Behind the Scenes
***
Athena Conference Room
To push forward Athena Distribution's large discount store plan, they needed an enormous amount of capital. To secure investment funds and boost the stock price simultaneously, the capital increase fund had to be mobilized. The final decision-maker was Finance Minister Choi Un-seung, so Min-ho hurriedly gathered information to prepare a card that could move him.
As Lawyer Choi reviewed the documents, he cautiously raised a concern.
"Young master, there's something I need to tell you."
"I have a feeling it's not good news."
"How about approaching Minister Choi in a slightly different way?"
"Specifically?"
"From past cases, when negotiating with government officials, we usually grabbed their weaknesses and shook them."
"You're saying that won't work this time?"
Lawyer Choi nodded before replying.
"The Finance Ministry holds many cards that can shake companies. We have to consider the possibility that we can't corner Minister Choi."
"If he comes at us ready to die, we'll be the ones bleeding more."
Lawyer Choi's concern was extremely realistic. If the Finance Minister, risking political death, turned the blade of regulation toward JK Group, even Chairman Kang couldn't escape unscathed.
Min-ho was fully aware of that point.
"Being excluded from national policies would be irreversible, and policy disadvantages are entirely possible."
"Yes. Considering Minister Choi's temperament, it's realistically plausible."
"So your opinion is to go for a warm embrace instead of a leash?"
"I judge that method would be effective right now."
"Alright. Let's start the meeting first."
The two moved to the conference room.
Waiting for Min-ho was a massive stack of documents prepared by More Times President Jo Dong-uk.
"You prepared this in one day?"
"I have connections everywhere, so it wasn't too hard."
"Good work. No time to waste—let's get started."
"Yes, sir. I'll give a brief report first."
President Jo handed over the report and explained.
"He owns quite a lot of land under borrowed names. Of course, all prime plots related to the highway opening."
"No coincidence there."
"Exactly. One more key point: he's connected to the recent Shin Young Industries stock issue."
"Land speculation and stock manipulation—two hooks are plenty."
"I can dig deeper if needed."
"No need. Write the article in advance and release it when I give the word."
"Understood."
Once Minister Choi was moved, the next step was stock purchases. Min-ho instructed Section Chief Cheon.
"Section Chief Cheon, prepare for the stock operations."
"Got it. Just tell me the fund size, and I'll have it ready."
"This will take quite some time—are you okay with that?"
"Entrust it to me, and I'll do my absolute best."
Min-ho smiled faintly and held up three fingers.
"30 billion... Two days is plenty."
"No way—you're missing a zero."
Cheon Dong-gwan was well aware of Min-ho's boldness. Even so, 300 billion was an unimaginable sum. He was so shocked he just stared blankly at Min-ho without responding.
"Pardon? 300 billion?"
"Why so surprised? Timing is everything here—prepare without a hitch."
"Don't worry. I'll have it locked down tight."
Min-ho clapped to end the meeting.
"As I always emphasize, keep everything said in this room confidential. That's all for today. Good work, everyone."
"Good work, sir."
Just then, Min-ho's pager buzzed. He checked the sender and picked up the receiver.
"It's Moon Sang-oh."
"How'd it go with Minister Choi?"
"He has ties to the chairman, so it wasn't too difficult. Come to Seodaemun-gu by 7 p.m."
"Got it. Thanks for your efforts."
***
Moon Sang-oh set down the receiver. Chairman Kang, who had been watching intently, spoke up.
"I've laid out the whole board, but the opponent's Un-seung. Even if Min-ho flies high, it's not something to be overly optimistic about. What's your take?"
"Considering Minister Choi's nature, simply grabbing his weakness won't suffice."
"Exactly. That guy's the type to stick his neck out if pushed. He's got grit from scraping up from the bottom—different from the others."
Chairman Kang's worry wasn't unfounded. The Finance Minister wielded immense power. Provoking him meant bracing for retaliation. Though low probability, if it happened, JK Group would suffer some blood loss.
Chairman Kang, puffing on his pipe in deep thought, spoke heavily.
"Min-ho will handle the wild herbs himself. But if he stirs the beehive, our heads will rattle for a while."
Moon Sang-oh knew exactly what he meant.
"I'll go myself."
"Good. Seeing you go puts my mind at ease. You know the rest without me spelling it out, right?"
"Yes, Chairman."
"Report back in detail on what was said."
"Understood. I'll be off."
Moon Sang-oh headed straight to the meeting spot in Seodaemun-gu. The entire hanok restaurant, offering a panoramic view of Seoul's nightscape, had been reserved, and the staff bustled about. Moon Sang-oh meticulously checked every detail to ensure smooth talks.
Time for the appointment. Three luxury sedans arrived precisely on the dot. The suited chauffeur opened the rear door. Finally, Finance Minister Choi Un-seung appeared.
Moon Sang-oh, waiting, bowed politely.
"Aigoo, it's been ages! How long has it been?"
"First time since we met here last. Exactly one year."
"Your poker face is still the same."
"This way, please."
As Minister Choi walked in, he glanced around and asked,
"Has the chairman arrived?"
"I'm sorry, but the chairman won't be attending."
"What do you mean? If the chairman isn't coming, there's no reason for me to be here."
"I'll explain the details once you're inside."
Minister Choi didn't hide his irritation. Moon Sang-oh opened the door. Min-ho greeted him courteously.
"Pleased to meet you. I'm Kang Min-ho."
Not only was Chairman Kang absent, but a young man had come instead. Looking bewildered, he said to Moon Sang-oh,
"What is this? Am I supposed to drink with some kid young enough to be my grandson?"
"That's not the intention at all."
"Intentions aside, I'm done. I'll join next time when the chairman comes."
As he turned to leave, Moon Sang-oh warned in a low voice,
"Would we dare host the minister with just any employee? The young man inside is the chairman's grandson."
Chairman Kang sending his grandson instead of coming himself clearly carried a message. Sensing something amiss, Minister Choi turned back and eyed Min-ho closely. The sharp, piercing eyes were just like the chairman's.
"You could've given a heads-up. If it's the grandson, we could've gotten acquainted properly."
Min-ho bowed again to Minister Choi.
"Pleased to meet you. I'm Kang Min-ho. Thank you for coming all this way."
"Ah... the chairman's grandson?"
"Yes, Minister."
"Nice to meet you. Up close, you look just like the chairman!"
"Thank you. The chairman unfortunately couldn't attend. I ask for your understanding."
"Since I'm here, might as well make the most of it—let's share a meal and get to know each other. Sit."
Soon, the table was laden with exquisite dishes. Moon Sang-oh nodded, and the staff quickly withdrew. Before leaving, he said to Minister Choi,
"Everything Kang Min-ho says from now on represents Chairman Kang Jin-gwang's will."
Minister Choi nodded.
"Entrusting such a heavy role to a grandson barely out of his twenties means he's no ordinary fellow."
"I'll wait outside. Unless you say otherwise, no one enters this room."
"Good. Do that."
Moon Sang-oh closed the door carefully and moved to the next room to listen in.
Thus, the drinking session began.
To execute his plan smoothly, Min-ho had to seize this opportunity. Though his appearance was in his twenties, he had more than enough experience to converse with Minister Choi. With his signature eloquence, he began captivating the minister.
Over the next hour or so, the two exchanged drinks. Before long, Minister Choi was enjoying the conversation with Min-ho.
Emptying his glass, he laughed loudly.
"I don't know what's come over me! You're clearly grandson-age, but you talk like my peer. You're a fun guy. Next time I see the chairman, I'll tell him."
"Glad you're enjoying it. Shall I tell you something even more interesting?"
"Of course! Anything—go ahead."
Minister Choi had no idea what was coming. Min-ho pulled out a document envelope and handed it over carefully. The minister smiled contentedly at first. But as he checked the contents, his face hardened dramatically.
Staring at it with displeasure for a long moment, he finally spoke.
"What the hell is this?"
"As you see, Minister, your Achilles' heel."
"Do you know who I am?"
"Finance Minister Choi Un-seung."
The leash didn't catch, as expected. Minister Choi had many cards. In a situation that would make other officials jump, he responded boldly.
"Surely this isn't on the chairman's orders? If he knows who I am and pulls this, I won't sit idle."
"We didn't bring out your flaw to attack you."
Minister Choi hurled his glass, showing his anger.
"You poke at a fresh wound and say that—how do you think that makes me feel?"
"That flaw could drag you down anytime if it gets out."
"Grabbing weaknesses to shake me... Tell him I won't stay quiet if he shakes."
"We're not here to draw blood from each other."
Min-ho pulled out a second envelope.
"What's this now?"
"This contains detailed information on the next president."
In politics, the key was tightrope walking. Knowing who would seize power let Minister Choi widen his options. Even if the Blue House owner changed, picking the right side meant a cushy top post in the next regime.
Minister Choi licked his lips at the tantalizing bait.
"You know who the next Blue House master is?"
"Yes."
"Let me check first."
As Minister Choi reached for the envelope, Min-ho placed his hand on it to stop him.
"First, I want an answer. Give it, and the envelope is yours."
"You want something... Alright, speak."
After a pause, Min-ho spoke gravely.
"Mobilize the capital increase fund."