The Conglomerate Family Became A Villain [EN]: Chapter 261

261. To a New World (1)

In 1987, Japan was the envy of the world. The dazzling neon lights of Tokyo and the smiling faces of young people were broadcast around the globe through photographs taken by foreign correspondents.

“All the photos coming from Japan show smiling faces.”

Seth Ten, a reporter for the Associated Press, frowned.

“It seems like no one cares about Afghanistan anymore.”

While Japan’s entertainment districts were booming, in the mountainous regions of Afghanistan, the Mujahideen [Islamic guerrilla fighters] and Soviet special forces were continuing their difficult struggle.

“What about the White House?”

“It seems they’re trying to put more trade pressure on Japan.”

“Will that work? We already signed the Plaza Accord and the Louvre Accord with Japan.”

“The Louvre Accord is the problem. It was half-baked.”

As the value of the yen rose in 1987, Japan activated overseas investments to handle the influx of dollars into the country. As a result, many Japanese people and companies came to own real estate and businesses abroad.

As American properties fell into the hands of the Japanese one after another, Americans couldn’t help but express their anxiety about becoming economically subservient to Japan.

“What about the bond issue?”

“Yes, Japan has now become the world’s number one creditor nation.”

Based on its huge surplus, Japan was buying bonds from the United States as well as from various other countries. They were seeking to expand their influence based on astronomical amounts of bonds.

“Eventually, Japan will control the world economy.”

“Probably.”

Only two countries were in the eyes of reporters and the public.

America, the world’s policeman, and Japan, which had amassed the world’s wealth.

The Soviet Union, which had been in a two-way power struggle with the United States for half a century, was groaning under the contradictions of communism and the side effects of a socialist economy.

“Seth, what’s the top story for this issue?”

“Five billion.”

“Five billion?”

“The world population has surpassed five billion for the first time.”

In 1987, the world population officially exceeded five billion. And many scholars predicted that the rapidly growing population would cause the Earth to reach a saturation point.

Scholars were more likely to view the number of five billion negatively rather than positively.

“Five billion. When did it increase so much?”

“It will soon be ten billion.”

“Ten billion?”

“That’s what the scholars say.”

“I don’t think it will reach ten billion.”

Seth Ten tilted his head and asked.

“Are you a pessimist? Or is it World War III?”

World War III meant nuclear war. In other words, the story was that a nuclear war would break out and humanity would be annihilated before it reached ten billion.

“I think the Earth will be saturated before the war breaks out.”

“Are you talking about a food crisis or something?”

“It’s not just food. Housing will be a problem too.”

“That could be true.”

In 1987, people could not only look brightly to the future.

Humanity had many challenges.

“Breaking news!”

Seth Ten asked the colleague who came in.

“Where did the news come from?”

“Taiwan.”

“Taiwan?”

“Taiwan has lifted martial law.”

Taiwan’s martial law had been in place since the Chinese Civil War and had lasted for nearly 40 years.

“The lifting of martial law means…….”

“It means democratization will take place.”

It meant that elections would be held with the participation of several political parties.

“Is it connected to Korea’s direct presidential election system?”

“Maybe.”

Democratization measures were taken in the Philippines in 1986 and in South Korea and Taiwan in 1987.

“It seems that dictatorship is ending along with the Cold War.”

“But we can’t let our guard down. War breaks out at times like these.”

AP reporters wanted to write news about the news from Taiwan.

At the same time.

Chung Hyun-woo was meeting a guest from Korea.

“I didn’t expect you to come, Chief.”

Chief Secretary Han Cheol-in sighed briefly.

“I’m ashamed that I couldn’t handle your advice smoothly.”

He had heard about the intentions of the United States from Chung Hyun-woo and opposed the president’s hard-line crackdown.

“Didn’t it end without major casualties?”

It was the story that there was no bloodshed in Gwanghwamun and downtown Seoul.

“But the next thing is the problem.”

Chung Hyun-woo knew what Chief Secretary Han Cheol-in was worried about.

‘It must be the purge that will take place after the change of government.’

Chung Hyun-woo put his hands together and said.

“If you come to the United States, I will treat you as a guest.”

Escape to the United States.

Many politicians had made this choice. However, Chief Secretary Han Cheol-in did not want to do that.

“If I have to stand in court, I will stand in court.”

Chung Hyun-woo realized that he was a straight person.

‘He’s different from the head of the National Security Planning Agency [South Korean intelligence agency, later renamed the National Intelligence Service].’

Unlike Chief Secretary Han Cheol-in, Geum Tae-joon, head of the National Security Planning Agency, was sensitive to reason.

“Are you going to set up a court?”

“Depending on the election results, that could happen.”

Chung Hyun-woo knew the results of the next election.

‘But I can’t tell you that.’

All he could do was comfort him and tell him not to worry too much.

“You’re prepared.”

Chief Secretary Han Cheol-in said with a dark face.

“I couldn’t stop Director Geum’s rampage.”

He seemed to think that he was responsible for this demonstration and the revision of the direct presidential election system.

‘It’s not his fault. Everything is just the flow of the times.’

No individual could stop history from moving forward.

“What did the President say?”

“He’s been saying less and less.”

“So you’re not comfortable with the current situation.”

“I guess so.”

Chung Hyun-woo leaned back on the backrest and said.

“Please pay attention to Chairman Jin Tae-woon.”

Jin Tae-woon, chairman of the Olympic Promotion Committee, was known as the president’s best friend and the second-in-command of the regime.

“Chairman Jin will run in the next election. But I don’t think he has a chance of winning.”

Even if all the votes of the ruling party were gathered, it would not be 40%.

If the opposition party could nominate a single candidate, they could not win no matter what they did.

Chief Secretary Han Cheol-in’s expression was dark because he knew that fact.

“You won’t know until you vote, will you?”

“You’re in the United States, so you don’t know, but Korea is boiling.”

“You shouldn’t think about defeat before you even fight.”

Chief Secretary Han Cheol-in sighed at his advice.

“Hoo……. I know you’re right. But I don’t feel like it.”

“Don’t tell me you’re thinking of resigning?”

“The President has not much time left in office. I’m going to go to the end.”

Chief Secretary Han Cheol-in was going to be in charge of the Presidential Secretariat until the change of government.

‘Come to think of it, Senior Secretary Heo Moon-young was still there.’

Senior Secretary Heo Moon-young was the father-in-law of Daewoon Corporation President Chung Min-young.

“I’m glad you’re staying, Chief.”

Chief Secretary Han Cheol-in smiled bitterly and accepted his words.

“Are you comforting me?”

“It’s not just comfort. What if you leave and only Director Geum is left? Will the election be held properly?”

Chief Secretary Han Cheol-in realized what Chung Hyun-woo was worried about.

‘You mean Director Geum might be planning to rig the election.’

Geum Tae-joon, head of the National Security Planning Agency, was a man who would do anything.

If he judged that the ruling party had a low chance of winning, he could even replace the ballot box or manipulate the vote count.

‘If that happens, a real revolution could happen.’

He had witnessed the April 19 Revolution [student-led uprising in South Korea in 1960].

“After listening to you, I’m coming to my senses.”

“I trust Chief Han.”

“I came to thank you, but I’m just getting advice.”

Chief Secretary Han Cheol-in wanted to thank Chung Hyun-woo for preventing bloodshed and extreme confrontation.

“Chief, if you have a clean head-on confrontation, you might get unexpected results.”

“You mean empty your mind and do your best?”

“I think that’s the best thing to do right now.”

Chief Secretary Han Cheol-in nodded.

“I think you’re right.”

He thought Chung Hyun-woo had become more mature than when he first met him.

‘He was great when I first met him, but he’s even greater now.’

The future of Korea may depend on Chung Hyun-woo, not the ruling or opposition parties.

* * *

Wooin Hospital VIP room.

Chairman Chung Woo-sun’s health had deteriorated, and he had been staying here for a month. This was something that most of the secretariat staff, including Chung Hyun-woo, did not know.

He received a report on his trip to the United States from Director Hong Won-ik there.

“Hmm, Hyun-woo is Hyun-woo.”

Director Hong Won-ik immediately bowed his head.

“I told him several times to choose carefully, but Hyun-woo’s choice has not changed.”

Chung Hyun-woo chose chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and music among Daewoon Group’s affiliates.

Hong Won-ik didn’t like any of them.

Chairman Chung Woo-sun said in a low voice.

“I guess that means he’s going to push my uncle.”

“If Min-young takes everything, there will be no check.”

“Check.”

“Don’t you think it’s right for the Chairman to check Min-young with Hyun-woo?”

Chairman Chung Woo-sun turned his gaze out the window.

It was midsummer outside.

He said, as if throwing it away.

“Can Min-young be Hyun-woo’s opponent?”

If Chung Hyun-woo wanted to beat Chung Min-young, everything would be over in the blink of an eye.

Checking was only possible when there was a balance of power.

Director Hong Won-ik slightly strained his neck.

“Chairman.”

Chairman Chung Woo-sun raised his right hand, knowing what he was about to say.

“Okay. You had a good trip, and I heard a good story.”

“…….”

“I’m not just saying that. I know Hyun-woo’s thoughts well.”

Chairman Chung Woo-sun was completely old.

“What about Hyun-woo, how is Min-young doing?”

The topic of conversation shifted from Chung Hyun-woo to Chung Min-young.

Chung Min-young was currently promoted to president of Daewoon Corporation.

“Min-young is working hard to grow Daewoon Corporation.”

“Really?”

“How can I do that to the Chairman…….”

Chairman Chung Woo-sun asked, as if cutting off his words.

“Didn’t the board of directors lean towards Min-young?”

The only successor to the Daewoon Group was Chung Min-young. The remaining people were busy trying to get on Chung Min-young’s line.

“I don’t think that can be helped.”

“Can’t be helped?”

“Everyone from the heads of affiliates to the lowest employees knows, don’t they?”

In 1987, there were no chaebol [South Korean family-owned conglomerates] companies in Korea that thought about professional managers.

Most chaebol companies were passed down through eldest sons or sons.

“Money that comes in easily goes out easily. Isn’t that right?”

Director Hong Won-ik knew what Chairman Chung Woo-sun was worried about.

“Chairman, Daewoon Group will not be easily shaken.”

Chairman Chung Woo-sun closed his eyes.

‘It would be greedy to think about things after I die.’

He felt that his eventful life was coming to an end.

“Director Hong.”

“Yes, Chairman.”

“Didn’t Hyun-woo say anything else?”

“What other words…….”

Chairman Chung Woo-sun raised his voice slightly.

“I’m talking about you.”

Director Hong Won-ik couldn’t help but be startled.

“Words came out.”

“What did he say?”

“He told me to take charge of Daewoon Electronics.”

Chairman Chung Woo-sun opened his eyes and asked.

“Daewoon Electronics?”

“He told me to take charge until a suitable person is found.”

Chairman Chung Woo-sun nodded slowly.

“Hyun-woo seems to be thinking of saving that company after all.”

“Because it’s Min-hyuk’s company.”

“He’s a good kid.”

“He’s not just good.”

Chairman Chung Woo-sun closed his eyes again.

“Of course. Isn’t he the man who built the world’s number one company?”

He thought Chung Hyun-woo was stronger than anyone else.

“I haven’t answered yet.”

“Is it because Daewoon Electronics is small?”

Considering Director Hong Won-ik’s position, Daewoon Electronics was not a satisfactory vessel.

“No. I don’t know if I need to be at Daewoon Electronics.”

“Really?”

“I want to retire with the Chairman.”

Chairman Chung Woo-sun knew that Director Hong Won-ik would retire at the same time as his death.

‘You mean you’re going to serve Chung Woo-sun, not Daewoon Group.’

He didn’t think it was necessary.

“Director Hong.”

“Yes, Chairman.”

“Go to Daewoon Electronics.”

“Are you telling me to listen to Hyun-woo’s wishes?”

“Shouldn’t you be the main character once before you retire?”

It was the story of not staying in a position to assist others, but becoming the main character in life.

“Chairman, it’s enough now.”

Chairman Chung Woo-sun lowered his voice and said.

“That position. It won’t be the kind of position you’re thinking of.”

Director Hong Won-ik raised his eyebrows and asked.

“You mean it’s not the position I’m thinking of…….”

“Hyun-woo will grow Daewoon Electronics greatly. It might be better than the president of Daewoon Corporation or Daewoon Precision.”

Chairman Chung Woo-sun was reading Chung Hyun-woo’s mind to some extent.

‘He’s not the kind of kid who would just give up his and his father’s company.’

He knew that Chung Hyun-woo thought of Daewoon Electronics as his father’s company, not Daewoon Group.

“You mean it’s not a light position.”

“Go and do your best.”

Chairman Chung Woo-sun told Director Hong Won-ik to live a second life.

The next day.

Chung Hyun-woo received a call from Director Hong Won-ik and said in a soft voice.

“I knew you would take charge, Director.”

The reason why Director Hong Won-ik called him was to express his intention to take over as president of Daewoon Electronics.

“But I’m not taking it right away.”

“You mean you can only take it when your grandfather retires for sure?”

“That’s right.”

Chung Hyun-woo didn’t know that Chairman Chung Woo-sun was in the hospital.

“Director.”

“The mansion story is over.”

Chung Hyun-woo had told him that he would give him a mansion in LA.

“American houses are not as expensive as Japanese houses.”

“If you’re the president of Daewoon Electronics, you have to live in Korea.”

“Can’t you live in the United States when you retire?”

Director Hong Won-ik shook his head and answered.

“No way.”

It was the story that he would not live in the United States even after he retired.

“Director, do you know that?”

“What are you talking about?”

“I’m talking about the fact that you’re stubborn.”

“Your stubbornness is 10 times stronger than mine.”

Chung Hyun-woo smiled at his words.

“That could be.”

“Hyun-woo. Are you really going to grow Daewoon Electronics?”

Chung Hyun-woo smiled and answered.

“I would have disposed of it if it wasn’t a company I was going to grow.”

As Chairman Chung Woo-sun mentioned, Chung Hyun-woo had no intention of leaving Daewoon Electronics as a small Korean electronics company.

“In what way?”

Director Hong Won-ik wanted to hear at least a minimum vision.

“We can’t grow the size of the company right now.”

Chung Hyun-woo was planning to strengthen the internal affairs for the time being.

“You mean you’re going to start with technology development.”

“We’re going to grow with Samjung Electronics.”

Director Hong Won-ik frowned slightly.

“You mean you’re going to grow it into a company that cooperates with Samjung Electronics?”

In the 1980s, Korean conglomerates were in competition with each other. It was difficult to find conglomerates that cooperated in the same field as Chung Hyun-woo said.

“For the next few years, we’re going to go with the feeling of helping Samjung Electronics.”

Director Hong Won-ik sighed briefly and said.

“Helping Samjung Electronics……. For example?”

Chung Hyun-woo had something in mind, so he could talk about it right away.

“If Samjung Electronics produces TVs, we will be able to manufacture the parts that go into them.”

Director Hong Won-ik’s face darkened for a moment.

“Isn’t that subcontracting?”

At the word subcontracting, Chung Hyun-woo slightly strained his neck.

“Director, you can’t ignore materials or accessories. Japan is strong because it produces all the materials and parts that go into innovative products. I hope that one day Korea will be able to produce its own materials and accessories like Japan.”

Director Hong Won-ik, who heard his words, corrected his posture and accepted the words.

“Materials and accessories. I understand. I’ll dig into that side.”

Director Hong Won-ik sighed deeply after hanging up the phone.

“Hoo……. This time, I was completely taught by Hyun-woo.”

He was proud and bitter.