Racing to Deliver the Tip-Off
Min-ho had raced non-stop to achieve his tip-off goal. He could've slept in for a day, but as always, he rose at dawn for his morning workout. Even Choi Jong-hoon, the lawyer who used to huff and puff climbing the hill stairs, now seemed fitter, his face brighter than before. Wiping sweat from his brow, he handed Min-ho the newspaper and said,
"Thanks to you, young master, my stamina's improved a lot."
"You couldn't even run a kilometer before, but now you keep up for five without stopping."
"Honestly, it was tough at first. But I've started noticing changes, and now I get antsy if I skip a day."
"It's strangely addictive."
The front page of the newspaper in Min-ho's hand featured news about the selection of the second mobile telecom operator. Choi eyed it intently before speaking in a somewhat worried tone.
"Word is the second mobile operator will be announced this week."
"I know. Still worried?"
"Considering Prime Minister Min Pil-muk's ties to the Seonyeong Group, it'd be weirder if I wasn't."
"I told you—glue might hold for now, but it can be pried off anytime. Save the worry and go wash up first."
"Understood."
As Min-ho, towel in hand, sat on the sofa scanning the paper, the phone rang.
"Young master, it's Cheon Dong-gwan in Tokyo."
"You don't need to explain every time. Haven't talked in a few days—everything okay?"
"Proceeding smoothly as instructed."
"Calling at this hour means you have something to say. Short on living expenses?"
Cheon hesitated for a long moment before responding, as if weighing his words.
"It's delicate to mention, but when do you plan to wrap up the investment? Not that I'm suggesting I call the shots."
Min-ho instantly knew why he was holding back. To reassure him, he raised his voice a notch warmer than usual.
"Perfect timing—I was going to call you tonight anyway. Maturity date was this Friday, right?"
"Yes, this Friday."
"Returns as I predicted?"
"Barring any surprises, it should close smoothly."
"Good work. Wrap it up and head back to Korea."
"Pardon? Really?"
"No need to go back to Japan. Come home and start fresh with your family."
No matter how accustomed to life in Japan, being apart from family was profoundly lonely. The words "start fresh" hit Cheon like a wave of emotion; he choked up, memories flashing by like a montage, before replying.
"Thank you. Truly, thank you. I was secretly worried you might not keep your promise."
"As if I would. Don't fret. Head back once Tokyo's sorted."
"Got it. I'll tie up every loose end. This favor—I'll never forget it."
Just then, Choi emerged, towel-drying his hair. Min-ho's expression told him everything.
"Was that Cheon Dong-gwan?"
"Can't even drink cold water in peace around you lawyers anymore. Yeah."
"Unusual for him to call this early. Something up?"
"Nothing big. Told him to wrap the investment and come back."
"So it went as planned. And you're satisfied?"
Instead of answering, Min-ho grinned and held up three fingers.
"Three... three billion?"
"You think I'd go through all this for pocket change?"
"No way... thirty billion?"
"Check it yourself later. I'll swing by Seongbuk-dong before heading to work. Leave thirty minutes early today."
"Understood. I'll have the car ready so you can head out right after washing up."
In the car en route to Seongbuk-dong, Choi gripped the wheel, a sudden question crossing his mind. At a red light, he turned and asked,
"Young master, just curiosity—mind if I ask something?"
"Let me guess. You're wondering how long I plan to stick with JK Credit Info."
"How did you know?"
"No major issues, so I'll keep going for now."
Min-ho folded the newspaper in half and set it down before continuing.
"You're probably wondering why I'm hiding my identity like this."
"That's the part I can't wrap my head around."
"Revealing I'm Chairman Kang Jin-gwang's grandson and President Kang Du-seong's son would make things easier."
"Exactly. No one would dare mess with you."
"That's just the shiny exterior. Look deeper—what do you see?"
The question carried layers of meaning. After pondering, Choi replied,
"Sounds like 'the prettiest flower gets plucked first.'"
"Grandfather's affection focused on me might feel good now, but think about those on the other side. Would the rest of the Kang family see it the same way?"
"If they view you as a rival, things could change drastically."
"Hide the light, build strength in the shadows."
"You mean hide from your entire family?"
"Can't say yet. Drop me off up ahead and wait a bit."
"Got it."
Knowing Chairman Kang's sharp temperament, Min-ho always called ahead and arrived precisely on time for Seongbuk-dong visits. Today was different—no call, straight to the gate. He rang the bell without hesitation.
Moon Sang-oh appeared moments later. Startled by the unannounced arrival but masking it, he greeted warmly.
"Young master."
"You look pretty shocked."
"Normally you'd call ahead, so yes, a bit caught off guard."
"Not important. I have a message to pass on."
"The chairman's up on the back hill for a stroll right now."
"That's why I came at this hour."
Misreading Min-ho's intent, Moon said,
"Ah! I'll prepare breakfast. Come inside."
"No need. Here to talk to you today."
***
Min-ho and Moon Sang-oh continued their talk at the front gate.
"Grandfather's meeting Construction Minister Kim Dae-geun today, right? What time?"
"Noon. Young master, how did you know?"
"Not how I know—what I'm here to say, that's what matters."
"Do you need my help?"
"Just borrow your mouth for a moment."
Even quick-witted Moon couldn't guess what was coming. Min-ho quietly handed him a note.
"Young master, what's this sudden note...?"
He unfolded it. Names and numbers—likely money amounts—but meaningless without context.
"To shake Prime Minister Min Pil-muk, pressure Minister Kim first. You know that, right?"
"Yes. Line 7 falls under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and the chairman owns that land."
"How much does Grandfather know about Minister Kim?"
Still unclear on Min-ho's angle, Moon evaded.
"Sorry, even for you, young master, it's sensitive—can't discuss without the chairman's okay."
"I know it all anyway. No need to spell it out. Long story short: Minister Kim's position came from Grandfather's money. Right?"
"No confirmation or denial."
"That money means years of ties. Grandfather got promises or leverage in return."
Moon listened stone-faced.
"That leash around Minister Kim's neck is too flimsy. He could charge full throttle if desperate."
"You mean... the land expropriation push?"
"Very possible."
"That'd ruin all our plans."
"The current leash is too loose."
Moon knew the history between Chairman Kang and Minister Kim. But time had buried it under dust; pressuring with old dirt was a stretch. With no better option, they'd done nothing.
"What should I do?"
"If the leash is weak, upgrade to chain—or weld it on."
"You know another weakness on Minister Kim."
"Bottom line: When he was a top Daehan Party committee member, he sold nominations."
This was news to Moon—and even Chairman Kang. It had to be; the scandal wouldn't break for another decade. Moon's mind reeled at how Min-ho knew.
"Young master, how do you know this?"
"How I know matters less than how we use it. Could be the key to this plan."
"So this note—names and amounts of those who got the crumbs?"
"Yes."
If true, this wasn't a one- or two-head chop; heads would roll en masse.
"Could you be more specific?"
"Where was Kim Dae-geun regional chairman before?"
"Daejeon area, as I recall."
"Included there too. Promised nominations to local assemblymen, took payoffs."
"Bribes are usually cash, secret—no photos, no evidence."
"You know law-abiders are lazy compared to crooks—they're meticulous."
Now getting it, Moon's tone sharpened.
"You mean he took it in installments?"
"Half cash, half as 'donations.' Looks legit."
"If so, digging into Kim pulls the whole tail—unavoidable."
"That's the note's power."
The slip in Moon's hand was a live bomb. Ideal if it detonated on delivery, but risky—backfire possible.
Grasping Min-ho's intent, Moon voiced concerns cautiously.
"Young master, this could spark prosecution probes, even hearings. A live fuse."
"I know it's huge. But no hard proof is the hitch."
"Yes. If the note's legit, fine—but if not, JK eats blowback."
Min-ho lacked pull to direct prosecutors yet. This was best for now.
"Grandfather moves only on solid evidence."
"Agreed. Needs clearer proof."
"If he commits, we could nudge prosecutors quietly—but that exposes the mobile telecom bid."
Time was short; the golden goose had to be secured. If Min-ho's tip panned out, no better card against Kim.
Moon, thoughts sorted, said,
"Tell me what to do."
"Simple. We can't gather evidence ourselves—so make him confirm it."
"You want the chairman to bring it up directly?"
"Watch Kim's reaction closely. That alone strengthens the leash."
"Given Kim's personality... plausible."
Per Chairman Kang's thinking, dredging the past might secure agreement—or drive Kim to suicide, dooming plans. But a nomination-selling web implicating bigwigs changed everything. It wasn't personal dirt; it engulfed half Yeouido's party.
Moon, composed, replied,
"Why not tell him yourself?"
"For the tip to carry weight—from my house, or Seongbuk-dong?"
"Seongbuk-dong, no question."
"No room for doubt—apply real pressure. This card's essential."
"Then... I'll report it as an anonymous tip."
"Stall with that for now. Call after the talks."
"Understood."
Soon after Min-ho left, Chairman Kang returned from his stroll.
"Fine weather—great walk today. Join me tomorrow; won't hurt."
"Yes, sir... Chairman."
Moon trailed off unusually. Kang noticed.
Setting down his cane, he eyed Moon Sang-oh.
"No beating around the bush—speak."
After a pause, Moon said,
"An anonymous tip arrived under this morning's paper."
"Tip? This isn't Seocho-dong—why here? Misdirected?"
"Just names and numbers. No clue what it means yet."
"Sent here means a story. Fetch it."
"Yes, sir."
Moon pulled the note from his pocket, offering it politely with both hands. Kang, donning glasses, scanned it closely.
Crammed names of politicians, figures—he grasped it instantly.
"Dae-geun sold nominations... Haven't eaten long, but appetite's kicking in already."
Kang smiled faintly, preparing to head out.