Nakdong River Scandal
***
JK Group Chairman's Office.
Moon Sang-oh entered with a cautious knock, carrying a tray with coffee brewed to perfectly suit Chairman Kang's taste.
"Chairman, I've prepared your coffee."
Chairman Kang set aside the documents in his hand for a moment and lit a cigarette. After sipping the coffee, he nodded approvingly.
"The coffee you bring always hits the spot—truly exquisite."
"Thank you."
"My mind's still young as ever, but this aging body... it's no fun at all. If I were just five years younger, I'd wrap this up in a couple hours, but here I am, dragging it out."
"If the workload feels too heavy, we can start reducing it from next week."
"No need, my friend. Just an old man's grumbling—don't take it to heart."
Chairman Kang set down his coffee cup, his gaze naturally drifting to the calendar.
Today was the day the new owner of Yeonggwang Ilbo would be decided. Though he'd boldly proclaimed Min-ho's victory, a grandfather couldn't help but worry for his grandson.
He stared at the date circled in red pen for a long while before broaching the subject casually.
"By now, there should have been word on the outcome, one way or another. But silence... not a peep."
"There is news, sir."
"And? What's the result?"
Moon Sang-oh's poker face gave nothing away. As Chairman Kang shifted restlessly in his seat, the butler pulled out the prepared newspaper and replied politely.
"If I may be so bold, seeing it for yourself will double the joy, I believe."
"You're not one to beat around the bush like this... something must be up."
Moon Sang-oh calmly unfolded the newspaper and handed it to Chairman Kang.
The front-page special report on Namdo Group caught the eye first.
[Namdo Chemical Illegally Discharges Toxic Phenol into Nakdong River]
[Shoddy Cleanup: Namdo Group's Deliberate Discharge Risks Public Lives]
[Nakdong River Basin Polluted by Chairman Han Du-hak's Ambition]
The moment he confirmed the news, Chairman Kang broke into a hearty laugh. He reread the unbelievable article several times, as if doubting his eyes.
As expected, Min-ho had a hidden dagger. It struck right at the back of dull-witted Han Du-hak's head.
Now, the new owner of Yeonggwang Ilbo was Min-ho.
The showdown between his clever grandson and the foolish childhood friend ended just as Chairman Kang had predicted.
There was no better news than this. He laughed uproariously, his voice booming, chuckling again and again until he choked and coughed.
Satisfaction radiated from his face, filling the entire office. Moon Sang-oh quickly fetched water and handed it over.
"Chairman, are you all right?"
Chairman Kang nodded, drank the water, and replied.
"That rascal's making his old man overjoyed from a thousand miles away. When did this news break?"
"Anticipating this very scenario, I stationed secretarial staff at Yeonggwang Ilbo."
"Hot off the press, like the hotteok we savored one by one after collecting in Myeong-dong. Well done."
The news had exploded at the perfect timing on bid day—clearly Min-ho's handiwork.
Moon Sang-oh pondered deeply but couldn't fathom how he'd known.
"How did Young Master predict Namdo Group would pull something like this? I've racked my brain, but nothing clicks."
"No doubt about it—it's his brilliance. On rainy days at their chemical plant, those fools have a habit of dumping waste."
"So he anticipated it and sent reporters?"
"Likely. How else could he time it so perfectly?"
Chairman Kang gazed at his watch, a pleased smile lingering on his face.
"The bid must be long over by now. Du-hak's probably headed to Seocho-dong."
"I'll call the Art Gallery to check the results."
"Joy like this is best savored firsthand, don't you think?"
"Yes, Chairman."
Chairman Kang immediately picked up the receiver and dialed the Art Gallery.
"Art Gallery, President Gu Ung-jae speaking."
"How've you been?"
At Chairman Kang Jin-gwang's voice, President Gu shot to his feet, responding with military precision.
"Yes, Chairman! I hope you've been well?"
"Sounds like you have. Good to hear."
"All thanks to you, sir."
"Enough pleasantries. What's the outcome there?"
"Yeonggwang Ilbo has been acquired by Athena, and Chairman Han Du-hak has been handed over to Seocho-dong."
"Is that so? Just as expected..."
Chairman Kang paused to test him, then tossed a loaded question.
"Leaving that aside... Do you have anything else to tell me?"
As a member of the royal family and Athena's representative, Gu Ung-jae knew both of Min-ho's secrets. Chairman Kang was aware of this.
He was testing whether the man's lips were sealed.
Lying to Kang Jin-gwang was as good as a capital crime. But spilling everything about Min-ho would look suspiciously casual.
After a long hesitation, President Gu responded firmly.
"Nothing, Chairman."
"Good. Let's grab a meal next time we meet."
"Yes, sir. If something good comes in, you'll be the first call."
"You're steadfast as ever—I like that. Hanging up now."
"Take care, Chairman."
Even knowing the distance, President Gu bowed 90 degrees with the receiver to his ear before ending the call.
Chairman Kang hung up and nodded.
"Ung-jae's got some spine now—daring to play coy even with me."
"I'll meet him after work."
"No need for a wasted trip."
"Pardon? I don't quite follow."
"If he won't even tell me, it means Min-ho's got him locked down tight. A solid padlock, properly secured."
He'd received all the key reports. Now, Namdo Group remained.
"What do you think will become of that fool Du-hak?"
"Prosecution summons are inevitable at this point, and Namdo Chemical will face a business suspension."
"Not just chemicals—the whole Namdo Group will shake. Du-hak'll have to lose a few limbs to barely save his skin."
Chairman Kang's prediction was spot on. Namdo Chemical was indeed suspended, and with victim compensation and tarnished image, it never regained its former glory.
His mouth itched to boast about his grandson again. He turned the phone toward Moon Sang-oh and gave the order.
"Du-hak's probably at the Central District Prosecutors' Office by now. Give them a call."
"Understood, Chairman."
***
Meanwhile, Han Du-hak, plunged into the abyss in an instant, sat with his head buried on the narrow interrogation room desk.
He repeated to himself that it was a dream, but reality was the chill air of Seocho-dong.
His double-dealing, thick as welded steel, led him not to reflect on his wrongs but to seek targets for his venomous glare.
The prosecutor across from him, sighing heavily for a while, finally spoke.
"Chairman, we need you to cooperate with the investigation now."
"Listen, Prosecutor Park..."
"Yes, Chairman."
"Tell the Chief Prosecutor I'll pay any amount to quash this."
"Orders came down from above already. I'm sorry, but we can't stop it."
Han Du-hak slammed his chair back, pounding the table with his fist. Trembling with rage, he barely spat out his intent through gritted teeth.
"How much money have I given you people? Who put you in that seat? You can't even handle this?"
"If it were just festering, we'd manage somehow, but it's already blown wide open. I truly believe cooperating is your best option."
"Brothers when taking my money, strangers when trouble hits?"
"I'm sorry, Chairman."
At that moment, the door burst open as a staffer rushed in.
"What the hell? The Chairman's here!"
"Sorry. Call from JK Group's Chairman Kang Jin-gwang."
"Kang Chairman? Out of the blue, why?"
"Not sure exactly. He wants to speak with Chairman Han Du-hak."
Teetering on the cliff's edge, Han Du-hak dared to dream the impossible. He imagined his old friend Jin-gwang might bring a way to save him.
Why else call when he knew Han was at the prosecutors'?
Han Du-hak stepped aside to take the call.
"Yeah, hello."
"This is Moon Sang-oh. Connecting you to the Chairman."
Why the elaborate call from Kang Jin-gwang?
Chairman Kang exhaled a plume of smoke before taking the receiver.
"Seocho-dong's galbitang sticks to the ribs perfectly. From your voice, sounds like you need two bowls."
"You calling to trade jokes with me right now?"
"Such a temper... When a friend's in Seocho-dong, of course I call."
"You got a way to spring me?"
Chairman Kang roared with laughter. Though just a laugh, it encapsulated every feeling he held for Du-hak.
"I've warned you time and again: overlook the small, lose it all."
"Spare me the bullshit—I'm hanging up."
"Truth is... that's why I called."
Chairman Kang toyed with Du-hak. The desperate one was Du-hak, clinging to hope till the end.
Of course, one word from Kang would sever that thread without a trace.
"A promise is a promise, my friend."
"What? What promise?"
"If you won, all my JK Telecom shares; if I won, a sedan. Remember?"
In his already grim straits, Kang's call was about the bet. The car was mere pretext.
The real purpose: bragging about his grandson.
Frustrated, Han Du-hak slammed his head on the desk, face flushed, and replied.
"Right now... you're fanning the flames?"
"Even crooked from the wind, speak straight: you're the one gleefully tossing oil on the fire."
"This isn't the time for that crap!"
"Don't forget: I know you better than anyone... Whether you burn or get devoured, none of my business. Just bring that promised car nicely."
Chairman Kang also held leverage over Han Du-hak. Any further exposure would complicate things more.
Grasping at straws in the river, it turned out to be Kang Jin-gwang's sharp blade.
Rage clouded Han Du-hak's mind. Chairman Kang smiled quietly and drove the wedge home.
"Don't forget the car phone hookup. JK Telecom'll do it cheap—no worries."
He laughed long before hanging up unilaterally.
Han Du-hak clenched his fists, trembling, then hurled everything in the room while screaming.
That was all he could do.
***
Meanwhile, in Yeouido, the Yeonggwang Ilbo acquired by Min-ho had been renamed The Times, set to publish its inaugural issue in a few days.
As with all things, the first step was crucial. President Jo Dong-uk was discussing with Min-ho.
"We'll proceed as you said, President. But there's one issue."
"Go ahead."
"No matter how good the articles, without advertisers, we'll struggle financially."
"I know. Got any alternatives?"
"We've lined up some ads here and there, but no main sponsor—that's the headache."
Min-ho smiled faintly.
"Run a feature on Chairman Kang Jin-gwang for the launch special."
"Pardon? Is that true?"
"From now on, JK Group's our main advertiser for The Times."