
"Hehe, congrats. Should I start calling you Chairman now?"
Not yet.
We hadn't announced the group to the public.
Still, their excitement warmed my heart.
"Hahaha, that's for later. So, what's the occasion? You both look thrilled..."
No sooner had I finished speaking than Jin-seong grabbed both my hands tightly.
"We're getting married!"
"...Pardon?"
"We're getting married, sir!"
I glanced at Jin-seong, then at Pi-yak.
Her flushed face as she turned away confirmed it wasn't a joke.
How long had they even been dating? Marriage already?
Did they jump the gun?
Maybe not...
Either way, congratulations were in order.
"Uh... con, congratulations. So, formal family meeting too?"
"Ah, not yet."
His darkening expression made me tilt my head.
They'd agreed to marry, so what was the issue?
"Actually, we've met my parents. But Pi-yak's..."
Huh? What did that mean?
"Well..."
The story went like this.
Jin-seong's family were descendants of a war veteran.
Honorable, sure, but it paled next to elite pedigrees—and that was a huge problem. Being war veteran stock didn't guarantee respect everywhere.
Pi-yak's dad was a successful businessman, her mom a doctor.
Elite of elites, top 1% in Korea.
Meanwhile, Jin-seong's grandfather was a poor vet, his dad in poor health, mom a homemaker. To Pi-yak's family, they might seem lacking.
Birds of a feather flock together, as they say.
Not the '80s anymore—couples marry for love these days—but the gap was undeniable.
"I see."
I stared blankly at the ceiling.
I got the picture.
Even why Jin-seong wanted to meet me.
"I don't need any reward for helping Jin-seong."
"Sir..."
His face lit up with emotion.
Of course.
His family were war vets.
Any Korean should live in gratitude forever.
I wasn't after material gain or personal profit. Probably just a small request to attend the wedding.
As a guest.
That means a lot to the couple.
Who am I?
Owner of U.S. pharma giant Selig, now nationally known for swallowing Future Distribution. Headlines called me the mysterious new chaebol titan.
If I showed up, Jin Seol-hwa would come too. With her, Cheon Jong-dae, the opposition leader I'd networked with, would take interest.
Park Seong-ho at Selig Korea knew the ruling party leader. In short, everyone with real power in Korea would attend Jin-seong's wedding—thanks to me.
"Of course I'd go to your wedding. But are you sure? The couple's will matters most, but family approval is huge too."
"I've got that covered."
He said he could convince them if we talked straight.
Whatever, he'd handle it.
Meddling too much would embarrass him.
"Congratulations on the wedding. Anything you want?"
"No, no. Just having you at our wedding is..."
"Nonsense, I'd be offended. Starlight's next project was a huge success thanks to you."
What to give them?
A brilliant idea hit me.
"How about this."
At my words, drool practically dripped from their mouths.
Too shocking a gift?
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ The family gathered for the first time in ages.
Jin Seol-hwa, Park Seong-ho, Olivia, Im Yun-ah, and others.
Busy schedules made meetings rare, so seeing them all healthy was a relief. I'd worried they might be skipping meals.
I hate hearing about work over food.
No guarantee you won't choke.
But this time was different.
Jin Seol-hwa dropped a bombshell.
"Jack Laden is visiting Korea?"
"Yes. It's a courtesy call, but probably about nurturing our old alliance."
That alone I'd brush off.
"Why is Jack Laden coming to Jin-seong's wedding?"
That stuck.
Jack Laden: U.S. Senator and Armed Services Committee Chairman.
Why attend a regular citizen's wedding?
Probably because of Jin Seol-hwa.
Attending with me.
She thought so too.
"Must want to discuss Matthew's condition in person—he's our last blood tie. Thankfully, recovery's going smoothly; he's much better now."
"Good to hear. Always reassuring."
True.
If Jack Laden's son died under Selig's treatment, it'd be catastrophic. I wanted to avoid that.
Grateful it worked out.
"Oh! Handong Medical Center should join us soon."
I looked at Olivia.
I'd completely forgotten.
Too fixated on Future Distribution, overlooked acquiring this key hospital.
Disqualifying as a businessman.
That's why talented, trustworthy subordinates make everything smooth.
"But this quarter's loss alone is 9 billion won. At this rate, it'll vanish in years."
"9 billion per quarter?"
"Yes. Conservative estimate. Could hit 15 billion with excuses."
"What caused such huge losses?"
Olivia's tone grew grim.
"Some couldn't pay bills, and the hospital covered them..."
"They paid for patients? For free?"
"Seems so. Current director Hong Ji-won donates personally too."
"The billing department must hate it."
"Factions have formed over it..."
Hospitals prioritizing money over patients get flak, but unfairly. Hospitals must survive for doctors to treat patients.
But the deficits were dire.
As Olivia said, it wouldn't last.
I drummed my fingers on the table.
Graver than expected.
Handong Medical Center bridged the capital region and southern provinces on Korea's map.
If it closed, locals would trek to Seoul or Busan for care.
'Minor stuff's fine, but life-threatening? Not sure they'd even admit.'
Mountains of issues to consider.
Wonder if I'll sleep.
"I'll handle Handong Medical Center personally."
"You, sir?"
"Yes. Know your enemy by entering their camp. I'll meet Director Hong Ji-won."
"!"
Have to see her myself.
Who she is, if she'll fit in my fold.
'Puts others before self-interest...'
Amazed such a person heads a mere hospital.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Lee Dong-wook gazed silently at his son before him.
Yu So-geum from Future Distribution and the HT Group scum would soon join him in prison.
Revenge complete, yet a void lingered in his heart.
"Shin-bina..."
His words met only machine beeps.
Beep! Beep! Beep! The noise filled the room.
"You wanted to be a lawyer helping people, and one's found to fight your injustice fairly."
Arranged by that Kim Do-jun guy.
Hospital care had skyrocketed in quality, and the top medical team's promise held true.
He'd truly saved him.
Enviable to work for such a man—pure bliss.
"Sorry I'm so worthless, son."
He gripped his son's hand, patting gently.
Rest easy, no worries.
"...!"
Then, the impossible happened.
A strange sensation from the hand he held.
"Shin-bina?"
His trembling eyes dropped.
A faint twitch of warmth in his palm.
"Doctor! Doctor, where? Shin-bina? Shin-bina!"
"D-Dad...?"
Just as he'd resolved to let go.
A miracle struck Lee Dong-wook.
His comatose son opened his eyes.
"Shin-bina! Oh my, what's this! Waaah!"
Tears cascaded like waterfalls from his eyes.
After six long years.
He finally heard his longed-for son's voice.