Han Kyung-young's return to Korea was a feast for the Korean media.
Han Kyung-young was a figure who possessed all the elements that the Korean media would love.
As a Korean immigrant who had settled in the United States, he was thriving in New York, the global financial hub of Wall Street, which was an opportunity to elevate the national prestige that had been lowered by the IMF crisis.
Even before his arrival, many feature articles had adorned the pages of newspapers.
[Young Korean Investor Conquers the Heart of Finance: New York]
Such sensational headlines accompanied his return.
Han Kyung-young was flustered.
The moment he completed the entry procedures and stepped out, the sudden burst of camera flashes made it almost impossible for him to open his eyes.
"Mr. Han Kyung-young, please share the secret to your investment success!"
"Why did you come to Korea?"
Han Kyung-young, overwhelmed by the sudden barrage of questions, looked around in confusion.
"Please give a word of comfort to the people!"
"Are you here to invest in Korea?"
Han Kyung-young hesitated, unsure of what to say.
At that moment, a group of people pushed through the journalists and appeared.
"Mr. Han Kyung-young? Please come with us."
Without any explanation, their abrupt attempt to take him away made Han Kyung-young frown.
The journalists, seemingly aware of their identities, continued to take photos non-stop.
"Let's go, Mr. Han Kyung-young."
Under persistent urging, Han Kyung-young responded in English.
"Who are you to tell me what to do? Am I your subordinate?"
The U.S. Treasury Department had never treated him this way.
To be ordered around by people he didn't even know was infuriating.
A few journalists who understood English and some of the people in the group were taken aback by Han Kyung-young's response.
"So, who are you?"
The person who seemed to be the leader responded in English.
"I am Hong Tae-soo, working at the Blue House Secretariat. The President wishes to meet you."
Hong Tae-soo thought that now that he had revealed his identity, Han Kyung-young would bow down.
However, Han Kyung-young's reaction was entirely different from what he expected.
"Hahaha, do I look like a Korean citizen to you? I am a U.S. citizen. If you want to meet me, make an appointment first. It doesn't matter where you come from. Don't give me orders like this."
Hong Tae-soo and the Secretariat staff were momentarily speechless, staring blankly at Han Kyung-young's face.
Ignoring them, Han Kyung-young turned to the journalists and spoke in Korean.
"Journalists, I'm still adjusting to the time difference and am not in the right state of mind. I'll hold a press conference or an interview later. Please understand."
But the Korean journalists were not so easily deterred.
"Please give us just one comment. Why did you come to Korea?"
"What do you think about the current Korean economy?"
Despite the relentless questions, Han Kyung-young finally pointed to one journalist.
"I'll answer just one question. You there, yes, that's right."
The journalist pointed out by Han Kyung-young stepped forward with a bright smile.
Envy was evident in the eyes of all the other journalists.
"Please share your thoughts on the Korean economy. Recently, we have handed over economic sovereignty to the IMF. What are your thoughts on this?"
"Hahaha. I said I'd answer one, but now it's two."
Han Kyung-young laughed, momentarily lightening the mood before answering the journalist's question.
"I believe the Korean economy, which is currently struggling, will recover quickly. That's why I came to Korea and plan to invest here. I have faith in the resilience of the Korean people. Haven't we all experienced the Miracle on the Han River?"
Han Kyung-young used gestures to emphasize his positive words.
"You mentioned that we handed over economic sovereignty to the IMF. It was an unavoidable choice. While their demands may be excessive, we ultimately have no choice but to open the capital market. Isolation is not a path to development. I believe this foreign exchange crisis is a time for the Korean government and people to become more vigilant."
With those words, Han Kyung-young tried to leave with his security detail.
However, Hong Tae-soo and his people blocked his path.
"A VIP wants to meet you. If you continue like this, living in Korea will be very inconvenient for you."
Hong Tae-soo threatened in a low voice.
After a moment of silence, Han Kyung-young burst out laughing, finding the situation absurd.
"Hahaha! I can't believe this. Listen, Mr. Hong Tae-soo. Even the people you grovel to and serve have to make an appointment to meet me. It seems the Korean government still doesn't know how to handle things. Step aside, or I'll file a formal complaint through the U.S. government."
This time, he spoke in Korean, so all the journalists heard it clearly.
There was no need to explain how powerful the Blue House Secretariat was in Korea.
Hong Tae-soo couldn't hide his shocked expression. He had never been treated this way during his time at the Blue House Secretariat.
Initially bewildered, he soon became angry.
"Mr. Han Kyung-young! Are you really going to push this to the end?"
Hong Tae-soo raised his voice.
Just as Han Kyung-young was about to respond, another person approached.
"Hello, James. I'm from the U.S. Embassy. Is there a problem?"
It was staff from the U.S. Embassy who had come to assist with Han Kyung-young's entry.
Han Kyung-young pointed to Hong Tae-soo.
"These people are blocking my way."
The embassy staff glanced at Hong Tae-soo and then smiled at Han Kyung-young.
"We'll handle it. You can go."
"Yes, thank you."
Han Kyung-young left the stunned Blue House Secretariat staff behind and exited the airport with the guidance of the U.S. Embassy staff.
The embassy staff turned to Hong Tae-soo with a look of disbelief.
"You're from the Blue House Secretariat? What authority do you have to oppress a U.S. citizen? We will file a formal complaint."
"But... that's not it."
"James Han is an important figure in the U.S. as well. This is disappointing as an ally."
The embassy staff's face showed clear disdain for Hong Tae-soo.
With that, the embassy staff turned and walked away. Hong Tae-soo could only watch his retreating back.
That afternoon, Han Kyung-young's interview was featured on the front page of the evening newspapers.
[Wall Street Legend Han Kyung-young: "The Korean Economy is Strong"]
[Han Kyung-young: "The Korean Economy Will Recover Quickly"]
The conflict between Han Kyung-young and the Blue House staff was not reported in any of the evening newspapers.
This was the reality of Korea.
* * *
"Hahaha!"
I was secretly at the hotel where Han Kyung-young was staying.
I couldn't help but laugh when I heard about the trouble he had with the Blue House staff at the airport.
"He might have let it slide, but his expression made it clear he couldn't tolerate it."
"Korea still has a lot of authority issues. The Blue House never changes."
Han Kyung-young shook his head, still feeling annoyed.
"I tried to be polite, but I didn't expect to be treated like this. It doesn't happen in the U.S."
"They thought you were Korean."
Choosing Han Kyung-young was a brilliant move.
Being a U.S. citizen gave him such significant power in the current Korea.
If he had accumulated such wealth as a Korean citizen, the vultures would have pounced on him long ago.
"I think they'll contact you again, probably tonight."
The National Intelligence Service would already be monitoring this situation.
My connection to him would be revealed, but I didn't care.
I'd have to be careful when meeting Eva, but my friendship with Han Kyung-young would only be beneficial.
"If they invite you again, go to the Blue House. When will you get another chance to visit such a place?"
"Hmm... I don't even want to think about it right now."
Indeed, Korean bureaucrats would never come to their senses.
Han Kyung-young's status was greater than they thought.
A legend of Wall Street and a member of the Wall Street cartel—these titles weren't just about having money. They meant he wielded significant influence in the U.S.
"For the time being, Michael and the security team will protect you. Soon, Eric's staff will come to Korea. From then on, they will take over your security."
"Already setting up a branch in Korea?"
"Yes, we need to prepare a reliable security team. We can't use Park Dong-su's subordinates as security."
"True."
After some more casual conversation, we got down to business.
"You'll invest in stocks and companies using the money from the New York office. I'll give you a list. The government will likely make many demands of you."
Han Kyung-young nodded slightly, understanding what I meant.
"What about the shell companies?"
I hadn't told Han Kyung-young about Eva yet. It was time to reveal the plan.
"I have someone named Eva who takes my orders. However, there's no connection between you and her, so no one will think you're on the same team. Eva doesn't even know you're my person. Of course, she doesn't know I own