The Conglomerate Family Became A Villain [EN]: Chapter 64

Became a Billionaire Villain – Third Christmas 03 –

***

January 5, 1984.

Jung Hyun-woo arrived at Gimpo International Airport.

“I wish I could have come a little earlier.”

Chief Secretary Hong Won-ik was there to greet Jung Hyun-woo. He was still holding the position of Chief Secretary of the Daewoon Group in January 1984.

“Professor, your research ended at the end of the year, so I couldn’t help it.”

Chief Secretary Hong Won-ik and other Koreans knew him as a member of Professor Norn’s team.

“Did you buy a house because the university research center didn’t provide a dormitory?”

Chief Secretary Hong Won-ik seemed to think that Jung Hyun-woo’s purchase of a home in Boston was preparation for a leave of absence. Jung Hyun-woo decided to play along.

“You know it well. Dormitories are provided for regular researchers, but this is just an internship.”

Intern researchers are not provided with accommodation.

Of course, Jung Hyun-woo had never confirmed this fact. He was just agreeing with him.

“Hmm, so you’re commuting from home to school now?”

“That’s what I’m doing now.”

When Jung Hyun-woo nodded, Chief Secretary Hong Won-ik let out a short sigh.

“Hoo, if that’s the case, you should have told me in advance.”

He had raised his voice with Jung Hyun-woo over the issue of buying a home in Boston.

“That’s… because everything wasn’t certain at the time.”

Chief Secretary Hong Won-ik narrowed his brows.

“Yes, nothing is certain in the future.”

The situation of the Daewoon Group in 1984 was not very good. In particular, the North Korean Aung San bombing at the end of last year was a problem.

‘Who would have expected such a thing to happen?’

The North Korean bombing in Myanmar, which targeted the president, brought down senior economic officials instead. This was an incident that could deal a fatal blow to the Korean economy, which was growing under government leadership.

‘Several government-led projects have already begun to flounder.’

Jung Hyun-woo turned his gaze to the police officers standing all over the airport.

“The atmosphere is heavy.”

“It’s because of the Aung San terror [referring to the Aung San bombing].”

The atmosphere at Gimpo International Airport was heavy despite being the beginning of the year.

‘Actually, it’s a relief that a war didn’t break out.’

A large-scale terror attack by North Korea targeting the president.

It was an incident in which it would not have been strange if a war had broken out, as he thought.

“It was reported as a scoop every day in the United States as well.”

The Aung San bombing also attracted considerable attention in the United States.

The Reagan administration strongly criticized the Aung San bombing as a malicious act of terror by the communist camp and strengthened various sanctions against North Korea.

“It wasn’t an ordinary incident.”

Chief Secretary Hong Won-ik thought that Jung Hyun-woo had grown considerably taller compared to a year ago.

‘He wasn’t short to begin with, but now he’s as tall as me.’

Jung Hyun-woo was still 17 years old in American age, but he was already 19 years old in Korean age. If he had not gone to study in the United States and attended school in Korea, he would have taken the college entrance exam this year.

“The Chairman is waiting.”

“Is Grandpa at the company?”

“He didn’t go to work today because you were coming.”

If Chairman Jung Woo-sun had gone to work, Chief Secretary Hong Won-ik would not have come to pick him up.

“I could have seen him at the company.”

“You.”

Chief Secretary Hong Won-ik and Jung Hyun-woo got into the sedan that was waiting.

“The car has changed.”

“It’s a new car that came out last year.”

“Is it a domestic car?”

“Daehyun Motors made it.”

The vehicle the two were riding in was the Stilla, a domestic rear-wheel-drive sedan from Daehyun Motors.

“Daehyun Motors has developed a lot.”

“Now they even export to the United States.”

Daehyun Motors, which exported to the United States during this period, was emphasizing its affordability as its greatest strength.

“Let’s get going.”

Chief Secretary Hong Won-ik briefly acknowledged the driver’s words.

“Okay.”

Jung Hyun-woo and Hong Won-ik.

Just as the vehicle carrying the two was leaving the airport.

Daewoon Group Chairman Jung Woo-sun was sitting face to face with Wooin Hospital Director Jung Woo-jin.

“Brother, Hyun-woo is coming today?”

Wooin Hospital was a large hospital with eight general hospitals nationwide, including Seoul and the provinces.

“I heard the plane has already landed at the airport.”

Director Jung Woo-jin was the only elite in the Jung family’s four siblings who had graduated from university.

“Are the children doing well?”

“Brother, children? Everyone is over thirty except for the youngest.”

“Well, Hyun-woo has entered university.”

Chairman Jung Woo-sun stroked his beard and looked at his aging brother.

“How long do you plan to work?”

“I plan to work as long as my body can handle it.”

Director Jung Woo-jin had no intention of retiring yet. That was because, although he was getting old, he was still full of energy, with a blush remaining on his face.

On the other hand, fatigue could be read all over Chairman Jung Woo-sun’s face.

“You and I are the only ones left.”

The second and third of the Jung family’s four siblings had already passed away.

Director Jung Woo-jin responded to Chairman Jung Woo-sun’s words.

“There are many times when I think we managed to survive those days.”

The second, Jung Woo-joon, died in the Pacific War 40 years ago, and the third, Jung Woo-shin, was killed in action fighting the Chinese army in Cheorwon 30 years ago.

Of course, the youngest, Jung Woo-jin, did not have a comfortable life either. He served as a medical officer throughout the Korean War and ran around tirelessly after the war to establish a modern hospital.

Only Chairman Jung Woo-sun was able to avoid being drafted twice due to his age and the obligation to support his family.

“I’m the only one who didn’t go to the battlefield.”

“Brother, didn’t you take care of all the remaining families instead of your brothers?”

Chairman Jung Woo-sun led Daewoon Trading Company and supported not only his own family but also the families of his brothers who had passed away.

“I just made money.”

He let out a long breath as if lost in regret.

“Hoo…”

“Brother.”

Director Jung Woo-jin thought that his eldest brother was not the same as before.

“Now that Hyun-woo is doing well, I have no regrets.”

A grandson who lost his father and mother.

Jung Hyun-woo was Chairman Jung Woo-sun’s sore spot.

“Who knew Hyun-woo would do so well?”

Director Jung Woo-jin knew very well how difficult it was to get into MIT [Massachusetts Institute of Technology].

“What about the grandchildren there?”

“They haven’t even started school yet.”

Director Jung Woo-jin had just finished his children’s weddings. He was not yet at an age to think about the future of his grandchildren.

“Come to think of it, the youngest got married last year, didn’t she?”

“It was the year before last. Brother, the year changed a few days ago.”

“Yes, that’s right.”

Chairman Jung Woo-sun leaned back in his chair.

“As I get older, not only do problems arise here and there, but I also don’t know how time is passing.”

He was almost eighty.

“To be honest, I didn’t think you would come today.”

Director Jung Woo-jin lowered his head slightly.

“I wanted to see Hyun-woo’s face.”

“You?”

“Brother, I am also a member of the Jung family.”

Chairman Jung Woo-sun closed his eyes as if tired.

“If Min-hyuk were here, I could have closed my eyes in peace. No, I should have been on that plane.”

Jung Min-hyuk was Jung Hyun-woo’s father and Chairman Jung Woo-sun’s eldest son. However, he lost his life in Africa in place of his father, Chairman Jung Woo-sun.

“Brother.”

Chairman Jung Woo-sun waved his hand and said.

“It’s okay. It’s all in the past.”

A turbulent era.

How many others have lost their families and brothers while coming all the way here?

Director Jung Woo-jin said consolingly.

“Brother, Daewoon Group still has Min-seok, doesn’t it?”

Executive Director Jung Min-seok was about to be promoted to vice president. People in Daewoon Group were taking Executive Director Jung Min-seok’s succession to the chairmanship as a foregone conclusion.

Chairman Jung Woo-sun opened his eyes and raised his voice.

“Min-seok?”

“He’s a smart kid.”

“That’s the problem, he’s just smart. He doesn’t have virtue.”

Director Jung Woo-jin lowered his voice at his rebuke.

“Brother, Min-seok is from a different generation than us.”

He meant that it was difficult to evaluate the younger generation based on the standards of those who lived through the turbulent era.

“Woo-jin. Running a company is all the same.”

Director Jung Woo-jin also knew Jung Min-seok’s shortcomings well. But no one is without flaws.

‘Even Hyun-woo, who entered MIT, didn’t cause quite a few problems when he was young, did he? Min-seok may unexpectedly manage the company well.’

He grabbed the armrest of the chair and asked.

“So, is Hyun-woo going to continue living in the United States?”

Chairman Jung Woo-sun let out a long sigh.

“Hoo… I wish he would study appropriately and return to Korea, but it’s a problem because he doesn’t seem to have any intention of doing so.”

“If he returns to Korea, he will become a great scholar.”

“Scholar?”

“Since he studied and researched at MIT, shouldn’t he stand on the podium?”

Chairman Jung Woo-sun raised his eyebrows.

“He should come to Daewoon Group and take a position. What school and podium!”

Director Jung Woo-jin was worried that his eldest brother would force his grandson to work for the company.

“Brother, times have changed.”

Chairman Jung Woo-sun did not budge.

“Times have changed, so you don’t do family affairs?”

“I’m in a hospital, not a company, aren’t I?”

“That’s because you became a doctor. Hyun-woo has to work for the company.”

“Brother!”

As the voices of the two were getting louder, the butler announced Jung Hyun-woo’s arrival from outside the door.

“Chairman, Hyun-woo has arrived.”

Chairman Jung Woo-sun cleared his throat lightly and said to the butler.

“Tell him to come in.”

Soon, Jung Hyun-woo appeared before the two.

“Grandpa, I’m back.”

His home was officially Chairman Jung Woo-sun’s residence. So the address was also Chairman Jung Woo-sun’s home.

“Come and sit down.”

Jung Hyun-woo confirmed that there was one more person next to Chairman Jung Woo-sun.

‘He looks strangely similar to Grandpa.’

Before returning to Korea, he slowly looked through the family album left by Choi Kyung-min. However, the old man sitting next to him was not in the album he left behind.

‘Hmm, is he a relative?’

As he tilted his head inwardly, Director Jung Woo-jin coughed lightly.

“Hmm, hmm, Brother.”

Chairman Jung Woo-sun turned his gaze to his cough.

“Why?”

“I should introduce myself.”

“Does Hyun-woo not know his little grandfather?”

“It’s been over eight years since we saw each other’s faces.”

Little Grandfather.

Jung Hyun-woo had heard from Choi Kyung-min that Chairman Jung Woo-sun had a younger brother and that he was the director of a large hospital.

‘This is the little grandfather from the rumors.’

Before sitting down, Jung Hyun-woo greeted Director Jung Woo-jin.

“Hello, Little Grandfather.”

Director Jung Woo-jin gave an awkward smile at Jung Hyun-woo’s greeting.

“It’s been a while.”

“I haven’t been able to attend family events because I’ve been in the United States.”

In fact, Director Jung Woo-jin was a difficult person to meet even before Jung Hyun-woo went to the United States. He often spent time with his children rather than visiting his brother, Chairman Jung Woo-sun, even on holidays.

“It’s okay. Studies come first. Congratulations on entering MIT, although it’s late.”

Jung Hyun-woo bowed deeply at his congratulations.

“Thank you.”

Chairman Jung Woo-sun had a pleased smile whenever MIT was mentioned.

“MIT must be better than medical school, right?”

Director Jung Woo-jin praised Jung Hyun-woo to the fullest.

“What’s there to say? Isn’t MIT a school that only geniuses go to in the United States? I can’t even imagine how hard Hyun-woo must have studied.”

Chairman Jung Woo-sun was beaming at Director Jung Woo-jin’s words.

“That’s right. This grandpa has prepared an entrance gift.”

He took out a thick document envelope.

Jung Hyun-woo received the envelope and asked.

“Grandpa, what is this?”

“Take it out and see.”

Jung Hyun-woo carefully tore open the document envelope.

Thud.

When he untied the string that was blocking the entrance of the envelope, the title deed appeared.

“This is…”

“I bought a building for you to use as an office when you graduate and come back to Korea later.”

Jung Hyun-woo examined the contents of the title deed and couldn’t help but widen his eyes.

‘It’s a Gangnam building.’

At this time, Gangnam was not yet the center of Korea.

‘Still, a 30-story building.’

It was too much for a college entrance gift.

Director Jung Woo-jin was also quite surprised by the scale of the gift prepared by Chairman Jung Woo-sun.

“Brother, a building?”

“Is there a grandson of a chaebol [family-owned conglomerate] who went to MIT?”

1980s.

There were people who went to medical school or prestigious domestic universities, but no one had made a name for themselves at top prestigious universities like MIT. He thought that he should give the best reward because he had achieved the best results.

Jung Hyun-woo took a short breath while holding the title deed of the Gangnam building.

‘Hoo, a 30-story building in Gangnam. If I let it sit for 40 years, it will be worth hundreds of billions, but I can’t just accept it like this.’

He said in a firm voice.

“Grandpa, I can’t accept this gift.”

In an instant, the smile disappeared from Chairman Jung Woo-sun’s face.

“Hyun-woo. What do you mean?”

Jung Hyun-woo lowered his head, hardening his voice.

“The gift is too much.”

“Hyun-woo!”

Jung Hyun-woo did not back down even though Chairman Jung Woo-sun raised his voice. He thought it was time to show a strong side at this point. However, rather than raising his voice together, he spoke softly and gently.

“Grandpa, this isn’t an office, it’s a building. I don’t think I’ll ever use a 30-story building by myself.”

Director Jung Woo-jin was even more surprised to hear the words 30-story building.

‘A 30-story building? My brother is not the type to spend so much money on gifts.’

He felt that there was something in this gift.

‘Could it be that?’

Atonement for his eldest son, Jung Min-hyuk, who passed away in his place.

Director Jung Woo-jin thought this was the most likely possibility.

“Hyun-woo, this is your entrance gift, but it’s not just for you.”

It was as Director Jung Woo-jin had expected.

‘As expected.’

Chairman Jung Woo-sun seemed to have prepared this gift as atonement for Jung Min-hyuk.

“······.”

“Originally, I was going to give it to your father.”

Looking at the development period of Gangnam and the completion date of the building, it was not prepared in advance. However, it was not a wrong story if he had wanted to pass on his wealth to his eldest son from the past.

Director Jung Woo-jin intervened between the two and said.

“Originally, it was going to be your father’s. Hyun-woo, accept it.”

Jung Hyun-woo reluctantly accepted it when Chairman Jung Woo-sun and Director Jung Woo-jin stepped forward.

“I understand. Since even Little Grandfather is saying that, I will accept it.”

Chairman Jung Woo-sun was very satisfied when Jung Hyun-woo received the gift.

“Yes, you should.”

After that, a friendly conversation followed.

Chairman Jung Woo-sun asked about MIT and life in the United States, and Jung Hyun-woo answered with some exaggeration. Then, the story of his undergraduate studies came up.

“So, your major is electrical engineering?”

“Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.”

Chairman Jung Woo-sun let out a long sigh at his answer.

“Hoo… Like father, like son.”

Did he mean that the father and son were from the same department?

‘It seems my father majored in electrical engineering.’

Soon, Chairman Jung Woo-sun continued.

“Min-hyuk wanted to foster electronics so much when he was alive.”

Director Jung Woo-jin added from the side.

“I remember too. He brought a portable radio, saying he wanted to make and sell this someday, right?”

“That’s right.”

Jung Hyun-woo thought.

‘No wonder there are 100,000 shares of Daewoon Electronics stock among the inherited assets.’

Daewoon Electronics was a special company to his father, Jung Min-hyuk.