27. Second Boss? <Han River Economy> Reporter Nam's Interview Log

Q. To save your time, CEO, let's dive right into the questions. First, we can't avoid mentioning the remarkable achievements you've accomplished in such a short period.

A. Achievements? What achievements are you referring to?

Q. Obviously, your investments. After breaking away from Hwaryeong Group on your own, not only coins but all sorts of investments have been succeeding one after another.

A. Ah, we've just been lucky enough to keep succeeding.

Q. Just... lucky?

A. Yes, investments are ultimately about luck, after all.

I paused for a beat, puzzled.

Q. Well, it's hard to imagine that a company that went independent without the group's help simply got 'lucky' and hit quarterly earnings of 7.4 trillion won...

A. That's because investments are probabilistic, with results that can't be easily predicted.

Q. Hm... Honestly, even setting aside Bitcoin's price surge, you predicted the steep rise of that dog-themed coin, and recently there was the issue with competing for the theme park bid against Hwaryeong Construction.

A. .......

Q. Of course, you failed that latter bid, but like the saying 'blessing in disguise,' ruins were discovered there afterward. Hwaryeong Construction hastily backed out, and rumors swirled about some shady deal with Seoul City, who were suddenly desperate.

...Is this all just coincidence?

A. Haha. Guess that makes me a psychic who can see the future.

The CEO tossed out the joke with a laugh, but honestly, there was no other way to explain it. The more I dug, the more it felt like real divine intervention, but he plainly added a shareholder-targeted remark as if wrapping it up himself.

A.HR always moves first for our shareholders' benefit. We work like busy bees for even greater gains for them. Maybe that's why we see the rewards.

Preliminary research showed HR's stock had skyrocketed over 30 times in three months. An absurd surge that ballooned market cap overnight, bordering on speculation rather than investment. Online, everyone called Cha Do-yeon a scammer, but the Financial Supervisory Service had already investigated and cleared these results. The surprise earnings announcement at the shareholder meeting that rocked the nation was certified legit even by government agencies.

Q. Honestly, I once wrote an article doubting your management skills... but you seem like a completely different person now.

A. Did I? He forgave it generously with a laugh.

A laid-back ease, like water off a duck's back. A far cry from the guy who used to pick fights everywhere.

Q. Even if I don't know the details, it seems something changed your mindset.

A. Yes. And I plan to show more positive changes going forward. There might even be another announcement soon that shareholders will love.

Q. I see...

I wrapped up the warm-up there. Time for the main point. That was the real reason I called him in today.

Q. Alright. Actually, today's core question isn't about your miraculous achievements, but about your intent to acquire Hwaryeong Construction and other 'Hwaryeong' affiliates.

A. Finally, here it comes.

Q. You've already reported heavy buying when Hwaryeong Construction's stock tanked, and with the public tender, you've secured a solid stake. Do you plan to proceed with the M&A like this?

A. To reveal it now: I've already met with CEO Cha Hwa-ryeon and it's underway. But the existing Hwaryeong Group's structure is so complex that there are many procedures to handle.

Q. Th-that's...! I hammered away excitedly at the laptop afterward. Such a massive scoop had my hands shaking a bit.

Q. So, you're the company pushed out, now reversing course to acquire group affiliates?

A. Hearing it laid out like that, yeah.

Q. Like a shrimp growing whale-sized and swallowing it instead—truly unprecedented. How should we view this? Revenge, sharpening your knife after being ousted?

I regretted the question being a bit harsh after blurting it, but the CEO hesitated briefly. He jiggled his leg lightly, then spat it out casually.

A. Can't say there's zero personal feelings, but acquiring Hwaryeong affiliates isn't just forward-looking investment.

Q. Then what is it?

A. For development.

Q....Development?

A. Yes. See it as a step-up to fix Korea's chronic issues and advance further.

Q. Can you explain more specifically?

He shrugged playfully, teasing like he might answer but then pulled back, as if holding in a sneeze.

A. Sorry. Today, let's stick to the Hwaryeong Construction acquisition.

Q....My gut says something massive is shifting since the ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠late Chairman Cha Seong-taek's passing. Can't give any hints?

A. Sorry again. It could shake up Korea's entire conglomerate scene, so it's confidential for now.

Q.......Understood.

A sly smile, unclear if bravado or just banter. The interview proceeded calmly afterward. On Cha Hwa-ryeon's treatment as former CEO, HR's future vision post-independence, etc. Cha Do-yeon answered fluidly and openly about handling crisis-hit Hwaryeong Construction. Plenty of solid info filled the log up to here.