Tying Up Loose Ends
JK Group chairman's office.
The sales of Daewon and Gi-yeong Motors, which had been stagnating while dominating the Korean auto industry, were now surging noticeably thanks to JK Card. The media focused on the sales figures and resulting revenue, but JK Group, which had signed exclusive contracts with both companies, was scooping up all the real profits. Chairman Kang's face hadn't lost its smile as a result.
"These days... I feel so full I could skip meals altogether. I used to think the elders were exaggerating, but now I'm feeling it firsthand."
"When Young Master said he wanted control of JK Card, I have to admit I didn't fully understand at first."
"Same here. I was mighty curious why a fellow biding his time so patiently would go after something as trivial as that doghouse."
Moon Sang-oh, pondering the hint Min-ho had given, cautiously broached the subject.
"Chairman, may I ask about the financial real-name system you've been preparing bit by bit?"
He already knew exactly what was behind the question without being told.
"What's with all the worry?"
"No matter how carefully I consider it, war seems inevitable."
It was something that would happen eventually. Chairman Kang shared the concern, but he masked his feelings and responded calmly.
"This chair has more thorns than meets the eye. To sit in it, you have to endure that much, don't you think?"
"So, I take it you'll watch without taking sides?"
"Exactly. He has to seize victory on his own merit—if I help, it'll just invite finger-pointing."
"I'll observe quietly for now, then."
"Enough of that... Let's hear how this month's business fared."
Moon handed over the business report and began explaining.
"I'll report the changes across each affiliate. Telecom subscribers up 25%, JK Investment Trust Securities trading volume up 35%. The mutual savings bank's special promotions sold out again this month."
"Credit ratings couldn't be better... Greedy as it sounds, I wish every month was like this."
"The credit rating is AA+ based on senior unsecured bonds, attributed to steady performance."
"Turning the fox's tail all at once like this... Anyway, how's Min-ho's mart doing?"
Moon politely handed over a separately prepared report.
"I've analyzed A-Mart in detail."
It showed even more astonishing growth than Chairman Kang had anticipated. He nodded in satisfaction.
"They say new businesses get a flash in the pan from opening hype, but A-Mart under Min-ho is packed to the gills—no exaggeration."
"To get that 10% discount rate, customers have to spend consistently every month. That strategy is paying off big time."
"Right you are. Folks have to shop for groceries anyway, so why not go to the cheap, spacious, clean mart? Makes perfect sense."
Chairman Kang, puffing on his pipe as he mulled it over, finally spoke.
"JK Card should meet all the listing requirements by year-end, mark my words."
"Planning an IPO, then?"
"No need to ask twice—strike while the iron's hot, push it through fast."
"Understood."
In Korea now, new car purchase options boiled down to two: cash or installment via JK Card. Just one market left untouched by any hands—the golden land of used cars. Monopolizing it would mean a windfall for sure. Of course, it required Finance Ministry approval, so Chairman Kang now faced a choice.
"What's your plan for the used car market?"
"I thought of sending Min-ho, but first I'll meet Minister Kim myself and sound him out."
"To gauge the Blue House's intentions indirectly?"
"Whether President Kim keeps his word or not—this'll give us a rough idea. If they ease regulations, everything proceeds smoothly. If not..."
"We'll yank the leash Young Master put in place and give 'em a shake."
"If it comes to that... we'll make the world a noisy place."
This used car market push carried multiple implications. Approving JK Card's monopoly status would mean the Blue House honoring its promise. Rejecting it would expose the 50 billion won in political funds to the world. Considering it was only a year into the term, no calculation needed to see who it'd hurt more.
"Set up a meeting with Si-deok at Finance soon."
"Yes, sir."
At that moment, Moon's cellphone rang.
"Sorry about that."
"Take it. It's fine."
"Yes, sir."
Moon covered his mouth with one hand and took the call quietly.
"Yes... Yes? Understood."
Chairman Kang watched Moon's expression closely. He sensed something was off.
"What is it?"
"It's Young Master. Suspected trouble from Seo Gwang-hun."
"Seo Gwang-hun in Pocheon?"
"He hung up without details."
"Looks like the former president handed something over... You know Min-ho's location?"
"A snack bar near Soseonjae."
"Gotta hear it from him—go now."
"Yes, I'll be right back."
***
Moon approached silently and sat beside Min-ho on the elementary school bench, bowing at the waist.
"Good day, Young Master."
"Ease up outside. Spread the newspaper and sit."
"Yes, sir."
Gazing at the kids chirping like sparrows while playing, he said,
"Impressive—you found me without a location."
"As I mentioned before, I track everywhere you go, everyone you meet, and every meal you eat."
"You know who I met?"
For protection, not surveillance, Chairman Kang always had people around Min-ho. They knew his every move.
"Soseonjae President Gu Eun-chae."
"How much do you know about Ms. Gu?"
"Forgive me, but... it's best to keep your distance from President Gu."
"She has connections everywhere, and plenty of eyes on her—getting tangled could get messy. Especially for someone like me."
"I won't deny it. May I ask again about what you mentioned earlier?"
"That's exactly why I met Ms. Gu. Specifically..."
Min-ho explained the situation: what President Gu had told him, plus his own thoughts. Was it Seo Gwang-hun, locked away in Pocheon but lashing out desperately to survive? Moon listened without hiding his displeasure. His face flushed, veins bulging on his forehead.
"To sum up: Seo Gwang-hun told President Kang Beom-seong, who came to Pocheon, about you?"
"That's right. It's done—don't get too worked up. Bad for your health."
"Pocheon requires Chairman's permission to visit, as you know."
"I do. But when affiliate presidents show up out of the blue, what power does Factory Manager Ham have to stop them?"
"I'll tighten security again. And... President Gu said nothing else?"
"No, nothing. Afraid I have ulterior motives?"
Moon nodded cautiously, voicing his concerns.
"Do you know Ms. Gu's nickname?"
"Heard it in passing. Poison mushroom?"
"She knows too many secrets. Especially about her birth mother—the leading theory is she was murdered after tangling with political circles."
"Meaning President Gu could meet the same fate anytime?"
"Soseonjae is a grave for secrets—no exaggeration. To silence someone forever, there's only one way."
"Silence forever..."
After deep thought, Min-ho posed a loaded question.
"We need to shut Seo Gwang-hun up too—how do you plan to make it permanent?"
"Forgive me, but I can't say anything right now..."
A soccer ball the kids were playing with rolled to a stop before Moon.
-Mister, kick it back!
Moon stood, kicked it hard with all his might, and continued.
"The final decision rests with the Chairman. I merely follow."
"No matter what he decides?"
"Yes. For JK Group, I can do anything."
Considering Chairman Kang's fiery temper, the worst had to be on the table. JK Group was no longer just a money-counter in Myeong-dong. It was flapping its wings toward the glory of Korea's top enterprise. Handling Seo Gwang-hun directly might feel good, but a slip-up could let a dead man hobble the living giant. No need to bloody their hands—something worse than death would do.
"What if we try a different approach this time?"
"Pardon? I'm not sure I follow."
Min-ho covered his mouth with his hand and outlined a plan for dealing with Seo Gwang-hun. It might take time, but it was the best option now. After listening intently, Moon bowed and returned to headquarters.
***
JK Group chairman's office.
Chairman Kang, hearing the story from Moon, hurled his pipe as predicted and erupted in fury.
"Factory Manager Ham! That damn dwarf! Get him here NOW!"
"Ch-Chairman... forgive me, but..."
"I told him black-haired beasts shouldn't be spared... and now a president lets trash like Seo Gwang-hun jerk him around?"
Excited, Chairman Kang grabbed his jacket to leave.
"Get the car ready NOW! Hurry!"
Unlike usual, Moon didn't budge. He explained calmly.
"President Kang Beom-seong is involved too. If you go personally, it'll look like you're siding with Young Master."
"That'd be like lighting a powder keg... You're right, a hundred, a thousand times over..."
It was cold, sobering advice that restored his reason. Lighting a cigarette to calm down, he leaned back in his chair.
"If Seo Gwang-hun spilled what he knows to Beom-seong, you think he'd keep it to himself? That's what worries me."
"Nothing confirmed yet. I'll recheck Pocheon factory security first."
Chairman Kang nodded, and Moon continued.
"The front gate fence is old, low, and flimsy. We'll install state-of-the-art gates synced to headquarters—no opening without approval."
"Do that first."
"I'll meet Factory Manager Ham and Seo Gwang-hun myself to confirm."
Moon taking direct action meant he'd decided something. Chairman Kang tilted his head.
"You planning to get blood on your hands?"
Pocheon factory was remote enough—hiding a body would be child's play if desired. Moon recalled Min-ho's advice. JK Group, spreading its wings, couldn't be tripped by a nobody like Seo Gwang-hun. Exhaling deeply, he spoke with resolve.
"It's Young Master's suggestion. This way, we can silence him forever."
"Let's hear it."
Hearing the explanation, Chairman Kang laughed heartily in satisfaction.
"Our little fox easing his old man's worries again."
"Sent there, he can't contact our people, and even if he dies, it's no concern of ours."
"Loose lips pay the price—ain't that the truth."
"I'll go, then."
Chairman Kang raised a hand to stop him briefly.
"Before you send him... wring out every last detail of what he knows and what he said. Nothing missed."
"Understood. I'll be back."
Moon headed straight for Pocheon factory.