The Conglomerate Family Became A Villain [EN]: Chapter 121

121. Wrapping Up 1984 (2)

The Blue House, Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs Office.

Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs Heo Mun-yeong quickly rose from his seat upon the arrival of Chief Presidential Secretary Han Cheol-in.

“To what do I owe the pleasure, Chief Secretary? Had you informed me, I would have come to you.”

Chief Secretary Han Cheol-in had entered the Blue House three months earlier than Senior Secretary Heo Mun-yeong and was from the same military academy as the President.

“I’ve heard some things from Senior Secretary Jeong.”

Senior Secretary for Political Affairs Jeong Pil-seon could be said to be in a competitive relationship with Senior Secretary Heo Mun-yeong.

“Senior Secretary Jeong mentioned me?”

“I heard Senior Secretary Heo went to Hawaii.”

Heo Mun-yeong left his desk and sat in front of Chief Secretary Han Cheol-in, saying,

“I went to Hawaii under the President’s orders.”

Chief Secretary Han Cheol-in tilted his head at the mention of the President’s orders.

“Not for leisure, but the President gave Senior Secretary Heo the order?”

“How could I go to Hawaii for leisure?”

“Hmph, then Senior Secretary Jeong must have been exaggerating.”

Jeong Pil-seon, the Senior Secretary for Political Affairs, had directly reported Heo Mun-yeong’s trip to Hawaii to the Chief Secretary to keep him in check.

However, Heo Mun-yeong’s departure for Hawaii was not for leisure but to meet Jeong Hyeon-woo.

“Senior Secretary Heo, can you tell me what orders the President gave you?”

Chief Secretary Han Cheol-in was Heo Mun-yeong’s direct superior. Moreover, if he didn’t explain the nature of the orders here, it could lend credence to Senior Secretary Jeong Pil-seon’s suspicions.

“The President instructed me to meet someone.”

Chief Secretary Han Cheol-in couldn’t help but ask who that person was.

“Who did you meet?”

“It was a young man named Jeong Hyeon-woo.”

“Jeong Hyeon-woo?”

It was a name that didn’t immediately ring a bell for Chief Secretary Han Cheol-in.

‘Jeong Hyeon-woo… Doesn’t seem to be connected to Senior Secretary Jeong…’

Just as he was beginning to frown, Heo Mun-yeong continued.

“He is the grandson of Chairman Jeong Woo-seon.”

Chief Secretary Han Cheol-in’s frown remained even at the mention of Chairman Jeong Woo-seon’s grandson.

“Does the President know Chairman Jeong Woo-seon’s grandson?”

“It seems a report came in from the National Security Planning Agency [South Korea’s primary intelligence agency, now known as the National Intelligence Service].”

“From the National Security Planning Agency?”

Chief Secretary Han Cheol-in felt like he was getting lost in a maze.

‘I don’t understand why the National Security Planning Agency is involved here.’

The fact that he was Chairman Jeong Woo-seon’s grandson was already perplexing enough.

“Jeong Hyeon-woo, the grandson of Chairman Jeong Woo-seon, is active in the United States under the name Charlie Jeong.”

“So?”

“Currently, Jeong Hyeon-woo is the wealthiest individual in South Korea.”

Chief Secretary Han Cheol-in raised his eyebrows at Heo Mun-yeong’s words.

“What are you talking about? Chairman Jeong Woo-seon’s grandson is the wealthiest person in South Korea?”

If someone else had said it, he would have dismissed it as nonsense, but because it was Heo Mun-yeong who said it, he couldn’t help but be somewhat doubtful.

“I heard he achieved great success doing business in the United States.”

“What kind of business did he do in the United States to become the wealthiest person in South Korea?”

“I heard he’s involved with computers.”

“What? Computers?”

Chief Secretary Han Cheol-in found it hard to believe.

‘Can you really become the wealthiest person in South Korea with computers?’

He narrowed his brow and asked.

“Then why hasn’t the media covered this story? If a young man has made such a significant success in the United States, shouldn’t the media be clamoring to report it?”

“I went to Hawaii because of the reason you just mentioned.”

Chief Secretary Han Cheol-in expressed his displeasure, feeling like there was some significant development happening without his knowledge.

“Senior Secretary Heo, please provide more details.”

Heo Mun-yeong knew he had to explain the situation carefully.

‘Chief Secretary Han seems quite upset.’

He lowered his voice and said,

“According to the National Security Planning Agency’s investigation, the Daewoon Group used its influence to suppress the media coverage.”

“Does the Daewoon Group wield that much power?”

“It seems they didn’t just use their influence; they also exploited the coincidence of someone with the same name being involved.”

Chief Secretary Han Cheol-in slightly relaxed his frown.

“So, you’re saying they contacted the media outlets and claimed it was a different person with the same name as this successful Korean-American?”

“That’s my understanding.”

“The fact that Senior Secretary Heo went to Hawaii implies…”

Heo Mun-yeong raised both hands, indicating that things hadn’t gone smoothly.

“You can’t suppress the truth forever, can you?”

“The Daewoon Group was trying to block it, but gradually, the whole story began to leak out?”

“He went to Hawaii because they requested that his identity be kept secret.”

Heo Mun-yeong’s words were slightly twisted.

The President had instructed him to meet Jeong Hyeon-woo and, if he proved to be genuine, to secure any potential benefits. However, he phrased it as if the President was already aware of Jeong Hyeon-woo’s request. Of course, even with this slight alteration, the core meaning remained largely unchanged.

“A businessman who has achieved great success in the United States made a request here? Then, what did we gain by granting his request?”

Chief Secretary Han Cheol-in assumed that the President and Heo Mun-yeong wouldn’t have simply helped Jeong Hyeon-woo without a clear objective.

“In Hawaii, we secured a promise to establish a connection with the Republican Party.”

“Hmm, we went to Hawaii to get something in return?”

“There’s no reason for us to simply listen to the requests of a wealthy man who has succeeded in the United States, is there?”

Chief Secretary Han Cheol-in nodded in understanding.

“With the election approaching, establishing a connection with the Republican Party isn’t a bad move. But Senior Secretary Heo, you should have informed me about this, shouldn’t you?”

He wasn’t completely satisfied yet.

“Well, the schedule was tight, and the Chief Secretary went down to Seosan with the President, so…”

He couldn’t report it because of the tight schedule.

It was a common excuse, not only in the Blue House but also in ordinary workplaces.

Heo Mun-yeong placed his hands on his knees and continued,

“I will definitely report to the Chief Secretary next time.”

Chief Secretary Han Cheol-in didn’t reprimand him further because the President had given the direct order.

However, he didn’t fail to issue a stern warning.

“Senior Secretary Heo, even if people say you are the President’s right-hand man, you shouldn’t let it go to your head. The senior secretary of the secretariat is a position to assist the President, not a position to wield power using the President as a shield.”

Heo Mun-yeong bowed deeply.

“I will keep that in mind.”

“Hmph.”

Chief Secretary Han Cheol-in coughed once and then rose from his seat. He didn’t head straight to his office. Instead, he went to the National Security Planning Agency.

* * *

“Who is Jeong Hyeon-woo?”

At Chief Secretary Han Cheol-in’s question, Director of the National Security Planning Agency Geum Tae-jun frowned.

“It’s that fellow’s story again.”

Director Geum Tae-jun was getting a headache because of Jeong Hyeon-woo.

‘It’s as if he appeared out of nowhere and stirred everything up.’

His sudden emergence had cast a shadow of doubt over the National Security Planning Agency’s intelligence capabilities.

The President had even expressed his anger, questioning how the National Security Planning Agency could have been unaware of a South Korean citizen achieving such significant success in the United States.

“Director Geum, please provide me with a detailed explanation.”

Director Geum Tae-jun sighed briefly and said,

“Hoo… Jeong Hyeon-woo is the eldest grandson of Chairman Jeong Woo-seon and a brilliant student currently on leave from MIT [Massachusetts Institute of Technology].”

Not graduation, but a leave of absence.

Chief Secretary Han Cheol-in tilted his head and asked,

“Chairman Jeong Woo-seon’s eldest grandson was admitted to MIT?”

“Didn’t the Chief Secretary know?”

“This is the first time I’ve heard of it.”

Director Geum Tae-jun raised his right hand and said,

“It hasn’t been reported in the media, but we were aware of this much because Chairman Jeong Woo-seon boasted about it to other business leaders.”

“So, you’re saying that this brilliant student who was admitted to MIT started a business in the United States and became incredibly wealthy?”

Director Geum Tae-jun possessed more detailed information than Senior Secretary Heo Mun-yeong.

“That’s… there’s a company called Victoria Corporation in Boston.”

“Hmm, a company I’ve never heard of.”

“This company created something called JP Service, which allows users to view stock quotes on their computers at home.”

Chief Secretary Han Cheol-in asked,

“Did this Jeong Hyeon-woo contribute significantly to that JP Service?”

“The story is that he directly developed JP Service as the CEO of Victoria Corporation.”

“He founded a company called Victoria Corporation? A MIT student on leave?”

“I’ve heard it’s a common trend for students at prestigious American universities to take a leave of absence and start a company.”

Chief Secretary Han Cheol-in frowned.

“I can’t understand it at all.”

In 1984, it was difficult for South Koreans to grasp the concept of taking a leave of absence from university to start a company.

“We should view it as a cultural difference.”

“Anyway, you’re saying that the company founded by this Jeong Hyeon-woo was a great success?”

Director Geum Tae-jun nodded and replied,

“To put it simply, yes.”

Chief Secretary Han Cheol-in said sarcastically,

“Huh, America is truly amazing. You can become as wealthy as the richest person in South Korea simply by succeeding in one business.”

He found it very unreasonable.

‘Even if America is a superpower, it doesn’t make sense that the disparity is this significant.’

He believed that the assets of a chairman who had built a large corporation over decades and the assets of a young man in his twenties shouldn’t be comparable.

Director Geum Tae-jun corrected him.

“It wasn’t just successful.”

“It wasn’t just successful?”

“Jeong Hyeon-woo can be considered one of the most successful individuals in the United States.”

“How successful does he have to be to be considered one of the most successful people in the United States?”

Director Geum Tae-jun sighed briefly and replied,

“Even if we only cite Forbes’ report, his assets exceed $4.5 billion.”

Chief Secretary Han Cheol-in couldn’t help but click his tongue.

“$4.5 billion?”

As of 1984, $4.5 billion was an astronomical sum, equivalent to half of the South Korean government’s annual budget.

“Since it’s a Forbes report, his actual assets are likely even larger.”

Chief Secretary Han Cheol-in grew angry again. He let out a hollow laugh and said,

“Hahaha, why didn’t Director Geum inform me about this incredible development?”

He suspected that Director Geum Tae-jun and Senior Secretary Heo Mun-yeong had deliberately excluded him.

“That’s…”

“Was it because the schedule was too tight?”

“That’s not it.”

Unlike Senior Secretary Heo Mun-yeong, Director Geum Tae-jun had met with Chief Secretary Han Cheol-in yesterday as well.

“Then why didn’t you tell me?”

“I assumed Senior Secretary Heo would inform you.”

“Are you passing the buck to Senior Secretary Heo now?”

“Chief Secretary Han, we are an organization that prioritizes reporting directly to the President.”

Director Geum Tae-jun’s point was that while he regretted not informing Chief Secretary Han Cheol-in, he wasn’t obligated to do so.

“Listen here. I’m the Chief Presidential Secretary.”

When Chief Secretary Han Cheol-in pounded his chest, Director Geum Tae-jun clenched his fists tightly.

“I’m aware of that.”

“What are we going to do if the National Security Planning Agency and the Secretariat operate independently?”

“We will cooperate to the best of our ability.”

Chief Secretary Han Cheol-in narrowed his brow and said,

“Share all information related to Jeong Hyeon-woo with the Secretariat.”

Director Geum Tae-jun suppressed his rising anger.

“I will comply.”

Chief Secretary Han Cheol-in was a direct junior from the President’s military academy, leaving Director Geum Tae-jun of the National Security Planning Agency with no choice but to yield.

“And keep a close watch on Jeong Hyeon-woo.”

He believed that individuals like Jeong Hyeon-woo, who didn’t follow the established norms, shouldn’t be allowed to thrive unchecked.

“Understood.”

Chief Secretary Han Cheol-in rose from his seat and said,

“Director Geum, there’s no need to see me off.”

Director Geum Tae-jun bowed deeply.

“Chief Secretary Han, I won’t accompany you any further.”

Chief Secretary Han Cheol-in frowned as he left the National Security Planning Agency.

“A kid who isn’t even twenty years old controls half of South Korea’s annual budget? I don’t understand what’s going on.”

His reaction mirrored the President’s initial response upon hearing the report about Jeong Hyeon-woo.

* * *

Regardless of the turmoil in the Blue House, Jeong Hyeon-woo headed to The Langham Boston hotel in downtown Boston.

The Langham Boston Hotel was a state-of-the-art 5-star hotel that had only been open for four years, located between Franklin Street and Oliver Street.

“The building isn’t very tall, is it?”

The Langham Boston Hotel was a modest 6-story building compared to the nearby high-rise buildings.

“But the facilities are luxurious.”

“Has Sarah been here before?”

“I’ve had meetings with Lyra Marine there about twice.”

Lyra Marine met with Sarah more often than Jeong Hyeon-woo did.

“Hmm, you’ve been to some nice places.”

“Are you being sarcastic?”

“Of course not.”

The two were guided inside by a hotel employee.

“The sponsorship meeting is this way.”

Inside the hotel, a sponsorship meeting for Republican House Representative candidate Jake Douglas was being held.

Jeong Hyeon-woo walked along the ornate hallway and asked,

“Didn’t you say it was a presidential election sponsorship party?”

“It’s just called a sponsorship meeting, but it’s essentially a party. And because the presidential election and the House Representative election are happening at the same time, Congressman Douglas’s sponsorship meeting is being held in conjunction.”

Sarah was wearing a wine-colored dress, and from a distance, she could easily be mistaken for a Hollywood actress.

‘She’s often overshadowed by her sister, but Sarah is also a remarkable beauty.’

The two soon arrived in front of the registration table.

“Are you here for the sponsorship meeting?”

At the event official’s question, Sarah replied,

“Charlie Jeong and Sarah Hilton.”

The event official found the two names on the list and nodded enthusiastically.

“Please come this way.”

The two were led into the main sponsorship room.

The room was crowded with well-dressed people.

Jeong Hyeon-woo said in a low voice,

“There are a lot of people.”

Sarah elegantly stepped forward and responded,

“It’s not that many for a party.”

Jeong Hyeon-woo walked beside her, thinking,

‘Come to think of it, this is my first party in America.’

Since he didn’t even have a high school graduation party, this sponsorship meeting could be considered his first real party.

Was it because Sarah’s outfit was so striking?

Or was it because of Jeong Hyeon-woo’s black hair?

Many people’s eyes were drawn to them.

“Hello?”

Sarah smiled brightly at the old gentleman’s greeting.

“Hello.”

She seemed quite accustomed to these gatherings.

“It’s the first time I’ve seen you two.”

When Sarah glanced at him, Jeong Hyeon-woo immediately stepped forward.

“I’m Charlie Jeong. This is Miss Hilton.”

The old gentleman reacted more to the name Miss Hilton than the name Charlie Jeong.

“Miss Hilton as in…?”

“My great-uncle is Conrad Hilton [founder of the Hilton Hotels chain].”

“Ah, you’re a member of the Hilton family.”

The old gentleman, having confirmed her identity, then introduced himself.

“I’m James Cunningham. I run a hospital on Main Street.”

“Ah, I see.”

The old gentleman’s identity was well-established in Boston.

Jeong Hyeon-woo clicked his tongue inwardly as he looked at him.

‘Tsk, he doesn’t seem interested in me at all.’

As if sensing his thoughts,

The old gentleman asked Sarah,

“What is your relationship with this young man?”

Sarah introduced Jeong Hyeon-woo in a gentle voice.

“Charlie is the CEO of Victoria Corporation.”

The old gentleman’s expression changed instantly.

“Victoria Corporation, the one behind JP Service…?”

Sarah smiled radiantly and said,

“You’re well-informed.”

The old gentleman nodded enthusiastically.

“I use JP Service in my office as well.”

At his words, the surrounding atmosphere shifted.

“Victoria Corporation?”

“It’s the hottest company in Boston right now.”

“I heard it’s the company that MIT students are most eager to join.”

Jeong Hyeon-woo felt like he had suddenly become a celebrity.

‘It seems we’re more well-known than I realized.’

While his face might not be widely recognized, the company Victoria Corporation seemed to be quite famous.