The 50 Billion Trap
Samcheong-dong, Soseonjae. In life, for every guy running his ass off, there's always one soaring effortlessly above him. Kim Dong-il was the one squeezing every last drop from his brain just to keep up. Meanwhile, Min-ho glided leisurely overhead.
Min-ho had Kim's tendencies down pat, along with everyone around him. He could already see right through what the man was thinking and what moves he'd make.
Moon the butler arrived at Soseonjae eight hours ahead of schedule, as agreed. Following Min-ho's orders, he issued crisp commands to the secretary office staff.
"You two, head up there and stick behind those trees. The rest of you, move as planned."
"Understood."
Soseonjae was a Korean restaurant nestled at the foot of a small mountain, in a spot so hard for outsiders to find that politicians who hated prying eyes frequented it. Min-ho made full use of its secluded terrain.
He had secretary office staff stationed all around the main building. In their hands were cameras worth millions—each with zoom lenses pricier than a salaryman's annual pay.
For Kim to walk into this place on his own two feet was no different from stepping straight into a trap.
As Moon finished the final checks, the car carrying Min-ho pulled up. He hurried over, opened the back door, and bowed his head.
"Young master. You've arrived?"
"How's the prep going?"
"We just wrapped everything up and are doing the final inspection."
Min-ho stepped out and scanned the area around the main building with sharp eyes.
"They're positioned exactly as you ordered. If anything's not to your liking, we'll adjust it immediately."
"Perfect. Even if you knew they were there, you wouldn't spot them."
"We've set up around the main building where the meeting will take place. Shall I confirm the positions to make sure you're satisfied?"
Moon stood in the center and raised his right hand high. The staff hidden in various spots revealed themselves.
"This covers from the parking lot to the entrance solid. Can we check the inner areas too?"
"Right this way."
The massive door to the main building swung open. From the outside, it was just a fancy Korean restaurant.
"We've installed ultra-compact cameras airlifted from Japan in key spots everywhere."
"When does the 차떼기 arrive?"
"They're on standby nearby, about five minutes out. They'll pull in once Candidate Kim arrives."
Min-ho's plan—to hook the massive election fund bait around Kim's neck—was clever, meticulous, and downright bold. He nodded in satisfaction at Moon's flawless setup.
"Now we just need to slip the noose around Candidate Kim's neck."
"Forgive me, but... may I ask one thing?"
"Of course."
"If things go wrong, it could backfire on us. Of course, with the nomination rights for the general election that you mentioned, I'm not terribly worried, but..."
"Don't worry. I'm pulling out a card he won't see coming. Even if Kim becomes president, he won't dare touch our JK Group."
Soseonjae was far quieter than usual. Min-ho climbed onto a large rock and surveyed the surroundings.
"No wonder it felt so quiet... He's moving just as expected."
"Candidate Kim booked out every restaurant nearby and had them shut down."
"It's all in the palm of Buddha's hand anyway. We've got time—let's head inside and eat first."
"Yes, young master. This way."
A few hours later, Kim was swimming right into Min-ho's jaws.
"You handled the perimeter clean?"
"Yes, Candidate. As ordered, we booked everything nearby and shut them down."
"What about the security detail?"
"Sent them out three hours ago to block civilian access."
Kim sat with his legs stretched out, patting Aide Han Cheong-o's shoulder with a greasy smile.
"The only one I can trust is you, Han."
"You're too kind."
"Nah, the others are transparent—what they're scheming is obvious. But you're different. When I head to the Blue House, your wings sprout. You know that, right?"
"I'm not following you for that, Candidate. I just want to get to the Blue House."
"Man... you're so steadfast..."
The aide straightened up, glanced around, and said, "Candidate, we've arrived at Soseonjae."
"Time to see how much the viper brought."
"Probably the most."
"We'll know when we open the pack..."
It was a pitch-black 8 p.m. Around Soseonjae, tucked deep in Samcheong-dong, not a single ant stirred—except for the black-suited security guards.
Kim stepped out of his ironclad security convoy and walked slowly toward the main building. The waiting secretary staff unleashed a shutter storm, kicking off the real operation.
The huge main door opened. The table groaned under gourmet dishes, but Chairman Kang was nowhere in sight.
Kim tilted his head, his displeasure plain as day.
"It's nearly time, and if the chairman's late, fine... but shouldn't Executive Director Moon at least be here early? Basic courtesy?"
"My apologies. I'll check right away."
Not showing up on time was part of the plan too. Moon the butler emerged.
"Candidate Kim Dong-il, good evening? I'm JK Group's Executive Director Moon Sang-oh."
Not only was no one there first, but instead of an apology, he just greeted politely like nothing was amiss. Aide Han scowled and snapped reproachfully.
"Executive Director, you know how packed our candidate's schedule is... Isn't this a bit rude?"
"Does that mean our chairman should have been waiting first?"
Moon fired right back without flinching. The aide's face flushed red.
No point in an emotional slugfest here. Candidate Kim stepped in to rein them in.
"I've known the chairman since my rookie congressman days. If you two get red-faced, what does that make me?"
"Sorry, Candidate."
"Anyway, when's the chairman arriving? You confirmed his location?"
Moon glanced casually toward the parking lot. Right on cue, the 차떼기 vehicles were rolling in one after another.
"The chairman won't be attending today."
Kim couldn't believe his ears. He was about to become president, yet the chairman skips and sends just the butler? It felt like a outright mockery.
The fearless Kim showed his irritation immediately.
"So he sent just an executive director?"
"Please have a seat, and I'll explain."
"No reason for me to be here if the chairman's not coming. Let's reschedule."
As he turned to leave dismissively, Moon grabbed his shoulder.
"Wait. This isn't a request."
The aide shoved Moon's hand off and yelled.
"Where do you think you're grabbing...? What the hell is this?"
"Aide, you can't take back those words. I'm asking—please be cautious."
Overpowered by Moon's presence, the aide switched tactics fast.
"That's not what I... The chairman's not even here, there's nothing— what do you expect us to do? We need food to even perform a ritual!"
Moon's demeanor was markedly different from usual.
"Fine, let's wait like the executive director says."
Sensing something big, Kim changed his mind and sat down inside.
"I'm busy—make it quick. What does the chairman want?"
"I know nothing."
"What? What kind of answer is that? If you don't know, who does?"
Kim's feelings were none of Moon's concern. He clamped his mouth shut and opened the door.
Kim had figured it would be Chairman Kang's eldest son, Kang Du-seong, next in line. But in walked a shockingly young Min-ho.
"Candidate Kim Dong-il, good evening? The factories all went bust, so I was a bit late. My apologies."
Back in the day, Min-ho had been a total punk. Lost in booze and women, causing endless scandals. Fed up, Chairman Kang banned him from all group events.
Everything has pros and cons. As a result, Min-ho's face stayed out of the public eye—an unintended perk.
Kim was the same; he'd never seen this face before.
"Sorry for the late intro. I'm Kang Jin-gwang's grandson, Kang Min-ho."
Not the chairman or the eldest son, but a twenty-something grandson? It was absurd.
The aide let out a hollow laugh. "Even Kang Du-seong wouldn't cut it, and they send the grandson? This is too much."
Min-ho looked at the aide. "Do you really think that?"
The fired-up aide ignored him and turned to Kim. "Candidate, let's go. This is disrespecting you. Even Chairman Kang can't get away with this."
The agitated Aide Han Cheong-o had chosen his words very poorly.
Min-ho fixed his gaze on the aide and spoke lowly. "Outrage... Those words you just spat out. I'll give you a chance to take them back."
"What? You? How old are you? Think you can act like this just 'cause you're the chairman's grandson?"
No point responding. Min-ho turned, stared at Kim briefly, then opened the back door.
Fifteen 차떼기 vehicles stood in majestic array. Considering Chairman Kang's stature, it had to be at least 10 billion.
Kim feigned surprise but played it cool.
"This is the sponsorship from our JK Group for Candidate Kim Dong-il. Satisfied?"
Kim felt like he'd gained a heavenly army. He couldn't hold back the grin at the sight.
"Fifteen vehicles. What do you figure?"
"The chairman handled it himself, so plenty."
"I'll show you myself. If it's not too rude, could you step outside?"
"Of course—this deserves three bows."
Min-ho led the way out, quickly scanned around, nodded, and signaled the waiting staff.
Black-suited staff stood by the vehicles in the vast courtyard.
"Candidate Kim, to your liking?"
"What more could I want? Tell the chairman thanks."
"First, let's verify the goods."
Min-ho snapped his fingers, and lights blazed on cue.
He raised his voice toward the vehicles. "Open them!"
"Yes, young master!"
The fifteen staff opened trunks and rear doors in perfect sync. Bright apple crates gleamed—no explanation needed for what was inside.
The scale was staggering. Kim's jaw dropped to his ears.
"My god... Unbelievable... As expected of Chairman Kang Jin-gwang..."
"How much do you reckon?"
"At least 200 crates..."
"Bump it up a bit."
"No way... 300?"
Min-ho smiled leisurely, spread his hand wide, and answered. "500. Should be enough for the road to the Blue House."
Undeniable fact. With two months to the election, 50 billion could overhaul Kim's entire campaign strategy. The Blue House chair seemed within reach. His heart pounded harder than ever.
"Come on, let's grab a drink on this fine day and talk."
"I haven't laid out all my terms yet."
"Terms? So you and I go inside and chat..."
"Do you want this sponsorship?"
"What more could I want?"
Min-ho turned and locked eyes on the aide. "We'll talk. But first, in front of me, fire Aide Han Cheong-o standing next to you immediately."
No one could order a mere aide's dismissal—not even JK Group. But with 50 billion that could decide the presidential race, it was possible. The power of money. Min-ho knew it well.
"Like a bolt from the blue... What do you mean?"
"The price for disrespecting our JK Group and chairman. You called it outrage, so here's my answer."
The aide tried desperate damage control, but it wouldn't sway Min-ho's resolve.
"Young man, let's not..."
"No firing the aide, no drinks with me, no money—all gone. Even these cars go elsewhere. Your call?"