The Conglomerate Family Became A Villain [EN]: Chapter 71

Meeting a Legend 05

71. Became a Villain of a Conglomerate Family – Meeting a Legend 05 –

***

Director Hong Won-ik was a whirlwind of activity from the moment he arrived at the office.

“Find out where that article originated!” he barked.

His sharp tone sent the Daewoon Group secretarial staff scrambling, heads bobbing in hurried acknowledgment.

“Understood!”

“We’re checking it right away.”

“We’ll get on it immediately!”

Director Hong Won-ik loosened his tie slightly, his brow furrowed in frustration.

‘I can’t even begin to understand what’s happening,’ he thought.

The source of his ire was the article splashed across the morning papers.

Beep.

The secretary’s intercom chimed, followed by the telltale buffering sound.

“Chief Jang is here to see you.”

Director Hong Won-ik’s frown deepened. “Tell him to come in.”

Moments later, Public Relations Director Jang Seong-jo appeared, his face etched with worry. He held the same director title as Hong Won-ik, but unlike Hong, who was practically treated as the president of an affiliate, Jang was seen as a senior managing director within an affiliate. In essence, there was a significant power gap between them.

Jang bowed deeply, his voice raised slightly at the end of his greeting. “Director Hong, you called for me?”

Director Hong Won-ik slammed his hand on the desk, his voice booming. “Director Jang, what is the meaning of this?”

“That’s… We’re currently investigating the matter.”

Public Relations Director Jang Seong-jo looked deeply troubled.

“Investigating? How is it possible that nobody at Daewoon Group knows about such a massive transfer of funds?”

“I apologize.”

Director Hong Won-ik tapped impatiently on the desk.

“Does your responsibility end with a simple apology?” It was a well-worn reprimand, but still effective.

Director Jang Seong-jo bowed repeatedly, enduring Director Hong Won-ik’s outburst.

“I will find out the details as quickly as possible.”

“Contact each affiliate and report back to me the instant you have information!”

“Understood!”

After Director Jang Seong-jo’s hasty departure, Director Hong Won-ik sighed heavily.

“Ha… I truly don’t understand what’s going on.” He narrowed his eyes, focusing on the morning newspapers spread across his desk.

– Daewoon Group Chairman Jung Woo-sun Donates 100 Million Won!

– Daewoon Group’s Swift Act of Goodwill!

– Daewoon Group Supports Families of Dae-ah Hotel Fire Victims.

– Busan City Expresses Gratitude to Daewoon Group.

The articles lauded Daewoon Group’s rapid response to the devastating fire at the Dae-ah Hotel in Busan two days prior, a tragedy that claimed over thirty lives.

However, the unsettling truth was that no one – not the group’s public relations office, the secretarial office, nor any affiliate – had authorized or executed a 100 million won donation to Busan City.

“How can we be completely unaware of a 100 million won transaction, let alone 10 million?”

In 1984, 100 million won was a substantial sum, equivalent to several billion won in 2020 [approximately $85,000 USD in 1984, with a purchasing power equivalent to several hundred thousand dollars today].

For billions of won to be withdrawn from the company’s account without anyone’s knowledge suggested a serious breakdown in internal controls.

Knock. Knock.

The urgent knocking at the door startled him.

The absence of an intercom announcement from the secretary indicated that the visitor was either from the secretarial office or someone with a close relationship with him.

Director Hong Won-ik doubted it was someone of higher rank. A superior would likely have simply entered without knocking.

He raised his voice. “What is it?”

A low voice responded from the other side. “Director, it’s me.”

As he suspected, it was a subordinate.

“Manager Kim, come in.”

Manager Kim Pyeong-hoon, two years senior to Choi Kyung-min, was the go-to person in the Daewoon Group’s secretarial office.

“Director, I’ve discovered who donated the 100 million won.”

“An individual? Not an affiliate?”

“That’s correct.”

Director Hong Won-ik’s voice rose again. “So, who is it?”

Few individuals would donate such a large sum in Daewoon Group’s name.

‘Could it be Min-seok? Or Min-young?’ he wondered. Both Vice President Jung Min-seok and Jung Min-young, as potential successors, were actively cultivating their public image.

“That’s… I believe it was Young Master Hyun-woo.”

Director Hong Won-ik’s eyebrows shot up. “What? Hyun-woo?”

“When I contacted Busan City Hall, they confirmed that a young man, accompanied by a secretary, donated 100 million won.”

A young man.

Only one person of that age held such a position within Daewoon Group. Nevertheless, Director Hong Won-ik refrained from jumping to conclusions.

“It could still be Vice President Jung or Chairman’s eldest daughter’s son, so investigate further.”

Manager Kim Pyeong-hoon understood that the daughter Director Hong Won-ik referred to was Jung In-hae, Chairman Jung Woo-sun’s eldest daughter. Her children were already in college.

‘Even if they are adults, it’s unlikely they’d donate 100 million won,’ he thought. He considered Jung Hyun-woo the most probable donor.

“Understood.”

“Call me as soon as you have confirmation.”

“I will call you immediately upon confirmation.”

After Manager Kim Pyeong-hoon left, Director Hong Won-ik sighed deeply.

“Hoo, I think I’ve found the culprit. But where did Hyun-woo get 100 million from?”

He, too, believed Jung Hyun-woo was the most likely culprit.

The real question was the source of the funds.

‘The Boston house purchase as well… I need to investigate Hyun-woo’s source of income.’ He suspected there might be an unexpected figure backing Jung Hyun-woo.

***

“I didn’t expect you to come all the way to the airport.”

At Jung Hyun-woo’s words, Director Hong Won-ik sighed, a sound of weary resignation.

“Ha, are you just going to leave after causing such a mess?”

“What mess are you referring to?”

“You must have read the newspapers, haven’t you?”

Jung Hyun-woo made it a point to read the news every morning, so he was well aware of the reason for Director Hong Won-ik’s visit.

“Are you talking about the Dae-ah Hotel incident?”

“Yes, it’s all over the news.”

“Why is that a problem?”

Director Hong Won-ik’s voice rose in disbelief. “Why is that a problem?”

“Isn’t helping those in need a virtue of leadership? Do you believe it’s wrong to donate in Daewoon Group’s name?”

He was subtly reminding Director Hong Won-ik that a conglomerate family was more than just a wealthy family.

“Isn’t the upper class supposed to serve society and set an example for others?” he asked, challenging Director Hong Won-ik’s perspective.

Director Hong Won-ik patted his chest, as if trying to calm his frayed nerves.

“Hyun-woo! It’s 100 million won! 100 million!”

His annual salary was 20 million won. 100 million won was more than five times the annual salary of the Daewoon Group’s secretarial director, a position that was practically equivalent to the president of an affiliate.

“If Daewoon Group’s image has improved as a result, I don’t believe it’s a losing proposition, even with 100 million won spent.”

“I can’t get through to you at all.”

In the 1980s, large corporations prioritized their connections to those in power over their public image.

Director Hong Won-ik and Daewoon Group were no different. Daewoon Group routinely provided kickbacks, disguised as support, to key figures in the Blue House [the executive office and official residence of the South Korean president], as well as various influential individuals in the military and political spheres.

“Besides, I used my own money. Consider it a reward for Grandfather’s gift?”

Director Hong Won-ik sighed deeply. “Hoo… Even if your intentions were good, the name of Daewoon Group is plastered all over the newspapers. How can I, the secretarial director, be completely in the dark?”

Jung Hyun-woo crossed his arms. “Are you suggesting I should have given you a heads-up beforehand?”

Director Hong Won-ik’s voice grew louder. “It’s not just a heads-up! Shouldn’t you have consulted with me in advance?”

Jung Hyun-woo still seemed unconvinced.

“That’s difficult. Am I required to consult with you even when I’m doing good deeds?”

“Because the name of Daewoon Group is involved.”

Jung Hyun-woo frowned at the mention of Daewoon Group.

“Director, I didn’t use the name of Daewoon Group.”

Director Hong Won-ik paused, taken aback.

“You didn’t use the name of Daewoon Group?”

“I simply mentioned my grandfather’s name when the city hall asked for the source of the donation.”

Director Hong Won-ik slowly nodded, processing the information.

“So the reporters… No, the public officials recognized your identity and prominently featured Daewoon Group’s name in the article.”

It was the 1980s.

The third generation of conglomerate families were still young.

They were not typically in a position to spend hundreds of millions of won.

Therefore, upon learning that Jung Hyun-woo had donated 100 million won, the immediate assumption was that it was Chairman Jung Woo-sun’s intention.

And any reasonable person would draw the same conclusion.

“I understand your concerns, Director. If something like this happens again, I’ll be sure to consult with you.”

‘I’ll consult with you in the future…’ Should I be grateful for his consideration?

Director Hong Won-ik’s knees nearly buckled.

“Ha…” He sighed deeply once more.

Jung Hyun-woo turned to leave. “It’s time for my flight, so I’ll head in now.”

Director Hong Won-ik nodded weakly. “Okay, go ahead.”

As Jung Hyun-woo disappeared through the gate, Director Hong Won-ik’s gaze shifted to Deputy Sung Hyung-jin.

“Deputy Sung.”

Deputy Sung Hyung-jin visibly tensed.

“Yes, Director!”

Director Hong Won-ik’s voice was sharp. “Why didn’t you report this to me?”

“I… I didn’t know.”

Director Hong Won-ik rose to his feet, his voice rising. “You were unaware that 100 million won was being moved?”

“He met with the vice mayor privately.”

“Hyun-woo had a one-on-one meeting with the vice mayor of Busan?”

“Yes.”

The more Director Hong Won-ik heard, the more absurd the situation seemed.

‘Huh, what kind of person is this?’

Jung Hyun-woo was accomplishing things that even Vice President Jung Min-seok couldn’t easily achieve.

‘Is he simply generous, or is he completely oblivious to the power dynamics at play?’

If it was the latter, he could potentially cause even greater problems in the future.

‘From now on, it’s Hyun-woo, not Min-seok, who will be the source of my anxieties.’ He concluded that Jung Hyun-woo remained the biggest unpredictable factor within Daewoon Group.

***

“So, you’re saying that Hyun-woo met with the vice mayor of Busan and this happened?”

“Yes.”

The man facing Deputy Sung Hyung-jin was Vice President Jung Min-seok, a rising figure and potential successor to the Daewoon Group.

“Did you witness the meeting?”

“I didn’t see it directly, as it was a private meeting. However, I was waiting outside the vice mayor’s office.”

The Daewoon Group donation incident hadn’t leaked to the public, but it had caused considerable turmoil within the company.

Chairman Jung Woo-sun was relieved upon receiving confirmation that his grandson had acted with good intentions. However, Director Hong Won-ik and Vice President Jung Min-seok had reacted strongly. Deputy Sung Hyung-jin found himself caught in the middle.

Deputy Sung Hyung-jin was being summoned left and right, even to Vice President Jung Min-seok’s office.

‘Ha… What is this, a bolt from the blue?’

The person responsible for the incident had already departed for the United States, leaving him to face the music.

“You’re saying that this article appeared immediately after Hyun-woo’s meeting with the vice mayor of Busan.”

“I was also surprised when I saw the newspaper.”

Vice President Jung Min-seok nodded and raised his right hand. “Surprised? Given that you weren’t privy to the conversation, that’s understandable. I’ll ask you one more question. Did Hyun-woo meet with anyone before traveling to Busan?”

Jung Hyun-woo had instructed Deputy Sung Hyung-jin to remain silent about their activities in Busan.

‘It’s dangerous to say the wrong thing here.’ He was aware that Jung Hyun-woo and Jung Min-young’s meeting was not a simple one.

‘It’s best to feign ignorance.’ Unless he intended to align himself with Vice President Jung Min-seok, it was safer to pretend he knew nothing.

‘Besides, I can’t secure Vice President Jung Min-seok’s favor simply by answering truthfully.’

Vice President Jung Min-seok aspired to lead the Daewoon Group. To someone of his stature, Deputy Sung was merely a disposable piece in a larger game.

“Before going to Busan, Young Master Hyun-woo visited his parents’ graves.”

Vice President Jung Min-seok’s brow furrowed slightly.

“He visited his brother’s grave?”

“He went straight to Busan from there.”

Vice President Jung Min-seok speculated that Jung Hyun-woo might have been influenced by something he experienced at his father’s grave.

‘Hmm, perhaps after seeing the news about the tragic fire, he visited his father’s grave and received some sort of divine inspiration to help the victims? Or did he visit the grave to declare his intention to assist those in need?’

Neither scenario was clear.

‘Tsk, everything seems to become complicated when it involves Hyun-woo.’

He disliked ambiguity, yet most things related to Jung Hyun-woo were shrouded in uncertainty.

‘The 100 million won donation is also a concern.’

If Jung Hyun-woo possessed such a substantial sum of money, there was only one explanation.

‘My father must have given it to him as pocket money.’

Chairman Jung Woo-sun doted on Jung Hyun-woo, who had been accepted to MIT, to an excessive degree. In contrast, Vice President Jung Min-seok’s own sons had never received the same level of affection.

He stroked his chin thoughtfully.

‘As my sister pointed out, this could become a problem in the next generation.’

He feared that even if it didn’t affect his own position, Jung Hyun-woo might gain control of Daewoon Group in his son’s generation.

‘I must suppress Hyun-woo after I become chairman.’

Of course, the time wasn’t right. Attacking Jung Hyun-woo prematurely could backfire, benefiting Jung Min-young, who was patiently waiting for an opportunity.

He lowered his hand and asked, “Was there anything else? Did you meet with my father this morning?”

He wondered if this incident reflected Chairman Jung Woo-sun’s intentions.

Deputy Sung Hyung-jin shook his head. “I was waiting outside, so I’m unaware of what transpired inside.”

Vice President Jung Min-seok nodded in understanding and rose from his seat. “You may return to your duties.”

Deputy Sung Hyung-jin bowed deeply, relieved to be dismissed.

“Vice President, I’ll take my leave now.”

Clack.

The moment the door closed, the phone rang, its sound somewhat jarring.

Ring. Ring.

Vice President Jung Min-seok reached for the receiver. “Hello.”

“Min-seok, did you see the news?”

“Are you referring to the Busan donation?”

Vice President Jung Min-seok’s brow furrowed.

“Not that!” A high-pitched voice, unmistakably female, pierced his ear.

“What’s happened this time?”

“Min-young’s father-in-law has been appointed as the Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs at the Blue House!”

This was the development that Director Hong Won-ik had alluded to. He calmly absorbed his sister’s news.

“I’m aware.”

“You knew?”

“We have access to that information as well.”

“Are you simply going to stand by and do nothing?”

Vice President Jung Min-seok responded sharply to Jung In-hae’s question.

“Sister, do you believe we can influence the Blue House from here?”

As of January 1984, even Daewoon Group and Samjung Group [another major South Korean conglomerate] lacked the power to directly influence the Blue House.

Jung In-hae was aware of this, but she felt they couldn’t afford to remain passive.

“N, no, but…”

Vice President Jung Min-seok lowered his voice. “Sister, the Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs’ term is limited to two years at most. Let Min-young enjoy her moment for those two years.”

Jung In-hae reluctantly conceded to Vice President Jung Min-seok’s pragmatic assessment.

“Okay. I may have overreacted.”

“Sister.”

“Yes?”

“Shall we meet with Hye-sook?”

“Hye-sook?”

Jung Hye-sook was the second daughter of Chairman Jung Woo-sun and the fourth of five siblings.

“Doesn’t Hye-sook’s in-laws have connections to the military?”

“Ah! Are you referring to General Jo?”

The family that Chairman Jung Woo-sun had married his second daughter into was that of General Jo Myeong-gwan, a former key figure in the military.

“General Jo likely has connections within the Blue House.”

Vice President Jung Min-seok believed that the three siblings who shared the same mother should unite.

‘If we unite, Min-young will never be able to defeat me.’

After neutralizing Jung Min-young, he would turn his attention to Jung Hyun-woo. Vice President Jung Min-seok’s ambitions were accelerating.

***

Around the same time that Daewoon Group was in turmoil, Jung Hyun-woo was soaring across the Pacific Ocean.

‘Now that I’ve joined forces with my little uncle, I should create some friction with my big uncle.’

Regardless of the truth behind the rumors of his hospitalization in a drug rehabilitation center, he was now an adversary of Vice President Jung Min-seok.

‘The power struggle against the eldest brother won’t be easy.’

Vice President Jung Min-seok held a significant advantage over Managing Director Jung Min-young, as evidenced by their respective positions.

‘Unless my big uncle makes a critical mistake, it will be difficult to close the gap.’

Even Jung Min-young’s father-in-law’s appointment to a high-ranking position in the Blue House wouldn’t significantly alter the landscape.

‘But that doesn’t mean there’s no chance.’

By gradually accumulating power and seizing the opportune moment when his opponent faltered, he believed he had a reasonable chance of success.

‘It’s not as if Daewoon Group has a multitude of sons.’

If Vice President Jung Min-seok committed a major blunder, his younger brother, Managing Director Jung Min-young, would naturally attract attention.

‘I also need to keep an eye on Busan.’

His trip to Busan wasn’t simply a whim.

Jung Hyun-woo had gone to Busan to support Jung Min-young and strengthen his position. Furthermore, his meeting with the vice mayor of Busan wasn’t his only activity there.

‘The score for this vacation… I’d give it an 80 out of 100.’

He hadn’t accomplished anything extraordinary, but it was a vacation during which he had successfully addressed all his objectives.

‘And I received a generous gift.’

In Jung Hyun-woo’s bag was the title deed to the Gangnam building that Chairman Jung Woo-sun had gifted him.

The Conglomerate Family Became A Villain [EN]

The Conglomerate Family Became A Villain [EN]

재벌가 빌런이 되었다
Status: Completed Author: Native Language: Korean
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[English Translation] Ever dreamed of trading your mundane life for unimaginable wealth? What if that dream came with a twist – embracing the role of a villain? Dive into the captivating world of a man who gets his wish, born into a conglomerate family, but at the cost of his morality. Winner of the 2023 World's Greatest Web Novel Contest, this gripping tale explores the intoxicating allure of power and the dark choices one makes when given everything. Would you seize the opportunity, even if it meant becoming the bad guy? Prepare to be enthralled by a story where ambition knows no bounds and the line between right and wrong blurs with every decadent indulgence.

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