Min-ho's Mind: A Silo of Tens of Thousands of Nuclear Bombs
With the hierarchical media outlet now firmly in his grasp, Kang Min-ho's mind was no different from a silo storing tens of thousands of nuclear warheads. If he detonated scoops at the right time and place, he could steer public opinion exactly as he desired. Of course, that required building trust and influence as a media company first.
To claim the title of Korea's first nationwide simultaneous publication, Min-ho sprang into action. There was just one week left until the inaugural special edition hit the stands. He visited Daejeon, where the printing plant for The Times was being set up.
Stepping out of the car, Min-ho clutched a map in one hand and meticulously inspected every corner of the factory, nodding in approval.
"Like the other sites, I like this one in Daejeon too. The scale and location are perfect. Great work, Team Leader No."
"You're too kind, young master. I only followed your instructions. It used to be a bread factory until a few months ago. Are you satisfied with the size?"
"This is more than enough. No issues at all."
"How would you like to handle the building renovations? Or should we go with a full rebuild?"
"No need to tear down what's already here. Once the rotary presses are installed, we'll even have extra space."
"Pardon? Rotary presses all of a sudden—what do you mean?"
There wasn't time for lengthy explanations. Min-ho popped the pen cap in his mouth, jotted down a phone number in his notepad, and handed it to Team Leader No Jun-hwan.
"Call this person for the details. Including this Daejeon plant, prepare 30 trucks each in Gangwon, Daegu, Busan, Jeonju, and Gwangju."
"Understood. I'll have those trucks ready within a month."
"A month's too long. One week."
Preparing over 200 trucks in a week was no small feat. Caught off guard by Min-ho's sudden order, Team Leader No stammered as he asked again.
"Young master, I'm sorry, but that's a bit challenging in that timeframe."
"They just need to haul cargo. Korea's full of used truck rentals. Mobilize the entire real estate team, and it'll work."
"Got it."
"If we're still short, sign short-term contracts with local delivery companies in each region. Money will sort it out."
"Understood. Then I'll head back to Seoul first."
With a fire lit under his feet, Team Leader No hurried off to Seoul.
Gazing at the factory, Lawyer Choi Jong-hoon stared at the massive structure, his voice trembling slightly with emotion.
"The thought of The Times, packed with scoops, distributing nationwide from this huge plant... it fills my chest with pride."
"What do you think? Will it go according to plan?"
"Of course. It might be premature, but if this succeeds, even Chairman Kang should become an advertiser without issue."
"Obviously—that's a done deal. The real key is what comes next."
"Your next move... what do you mean?"
"Guess."
Hearing there was a next step, Lawyer Choi pondered deeply but couldn't fathom the abyss of Min-ho's intentions. Min-ho, still eyeing the factory, smiled faintly and answered.
"Do you think Grandfather doesn't know I'm the real owner of The Times?"
Though not public, Chairman Kang Jin-gwang's influence was beyond imagination. Loyal informants were embedded everywhere—from immigration offices to the National Tax Service and prosecution. In other words, whatever Min-ho did, the chairman would know.
Lawyer Choi mulled it over before voicing the question that surfaced in his mind.
"I've considered that too. But if he knows, why hasn't he said anything? That's the puzzle."
"Remember how I've mentioned our family a few times?"
"Yes, young master. Crystal clear."
"Suppose I acquire a newspaper, and Grandfather openly backs it. What happens?"
"More checks, envy, and jealousy than congratulations."
"They'll pull out all the stops to drag me down. Grandfather's attention on me is bad news for the rest of the family."
Lawyer Choi couldn't quite grasp the chairman's actions. This was the grandson who'd handed him JK Telecom—yet aside from the promised Line 7 land compensation, nothing else. Of course, the 10% JK Telecom stake under a proxy was secured, but Min-ho didn't know that. Doubting the visible affection versus the modest rewards, Lawyer Choi finally pieced the puzzle together and nodded.
"Considering the chairman's actions so far, it's safe to say he's testing successors regardless of age or rank."
"You think I'm in the running?"
"I'm certain. Otherwise, this situation makes no sense."
"We'll talk about that later. More importantly... When I took over Yeonggwang Ilbo, I shook Namdo Group once, right?"
"Yes, young master."
"As you know, in a week, the Suseo district housing scandal and college entrance exam bribery will break. You think that's all coincidence?"
Min-ho's true aim wasn't some newspaper—it was JK's throne. He casually revealed a glimpse of his grand design.
"We emerged with JK Telecom, but the checks on our group are ongoing. Everyone's pulling tricks to keep us from growing."
"So, after distracting with scoops, we hunt new prey?"
"No matter how well you defend, opponents only have two arms. Simultaneous strikes are impossible to block."
Pondering as they walked, Lawyer Choi replied.
"No way... Namdo Group?"
"We'll pluck the most nutritious parts."
"Even with Chairman Han Du-hak gone, it won't be easy."
"Han Du-hak will do anything to avoid prison. So where do the arrows point next?"
"Namdo Chemicals' president, vice president, and executives."
"You're missing the key player—the one position that covers them all."
The name flashing in Lawyer Choi's mind: Secretary General Yang Sang-pil.
"No way—Yang?"
"Cut out Yang Sang-pil alone, and we take Namdo's core: Namdo Construction and Namdo Distribution. We'll discuss details on the way to Seoul."
***
In Seocho-dong, at Min-ho's command, the Nakdong River phenol spill exploded into the open. Chairman Han Du-hak, under detention investigation, was utterly isolated. The media tore into Namdo Chemicals relentlessly. Public fury soared to the heavens. To make matters worse, a boycott of Namdo products erupted—Han Du-hak's anguish needed no explanation.
He didn't know where it went wrong, but one thing was clear: Athena was behind it all. Clenching his fist and picturing Min-ho's face, he could do nothing from here.
Despite the dire straits, Han had his aces. He'd assembled top lawyers to dodge prison and preemptively bribed prosecutors with black money for this scenario. Contrary to expectations of quick release from Seocho-dong, the investigation dragged on.
Prosecutor Choi Hyung-jun from the investigation team cautiously broached the subject with Chairman Han in the interrogation room.
"Chairman, we couldn't block Namdo Chemicals' business suspension. My apologies."
"Who cares about that pittance? Focus on getting me out."
"We're pinning it on the Namdo Chemicals president as the main culprit. Doing everything to avoid a prison sentence."
"I'm hearing I might end up in a Ministry of Justice uniform otherwise?"
"Sorry, but we can't rule out the worst case. Public opinion..."
Han slammed the table with all his might. An ashtray clattered to the floor. Closing his eyes and exhaling deeply, he growled in a heavy baritone.
"Listen, Prosecutor Choi—forgot whose money got you this far?"
"I know. But..."
"Shut it and pin it on President Im."
"I've considered that, but the links are weak. As group head, you're too central—lacks plausible deniability."
If the probe continued, Han was doomed to prison. Even a chairman dreaded actual jail time. His eldest son was Namdo's vice chairman—no father, however ruthless, would sacrifice his boy. He pulled his one alternative card without hesitation.
"There's one with power equal to mine..."
"Yang Sang-pil, secretary general?"
"Exactly. Sales growth plus excessive loyalty created him... How's that sound?"
It was a stretch, but Han's last card from the cliff's edge. Prosecutor Choi, sweating bullets, hesitated.
"I... Chairman, that seems a bit forced."
"You're the puzzle experts. Secretary general's enough—cook it up."
"Chairman, truly sorry, but..."
"See? You bastards..."
Han roared, hurling his chair.
"Do it, you prick! You wagged your tail for the cash, now playing duck? Think I'll swallow the shit alone? The second I get prison, you die with me. Tell the chief prosecutor loud and clear."
"Understood."
He bowed before Han, but outside, Prosecutor Choi's face burned red as autumn leaves. Sighing deeply, he knocked and entered the chief prosecutor's office.
Chief Prosecutor Lee Mu-gil, eyes on documents, spoke dryly.
"Looks like it's not going smoothly."
"Sorry."
"No need. You knew Chairman Han would balk at getting owned by a startup."
"No persuasion works. What now?"
Setting down his pen, the chief looked up.
"Can't wear a frayed hat in a typhoon. We took Han's money once, but tighten the leash, and even a mutt rears up."
The chief couldn't be yanked around forever by his own rusty noose.
"I'll handle it. Good work."
"Yes, Chief."
Lee Mu-gil picked up the receiver, tapped a calculator briefly, then dialed.
"Seongbuk-dong."
"Lee Mu-gil here. May I speak with the chairman?"
"Please hold."
Moments later, Chairman Kang took the call.
"Mu-gil, long time. All good?"
"Yes, thanks to you, Chairman."
The chairman, who read intentions from breaths alone, saw through it.
"Du-hak's not cooperating well, eh?"
"Situation's getting messy."
"What's messy? He'll sacrifice Sang-pil to save his skin and dredge up our old dirt."
"If Han gets prison, we're in deep trouble too."
Min-ho's single punch was sinking Namdo Group. Finishing his calculations, Chairman Kang smiled faintly.
"If it's your request, how can I refuse? One question: you want the rusty leash off your neck?"
"Yes, Chairman."
"What goes around comes around. If I help, what do you offer, Chief?"
His ship was sinking. For a sturdy vessel, he'd give everything. After a pause, the chief played his biggest card.
"If trouble hits JK Group later, I'll stake this position to block it."
A free pass in Seocho-dong—and with his job on the line, no loss for the chairman.
"Deal. And keep Du-hak off-balance?"
"Of course. Anything I can assist with, Chairman?"
"Nothing. See you for dinner."
"Yes, Chairman."
Hanging up, Chairman Kang chuckled heartily. Lighting a cigar with satisfaction, he puffed away. Min-ho's strike had Namdo reeling. No grandfather refuses food served by his grandson. Chairman Kang wouldn't miss this chance.
Fully grasping Min-ho's intent, he grinned.
"That Min-ho boy's a sly one—rolling the whole vine with the pumpkin."
Having assessed the situation, Butler Moon cautiously offered.
"Chairman, planning to swallow Namdo Group whole?"
"Strip the bones, take the tasty meat—that's how the liquor flows."
"Understood. I'll prepare the funds."
"And have Min-ho come soon—with that Choi Jong-hoon shadowing him."
"Yes, sir."