Crossroads
*** Athena.
[And now, the next news. Traditional drinks like sikhye and sujeonggwa, once only available during holidays, are hitting the market and causing a huge stir.]
[Developed by Baekje Beverage and sold exclusively at A-Mart, these canned versions of sikhye make it possible to enjoy them anytime, conveniently.]
The canned sikhye, hailed as a revolution in the beverage world, had launched to immediate frenzy. They flew off the shelves like they had wings. News outlets were running stories on it daily.
Choi the lawyer, glued to the TV in stunned silence at the far hotter response than expected, couldn't hold back his admiration.
"Young master, this is an incredible reaction."
"Is it? You look pretty shocked yourself."
"I thought it tasted decent when we sampled it at the factory, but I never imagined it'd blow up like this."
"Looking back, these are simple ideas anyone might've thought of once or twice. But it's still amazing how they hit at the right time."
"Considering it's exclusive to A-Mart, the sales boost is a given."
"The 'Korea's first big-box mart' title will fade soon enough. To keep revenue steady, you need exclusives like this."
Once again, Min-ho's plan had worked like clockwork. After tilting his head for a long moment, Choi tossed out an unexpected question.
"Mind if I ask something?"
"You're about to hit me with another weird one, aren't you?"
"Just wondering... do you have prophetic dreams or something?"
Min-ho burst into laughter at the outlandish remark.
"No. Why would you think that?"
"I can't explain how you make these calls every time otherwise."
"No explanation needed. I've just been lucky."
The pager on the desk buzzed furiously. Min-ho checked the number and picked up the receiver to dial.
"Moon Sang-oh speaking."
"I was just about to call you—figured the time was right. What's the update?"
"Seo Gwang-hun arrived in Ethiopia and moved on to Congo via a broker."
"Civil war zone like that? Tough to survive. Even if he claws his way back, he won't be right in the head."
"Local intel says even if he thrashes around, it'd take at least ten years to return—if he survives at all."
He'd silenced Seo Gwang-hun, that ticking time bomb of a mouth, for good. Still, Min-ho tapped the bridge one more time, just to be sure.
"When can I expect photos from the ground?"
"I'll send them the moment the shipment hits Korea."
"Thanks for handling it."
As he moved to hang up, Butler Moon cautiously chimed in.
"Young master, any plans for today?"
"Nothing major. Something come up?"
"Not work, per se. The chairman just seems a bit lonely lately, so I thought I'd mention it. Forgive my overstep."
"No, you're the only one who knows Grandpa's heart. Still no negotiations with Finance yet?"
"Correct. A few days out."
"Perfect. I have something to say about that anyway—I'll head over this afternoon."
"Understood."
Min-ho set the receiver down. Choi, who'd been quietly working, looked up gravely.
"Young master, for this matter not to bite us later, I think I should know."
"Curious what happened to Seo Gwang-hun?"
"If you went with the worst option..."
"I didn't do anything that could trip us up."
He'd run through every scenario imaginable, but Choi still couldn't shake the unease.
"How did you handle it? Sorry, but I need to know this one."
"Seo Gwang-hun was senior deputy manager for years. Smart as a cockroach, you know? Leaving him in Korea felt like asking for trouble, so I shipped him out."
He dropped the pen he was holding.
"Sh... you mean... you sent him overseas?"
"To Congo, in the middle of a civil war."
"Not just anywhere in Africa—Congo?"
"Yep. Photos should arrive soon. I'll show you then. Enough gloom—let's go check canned sikhye sales ourselves."
"Got it. I'll drive you to the Yeouido branch."
*** JK Group Chairman's Office.
The news that Min-ho was coming after so long had Chairman Kang buzzing like a kid the night before a field trip. He kept checking the mirror, fussing over his face and hair.
"If he'd given me a heads-up, I'd have gotten a proper haircut. It's been over two weeks since the barber—total mess now."
"No, Chairman, you look fine."
"Getting old means no matter how well you eat or live clean, you still get that musty smell. Gotta stay on it."
As he applied lotion in the mirror, Chairman Kang asked,
"Anything else?"
"He asked about the Finance Minister negotiations."
"Our Min-ho isn't gearing up with a cartload of gifts, is he?"
"Most people... you can read their intentions. But with the young master, it's impossible to guess."
"I think the same. Smiles bright as day on the outside, but his head's a whirlwind of calculations—no margin for error."
Butler Moon handed over the newspaper with a bow. A massive front-page ad for A-Mart's canned sikhye dominated it.
"A prime example of what you mentioned, sir."
"Speaking of, grab me another?"
"Yes, sir."
He hadn't told Min-ho, but Chairman Kang had gone to the mart at opening and stocked up on cans of sikhye and sujeonggwa. He chugged the sikhye Moon handed him and grinned in satisfaction.
"How does he even think of this stuff? Mind-blowing."
"Hats off to Baekje Beverage for making it, but how the young master knew to lock in that exclusive deal? Astonishing."
"Sees what others miss, then bulldozes ahead with it doggedly... not a flaw in the boy."
Butler Moon, wanting to confirm one thing, asked carefully,
"Any specific plans for supporting the young master?"
Chairman Kang, decision already made, shook his head firmly.
"Min-ho's my blood. I know him better than anyone. Even if this old man offered help, he'd turn it down flat."
"With your backing, the eventual verdict would shift, I'd wager."
"True. They'd just say he rode his rich grandpa's coattails... No choice. We'll watch for now. Unless you're thinking otherwise?"
"No, sir. I agree completely."
"Let's see how it plays out. He'll beat anyone, no doubt."
"Understood."
Just then, familiar footsteps echoed down the hall. Chairman Kang's face lit up instantly. The door opened, and Min-ho walked in. Beaming like he owned the world, the chairman rushed over and seized his grandson's hand.
"Think I gave you JK Card too soon."
"Sorry I haven't visited much. Been busy."
"I know. Ignore this old man's grumbling. Eaten lunch?"
"Yeah. Grabbed some pork bulgogi at a driver's joint in Yeonnam-dong on the way. Let's go together next time, Grandpa. The meat's got that perfect charcoal flavor—so good."
"Sounds great. Sit—your legs must be tired."
Moving to the table, Min-ho spotted the canned sikhye. He played it cool and kept chatting.
"Grandpa, you already tried this?"
"Sure did. Sweet just right—top-notch. Whoever made it deserves a prize."
"I had some too—delicious. I'll bring a bunch next time."
"Good plan."
Patting his grandson's head, Chairman Kang continued,
"So, when's the official JK Card inauguration?"
"Want it soon?"
"Damn right. Dying to brag that my grandson shook up Korea's auto market."
Min-ho could've stepped out anytime, but he lingered in the shadows. Chairman Kang knew it was a calculated choice, mindful of the Kang family's ambitions. Still, the regret showed.
"Fall, then."
"Keep this promise. Remember your grandpa's words."
"Yes. I will."
Min-ho hooked pinkies to seal it, then got to the point.
"Heard you haven't met Finance Minister Kim Si-deok yet, Grandpa."
"Thinking around then. Got some ace up your sleeve?"
"No. The used-car installment plan's still on. Problem's President Kim Dong-il."
JK Card already dominated new-car financing. The used-car market was booming yearly—and post-2000, it'd double, a goldmine. Get Finance to greenlight installments, and it'd be a money printer. The hitch was how much the Blue House would play ball.
"You want to test if the Blue House keeps its word?"
"Right after the regime change, you held back. You know better than to race on blind faith."
Chairman Kang had poured 50 billion into Kim Dong-il's campaign last year. One promise: no reining in JK Group. Wings clipped or not, he stayed cautious. Simple reason—he didn't trust politicians. Burned too many times by their flip-flops.
"You know what this old man wants most?"
"Yes. The cement plant. Second, grow the affiliates bigger."
"Right. We're watching now 'cause it's year one—president's strongest. Even with leverage, they can't rush us."
"We hold the leash anyway. This lets us gauge Blue House intentions fully."
"Fine. I'll meet and talk."
Min-ho shook his head firmly.
"Worst case, I'll strap on a bomb and storm the Blue House myself. Too risky for you to move just for a minister."
"Not that I doubt you, Min-ho. But no grandpa sends his grandson into the fray."
"Remember the worst-case scenario I laid out when you backed the cars and cash?"
Blue House betrayal could cost Min-ho his life. Chairman Kang sighed deeply, worry etched in. Min-ho, reading it all, pressed on.
"The photos have me and Butler Moon clear as day. I know your concerns. Won't let it happen."
His grandfather caressed his cheek with worried eyes.
"How'd this worthless old man dump such a heavy load on his grandson? Shouldn't have..."
"Don't worry. He's president thanks to your money. We hold the solid leash."
With a quiet sigh, Chairman Kang gave the order.
"Sang-oh."
"Yes, Chairman."
"Call Kim the minister for tomorrow. Give Min-ho whatever he needs."
"Understood."
Whether JK Group would soar or stagnate now hinged entirely on Min-ho.