Agony
***
JK Construction President's Office.
Kang Jin-gwang's second son, Kang Min-seong, stood there clutching a stack of documents, his brow deeply furrowed.
"Winning this contract would be great, but how are we supposed to know if Athena even has that kind of money? What's your take on this, Director Do? Anything stand out to you?"
Seated across from him was Director Do Dong-ho. After poring over the Athena-related files for a long while, he finally replied.
"Just to be sure, I looked into the land at that location. I thought it was just about setting the airspace rights, but parts of it are already under contract."
"They're buying up all that land?"
"Yes, President."
Athena only owned a distribution company and a newspaper. It was hard to believe such a modest outfit could be snapping up this massive amount of land. Factoring in the new building they planned to construct, it implied they were sitting on an enormous cash reserve.
"Where the hell is their money coming from...? That president of theirs is hiding everything so tight-lipped, it's impossible to figure out."
"At this scale, rumors should be flying, but there's not a peep about Athena."
"True. And with Yang Sang-pil involved, if it were anyone else, I'd have shut it down from the start."
"They definitely have backing."
"Talking amongst ourselves won't get us anywhere. Call headquarters and check if the Chairman's there."
"Understood, President."
Securing the Athena contract would be a win, but Kang Min-seong still felt uneasy. In the end, he rushed straight to headquarters.
Meanwhile, Kang Jin-gwang watched the news with a troubled expression.
[In a bold move, JK Group has announced its acquisition of Seyoung Newspaper, with reports confirming they've already secured the shares.]
[The nation's top-selling daily, Seyoung Newspaper, falling into JK Group's hands is now just a matter of time.]
The acquisition of the country's number-one media outlet by JK Group was a seismic event. The press wouldn't shut up about it.
Contrary to expectations of unbridled joy, the Chairman's face remained clouded.
"Chairman, is something bothering you?"
"You know damn well what. They're probably desperate to plant their own kid in that seat."
"You're saying you won't consider the grandsons for the presidency?"
"They're a long way off. To run a media company, you need a real man's broad chest and the guts to match. But every last one of them is like a soy sauce dish—tsk tsk."
"Then shall I scout someone suitable for the role?"
The Chairman already had someone else in mind and neither confirmed nor denied it. Sensing his intent, Butler Moon gently broached the subject.
"Are you perhaps thinking of Young Master Min-ho?"
Letting out a long sigh, Kang Jin-gwang replied.
"Truth be told, wasn't acquiring Seyoung all thanks to Min-ho?"
"I agree."
"It's not just that incident. I've seen how he handled a newspaper before—he's the right fit to run it."
"Considering his age, he's practically the youngest."
"Exactly. Elevating Min-ho means I have to give the others something comparable... It's no small tangle."
"I'll find a way."
"Good. This time, I'll borrow your hand."
The chairman's office door opened cautiously as the secretaries entered.
-Chairman, President Kang Min-seong has arrived.
"Send him in. And bring some tea."
The door swung open, and President Kang entered with a bow. The Chairman glanced sideways at him.
"From that look on your face, it seems you're here to get answers from your old man... You must be tired from the trip. Sit."
"Yes, Father."
"How's it going? Work treating you alright?"
"Back when I was stuck in Myeong-dong, I couldn't wait to get out in the field."
"Locked in that back room, who wouldn't?"
"I didn't get it then, but now I do. A bit older, and the flow of money starts coming into view."
Kang Jin-gwang nodded.
"You haven't wasted your years. So, what's brought you here?"
Min-seong handed over the documents and explained.
"You know Yang Sang-pil, the section chief from Namdo? He went to Athena Distribution. Well, he came by recently and commissioned this."
The Chairman, peering through his glasses at the report, reacted nonchalantly, as if it were nothing.
"You wouldn't be here if there wasn't a problem. What do you see as the issue?"
"Athena Distribution is gearing up for a massive project. But I doubt they have the funds for it."
"On the surface, even scraping every last penny wouldn't cover it... You're baffled they're pushing ahead, right?"
"Yes, Father."
It was a dilemma for Min-seong, but barely worth reviewing for the Chairman. He decided without hesitation.
"Proceed without delay."
Stunned by his father's reaction—so far from his expectations—President Kang couldn't hide his surprise.
"We need at least 30% collateral on this. If something goes wrong mid-construction, we can't handle it."
"If they can't handle it, we take it over and finish it. What's the problem?"
"Still... it's over 100 billion won. If we rush it sloppily and something happens..."
Kang Jin-gwang cut him off.
"I'll guarantee it. How's that?"
"Pardon? You'd guarantee it, Father? Does that mean someone’s backing Athena?"
The Chairman nodded.
"Don't worry about the money. Speed is life on this one—move fast."
He was dying to know who was behind it, but prying would only earn him a tongue-lashing. Unhappy but obedient, he had no choice.
"Yes... Understood..."
"Nothing else? Then go."
Min-seong rose but lingered, as if he had more to say. The Chairman tossed out a remark.
"You've been like this since you were a kid—circling your old man like a puppy desperate to shit when you have something to say. Spit it out standing there."
Min-seong opened his mouth heavily.
"Father... about Seyoung Newspaper."
"We've nearly locked up the shares. Just the shareholders' meeting left, really."
"It's not that. My eldest, Woo-jae—couldn't we do something for him?"
"Put Woo-jae in as president?"
"Yes. As you always say, he's worked diligently at his job, never caused a scandal like Min-ho. Giving him this chance..."
Min-seong had uttered words he should have kept to himself. Of course, he had no idea what he'd done wrong.
"Min-seong, you don't give a damn what your nephew's been up to, do you? Caused a scandal? Who the hell fed you that crap?"
"Pardon? Ah... no, that's not what I meant..."
"I've watched Woo-jae as long as you have. That's not his path. Don't get your hopes up."
"Father..."
With the presidential election looming, appointing anyone but Min-ho to head the newly acquired media company was out of the question. The Chairman rejected it outright.
"A man has a vessel that holds only so much. Woo-jae isn't cut out to be president."
"Still, just one chance..."
"Tell him to keep working quietly. Don't chase a role too big for his britches."
For twenty years, Kang Min-seong had rotted in that Myeong-dong hole, counting money on his father's orders. He'd endured it for his two sons. The Chairman's flat refusal, without even hearing him out, felt cruel.
Though he knew how it would end, Min-seong pressed harder than usual.
"Woo-jae needs a real position someday. All that time I spent in Myeong-dong..."
Even without Min-ho, Min-seong's son wasn't top-tier material. Yet he kept pushing. The Chairman's patience snapped. He flipped the table.
The coffee cup shattered, rolling across the floor, hot liquid steaming as it soaked the carpet.
His eyes sharp, he glared at Min-seong.
"What? Your old man's getting on in years, so you're getting antsy? Or did you think you could just gloss this over?"
When the Chairman raged, the only survival was total submission.
"No, Father. I just thought I'd ask, just in case. I'm sorry."
"Woo-jae... yeah, he's my grandson too... But that kid's just a soy sauce dish. That's why no."
"Understood."
"I can't even look at you. Get out."
Watching his second son's retreating back, Kang Jin-gwang let out a quiet sigh.
***
Time seems fair to everyone. But for the elderly, it flows differently. Especially for Kang Jin-gwang—his time raced by.
The group was on an unprecedented growth trajectory, but Min-ho was the only one fit to succeed him. One day, he had to release him into the world, though he didn't know when.
His impatience was real. Four children, including eldest son Du-seong. Nine grandsons total. Handing out positions in order, Min-ho was dead last.
The Chairman wielded absolute power in the group. He wanted to yank Min-ho up and crown him heir right now. The boy had the talent, but he was young, and the backlash from the others was predictable.
Even if he navigated that, what came after his death was the real issue. They'd tear into each other, shattering the JK Group he'd built his life for.
Min-ho brought him joy—and the deepest, unsolvable torment.
He propped his legs on the sofa armrest and lit a cigarette. Butler Moon, finishing his tidying, offered a careful opinion.
"I recall what you always say, Chairman."
The Chairman nodded, so he continued.
"Don't cling to worries that can't be solved right away."
"True... But knowing something and acting on it are worlds apart, Sang-oh."
"I'll ease part of your burden. Care to review this report?"
Butler Moon presented the documents with both hands, respectfully.
"I'd forgotten. Right, I lent Min-ho 300 billion. That bold glint in his eye still burns in my mind—'I'll pay interest, just lend it to me'..."
"Since that day, I've tracked every move of those funds and their investments."
The Chairman wasn't ordinary either. One hint, and he grasped it all.
"Don't tell me that pocket change flowed into the hypermart Min-seong mentioned?"
"Precisely."
Finally seeing Min-ho's plan, Kang Jin-gwang broke into a hearty laugh.
"No wonder my worries deepen with that kid. He's surely exceeded my expectations. How much did he grow the 300 billion?"
"All invested in domestic stocks. Total now 1.6 trillion. Subtract principal and interest, that's about 1.3 trillion profit."
"The others are all soy sauce dishes, but Min-ho's a washbasin—you never know... Amazing."
"All the land Min-seong mentioned? Deals closed?"
"Yes. Over 30 sites across Seoul. Smallest plot is 6,000 pyeong."
Unlike Min-seong begging without proof, Min-ho delivered results. No need to say which drew the eye.
"Seizing Korea's distribution... Excellent. As expected, our Min-ho's vessel is on another level—how could it not be?"
The Chairman's rage evaporated; he bellowed a room-shaking laugh.
"I heard the rumors too. Big things moving in Seoul—and it was our boy. I'm proud."
"Whatever he needs, we'll support fully."
"Money, manpower—whatever it takes, make it happen."
"Understood. Chairman, the interim shareholders' meeting for Seyoung is in a week. Who for president?"
"I'd love to put Min-ho there... What do you think?"
"Apologies, but it's premature. Surfacing Young Master Min-ho now would bring more harm than good."
Of nine grandsons, Min-ho was effectively the baby. Plus his flashy delinquent past. Naming him president of a fresh acquisition? Backlash inevitable.
More critically, the presidential race was heating up. The Blue House's new master would dictate JK's path. Min-ho's clever moves were essential now.
Exhaling thin cigarette smoke, the Chairman said,
"You know who sees the whole stage best?"
"Apologies, I don't."
A sly smile crept over his face.
"The one watching quietly from the side. Broad view catches every angle."
"Understood. I'll be off."
"Min-ho will play the tune. Dance along appropriately."
Back in his own office, Butler Moon picked up the receiver.
"Young Master, it's Moon Sang-oh."
"I'm heading home. What's up?"
"It's about..."
Butler Moon explained the Chairman's concerns. Hearing it all, Min-ho smiled lightly.
"Does Grandfather really not know? Or is he testing?"
"It seems the complexity is making the decision tough."
Min-ho said something even the butler hadn't anticipated.
"You have the executive list, right?"
"Yes."
"Bring it to my place. We'll talk details over dinner."
"Understood. Heading out now."
Handing the top-selling paper to Min-ho, already owner of The Times? With the election ahead, he'd become not just a media boss—a kingmaker.
Butler Moon hung up and headed straight to Seocho-dong.