Mining And Construction Tycoon [EN]: Chapter 136

Mining Tycoon and Construction Conglomerate – Episode 136 (136/230)

136. Three Matters (1)

TBS Dongin Broadcasting Station.

Director Lee Geon-hoo of the broadcasting station was extremely busy.

He had promised to air the drama that Tae-soo was investing in as soon as possible, so he was under pressure to deliver.

He frequently visited not only his office but also the drama department.

“We need to adjust the prominence of the three female leads. How long will it take to revise the script?”

“I’ll try to fix it as quickly as possible.”

“We need to revise at least 15 episodes within a month. You should be able to do it since the basic framework is already in place, right?”

“…I’ll try.”

The scriptwriter hurried off, and Lee Geon-hoo turned to the planning team.

“Has the programming schedule been finalized?”

“There’s one slot available, but the broadcast starts in just one month.”

“Is that feasible?”

Back then, they filmed, edited, and broadcasted quickly. [This refers to the faster production pace of television in the past.]

That’s why they were also filming daily soap operas, and the broadcasting slots were shorter compared to modern times.

“The problem is the studio.”

“Tae-yang Group said they would handle the studio, so let’s leave it to them.”

He heard that Park Cheol-wan was working tirelessly on the blueprints.

And he boasted that he would assemble a team of skilled experts to build it quickly.

“Before that, let’s proceed with the outdoor filming in the early stages. Have you cast all the actors?”

“We’ve finished coordinating their schedules.”

“Let’s prepare all the props, costumes, and makeup.”

“We will.”

Fortunately, it’s a modern drama, not a historical one, so the items are easier to acquire.

CP [Chief Producer] Ko Seok-man cautiously asked.

“What about the commercials (CFs)?”

“That depends on how quickly Tae-yang Construction builds the studio.”

Lee Geon-hoo smiled.

“Let’s wait and see how this plays out.”

Chairman Kang of Tae-yang Group, who was rumored to be a formidable figure, wanted to see if he could actually complete the studio.

‘Building a model house won’t be easy. Is it even possible in a month?’

It seemed impossible.

* * *

Tae-yang Apartment construction site.

Park Cheol-wan was directing the site with a weary expression.

“To build the model house quickly, we’ll use a steel frame structure.”

Park Cheol-wan handed the construction drawing to the site manager.

“Unlike reinforced concrete buildings, steel frame structures don’t require concrete to harden and can be constructed quickly by simply connecting the steel frames.”

The construction period is considerably shorter than that of reinforced concrete buildings.

“Since we don’t need to worry as much about the load, the space can be widened, and the floor height can be increased.”

That’s why Park Cheol-wan is building a model house with a steel frame structure.

“There will be a lot of woodworking. Mobilize all the carpenters. Let’s call in the interior team as well.”

Park Cheol-wan gritted his teeth.

“We must finish all the construction within fifteen days.”

It’s a race against time.

* * *

President’s office, Myeongdong Jangsu Bank headquarters.

Jang Mal-dong, who was reviewing documents, looked up.

“Oh, who is this? What brings you here?”

“I came because I have a favor to ask.”

“A favor?”

An Jeong-woo, who was working at a desk next to Jang Mal-dong, looked at Tae-soo with interest.

He put down his fountain pen and asked.

“Is it something that requires a personal visit?”

“Yes, there are about three things.”

“Three things? Tell me.”

Tae-soo counted his fingers and said.

“First, I want to receive information related to Jeon Doo-ho.”

Jang Mal-dong is an information broker.

He has various channels for collecting information, and there are many types of information.

It’s particularly difficult to obtain information about Jeon Doo-ho, which is often classified as military secrets.

‘If it’s difficult to get internal military information from Jang Mal-dong, I’ll have to find another way.’

Perhaps through Kim Kwang-rok, or through Park Tae-jong.

Jang Mal-dong gently fanned himself.

“Is it because of the clash with Jeon Doo-ho at the Geumsan Hotel?”

“That incident was the trigger.”

Tae-soo’s expression darkened.

“I heard that Jeon Doo-ho and Han Cheong-ho are going to be connected through marriage.”

Tae-soo explained the various interests intertwined with Jeon Doo-ho.

Jang Mal-dong also knew about the power struggle between Cha Gi-beom and Jeon Doo-ho, so he understood quickly.

“If Jeon Doo-ho succeeds in the coup, the future of Tae-yang Group is at risk.”

Jeon Doo-ho had openly declared war.

“So I need to know what Jeon Doo-ho and Oseonghoe [Likely a secret society or organization] are planning and how far things have progressed.”

“Okay. I’ll dig a little deeper.”

An Jeong-woo confirmed.

Tae-soo nodded and brought up another matter.

“Second, I plan to unite the bankers to block loans and investments to Cheongil.”

Jang Mal-dong’s eyes widened.

“No, how?”

“With money.”

Tae-soo said confidently.

“I’ll give Han Cheong-ho exactly what he did to me.”

When Tae-soo was building Tae-yang Group, Han Cheong-ho united the bankers to block loans and investments.

Park Jeong-hwan was behind it.

Tae-soo was helpless for a while because it coincided with the regime’s efforts to control the chaebols [large family-owned conglomerates].

Jang Mal-dong was dumbfounded.

“That’s a tall order. I can consider asking our Jangsu Bank not to lend money.”

That was all Jang Mal-dong could promise, given that he was the president of Jangsu Bank.

“But I can’t use my position to influence other banks. Only someone like Park Jeong-hwan could do that.”

“What was Park Jeong-hwan’s reason for siding with Han Cheong-ho? Wasn’t it to control the chaebols? Han Cheong-ho already acts like Park Jeong-hwan’s puppet. There’s no one who needs to be controlled more.”

So Park Jeong-hwan wouldn’t bother to get rid of Han Cheong-ho.

He listens well and pays his dues regularly.

“If Han Cheong-ho influenced the bank by bringing in the president, I will influence the bank according to market logic.”

Tae-soo made a circle with his fingers.

“With money.”

He explained to Jang Mal-dong, who seemed confused.

“I’ve acquired banks in the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Hong Kong.”

“I know. So what about it?”

“Foreign banks are investing heavily in domestic banks. It might even be possible to secure shares in the bank or acquire a failing bank altogether.”

“What?”

Tae-soo smiled.

“I have a lot of money.”

He had not only robbed Park Jeong-hwan’s secret vault but also the vault of the Saudi Minister of Finance.

Tae-soo said firmly.

“Whether it’s a company or a bank, the one with the most money calls the shots.”

Even in a company, the major shareholder controls it, so why would a bank be any different?

“If it was just about raising business funds, it would have been enough to launder money through an investment company. Why would I bother to acquire a foreign bank?”

He could have used the money he stole from the vault by going through an investment company.

However, Tae-soo went to the trouble of acquiring a foreign bank.

“I can’t directly acquire a bank because of the separation of banking and commerce [a legal principle]. So, I’m going to indirectly exert proper influence on domestic banks through foreign banks.”

Tae-soo remembered.

How the banks treated him.

What tricks they played to cut off Tae-soo’s funding and cause him to go bankrupt.

“I have to pay back as much as I was hurt.”

To the banks that tried to put Tae-soo in trouble.

To Park Jeong-hwan and Han Cheong-ho, who orchestrated it.

“I will speed up the construction of apartments and flood the market with dramas, commercials, newspaper articles, and various promotions to put pressure on Han Cheong-ho.”

Tae-soo and Han Cheong-ho are competing in the same apartment market.

The best luxury premium apartments.

“Luxury apartments cost a lot of money, from materials to interior design to advertising. I can handle it because I have a lot of money, but can Han Cheong-ho do that too?”

No.

Han Cheong-ho lost a lucrative company while losing Cheongil Heavy Industries.

Furthermore, he was severely impacted in the heavy industry sector by losing oil refining.

On top of that, he took on debt during the oil shock [economic crisis due to oil price increase].

“Han Cheong-ho is also constructing a hotel. Both projects are being done under Park Jeong-hwan’s orders, so neither can be ignored. It will be difficult to build apartments and hotels simultaneously.”

Tae-soo will encourage Han Cheong-ho to speed up apartment construction.

“All he can rely on is bank money, but what if the banks block loans and investments all at once?”

“Wouldn’t he dispose of other affiliates to prevent bankruptcy?”

“Will anyone take over Cheongil’s affiliates?”

When Tae-soo acquired Cheongil Oil Refining, Han Cheong-ho acted unscrupulously.

“It’s already a Cheongil Group that has lost its credibility. Who would acquire an affiliate knowing that Han Cheong-ho is willing to sabotage them by driving them into the red?”

The moment they acquire it, the company will be unable to handle the debt and will go bankrupt.

That’s why he left Han Cheong-ho alone, even though he knew he was playing petty tricks.

“The affiliates aren’t sold, the apartment and hotel construction funds continue to be spent, and the banks don’t lend money. Then where will Han Cheong-ho turn?”

“Perhaps to those he has been lobbying so far…”

“Who cares when the money runs out?”

People mercilessly abandon those who have lost money and power.

Even Park Jeong-hwan won’t listen to Han Cheong-ho’s pleas.

“Then will Han Cheong-ho go bankrupt like this?”

“Han Cheong-ho wouldn’t want to go bankrupt. Because there’s still one place left to raise funds.”

“Don’t tell me…!”

“Park Jeong-hwan’s secret vault that was moved to Japan. Han Cheong-ho will try to access it.”

Tae-soo smiled.

“I plan to collect solid evidence that Han Cheong-ho accessed the vault in Japan. Then no excuse will work for Han Cheong-ho in front of Park Jeong-hwan.”

Isn’t it the best plan to bring down Han Cheong-ho?

“Han Cheong-ho, who has lost Park Jeong-hwan’s protection, is no match for me.”

Jang Mal-dong was delighted and struck his fan.

“Good, I will gladly participate in cutting off Han Cheong-ho’s funding!”

“Good. I also plan to bring Hansu, who is in the United States.”

Hansu runs an investment company in the United States.

He is being mentored by Secretary Song.

“I also plan to summon a prominent foreign banker on this occasion.”

“The agent you entrusted with the bank acquisition?”

“Yes.”

Gulp.

Jang Mal-dong swallowed hard.

“So what should I do by gathering the bankers?”

“It’s simple.”

Tae-soo smiled.

“It’s to introduce foreign prominent investors to bankers. I am going to invest a lot of money into the bank so that they have no choice but to keep Cheongil afloat.”

The bankers will welcome prominent investors with open arms.

“The bankers will be very grateful because you introduced them to attract a large amount of money, right?”

“W, would they?”

“Then it will be very easy for you to take a leading position at this opportunity, right?”

“What position?”

Jang Mal-dong tilted his head.

“I mean the position of Chairman of the Korea Federation of Banks.”

“What?”

Jang Mal-dong opened his mouth wide.

This was an unexpected proposal.

“You want me to be the Chairman of the Korea Federation of Banks?”

“Isn’t the election at the end of this year?”

Korea Federation of Banks.

It is an association of banks established to promote the development of the Korean financial industry and establish a sound credit transaction order.

It was founded on November 1, 1928, with the establishment of the Gyeongseong Bank Assembly Hall as its base, and is now the National Bank Association.

‘It will grow very large in the 21st century. But since it’s the 70s now, it’s not that big yet.’

As an association that unites banks across Korea, it naturally has a large size and influence.

It has under its umbrella the Commercial Bank Association, the Specialized Bank Association, the Local Bank Association, the Bank Social Contribution Association, and 27 other specialized committees.

Not only that.

It is a huge union organization with a financial research institute, a comprehensive credit information institution, a financial new product review council, and a financial talent job center.

“Now that we’ve come out into the open, let’s aim beyond the bank president to the top. There is a position where you can wield more influence more powerfully.”

“…….”

An Jeong-woo laughed loudly at Tae-soo’s words.

“Yes, now that we’ve come out into the open, it’s good to seize power.”

Jang Mal-dong couldn’t close his wide-open mouth because he was dumbfounded.

An Jeong-woo nodded instead of Jang Mal-dong.

“Very good. Then let’s gather the bankers and introduce the investors.”

Tae-soo’s second task was completed.

Tae-soo’s expression became serious.

“This is the last thing I need.”