Secret Strategy: Min-ho's Debut
Tokyo branch employees couldn't help but be baffled by Min-ho's sudden appearance. He looked far too young, and the idea that he would lead their real estate team was simply unbelievable. They hastily stood and bowed in greeting, but they still couldn't quite grasp who he was.
Once he'd assessed the situation, Moon Sang-oh quietly explained. "He is the chairman's grandson. His name is Kang Min-ho."
The employees could scarcely believe their ears. The Min-ho they'd heard about through rumors was a drunken wastrel who constantly caused trouble. Now, their fates hung in the hands of that very Min-ho.
President No Jun-hwan, as if in disbelief, asked for confirmation. "Young Master Min-ho... you're the youngest son of President Kang Du-seong, correct?"
"That's right. Is there something that doesn't sit well with you?"
"Ah... no, nothing at all."
Moon Sang-oh had seen through the intent behind the question. He fixed the man with a piercing glare and asked again in a heavy voice. "Are you absolutely sure there are no issues?"
"Yes? Yes, of course. We're already deeply grateful just for the opportunity you're giving us."
"In that case, I'll explain the key points you must keep in mind from now on. Please listen carefully while you eat."
Moon Sang-oh pulled out a notepad and began his explanation. "The young master is currently working in the debt collection team at JK Credit Info. To keep his identity hidden, he's using the alias Lee Min-ho."
Vice President Park Ji-wook set down his chopsticks and tentatively raised his hand. "Um... Butler Moon, does that mean no information about the young master can leak out?"
"Precisely. That includes his personal details and everything that happens here."
"Then, may I ask what exactly we need to do?"
"The young master will explain shortly. Please conduct yourselves with utmost propriety in every action."
Min-ho, too, had private matters to discuss with Chairman Kang. He gave a slight nod, then moved with the chairman to the study.
Unable to contain his curiosity, Chairman Kang asked casually, "So, you're planning to keep your lips sealed this time as well?"
"You know how the main course always tastes best—everything after just doesn't compare. You'll find out soon enough."
"Fine, put that aside. There's something your old grandpa's dying to know. You weren't planning to hold out on that too, were you?"
"You're wondering which company we'll acquire once the plan succeeds?"
Min-ho had pierced right to the heart of his thoughts with a mere question. Chairman Kang let out a booming laugh, his throat clearing as satisfaction washed over him. "This rascal's already reading my mind like an open book. Quite the talent you've got there!"
"I'll tell you once it's done."
"If your grandpa sets up a proper office for you, will you spill it then?"
"Time's too tight, so I'm planning to use our house as the office for now."
"Fair enough. Speed is everything in snapping up that land, so do as you please. Just say the word if you need anything."
"Yes, Grandpa."
Min-ho glanced toward the living room through the open door crack before changing the subject. "Grandpa, you know I was shocked the moment I walked in?"
"Because you assembled ten sharp minds in just a few days?"
"No. The Tokyo branch folks messed up, didn't they? Sure, they might feel a bit wronged..."
"That's how it had to be... But why bring it up now?"
"You didn't handle it emotionally. You could've yelled and shipped them off to Pocheon, but instead, you fed them a warm home-cooked meal and embraced them."
Min-ho had grasped even his intentions perfectly. Chairman Kang gazed at him with prideful eyes and asked softly, "What do you think your grandpa had in mind?"
"Clear motivation. They expected punishment for their mistake, but you comforted them instead, praising their hard work."
"And how do you think that'll make those folks out there move?"
"They'll turn the impossible into possible. Hell, with a little exaggeration, they could move mountains. And you're the one who lit that fire in them, Grandpa."
No need for further explanation—his grandson saw right through him. A faint smile lingered on Chairman Kang's lips.
"Exactly. What's past is past. Smart lads like them? Motivate 'em like this, and their loyalty soars naturally. So, ready to head home now?"
"Yes. I'll explain the details there and get things rolling right away."
Chairman Kang, sensing something more, cracked the door open and eyed the employees in the living room before speaking. "Those staffers out there, eating at the table—they're all older than our Min-ho. Must be awkward for you in more ways than one."
"They're just extensions of my hands and feet. Age, rank—doesn't matter."
"Such guts from my boy. Think you can show me what you've got?"
"Of course. Soon as the table's cleared."
Right on cue, Moon Sang-oh opened the door and reported. "Everything's ready."
***
The dining setup in the living room had vanished without a trace. In its place stood a large blackboard for the briefing. Min-ho grabbed a piece of chalk in his right hand and launched into the explanation without hesitation.
"To cut to the chase: secrecy is the lifeblood of this plan. If anything that happens here leaks, my punishment won't end at Pocheon."
Chairman Kang had moved to the window to avoid interrupting, nodding with warm eyes fixed on Min-ho.
Min-ho wrote out the Line 7 route from Dobongsan Station to Gokbunja Station on the blackboard, then asked, "President No Jun-hwan, do you know what this is?"
"I've seen it on the news. Looks like Line 7, planned since the year before last."
"Spot on. Your job boils down to one thing: pre-emptively snapping up the land where these subway stations will go."
"Pardon? Buy up all that land?"
Though the country was different, these real estate veterans couldn't help but find it odd. The point of land deals was obvious—capital gains. The best strategy was buying before anyone knew. But Line 7's route was already set and public knowledge nationwide. To No, buying now felt like tossing money into the Han River. He tilted his head in confusion.
After much deliberation, President No Jun-hwan cautiously raised his hand and offered his thoughts. "Young master, Line 7 was finalized long ago, and land prices there have already risen quite a bit, as I understand."
"Good point. Go on."
"Of course, I'm not one to question land buys, but for capital gains, it doesn't seem like the best choice."
"Everyone knows this info, so you're wondering why buy it at all?"
The ten listeners, faces full of doubt, nodded vigorously.
"You'll find out later. Just buy the plots I've marked on the map. Use any means necessary. Understood?"
"Yes, young master."
"Got it."
Min-ho nodded as he finished, and Moon Sang-oh opened the study door. Inside sat one hundred sleek black briefcases in neat rows. Knowing what they contained, the employees were stunned by the sheer volume.
"Offer ten thousand won more per pyeong if needed. The land I've marked—you must acquire it, no matter what."
"Understood. Anything else?"
"You're aware that you failed to sell off about 10% of assets in Japan."
The ashamed Tokyo staff averted their eyes and bowed their heads silently.
"This is your one shot at redemption. Fail, and you won't return home—you'll head to Pocheon. Remember that."
It was chilling talk, but Min-ho spoke plain truth. Driven to the edge, a fierce resolve gleamed in the employees' eyes.
For added smokescreen, Min-ho unveiled another tactic. "All land deals must be in your names."
"Pardon? In our names?"
"It's a smokescreen. We'll transfer everything to the chairman's name at once when the time comes."
He didn't forget a warning for contingencies. "If even a single won goes missing or you get any funny ideas, things could get very messy. See that it doesn't."
"Understood."
Min-ho distributed documents detailing the plan. "Work in pairs. President No and Executive Choi: Dobongsan, Suraksan, Madeul. Vice President Park and Manager Yoon: Nowon to Taereung."
"Can we start now?"
"Report as soon as contracts close. Questions?"
"None."
"Move out now."
The real estate team hustled outside, launching the operation in earnest.
***
Chairman Kang stared at the blackboard, curiosity piqued. Line 7 construction clearly ran from Dobongsan to Gokbunja. Yet Min-ho's map had another spot checked right beside Dobongsan Station. No matter how he squinted, its meaning eluded him.
After a long gaze, he asked Moon Sang-oh, "What do you make of that?"
"Sorry, but no clue. If the map's right, that's not Seoul—administratively, it's Uijeongbu."
"True... Dobongsan as the border makes sense, so it has to be Uijeongbu."
Unlike the puzzled pair, Min-ho sat nearby, reviewing papers with a sly grin. "Grandpa, wondering why I marked that spot?"
"Of course, you rascal. It's plopped right there, unplanned—how could I not?"
"It's Uijeongbu, as you said. But there's a brilliant twist hidden in it."
Clueless, Chairman Kang and Moon Sang-oh stared holes through the map, tilting their heads.
After a pause, Min-ho revealed it. "That's where the Line 7 vehicle depot will go."
Foresight didn't do it justice. Min-ho alone saw what no one else could. Even the great Kang Jin-gwang hadn't imagined it.
He'd known the boy was no ordinary sort. But this was on another level. As time passed, Min-ho's extraordinary brilliance shone ever brighter. Even seeing and hearing it firsthand, Chairman Kang struggled to believe.
He set down his pipe and fixed his gaze on Min-ho. "Vehicle depot... like a bus terminal, the endpoint?"
"Yes, Grandpa."
"Never heard of Seoul's subway putting a depot in Uijeongbu. You sure you haven't got it wrong?"
Min-ho pulled out a scraped photo of Dobongsan Station and handed it over. "This station was called Nuwon until two years ago. A depot needs vast land. Does this area really have enough?"
In early plans, the depot was set for Dobongsan. But unexpected issues arose—the land was too small for dozens of subway cars. The fix? Uijeongbu. Close to Dobongsan, with ample space—perfect. Plans shifted, adding Jangam Station in Uijeongbu for the depot. That was Line 7's final, hidden puzzle piece.
Chairman Kang stared at his grandson, entranced. Even if wrong, it didn't matter. That forward vision, bold resolve—it was everything he'd longed for in his children.
Plans weren't finalized, but Min-ho's logic held water. Chairman Kang knew from experience. "Dobongsan area's rocky as hell—builders dig and hit boulders, coming out in tears more than once."
"And suitable depot sites are scarce. So where does it go?"
"The nearest, Uijeongbu?"
"Line 7 doesn't end at Dobongsan—it extends to Jangam."
"Well said. Better contact them to buy that land too."
Rumors swirled around Jangam Station's site, but Min-ho had already acted decisively. "Think I'd sit idle knowing this?"
"No way... you did what I think?"
Chairman Kang's heart raced. So eager for the answer, he leaned forward unbidden.
"Sent Lawyer Choi Jong-hoon—land's already secured."
Chairman Kang nodded repeatedly, beaming with admiration and laughter. "Sang-oh..."
"Yes, Chairman."
"If Min-ho were a fox, I'd rip out his guts and liver myself."
"I'm thinking the same."
Unable to stem his praise, Chairman Kang shot up, clapping. "Snagging the depot land? It's like grabbing 'em by the throat—no wiggle room."
"Got the throat, arms, legs, tail, ass—all locked. What happens now?"
"They beg for mercy. And the price? This old man gets handed a monster card."
"Just pick the company to buy. With this card, no one stops JK from storming the world."
Various firms flashed through his mind, but Chairman Kang burned most to know what lurked in Min-ho's. No guesses fit. After hesitation, he spoke. "Still no hint for your grandpa?"
"Well... it was a secret, but..."
"Teasing me like this? Impressive. Come on, grandpa's begging—show me what you've got."
Min-ho pulled out his notepad, eyed his memo, and feigned reluctance as he began. "First, mind sharing your hand, Grandpa?"
"Food's good, electronics too. With that card, government's hands are tied—so I'm aiming to swallow a whale."
"A big hunk fills you up, but prime cuts are better."
"Which one you eyeing?"
"I'll write it on the board."
Min-ho stood, chalk in hand, and wrote slowly. Chairman Kang's heart pounded anew. Moon Sang-oh swallowed hard, staring motionless.
As each character formed, Moon Sang-oh—dying to know—shifted for a peek. Seeing the answer first, he clapped a hand over his mouth to stifle his gasp.
This wasn't mere acquisition. It was JK, the dragon bursting from loan-sharking shell, roaring to life.
"My god... Young master... is this real?"
"Sailing the Atlantic with ships? Only a full haul satisfies."
Min-ho finished the six characters and stepped aside for a clear view. JK Group's massive stride began here—the company he unveiled to Chairman Kang.
Daehan Mobile Communications
A public firm acquired by the Seonyeong Group in '94, later known as SY Telecom. Min-ho's first pick: the monopoly telecom giant.