Brother or Nephew
***
JK Investment Trust Securities was no different from a war zone now that the financial real-name system had taken effect. Customers were shouting at the top of their lungs, while the employees, with no real solutions to offer, wiped away their nonstop sweat and scrambled to explain.
Kang Du-seong pushed open the door and walked in. Under normal circumstances, a staff member would have rushed out barefoot to greet him, but no one had the bandwidth today.
"Even here it's a total marketplace..."
Glancing around briefly, Du-seong trudged with heavy steps straight to the president's office.
He opened the door to find his younger brother, JK Securities President Kang Beom-seong, locked in battle with a VIP client on the phone.
"Yes. With the government doing it this way, there's nothing we can do on our end. Of course. Don't worry—we'll handle everything. Yes. Talk to you later."
Only after the long, drawn-out call ended could he finally catch his breath. Spotting his older brother belatedly, Beom-seong launched into his complaints as if he'd been waiting.
"Big brother, even a real war wouldn't be this bad. Phones ringing off the hook from everywhere—haven't even had lunch yet."
"If you're doing this to make a living, at least eat on time."
"Tell me about it. But what brings you all the way here in this chaos?"
"You wrap up the urgent stuff?"
"Yeah. The big ones are sorta-kinda done, and the small stuff I can dump on the kids. Coffee?"
"Skip the coffee. Sit down for a sec."
Du-seong's situation wasn't good. His ambitions were grand, but reality was a cesspool. He hadn't even launched a proper battle, yet Min-ho was steadily lopping off his limbs one by one. To make matters worse, Myeong-seon was under house arrest. His playable cards were dwindling fast.
He needed one big swing to turn this around.
Du-seong broached the subject, aiming to use his brother who ran the securities firm.
"You know about Min-ho without me saying, right?"
Not reading the room, Beom-seong opened his motormouth.
"One hell of a talent in our family. Thought he'd be cornered on all sides and surrender."
"And?"
"But he blasts through with one press conference. Gotta say, the guy's got balls."
"You think I came all this way to hear that crap?"
"Oh! Heard he's seeing Eun-chae with marriage on the table—ever met her? Even you'd approve of a daughter-in-law like that."
The oblivious brother kept yapping. Finally, Du-seong picked up an ashtray and set it down hard, showing his irritation.
"With the fate of JK Group on the line, that's coming out of your mouth right now?"
"No... I didn't mean it like that..."
Sighing, Du-seong lit a cigarette and spoke gravely.
"You know Myeong-seon's as good as dead?"
"What? Dead? What are you talking about?"
"I mean... not literally dead, but we can't use her anymore."
"No way—does Dad know about this?"
"He probably does. Otherwise, he wouldn't issue that order."
"House arrest? Whoa, that's what he does when he's really pissed... Guess no seeing her face for a while."
"Forget her—if things keep going like this, Min-ho's got a real shot at inheriting control."
Beom-seong might've seemed a bit slow on the uptake, but he could guess what proposal his brother was about to make.
"Big brother, you're not seriously thinking what I think you are, right?"
"If funds and public opinion keep flowing this way, even both of us together couldn't beat Min-ho's Athena."
"Brother, think it over one more time. If Dad finds out, we're done. Done. Heads will roll."
There was only one way to flip this messed-up board. Du-seong's resolve was already set.
"Sitting tight means we're dead in the water. You won't keep this seat either."
"So what's the plan?"
"We'll use foreign capital to buy up shares in JK Co., Ltd."
"Using their money? You know what kind of sharks they are."
"Think I don't?"
"Even if we do, we'd have to hand over half the group."
"As long as the head stays alive, I'll handle the rest."
Beom-seong had earned the presidency of the securities firm by essentially being imprisoned in the Myeong-dong office for 20 years. He obeyed Father's orders more than anyone. But this hard-won position now teetered amid unintended family infighting.
Refuse the proposal, and he could maintain the status quo. If Min-ho took control, though, his own standing was unpredictable.
Stay safe in the present, or bet on an uncertain future—he stood at a crossroads.
"You got things ready on your end, brother?"
"No need to ask twice. Just bring in the foreign capital, and it'll all go smoothly."
A lot rode on this choice.
After agonizing, rubbing his face for a long while, Beom-seong finally answered.
"I'll give it a shot for now. Gimme a week."
"Dad might catch on. Don't move yourself—send someone reliable and be discreet."
"Got it, big brother. I'll do that."
***
Athena.
[Is President Kim Dong-il's Personnel Shakeup Okay as Is?]
[Seoul Mayor Im Tae-hyuk's Smuggling Scandal Snowballs]
[Mayor Im's Wife: Korea's Imelda Marcos]
Checking the articles set for tomorrow's edition, Min-ho nodded with satisfaction.
"Stimulating enough without overdoing it—this'll do. Good work."
Jo Dong-uk, president of The Times, knew the articles' importance well but voiced his inner concerns cautiously.
"Not worried about poking government bigwigs and getting hit with a tax audit or something in retaliation?"
"If you're scared of maggots, stick to plain rice. What choice do we have?"
"I know, but second thoughts keep creeping in."
Unlike the chicken-hearted Jo, Min-ho showed no fear. If anything, he pushed further.
"Detail Imelda Marcos's luxuries in the article. And make sure to include the mayor's wife's photo right next to it."
"We'll cover exactly what brands and products are sold on the first floor of Sampoong Department Store too."
"Handle the review and send it to print."
"Understood."
After issuing instructions, Min-ho tidied the papers on his desk and stood. Grabbing his jacket from the rack startled Lawyer Choi.
"Young master, no afternoon schedule. Why the jacket all of a sudden?"
"Thinking of dropping by to see my youngest uncle."
Min-ho and Beom-seong only crossed paths at family events, barely exchanging words.
Choi blinked at the abrupt comment.
"You mean President Kang Beom-seong?"
"Yeah. Why? More worries?"
"Just caught me off guard—didn't expect that name."
"He's the man who's gonna lead Seoul someday. Better get the face time in early, right?"
"Got it. I'll arrange a car to JK Securities."
"It's not far—let's walk and get some air for old times' sake."
Basking in the crisp Han River breeze, the two headed toward JK Securities. While Min-ho gazed leisurely at the river, Choi's expression was deadly serious. He'd pondered the visit's purpose but drew a blank.
After much hesitation, he spoke up.
"Young master, how about a quick call ahead?"
"No need to make a fuss. If you're curious, just ask straight."
"Well... I don't get why you're visiting in person right now. Sure, the Seoul mayor thing, but that alone feels thin."
"Nothing grand. Just here to lop off another of Father's arms."
"Pardon? What do you mean?"
With a confident smile, he replied.
"The first shot's rung out, but Father hasn't even fought properly yet."
"True. The funds under Chairman's control are moved overseas, and President Myeong-seon's under house arrest."
"His strings are snapping one by one. So what's next? You think he'll give up easy?"
"He's probably plotting something else, but nothing specific comes to mind."
Having served Kang Du-seong in his previous life, Min-ho knew exactly what moves he'd make and what he was thinking—better than anyone.
He casually revealed the secret plan Du-seong hadn't shared with a soul.
"He'll use foreign capital."
"President Kang Du-seong?"
"He knows it's the only way to flip the board."
"That's reckless. He can't outmuscle the chairman in a straight power play."
"What if foreign securities firms quietly buy up shares, then Father raises his hand?"
Now Min-ho's full scheme came into view. Choi couldn't hide his shock.
"So President Du-seong..."
"Yeah. He'll reach out to my well-connected youngest uncle at foreign brokerages."
"Was making President Kang Beom-seong the Seoul mayor all part of this premise from the start?"
"Of course. Steal their card, turn him into an asset for us and the group? Perfect cherry on top."
Arriving at JK Securities, Min-ho strode right in. The marketplace frenzy continued, but all eyes snapped to him instantly.
-So! What I'm saying is ID— Huh? That guy...
-Customer, let me explain...
Employees packing the first floor and customers alike stared at Min-ho like he'd stepped off a red carpet.
-Isn't that the press conference guy from before?
-Up close, he looks just like the chairman.
-Sharp eyes, total rich kid vibe—who wouldn't see it?
Min-ho's face was his ID now. He gave a light nod to the crowd and headed straight for the president's office. Manager Choi hurried out to greet him—a stark contrast to Du-seong's visit hours earlier.
"Hello. Manager Choi Myeong-seok."
"President inside?"
"Yes. This way."
Choi knocked carefully and opened the door.
"What is it?"
"Representative Kang Min-ho... your nephew is here."
"Huh? Min-ho?"
The door swung open, revealing Min-ho. Caught off guard by the sudden nephew, Beom-seong feigned calm with a grin.
"Well, if it isn't our nephew, the management genius everyone's buzzing about!"
"How've you been, uncle?"
"Great. Look at you—practically dripping oil you're so slick."
"Mind if I sit?"
"Early bird gets the worm—or I'd be bummed. Manager Choi, three coffees, extra sweet."
He beamed outwardly, but he had no clue why Min-ho had shown up out of the blue.
'Not like my richer nephew needs money... What the hell's this about? No idea...'
To soothe his burning gut, Beom-seong sipped his coffee.
"So, nephew, how've you been?"
"Good. Thanks to you, uncle."
"Still got that silver tongue. You have no idea how shocked I was at your press conference. How'd you pull it off so clean? Anyway, impressive—proud of you."
No need for chit-chat. As Beom-seong wrapped up, Min-ho cut to the chase.
"Not here for praise."
"Oh? Need uncle's help with something?"
"Yeah, one thing."
"The head of Athena asking for help? Honored. Name it—I'll do what I can."
With a sly smile, he got to the point.
"Uncle, run for Seoul mayor."
Beom-seong doubted his ears at the bombshell. It wasn't a suggestion or plea—the soft words carried a clear command.
Lightning from a clear sky had some buildup; this was absurd.
"What? Seoul mayor... me?"
Unlike his stunned face, Min-ho smiled leisurely.
"You'll win next month. Don't cling to rotten branches—grab my hand. You won't end up like Aunt Myeong-seon."
Kang Du-seong or nephew Kang Min-ho: an either/or choice.
Now Beom-seong faced the decision of his life.