The Third Power, Daeyoung (1)
The Hana-hoe was, in essence, an organization firmly under JD’s thumb, but it was only natural for other heavyweights to exist within its ranks. Even Yoon-gi’s YK Group, while clearly controlled by him, had top-tier executives like Ryu Geun-tae, Choi Cheol-ho, and Kang Seok-ho. Similarly, one of the most powerful figures in the Hana-hoe at present was undoubtedly the current Army Chief of Staff, Choi Hee-du.
If history had followed its original course, he was the most loyal of loyalists, the very foundation JD had laid down to stage a "second coup" to reign supreme over N. JD had intended to frame it as a "decision to save the nation" if N, once elected president, refused to listen. Therefore, excluding JD, the number one, and N, the current number two, Choi Hee-du was effectively the number three in the hierarchy. And that very man was currently meeting with Kim Nam-ik, the chairman of the Daeyoung Group.
"My, Chairman, what brings you here today?"
Choi Hee-du’s attitude was filled with intimacy. The air in the office felt almost warm.
"I haven't seen you in a while, Chief, so I thought I’d pay a visit."
"I’m always happy to see you. Shall we have green tea again today?"
"As expected, you’re the only one who remembers my preferences."
"A Chairman’s preferences are one of the things I must keep in mind."
There was no trace of arrogance in Choi Hee-du’s smile. It was only natural, as Daeyoung was the top-tier conglomerate currently aligning itself most aggressively with Choi Hee-du.
In fact, the Daeyoung Group had once tried to align with JSD. However, Yoon-gi had already laid the groundwork before JSD’s promotion, leaving no room for Daeyoung to wedge itself in. That left the "Three Heos" and N. But since they were essentially on the same level as JD, one wrong move could put them in JD’s bad graces. Thus, Kim Nam-ik focused on Choi Hee-du—not the "number two," but the "number one in the successor line."
"Here, have some."
At Choi Hee-du’s invitation, Kim Nam-ik smiled and picked up his teacup. Kim Nam-ik usually wore an incredibly impassive expression, but he could change his face whenever necessary. And so, the late afternoon tea time remained quite pleasant, even when Kim Nam-ik brought up the main topic.
"Chief, are you aware that the business world is quite noisy these days?"
"Ah, I’ve heard. I heard Chairman Han of Cheonma has practically taken to his bed."
Kim Nam-ik nodded.
"That is correct. By any chance, are you also aware of the rumors regarding Chairman Jung?"
"Well... I don't know the details, but I’ve heard the gist of it. They say nearly 100 billion won is sleeping in Chairman Jung’s residence, don't they?"
"You are well-informed. Of course, it’s uncertain whether that money is still at his house."
Even if it wasn't the ANSP, the intelligence-gathering capability of the Army Chief of Staff was by no means low. He not only had connections to the ANSP but also operated his own independent intelligence network. That was why Choi Hee-du had been chosen by Kim Nam-ik. Even if his intelligence was lacking compared to JSD, he was a card worth playing.
"According to what I’ve heard through my contacts in the Defense Security Command, former and current U.S. military personnel are currently guarding Chairman Jung’s residence. Considering that, it’s not impossible that the money is still lying dormant there."
"Of course, it could be a trap."
"Exactly. That is why no one has been able to raid Chairman Jung’s house yet."
The 100 billion won in cash that Jung Woo-ho had swindled from the conglomerates. It was incredibly attractive information for those in power. Because if they set their minds to it, they could take it whenever they wanted.
"At first, it was money that the conglomerates—excluding myself—intended to offer to His Excellency, so no one could touch it."
"And now, it cannot be touched because Guster is protecting it."
Physically suppressing the U.S. military stationed in Korea was not difficult for the military regime. The problem was the aftermath. If they defeated the U.S. soldiers at Jung Woo-ho’s house and seized the money, Guster would mobilize the United States to pressure Korea. The pressure the U.S. had exerted on Korea in the past was beyond imagination. The fact that even Lee or P could be ousted from power if they didn't listen to the U.S. was proof of that.
"If it were 100 percent certain that the money was there, you would have been a bit conflicted, wouldn't you, Chief?"
At Kim Nam-ik’s joking remark, Choi Hee-du also gave a bitter smile and nodded.
"That’s true. It’s a lot of money; it would have been worth taking a gamble."
"But if the money isn't there, you’d be in a dilemma. You wouldn't get the money, and you’d have to deal with an enraged Guster."
"Exactly. In a word, it’s a pie in the sky. A pie in the sky."
Watching Choi Hee-du chuckle, Kim Nam-ik finally moved on to the real business.
"The other conglomerates must never have imagined that Chairman Jung Woo-ho would side with YK. If I had joined forces with the other conglomerates this time, I would never have entrusted Chairman Jung Woo-ho with such a position."
"Oh, is that so?"
As Choi Hee-du looked at him with a somewhat impressed expression, Kim Nam-ik nodded.
"That is correct. Didn't you tell me before, Chief? That Chairman Jung’s children are adopted."
"That is correct."
"In an era where even blood ties are hard to trust, entrusting the vanguard of inheritance and gift-related matters to a Chairman who has no blood relatives, only adopted children, is a huge problem in itself. They were short-sighted."
"Perhaps the others didn't know that fact?"
"Then they paid the price for neglecting their information gathering."
At Kim Nam-ik’s calm remark, Choi Hee-du nodded, looking as if he agreed completely.
"They say the reason Chairman Jung Woo-ho betrayed them was because of the Samwoo Chairman’s daughter. Someone with nothing to lose is certainly an opponent you cannot judge rationally."
Kim Nam-ik had already grasped the reason for Jung Woo-ho’s betrayal. Thus, Choi Hee-du asked a question he had been curious about.
"True, if he were a man with a normal family and many blood relatives, he wouldn't have made such a decision. But I have one question."
"What is it?"
"Why did you, Chairman, not get involved in this matter?"
Finally, Kim Nam-ik succeeded in drawing out the words he wanted from Choi Hee-du.
"Currently, YK has the ANSP Director, or rather, His Excellency himself, held tight, and Guster on their side. Furthermore, public opinion is also favorable toward YK. In that situation, confronting YK could never be a good idea."
"Then, were you just planning to take the hit, Chairman?"
Kim Nam-ik shook his head.
"If that bill hadn't been led by YK, but by His Excellency, I would have found another way."
"Another way... I don't think that means persuading His Excellency...?"
Kim Nam-ik smiled lightly, as if he liked the sharp-witted Choi Hee-du.
"That is correct. There is always a way to save on taxes if you look for it. I would have hired a large number of talents well-versed in tax law to find a new loophole."
"I see... that makes sense. I also understand why you didn't join the other conglomerates. But why couldn't the other conglomerates think of that?"
"It’s all because there was an easy path. Once people find an easy path, they don't try to pioneer new ones. Even if a lion appears on that easy path, they tend to think, 'Should I just try to pass by?'"
At Kim Nam-ik’s feigned sigh, Choi Hee-du glanced at Kim Nam-ik’s hand, which only had two fingers left.
"Anyway, Chief. I’m thinking of starting to move soon, and I would like your help, if that’s alright?"
The situation had reached the climax of the narrative. However, Choi Hee-du looked a bit troubled.
"I really want to help you, but helping to attack YK is a bit... Especially since Chairman Choi has been receiving great favor from His Excellency lately..."
Since Choi Hee-du was also a beneficiary of the mini-department store project from the start, it was certainly difficult to attack YK.
"You don't need to worry about that."
"Pardon?"
Kim Nam-ik showed a deep smile toward the puzzled Choi Hee-du.
"I have no intention of attacking YK. I will attack the other conglomerates."
"The other conglomerates...? Ah...!"
Only then, as if he had realized something, Choi Hee-du slapped his knee with his palm. A sharp sound echoed through the room.
"My people have suffered a lot of damage this time. However, it is difficult to investigate the case with police power alone. That is why I am asking you, Chief. Please, I beg you to resolve the grudges of my people."
At the sight of Kim Nam-ik even shedding tears, Choi Hee-du nodded, recalling the gifts he had received from Kim Nam-ik over the years. 'If it’s not attacking YK, but rather attacking the conglomerates that are YK’s enemies, I can help as much as I want. I should use this opportunity to make Chairman Kim’s debt to me even deeper.'
Choi Hee-du, the fourth-highest ranking officer in the military, began to move for Kim Nam-ik.
* * *
When you hear the term "military regime," you might think the police in the 80s were powerless, but that’s not true. As you can see from the Hwaseong serial murder case, the coercive investigations by the police in the 80s were incredibly notorious. It was said that if you went into a police station as a suspect, you’d come out a cripple. Moreover, it was the police of this era who didn't hesitate to frame innocent people as criminals. Of course, the current era doesn't seem much different, but in that era, communication wasn't developed, so these police practices were never exposed. It was truly an omnipotent investigation method.
However, even these police were uncomfortable treating conglomerates carelessly. Because the conglomerates were building relationships with the "military." Therefore, Kim Nam-ik had made a proposal to Choi Hee-du, the number three in the military, from the very beginning, and Choi Hee-du, living up to Kim Nam-ik’s expectations, was directing a full-scale investigation into the case where Daeyoung Group’s people had been killed or seriously injured.
It was a clear overreach of authority. However, no police officer dared to protest against the military, and the investigation progressed very rapidly. It was an investigation where they would drag anyone in who showed even the slightest connection and resort to torture. Although there were those who gave false confessions under torture, the soldiers, who gradually found the higher-ups through cross-verification, finally succeeded in finding all the evidence and witnesses, and identified those who had removed or caused accidents to the Daeyoung Group’s people. And then came the police’s referral for detention and the prosecutor’s indictment.
"Thank you. All of this is thanks to you, Chief."
"Not at all. I haven't been able to be of much help to you, Chairman, because I lacked power, but I am glad I could be of help this time."
Kim Nam-ik and Choi Hee-du exchanged glasses with a bottle of Chivas Regal between them. Things had really, truly worked out well. From criminal lawsuits regarding the safety of his people to civil lawsuits regarding breach of contract by other conglomerates. It was unfolding at an unprecedented speed. However.
Even though everything had gone pleasantly, Daeyoung lost every single case in the first-instance verdict, which should have ended on a high note.