New Employee
***
JK Credit Info HR Team
The HR team's annual rite of passage—public recruitment for new hires—had finally wrapped up.
But that didn't mean the work was over. The most crucial task remained: assigning the new recruits to their departments after orientation.
Ga Kyung-pyo, the section chief, and Song Dong-hyun, the department head, were poring over the new hires' files once more, debating placements.
"Head, how about we quietly snag this one for our team?"
"Ring any bells? During the interview, this kid didn't bat an eye—spoke the best. I had him marked in my mind."
"Your eye for talent is spot on, as always."
"You can tell at a glance, right? Bright expression. Grew up loved at home—you can see it. Kids like that do exactly what they're told, no rough edges."
"Let's grab him before another department eyes him."
"Make it subtle. Don't let it come back to bite us later."
"I'll handle it cleanly, sir."
Ga continued reviewing the files. He paused at one resume, tilting his head in confusion.
"What the hell is this? No way... Head, could you take a quick look?"
"Let's take a breather first. Staring at these papers has my eyes burning. Grab me some coffee."
"Sir, I really think something's off."
"What's there to mess up? Look again."
"There's someone on the list who shouldn't be."
"What kind of nonsense is that? Dreaming with your eyes open?"
"Here, this person."
Ga handed the file to Song.
"What the...? Where'd this kid pop up from?"
"No idea, sir."
"This can't be right. Fresh out of junior college at twenty-two? Should've been cut at the resume stage. Compare it to the original list—that'll clear it up."
"I already did. No record anywhere."
Song, who'd handled HR for years, felt a hunch hit him. He straightened up fast and scrutinized the resume.
No matter how he looked, it made no sense. Specs like this screamed rejection, yet the name sat pretty on the final list.
"This name on the interview roster?"
"Nope. Looks like no interview either. Probably some mix-up."
"Only on the final list?"
"Yes, sir."
Song's mind reeled. No resume screening, no interview? That screamed parachute hire—someone dropped in from above.
He raked both hands through his hair, furrowing his brow deeply.
"We've finalized counts for every department, and now this headache."
"Is this that 'connections' we've only heard about?"
"Circumstantial evidence says yes. Key question is whose line he's on."
"Why does that matter?"
Song loosened his tie in frustration, downed a bottle of water from his desk, then spoke.
"Kyung-pyo, let's think this through. No resume, no interview, straight to final list—right?"
"Yes."
"You think someone at my level could pull that off?"
"Sorry, sir, but no way."
"Exactly. Needs to be executive level at least. And if we assign him wherever, whose head rolls?"
Ga rolled his eyes upward, pondering, then answered.
"Ours, HR."
"Bingo. Chain reaction from the top down—everything restarts, and we eat shit."
"So what do we do?"
"Hell if I know. I'll check with Executive Director Gwak first."
"Got it."
This was beyond Song's pay grade. He gathered the files and headed to Gwak's office.
"Executive Director, HR Department Head Song Dong-hyun."
JK Credit Info's notorious workload spared no one, not even Executive Director Gwak. Eyes glued to his papers, he replied.
"Save it for lunch if you've got something to say."
"Sir, it's important."
"No time to chit-chat about assignments."
"Sir, please—it's critical."
Gwak finally set his papers down at Song's persistence, looking up.
"What is it?"
"Someone with no resume or interview made the final hire list."
Gwak knew company affairs inside out.
"Haven't heard a thing. You must've misread."
"No, sir. Check this file?"
Gwak examined it closely. He jolted in surprise, just like Song.
"How the hell...?"
"No clue. Can't be a simple error—everything's prepped perfectly."
"An executive... Who could pull this...?"
"Only Executive Director Lee Seong-hyeon."
"Lee? Possible. Hold on—I'll check."
Gwak snatched the receiver and dialed Lee.
"Director Lee, know a Lee Min-ho?"
"First I've heard of him. Why?"
"Nothing. Talk later."
Hanging up, Gwak pondered. If not an executive, only one person could decide this.
He stood, saying,
"Anyone else in HR know besides you?"
"Ga Kyung-pyo, section chief."
"Keep both of you zipped. You know the drill."
"Yes, sir."
Convinced it was the president's plant—not executive level—Gwak grabbed the file and hurried to the president's office.
"President, Executive Director Gwak Jin-un."
"Come in."
Gwak bowed and entered cautiously.
"What brings you at this hour?"
The sharp, raspy voice belonged to Kang Jin-gwang's daughter, Kang Myeong-seon—president of JK Credit Info.
"President, issue with the new hire list."
"What kind?"
"Someone with no screening or interview popped up on the final list."
"And the problem is?"
"Wondered if you ordered it."
Kang Myeong-seon smiled faintly.
"Sharp eye, Gwak. Yeah, I put him in."
"May I ask the connection?"
"My nephew."
A president slotting one employee? No big deal. But the worst name flashed in Gwak's mind.
Dread never lied; bad feelings always hit.
Gwak asked carefully,
"N-No way... Son of Savings Bank President Kang Du-seong... Kang Min-ho?"
"Bingo."
Gwak grimaced involuntarily, sighing.
"Anyone else, fine. But that nephew? Big risk."
"Why risky?"
"Sorry, but after that incident... If he lands in collections..."
Kang Myeong-seon glared sharply.
"Hey, Gwak."
"Yes, President."
"Forgot how you got here?"
"No. You brought me here—saved me."
Gwak had run himself ragged saving a failing SME. Impressed by his grit, she'd scouted him personally.
Mention of the past silenced him.
"Pulled you from frying in the outhouse, now you want the master bedroom?"
"Sorry. No offense meant."
"You know about the big capital infusion coming?"
"Yes."
"Begged my brother for help—his condition? Just hire my nephew. Need more explanation?"
"No, that's plenty."
For security, she probed.
"You know how to handle leaks?"
"Lips sealed."
"Only you know. Rumors spread, you're done."
Gwak mimed zipping his lips, nodding vigorously.
"One more thing."
"Yes?"
"Assign him anywhere—work him hard."
"Pardon? The nephew?"
"Better than ass-kissing and causing drama. Can't handle it?"
"No, sir. Fine."
Standard parachute protocol: cushy treatment behind the scenes. But she ordered the opposite.
Gwak's forehead beaded with sweat like watermelon seeds.
"New hire orientation starts today?"
"Yes, auditorium now."
Glancing at her watch, Kang Myeong-seon said,
"Head to the first floor. He'll be there—bring him up."
"Yes, ma'am."
***
Meanwhile, Min-ho arrived at JK Credit Info in Choi the lawyer's car. Choi reiterated key points worriedly.
"As I said, Young Master..."
"Got it. Here, I'm Lee Min-ho. Junior college grad. Don't chat with anyone unnecessarily."
"Tough ask, but please."
"No hard feelings if I ignore you inside."
"Understood. Lobby on one—guide will meet you. Cross after getting out..."
"I know the way. See you."
To avoid eyes, Min-ho walked from a distance. He soon reached the building.
Looking up, even as a new hire now, he'd worked here long in his past life. Familiar turf.
Straight to the first-floor info desk.
"Hello, how can I help?"
"Here for new hire orientation."
The staffer tilted her head.
"Public recruit this time?"
"Yes, Lee Min-ho."
"Everyone's in session since eight."
"I was told ten."
"Odd—it's well underway in the auditorium."
"Got it. Heading there."
Told to arrive at ten, Min-ho had wondered too. In the '90s, start times were early, never late.
As he moved toward the auditorium, a hefty Gwak came barreling over.
"Wait! Hey!"
Min-ho turned, pointing at himself.
"You! Yes, you!"
An executive sprinting at a new hire? Bizarre. All lobby eyes locked on.
Gwak sensed it, cleared his throat—executive trademark—then said,
"You're Lee Min-ho?"
"Yes."
"This way a sec."
"Orientation's the other way."
"I know. Quick."
"Misunderstanding. I'll head on."
Orders were to fetch him to the president, but Min-ho went opposite.
Gwak trailed like a fidgety pup needing to pee.
Glancing back—no one—he whispered,
"Young Master, President wants you up."
"How do you know me?"
"Upstairs."
"Fine."
In the elevator with Gwak.
"How should I address you?"
"Gwak Executive Director."
"Careful even alone. Executive Director Gwak."
"Yes—wait, right, Employee."
"Who else knows I'm the president's nephew?"
"Just her and me."
"Pleasure working with you."
"Likewise. You first."
Words aside, Gwak hit open and bowed unconsciously.
Min-ho entered the president's office. Kang Myeong-seon waved, cigarette in mouth.
"Hey, nephew—or should I say, Employee?"