Preparations
Athena, not just JK Group, but Kang Min-ho himself was rising with terrifying momentum. Having taken control of The Times as well as Semin Shinmun, he was spending breathless days with no time to spare. In just a few days, he even had to head to Barcelona briefly, with such a packed schedule. It was a clichéd expression, but he felt like even two bodies wouldn't suffice.
While frantically reviewing reports, the door opened and Lawyer Choi Jong-hoon entered.
"Young master, the meeting preparations are all set."
So focused on work, Min-ho kept his eyes fixed on the documents as if he hadn't heard Choi's voice.
Choi lightly tapped the desk. "Young master..."
"When did you come in?"
"I just arrived and told you, but it seems you didn't hear."
"Work's piling up like a mountain. How about the meeting prep?"
"Everyone's gathered now."
"Let's go. We need to wrap it up quick and head to headquarters."
"Butler Moon just sent a voice message. He said to come at lunchtime."
"If we finish and go right away, we won't be late."
Moving to the conference room, Min-ho greeted them with a bright smile. "I was away for a few days—everything go smoothly?"
"Yes, President. We worked even harder than usual to avoid any gaps."
"Hearing that makes me even more grateful. No time to waste, so let's dive right in."
Choi handed out the meeting materials, and it began.
"First up, distribution. How's the mart construction going?"
"All 30 branches are on schedule."
"No variables, and they'll be ready by next year as planned. No friction with JK Construction?"
"They're being very cooperative. No issues."
The road ahead was nine thousand miles long, and they hadn't even reached halfway. Min-ho pulled out a map, marked a specific area in red, and handed it to Team Leader No of real estate.
"Team Leader No, this is the next plan."
Looking at the map, Team Leader No couldn't even guess Min-ho's intent. Of course, there was always a reason for his orders, but this one was hard to accept easily.
"You're saying acquire this area?"
"Yes. Go survey it slowly first. There must be some good land."
"Any policy-related upside?"
"Well, we can make that happen. For now, just buy the land. Analyze it."
"Understood. We'll prepare."
The affiliates were generating solid operating profits, but it wasn't enough for Min-ho's plans. The fastest way was stocks. Min-ho turned to Section Chief Cheon.
"Ever heard of Daegwang Industries?"
"Yes, textiles. Stock price hovers around 50,000 won."
"I'll give you 60 billion in funding. Start accumulating Daegwang Industries."
He chose Daegwang Industries, which surged fivefold in just five months from late '92 to February '93. Considering the era's daily limits under 15%, it was a staggering rise. Min-ho hadn't forgotten the big fish. Come warm spring, he'd have 300 billion in cash. Of course, a stepping stone for the next plan.
Whatever Min-ho—who had pulled him from the hell of Pocheon Factory—asked, Section Chief Cheon would do. But this time, something felt off, and he hesitated.
"President, it's not that I won't do it. But concentrating on one stock means we must consider the risks."
"You're saying diversify to manage risk?"
"Yes. Don't put all your eggs in one basket..."
Knowing the outcome, Min-ho didn't hesitate. He ordered without delay.
"Don't worry. Scoop it up quietly."
"Understood."
"Also, analyze listed card companies and jewelry firms, prepare a report."
"Yes, we'll get that ready."
Now Min-ho was managing both The Times and Semin Shinmun. Just four months until the election.
"President Jo, as we discussed on the phone, I'm taking over Semin too."
"That means we control half the newspaper distribution."
"We can make the president too. Lock in the agenda here and hand it off. Handle the rest."
"We'll proceed that way."
"The candidate we're pushing is Kim Dong-il of the Grand Republic Party. Run as many favorable stories as possible. And don't even write about Choi Joo-young."
President Jo, twirling his pen deep in thought, asked, "Intentional exclusion?"
"Exactly. What happens if we go two-way race and push Kim Dong-il?"
"He'll win smoothly."
Checking the time, Min-ho clapped. "I'll be away a few days. I'll stay in touch constantly, so keep it up like this."
"Sudden business trip? Where to?"
"Barcelona. Won't take long. That's it for today's meeting. Good work, everyone. Lawyer Choi, let's head out now."
"Yes."
After the meeting, Min-ho went straight to the JK Group chairman's office. Amid casual talk, Choi subtly broached the subject.
"Young master, about the recent emergency shareholders' meeting."
"Something bothering you?"
"Auntie seemed to expect it."
"At least she knows her limits. She knew it wouldn't happen."
"But Vice Chairman Kang Du-seong's expression was poor."
Min-ho knew it well. He nodded. "I know. He must've thought he'd be president, or at least his eldest son an executive."
"Pardon me, but given his personality, he'll point fingers at someone."
"With all these uncharacteristic decisions from Grandfather, he'll find it suspicious. He won't imagine it's me... Probably suspects Butler Moon most."
"Not you, but Butler Moon?"
"They've never gotten along. No evidence, but he'll guess Moon's whispering in his ear."
They were royalty who never worried about money, yet always craved more. Ordinary Choi couldn't understand. He just pondered how to protect Min-ho in this vortex of desire.
"Frankly, it defies my common sense."
"Can't fathom why they'd want more when they have plenty?"
"Yes."
"Normal to not get it. We'll talk details later."
***
JK Group chairman's office.
[Inkigayo Top 10 #1: Seo Taiji and Boys' "I Know" Shattering Records—400,000 Copies Sold in Debut Month]
[Second Golden Cup After Shin Seung-hun? Seo Taiji and Boys' "I Know" Riding High]
[Seo Taiji and Boys Top the Charts with "I Know"—#1 in Karaoke Too]
Chairman Kang set down the newspaper. He nodded with a silent smile.
"I couldn't understand at first why Min-ho wanted those rascals as models."
"I thought the same. Wasn't sure if it was singing or mumbling, hated their clothes, never dreamed it'd hit this big."
"Burlap rags, Gyeonggycheon street punks in newsboy caps making a racket... Thought it'd flop. But our grandson has a truly exceptional eye."
"By now, we'd have to pay multiples to hire them as ad models."
"Right. We locked them for five years on the cheap—tens of billions for sitting pretty."
Seo Taiji's debut reactions were lukewarm at first. But soon, massive youth support propelled them to stardom. As JK Telecom's main ad models, Seo Taiji and Boys were driving a surge in pager subscriptions, led by teens and twenties.
"Chairman, this month's subscriber report."
"Bet it rose a bit this month..."
Chairman Kang rubbed his eyes and checked again. Unbelievable numbers.
"Sang-oh... Am I seeing this right?"
"I thought it was a mistake at first. Verified five times. It's correct."
"Subscribers quintupled?"
"Yes. Unbelievable."
"Feels like the proverb's backward. Listen to your grandson, and manna falls in your sleep."
Grinning contentedly, he checked the time.
"What time's Min-ho coming?"
"Noon."
Still ten minutes away, Chairman Kang moved to the window, gazing endlessly below.
"That rascal better not take a taxi 'cause he's busy again."
"I told Lawyer Choi Jong-hoon directly. No worries."
"Wish I could keep him by my side, but can't..."
Right then, the door opened. Min-ho and Choi entered. Seeing his long-awaited grandson, Chairman Kang beamed, arms wide for a hug.
"Waited so long for my grandson, thought this old man's neck would snap."
"Came quick before it did."
"Must be tired from the trip—sit, you too, Jong-hoon."
"Yes, Chairman."
Eager to share the good news first, he handed Min-ho the report.
"Telecom subscribers exploded like this. All thanks to our Min-ho."
Too early to be surprised. Seo Taiji was just the start. Min-ho replied calmly.
"Grandfather, don't get shocked at this much."
"Look at that tail wagging—you've got more up your sleeve."
"JK Telecom will top market cap. Subscribers will soar even higher."
"Just hearing it swells my belly with pride."
"You didn't like Seo Taiji at first, right?"
Stroking Min-ho's head nonstop, Chairman Kang said, "To this old man's eyes, they looked like slackers—wondered if they'd work as models. Old fogey's prejudice. From now on, all such matters are yours."
"Seo Guk-jin will be next."
"That chihuahua-lookalike comedian?"
"He'll be the most famous. Don't worry about the model. Butler Moon, how far's Park Joo-mi shoot?"
Turning to Moon, who reported, "Shooting's done. Airing three days after final check."
"Now just Hwang Young-ho left."
"Sent two interpreters, security, and secretaries to Barcelona ahead. Top hotel and car for Teacher Son Ki-jeong too."
Every model Min-ho picked rocketed to fame. Chairman Kang had been skeptical at first but now trusted his eye. He anticipated Hwang's gold.
"Grandfather, your gut on Hwang Young-ho winning gold?"
"Day Son Ki-jeong won his, and I've sponsored nonstop—gold would be perfect."
"Don't worry. He will. I drew ad mockups myself—want to see?"
Min-ho handed over his ad designs.
"Taegukgi, Hwang Young-ho here, Son Ki-jeong... Just thinking it swells my chest. Anyway, departure day after tomorrow, Sang-oh."
"Yes, Chairman."
"Private jet still in Hamheung chariot limbo?"
"Production takes time—won't make your departure."
Most flew commercial overseas, buying tickets first. But Chairman Kang thought different: buy a jet.
"Cancelable. What'll you do?"
"Prep as best we can. Min-ho needs it for overseas trips."
"Got it."
He'd wanted to gift Min-ho the jet, but circumstances delayed. Chairman Kang sighed wistfully.
His grandson comforted him. "Grandfather, even first class is spacious and comfy. Seat matter? Who's with you matters more."
Chairman Kang's stern face bloomed into smiles.
"Doesn't matter the seat if with this old man?"
"Of course. Teacher Son Ki-jeong'll be there, we'll see Hwang take gold. Jet later for better places."
"Aigo, how's your talk so sweet? Melting my heart to mush."
"I'll head home, pack for Barcelona. See you at the airport, Grandfather."
"Yeah. We'll see sights, eat good."
And so Chairman Kang, Min-ho, Butler Moon, and Lawyer Choi headed to Barcelona for the Olympics.