The Price of Failure
"Eldest grandson, you must abandon Jung Taeryong."
"Abandon him? What do you mean by that...?"
"Attempting to kill the son-in-law of a former U.S. Army General is an act of treason of the highest order. If this were to be exposed to the public, the shockwaves hitting Daehan Group would be catastrophic."
JSD’s words were not a threat; they were a cold, hard fact. While Guster already knew the truth, if he were to start making an official issue of it, this would never end simply. JSD continued, "The anger of the parties involved in this incident, including Mr. Guster, is beyond measure. Therefore, I will have Jung Taeryong taken to the ANSP headquarters privately."
"Agh!" Jung Gangpil let out a gasp before he could stop himself. Taken to the ANSP. There wasn't a soul in the country who didn't know what that implied.
"Chief of Security, please, I beg of you, just this once, show mercy! I implore you!"
But JSD shook his head. "This is the best I can do. You have only two choices, Chairman: either this incident becomes public knowledge and Daehan Group suffers the consequences, or Jung Taeryong takes personal responsibility for his own actions."
"Please..."
"Sigh, I have no choice then. If you continue like this, I will have to frame it so that Jung Taeryong acted under your direct orders..."
Jung Gangpil’s eyes widened in an instant. 'He’s saying it would be pinned on me?' No matter how close the bloodline, he couldn't die in his grandson's place. Eventually, Jung Gangpil was rendered speechless. Shedding crocodile tears, he accepted JSD’s proposal.
"Oh, and there is one more thing you must do."
"What... is it...?"
"Hand over all technology-related documents held by Daehan Electronics, a subsidiary of Daehan Group, to YK."
"Ugh!" The shock was so immense that Jung Gangpil felt as if his neck might snap. Transferring the core technology of his electronics company was, in effect, creating a rival with equal capabilities with his own hands.
"Well, if you can't do it, that’s fine. Either the entire group goes down, or we end it at this level. I’ve shown a lot of restraint as it is. You do understand what it means that I even knelt before you, don't you?"
In reality, JSD hadn't actually knelt. However, the implication was enough to make Jung Gangpil’s blood run cold.
"I... understand..."
Until a moment ago, his sympathy for his grandson had been stronger, but now, mixed with deep resentment, Jung Gangpil had no choice but to bow his head. A faint smile played on JSD’s lips as he watched him. 'Well, I suppose this covers my own face as well.'
He recalled a past conversation with Ryu Geun-tae: 'Is YK interested in technology-related sectors later on?'
[We are interested, but we currently lack the capacity. We are considering it for the future if the conditions allow.]
Having heard Ryu Geun-tae’s thoughts, JSD was providing a form of compensation for this incident. After all, it was true that he had pressured JSD at Jung Gangpil’s request. Furthermore, it included a punishment for Jung Gangpil, who had dared to pressure him. While the outflow of YK’s foreign currency was indeed a problem, Jung Gangpil had made a grave mistake by using it to threaten him, so JSD had seized the opportunity to deliver a heavy blow. 'How dare he.' That was JSD’s final, brief thought. The 1980s—the era where the military devoured the business world—was reaching its midpoint.
"Hahaha! What a stroke of luck in the middle of the night!" Choi Ki-hyun’s hearty laughter echoed through the study. It was a rare occasion where Yoon-gi was sitting in a seat other than the head of the table. Yoon-gi’s expression was bright as he spoke to his grandfather, who sat in the seat of honor.
"Are you that happy?"
"Happy? Of course! Samwoo Electronics was already struggling with its technical prowess, and now Daehan Electronics’ technology is coming straight to us. If this isn't a good thing, what is?"
Choi Ki-hyun was so overjoyed that a tear even pricked his eye; it was a smile that could only be described as 100 percent happiness.
"I’m glad you’re happy, Grandfather."
"I am indeed. But," Choi Ki-hyun stopped laughing and looked at Yoon-gi with a face full of worry. "From now on, don't take such risks. It was fortunate that the opponent only hired a truck driver, but what would you have done if he had come in person with a gun or a knife?"
Jung Taeryong pulling out a pistol and firing at Yoon-gi. The thought alone was so terrifying that Choi Ki-hyun shook his head vigorously.
"Oh, that wouldn't have happened."
"You never know what people are capable of."
"To begin with, he didn't even drive the truck himself; he hired someone else. I had Jung Taeryong figured out. In the end, he was just a coward who couldn't bring himself to commit suicide-by-action."
Yoon-gi’s assessment was accurate. If he had truly been willing to throw everything away to cause harm, he would have accounted for the truck driver’s failure and made a backup plan to carry it out himself. But Jung Taeryong had clung to his dreams of winning the lottery until the very end, and because of that, he lost everything. Even so, his logic didn't erase his grandfather’s concern.
"Still, you must be careful. There are truly many insane people in this world that you couldn't even imagine."
"Management is all about taking risks, isn't it? But since you’re worried, I’ll try not to take on this level of risk in the future."
"Yes, it puts my mind at ease to hear you say that. And one more thing."
"Yes?"
"Management, you see... taking risks is fine, but knowing how to eliminate risk is also management. Why do you think businessmen like me sprinkle money on politicians we find unsightly? It’s all to cross a stone bridge rather than wading through the current ourselves when crossing a river."
"I’ll keep that in mind."
"Good, I like that you’re quick to understand." Choi Ki-hyun smiled contentedly before speaking again. "By the way, because of this incident, most groups will find it difficult to pressure YK."
"I think so too. Word is spreading through the business world that JSD has openly taken YK’s side."
Indeed, the fact that Daehan Electronics had transferred technology to YK without conditions was already quietly circulating. Who could force such a technology transfer? Only a tiny handful of people at the pinnacle of power. No, it was something only JSD could pull off, aside from JD. It was effectively a public declaration that it was impossible for other chaebols to pressure YK through "solicitations." Of course, that didn't mean it was impossible, but if they made a huge mistake like this? Since the group could be wiped out in an instant, it meant that the only way to pressure YK in the future would be through fair competition.
"Then, do you intend to reinvest domestically?"
"Domestic reinvestment is good, but now that things have turned out this way, I think it’s worth trying foreign investment as well. Not a complete shift, of course, just a partial one. I already invested the remaining balance of the loan I took out for the second branch into Japan, so I’ll have to save up for a while."
Since the second branch of YK Department Store was currently undergoing remodeling of a department store acquired from CES, a significant amount of money had been saved, and as a result, the amount invested in Japan was quite large. Consequently, YK was currently on an austerity policy. However, it was also a clear fact that thanks to the massive daily sales of YK Department Store, they would be able to gather investment funds again in just a few months.
"Yes, you’re already a better manager than I am, so I’m sure you’ll handle it well."
"No, that’s not true. I might have some superior abilities, but I can never replicate the skills you’ve accumulated through experience. So, please continue to teach me whenever you have a chance. You will, right?"
Choi Ki-hyun smiled at his grandson’s appropriate flattery, and soon, he brought up the question he had pushed to the back of his mind with a look of hostility. "Come to think of it, what’s going to happen to that guy, Jung Taeryong?"
Jung Taeryong was receiving a very "splendid" reception at the ANSP, to the point where Choi Ki-hyun didn't need to worry.
[We’ve received what we were promised, so please treat him appropriately—just make sure he doesn't run wild anymore.]
That was Ryu Geun-tae’s message. However, JSD added a special directive, fueled by the resentment that a young brat had dared to try and influence him. Thanks to this, the ANSP specialists began to treat Jung Taeryong to a full-course meal—one that would ensure he stayed alive, but only just.
It was a hellish place where even the most strong-willed people would have their eyes glazed over after just three days. January 1984. Jung Taeryong was undoubtedly the one receiving the most "splendid" treatment at the ANSP, and as a result, he couldn't help but scream day after day. Human rights? In a place where such things were thrown to the dogs, the screams were truly desperate, and watching the wretched scene, Kim Ryeon covered her mouth with both hands as she looked down at Jung Taeryong from the air.
Her mouth, hidden by her hands, was naturally curled into a smile. Seeing that, Choi Deok-bae asked. Kim Ryeon nodded without hesitation as she looked at Jung Taeryong, who no longer had a shred of spirit left in him.
[Yes. Truly... I am truly satisfied. I never thought I would be able to see a sight like this...]
Kim Ryeon gave a soft smile at Choi Deok-bae’s lighthearted remark, and Choi Deok-bae felt his heart race once more as he watched that smile. Choi Deok-bae’s attempt to say something was cut short. Kim Ryeon’s figure began to fade slowly like a mirage.
[Ah...]
Choi Deok-bae let out a cry at the sight of Kim Ryeon, who seemed surprised herself. Seeing Choi Deok-bae stomping his feet, Kim Ryeon spoke to him with a look that was regretful yet somewhat relieved.
[I must have been... too satisfied. I’m sorry... If I had stayed here, I could have been with you, Seonbi-nim, a little longer...]
[Thank you... Thank you so much... If, in the next life...]
The rest of his words were drowned out by Choi Deok-bae’s wailing, and soon, Kim Ryeon disappeared completely. And all that remained was...
[If it is possible... please take care of my baby...]
Choi Deok-bae, who had picked up the outer garment Kim Ryeon left behind—a hanbok embroidered with gorgeous patterns—could not leave the spot for a long time.
Although Choi Deok-bae had been crying all day by his side, Yoon-gi couldn't bring himself to say anything to him. 'Sigh.' Choi Deok-bae was just weeping, clutching the outer garment Kim Ryeon had left behind in both hands. It was a pure-hearted devotion that didn't match his age, but Yoon-gi wasn't so insensitive as to scold him when he was grieving so deeply.
'Well... I suppose time is the only medicine.' Yoon-gi’s gaze shifted to another ghost who was patting Choi Deok-bae’s back, seemingly comforting him. Lee Jae-seo. Ever since Kim Ryeon disappeared, Yoon-gi had been able to see Lee Jae-seo. He was a middle school student with a somewhat clumsy appearance, wearing glasses. Of course, he couldn't communicate like Choi Deok-bae or Kim Ryeon; he was a being capable of only the most basic level of communication. But for some reason, Lee Jae-seo was acting as if he were comforting Choi Deok-bae, and Choi Deok-bae, seemingly not bothered by the gesture, just focused on his crying.
"For now, I’m going to Secretary Ryu’s wedding, so follow me if you feel like it."
Leaving the sobbing Choi Deok-bae behind, Yoon-gi headed to the wedding of Ryu Geun-tae, who was finally shedding his bachelor status after 40 years.