< This place is always delicious no matter when I come. >
#81
This place is always delicious no matter when I come.
ā How hard it was to maintain my composure in front of those guys. Thanks to Muhyuk, I got to see a very interesting scene.
"Is that so?"
ā Where did such a lucky charm come from? I had nothing to envy about Cheon, but now I have something to envy. Ah, raising children doesn't go as planned.
Chairman Cheon burst into laughter.
ā Don't laugh. But are you thinking of completely stepping down now?
"It's still necessary for my name to carry weight for Muhyuk. I need to hold my position for a while. As for Chairman Song, are you still unable to let go?"
ā Will they fight among themselves when I die?
"You are blessed... "
ā Chairman Cheon.
"If you pass everything on before you die, it will still be difficult. Daehyun Group is that complicated. Try to sort things out as smoothly as possible."
ā I will.
After hanging up the phone with Chairman Song, Chairman Cheon stared at the receiver for a while before lifting his head.
"Muhyuk?"
"He said he's arriving today."
"Why did he go to Hong Kong?"
"I don't know the details, but he said he went to recruit someone."
Nodding, Chairman Cheon said in a low voice.
"Jiyeon and Jisoo shouldn't have any funny ideas. If they get greedy, it could lead to another bloodbath."
"I'll keep a close eye on them."
"If Muhyuk tries to eliminate them after I die, you should try to stop him once, Myunghoon."
"...... Chairman."
Chairman Cheon waved his hand at the dark-faced Secretary Ha.
"It's history. Even if they don't pose a threat, it's not easy to leave them alone. Let alone those who are greedy."
"You're still in good health."
"I'm not dying right away. But just in case. Understand?"
"...... Yes, Chairman."
"What about Suwan?"
"I've been told that he's gradually resuming external activities. He's attending Korean gatherings and making friends."
Chairman Cheon frowned.
"Any special movements?"
"No, he won't be a threat to the young master."
"You're worried about Suwan, not Muhyuk. You're afraid he might challenge Muhyuk without knowing his place. How about Suhan?"
"......"
"Why? Speak."
"He needs to be moved to a mental hospital."
"Tsk......"
Chairman Cheon clicked his tongue but didn't order the move.
The decision was Muhyuk's. If he intervened, it would give Muhyuk a reason......
"Have you found out what he's doing with the money in the U.S.?"
"Besides Han Kyung managing it, I couldn't get much information. But I know he's making a lot of profit."
"I see. You can go."
After Secretary Ha left, Chairman Cheon, alone in his study, stared silently out the window for a while.
His back looked more like that of an old man than the king of the loan market.
* * *
The bankruptcy of Hyunbo Group was also a burden on the government. A few days after the final bankruptcy, an investigation into Chairman Jang began, and he was arrested the next day.
The Hyunbo scandal continued to spread through the political and financial sectors, and the bankruptcies of large corporations continued.
In March, when the 26th largest conglomerate, Seomigroup, went bankrupt, the sense of crisis began to rise. The statement by IMF Managing Director Camdessus gave the government a good excuse.
'No Korean economic crisis.'
Camdessus' statement graced the front page of the Korea Times, and the economic crisis theory was being dismissed as a mere conspiracy theory.
In April, Prosecutor General Yoon Chang-ho, who was the Seoul District Prosecutor, was appointed as the new Prosecutor General.
"Congratulations, General."
"Hehe, congratulations from a junior is the best."
A smile never left Prosecutor General Yoon's face.
"Now, it's just a matter of smooth sailing."
"The atmosphere isn't good. There's a lot of talk about an economic crisis."
"How is the investigation into Hyunbo Group going?"
"The hearing will be held soon. The Blue House will likely issue an order then."
The Hyunbo scandal led to the arrest of bank presidents.
Seven former and current bank presidents, including those from First Bank and Chohung Bank, were summoned for investigation, and three were arrested.
Many politicians from both parties were investigated, and five were arrested.
The political sphere was plunged into a fog, unable to see even a step ahead of the upcoming presidential election.
"Wasn't the president's eldest son also involved?"
"Hehe... Your information is impressive. While we don't know the VIP's intentions yet, it will be hard to avoid arrest. He took too much money."
It was the downfall of the man once called the "Little President."
"You must not remain just a mouthpiece for the Blue House. You need to think about the future."
"That's right. With the lame-duck period approaching, there's no point in being cautious. But since they appointed me, I'll do what they want while also doing what I want."
This revealed Prosecutor General Yoon's ambition.
"General, I believe this economic crisis will not end easily. Your role will be crucial. There will be a flood of economic criminals due to various corruptions and corporate bankruptcies. The pressure from the political sphere will also be intense. You need to stay focused."
"The economic crisis won't end?"
He nodded at Prosecutor General Yoon, who widened his eyes.
"Yes, it will get to the worst. Whatever you imagine, it will be worse. The economic sovereignty might be taken away like during the Japanese occupation. If you handle this well, you could even aim for the Blue House after retirement."
"Hehe. Even if it's just empty words, it's good to hear. I didn't know you could say such things."
Empty words.
When we first met, I didn't think that far, but with the current public support for Prosecutor General Yoon, he could aim for the next presidency.
This presidency was a poisoned chalice, though.
"And I have a favor to ask."
"Go ahead. I'll do anything."
"I ask for an internal investigation into Joongwoo Group."
Joongwoo Group will collapse after 1998. But by then, it will be too late with too much debt.
The astronomical accounting fraud and slush funds are enough to undermine trust in Joongwoo Group.
We need to move the timeline forward.
"Joongwoo Group?"
"Yes. There will be incredible embezzlement and breach of trust that can lead to immediate arrest. I'll let you know the timing for the summons."
"Hmm... It's a heavy burden. You know that, right?"
"I know. That's why I'm asking. But if you catch Joongwoo Group before it becomes a bigger bomb, it will be your achievement."
"Do you plan to take over Joongwoo Group? Do you have the money?"
"I'm not taking it. My friends are."
Prosecutor General Yoon scrutinized me.
"Will it affect me? If you want to go to the Blue House, you can't afford any blemishes."
"Of course not. I'll pave the way for you. Just walk it, and you'll become the owner of the Blue House."
You'll become the owner of the Blue House and my puppet.
"Understood. I'll start the investigation immediately."
"You need to put trustworthy people in charge."
"Don't worry. You know who I mean."
The prosecutor who went to Jeju District Prosecutor's Office.
"Did you bring him to the Supreme Prosecutors' Office?"
"Despite opposition, I put him in a key position in the Special Investigation Division."
"He's reliable. He always exceeds expectations."
"Now his path will be smooth."
Indeed. Even now, all politicians from both parties are sending him love calls.
"Fill the Supreme Prosecutors' Office and Seoul District Prosecutor's Office with your people. Don't share absolute power. The era of unprecedented power for the prosecution is coming."
The prosecution, called the government's dog, but with Prosecutor General Yoon, he can withstand the pressure and meet my demands.
"Understood. Let's eat."
As Prosecutor General Yoon picked up his chopsticks, I did the same.
After a pleasant meal, Prosecutor General Yoon got up first.
"I got some delicious apples, so I put three boxes in the trunk. They're clean, with no pesticides, so you can eat them without washing."
In the trunk of Prosecutor General Yoon's official car, there would be three boxes of apples, filled with ten-thousand-won bills, moved by Manager Ma.
"Always grateful."
After meeting with Prosecutor General Yoon, I began preparing for the post-IMF era step by step.
"Grandfather, I have a favor to ask."
"A favor?"
It had been a long time since I had a private meeting with my grandfather.
"Yes, a favor."
"Hehe... What's so serious that you're setting the mood? You're making my heart race."
Now that he had let go of everything, his expression had improved, and he even made jokes.
I had never seen this side of him in my previous life.
"Next year, the interest rate cap law will likely be abolished."
"What?"
My grandfather's voice grew louder.
It was that surprising.
"There's a high probability it will happen. When it does, a lot of Japanese money will come in. Korea's crisis has always been an opportunity for Japan."
After the liberation, the Korean War opened up Japan's breathing space as a defeated nation.