Chairman Kang's Starstruck Scout
In the 1990s, when the power of TV ads reigned supreme, selecting a model that perfectly matched a company's image was a make-or-break issue—directly tied to brand recognition and skyrocketing sales. Kang Min-ho's choice of Park Joo-mi as the female model was no accident.
Right now, she was just a rookie auditioning for talent spots, but soon she'd be handpicked for a cosmetics campaign reserved for the elite of the elite. With her refined, elegant beauty, she boosted the image and sales of cosmetics firms, airlines, clothing brands—everyone she worked with.
No one understood the importance of a model better than Chairman Kang. If his grandson had his eye on her, there had to be a reason. Curiosity piqued, the chairman pushed back his appointments and headed straight to NBC.
Gazing out the car window, Chairman Kang smiled faintly and spoke.
"There was a time, you know, when all I wanted was for Min-ho not to get into trouble."
"I remember those days..."
"My stomach was in knots back then. I'd wake up in the night with it churning."
"Looking back, it seems Young Master was wearing the wrong clothes for the part."
"Who could've guessed that rascal would turn into such a lucky charm?"
"Sorry to interrupt, sir, but we've arrived at NBC. I'll go in first and..."
Chairman Kang raised a hand, cutting off Moon Sang-oh.
"Let's take a look around the station. It's been ages since I poked my head in."
"You're going in yourself?"
"What, is there a rule that chairmen can't enter?"
"Of course not, sir. This way."
Stepping out of the car, Chairman Kang strolled leisurely into the broadcasting station. With the talent audition in full swing, people bustled about everywhere.
He glanced around and murmured, "Youth is a wonderful thing. In the flower of their age, they should bloom like flowers do."
"Shall I call President Cha Dong-yeon?"
"No need to bother him—he must be busy. There's only one entrance; we'll wait, and someone'll come out eventually."
"Yes, sir. I'll keep watch."
A cigarette dangling from his lips, Chairman Kang flashed a relaxed smile.
"If that boy Min-ho picked her out, she must be a real knockout—a beauty to topple kingdoms. She'd catch my eye too."
"Yes, sir."
"Just wait quietly. We'll see if Min-ho's got a good eye."
He could've marched straight to the president's office without a second glance, but instead, he plopped down on a modest chair in the hallway, eyes fixed on the audition room entrance.
"Back when I was their age, I'd sit on a crate at the Gabe House in Golden Town, waiting for my wife."
It was a story he only shared on rainy days or when happily tipsy.
Lost in memories, he continued. "No phones back then—what else could you do but wait all day? I'd smoke a pack, fiddle with matchsticks making all sorts of things, and just when I was worn out, there she'd be."
"Did she come out late on purpose?"
"To keep me on edge, that's why. And I fell for it hook, line, and sinker. Feels like that right now—like my young wife might step out that door any second. It's been so long..."
Snapping back, he pulled a 10,000-won bill from his pocket and handed it to Moon Sang-oh.
"Around the corner, there's a snack stand."
"Sir, I hate to say it, but..."
Sitting in such a shabby spot was awkward enough; fetching snacks? Moon Sang-oh was flustered.
"What's face got to do with it? It's fine."
"Understood."
Moon Sang-oh dashed to the vending area and returned with snacks. It was unbelievable.
There sat Chairman Kang in the dim corner of the station hallway, munching away while staring at the audition door.
"Plenty of pretty boys who look like gigolos, but no girl who really jumps out."
"If you're bored, sir, I can ask President Cha for cooperation."
Right on cue, Park Joo-mi emerged from the audition room. Chairman Kang beamed.
"No need. See? Our Min-ho's got an eye for women. Look how sharp and poised she is..."
Her straight hair swayed as she stepped out, a halo seeming to glow behind her. She stood out from the other hopefuls—vastly different, like she belonged to another world.
Her porcelain skin, sharp features, refined grace, and pure innocence—it was all there. Eyes weren't deceiving.
Agency scouts lurking nearby pounced, shoving business cards at her.
"Wanna work with us sometime?"
"Sign with us, and we'll push you hard."
"Here's my card—call me!"
Her mere appearance paralyzed the area. They babbled empty promises, cards flying.
Satisfied, Chairman Kang watched for a while.
"A flower that pretty draws moths and flies alike. Sang-oh, go fetch her bag."
"Right away."
Chairman Kang approached, eyes locked on Park Joo-mi. The scouts scattered at the sight of him.
With a kindly smile, he greeted her politely. "Hello. Do you know who I am?"
"Oh? Chairman, right? I saw you on the news—the one who saved that taxi driver."
"Glad you recognized me. I've got something important to say. Spare a moment?"
"Um... what is it?"
"We want you for JK Group's ad model. If you're in, we can draw up the contract right here."
Caught off guard by the intense interest, Park Joo-mi hesitated.
"I'm sorry, but I need to talk it over with my family first."
"You're an adult now—make your own choice. It's a great opportunity."
"Sorry. I've only just auditioned for talent spots. I'll decide later."
Moon Sang-oh arrived with the bag just then.
"Then let me make that decision now."
He nodded, and Moon Sang-oh opened the bag—stuffed with 100 million won in 10,000-won bills.
"I haven't introduced myself. I'm Kang Jin-gwang, chairman of JK Group."
Money solved things easiest—that was his mantra. The crowd gasped instead.
"Whoa, the chairman himself!"
"Looks like over 100 million!"
"How many bills? Wow!"
The audition hall froze amid the massive cash stack. A crowd swelled, buzzing.
For some reason, Park Joo-mi still wavered.
"Promise now, and the bag's yours. What do you say?"
"I... it's... too much money. I don't think I should take it."
"If you're hesitating... sounds like it's not enough."
He opened another bag. Gasps erupted with each one.
"Still short? I'll add more."
Five bags total—500 million won piled before her. The upfront cost was steep, but worth every penny. Securing her as exclusive model meant image boost and sales surge guaranteed.
"500 million won. Burn it, take it home—your call. Deal?"
100 million might give pause; 500 million shattered reason. Dazed by the cash barrage, Park Joo-mi nodded.
Chairman Kang grinned, extending his right hand. She clasped it reverently with both of hers.
"Contract signed. Details..."
He turned to see Min-ho and Lawyer Choi rushing up.
"That's our company lawyer—he'll handle the rest. See you next time."
Winking at Min-ho, he retreated to the corner. Min-ho whined like a sulky kid.
"Grandpa, you're so busy—why bother with this? That's why I only told Moon Sang-oh secretly."
"It's fine, kid. You kept raving, so Grandpa got curious. I think I know why now."
"No flaws as a model, right?"
"Overflowing with talent. Paid enough advance—handle the rest yourself."
Patting Min-ho's shoulder, he whispered, "Thanks to you, I relived that thrill of waiting for your grandma, even if just for a moment. Waiting for someone like this... it's good. Got work—heading out."
"You still... miss Grandma?"
Pausing, Chairman Kang said, "Not sure if I miss those days or her. Anyway, tomorrow—bring Jong-hoon to the shareholders' meeting. Someone I must see."
"Got it, Grandpa. I'll be there on time."
"Good. Eat properly, no taxis—hear your grandpa?"
"Yes, don't worry."
Handing Min-ho a gift, he headed to his car, instructing Moon Sang-oh.
"Tell Du-seong, Myeong-seon—all of them—to attend the emergency shareholders' meeting."
"Understood."
***
JK Credit Info president's office. Kang Myeong-seon snatched the receiver snappishly, cigarette in mouth.
"Oh, Butler Moon? Good news? You sound chipper."
"Chairman requests your presence at tomorrow's emergency shareholders' meeting."
"Not just me, right?"
"All family members summoned."
"Almost drank the kimchi soup too soon! So it's Min-ho again, huh?"
"Sorry, can't say."
"Fair enough—my fault for asking. See you tomorrow."
The media acquisition timing felt off no matter how she sliced it. If Min-ho wasn't involved, it wouldn't happen—Kang Myeong-seon knew that now. Quick on the uptake, she smelled something, but not the details.
If things go south, Min-ho might have me on a leash?
The door burst open. Kang Du-seong stormed in, flushed and panting.
Kang Myeong-seon giggled girlishly at her big brother's surprise entrance.
"Oppa, first time seeing you like this—face red as a bride's. Tense much? Getting hitched?"
He exhaled thick smoke, ignoring her.
"Shut it and sit."
"Always so full of yourself—sigh."
She'd figured him for total sidelining, but he'd gotten the emergency meeting call too. Couldn't read Father's intentions. Desperate, he raced to his only ally: her.
The sharp Myeong-seon saw right through him.
"Got the call? That's why you're here."
"Spill if you know anything."
"Gotta have skin in the game to talk. I know zilch."
"You're the only one who waltzes into the chairman's office. If you don't know, who does?"
"I said I don't! Why hassle an innocent? What's your deal, oppa?"
Much to say, but he couldn't. A deep sigh sufficed.
Inhaling deeply, Myeong-seon eyed him steadily.
"Telecom's big, so Dad handles it. Construction and securities go to the little bros who slaved in Myeong-dong—makes sense. You didn't complain."
"I accept that. But this feels different."
"How? Hoping for something, oppa? Eyeing credit union and media prez dual role?"
"You think I'd swallow that crap?"
"Quit grunting like our constipated house pet—spit it out! You came for a reason."
After a pause, Du-seong broached carefully.
"Don't you think Sang-hyuk's due for a real position?"
"Sure—over ten years grinding quietly. He'll get something."
"No—if so, Father would've called him already."
"Or handing each of us four exec spots?"
"Something's up. He's dodging calls lately—got me thinking."
She smirked, poking his side.
"Just maybe... what if Min-ho rises?"
"Where'd that nonsense come from?"
"Not prez, but VP? He's smart."
"Eight people ahead of him. Skip the line, and we're Yeonseong Group chaos overnight."
"Min-ho absolutely no?"
"Kid who glared at his dad with axe eyes? Over my dead body."
Unlike her rattled brother, Myeong-seon knew. Just not how Min-ho would seize Se-min Newspaper.
"You don't know Min-ho at all."
He snapped emotionally, missing the hint.
"Even if he's my son, no way."
"Fine, talking won't fix it. Let's eat."
"Be on time tomorrow."
Staring at the door after he left, she muttered, "Not oppa... not Sang-hyuk... something's brewing, but what? Won't outright make him prez..."
Controlling the paper meant leverage over JK Group's secretariat. Not just Du-seong lusted for it—Myeong-seon too.
If Min-ho influenced Se-min, she'd need to pick sides. After agonizing, she called Director Seo Gwang-hun.
"You called, ma'am?"
"Seo, need your help."
"Anything—I'll do my best."
"About Min-ho..."
"Yes, Assistant Manager Lee Min-ho... er, Young Master?"
"Tail him—track his movements."
Seo Gwang-hun balked at the order.
"Something wrong?"
"Not sure yet."
"Young Master's sharp—won't be easy."
"Pick someone he doesn't know. If spotted, play it off as debt collection."
"Got it. I'll select a sharp one and report back this afternoon."
"I'm counting on you, Seo."
Myeong-seon had crossed a line she shouldn't.