The Conglomerate Family Became A Villain [EN]: Chapter 127

127. The Time Points to 1985 (3)

General Jo Myeong-gwan.

As a close aide to the late President Lee Jeong-hee, he didn’t have a particularly warm relationship with the current Blue House [the presidential residence and executive office].

However, as a veteran of the army, he maintained connections within the National Security Planning Agency [the intelligence agency, later known as the Agency for National Security Planning] and the Defense Security Command [military intelligence agency focused on counterintelligence and internal security].

It was Major General Kang Chang-hee, the Chief of Staff of the Defense Security Command, who had come to see him today.

“Senior, how have you been?”

“What brings Major General Kang here?”

“I have something important to discuss with you, sir, so I came to see you.”

Major General Kang Chang-hee was eleven classes junior to General Jo Myeong-gwan. He had served as a regiment’s operations officer when General Jo Myeong-gwan was the division commander.

“Oh, you have something important to say. That’s unexpected.”

Major General Kang Chang-hee removed his hat and placed it beside him.

“Do you meet with Chairman Jeong of Daewoon Group often?”

“I saw Chairman Jeong once last Chuseok [Korean harvest festival]. Is there a problem with Daewoon Group?”

In 1984, the power of the Blue House far surpassed that of the business world.

“I’ve heard that the National Security Planning Agency is gathering information on Daewoon Group.”

The Defense Security Command’s primary task was counterintelligence, but they were just as diligent about collecting information as the National Security Planning Agency.

They were at the forefront of controlling and suppressing the media.

“Is the National Security Planning Agency planning something for Daewoon Group?”

The word ‘planning’ here didn’t have a positive connotation. It usually implied dismantling a company or stripping the owner of their management rights.

“I believe that could be the case.”

“It could be?”

Jeong Hye-suk, the second daughter of Chairman Jeong Woo-seon of Daewoon Group, was his second daughter-in-law.

If Daewoon Group were to collapse, it would be detrimental to him.

“Hmm, should I approach the Blue House?”

He was a veteran of the army and a senior to the current president in the military academy.

“How about meeting Chairman Jeong before contacting the President?”

“Are you suggesting I warn him to be careful?”

“I think that would be the best course of action for now.”

General Jo Myeong-gwan groaned softly.

“Hmm, but it will be too late once the damage is done.”

He considered that it might be more effective to visit the Blue House directly.

“Sir, wouldn’t it be better to act at his request rather than secretly assisting Chairman Jeong?”

General Jo Myeong-gwan understood what Major General Kang Chang-hee was implying.

“Are you suggesting I should thwart the National Security Planning Agency’s scheme and gain favor with Daewoon Group?”

“Since you’re going to intervene anyway, wouldn’t that be the more advantageous approach?”

General Jo Myeong-gwan stroked his beard and said.

“Well, now that you mention it, you didn’t come to see me purely out of goodwill.”

He suspected that Major General Kang Chang-hee wanted something in return for saving Daewoon Group.

“How could I possibly expect anything from you, sir?”

General Jo Myeong-gwan slowly shook his head.

“There’s no such thing as a free lunch in this world. Major General Kang, tell me what you want. Is it a promotion? Or is it financial compensation?”

Major General Kang Chang-hee was serving as the Chief of Staff of the Defense Security Command, which was generally considered a fast track to success.

Even if becoming the Chief of Staff of the Army was a long shot, he could aim for the position of field army commander, a four-star general position, if he performed well.

“I would appreciate it if you would use your influence on my behalf in the future, sir.”

General Jo Myeong-gwan chuckled softly.

“Hahaha, so it’s honor you seek, not money.”

Major General Kang Chang-hee placed both hands on his knees and straightened his posture.

“Sir, I believe that money is a distraction for a soldier.”

General Jo Myeong-gwan nodded as if he understood.

“I’ll mention your name if the opportunity arises.”

“Thank you, sir.”

After Major General Kang Chang-hee departed, General Jo Myeong-gwan called Chairman Jeong Woo-seon.

* * *

Chairman Jeong Woo-seon and General Jo Myeong-gwan met in a place that had once been a ‘Yojung’ [traditional Korean high-end restaurant with private rooms and often female entertainers] during the Japanese colonial era.

In the days of the Yojung, it was a place filled with female entertainers, music, and face powder.

After the Korean War, the businessman who acquired the property removed the female entertainers and music, transforming the space into a high-end restaurant.

The clientele primarily consisted of powerful figures in politics or business, and ordinary customers could only dine there by making a reservation by phone.

“Chairman Jeong, I requested this meeting because there’s something I need to discuss.”

Chairman Jeong Woo-seon bowed deeply.

“I’m grateful that General Jo would take the time to see me.”

Chairman Jeong Woo-seon showed the utmost respect because General Jo Myeong-gwan was a man of considerable influence, having served as a vice minister in the executive branch.

“A dark cloud is gathering over Daewoon Group.”

Chairman Jeong Woo-seon’s face instantly stiffened.

“A dark cloud over Daewoon Group? What do you mean?”

“I mean it literally. There’s a rumor that the National Security Planning Agency is making moves.”

Chairman Jeong Woo-seon swallowed hard.

“The National Security Planning Agency is moving?”

The current National Security Planning Agency wielded such immense power that it was said they could bring down even a flying bird.

“There’s a rumor circulating that the Blue House intends to dismantle a group.”

Chairman Jeong Woo-seon seemed to understand to some extent why General Jo Myeong-gwan had come to see him.

“You’re saying that the National Security Planning Agency is targeting Daewoon Group.”

“Have you done anything to displease the President recently?”

“Nothing of the sort.”

General Jo Myeong-gwan clicked his tongue.

“Chairman Jeong, think carefully.”

Chairman Jeong Woo-seon sighed deeply.

“Hoo… There was a request to purchase a house in the United States.”

“Did you refuse?”

“No, I already finalized the contract.”

“Then what was the problem?”

Chairman Jeong Woo-seon shook his head from side to side.

“I don’t know.”

He couldn’t think of anything he had done to offend the Blue House.

‘Could it be that?’

Among Daewoon Group’s recent activities, two stood out.

One was entering the Middle East construction market, and the other was lobbying President Reagan and the Republican Party.

“Well, there is something I’m considering.”

General Jo Myeong-gwan reacted as if that explained everything.

“What is it?”

“Daewoon Construction received some assistance from the Blue House when entering the Middle East.”

“Didn’t we adequately compensate for that?”

Chairman Jeong Woo-seon sighed again.

“Hoo, well…”

He had given a considerable amount in bribes to the Blue House and high-ranking officials.

However, he couldn’t confidently claim that the bribes were particularly generous.

‘Did they want a kickback? But if they wanted a kickback, they would have told me.’

Chairman Jeong Woo-seon was at a loss.

“If the money was insufficient, they may have been disappointed.”

“It wasn’t overly generous, but it wasn’t insufficient either. Other than that, the only thing I can think of is the matter with the United States.”

General Jo Myeong-gwan asked, lifting his teacup.

“Are you referring to the house you mentioned earlier?”

“No.”

“Then what is it?”

“I made a rather substantial donation to the Republican Party.”

General Jo Myeong-gwan’s face hardened.

“That’s more likely the reason.”

This suggested that the Blue House might view a Korean company directly approaching the American Republican Party as an overreach of authority.

“How much did you donate?”

Chairman Jeong Woo-seon slightly clenched his right hand and answered.

“I donated 1 million dollars.”

One million dollars.

In 1984, that was a significant sum.

“Hmm, that’s an ambiguous amount.”

The amount was too small for the Blue House to be truly enraged, but it also wasn’t insignificant enough to be ignored.

“What should I do in this situation?”

If the National Security Planning Agency had begun planning, it meant that the President was considering dismantling Daewoon Group.

“First, Chairman Jeong, please investigate through your channels. I will also try to gather information separately.”

Chairman Jeong Woo-seon bowed deeply at General Jo Myeong-gwan’s words.

“I’ll trust only General Jo.”

He left without even touching his chopsticks. As soon as he returned to headquarters, he summoned Director Hong Won-ik and Jeong Min-yeong.

Soon, a fierce voice erupted from the Daewoon Group Chairman’s office.

Ten minutes later.

The two men emerged, sighing deeply.

“Hoo…”

“It seems the Chairman is misunderstanding something.”

Jeong Min-yeong turned his head and responded to Director Hong Won-ik’s words.

“I think so too. But there’s nothing I can do since he won’t listen to me.”

“You have to use your influence.”

“Me?”

Director Hong Won-ik shifted his weight and said.

“Isn’t that what your father-in-law is for at times like this?”

He was suggesting that he contact Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs Heo Mun-yeong.

“I think I’m visiting my father-in-law too often.”

Jeong Min-yeong was slated to be promoted to vice president, but the promotion hadn’t happened yet.

However, Director Hong Won-ik baited him with the title of vice president.

‘If I don’t resolve this issue, there will be no successor to the group, or anything else.’

He nodded his head.

“I understand. Please look into it separately, Director.”

Director Hong Won-ik walked with him and said.

“Of course.”

Chairman Jeong Woo-seon’s outburst seemed to have forged a team between the two of them.

* * *

“Hyun-woo. Is there anything you can think of?”

The person Director Hong Won-ik called was Jeong Hyun-woo. He was rubbing his eyes, still adjusting to the time difference, as he answered the phone.

“So, you’re saying the Blue House is targeting Daewoon Group?”

“If the National Security Planning Agency is involved, it must be the Blue House’s intention.”

Jeong Hyun-woo sighed briefly.

“Ha… The National Security Planning Agency is moving? You must be mistaken. There’s no way the Blue House would target Daewoon Group.”

He had made a deal with Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs Heo Mun-yeong in Hawaii.

‘What the President wants is to establish a connection with a powerful figure in the Republican Party.’

Even if Daewoon Group had interfered with that, there was no way they would dismantle Daewoon Group solely for that reason.

‘Come to think of it, I believe there was a case of a company being dismantled in history.’

He recalled the case of the World Group being dismantled, which he had seen in a past documentary.

‘Ah! Does World Group still exist?’

If World Group still existed, the Blue House’s focus would be on World Group, not Daewoon Group.

‘Perhaps the Blue House put World Group and Daewoon Group on a scale and compared them.’

Regardless of the behind-the-scenes details of history, it was World Group, not Daewoon Group, that was dismantled by the government.

‘Daewoon Group survives, and World Group disappears.’

Director Hong Won-ik asked, as if seeking confirmation of Jeong Hyun-woo’s words.

“Hyun-woo. Can I truly rest assured? If something goes wrong, it won’t just be my life at stake.”

Jeong Hyun-woo was certain that it was World Group, not Daewoon Group, that would be dismantled.

“You can rest assured.”

Director Hong Won-ik sighed deeply.

“Hoo… Since you say so, I feel relieved. But, where do you think these false rumors originated?”

Jeong Hyun-woo checked the time and frowned.

“Director, there’s no way I could know that.”

There was no way he, in the United States, could know the source of rumors circulating in Korea.

‘Director Hong seems to think I’m in Korea.’

Even if he were in Korea, there was no way he could pinpoint the source of the rumors.

He wasn’t some shadowy power broker.

“I apologize. The Chairman was extremely agitated.”

If you believed that Daewoon Group had become a target of the Blue House, it was understandable that the reaction would be so intense.

“Director, you don’t need to worry. If you wish, I can investigate further.”

“It would be even better if you did.”

Before hanging up, Jeong Hyun-woo asked one thing.

“By the way, Director, are you in contact with my uncle?”

Director Hong Won-ik sighed briefly and answered.

“We were summoned together a little while ago and scolded by the Chairman.”

Jeong Hyun-woo gave a faint smile at his answer.

“I’m glad you seem to be on good terms.”

Director Hong Won-ik knew that he was being teased. However, the feeling of relief was so overwhelming that he didn’t even mind the teasing.

“Hyun-woo. Am I right to push Director Jeong [Jeong Min-yeong]?”

“It’s not time for me to step in yet.”

When the time is right, I will intervene myself.

Director Hong Won-ik nodded at Jeong Hyun-woo’s words.

“I understand. Then I’ll wait for that time.”

If Jeong Hyun-woo stepped in, no one would be able to stop him.

* * *

Jeong Hyun-woo entered the club lounge with a dazed expression.

“You don’t look well?”

“I had a restless night.”

“Because of today’s meeting?”

The one speaking was Sera. She and Jeong Hyun-woo were staying at a 5-star hotel overlooking Park Avenue.

“No.”

“Then did you dream about Aria?”

Jeong Hyun-woo yawned widely and answered.

“Ha… No way.”

He thought that if they were the same age, he would prefer Laura over Aria.

‘Of course, Laura wouldn’t even consider it.’

Sera tore off a piece of bread and asked.

“Shall I order you some coffee?”

“Please do.”

Sera raised her right hand and signaled the waiter. She ordered coffee for Jeong Hyun-woo.

After ordering the coffee, she turned her gaze to Jeong Hyun-woo.

“Did you work all night?”

“I received a call from Korea.”

“From your uncle?”

Jeong Hyun-woo shook his head.

“No.”

“Then?”

“The head of the group’s secretariat.”

Sera tilted her head to the side.

“The head of the group’s secretariat?”

“Didn’t I mention it before? My grandfather is the CEO of a small company.”

“Hmm, CEO of a small company. Charlie has a lot in common with Aria.”

Jeong Hyun-woo narrowed his eyes.

“Ha… Except for being a CEO, there’s nothing similar, is there?”

Just as he sighed deeply, the waiter brought the coffee.

Thump.

Jeong Hyun-woo gestured his thanks with his hand.

“Anyway, that phone call kept you up all night.”

Sera guessed that the phone call contained something Jeong Hyun-woo was worried about.

‘Something must have happened to his family.’

She suspected that Jeong Hyun-woo’s family situation was much more complicated than the Hilton family’s.

“The timing just wasn’t ideal.”

“It wasn’t that the content was bad?”

“The content was just so-so.”

The fact that Daewoon Group had become a target of the Blue House was hardly “so-so” content.

Of course, Jeong Hyun-woo knew that Daewoon Group wouldn’t be dismantled, so he could easily dismiss Director Hong Won-ik’s call.

“Then it won’t affect today’s meeting.”

Jeong Hyun-woo took a sip of coffee and responded.

“Of course.”

He replaced his meal with coffee and a piece of bread.

‘To be content with bread and coffee even with a 5-star hotel breakfast, I’ve become Americanized.’

If it were him in his past life, he would have emptied three plates, not wanting to waste the breakfast ticket.

“What’s the strategy for today?”

“Is there really anything that warrants calling it a strategy?”

“JP Morgan is always picky.”

“Sera, this time, we’re the customer.”

Sera slightly pursed her lips.

“Hoo, you’re very confident?”

“It’s not confidence; we are, in fact, the customer.”

Jeong Hyun-woo wanted to formally request that JP Morgan conduct an IPO [Initial Public Offering] for Victoria Corporation.

“Oh, and Robert called.”

“Robert called?”

“Yeah.”

Jeong Hyun-woo tore off a piece of bread and asked.

“Is it about work?”

“That’s right.”

“Hmm, don’t tell me. I’ll guess.”

Sera smiled, lifting her glass.

“Okay.”

Jeong Hyun-woo pondered for a moment, then immediately spoke the answer.

“Activision surrendered. Am I right?”

Sera widened her eyes.

“How did you know?”

Jeong Hyun-woo grinned and answered.

“It was in the news yesterday. Activision is in crisis due to the successive failures of its new games.”

“Hmm, did you deduce all that just from that?”

“Activision doesn’t particularly welcome us, but we’re the only ones who are interested in them.”

Activision and Victoria Corporation had clashed several times over IP [Intellectual Property] acquisitions, but there weren’t many companies interested in buying Activision’s IP.

Moreover, with the failure of one anticipated new game after another, they had been driven into a corner.

“Robert said it looks like we can acquire all the IP for $3 million.”

“That would be a significant win for Robert.”

“Wasn’t it Charlie who wanted Activision?”

Jeong Hyun-woo stretched out both hands and answered.

“That’s right. But it would mean more to Robert than to me.”

Robert was a former Activision executive and a former colleague of Activision CEO Jerome Nell.