The Express Messenger
At JK Mutual Savings Bank, Kang Du-seong set down the documents, unable to focus. He removed his glasses and pressed his temples firmly, but the fragments of his cluttered thoughts refused to leave his mind.
Unlike his sister Kang Myeong-seon, who let emotions lead the way, Du-seong objectively assessed his own power. A head-on clash with Chairman Kang offered no chance of victory.
He jotted down various scenarios. One involved preparing slush funds. If he could buy up JK Group stocks swiftly with massive capital, he might just pull it off.
Du-seong propped his feet on the desk and stroked his chin. When the phone rang, he slowly reached for the receiver and brought it to his face.
“Kang Du-seong speaking.”
“President, this is Manager Jeong Dong-gyun.”
“Did Min-ho stop by the chairman’s office?”
“Yes, he did. That’s why I’m calling—to report on it.”
“So something’s up...”
Lowering his voice and covering the receiver with his hand, Jeong reported.
“In a few days, the chairman is scheduled to meet Finance Minister Kim Si-deok.”
“Any specific reason?”
“I couldn’t pinpoint the exact purpose. The secretary’s office only relayed the schedule.”
“Don’t tell me my hunch is right?”
“The schedule changed right after Young Master Min-ho visited.”
“No way... Father’s sending Min-ho to meet the minister?”
“That’s correct.”
Du-seong let out a quiet sigh. Of course, he didn’t have to meet the minister himself. Still, sending Min-ho without a word meant Father trusted him more—a conclusion he couldn’t escape.
He’d thought he’d ascend to the throne quietly with time on his side, but this sudden frost left him deeply confused.
“What’s Min-ho planning to do there? Any guesses at all?”
“I’m sorry. I couldn’t get the details.”
“Fine. No reason you’d hold back if you knew... Anyway, how’s the slush fund intel coming?”
“We’ve got a rough grasp, but only Executive Director Moon knows the full picture.”
Indeed, only Butler Moon knew the funds in Chairman Kang’s safe. Even Du-seong had never seen the safe, let alone the key.
He didn’t need that much anyway. Enough to buy JK Group headquarters stocks would suffice.
The chance would come only once. Du-seong advanced meticulously, step by step.
“It’s fine. We can’t take it all anyway. Just track what we can quietly redirect.”
“Understood.”
“Do this much, and I’ll keep my promise.”
“Thank you. I’ll give it my all moving forward.”
***
In the car heading to Soseonjae, Butler Moon gripped the wheel while Min-ho sat beside him, gazing out the window.
JK Card entering the used car market wasn’t the big deal. The key was the Blue House’s response.
Moon, focused on driving, glanced sideways at Min-ho. His face was more serious than ever. Curious about his thoughts, the butler broached the subject gently.
“Young Master, have you considered even the worst-case scenario?”
“If words fail, that’s the plan. Scared of standing in the Chief Prosecutors’ Office photo line?”
“No, sir. I fear nothing like that. It’s just... losing you that worries me.”
Min-ho opened the window, breathed in the fresh air, and replied.
“I’ve run through every possibility since yesterday—including how to handle the worst if it comes.”
“If they stonewall us at Hyoja-dong, you’ll play your card immediately?”
“If words don’t work, fists it is. Of course, you’ll be suffering the ordeal with me in Seocho-dong.”
“It’s fine. Protecting the chairman is one of my core duties. I’ve been prepared from the start.”
Min-ho pulled a photo from his inner pocket. It captured everything from that day. Staring at it, he said,
“Yeouido’s going to get noisy—fights breaking out everywhere. And we’ll be at the center.”
“Forgive me for saying this, but if it comes to that, what if I take all the blame?”
“Even a stray dog wouldn’t buy it... That’s why I’ve got this photo too.”
“Understood. Two minutes to arrival. Shall we go straight in?”
“Better to keep them waiting—it looks good. Let’s do that.”
The car pulled up to Soseonjae. President Gu Eun-chae came out with a bright smile to greet them.
“Oh, Min-ho! It’s been ages.”
“How’ve you been?”
“We meet after so long, and your greeting’s so stiff.”
“Where’s Minister Kim?”
“He just called—arriving in ten. I’ve prepared your favorites. I’ll take you to the biggest, best room in the main building.”
If Min-ho went to the main building, Eun-chae could eavesdrop on every word. As she smiled playfully to gloss over it, Min-ho made an unexpected request.
“I prefer the annex over there. Move us, please.”
“Pardon? Why the annex all of a sudden? It’s a bit cramped...”
“Did you smear honey in the main one or something?”
“No, of course not...”
“If you’re short-staffed, just say so. I can help anytime.”
Eun-chae always prepped the main building for big shots—because of the bugs there. Min-ho’s sudden switch meant she’d miss the conversation. Pushing back would look suspicious.
Why the annex out of nowhere? No way... Only I know about this, right?
Hiding her pounding heart, she wagged her tail harder and replied.
“Alright, then. No worries about staff—we’re good. This way, please.”
They moved to the annex. As Eun-chae carefully closed the door, she said,
“Make yourselves comfortable. I’ll let you know when Minister Kim arrives.”
Min-ho, scanning every corner of the room, asked,
“Did President Gu Eun-chae’s mother have deep ties to the political world?”
“You mean that murder? It wrapped up so fast, even I don’t know everything.”
“Someone rushed to bury it?”
“Yes. Back then, Yeouido heavyweights frequented Soseonjae.”
“Did she know too much?”
“That’s my cautious guess. Why ask out of the blue?”
“No reason.”
Moments later, the door swung open, and Finance Minister Kim Si-deok entered.
“It’s been too long. Good to see you, Executive Director.”
After twists and turns to reach his post, Kim had been backed by them since his snot-nosed days—thanks to Butler Moon.
The minister bowed politely in greeting.
“Good to see you. First time since the general election a few years back? Congrats on the minister post, even if late.”
“No, no—without the chairman and you, I’d never have made it here.”
Kim’s gaze shifted to Min-ho.
“This is JK Card President Kang Min-ho. Not officially inaugurated yet.”
“So young, already president... Pleased to meet you. Finance Minister Kim Si-deok.”
Kim extended his hand; Min-ho shook it firmly.
“Kang Min-ho.”
“Shall we sit? I’m starving—haven’t eaten lunch.”
“Let’s.”
As the meal began, Kim shoveled food eagerly and turned to Min-ho with the main topic.
“Daewon and Gi-yeong Motors must be treating you well.”
“Can’t deny it.”
“Rates drop to 10% flat, sucking in cash like a vacuum. Impressive. Your call, President Kang?”
“Yes.”
“As expected—young blood thinks sharper than old fogeys like me. More awake, shall we say?”
“I’ll take that as a compliment.”
Min-ho filled Kim’s glass to the brim and eased into the point.
“I have one thing to ask.”
“What I owe our chairman isn’t a day or two. Without Kang Jin-gwang, no minister post for me. Whatever I can do, just say.”
Min-ho, knowing everything about Kim already, cut straight in.
“Introduce installment sales for the used car market.”
For Kim, it was a tricky ask. Even as minister, he had to watch the Blue House and public opinion. Reckless policies shortened your tenure. Safe, vague ones were best.
Tricky, but with Chairman Kang involved, refusal wasn’t an option. He played it cool.
“JK Card jumping into installments like Daewon Motors?”
“Yes. New cars burden the common folk, so they go used—but that still needs lump sums.”
“Good policy, I know, but...”
Dabbing sweat from his brow with a handkerchief, Kim continued.
“It could look like favoritism for JK Card... I mean, I’d need to float the policy and report up.”
“No firm yes, then?”
“Right. Policy’s more complex than it seems—can’t whip it up overnight.”
“Have to watch corporations, get buy-in?”
“Exactly. Better to build consensus on used car market activation first, then push policy. Forcing it risks backlash.”
New cars were already JK Card’s turf. Opening used cars too would scream favoritism, as Kim said.
“His Excellency’s sensitive to approval ratings above all. Honestly, I can’t guarantee sign-off.”
When ratings dipped, ministers’ heads rolled. Hyoja-dong’s mood was all that mattered.
Pressing Kim harder yielded nothing. Time short, Min-ho played his hidden card.
“Use the magic wand, and it’ll go faster than you think.”
“Pardon? What do you mean...?”
Min-ho handed over a small envelope. Inside: a leash on President Kim Dong-il. Proof of a deal, too.
Hyoja-dong’s choice would decide JK Group’s fate.
“It’s sealed—you can’t open it. Deliver straight to Hyoja-dong.”
Min-ho wasn’t pressuring Kim—he was turning him into an express messenger.
“What? What is this? How’s it tied to policy?”
“First, prep the used car installment policy and head to Hyoja-dong. Hand over the envelope then.”
Kim gaped at Min-ho’s orders—a twenty-something giving commands so boldly? Unfathomable.
Reading him, Butler Moon spoke calmly.
“Minister, this is Chairman Kang Jin-gwang’s grandson.”
“Pardon? Him... really?”
“Would I bring you here and lie?”
“Ah... No, not what I meant at all.”
“Open it out of curiosity, and brace for the consequences.”
Kim waved it off, shaking his head.
“Me? Never. I won’t touch it.”
Min-ho reached for the bottle to refill. Unlike before, Kim shot up, bowed, and offered his glass with both hands.
“Didn’t know you were the grandson—my apologies.”
“I know it’s a tough ask. Please rush the policy report.”
“Of course. I’ll have it tight in three days for Hyoja-dong.”
“Then I’ll trust you, Minister. I have an appointment—excuse me.”
As Min-ho emerged, Eun-chae approached, her mind more tangled than ever.
Suddenly summoning Minister Kim—what’d they talk about? And I had to switch rooms...
She beamed innocently.
“Min-ho, leaving already? Food’s not even cold yet. Anything wrong?”
“Not at all. See you next time.”
“Come often before I forget your face. I’ll make you tastier stuff. Got it?”
Eun-chae had plenty to say but held back. Information was power—and money.
She watched Min-ho’s car fade away.
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