The Prime Minister's Perfect Dilemma
Prime Minister Choi Un-seung couldn't hide his bewilderment, trapped in a flawless dilemma. Min-ho had already grasped all of the prime minister's weaknesses through his immense information network. There was only one demand: to mobilize the Stabilization Fund. Refusing it would be tantamount to declaring all-out war on Chairman Kang Jin-gwang. That would mean staking his premiership and the rest of his life on the line.
Min-ho revealed another path through a second envelope. It contained information about the next president. One side was a thorny path filled with nothing but pain; the other, a flowery road bathed in warmth. Unlike before, this was an exceedingly gentle threat. On the surface, it offered a choice, but the correct answer was already set in stone.
With a single word from Min-ho, Prime Minister Choi finally grasped the big picture. He pulled his hand away from the envelope and said,
"Why start a war when we can both just take the good and run with it, right?"
"Yes, Prime Minister. I feel the same. There's no need for JK Group and you to clash."
"Removing the tumor of credit loans tied to Namdo Securities like this... Even after all these years, your sharpness never ceases to amaze me."
Min-ho poured liquor into the glass beside him and placed it before the prime minister, asking once more,
"Can I count on the Stabilization Fund?"
"To be honest, I had considered this move myself. But deciding so suddenly isn't easy for me either."
"This envelope holds your future, Prime Minister. If you want to check it, you'll need to give me your firm commitment."
"You're saying the next resident of Yeonghwadong is in this envelope?"
"Yes, exactly."
Any other company, and he might have scoffed. But information from JK Group was utterly reliable. Knowing the next president could change everything. Of course, to get that envelope, he'd have to promise the Stabilization Fund first. War or peace—it all hinged on Prime Minister Choi's decision.
As the prime minister pondered, puffing on his cigarette, Min-ho dropped a loaded remark.
"Do you think presidents are chosen by votes?"
To someone unaware of the undercurrents, it would sound absurd. Tilting his head, Prime Minister Choi said to Min-ho,
"What you just said outright denies democracy. Not chosen by votes? What on earth do you mean?"
Min-ho drained the glass before him and replied,
"The world has changed. Starting with this election, the candidate backed by JK Group will seize the presidency."
"Does that mean Chairman is becoming the kingmaker?"
"You could say he's holding the key to the Blue House gates."
"So, care to give me a hint on who you're supporting?"
"That's inside this envelope. Promise the Stabilization Fund, and it's yours."
"I can't commit just yet. Though if you provide some insurance, I might reconsider."
The prime minister's gaze shifted to the documents on the left, stuffed with his own scandals.
"If you're worried, I'll handle it for you. And I'll make sure the insurance is ironclad."
Min-ho pulled out a lighter and set the document envelope ablaze. The flames roared up in an instant.
"I'll ensure this doesn't surface during your term. That should be assurance enough."
With terms like that, there was no reason to refuse. Prime Minister Choi chuckled deeply for a long while before responding.
"As expected from Chairman Kang—pinning me down so I can't budge, then sweetening the deal... Fine, tell him I'll call personally within a fortnight."
"Understood. You can check the contents of this envelope now."
"Let's see who Chairman Kang is backing..."
After reviewing the documents, Prime Minister Choi nodded silently and handed them back to Min-ho.
"No one knows what cards will be revealed before they're played in this game... But if Chairman throws his weight behind someone, it's inevitable."
Prime Minister Choi emptied his final glass and stood.
"Don't see me out. No need to draw eyes."
"Understood. Take care."
"Set up another drinking session soon. Come empty-handed next time."
"Yes, Prime Minister."
After seeing off Prime Minister Choi, Butler Moon returned to the room. Pretending ignorance, he asked,
"Young master, the prime minister didn't look too displeased. How'd it go?"
"He'll contact us within a fortnight."
"And if he doesn't move the Stabilization Fund? Do you have a contingency plan?"
Min-ho smiled leisurely and replied,
"If he breaks the promise... We'll spill a little blood, but we'll have to snap the prime minister's neck."
***
Butler Moon arrived at Seongbuk-dong. He'd heard every detail of the meeting without missing a beat, but he couldn't even guess what was in the second envelope Min-ho had handed over.
'The second envelope... Kingmaker... No matter how I think about it, nothing clicks...'
Butler Moon pulled a coin from his pocket and headed to a nearby payphone. He picked up the receiver, hesitated briefly, then dialed somewhere.
"This is Moon Sang-oh."
"Oh, yes! What brings you calling at this hour?"
"I have one thing I'd like to ask."
"You've caught a whiff of something! Care to share?"
"Do you have any specifics on the presidential candidates?"
The man burst into laughter before answering.
"Come on, you of all people should know. It's obvious it'll be one of the two big names, but public opinion is split right down the middle—no one knows for sure."
"The candidates are clear, but the outcome is uncertain?"
"Exactly. Both Daehan Party and Minguk Party have solid picks, but even our side is divided 50-50. Still a few months out, so it's a bit early to say."
"Understood. I'll see you next time."
Min-ho had clearly mentioned the next president. The odds were fifty-fifty, and it was too soon for bold claims.
'Young master has picked a side... There must be something to it...'
No matter how he racked his brain, no answer emerged. Butler Moon headed straight home.
Chairman Kang was on edge, eager for the meeting's details. At the sound of the door—unusual for him—he appeared quickly, hands clasped behind his back.
"I'm back, Chairman."
"So, what was the result?"
"He accepted the proposal. Promised to contact us within a fortnight."
"Is that so? Really?"
If the Stabilization Fund moved, JK Securities could recover most of the 300 billion in toxic credit loans. Chairman Kang let out a hearty laugh and sank into the sofa.
"I never doubted you'd hunt thoroughly, but draining the hive clean? Impressive. So, what did you use to shake Un-seung?"
"The first was a weakness on Prime Minister Choi. Mentions of land suggest speculation suspicions."
"That greedy fool—without a backbone, he's got a massive appetite for money. No doubt he snapped up land in upcoming development zones."
"When young master first brought it up, Prime Minister Choi was furious, even hinting at all-out war."
Chairman Kang was well aware of that angle. Removing the pipe from his mouth, he said,
"He could ditch the premiership and come at us, and we'd have cards to torment him plenty. But even I think that alone wouldn't suffice."
"Young master burned those documents. Then he pulled out the second envelope."
"A second one... You mean he had more prepared?"
"Yes. I expected another weakness. But young master said something unimaginable."
He raised his right hand, pausing Butler Moon. He pondered what card it could be, but nothing specific came to mind.
"Pulling out one more scandal would've blown the meeting for sure... So it wasn't another weakness, as you say."
"He spoke of information on the next president."
Even Chairman Kang hadn't imagined that.
"Are you sure you heard right? Sure, the likely contenders are set, but I haven't decided who to back yet."
"Young master was certain. He just didn't name names."
"Certain? What makes you think so?"
"He said presidents aren't chosen by votes. Then that the candidate JK backs will win."
Hearing Min-ho's words relayed, Chairman Kang laughed so hard the living room shook.
"Aigoo, what a grandson—brimming with audacity."
"He added that you'd become the kingmaker."
"Exactly. Elections aren't won with words, but money. How'd Un-seung react?"
"Promised no scandals during his term, then offered the presidential info—essentially forcing a choice."
"From Un-seung's view, it stripped his pretext to bare his claws. Better to bend him just enough to be useful than break him."
Butler Moon was intensely curious about the second envelope too. After a moment's hesitation, he spoke.
"What do you think about asking young master for specifics?"
"No need. It'll all come out in time."
"Understood."
"First, the Fund's moving, so tip off Beom-seong... As soon as the stock rises, recover the loans immediately."
"Yes, sir."
The election was fast approaching. Chairman Kang would need to fund a frontrunner too.
"Election's right around the corner. We need to back someone—which side are you leaning?"
"Hard to say who's favored right now."
"Fair enough. We should hear from Min-ho soon anyway—need to set up a chance."
Butler Moon quickly checked his notebook schedule and replied,
"Next week is your birthday, Chairman. With the whole family gathered, it's a perfect opportunity."
"Good. Call the kids for that day and hear them out."
"Yes, Chairman."
As they finished and rose, the phone rang. Sensing who it was, Chairman Kang grabbed the receiver himself.
"It's been a while."
"Yes, Chairman. How have you been?"
"An old man like me? Same as always. Sorry I couldn't make it today—busy."
"No, it's fine. I shared plenty with your grandson."
"Already decided...?"
"I'll move the Stabilization Fund. Just calling to confirm one thing."
"Whatever it takes."
After much hesitation, Prime Minister Choi Un-seung spoke.
"Everything your grandson said—was it all on your orders?"
"Yes, I instructed it. Feeling uneasy?"
"No, just wanted your voice to confirm."
"No worries going forward. When's the date?"
"Exactly one week from now, official announcement and fund deployment."
"Good work. See you soon."
Setting down the receiver, Chairman Kang finally smiled in satisfaction. He gazed at the family photo on the wall. No other children caught his eye. Staring at Min-ho's face, he said,
"Starts in a week. Tell Min-ho precisely, and handle the fund transfer."
"Understood, Chairman."
Thanks to his grandson, another worry lifted. Chairman Kang smiled faintly and headed to his study.