Marching Out
***
Athena's power was something not even shared between father and son. Sensing his crumbling position, his father resorted to schemes and intrigue to trip up his son.
Wings fully spread, JK Group. A political world rife with scandals. The absolute beauty Gu Eun-chae. Athena's true owner, Kang Min-ho. Suspicions linking them all exploded into the open.
Whether true or not didn't matter. The sensational material drew the eyes of the public and the media.
Thanks to that, every reporter in Korea had set up camp in front of Athena. People who'd caught the news flooded in as well, filling the sidewalks and buzzing with chatter.
"Isn't the rep here the grandson of JK Group?"
"I couldn't care less. I came to see how pretty that Gu Eun-chae woman is."
"Kids always learn the bad stuff first—already taking bribes at his age!"
Police were called out to control the massive crowd. In the end, an unprecedented situation unfolded: vehicle access to the main road was completely restricted.
The press conference was just minutes away. To check the outside situation, President Jo Dong-uk quietly rode the elevator down and peeked his head out.
Flashes exploded in that instant, and the waiting reporters bombarded him with questions.
"When will Representative Kang Min-ho make a statement?"
"Is it true you handed bribes to Law and Justice Committee Chairman Kim Cheol-yong?"
"Why did you use Ms. Gu Eun-chae as a lobbyist?"
The security team was barely holding them back, but the situation was precarious. President Jo quickly ducked back into the elevator and patted his chest.
"Phew... Nearly lost my shirt just showing my face. Things are looking bad out there..."
He hurried back to the conference room and reported the situation in detail.
"President, things on the first floor aren't good."
"Wouldn't it be weirder if they were?"
"Reporters and civilians have turned it into a total mob scene. I think we should issue a statement right away."
President Cheon Dong-gwan, who had been listening quietly, chimed in.
"I agree. The longer this drags on, the more Athena risks being branded an immoral company. I'm worried."
Unlike the others stamping their feet in anxiety, Min-ho's face brimmed with leisure.
"When will the The Times special edition be distributed?"
All eyes were on them. The others saw crisis; to Min-ho, it was familiar territory. Handled right, it could turn into an opportunity.
He'd ordered a special edition packed with precise rebuttals to the allegations, now shipping nationwide.
In a situation where dispelling the rumors sooner would already be too late, Min-ho was waiting for the special edition.
President Jo, his insides burning black with worry, pleaded desperately.
"President, if we keep this up, whoever's behind it—we'll fall right into their trap. Once time passes, no one will listen even if we tell the truth later."
"This one's clear-cut on the facts. No need to worry about that."
"Still..."
"The media's focus on us means we can play our card anytime. Can you check the special edition timing first?"
"Printing's done. It's shipping out now. Readers should see it in about two hours."
Min-ho glanced at his watch. Standing, he issued orders.
"Press conference in thirty minutes."
"Pardon? We'll get ready then."
"No need. Rest easy, no worries. I'll pop into my office for a bit."
Moving to the break room, Min-ho grabbed coffee and entered his office. He handed a cup to Eun-chae, who sat with a face full of concern.
"It'll be over soon. I know it's stifling, but hang tight for two hours."
Eun-chae didn't touch her coffee. Her voice thick with worry, she said,
"It's so tangled up, I don't even know where to start unraveling it... Min-ho, you really have a way to fix this?"
"Of course. Why else would I be sitting here?"
"I'm so anxious—can't you just tell me?"
"Nothing specific to say. You never met Congressman Kim, I never handed over money. Just deny it, and we're done."
"You know it's not that simple. The media will cling even knowing it's false."
The truth meant nothing to them. They were just exploiting the juicy target of Min-ho for their own gain.
"We'll turn this around. In a few days, it'll be like nothing happened."
No matter how she thought about it, she couldn't read Min-ho's mind. Wetting her throat with coffee, Eun-chae asked back,
"You got something up your sleeve? Or just overflowing with confidence?"
"Both. It'll be uncomfortable, but stay here a bit. Hungry? Want some jjajangmyeon?"
"No thanks. Like I could swallow that now."
"Wait just a sec. I'll wrap the conference and be right back."
As Min-ho turned to leave, Eun-chae murmured just loud enough to hear.
"Jajang with less sauce..."
"You just said no."
"Regular jjajang and light sauce are different. You ordering or not?"
She was trying to act normal to hide her feelings. Still, the worry clouding her face couldn't be concealed.
Her mother's death, tied to politics. It was Eun-chae's trauma. Despite all her caution, fate had played a cruel joke, landing her in the same spot.
Finally, the tears she'd held back burst out. Min-ho patted her back and handed her tissues.
"Mom's death was so unfair... And now me in this mess—I don't know what to do."
"What you're worried about won't happen. I'll go down and sort it perfectly."
"You promise?"
"Yeah. Lawyer Choi will be with you. Ask him anything if you're curious—relax."
Closing the door behind him, Min-ho spoke to Choi Jong-hoon.
"Stay with Eun-chae while I'm down there. She's anxious. Change the subject if needed."
"Got it."
It was his first press conference facing all media, but not a trace of tension showed. Casually adjusting his tie in the mirror, he even said,
"Tie color okay?"
"Y-Young master..."
"See a ghost? Why so shocked?"
He'd known Min-ho had nerves of steel, but this exceeded imagination. Choi, unable to hide his astonishment, finally spoke.
"The conference starts soon. Aren't you nervous?"
"No wrongdoing, no reason to be."
Choi hurriedly handed over a few sheets scribbled with notes.
"This is a statement I whipped up. Cut the fluff, just the essentials."
"More than enough. Thanks."
Preparations done, Min-ho headed to the elevator. Pressing the button, he turned and said,
"In times like this, double down on work. Reassure the staff so they don't waver."
The executives' faces were grave. President Cheon Dong-gwan, pulled from Pocheon into a second life thanks to Min-ho. President Jo Dong-uk of The Times, rescued from bankruptcy. Asset Development's No Jun-hwan, JK Card's Yu Se-ho, and President Yang Sang-pil. All owed Min-ho a debt of gratitude.
They wanted to help, but there was nothing more they could do. Regret, anger, guilt—President Cheon choked up.
"President, thanks to you I live well... Sorry I can't help."
"You've all helped plenty."
"If there's any issue, I'll take full responsibility. Ready to eat prison rice."
Patting President Cheon's shoulder, Min-ho said,
"Won't come to that. Don't worry."
The elevator arrived right then. Clutching his statement and The Times special edition, Min-ho boarded.
The moment it hit the first floor, he'd face the media horde alone. Unable to descend per Min-ho's orders, the executives bowed 90 degrees.
"Good luck."
***
[The Athena press conference by Representative Kang Min-ho is scheduled to begin shortly at 1 PM.]
[All eyes are on whether the bribery allegations involving Law and Justice Committee Chairman Kim Cheol-yong will be cleared.]
[Representative Kang Min-ho has managed Athena without publicly revealing he was JK Group's grandson...]
Kang Du-seong watched the news leisurely, feet propped on his desk, a grin spreading across his face.
"No matter how sharp Min-ho is, how could he know where Kim Cheol-yong took the bribe? He won't wriggle out easy this time..."
His phone rang just then.
"Kang Du-seong speaking."
"Oppa, it's me. You watching TV?"
It was Myeong-seon, unable to bear the tension.
"Remember what Dad said back then?"
"What's that out of nowhere?"
"Grow the vessel. Think I wouldn't know you're calling 'cause you're antsy?"
Chewing the cigarette filter between his teeth, he replied.
"No, the mess is getting too big. Every broadcaster, newspaper, magazine— all swarming Athena. Oppa, this is no small deal."
"You gonna haul a whale with fishing line? Need the harpoon ship. Right?"
"Still, I'm dying of worry."
"Why so fidgety?"
Knowing Min-ho well, Myeong-seon was gripped by inexplicable dread. Lighting her cigarette hastily, she said,
"Min-ho... He's no ordinary guy. What if he has dirt on Kim Cheol-yong..."
"Cut the nonsense. We even dragged in former President Gu. Once the follow-ups hit as promised, the suspicions become fact in a flash."
"Still, what if Dad finds out..."
Dismissing his sister's words with one ear, the brother replied.
"He'll handle it, so chill. Where'd you send the errand boy secretary?"
"Not yet. Sending right away looks suspicious. Planning for a week."
"Don't dawdle and get caught later. Send him now. Now!"
"Fine, fine! Always so hot-headed."
Meanwhile, Chairman Kang couldn't tear his eyes from the TV either. Puffing his pipe, he paced by the window.
Moon Sang-oh offered a glass of water and spoke politely.
"Chairman, you've been standing over an hour. Why not sit?"
"I knew it'd come to this... Min-ho suffering like this—feels all my fault. Can't rest easy."
He seemed to have something to say but held back. Staring steadily, Chairman Kang prompted,
"Speak if you have something."
Hesitating briefly, Moon Sang-oh answered carefully.
"Your words from months ago came to mind."
"Too harsh on an old man who can't even recall last night's dinner?"
"You said you wanted to see the young master's crisis management skills."
"Right. Storms come in business—no big meaning behind it."
"I judge this the moment. If he can't weather this wave, he's unfit as heir."
Chairman Kang nodded in agreement.
"You're spot on. Can't sit in this seat without riding out the gale... Anyway, find out who's behind this."
"Yes, sir. Chairman, the press conference live broadcast has started."
On TV, Min-ho looked majestic. No fear, no hesitation.
Striding confidently into the room, Min-ho grabbed the mic.
"Hello. I'm Athena President Kang Min-ho. I'll now clearly address all allegations against me."