Director Ha, who received Chairman Cheon's gaze, spoke up.
"Yes, it seems they are planning a major military reform this time. They say that not a single member of the Hanahoe will be spared. The Hanahoe meetings are increasing."
Chairman Cheon, who had been lost in thought for a moment, spoke.
"The president seems to have made up his mind. It's not an easy decision, to start by dismantling the Hanahoe right after taking power."
"You suffered a great deal from the military regime, didn't you? Although you eventually joined hands with them to seize power, you're not the type to sit idly by."
"What about the Cheongpunghoe? Are they quiet?"
"It seems they are lying low for now. The political climate is very tense, isn't it? Especially in the early days of the administration, when the president is at his strongest, even the Cheongpunghoe would want to avoid the sword."
"What do you think, Muhyuk?"
The question was directed at me, who had been listening quietly.
"It seems it will proceed without much trouble. They have already replaced key positions, such as the Chief of the Army Staff and the Director of the Defense Security Command. And it was done in just 4 hours after calling the Minister of National Defense. Even if the Hanahoe is dismantled, the conservative government label won't disappear, and the people won't allow a coup to seize power again. Other military personnel, apart from the Hanahoe, won't join in either."
"You seem to have a keen interest in politics? You have a good grasp of the situation."
"Can I not be interested? Isn't it an important variable in what Grandfather is doing?"
"Hmm?"
Grandfather seemed pleased and chuckled, gesturing for Director Ha to continue his report.
Director Ha, receiving the gaze, spoke again.
"Right now, there doesn't seem to be any major issue other than the dismantling of the Hanahoe... It seems almost no one knows the president's true intentions. Even the chiefs we have placed don't seem to know what the VIP is up to. However, at the recent chief's meeting, they mentioned a war on corruption."
"Corruption?"
"Yes, they said they want to disclose the assets of high-ranking officials. There is a lot of opposition, but given his character, he will likely push it through."
Chairman Cheon rubbed his forehead, as if in pain.
"He's bringing in a sudden wave of change. Hmm... I knew it, but it's still unpredictable."
"Does your head hurt? I'll get some medicine."
"No need. What about other matters? Anything on the economic front?"
"Well... It seems there was no mention of the economy."
Chairman Cheon's eyes narrowed.
"Isn't the economic chief on our side?"
"Yes. I understand that other major corporations haven't obtained much information either."
"What do you think?"
"Financial real-name system, if it happens, will likely be after next year at the earliest, or at the end of his term at the latest. Given the significant opposition to the Hanahoe purge and the asset disclosure, it would be too much to push for the financial real-name system as well..."
"Do you think so?"
"Yes."
Chairman Cheon nodded and looked at me.
"What do you think, Muhyuk?"
"The financial real-name system will definitely be implemented. It has been discussed since the 1970s but has always been thwarted by political opposition. Given this president's character, I think he will quietly prepare with a few people and then announce it suddenly."
"Ha ha ha."
Chairman Cheon burst into laughter.
After laughing for a while, he looked at me and said,
"You're smart, but you still don't understand the nature of politicians. Even if this president is not a military man, he is a politician who cannot escape the shackles of political funding. It's not something that can be achieved in a short time."
"Still, I think it's necessary to move the funds to people we trust."
"Alright, Myunghoon."
"Yes."
"I have something to discuss with Muhyuk, so please leave."
"Yes, Chairman."
Director Ha left the room.
"Muhyuk, are you that worried about the financial real-name system?"
"Yes, Grandfather."
"Don't worry. The funds are distributed among people we trust. The rest are not large amounts."
"Grandfather, human greed knows no bounds. Right now, it's not a problem because you have the accounts and the seals. But if the financial real-name system is implemented and only you can access them, there will definitely be issues."
It was true.
The financial real-name system would hit Grandfather hard.
He would lose about 25% of his total assets.
Not only the anonymous accounts in the names of dead or nonexistent people, but also the nominee accounts would suffer significant losses.
"Hmm..."
"Grandfather, I think it's a good idea to clean up now. We can also review the overall assets. Remember, trust money, not people. That's what you told me."
"Ha ha ha. You remember that, huh?"
"Yes."
"I understand. I'll think about it. But Muhyuk..."
"Yes."
"How did you know about the secret account with Kim?"
It was a question I had been waiting for.
"I could tell from Mr. Kim's expression. There was something. Grandfather clearly told me to take over all the accounts, but his expression when handing over the accounts felt strange. After sending Director Ha out, I asked him directly, and he confessed quickly."
"What? Ha ha ha ha! Confessed quickly? That Kim Hosik, the double-edged sword? The self-proclaimed smartest man in the world?"
"Yes, I did threaten him a bit, but he answered easily."
"Ha, you. The more I see you, the more I like you."
"Thank you, Grandfather."
I met Chairman Cheon's pleased gaze without flinching.
Grandfather couldn't wipe the smile off his face, seemingly pleased with my confident demeanor.
"Do you think the financial real-name system will happen this year?"
"I think so."
"How do you suggest we recover and distribute the funds?"
"Even if we leave the money in the accounts of people Grandfather truly trusts, the most urgent thing is the accounts in the names of nonexistent people. I think it's best to consolidate them in a place we trust. That money will be truly untraceable no matter what method is used later."
"Hmm. Do you know how much this old man's wealth is?"
"I don't know exactly, but I've learned some things while working."
"Tell me."
"The person with the most cash in Korea. Even including known stocks and real estate, one of the richest people in Korea, the loan king, Cheon Tae-san."
"Ha ha ha. You're flattering me."
"But I don't believe that. I think no one can compare to Grandfather's wealth. Am I right? The unknown wealth is greater than the known wealth?"
"Perhaps. It could be true, or it could be false."
Even after Grandfather's death, his wealth was never accurately assessed.
Perhaps because there were too many nominee accounts...
My uncles and I fought bitterly over finding and claiming Grandfather's wealth.
In the end, I was killed in that fight...
Even Director Ha, who was said to be a confidant, didn't know everything about Grandfather's wealth.
"Muhyuk."
"Yes, Grandfather."
"This old man has a great debt to your mother. My poor youngest daughter. I owe a great debt to Misook. That's why I want to give you this opportunity. Don't ever disappoint me."
"Yes."
"After you receive all the accounts from the Myeongdong managers, manage the secret account. Use it for what you want. But if you lose all the money, that will be the end of what I give you. Understand?"
"Yes, I will not fail you if you trust me."
"Good, go and rest."
I bowed to Grandfather and left the room.
Director Ha was waiting at the door.
I nodded to Director Ha and returned to my room.
'Ha. I never thought he would entrust it to me. This will allow me to proceed with my plans faster than I thought. I need to find someone to manage the money.'
The conditions were in place to accelerate my planned actions.
Managing Grandfather's slush funds unexpectedly gave me more options.
* * *
"Myunghoon."
Alone in the study, Chairman Cheon called for Director Ha.
Director Ha entered and bowed.
"Yes, Chairman."
"We need to clean up the accounts."
"Clean up the accounts, sir?"
"Yes. Leave the nominees alone for now, but consolidate all the accounts in the names of dead or nonexistent people."
"Where should I consolidate them?"
"In your name. Who do I trust more than you?"
"Yes, I understand."
"Also, clean up the stocks and report to me. How long will it take?"
"Cleaning up the accounts will take until July at the earliest. They are scattered everywhere..."
"Only that much for the anonymous accounts?"
Chairman Cheon rubbed his furrowed brow.
"Yes. Still, try to clean it up as quickly as possible."
"Yes."
"And how much are the nominee accounts with the Myeongdong managers? Is it 500 billion?"
"Probably around that much."
"Transfer them to Muhyuk's name. There shouldn't be any problems, right?"
"To the young master's name?"
"Yes. Make sure it's done without any issues."
"Understood."
"First, have Muhyuk take over the accounts from the Mye