Chapter 96: What Greed Really Is

The next day, in the first half of the day.

Chairman Park Yeongil and I listened to Chief Secretary Kang Inhan and President Cho Myeongsu report on the results of the measures taken against the online publication Today News and its CEO, Kim Mansu.

— We acquired Today News for one won and recovered 20.1 billion won from its hidden funds. In addition, it has been decided to send those two to New York, United States.

— Why America of all places?

Chief Secretary Kang Inhan deliberately shifted his gaze toward me. Having figured out his intention, I answered Chairman Park Yeongil’s question without delay:

— We plan to entrust their supervision to the Gomez family so that those two do not do anything foolish.

— Chairman Gomez agreed?

— Yes, of course.

— In that case, all the better. Secretary Kang, connect me with Commissioner Choi.

— Yes, Chairman, — Chief Secretary Kang Inhan replied briefly.

He immediately dialed Commissioner General Choi Dongyeong of the National Police Agency, exchanged a few words with him, and handed the mobile phone to Chairman Park Yeongil.

— Commissioner Choi, are you able to talk?

— I am ready to take the Chairman’s call at any time, twenty-four hours a day.

— Ha-ha, thank you. Would you happen to have time around three o’clock this afternoon?

— Of course I do, but...

— Chairman Bongard and Chairman Hudson are flying back to the United States today.

— Ah, I see. Where should I go?

— They are departing through Seoul Airport.

— Understood. I will see you at Seoul Airport at three o’clock.

There was a click. Chairman Park Yeongil returned the mobile phone to Chief Secretary Kang Inhan and addressed me:

— What if we put Director Kim and Reporter Hong on Chairman Bongard’s private plane and send them to the United States?

— That would probably be the cleanest way to resolve the problem.

At that moment, the fate of CEO Kim Mansu and Reporter Hong Yeonggi concerning their departure for America was decided.

***

Seoul Airport, located in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, is a specialized airport for heads of state and official foreign guests. For that reason, ordinary citizens require special permission to enter its grounds. Since Chairman Park Yeongil and I had already obtained it, we drove inside without difficulty.

However, upon arriving at the VIP lounge, we encountered an unexpected situation. Commissioner General Choi Dongyeong, Presidential Chief of Staff Lee Jihun, and a man who appeared to be around sixty years old were already there.

Chairman Park Yeongil, seemingly recognizing the sixty-year-old man, greeted him in a cheerful voice:

— Director Om, what brings you here?

— I decided to take this opportunity to meet Chairman Bongard and Chairman Hudson in person.

— Come now, tell that lie to someone else.

— So you knew?

— I am already eighty-five years old. Do you really think I lack the insight to notice something obvious?

— Ha-ha. You are as remarkable as ever. In truth, I came to meet Department Head Cha.

— Me? — I asked, pointing at myself in surprise.

— I also have the right to know exactly how you dealt with Today News and CEO Kim Mansu.

I immediately realized that this sixty-year-old man was Om Giyeon, Director of the National Intelligence Service. The agency had assigned its operatives to protect Tracy and the others, so Protection Unit Leader Oh Taeksu had undoubtedly already reported the incident at Juya Bar to him. That was precisely why he wanted to find out how we had dealt with Today News and Kim Mansu.

When I cautiously asked him about it, my thoughts were confirmed.

— Your deduction is entirely correct, Department Head Cha.

— It is a pleasure to meet you. I represent Korea Investment and Hangang Group...

After finishing my greetings with NIS Director Om Giyeon and the others accompanying him, I took my seat. At that very moment, Presidential Chief of Staff Lee Jihun was the first to speak:

— Chairman Park, how are matters progressing with the establishment of the joint venture?

— Yesterday afternoon, we completed the inspection of the HBM high-bandwidth semiconductor manufacturing plant and reached an agreement to establish the joint venture as quickly as possible.

— And approximately when will the entire process be completed?

— We agreed to finish within six months, so everything will be ready by November.

— What are your forecasts regarding how long it will take to receive approval from the governments of the United States and the European Union?

— Chairman Bongard expects it to take approximately half a year.

— I see, — Lee Jihun said with a nod, and at that very moment, Hangang Group Chairman Yoon Jongu appeared in the VIP lounge.

We rose from our seats and warmly welcomed Chairman Yoon and his people. As soon as everyone had exchanged greetings and sat down, Yoon Jongu addressed NIS Director Om Giyeon:

— Director Om, did you come to see Chairman Bongard and Chairman Hudson off?

— That is one reason as well.

— It seems you have another purpose, correct?

— Indeed. I have been included in the delegation for negotiations with the American government.

Several days earlier, Commissioner General Choi Dongyeong had made a deal with Advisor Joel Graff. In exchange for handing over files on American politicians and public figures who had protected the Chinese Triad, as well as information on its drug distribution networks, he had demanded two concessions from the United States government:

A fifty percent reduction in South Korea’s share of the cost of maintaining American troops.

An official document guaranteeing a nuclear umbrella to the Republic of Korea.

NIS Director Om Giyeon was speaking about that very matter now.

— But President Douglas already accepted those two conditions, did he not?

— We thought so as well, but information has been coming in that he has had a change of heart.

— A change of heart? What does that mean?

— They say he is now insisting on merely freezing the costs of maintaining the troops.

— That man still has not come to his senses, — Yoon Jongu said with a frown.

— On this matter, I completely share your opinion, Chairman Yoon, — the intelligence director agreed before shifting his gaze toward me. — Department Head Cha, how do you think we should resolve this problem?

After briefly considering my answer, I addressed Chairman Yoon Jongu:

— Chairman Bongard and Chairman Gomez are holding President Douglas by the Achilles’ heel. If you explain the situation to them, President Douglas will have no choice but to tuck his tail between his legs.

— Director Om, did you hear what Department Head Cha said?

— Yes, Chairman Yoon, — Om Giyeon replied, then turned toward me and asked: — How can we guarantee that we seize the initiative during the negotiations with the American government?

— Our country begins this game under unequal conditions from the outset, so there is no need whatsoever to become involved in a prolonged psychological battle. If the American delegation tries to pressure you, simply break off the negotiations and return home.

— Can we really do that?

— The side suffering from acute thirst is not our country, but the United States government, or more precisely, President Douglas himself.

— Ha-ha-ha! — NIS Director Om Giyeon burst into loud, satisfied laughter, as though the mere thought of it lifted his spirits.

After waiting for his laughter to subside, I continued:

— And you remember that the visit to the United States must be made as late as possible, correct?

— Ha-ha. Of course.

Bzzzt.

At that moment, the mobile phone in Chief Secretary Song Dosok’s hand vibrated briefly. As though already knowing who the message was from, he immediately checked its contents.

— We have been informed that Chairman Bongard’s motorcade has passed through the main gate.

***

We went down to the main entrance and, after a brief wait, saw a luxury sedan and two minivans pull up and stop in front of the building. Chief Secretary Kang Inhan, who had been standing ready, opened the door, and Chairman Bongard and Chairman Hudson stepped out of the car.

Presidential Chief of Staff Lee Jihun stepped forward to greet the guests on behalf of the host country.

— Welcome.

— Mr. Lee, what brings you here on a day off?

— Distinguished guests are leaving our country. Duty requires me to see you off personally.

— Ha-ha. Thank you.

— Shall we go inside?

In the VIP lounge, Chairman Bongard settled onto the sofa and asked me curiously:

— Department Head Cha, how was the matter with Today News, which was gathering material about the incident at the bar, resolved?

— Secretary Kang will report everything in my place.

After passing the baton to Chief Secretary Kang Inhan, I stepped into the background.

— Yesterday afternoon, Department Head Cha met with Today News CEO Kim Mansu and the reporter conducting the investigation.

— And what was the result?

— Department Head Cha listened to exactly how Kim Mansu had distorted the story of what happened at the bar.

Kang Inhan then frankly explained what measures had been taken against the publication itself, Kim Mansu, and Reporter Hong Yeonggi.

— ...The application to close Today News is scheduled to be submitted next week.

— So their employees will become unemployed in an instant?

— I will answer that question by stating that there was not a single person among the employees of that agency with a sound way of thinking.

— I understand what you mean. Continue.

— Using information obtained through his so-called reporting activities, Director Kim blackmailed numerous people. According to our information, the total amount he extorted came to fifteen million dollars. We confiscated those criminal proceeds in full.

At last, it was time for me to join the conversation as well.

— Commissioner Choi, return all the money seized by Director Kim to the lawful owners who suffered at his hands.

— I will do so. By the way, what did you do with Kim himself and Reporter Hong?

— We offered them the opportunity to turn themselves in, but both flatly refused.

— Surely... — Commissioner General Choi Dongyeong’s voice trembled with an ominous premonition.

To dispel his anxiety, I hurried to continue:

— There is nothing to worry about. Both of them are alive and healthy.

— Whew... Thank goodness. And where do you plan to send them?

— It has been decided to send them to New York, United States.

— There are many other countries, so why there of all places?

— To eliminate the possibility of any more foolish behavior on their part, we asked Chairman Gomez to keep them under close supervision.

— Ah, now I understand your intention.

At that moment, Chairman Bongard, who apparently had a question, joined the conversation:

— Department Head Cha, did you provide them with the means to support themselves in their new home?

— No.

— In that case, perhaps I should find them jobs in one of my companies.

— We are not sending them to the United States for the sake of forgiveness. The punishment in our country is far too lenient, as though they were merely being patted on the head. I believe they should work until they sweat and continue doing so until they have fully atoned for the crimes they committed.

— Oh, now I understand what you mean, — Chairman Bongard said with a nod, agreeing with my reasoning. — You want to send them to America on my private plane, correct? Is that possible?

— Of course. Without any problems.

— I sincerely thank you for your kindness, Chairman.

— There is no need for thanks. Now let us briefly discuss another matter. How should we divide the shares in the investment company being jointly established by my firm, Korea Investment, and Hangang Group?

I had assumed that all agreements regarding the establishment of the investment company had already been reached. However, judging by Chairman Bongard’s words, that was not the case.

— Was the matter of share distribution not agreed upon with Chairman Park and Chairman Yoon?

— Department Head Cha, you know perfectly well yourself just how greedy Chairman Yoon is.

At one point, I had advised Chairman Yoon Jongu to be satisfied with the position of third-largest shareholder. Apparently, he had been unable to accept that and had given in to his greed, trying to carve out a larger share for himself.

‘If only you knew when to restrain your greed.’

— How about forty percent for Korea Investment, thirty-five percent for Bongard Investment Group, and twenty-five percent for Hangang Group?

— I strongly support Department Head Cha’s proposal! — Yoon Jongu’s voice rang out immediately.

The moment I heard his answer, I realized that I had miscalculated. Chairman Park Yeongil and the others had undoubtedly offered Yoon Jongu a share of less than twenty-five percent. Not knowing that fact, I had personally named the figure of twenty percent, which was why Chairman Yoon had seized upon it first. However, it was now impossible to take my words back.

— Then shall we put an end to the matter of distributing the investment company’s shares?

— It seems we have no choice. Then what amount of registered capital would be optimal?

— Did you not reach an agreement yesterday?

— I insist on fifty billion dollars, while Chairman Park and Chairman Yoon argue that thirty billion is enough.

— Instead of giving a long explanation, I will answer with a principle: the more, the better.

— Department Head Cha, a forty percent share in an investment company of that size amounts to nearly twenty-seven trillion won, — Park Yeongil pointed out.

Korea Investment’s assets only slightly exceeded fifty-five trillion won. Consequently, nearly half of all the fund’s resources would have to be contributed as registered capital to the new joint venture. The serious problem was that the company did not possess that amount of available cash. That was precisely why anxiety could clearly be heard in Chairman Park Yeongil’s voice.

Naturally, I already had a plan ready that could dispel all his concerns in an instant.

— I possess 42.9 billion dollars in investment profits received from Chairman Bongard and Chairman Hudson.

— Ah, that is right! It seems I truly have begun to grow old if I forgot about that, — Park Yeongil said reproachfully to himself before turning to Chairman Bongard. — Let the registered capital of the investment company be fifty billion dollars.

— Ha-ha-ha! Agreed.

While Chairman Bongard laughed good-naturedly, the door to the VIP lounge opened slightly, and an employee entered and handed a note to Presidential Chief of Staff Lee Jihun. After unfolding and reading it, he nodded in understanding and addressed Chairman Bongard:

— The refueling of your private plane has been fully completed.

With that, Chairman Bongard and Chairman Hudson’s visit to South Korea came to a successful conclusion.