The Soviet Opening
"Huh?" JD let out a somewhat dim-witted sound before turning his attention back to Choi Ki-hyun. "Wait, no. Are you saying that Mr. Geuster is also considering an expansion into the Soviet Union?"
"That is correct." Choi Ki-hyun didn't offer a long explanation, deliberately keeping his answer brief. He knew this was the best way to let JD rationalize the current situation on his own.
"Hmph... The U.S.-Soviet trade dispute is at its peak, yet you want to establish a corporation in the U.S. to invest there?"
"Yes. I don't know the full details myself, but it seemed he hoped to establish a corporation in the U.S., as he claimed he could secure tacit approval from the White House. However, since I am Korean, I thought it would be more appropriate to establish it in Korea... Even just considering the taxes, wouldn't it be right to pay them in Korea?"
Currently, Yoon-gi held South Korean citizenship, but his younger sister, Jung-ah, held American citizenship. If they were to establish a corporation in the U.S., they would naturally appoint Jung-ah as the representative. If that happened, the taxes on the profits YK earned in the Soviet Union would flow entirely into the U.S.—not to mention the taxes that should have been paid to the Soviet Union.
'YK already pays an astronomical amount in taxes. If I lose the tax revenue from the profits earned in the Soviet Union...'
No matter how much of a dictator one might be, securing tax revenue was absolutely essential. Even for performative projects, you needed tax money to implement them. Because of this, JD hurriedly nodded.
"That is correct. If you are Korean, you should naturally pay taxes in Korea. Hahaha."
"In truth, even if we establish the corporation in the U.S., I would want to appoint Yoon-gi as the representative, but the tax burden would become far too severe. That is why I sought your opinion, Excellency, and I am truly relieved that you have given such a generous approval."
"Didn't I already tell you last time that I would grant you permission? Hahahaha!"
Thinking his true intentions hadn't been discovered, JD laughed loudly on purpose. Watching him, Choi Ki-hyun suppressed a bitter smile. A long time ago, during the days of P's dictatorship and the early days of JD's, he couldn't even meet them; even meeting their subordinates made his knees tremble. It was so bad that if something went wrong, he would have had to prostrate himself before those subordinates.
But not anymore. He hadn't seen P in person, but even with JD right in front of him, he felt no pressure at all. Realizing that all of this was thanks to his grandson, Yoon-gi, Choi Ki-hyun felt a profound sense of emotion regarding his own life.
"Ah, how do you intend to proceed with the business?"
At JD's question, Choi Ki-hyun brought up the second purpose of the day.
"Ah, regarding that part, there is also something I need your permission for."
"What is it? I will grant you anything."
Having agonized over the permission, JD had decided to generously grant this second request. Of course, things in this world rarely go exactly as one intends.
"Yes, it is nothing other than the person I intend to put at the vanguard of this Soviet expansion."
"The vanguard? Doesn't YK have plenty of talent? I've heard that President Ryu is quite an impressive person, and your third son, President Choi, is also very capable. Or, it might be good to have your grandson, Yoon-gi, handle the work himself this time."
However, Choi Ki-hyun shook his head.
"That is... by any chance, do you remember President Kang Seok-ho of the Shin-sang Group?"
In an instant, JD's face turned into the expression of someone who had just eaten feces. JD was well aware that Kang Seok-ho was still holding a position under the YK Group. He had left him alone because he had received a promise that they would squeeze out everything they could before discarding him. But the moment he heard the name, he couldn't help but feel his mood sink.
"Are you saying you intend to use President Kang Seok-ho for the Soviet expansion?"
At JD's words, Choi Ki-hyun nodded cautiously.
"That is correct."
"Why?"
At JD's reaction, which was almost 'hostile,' Choi Ki-hyun replied while maintaining a tone that would avoid offending him as much as possible.
"In truth, isn't it a fact that the relationship between Korea and the Soviet Union is not exactly smooth?"
The Soviet Union had been a clear enemy during the Korean War. Of course, relations had recovered to some extent in the 70s, but as the U.S.-Soviet trade dispute intensified, the relationship between Korea and the Soviet Union had cooled once again. At least in this world, the '007 airliner' incident—the Soviet shootdown of a civilian plane—had not occurred. However, just because they weren't openly hostile didn't mean the relationship wasn't cold, and it was a clear fact that there was risk involved.
"That is true."
Despite his sour expression, JD nodded. Choi Ki-hyun put on a deliberately grim expression.
"The Soviet Union is a communist country. In other words, it is a place where you never know what might happen. That is why I intend to send President Kang. If any trouble arises, we can pin it all on President Kang. Of course, I will be sending my grandson, Yoon-gi, but the representative will be President Kang... That is my goal."
"Ho-ho..."
Because Choi Ki-hyun's words sounded truly plausible, JD nodded with an expression of 'I see.'
"You shouldn't send a valuable piece to a dangerous area. My only concern is for the safety of your grandson should the situation become something President Kang cannot handle."
"Please do not worry about that. If President Kang and Yoon-gi are detained as hostages, I will ensure that Yoon-gi is rescued, even if Kang cannot be."
JD wore a satisfied expression. It was as if he truly hoped Kang Seok-ho would be detained.
"I will never forget your boundless grace, Excellency."
"Grace, you say? Hahahaha! Just succeed greatly in the Soviet Union and pay plenty of taxes to Korea."
"Is there any doubt? I am, after all, your other Minister of Economy."
"That is true. Hahahaha!"
JD's cheerful laughter filled the office. The first major hurdle had been cleared.
"Truly, thank you."
Kang Seok-ho's expression held genuine, heartfelt emotion. 'I wasn't wrong...!'
In truth, Kang Seok-ho was human, too. Being human, he couldn't help but feel fundamental anxiety—the fear that he might be discarded. But thanks to what he had witnessed from the sidelines, he had been able to steady his heart. He had seen Yoon-gi's path as a leader, a man who always kept his word. And the news that he had even secured JD's permission for the Soviet expansion was enough to move Kang Seok-ho to tears.
"For now, when I persuaded JD, I explained that you would be the bullet-shield. That way, JD wouldn't be suspicious."
"Yes, I understand perfectly."
Although JD had been convinced, logic is often a matter of perspective. Rationally speaking, who had higher value as a hostage, Kang Seok-ho or Yoon-gi? While Yoon-gi's survival probability was higher, he was also more likely to be the target of a long-term hostage situation. If the Soviet Union were to detain both and release one, it was highly likely that Kang Seok-ho would be the one released. As such, Kang Seok-ho wasn't particularly worried. He was heading to the Soviet Union with Yoon-gi, after all.
"Is there any business you'd like to try in the Soviet Union?"
Kang Seok-ho shook his head.
"Not particularly. I will simply assist you, Chairman."
"I'll ask one more time. You really don't have any interest?"
"Yes, I truly don't."
At Kang Seok-ho's conviction-filled gaze, Yoon-gi nodded. He had asked because he intended to show a lot of consideration for Shin-sang and Kang Seok-ho regarding the Soviet venture.
Creak-!
At that moment, the study door opened, and Secretary Ryu entered.
"Greetings, Chairman."
Following him, the executives of YK, including Choi Chul-kyu, entered. And, of course, Jo Cheong-woo with his gaunt face was among them.
"Uncle-in-law, are you okay?"
"Hm? Ah... I'm... okay..."
"You can sleep on the living room sofa."
"Is... that so? Then, I'll just..."
Jo Cheong-woo left the study with a trembling body.
"Yoon-gi, by any chance?"
At Choi Chul-kyu's words, Yoon-gi nodded.
"Yes, that's right."
"Hoo..."
The reason Jo Cheong-woo looked so exhausted was that he had been forced to read through every book related to Soviet law. No matter how communist the Soviet Union was, there were many countries in Eastern Europe that traded with them. And even in communist countries, there were cases where diplomatic ties were established with capitalist nations, and private exchanges were common, so it wasn't particularly difficult to obtain books related to the Soviet Union translated into English.
"Every time you expand into a new country, your brother-in-law cries out in agony."
"That's because I can trust him that much."
At Yoon-gi's words, the other executives felt a secret sense of envy.
"Honestly, I think you're even more amazing. When were you studying the Soviet language?"
At Choi Chul-kyu's words, the other executives were momentarily struck with shock. English, Japanese, and now even the Soviet language. They were once again forced to marvel at Yoon-gi's genius.
"If we communicate through an interpreter, there's bound to be noise. That's why I've been studying it in my spare time."
Unlike Japanese, the Soviet language had given Yoon-gi a bit of trouble. It wasn't a short-term crash course; he had been studying it consistently. Still, thanks to that, he was now at a level where conversation was possible without any issues.
"Actually, I have also..."
As Kang Seok-ho spoke cautiously, the other executives' admiration deepened. Furthermore, everyone raised their estimation of Kang Seok-ho by another notch.
"Have you been studying since you were promised the Soviet expansion?"
"That is correct."
"As expected, you are reliable."
Watching the expressions of the other executives, Yoon-gi deliberately slapped the conference table with his palm.
"Now! I will be leaving for the Soviet Union for a while. I think you all expected this."
Everyone nodded, focusing on Yoon-gi's next words.
"There may be differences in various standards, but the final stake in the Soviet venture that Secretary Kang will hold is 10 percent. Does anyone have any objections?"
A full 10 percent. Ryu Geun-tae and Choi Chul-kyu, the founding contributors of YK Department Store, had been granted 5 percent each. Yet Kang Seok-ho was promised a whopping 10 percent. And it wasn't just 10 percent—it was 10 percent of the 'entire Soviet venture.' Even Kang Seok-ho looked at Yoon-gi with a startled expression.
"It seems there are no objections."
As Yoon-gi said, the executives held no complaints. They all knew what Kang Seok-ho had sacrificed for the YK Group. Ryu Geun-tae and Choi Chul-kyu, who had been granted 5 percent each of YK Department Store—the very core of the YK Group—based solely on their individual capabilities, might have actually received greater benefits, so the executives all accepted it.
"Furthermore, all companies that expand into the Soviet Union will be listed on the stock exchange. Therefore, the value of the shares will be even greater."
Currently, the YK Group was effectively a private conglomerate. Thus, even if one held shares, they didn't have much liquid value. However, if they were to go public someday, they would hold immense value. But Yoon-gi had mentioned listing the Soviet shares from the start.
"I will say this clearly: this is not a special favor. The only special favor I have given is the right to choose the country."
There wasn't a single person in this room who didn't understand the meaning of Yoon-gi's words.
[He's thinking of expanding into other countries as well!]
In other words, the fact that they, too, could become managers of other countries made the executives' hearts begin to race.
"This was the reason for today's meeting. While I am away, I leave Korea in your capable hands."
[[[[[[Yes!!]]]]]]
After hearing their thunderous response, Yoon-gi headed to the airport with Kang Seok-ho to board the plane to the Soviet Union.