Chapter 366: Just Maintain the Status Quo

An awkward silence filled the study after my explosive declaration.

Both Kim Byung-woo and Lee Sang-geun stared at me, stunned.

“I mean it. We’re definitely going to the semifinals.”

“Uh… Boss,” Kim Byung-woo stammered.

After hesitating, he started to speak.

I couldn’t help but smile, knowing what he was thinking. He probably thought I was just being delusional.

“Isn’t it too hard for our national team to reach the semifinals?”

Considering our past teams, reaching the semifinals had seemed impossible.

But I had seen the future.

“Setting goals high is always better. If we make it past the round of 16, then the quarterfinals, how do you think Korea would fare?”

“…It would be great if that actually happened. But still, not many people are passionate about soccer; wouldn’t it just be their own festival?”

Logically, Kim Byung-woo had a point.

Yet, we all wore T-shirts depicting the Red Devils and cheered for Korea.

I shook my head at the memory.

“No, it will become a social phenomenon. Whether they like soccer or not, everyone will get swept up in it. After all, the exhausted citizens from the IMF days will have something to cheer about again.”

Kim Byung-woo still looked skeptical. Lee Sang-geun listened silently, equally uncertain.

“The national team must be brimming with motivation right now. With the World Cup being hosted by both Korea and Japan, they surely feel the pressure to perform better than Japan, especially with a remarkable coach like Hiddink and the home advantage. All of this aligns perfectly, setting the stage for outstanding results.”

“If what you say happens, there would definitely be jubilation, right?”

“Now, if my predictions hold true, what should Jungwoo Group and Jungwoo Construction do?”

I posed the question to Kim Byung-woo and Lee Sang-geun.

The two didn’t answer immediately, lost in thought.

I waited patiently for their response.

The first to speak up was Lee Sang-geun.

“If that’s the case, we should support the players. Jungwoo Construction will reward each player with an apartment in the Gwanak District, which is currently under construction.”

It wasn’t a perfect answer, but I nodded in approval.

“That sounds good. And what about you, Chairman?”

I turned to Kim Byung-woo, who was still pondering. After gathering his thoughts, he finally spoke.

“We don’t really have anything to reward them with in material form. Most subsidiaries that directly engage with consumers have been sold off… It’s tough to plan an event for the consumers, so we’ll focus on giving the players cash bonuses through a group-level plan.”

Kim Byung-woo’s answer wasn’t top-notch either.

“Alright. That’s sufficient for the players. But what about the citizens, who are the festival’s main participants?”

“Citizens? Why should we…”

“No, this is an opportunity. This is a chance to reshape Jungwoo Group’s image from a company linked to the IMF crisis to one that stands with the people.”

Before the IMF crisis, Jungwoo Group had an excellent brand image.

However, successive bankruptcies, lax management by executives, and crimes like cooking the books tarnished that image.

Some weary citizens had said this:

If Jungwoo Group hadn’t collapsed, the economic crisis in our country would have just been a passing cold.

While I could have changed the name after acquiring Jungwoo Group, discarding decades of brand value would have been foolish.

Using the World Cup as a springboard to revitalize Jungwoo’s public image was the best course of action.

“Just imagine a massive crowd cheering in the streets. People gathering from all over the nation at Gwanghwamun, in front of Seoul City Hall, and the Seoul Station’s square, all celebrating together.”

Kim Byung-woo narrowed his eyes. He seemed to be visualizing what I was describing.

“Of course, the initial turnout might be small. Even if several hundred thousand truly love soccer, that’s negligible. But if we achieve good results in match after match and show people cheering on the streets on the news? Just think how many would come out!”

As I spoke, excitement bubbled within me. In my previous life, I had been bogged down with work in the year the World Cup was held.

I remember being engulfed in fierce battles against Japanese loan sharks, rendering the World Cup a distant topic.

Then, when I finally sat in my grandfather’s study and turned on the TV, waves of excitement coursed through me.

The image of the vibrant sea of red in the streets during those cheers is forever etched in my memory.

I even joined in the street cheer from the quarterfinals onward.

Chief Ha had opposed it, but I stood my ground.

“Chief, I want to go too!”

“No way, Boss. It’s too dangerous.”

“I don’t care! Follow me or not, it’s up to you!”

Despite Chief Ha’s objections, I eventually made my way to Gwanghwamun to cheer in the streets.

I passionately cheered, or rather, I joined the crowd in chanting slogans, singing, and dancing.

In those moments, I could let go of all my thoughts and simply enjoy the present.

Even after the match ended, I mingled with strangers and reveled in the festivities.

Looking back now, it was a reckless decision, but it was my only escape from reality in my past life.

After that, I had no leisure to indulge in such fun.

While lost in a sudden flood of old memories, Kim Byung-woo snapped me back to reality.

“Boss.”

I regained my composure and cleared my throat, attempting to hide my embarrassment.

“Sorry, I got a bit too excited there.”

“It’s the first time I’ve seen you so excited, Boss. You seem more human now.”

Seeing Kim Byung-woo burst out laughing made me chuckle as well.

“Anyway, there will be gatherings among soccer enthusiasts called the Red Devils. Coordinate with the organizers, and provide support wherever they choose to gather. Collaborate with Seoul City to ensure that Jungwoo Group can sponsor the street cheering at Gwanghwamun, Seoul Station, and Seoul City Hall.”

“You want us to provide support? What does that involve…?”

“Just beverages, simple snacks, cheering tools, and mats should be sufficient. Naturally, all products must carry the Jungwoo brand. It will serve as advertising for the company.”

Kim Byung-woo, who had nodded along, swallowed hard as he asked.

“Boss… Should we really prepare for the semifinals?”

“Yes. Absolutely!”

I affirmed with conviction, nodding my head.

Once Kim Byung-woo heard my tone of certainty, he finally accepted my words.

“Since it’s your order, I suppose I’ll follow through. There’s going to be a lot of work ahead.”

“Still, this is an opportunity to improve Jungwoo’s image, so it’s a must to make it happen.”

Finishing my instructions, I turned my gaze to Lee Sang-geun. Jungwoo Construction had a significant role to play in this World Cup as well.

“Chairman Lee, please assist Jungwoo Group in any way possible.”

“Yes, Boss.”

I checked the time and realized I was due to receive other guests soon.

“If we don’t make it to the semifinals, I’ll grant each of you one wish. So please, just follow my instructions without a doubt.”

“Understood, Boss.”

“I’ve taken enough of your time. Please return to your work now.”

Kim Byung-woo and Lee Sang-geun stood up, bowed to me, and left the study.

Manager Ma came in after seeing them out.

“Chairman Song should arrive in about an hour. I’ll take a moment to rest, so let me know when he arrives.”

“Sure, Boss.”

After Manager Ma bowed and stepped out, I was left alone, grabbing a golf club from the study to practice my putting.

‘I got excited without even realizing it.’

I was even thinking of a soccer ball while gazing at the small golf ball.

It had been a while since I felt this way, and a smile continuously lingered on my face.

The sound of a knock on the study door interrupted me as I put the golf club away.

“Boss, Chairman Song Chan-woo and Congressman Song Chan-hyeok have arrived.””

“Tell them to come in.”

I organized the golf club I was holding. It was refreshing to move my body again after so long.

“Chairman Song, it’s been a while!”

“Yes, Boss Kim. It has indeed been a while.”

“I hope I didn’t bother you by calling you during your busy schedule.”

After shaking hands with Song Chan-woo, I turned my attention to Song Chan-hyeok beside him..

“Is this the third time I’m meeting with Congressman Song?”

“Yes.”

I shook hands with the indifferent Song Chan-hyeok and guided them to heir seats.

Manager Ma entered with coffee, set it on the table, and left the study, closing the door behind him.

“Has Daehyeon Group normalized its operations?”

Song Chan-woo nodded.

“Yes, thanks to your prominent influence at Taesan Financial, we were able to secure sufficient loans.”

“It was possible because Daehyeon is a solid group.”

“The government has restricted loans to chaebols severely, and we were nearly forced to sell off some subsidiaries, right? Even though we had to secure stocks as collateral, Taesan Bank’s loans helped us extinguish the fire for now.”

Thanks to Chairman Song Young-ju’s perseverance, Daehyeon had managed to keep its subsidiaries safe.

Still, the fact that they almost sold subsidiaries shows how severe the financial strain was.

“So, that’s a relief. The financial burden shouldn’t be a problem anymore, correct?”

“We’ve only managed to handle the immediate crisis, but we are still finding it tough. Daehyeon Automotive is relatively better, but Daehyeon Construction and Daehyeon Heavy Industries aren’t in a position to seek new investments yet. The biggest issue is the massive deficit of Daehyeon Asan involved in North Korea projects.”

The butterfly effect of the coup in Pyongyang was catastrophic for the Daehyeon Group.

Kim Jong-il had completely halted economic cooperation with the South, and all negotiations with the United States ceased.

Additionally, as the U.S. invaded Afghanistan, they intensified sanctions against North Korea, leading to the rapid deterioration of inter-Korean relations during the South Korea-U.S. summit.

Given that the Daehyeon Group had poured all its efforts into North Korea ventures, their repercussions had inevitably spread to the entire group.

“I heard the Mount Kumgang tourism has also ceased.”

“Yes, we received an abrupt notification of its suspension. It seems Kim Jong-il acted on words that President Bush said in Seoul.”

“For now, just maintain the status quo. There are promising opportunities to collaborate with Jungwoo. This is a massive project requiring cooperation from Jungwoo, Daehyeon, and Hyunhwa Corporation.”

The mention of three top 10 ranked groups cooperating startled Song Chan-woo.

“Are you saying three groups need to collaborate on this project?”

“It’s not yet time to go into details, but there will soon be promising news.”

“How can that be…?”

I raised my coffee cup with a smile.

“Feel free to look forward to it. The coffee is getting cold. Let’s chat while enjoying it.”

Song Chan-woo picked up his coffee cup while Song Chan-hyeok sat in silence, weaaing an uneasy expression.

He had once had the chance to fully take over the heavy industry sector, but I had effectively blocked that from happening, so he was likely displeased.

I left him to his thoughts and continued chatting with Song Chan-woo about the current state of Daehyeon Group.

Once the atmosphere relaxed a bit, I set my coffee cup down and changed the subject.

“Let’s wrap up the Daehyeon discussion for now. There’s another reason I called you both here today. It’s about the upcoming World Cup.”

As I unexpectedly brought up the World Cup, Song Chan-woo looked puzzled.

“The World Cup? Why are we suddenly talking about that…?”

“I heard Congressman Song worked hard to bring the World Cup to Korea.”

Taking note of Song Chan-hyeok’s still puzzled exppession, I continued.

“I just acquired a Premier League club. Were you aware of that?”

I asked Song Chan-woo, but the reply came from Song Chan-hyeok..

“A Premier League club? Ah, you’re close with James Han from Dream High Investment, who acquired Leeds United, right?”

“Exactly. That’s why my interest in soccer has grown. But coincidentally, Korean soccer is closely tied to Daehyeon Group’s existence, isn’t it? The reason the Korea-Japan World Cup is happening is largely due to your efforts, Congressman. I respect that.”

With a touch of exaggeration, one could say that Korean soccer exists because of the Daehyeon Group.

Since the early nineties, after Song Chan-hyeok took the presidencyyof the Korea Football Association, he dedicated both time and money to enhancing Korean soccer.

It would be fair to say that it was entirely due to his efforts that South Korea was able to host the World Cup.

When World Cup discussions and soccer came up, Song Chan-hyeok finally reverted tooa cheerful demeanor.

Indeed, people are generally weak against their own praises.

“The World Cup is starting soon… what do you think the Korean soccer team’s performance will be like, Congressman?”

Suddenly, I was curious about Song Chan-hyeok’s thoughts. It was simple curiosity that prompted my question.

“We’ll make it to the round of 16. It’s the World Cup in Korea. We can’t let it slip away as just someone else’s festival. I guarantee it.”

His confident reply made me smile faintly.

Still, he seemed more positive than Kim Byung-woo or Lee Sang-geun.

“You’re quite confident. The better the results, the more your achievements will shine, Congressman. I hope the team performs well.”

“Just wait and see. There will be a twist in the World Cup! South Korea, who hasn’t even won a single match in the World Cup, will make it to the round of 16!”

They’ll probably go further. I nodded and replied.

“That’s why I’d like to meet Coach Hiddink before the World Cup kicks off. Can you arrange a meeting?”

“Coach Hiddink?”

“Yes, after the World Cup, he’ll be returning to club football. I want to see if I can offer him the position of manager for Leeds United.”

I envisioned Hiddink as the one to lead my club.