Mining And Construction Tycoon [EN]: Chapter 177

New Era’s Protagonist (2)

Kim Jong-pyo was a seasoned politician.

He probed, testing the waters.

“I’ve been thinking, Kang Tae-soo used influential figures to eliminate Han Cheong-ho. No less than the President, the Chief of Security, the Commander of the Security Forces, and even the Deputy Director of the Central Intelligence Agency.”

He struck right at the heart of the matter.

But Tae-soo wasn’t one to be easily swayed.

Tae-soo calmly took a sip of his tea.

“I’m curious as to why you would think that.”

“Because everyone except you has fallen. Three are dead, and two are under investigation.”

Kim Jae-guk as the President’s assassin, and Han Cheong-ho under Park Jeong-hwan’s orders.

“The Central Intelligence Agency agents at the Cheongil Hotel all said the same thing: that you caught Park Jeong-hwan on charges of treason.”

“Did they, now?”

Tae-soo neither admitted nor denied it.

How could Kim Jong-pyo not understand what that ambiguous expression meant?

‘It’s certain. I must seize Kang Tae-soo.’

Having made up his mind, Kim Jong-pyo subtly asked.

“How about joining hands with me to liquidate the remnants of the old dictatorial regime?”

He knew this was coming.

Tae-soo asked directly.

“Do you want to become the next President?”

“This is an opportunity. A man would be a fool not to seize it.”

Currently, Kim Jong-pyo is the acting President.

Without Park Jeong-hwan, he holds the most powerful position in the executive branch.

Wasn’t Kim Jong-pyo the same man who clung to the presidential election until the very end in his past life?

Of course, he would be greedy.

“How can I help you?”

“That treason charge…”

“How unfortunate. I don’t have it anymore. Didn’t the Central Intelligence Agency agents mention that?”

This was an unexpected answer.

‘Does that mean he gave it to someone? Or that it was destroyed? Or perhaps…’

Tae-soo cut off Kim Jong-pyo’s thoughts by setting down his teacup.

“If that’s all, I’m afraid I must apologize.”

Kim Jong-pyo quickly changed the subject.

“Not at all. Then, shall we discuss political funds for today?”

He meant that since he came all the way here, he should at least take some money with him.

‘That would be very easy.’

Originally, it was common practice to provide political funds to influential politicians, regardless of their party affiliation.

So much so that it was considered a duty of the chaebols [large South Korean conglomerates].

“100 million. Is that possible?”

This was a time when the aftermath of the oil shock had not yet subsided.

Based on 2020, that would be about 2.5 to 2.7 billion won [approximately $2.1 to $2.3 million USD based on current exchange rates].

How much slush fund did Tae-soo have hidden away?

But Tae-soo deliberately wore a troubled expression.

“It seems difficult to secure the full amount immediately. As you know, the completion of the Taeyang Apartment has been continuously delayed, so we haven’t been able to start sales.”

Politicians take it for granted if you give them everything they ask for.

So, you have to add a little seasoning.

“I’ll give you 30 million won today. As soon as the Taeyang Apartment sales are completed, I’ll make sure to take care of the rest.”

At Tae-soo’s signal, Song Chang-jun went outside.

He would retrieve the 30 million won from the safe and return.

Kim Jong-pyo smiled like an old fox.

“I promise not to obstruct the completion of the Taeyang Apartment. Then there won’t be any problems with the sales, right?”

As expected, he understood immediately.

It would be troublesome if government officials nitpicked the apartment’s completion and delayed it.

‘In my past life, Cheongil Apartment suffered so much from nitpicking over its completion.’

Due to the 8.8 real estate regulations in ’78, Cheongil Apartment in Daechi-dong was on the verge of bankruptcy.

‘But fortunately, the Second Oil Shock broke out at the end of ’78 and the beginning of ’79.’

As the market became unstable, money poured into real estate, which was considered a safe asset.

Park Jeong-hwan’s taming of Cheongil ended there.

Taeyang Real Estate was also facing continuous delays in completion due to subtle pressure from above.

“Originally, apartment completion isn’t something you can influence with a mere 30 million won bribe. But as a sign of wanting to work with Taeyang Group, I’ll show my sincerity first.”

“You’re a very understanding person. I wish you the best in your great endeavors.”

Kim Jong-pyo took the 30 million won and left.

As soon as he left the building, Kim Jong-pyo looked back.

‘Why is this young man’s gaze so sharp? As if he’s seeing right through me. Hiding his intelligence, concealing his true intentions, and silently observing everything with deep eyes.’

Tae-soo’s eyes were like an abyss.

Kim Jong-pyo tensed up without realizing it.

‘I need more information. How could I not have known that such a monster had emerged?’

Kim Jong-pyo had thought he had gathered enough information about Kang Tae-soo.

-A lucky guy.

-Park Jeong-hwan’s strangely favored darling.

-A reckless fool who doesn’t know his place thanks to that.

Through rumors, reports, Han Cheong-ho, and newspaper articles.

Tae-soo, whom he had indirectly grasped, was such a lucky fool.

But meeting him in person was so different from the rumors.

‘Kang Tae-soo, I thought he was a greenhorn, but he’s not easy to deal with. He’s not easily swayed. It’s difficult because I can’t figure him out at all.’

Kim Jong-pyo had to look back for a long time.

His steps didn’t fall easily.

‘I can’t simply call him a lucky guy. Come to think of it, there’s no way a guy who became the head of a top 100 chaebol in three years wouldn’t be extraordinary.’

His presence alone was that of a giant.

It was a mistake to treat such a guy like a greenhorn.

He needed to prepare more thoroughly.

‘No wonder Han Cheong-ho was pushed back.’

But Kim Jong-pyo is not Han Cheong-ho.

He doesn’t rely on lobbying and bribes like a parasite to get things done.

‘How you come out will determine your and Taeyang Group’s future.’

Only then did Kim Jong-pyo turn his steps.

* * *

Ahn Jung-woo asked Tae-soo.

“Are you going to support Kim Jong-pyo?”

“Does giving him political funds mean I’m supporting him?”

“Well, you can’t send politicians away empty-handed when they come to you first.”

Politicians must be handled like fragile porcelain.

It’s only natural for them to think they’ve wasted valuable time if they leave without getting anything.

If they lose face, they’ll harbor resentment, and resentment creates enemies.

Enemies only look for opportunities to repay the resentment from behind.

“As Kim Jong-pyo said, 30 million won is a cheap price to pay to lift the obstruction of the Taeyang Apartment’s completion.”

Isn’t Taeyang Apartment going to be the largest apartment complex in Gangnam [affluent district in Seoul]?

And the most luxurious premium apartment at that.

Construction companies have to bring bundles of money to get the apartment completed.

And most of that money was used for political funds.

“So, it’s just taking out insurance for any future possibilities.”

“No. It’s not even insurance.”

Tae-soo shook his head.

“Kim Jong-pyo must not become the President of this country.”

What did Kim Jong-pyo do as Park Jeong-hwan’s bagman [a person who collects or distributes illicit funds]?

Ahn Jung-woo, who has information merchants, couldn’t possibly not know.

“Kim Jong-pyo is the mastermind behind the four corruption scandals in the Republic of Korea, which were initiated to secure funds for Park Jeong-hwan’s military government after the May 16 military coup [a military coup d’état in South Korea in 1961].”

“These incidents severely damaged the military regime’s morality.”

“Most of the enormous funds went into the founding of the Democratic Republican Party [a South Korean political party].”

“For a ruling party that would firmly support Park Jeong-hwan, and for political maneuvering against the opposition party.”

People ridiculed the military regime’s claim of ‘overthrowing the old evils’ and labeled them as ‘the main culprits of the new evils.’

“Park Jeong-hwan became a symbol of corruption because of these four incidents. How could the international community properly treat a leader who is criticized domestically?”

“Park Jeong-hwan became desperate to revamp his image.”

“All of this came from Kim Jong-pyo’s head. That’s why Kim Jong-pyo and Park Jeong-hwan maintained a subtle relationship with each other.”

Ahn Jung-woo nodded.

“No wonder Park Jeong-hwan kept his nephew-in-law Kim Jong-pyo at a distance. He’s a dangerous guy.”

“Park Jeong-hwan feared Kim Jong-pyo’s skills. So, he suppressed him with force.”

That was why he kept Kim Jong-pyo, who was also a relative, in check for a long time.

He had him serve as Prime Minister out of necessity, but that was it.

Park Jeong-hwan used Kim Jong-pyo’s brains but didn’t give him any real power.

“Jeon Doo-ho and Cha Gi-beom could throw their weight around, but Kim Jong-pyo couldn’t.”

“He couldn’t let them throw their weight around. Who knows what he would do. He was the type who would play above Park Jeong-hwan’s head if he let his guard down even a little.”

“Considering Park Jeong-hwan’s nature, he should have gotten rid of him a long time ago.”

“Rather, the fact that he survived by proving his usefulness is what makes him outstanding.”

“He must have felt his talent was too valuable to waste.”

“He’s smart, after all. He’s perfect for giving the position of Prime Minister and having him do the work.”

Ahn Jung-woo tapped his head with his finger.

Thanks to Kim Jong-pyo, Park Jeong-hwan solidified his position as a military dictator, but as a leader, Park Jeong-hwan had to bear an indelible flaw.

Yet, he’s saying he’s a talented man he can’t let go of.

“The sly fox, who had been suppressed under Park Jeong-hwan, is now unwinding and straightening his body.”

Ahn Jung-woo sighed.

“He’s Park Jeong-hwan’s bagman. He’s a man who will ruin the country even more than Park Jeong-hwan.”

“The stock market crash, the Walkerhill scandal, Saenara Motors, the revolving billiards table. Park Jeong-hwan’s four major corruption scandals were glossed over.”

These are the incidents that Kim Jong-pyo orchestrated for Park Jeong-hwan.

“The stock market crash is a prime example. They couldn’t use the national treasury because there were many places to spend money politically, so they disrupted the stock market.”

“This incident created the perception that the Korean stock market is a gambling den and has a high degree of risk.”

“For that reason, foreign companies were reluctant to invest in Korean companies, and the growth of companies faced limitations.”

“Moreover, since even bank loans were not properly available, companies had no choice but to rely on private loans to raise funds.”

“That’s why the underground financial market grew, and it negatively affected Korea’s economic development.”

“In the end, Park Jeong-hwan covered this up with currency reform and a freeze on private loans. With all the burden borne by the people.”

With currency reform and a freeze on private loans, money became worthless.

Jang Mal-dong, the big hand of Myeongdong [a major commercial district in Seoul], who is considered the first in the private loan business in Korea, was also on the verge of going bankrupt due to the freeze on private loans.

It was a representative act of corruption that undermined the country’s economy.

Ahn Jung-woo smiled.

“If it weren’t for you, I would have become a pauper as well.”

“If it weren’t for your 20 million won at the time, I wouldn’t have been able to develop the mine. The mine is also the reason why I am who I am today.”

Tae-soo and Ahn Jung-woo looked at each other and smiled.

Alliance.

They have grown together to this point, bound by trust.

Tae-soo said firmly.

“If Kim Jong-pyo becomes president, how much more corruption will he commit with that brain of his? The future is as clear as day.”

How did Tae-soo wipe out the military dictators?

How much had he longed to grow Taeyang Group as a business, not as a politician?

“Yes, a greedy, sly schemer is perfect for ruining the country.”

At that moment, Song Chang-jun came again and said.

“The Army Chief of Staff, or rather, the Martial Law Commander and Head of the Joint Investigation Headquarters, General Lee Se-hoo, has come to see you.”

Ahn Jung-woo laughed.

“Your doorstep will wear out.”

“Well, how many more people will come to see the head of a chaebol who is only ranked outside the top 100?”

Power attracts money and people.

So, flies swarm around influential politicians.

There’s no way those in power would go around visiting the heads of chaebols one by one.

The reality is that chaebols are busy visiting presidential candidates and offering bribes.

“But acting President Kim Jong-pyo came to see you first. This time, even Lee Se-hoo, the Army Chief of Staff and Martial Law Commander, has come.”

Ahn Jung-woo said proudly.

“Currently, the two most powerful people in this country are vying to find you. What does that mean?”

People don’t move without a reason.

That’s even more true if he’s a giant who wields power in this country.