The Chaebol Returns To The Presidency 1967 [EN]: Chapter 157

157. Power Without Reason

The business owner pleaded.

“We’ve been using tallow with the government’s permission for five years.”

“The law has changed! Don’t you know that new laws supersede old ones?”

“The new law specifies nine component standards for the finished product (refined beef tallow), including an acid value of 0.3 or less, a specific gravity of 0.893~1.640, a moisture content of 0.3% or less, and a [Lovibond] color grade of 32~50. We’ve been using it after verifying that it meets all standards in our own laboratory. To determine its harmfulness, you need to see the results from the Food Sanitation Research Institute, investigator.”

“…….”

The detective, who had knowledge of laws but lacked scientific expertise, was struggling.

The business owner continued.

“And vegetable palm oil is also for industrial use, not for consumption, at the raw material stage. It only becomes edible after refining, just like tallow. It’s labeled ‘industrial’ because it’s not safe to eat in its unrefined state.”

“…….”

Inwardly, the detective felt something wasn’t quite right.

The investigator was cornered.

Ultimately, everything depended on the research institute’s analysis.

However, even before the results were released, the situation had exploded.

Newspapers and broadcasting stations created sensational segments with phrases like ‘in-depth investigation’ and ‘exclusive coverage,’ exposing the widespread use of industrial tallow and fiercely criticizing food companies.

“This is poisoning the public! The current penalties and punitive damages are absolutely insufficient!”

Overseas newspapers, which had previously praised Korea’s food safety standards, seized the opportunity to report on the incident in detail, offering cautionary advice to their own food industries.

Civic groups began boycotting ramen and campaigning for the closure of the manufacturers.

Only N company’s ramen, which used cheaper palm oil instead of tallow, experienced booming sales.

The situation was escalating in the direction the President had feared.

The President urgently summoned the Minister of Health and Welfare and instructed.

“The term ‘industrial’ is overshadowing the science. Emotional reactions are clouding judgment. Whether it’s safe to eat or not must be scientifically determined. Announce the results quickly!”

“I understand, Your Excellency! We will announce the results as soon as they are available.”

*

Ministry of Health and Welfare.

The reporters waiting for the Minister’s briefing were buzzing with anticipation.

“If the results are backed by scientific analysis, it’ll be like pouring gasoline on a fire.”

“Of course. I just finished covering the boycott and the campaigns to shut down the companies, and the public’s anger was intense. But the food companies haven’t even issued an apology, even though they should be begging for forgiveness.”

“They’re probably afraid of being mobbed if they show their faces.”

“Then shouldn’t they at least publish an apology ad in the newspaper?”

“Ah, the Minister is coming out!”

The Minister announced the tallow analysis results.

“I will now announce the results from the Food Sanitation Research Institute. Our analysis of the tallow used in S company’s ramen found that it met all nine criteria. The refined oil meets the required standards and poses no risk for consumption. Therefore, tallow ramen is safe to eat!”

The audience stirred with surprise.

It was the opposite of what the reporters had anticipated.

Questions poured in.

“Minister, there is clear evidence that it’s for industrial use. Does it automatically become edible simply by refining it?”

“The vegetable palm oil ramen sold by N Food Company, which is currently enjoying high sales, also starts as a non-edible product until it’s refined. Currently, refined tallow meets all hygiene standards. We did find one sample with a high rancidity level, but that was due to the fat in ramen sold at stores past its expiration date becoming rancid. It was unrelated to the safety of the refined tallow itself.”

“Are you saying that the public’s outrage is based on a misunderstanding?”

“What is the source of this misunderstanding?”

“…….”

“The source must take responsibility and correct the misinformation immediately.”

It was an indirect jab at the media.

The prosecution and police were the most embarrassed by the Ministry of Health’s announcement.

They had emphasized ‘industrial use’ and launched an arrest investigation as if they were dealing with major criminals, only to receive a report stating that the product was safe to eat.

The prosecution quickly volunteered for an interview.

“The key issue is whether refining industrial-grade materials makes them safe for consumption. The potential harm of the finished product is still unknown, but there is a clear possibility of legal violations. We will argue this in court.”

They shifted the focus of the investigation to whether the use of industrial-grade materials was illegal, regardless of its actual harm.

The first trial was held swiftly.

The judge ruled.

“I pronounce the defendant innocent!”

Bang! Bang! Bang!

The prosecution, having lost face even in the court they had trusted, immediately expressed their intention to appeal.

The situation was escalating into a confrontation between the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the prosecution and police.

*

The Prosecutor General was on the phone with the President.

– Prosecutor General, you must have suffered a significant blow to your pride this time.

“No, we are still contesting the truth. There are still the High Court and the Supreme Court left.”

– Power without reason is nothing more than ambition. They are recklessly distorting science and statistics for political gain.”

“…….”

– I assure you, the result will be the same even if you take it to the Supreme Court. Power cannot override science.”

“…….”

The Prosecutor General lowered his tail, humbled by the President’s stern advice.

– The damage to the food industry is enormous, and our food safety reputation has become a laughing stock internationally. If you prolong this any further, the food companies will be forced to close down. How will the Prosecutor General take responsibility for this immense damage?

“…….”

– Witch hunts don’t only exist in the Middle Ages. The majority is not always right. Just because the majority engages in collective action doesn’t mean it’s the truth. The hundreds of millions of Chinese Red Guards were ultimately just a brutal witch hunt. If food companies sue the government, how will you handle the astronomical costs?

“…….”

– The prosecution and police should take the lead in resolving this situation. Otherwise, I will file a punitive damages claim against the prosecution and police first.”

“I’m sorry, Your Excellency! I will resolve it immediately!”

The Prosecutor General was drenched in sweat after hanging up the phone.

He felt like he was standing at the forefront of the Red Guards.

The next day, the Prosecutor General made an emergency statement.

“The prosecution is abandoning the appeal in the tallow case. Although the current law has ambiguous provisions regarding raw materials and refined oils, we accept the scientific analysis results of the Food Sanitation Research Institute and accept the first instance ruling.”

The case, which had dragged on for eight years during Chairman Wang’s time, concluded in just 40 days.

The media attempted to deflect blame by accusing the prosecution and police of engaging in hasty media manipulation.

The case was officially closed with the Prosecutor General’s apology to the public.

However, the majority of the public, who had been swayed by the phrase ‘industrial use,’ were also left feeling embarrassed.

It was an incident that occurred as society progressed towards maturity.

Meanwhile, the relieved President was suddenly curious about the future.

“Will the dumpling made with trash and the juice extractor with metal filings incidents be repeated as a result of this case?”

These were all cases where the potential harm was exaggerated, leading to the companies’ bankruptcies.

*

The President launched a project to promote Korean food, which had been severely impacted.

The President called CEO Jung and made a suggestion.

“The future will see the rise of standardized, mass-produced dining-out industries and fast food, moving away from handmade food.”

“Seeing how successfully you packaged and sold tofu and bean sprouts this time, I think it’s definitely possible.”

“Let’s seize this opportunity to expand overseas with fast food made from chicken.”

“The idea is good, but tastes differ across cultures, and the East and West are so different. Will it really work?”

“Korea also has a long history of fast food.”

“We do?”

“Bungeoppang [fish-shaped pastry], pulppang [red bean bread], and 뽑기 [dalgona candy] are the origins of fast food.”

“Hahaha, now that I think about it, that’s true.”

“If we supply the ingredients from a central location and target the tastes of each country with a manual that standardizes the taste and cooking process, it will work. I know what future hit products will be.”

“Ah, that’s right!”

“There’s seasoned chicken and braised chicken, which use the cheapest part of the chicken as a raw material.”

“Seasoned chicken and braised chicken….”

“I also have fast food products in mind for overseas markets, in addition to domestic use.”

“What are you planning?”

“Kentucky Fried Chicken, Coke, and hamburgers are just starting to become popular in the United States. We’re going to combine these into a set.”

“As a set?”

“I’ve already decided on the brand trademark. It will definitely be a big hit.”

“…….”

Meanwhile, CEO Jung remained lukewarm.

He wondered why large corporations were getting involved when the food industry should be left to small, local businesses.

He had only been involved in major national projects and overseas mergers and acquisitions, so he wasn’t particularly interested in the small-scale food business.

*

The President couldn’t manage it himself, so he gave CEO Jung the product ideas and had him establish the ‘Jangmo Chicken’ and ‘Anseong Braised Chicken’ franchises.

It was a delicious and affordable snack seasoned with various flavors such as spicy, garlic, soy sauce, and sweet.

Long lines formed in front of the chicken restaurants.

It ushered in a new era of taste in a time when electric grilled chicken was the only option.

It was a huge success.

CEO Jung, gaining confidence from his success in the domestic market, entered the US franchise business under the brand ‘Chicken King’.

The main menu was chicken seasoned with oil and pepper to suit American tastes, served with fried potatoes and onions and a cola.

Americans who tried it for the first time at Chicken King stores gave it an enthusiastic thumbs up.

“Oh, wonderful! It’s a taste of heaven!”

The combination of the greasy chicken’s savory flavor and the cola that washed away the greasiness was fantastic.

“Kha! I feel so satisfied!”

In addition to cola, beer was also sold as a beverage.

The combination of beer and chicken was an even bigger hit.

Contrary to initial concerns, by applying Korea’s strict food hygiene standards to US stores to lower the barriers to entry, it was recognized as a hygienic and healthy food recommended by American nutritionists, and sales soared.

CEO Jung also created ‘King Burger’ and targeted the US market.

Chicken King, which pairs well with beer, primarily attracted adults, while King Burger, a set of cola and hamburgers, became a favorite among students.

It surpassed Kentucky Fried Chicken and quickly dominated the US fast food market.

*

The President’s restaurant.

CEO Jung said to the President.

“I can’t believe I’m making more profit selling fried chicken than I ever made selling cars, Your Excellency!”

“Hahaha, you can drive an old car even if it’s outdated, but you have to eat every day. The food business is recession-proof 365 days a year.”

“That’s right. At first, I was indifferent because it was just a food business, but once I got involved, it turned out to be a goose that laid golden eggs.”

“Hahaha. And CEO Jung, make sure to develop low-calorie products with fresh ingredients, even if the price is higher, so that fast food doesn’t contribute to adult diseases. That way, competitors won’t be able to easily imitate you.”

“I will. Fast food brands such as McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Dunkin’, and Hardee’s are just starting to emerge. We have the most chain stores, so we plan to purchase food ingredients at low prices and compete on hygiene and high quality.”

“Haha, you’re doing a great job. When the tallow ramen scandal broke, things looked bleak, but I never imagined it would turn out this way.”

The two enjoyed American-style chicken, fried onions, and cola for lunch.

Fast food restaurants began to appear in Korea as well.

All these events were happening several years earlier than they did during Chairman Wang’s time.