The Conglomerate Family Became A Villain [EN]: Chapter 67

67. Becoming a Villain in a Chaebol Family – Meeting a Legend 01 –

– Meeting a Legend –

The Namsan Grand Hyatt Hotel.

The hotel’s terrace overlooked the Han River to the south, offering a panoramic view of Hannam-dong, the Han River, and Gangnam.

In 1984, the skyline of Gangnam was primarily defined by newly built, large apartment complexes like the Apgujeong Hyundai Apartments.

Director Hong Won-ik wasn’t particularly fond of these massive apartment buildings.

‘It looks stifling, like an endless row of matchboxes.’

To him, each apartment building resembled a simple, stacked box.

“In just ten years, the center of South Korea will change.”

The person sitting across from him was Jung Hyun-woo.

Director Hong Won-ik turned to him and asked,

“You mean this area will become the center?”

As of 1984, the center of South Korea was still considered to be Gwanghwamun, City Hall, and Jongno. Even broadly defining the center of Seoul, it would be around Yeouido, but Gangnam was not yet a central hub.

“Because that is the government’s intention.”

Director Hong Won-ik raised his voice slightly in disbelief.

“The government intends to develop the south?”

He wondered how Jung Hyun-woo, who was primarily based in the United States, could know the South Korean government’s intentions.

“Many of the students studying in the United States are children of high-ranking officials.”

The story was that he had obtained inside information about national land development plans from the children of these high-ranking officials.

Director Hong Won-ik gave a wry smile.

“If what you say is true, it’s like I gave you a big gift.”

“A big gift?”

“The building the Chairman gave you as a gift – I chose that location.”

Jung Hyun-woo had been gifted a 30-story building in Gangnam by Chairman Jung Woo-sun. Hearing Director Hong Won-ik’s words, he responded in a soft voice.

“Director, you have an unexpectedly keen eye.”

“Is that all?”

“I already gave you my gift, though…”

Jung Hyun-woo had previously given Director Hong Won-ik a gift prepared by Sera. Of course, the gift Sera prepared wasn’t particularly expensive.

“Are you trying to get away with just a small box?”

Jung Hyun-woo turned his gaze to the Han River and said,

“If there’s anything you want, please tell me.”

“Forget it.”

Was it because his holiday had been interrupted?

Director Hong Won-ik was slightly brusque.

“I think the view from this hotel is the best in Seoul.”

“This place?”

“Is it strange?”

“It would be very strange unless you particularly like the Han River.”

His past life….

Jung Hyun-woo had only visited the Grand Hyatt Hotel lobby once in his previous life. He could never forget the scenery he saw then.

‘Because a country bumpkin saw the Gangnam skyline for the first time.’

January 1984.

Gangnam’s development was still in its early stages. The scenery he was seeing today was quite different from the scenery he had seen that day.

‘The current view isn’t bad either, but….’

Looking down at the river from the mountain, the scenery couldn’t be bad. But Gangnam’s skyline was still lacking the impressive structures it would later boast.

‘Come to think of it, there’s no Olympic Expressway either.’

Director Hong Won-ik lifted his teacup, breaking his reverie.

“Hyun-woo, I’d appreciate it if you could tell me why you called me here.”

The two weren’t just casually drinking tea at the hotel.

If there was nothing special, they wouldn’t meet at all.

‘Besides, isn’t today a holiday?’

In the era of the six-day workweek, holidays were more precious than anything.

Jung Hyun-woo clasped his hands lightly and lowered his voice.

“Director, I have a favor to ask.”

“A favor?”

“Or should I say, a deal?”

Director Hong Won-ik clicked his tongue at his question.

“Tsk, do you think I have a reason to make a deal with you?”

He wanted to say, ‘Do you think you are in a position to make a deal?’ but he softened his words, considering Jung Hyun-woo’s elevated status.

“Director, you should also think about what happens after Grandfather [Chairman Jung Woo-sun].”

After Chairman Jung Woo-sun’s death.

Director Hong Won-ik thought it was too early to be considering that.

“Hyun-woo, your words are excessive.”

Jung Hyun-woo sighed briefly.

“Hoo, if the Director has already joined hands with my uncles, then I have no choice.”

Director Hong Won-ik narrowed his brow.

“What do you want to say, calling me all the way here?”

“It’s nothing grand. I just want you to let me know as quickly as possible when something special happens.”

Something special.

Director Hong Won-ik realized that this was related to the Daewoon Group’s management succession.

“Hyun-woo, I don’t know what you’re thinking, but the Chairman’s seat is not something you can aim for just because you study well.”

He implied that simply graduating from MIT wasn’t enough to qualify him for the Daewoon Group Chairman’s position.

‘If you are favored by the Chairman, you might inherit a subsidiary, but the Chairman’s seat is out of the question.’

Don’t reach for things beyond your grasp.

He wanted to convey this sentiment to Jung Hyun-woo.

“That may be true now.”

“But who knows what will happen in the future?”

“Wouldn’t you agree?”

Jung Hyun-woo was talking about the distant future.

Director Hong Won-ik could guess what Jung Hyun-woo wanted from him.

‘He wants me to be his support when he competes with the other third-generation members of the Daewoon Group.’

He slightly raised his voice.

“So, you want me to be your patron?”

Jung Hyun-woo answered his question sharply.

“No.”

No.

It was an unexpected answer.

Director Hong Won-ik couldn’t help but ask Jung Hyun-woo again.

“Then?”

Jung Hyun-woo relaxed his hardened voice and answered his question.

“I told you, I just want you to let me know the news as quickly as possible.”

“If I tell you the news, you’ll handle the response on your own?”

Jung Hyun-woo shrugged his shoulders and retorted.

“Is that not okay?”

Director Hong Won-ik sighed briefly at his retort.

“Hoo… there’s nothing wrong with that.”

There weren’t that many things in the world that couldn’t be done. Besides, providing news could be done without a formal agreement.

‘Hyun-woo, even if you take the shortest route from Boston to Seoul, it’s still two days. Even if I tell you the news, what can you realistically do?’

What if there was a plane leaving as soon as he got to the airport? No, even if he had a private jet, the travel time from the United States to Korea couldn’t be ignored.

‘Even if you move as soon as you hear the news, by the time you arrive in Korea, everything will already be over.’

Director Hong Won-ik thought that if Jung Hyun-woo wanted to aim for the throne, he should be in Korea, not the United States. Of course, he didn’t voice these thoughts to Jung Hyun-woo.

Jung Hyun-woo, seemingly unaware of his thoughts, spoke in a soft voice.

“If the Director informs me in a timely manner, I will greatly reward you.”

A great reward.

Hong Won-ik clicked his tongue inwardly.

‘Tsk, what reward will there be when everything is already decided?’

He spoke in a calm tone.

“I can give you the news, but what would I need a reward for?”

Money and power.

Director Hong Won-ik believed he was already well-positioned in both of those aspects.

Of course, the reality was different from his perception.

Currently, the company value of Victoria Corporation was comparable to the entire Daewoon Group.

Even comparing Jung Hyun-woo and Chairman Jung Woo-sun’s assets, Jung Hyun-woo’s side might be ahead.

Compared to Director Hong Won-ik?

There would be a vast difference, like comparing the West Sea to the Mariana Trench, or an elephant to a cat.

“A reward doesn’t necessarily have to be money or goods. I could help the Director’s grandchildren when they come to the United States.”

Director Hong Won-ik was older than Jung Hyun-woo’s father, Jung Min-hyuk. Therefore, his children were also older than Jung Hyun-woo.

His eldest was already preparing for marriage.

“My grandchildren going to study abroad is something that will happen in 20 years.”

Since his eldest was preparing for marriage, his calculation was not wrong. However, no one could predict what would happen in 20 years.

“Director, don’t you know about expedition births [birth tourism]?”

A child born in the United States would automatically have American citizenship.

Among the wealthy in Korea, it was common to undertake expedition births to secure American citizenship for their children.

Hong Won-ik frowned because he did not view it favorably.

“Are you suggesting I make my grandson an American?”

“I’m just saying I could offer assistance.”

“Hyun-woo, it seems you’ve only seen the negative aspects of America.”

Director Hong Won-ik thought that the wealthy Koreans Jung Hyun-woo had met in the United States had exerted a negative influence on him.

‘Perhaps their influence is why Hyun-woo is so concerned about the group’s management succession.’

He was worried that Jung Hyun-woo might cause trouble in other ways.

‘That would be very troublesome.’

Director Hong Won-ik already had enough of a headache with the competition between Jung Min-seok and Jung Min-young [Jung Hyun-woo’s uncles].

“Director, someday I will be in a position to help you.”

Director Hong Won-ik decided to simply humor Jung Hyun-woo.

“If it’s 20 years from now, that might be possible. Is that all we need to discuss?”

“I’ve covered the main points.”

“Is that so?”

Director Hong Won-ik was about to get up when Jung Hyun-woo looked around and spoke in a low voice.

“Director, there’s one more thing.”

Director Hong Won-ik sighed inwardly.

‘Hoo…. This is the real reason for this meeting.’

He leaned back in his chair and asked,

“You better hurry and say it. I don’t have much time.”

Jung Hyun-woo clasped his hands together and said,

“Please transfer Secretary Choi to Seoul.”

A request to change Choi Kyung-min’s workplace to Seoul.

Director Hong Won-ik felt a little deflated. He considered this request insignificant compared to the earlier discussions.

“Did Secretary Choi ask you to do this?”

“Doesn’t Secretary Choi have his family in Seoul?”

Director Hong Won-ik thought.

‘Even though he entered MIT, Hyun-woo is still naive.’

If he was willing to listen to a secretary’s request one by one, it would be impossible to effectively manage Vice President Jung Min-seok or Managing Director Jung Min-young.

‘Perhaps competing with the other third-generation members will also be difficult.’

He thought that if he wanted to become the head of a chaebol [family-owned conglomerate], he had to know how to sever minor connections.

“I can’t do anything about Secretary Choi’s workplace.”

Meaning the workplace is managed by the group’s personnel department.

Jung Hyun-woo said sarcastically.

“Director, you’re not as powerful as you seem.”

Director Hong Won-ik was not one to be drawn into his provocation.

“Yes, I have no power.”

“Then is Vice President Jung Min-seok the real power in the group?”

Jung Min-seok was Jung Hyun-woo’s uncle.

If Jung Hyun-woo wanted to refer to Vice President Jung Min-seok, he should have used a familial title such as ‘uncle.’ But he didn’t.

Director Hong Won-ik’s voice lowered.

“Hyun-woo, your words are excessive.”

Jung Hyun-woo did not back down and raised his voice.

“Director, I’m sorry if I offended you. But I need to know where to ask for help so I can move forward, right?”

Implying that if Vice President Jung Min-seok held the real power, he would seek his assistance instead.

Director Hong Won-ik sighed deeply.

“Hoo… Hyun-woo.”

He tried to appease him with carefully chosen words. But Jung Hyun-woo didn’t give him a chance.

“Director, would a Hannam-dong mansion be enough?”

Director Hong Won-ik’s eyebrows shot up.

“A Hannam-dong mansion?”

“I’m talking about the price needed to motivate the Director.”

Director Hong Won-ik narrowed his brow.

“Do you even know how much a Hannam-dong mansion costs?”

In the 1980s, the price of a Hannam-dong mansion was over hundreds of millions of won. Even converted to US dollars, it was around a million dollars. He didn’t think Jung Hyun-woo would have that kind of money.

‘He’s been in America for too long; he’s underestimating Korea too much.’

Jung Hyun-woo turned his head. Then he pointed to the mansions overlooking the hotel terrace.

“If you choose one of those, I will buy it for you, Director. Even if I have to pay several times the market price.”

“Hyun-woo!”

“I’m not joking!”

Jung Hyun-woo was serious.

Director Hong Won-ik realized that the attention of the surrounding guests was focused on them and lowered his voice. He thought there was nothing to gain from arguing with Jung Hyun-woo.

“Alright. I’ll move Secretary Choi’s workplace.”

He conceded and sighed briefly inwardly.

‘Hoo, come to think of it, I’ve seen this kind of behavior somewhere before.’

Jung Hyun-woo’s aggressive behavior was reminiscent of Chairman Jung Woo-sun’s in his youth. He recalled that and clicked his tongue inwardly.

‘Is it in the blood?’

It was as he narrowed his brow.

“In the end, you thought it was just youthful bravado.”

Even though he had agreed to move Choi Kyung-min’s workplace, Jung Hyun-woo’s voice was cold.

“If you have that kind of money, it must be the Hilton family’s money. I don’t know why they’re interested in you, but they wouldn’t do it without any benefit.”

Director Hong Won-ik knew how calculating Americans could be.

‘The scrooges of Wall Street are even worse than the Japanese. The Hilton Group is no different.’

Jung Hyun-woo did not push Director Hong Won-ik any further. He couldn’t help but be conscious of the increasingly focused attention around them.

‘Hoo…. I got too worked up.’

He lowered his voice and said,

“I understand your concerns, Director. But it’s not the Hilton family’s money.”

“Then it must be the Chairman’s money.”

“What if it’s not the Chairman’s money either?”

“Hyun-woo.”

Jung Hyun-woo said in a dry voice,

“Someday, the day will come when I can tell you the truth, Director.”

The truth.

Director Hong Won-ik couldn’t help but narrow his brow.

‘There must be someone backing Hyun-woo.’

Several people came to mind. But it was not easy to guess who Jung Hyun-woo’s benefactor was.

‘Well, I can find out about that gradually.’

Director Hong Won-ik got up from his seat and said,

“Let’s stop here for today.”

It was as he had just gotten up from his seat.

An old gentleman came out to the hotel terrace with his entourage.

Jung Hyun-woo realized that he recognized one of the entourage rather than the old gentleman in the middle.

‘Where have I seen that person before?’

It was as he narrowed his eyes.

Director Hong Won-ik bowed to the old gentleman.

“Chairman, how do you do.”

Unlike 2020, the Grand Hyatt Hotel in the 1980s held a prestigious status.

It wouldn’t be unusual for the chairman of a large company to visit for some fresh air.

Unlike Director Hong Won-ik, Jung Hyun-woo did not greet the old gentleman.

Was that the reason?

The old gentleman’s gaze shifted to Jung Hyun-woo.

“Secretary Choi, who is that over there?”

Director Hong Won-ik quickly introduced Jung Hyun-woo to the old gentleman.

“He is Chairman Jung’s grandson. He just returned from the United States and doesn’t seem to know the Chairman well. Hyun-woo, say hello. This is Chairman Shin of the Samjung Group.”

Only then did Jung Hyun-woo realize who the entourage standing behind the old gentleman was.

‘Ah, the person behind him is Chairman Shin Young-jin. And the old gentleman in front must be Chairman Shin Byung-chul.’

Chairman Shin Young-jin was the eldest son of Chairman Shin Byung-chul and a capable man who grew Samjung Group into a global company after succeeding him.

People called Chairman Shin Young-jin a genius who appears once in a hundred years.

‘To meet Chairman Shin here.’

He got up from his seat. Of course, the person he was greeting was not Chairman Shin Young-jin, but Chairman Shin Byung-chul.

“I am Jung Hyun-woo.”

Chairman Shin Byung-chul nodded and accepted the greeting.

“You’re the student who goes to MIT.”

Was it thanks to Chairman Jung Woo-sun boasting about him here and there?

Chairman Shin Byung-chul knew of Jung Hyun-woo.

“I’m just attending school in the United States.”

“Yes, what is your major?”

Unlike Chairman Jung Woo-sun, who did not graduate from university, Chairman Shin Byung-chul was a graduate of Tokyo University. Jung Hyun-woo answered in a clear voice.

“Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.”

Chairman Shin Byung-chul sighed briefly as if he was disappointed.

“Hoo, a talent that our Samjung definitely needs.”

He turned his head to the side.

“Young-jin, isn’t that right?”

The man who would later become Chairman Shin Young-jin nodded.

“If it’s MIT, there’s no need to further elaborate on his talent.”

He had clear features, and his actions were refined.

Chairman Shin Byung-chul smiled warmly and said to Jung Hyun-woo.

“Student Hyun-woo, I hope to see you again sometime.”

Jung Hyun-woo bowed deeply.

“I was deeply impressed by Samjung Electronics’ 64k DRAM [Dynamic Random-Access Memory].”

He spoke about the 64k DRAM as if he had seen a masterpiece.

Chairman Shin Byung-chul burst into a hearty laugh, as if he appreciated his comment.

“Haha, to think that an electrical engineering student from MIT sees it that way – it’s truly gratifying.”

He smiled and passed by Jung Hyun-woo and Director Hong Won-ik.

Director Hong Won-ik looked back and forth between Jung Hyun-woo and Chairman Shin Byung-chul and thought.

‘How can he be so confident in front of Chairman Shin?’

Usually, a third-generation chaebol heir would struggle to speak properly due to Chairman Shin Byung-chul’s imposing presence. But Jung Hyun-woo was the opposite. He mentioned the 64k DRAM and made a strong impression on Chairman Shin Byung-chul.

‘Did I misjudge him?’

He considered that even if it seemed unlikely now, Jung Hyun-woo might be capable of taking the throne of the Daewoon Group in the future.

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