Seizing the Reins
Having wrapped up the emergency shareholders' meeting, Kang Du-seong headed to his car, swept up in an unbearable rage. His father's incomprehensible choice. The all-encompassing fury directed at him, the eldest son. It was more than enough to ignite a son's wrath. And to top it off, he'd been humiliated in front of everyone—no need to even guess at his feelings.
"Damn it! What the hell!"
Kang Du-seong couldn't contain his boiling indignation. Cursing nonstop, he slammed the steering wheel with both hands as hard as he could.
The upcoming successor selection was a critical moment for expanding his influence within the group. As such, choosing the president wasn't just a personnel decision—it carried far greater implications.
To calm his raging heart, he lit a cigarette. But even inhaling the smoke without pause only muddled his mind further. He exhaled roughly, trying to gather his thoughts.
He couldn't pinpoint the exact timing or reason. But at some point, his father had begun neglecting him bit by bit. Still, he couldn't dare challenge his father outright. He could try opposing him, but the outcome was obvious as day. It was like thick fog blanketed everything, visibility zero. Worse, he couldn't even tell what lay ahead. He was no better than a routed soldier. Retreat was his only option.
Frustrated, he chain-smoked. When the car filled with smoke, someone knocked on the window.
"Oppa, it's me. Open up."
As he opened the car door, a massive cloud of smoke billowed out. Even Kang Myeong-seon, a smoker herself, waved it away coughing.
"At least crack a window when you smoke. I wouldn't do this even hunting raccoons."
"Cut the chatter and get in. I'm not in the mood for long talks."
Kang Myeong-seon was just as stunned by the unexpected turn. She'd figured Kang Min-ho had pulled some trick, but she couldn't fathom how he'd swayed Chairman Kang.
Exhaling smoke in frustration, she started the conversation.
"Oppa, calm down. Quitting the anger won't solve anything."
"You think you'd stay sane in this mess?"
"You gonna defy Dad over it? What're you gonna do? You should've just sat when I grabbed your arm earlier."
"No. Father's changed. The way he looks at me, his actions—totally different from before."
Kang Myeong-seon sighed in exasperation.
"Dad watches me the most. Let me tell you straight: not even close. You know he's always been gruff."
"No, lately he hasn't called me in for group decisions, big or small."
"Because you didn't give Sang-hyuk a spot?"
Kang Du-seong slammed the steering wheel again, bellowing. Startled, Kang Myeong-seon shrank back, staring at her brother.
"President? Yeah, those execs can handle that crap. The weird part is... Father seems swayed by someone."
"Make sense. You know Dad's personality—who could sway him?"
"No matter how I think about it, something's off. This isn't normal."
Curious about her brother's suspicions, Kang Myeong-seon probed gently.
"Fine, say he's being swayed—who could do that? You think it's possible?"
Kang Du-seong's arrow pointed not at Min-ho or Choi, but at Moon Sang-oh, the butler he'd never much liked.
"Who else sticks to Father's side?"
"You mean the butler?"
"People have gossiped forever that he's after Father's money, eyeing that position."
"Even so, no. It would've happened already if true."
"This feels meticulously planned from the start. They knew exactly how I'd react, what I'd do."
His arrow missed the mark, but it hit the target. Kang Myeong-seon wanted to share her own suspicions, but she had only hunches, no hard evidence. All she could do was pat his back and stay quiet.
"You know Dad's temper. It'll cool by tomorrow. Let's head to Seongbuk-dong together and sweet-talk him."
Kang Du-seong's eyes gleamed ominously. Kang Myeong-seon jumped, asking,
"Oppa, you wouldn't, right?"
"First, confirm if it's the butler's doing. Then... things'll go in a direction even I can't predict."
"Don't make it worse. Let this one slide, okay?"
"The board's already flipping. If we don't overturn it all at once, even I can't guarantee what happens."
"So what? You gonna do something to the butler?"
Kang Du-seong nodded with an inscrutable smile.
***
After the emergency shareholders' meeting, Chairman Kang moved to a restaurant with Executive VP Kim Si-hyung and Director Mo Seok-un.
Thanks to Kang Min-ho's brilliant maneuver, he'd perfectly subdued his greedy children. Despite the many eyes around, Chairman Kang ordered the two to strip.
Without hesitation, Kim and Mo shed their clothes, baring scars full of history for all to see.
Chairman Kang knew full well. This choice was unavoidable. But he couldn't help the guilt surging for them. He filled their glasses, pouring in his apologetic sentiments.
"It's good things worked out, but... Si-hyung... Seok-un... You're no spring chickens, and stripping in front of everyone—my heart aches."
"Not at all, Chairman."
"How could you strip so readily without a second thought?"
"I figured there must be a reason behind your order, Chairman."
Director Mo Seok-un, accepting the drink politely with both hands, shared his honest feelings.
"You saved my life, Chairman. Without you, I wouldn't be here today. Stripping's nothing."
"Exactly. Just say the word, and I'll drop my drawers anytime."
Their loyalty went beyond boss and employee.
"That's enough. You've worked hard—have a drink."
"Yes, Chairman."
Chairman Kang personally topped their plates with raw beef, infusing gratitude and regret.
"Raw beef's your favorite, Chairman—we're fine."
"Nonsense. We've got money to burn. Order more if needed. If you want, I could buy this whole place. When else would I treat you like this?"
"Thank you, Chairman."
Instead of words, he clapped their shoulders and smiled faintly. Turning to down his glass, Executive VP Kim Si-hyung cautiously asked,
"Chairman, one thing I'm curious about."
He knew these long-time allies inside out.
"You're wondering why I picked you two for president, right?"
"Yes. Both Director Mo and I have handled roles with no media ties. No real connection to the secretariat either. So why entrust us with such a heavy responsibility?"
"Suppose I gave it to Du-seong... or even Min-seong. What next?"
They knew the answer but held back, not wanting to disparage the Chairman's children.
"Speak freely. Whatever it is."
"If to President Kang Du-seong, he might seize the secretariat too."
"Right. And then?"
"It'd outline the succession clearly."
"With media and secretariat in hand, he'd feel like he owns the world. Then empty seats would catch his eye."
"Plus, with the election looming. I suspect that's foremost on your mind, Chairman."
They were in perfect sync. Years together meant they read each other's hearts without words.
Chairman Kang drained his glass and continued.
"Exactly. I need my most trusted men there. Don't worry—just follow orders."
"Will you give them directly, Chairman?"
Smiling, Chairman Kang pointed to the door.
"Whoever walks through that door—listen to him."
"The butler, perhaps?"
Chairman Kang just smiled without answering. Right on cue, the door opened, and Kang Min-ho appeared.
***
The two had doted on young Min-ho like a nephew. But they'd lost sight of him in his teens—Chairman Kang's ban. So they didn't recognize him at first. Their memory held a tiny child.
"Uncle, you don't remember me?"
After staring at Min-ho's face, Executive VP Kim spoke.
"No way... Min-ho?"
"Yes. How've you been?"
"My goodness, our little young master grew up so big..."
Executive VP Kim Si-hyung jumped up, hugging Min-ho.
"I thought you looked familiar back there. Who knew our Min-ho would be this grown? I'd pass you on the street and not know."
"I've aged, but you look the same, Uncle."
"Really? Music to my ears."
"Not a day older. Identical."
"Still got that silver tongue. Begging 'beggar uncle' to follow you—feels like yesterday. Impressive now. Sit, you worked hard coming here—have a drink from Uncle."
Choi Jong-hoon seated Min-ho. As he bowed to leave, Chairman Kang called.
"Hey, Jong-hoon."
"Yes, Chairman."
"Can't drink, but sit and eat."
"No, sir. This is too important for me."
"Sit. You qualify now."
"Understood."
His most trusted duo, Min-ho, and even Choi—all seated.
Chairman Kang got to the point.
"Including today's president picks—who do you think devised putting you there?"
"We never saw it coming. Only you could've thought of it, Chairman."
"Not me this time..."
"Pardon? Then who?"
Chairman Kang nodded at Min-ho.
"All from my grandson's head."
"Sorry, but is that really true?"
"Why would I lie to you?"
Executive VP Kim Si-hyung, incredulous, pressed.
"So Min-ho's the one who ordered us to obey?"
"Si-hyung, you always asked me at drinks how I came up with it."
"Yes. From Yeouido to Kim's case—too many to count. That's why I always marveled."
"He might surpass me. No, I've lost my edge. My grandson's far better."
Min-ho's sudden entrance and Chairman Kang's words left the execs stunned.
"Forgive me, but doesn't Min-ho lack experience?"
"Not challenging you, Chairman. But with elections ahead, I have doubts."
Chairman Kang had greenlit his grandson's regency. The two, unaware of Min-ho's prowess, were baffled.
"Hear him out. You'll have no choice but to agree."
Chairman Kang nodded, and Min-ho dove in. No need for long explanations.
"How much influence do you think Semin Ilbo has starting tomorrow?"
"From what I've heard... around 30%."
"Spot on. And The Times?"
Pouring Min-ho's glass, Executive VP Kim answered.
"Of course. Hard to get these days—gotta hit the stand early for the last copies."
"What's The Times' influence and trust level?"
"Hard to pin, but I feel it's under 10%."
"Precisely 15%. Combine Semin and The Times—what happens?"
"You pulling strings there too?"
Min-ho dropped his soju shot into his beer. The half-full glass now brimmed over.
"How do you think presidents are elected?"
"Popular vote, obviously. Though corporate funds are essential."
"Really? If media influence tops half?"
No-brainer. If Min-ho was right, overflowing sway could steer the race.
"Grandfather's chosen candidate takes the Blue House this election. I'll make it happen. Let me explain from now."