Screwing Over the Korean Chaebols (3)
At that moment, JD’s body jolted. The proposal was enticing enough to sway anyone’s heart. "Ahem...! What exactly do you mean by that...?"
To JD, who was feigning ignorance, Choi Ki-hyun didn't change his expression at all, continuing in a serious tone. "Your Excellency, I want you to know that everything I am about to say comes from my absolute loyalty to you."
"I know. I am well aware of your intentions, Chairman. Please, go ahead and speak."
With JD’s permission granted, Choi Ki-hyun continued. "Your Excellency, your term ends in two years."
"That is correct."
"And you have promised the public a single seven-year term."
"That is also correct."
JD’s expression turned sour at this response. After all, it was the greatest of his weaknesses. "But what if you were to run for president yourself in the upcoming election?"
"Hmm..."
JD had certainly considered this part as well. Even by his own estimation, pushing forward with a military regime to extend his rule was practically impossible. This wasn't just because he feared the public; there was also pressure from the United States. Surprisingly, the flow of Korean political history wasn't shaped solely by the power of its citizens. The power holders only yielded when the strength of the citizens and the pressure from the U.S. converged. When the U.S. pressured them alone, they refused, claiming the citizens didn't want it; when the citizens wanted it, they refused, claiming the U.S. didn't. But what if both wanted it? No matter how powerful or dictatorial one might be, there was no way out. That was why JD was already contemplating running for office through 'normal methods' in two years.
"Your current tenure is only a presidency in name; it has effectively been a regency. When you run in '87, you will be running as a 'real president.' If that happens, I see a very high probability of success."
"Do you truly think so, Chairman?"
JD’s face brightened, and a smile appeared. Of course, this was a story fabricated to suit his needs, but to JD, it sounded incredibly appealing. 'There is nothing more foolish than pointing out the faults of someone who is already grumbling because of their own mistakes.' Choi Ki-hyun understood exactly how to handle JD through his long life experience. With the Silk Road that Yoon-gi had paved and Choi Ki-hyun’s seasoned wisdom, JD was gradually drawn into his words.
"Then, to what extent can you support me?"
"If it ensures your continued rule, I will provide unlimited support. We are a company that grew through your grace. Therefore, we are prepared to offer everything for your sake."
At Choi Ki-hyun’s firm words, JD wore a satisfied expression. 'Certainly, I have paid attention to YK in my own way. Chairman Choi must think that if I stay in power, I will pay even more attention to them.' JD calculated in his head and nodded. Of course, since it was a promise for two years later, JD didn't simply take Choi Ki-hyun’s word for it.
"If you say it like that, I have no choice but to believe you. However, there is one thing I would like you to do."
"And what would that be?"
"The legislation you are requesting—please propose it to me directly at the luncheon with the other chaebol leaders. If you do that, I will accept the proposal and implement the law."
It was an insurance policy JD had quickly devised. If Choi Ki-hyun refused this, JD would surely suspect him.
"Of course. There is no reason I cannot do that."
Choi Ki-hyun’s act of nodding with a bright smile effectively wiped away any suspicion JD might have had. 'Phew, I’m glad that was the question I expected.' Despite his calm expression, Choi Ki-hyun was sweating bullets down his back, but JD didn't notice a thing.
"The weakening of the chaebols' power means the strengthening of the politician's power, and isn't the politician, in essence, you, Your Excellency? This legal revision will give you wings."
"And it will give wings to YK’s back as well. The moment I win the election in '87, YK will become the number one company in the country. Samwoo will become the second."
"You don't have to promise that. We will simply follow you."
"Good. Very good."
JD smiled brightly. He had no idea of the existence of Yoon-gi, who stood behind Choi Ki-hyun.
* * *
After leaving JD’s office, JSD immediately called Choi Ki-hyun back to his own office.
"I apologize for calling you back."
"Not at all. I am happy to see your face again, Chief."
Since they had already shared much casual conversation earlier, JSD went straight to the point. "How did the discussion go?"
"It went very well. His Excellency gave his permission."
JSD felt frustrated that he didn't get the answer he wanted. Since JSD was already wiretapping JD, he knew exactly what they had talked about. That was why JSD wanted to hear the words he wanted from Choi Ki-hyun himself.
"How did he give his permission?"
"Ah, we decided to proceed by having me propose it to His Excellency at the upcoming luncheon."
The answer he wanted had finally come. JSD looked at Choi Ki-hyun with a very worried expression. "Chairman, I say this out of genuine concern, but that method will absolutely not be good for you."
Surprisingly, JSD was prioritizing Choi Ki-hyun’s well-being over JD’s. This method was JD’s way of buying safety, yet JSD was opposing it.
"Is that so?"
At Choi Ki-hyun’s question, JSD nodded. "Yes. If you propose it at the luncheon, all the other chaebols will know who suggested the bill."
"That is true. The other chaebols need to know as well."
"No, that doesn't matter at all. The problem is that you will become the enemy of the other chaebols, Chairman."
"I suppose so. From their perspective, it will feel like their inheritance is being obstructed."
"And you are still pushing forward with this knowing that?"
"Yes. For YK to pour all its strength into supporting His Excellency in the future, the power of the other chaebols needs to be weakened. In the '87 election, our YK will support His Excellency with all our might."
"This... ah, never mind."
JSD started to say something, then hurriedly closed his mouth and continued. "Hmm... I just wish you wouldn't suffer any harm, Chairman..."
"I am at a loss for words that you would personally worry about me, Chief. However, I am prepared. His Excellency’s re-election means your re-election as well. I see this legal revision in a positive light."
"Hmmmm..."
In the end, JSD sent him away without being able to persuade him. There was no way to convince a man who spoke only of principles and revealed no selfish motives. JSD immediately called his secretary. "How do you think this will play out?"
"It will become a fight between Chairman Choi and the other chaebols."
"Is there really not a single person on Chairman Choi’s side?"
The secretary nodded. "At least among the powerful chaebols, there won't be a single one. Because they are bound together by blood. However, those among them who were pushed out of power struggles, and the lower-tier chaebols with no power, will stand behind Chairman Choi."
"What meaning is there in the powerless chaebols banding together?"
"Exactly. There is no meaning at all."
"Damn it... is there no way I can help Chairman Choi?"
JSD’s secretary was competent. He gave an answer quickly. "There is not."
"Ugh... is that true?"
Because JSD deeply trusted his secretary’s competence, he didn't get angry but asked with a desperate expression. "Yes, there is no personal way for you to help, Chief. However, the legal revision will happen anyway. And you will be lending a hand to it as well."
"What? Really? What does that mean?"
At the childlike question, the secretary explained. "Judging by the conversation between His Excellency and Chairman Choi, His Excellency will push this revision with all his might 'once he makes up his mind.' YK’s loyalty, proving they are the first to donate whenever a fund is requested, has been proven. He will trust Chairman Choi, who caters to his needs, far more than he will cater to the other chaebols."
"Yes, that is certainly true."
The secretary had laid out a foreshadowing, but JSD focused on the entire statement rather than the foreshadowing. "Then it’s obvious. His Excellency will suppress the chaebols and lawmakers who oppose this bill with all his might. He won't hesitate to use the ANSP. Furthermore, since this legal revision prevents the illegal inheritance of the chaebols, the public will be on His Excellency’s side this time."
"Certainly... that must be it. Then there’s nothing to worry about?"
"The world is unpredictable. That is why I believe we should assist in this matter and try to eliminate variables."
"Yes, eliminating variables. That is very important. Good, I will assist in this matter with all my might."
As JSD nodded vigorously, the secretary suddenly asked a 'strange' question. "Chief."
"Yes? What is it?"
"May I ask a casual question?"
"That’s fine. You don't even need to ask permission for that."
"Thank you for your permission. Then I will ask. Chief, do you love your sons?"
At the mention of his sons, a smile spread across JSD’s face. His excellent, proud children who almost never missed being first or second in their entire school. Furthermore, thanks to spending more time with his children, JSD’s home life had become truly harmonious. Unlike ever before.
"The expression I am wearing right now is the answer."
"I understand."
JSD asked the secretary, who was nodding, as if he were curious. "Is that all?"
"Yes, I was just curious about that."
At the sight of the secretary’s rare smile, JSD spoke. "It seems you are thinking of your family as well."
"That is correct."
Two smiles spread softly in the office. But the secretary was lying. 'If His Excellency loves his sons... then I should just watch YK’s moves.'
* * *
The luncheon between the President and the chaebols. It had now become natural for Choi Ki-hyun to attend. Although the owner of YK was his grandson Yoon-gi, the situation was clear that the actual background was Choi Ki-hyun. Therefore, Choi Ki-hyun had the qualifications to attend this seat. Not as the 'Chairman of Samwoo who donated a lot,' but as the 'ruler of YK, which rivals the top 10 companies.'
"Now, let us eat."
The meal began at JD’s words. The luncheon, which had been proceeding warmly while discussing future economic situations and plans, became noisy due to Choi Ki-hyun’s remarks.
"No, Chairman Choi, what are you saying? Do you think that makes any sense?"
At the words of the 3rd-ranked group chairman, Choi Ki-hyun wore a puzzled expression. "I merely suggested the revision. His Excellency will decide whether to accept it or not."
"No, I’m asking how you could make such a proposal in the first place! Have you lost your mind?"
It was a remark far removed from etiquette, but Choi Ki-hyun didn't get angry at all, and JD didn't stop him either. JD wanted to see the progression of the conversation.
"My mind is sound. I am curious what part of the proposal I made to His Excellency is problematic. Would you share your wise opinion?"
At Choi Ki-hyun’s very calm words, Park Hae-chan, the chairman of the 3rd-ranked Haesung Group, finally shouted. "You suggested such a revision because you don't have much property to pass on anyway!"