The Snare
***
Athena conference room.
Min-ho was steering public opinion through The Times. Thanks to that, all the media attention was focused on him. He was politely turning down interview requests due to his packed schedule, but the relentless reporters had gathered in front of Athena, staging a sit-in protest.
Before the meeting started, Jo Dong-uk, president of The Times, peered out through the blinds and chuckled. “A sit-in right in front of a media company's building? That's a first in my life.”
Cheon Dong-gwan, the president, found the bizarre scene equally amusing. He stuck his head out and asked, “What do we do in a situation like this? Maybe it's better to just give them an interview at this point.”
“Then it'd never end. They'd latch onto every little thing and spin more headache-inducing follow-up stories.”
“Isn't there any way to resolve this?”
“We've already distributed plenty of press releases. In a few days, they'll tire themselves out and scatter. Reporters these days go berserk at the sight of a meeting.”
“Why a meeting all of a sudden? Do you even know their eating habits?”
“It's just a figure of speech for how they love freebies.”
The conference room door opened, and Min-ho walked in. The presidents quickly greeted him and took their seats.
“If you've found something interesting, share it. What's going on?”
“We were just talking about the reporters camped out front.”
Min-ho walked over to the window, surveyed the scene outside, and smiled. “We're dropping one exclusive after another, so they have no choice. It's solid proof we're the ones driving public opinion.”
“Are you planning to do an interview?”
“You eat when you're hungry. I'll use them appropriately when the time comes. Shall we start the meeting?”
“Yes, President.”
After reviewing the documents, Min-ho kicked off the discussion. “Let's start with President Cheon today. The put option investments from last time mature today, right?”
“Yes. As I reported, the one trillion won we invested has already ballooned to over three trillion.”
Considering the timing, it was practically infinite returns, but factoring in the IMF crisis, it still wasn't enough.
“What do you predict next?”
“The crisis rumors haven't died down. Some foreign investors are trickling back, but it's too early.”
“I see it the opposite way.”
“Pardon? You're not saying you're betting on a stock rise, are you?”
Individual and institutional investors were forecasting that the financial real-name system would trigger a severe economic crisis. The panic spread like wildfire, leading to mass sell-offs. Stocks plummeted, but it was just a passing shower. Once the rain stopped, foreign investors began gathering one by one. By the end of '93, the Korean stock market's total capitalization would surpass 100 trillion won. With economic growth, the composite index would climb to 1,145 points next year.
Min-ho wasn't about to miss this opportunity.
“Stocks are going back up. I've already picked the targets. Reinvest the full amount as listed here.”
The staggering sum left President Cheon flustered. “You're really predicting a rebound?”
“Of course. Invest without worry. Now, let me explain the next plan.”
They were diving into making Kang Beom-seong the Seoul mayor, ramping up pressure on the Blue House. Chances to corner the government didn't come often. He wouldn't let this timing slip.
Min-ho pulled out a map and spread it wide across the table. No Jun-hwan, president of asset development, tilted his head at the unexpected map of Jeju Island—not Seoul.
“This looks like Jeju Island. Is this our next investment?”
“Right. You've all asked why we haven't added more affiliates.”
“I've wondered that myself.”
“Here's your answer.”
No one could guess the plan. It was all baseless speculation.
-Nothing rings a bell on Jeju...
-Could land prices explode there?
Min-ho watched the presidents and smiled. “President No, what's the best business in your view?”
“Obviously one that makes a ton of money.”
“What if it has government backing too?”
Something clicked, and he asked hurriedly, “Don't tell me... water-related?”
“Exactly. This time, we're starting a bottled water business.”
No one saw it coming. Unlike the stunned others, President No couldn't wrap his head around it. Bottled water was already widely available.
No matter how he mulled it over, it didn't seem like Min-ho's style. “There are already tons of bottled waters on the market. We'd be latecomers—no monopoly possible.”
“The ones circulating are 100% illegal products from unlicensed outfits. If the authorities crack down hard and grant us the exclusive rights, we'd own the market.”
“You're saying you'll secure the bottled water business license in negotiations with this administration?”
“Yes. President No, head to the marked area on the map and secure at least 30,000 pyeong for the factory site.”
“I'll mobilize everyone and prepare as fast as possible.”
No matter how grand the plan, it needed government approval to launch.
Jo Dong-uk, catching Min-ho's eye, responded immediately. “Not just the Blue House—Seoul City Hall hasn't given an official reply either.”
“They're trying to stall and brush it off.”
“I agree. To bury the issue, celebrity gossip stories are up threefold from usual.”
“Then we'll have to crank up the pressure.”
“Shall I release all the evidence?”
“Not a single piece left out. Keep the heat on until the Seoul mayor resigns.”
“Understood.”
Now for the final card. “Is the article on Kang Beom-seong ready?”
“Yes. We've packaged him perfectly as the unsung hero of the financial real-name system—a clean, upright figure.”
Once the corrupt Seoul mayor stepped down, people would naturally seek someone incorruptible. Beom-seong had worked a decade at the Myeong-dong office. Since it was Chairman Kang's money, pocketing it was impossible. His official assets? Just a house and some savings. Perfect material to wrap in humble packaging.
“Contrast him with the corrupt current mayor and highlight his JK Securities executive background.”
“We'll emphasize his capable executive side over the taint of corrupt politics.”
“Public office requires asset disclosure, so have him reveal it upfront.”
“Got it.”
“Good. Do that, and monitor public opinion in real time. That's the meeting for today. Great work, everyone.”
Back in his office, Min-ho dove into work. Meanwhile, Lawyer Choi sat uneasily, face etched with worry.
“What's troubling you this time?”
“You're aiming for the Seoul mayor's resignation and bottled water monopoly rights.”
“And the problem is?”
“Unlike us, the government has plenty of cards. We can't rule out them pulling someone other than President Kang Beom-seong.”
“The media hunts for new faces. The public just picks from the options given. No need to worry.”
No sooner had Min-ho finished than the phone rang.
“Faster reaction than expected.”
“Do you know who's calling?”
“Someone from the government.”
He picked up with confident tone. “Athena President Kang Min-ho speaking.”
“Blue House Chief of Staff Cha Jeong-su.”
“I've been waiting.”
“I'd like a quick word. Can you spare some time?”
“How about Soseonjae in an hour?”
“Yes. See you there.”
***
Soseonjae.
“Young master has arrived.”
He'd come to meet Chief Cha. Gu Eun-chae, out to greet him, wore an unusual expression. As Min-ho stepped from the car, she shot him a pouty glare.
“I never know where you'll bolt off to next, Min-ho.”
“Skipping the jokes for scolding today? What's up?”
“Who's the meeting with this time?”
“Why? Something happen?”
She pointed toward the annex. “Just now, these guys in black suits barged in, poking around everywhere, turning the whole place upside down.”
“Security check?”
“Don't get me started. They were so nitpicky—checking every dish, every ingredient.”
“Didn't think of that. I'll change venues next time.”
“I hate that even more. Who exactly are you meeting?”
“Chief of Staff Cha Jeong-su.”
Min-ho said it casually, but Eun-chae sighed deeply. “I've been glued to the news. You're not seriously taking on the government now, are you?”
“Is there a law against it?”
“Your guts are something else—or maybe your ambition. Planning to butter up Chief Cha?”
“I'm omnivorous. Give me meat, and I'll eat anything.”
“Fearless? Or just that ambitious?”
“Probably both. If anything, a few extras on top.”
Eun-chae stepped closer, lowering her voice. “The info I gave you... you leaked it sooner than I thought.”
“Grateful for that. It was news to me too.”
“Not why I brought it up.”
“Name your price.”
“The mayor's resignation is obvious. What's next? Got an inside track on the successor?”
“Classified.”
Even treating her as an ally, Min-ho stayed mum. But Eun-chae wasn't one to back down.
“Don't wanna answer? Fine. But I'll visit your grandfather tonight.”
“Gonna run and tattle that I won't talk?”
“No. I'll tell him I'm pregnant.”
Lawyer Choi, eavesdropping from afar, whipped his head around with bulging eyes. “Y-Y-Young master! You two aren't just strategic allies—you're really that close? Pregnant...?”
Min-ho waved his arms in denial. “No. It's her one-sided claim. Ignore it.”
Eun-chae giggled girlishly at his disarmed state, then declared, “So answer me.”
“What kind of joke is that?”
“Just say who the next mayor is. No answer, and I'm heading out now.”
“Fair trade for your info. President Kang Beom-seong's the pick for next Seoul mayor.”
“Oh! Really?”
“Why lie over a fancy meal? I'll head in first. Guide Chief Cha when he arrives.”
Moments later, Chief Cha arrived at Soseonjae.
“Hello, Chief. Soseonjae President Gu Eun-chae.”
“Hello.”
“President Kang Min-ho is waiting inside. This way, please.”
Following Eun-chae's lead, Chief Cha entered the main building. Min-ho rose and extended his right hand.
“Athena President Kang Min-ho.”
“Blue House Chief of Staff Cha Jeong-su.”
Min-ho held the president's leash—he needed the Seoul mayor slot and bottled water rights. Chief Cha, tired of being dragged, had to sever that hold somehow.
As an intense battle of wits loomed, their conversation began.
At the same time, oblivious Kang Du-seong waited endlessly for a call from his brother Beom-seong.