Chapter 740: The Chairman Takes the Lead

A restaurant in Euljiro.

“Goodness… Have you ever seen such a terrible person!”

After work, groups of colleagues gathered, clinking glasses while cursing about the National Security Senior Secretary’s classified information leak.

“This country is a mess. It’s all because they’re cozying up with the commies. I don’t like how chummy they are with those North Koreans either!”

A man with a flushed face grumbled as he emptied his glass.

A man sitting across from him refilled his empty glass and spoke.

“You know it too. This is all fabricated, all of it. It’s not like the National Intelligence Service hasn’t done this before. Why do you believe it?”

“Hey now, come on! Unless the President is crazy why would he fabricate a story about the National Security Senior Secretary being a spy? That’s your problem.”

The two men, with opposing political views, began to bicker over the same issue.

Like the table where the two men sat, the story of the National Security Senior Secretary was continually discussed throughout the restaurant.

Thus, hostility toward China was slowly seeping into the hearts of the people.

“Anyway, those Chinese bastards are the problem. Those jerks never change.”

“For once, we agree. The Japanese and the Chinese are all the same jerks.”

The Korean government summoned the Chinese Ambassador to lodge a strong protest.

However, the Chinese government denied it all, and instead, summoned the Korean Ambassador to protest, turning the tables.

Thanks to that, the diplomatic relations between the two countries reached a breaking point.

President Yoon Chang-ho launched an audit of all the Blue House secretaries and staff members. They found more secretaries and staff selling information to China and Japan.

The Blue House disclosed the facts without hiding anything, and the opposition party fiercely criticized it, calling it a personnel disaster for Yoon Chang-ho’s administration.

The ruling party also expressed regret over the matter.

At this point, people didn’t know how far this incident would go.

* * *

“Welcome, Chairman Murdoch.”

“Haha, it’s been a while, Charlie.”

Murdoch had arrived in Korea.

“I apologize for calling you all the way here. My current situation doesn’t allow me to travel.”

“It’s alright. I’ve decided to meet with Korean journalists while I’m here so don’t worry about it.”

I nodded and guided him to his seat.

“Is this Charlie’s office?”

“It’s small right?”

The Myeong-dong office might have seemed shabby to Murdoch.

As expected, Murdoch nodded.

“It is rather humble compared to Charlie’s abilities.”

“Everyone else tells me to move to a better location but I’m comfortable here. I can’t bring myself to move. I hope you’re not here to nag me too, Chairman?”

“Of course not. Sometimes it’s good to be in a familiar place. I also made my personal office in the UK small.”

We chatted about trivial matters over tea.

As the atmosphere relaxed, Murdoch was the first to bring up the topic of China.

“I heard that there’s been an all-out assault on the Chinese companies that Dream High Investment has invested in.”

“You already know? It’s probably retaliation for attacking Prime Minister Li Peng through you.”

“The damage must be substantial.”

“It’s not really damaging yet. But the Chinese government won’t stop here. That’s why I called for you, Chairman Murdoch.”

From Alibaba to Tencent and other companies I had invested in were facing pressure.

“It seems they intend to go all the way. This isn’t just targeting one company, Charlie. I know better than anyone about your ability to shake up the Japanese economy, but I can’t help but worry.”

The story of how he used the Japanese economy as a hostage to force the Japanese government to surrender flashed through my mind.

Murdoch looked quite serious when he said that.

“Yes, you’re right. But China will be a little different. It’s not a normal country. Although they’re implementing an open-door policy, they’re still a one-party dictatorship. They’re a half-baked capitalist country.”

I agreed with Murdoch. But China was a country that couldn’t be judged by common sense.

For example, the way China blocked attacks on Hong Kong during the Asian financial crisis was something no other country could do.

We made a huge profit then but Wall Street and other global investors suffered huge losses.

China was a country where the government controlled the economy.

“Even so, they’re people who prioritize national pride over the economy. Pressure like the one on Japan won’t work…”

That was also true. It would be difficult to defeat China through normal means.

It was clear that it would take a lot of money and time.

“You can’t beat the Chinese government with normal methods. So, I’m planning to use a different approach. Chairman Murdoch’s role is important.”

“I’m always on Charlie’s side. You don’t have to worry about that. Tell me your plan.”

I passed a black bag next to me to Chairman Murdoch.

Murdoch took the bag and asked in confusion.

“Charlie, what’s this?”

“These are files documenting the corruption of China’s high-ranking officials.”

“Oh!”

Murdoch’s eyes sparkled. He let out an exclamation of amazement and looked down at the bag.

“Unfortunately, there aren’t any files on the very highest officials. But there’s corruption information on key figures in the Shanghai faction, the Princelings, and the Communist Youth League. Release them slowly, one article at a time.”

The Chinese media is controlled by the Communist Party. They couldn’t publish articles on the corruption of high-ranking officials without the Party’s permission.

However, the media that Murdoch possessed was strong enough to withstand their pressure.

“This time, publish it through reputable news outlets, not The Sun. Share the information not only with your own newspapers but also with newspapers like the New York Times and the Washington Post.”

Tabloid media was good for attracting attention, but it had limitations.

“Oh man. Sharing this great source…”

Murdoch looked regretful, but he didn’t object.

“Understood. I will meet with my main news outlets and share the information.”

“Thank you. If you release it all at once, the impact will be small. Release it slowly, over time. Perhaps in a series.”

After I repeatedly emphasized it, Murdoch smiled mischievously.

“That’s our specialty. Don’t worry about it. But, the Chinese government won’t even bat an eye at this.”

“That’s true. But international investors will see it differently. You know how much those guys, who would sell their own country for money, hate untrustworthy governments.”

“Indeed. That’s why there were few investors willing to invest in China. But when Dream High started investing heavily, the atmosphere changed.”

“In that environment, what do you think will happen if Dream High withdraws from China?”

Murdoch exclaimed in admiration. He finally seemed to understand my plan, his eyes widening as he looked at me.

“It’ll be unsettling. Dream High, which boasts a 100% success rate on Wall Street, is withdrawing its investment from China. And then, if articles questioning the corruption of high-ranking Chinese government officials keep popping up…”

“Many investors will surely follow us and withdraw their investments. The Chinese government won’t be able to ignore it then.”

Murdoch nodded in agreement, his face serious.

If only Dream High withdrew, there was a high chance that the Chinese government wouldn’t even bat an eye.

Because there were many investors wanting to invest in China.

“Charlie’s public opinion strategy is scary. You’re going to use the power of the masses…”

“I can’t destroy the Chinese economy, but I can slow down its growth. The more investors who leave with us, the greater the damage will be.”

“But even if other investors leave, the overseas Chinese will not.”

There was nothing I could do about that. I shrugged and responded to Murdoch.

“That can’t be helped. But they’re not enough. If it weren’t for the foreign capital investment, China wouldn’t have been able to create special economic zones and rake in all that money.”

China’s economic growth centered around its coastal areas. China was leading its economy by developing coastal cities, relying on foreign capital.

“This matter also involves a power struggle to reduce Hu Jintao’s influence. Jiang Zemin has already handed over all official positions to Hu Jintao, but he still wields immense influence. Hu Jintao and Wen Jiabao are also on good terms with me. If Hu Jintao continues to lead high economic growth, then all of Jiang Zemin’s people will be forced out in the next generation.”

This was a conclusion I had made based on my past life’s information.

Hu Jintao, who was dragged around by Jiang Zemin, eventually pushed out most of Jiang Zemin’s standing committee members and filled their positions with his own people, using high economic growth as his weapon.

Now, the Chinese economy was growing even faster than in my previous life.

“Jiang Zemin must have thought he wouldn’t have another chance if it wasn’t now. You know how power-hungry he is, Chairman?”

“Who would know him better than I do? I’ve released dozens of special articles about him. He’s the embodiment of lust for power.”

“That’s right. If you can’t shake him from the outside, you need to shake him from the inside.”

Hu Jintao was hoping to use me to attack Jiang Zemin.

But I had no intention of playing in the game he had set up.

I smirked, looking at the bag that had fallen into Murdoch’s hands.

To gain something, you must be prepared to get your own hands dirty.

“North Korea will move first.”

“North Korea?”

Murdoch tilted his head at my words. Well, North Korea and China are inseparable, so it’s understandable that he would be confused.

“Did you know that China was using aid to North Korea as a weapon to threaten them?”

“I heard the news. But isn’t that just a customary threat?”

“That’s true. But if North Korea refuses China’s aid, then it won’t end with just a threat.”

“Unless the North Korean government is crazy… Oh, don’t tell me, is that also your plan, Charlie?”

I nodded. Murdoch, looking both surprised and tired of being surprised, exclaimed again in amazement.

“Jang Seong-taek must be pro-China.”

“He used to be. But his thoughts have changed since he took power. He realized that North Korea has no future if it’s being dragged around by China.”

“The situation is turning interesting.”

“Korea and North Korea will join hands to confront China. And Russia will also join our cause.”

“This is getting too big. It’s entertaining to watch.”

A mischievous smile appeared on Murdoch’s face.

“Not yet, but it will start after Japanese Prime Minister Koizumi visits North Korea. That’s when China will realize something is wrong.”

North Korea and Japan will establish diplomatic ties. And they will refuse Chinese aid.

They will receive the cut off aid through Japan and Russia, and they will stop the Sinuiju development project that was supposed to be done with China.

Maybe Jiang Zemin isn’t expecting North Korea to be this tough.

“Keep releasing negative articles about China, especially about its economic uncertainty. You are the vanguard, Chairman.”

“I like that. You’re making me the vanguard in this fun game! It’s an honor. I’ve got an interesting job in my old age. Hahaha.”

Murdoch wasn’t intimidated at all, instead, he was genuinely amused. With a person as enthusiastic as him, it’s no wonder his media empire is so strong.

“To properly pull this off, I must acquire the Wall Street Journal.”

“The Wall Street Journal?”

When did Murdoch acquire the Wall Street Journal?

He must have acquired it in the late 2000s. While I was briefly contemplating, Murdoch continued.

“We are already in negotiations. The acquisition price is the only problem…”

“Chairman Murdoch, don’t worry about the price. Dream High will invest the rest of the amount needed for the acquisition.”

“We’ll be glad to accept. People call me the king of tabloid media now, but if I acquire the Wall Street Journal, they won’t be able to call me that anymore.”

The Wall Street Journal was a subsidiary of Dow Jones & Company, which created the Dow Jones Industrial Average, one of the three major U.S. stock indexes.

Along with The New York Times and The Washington Post, it was one of the leading newspapers in the U.S., and especially in the economic field, it was a leader along with the UK’s Financial Times.

“Is Dow Jones & Company on the market?”

“Not exactly on the market. But, the Bancroft family is short on money due to failed investments.”

“The Bancroft family is short on money…”

“Dream High was deeply involved in their investment failures. They bet against Dream High.”

So, that’s why the timing was moved up.

After resolving my question, I nodded slightly.

“This is good news for us.”

“That’s right. That’s why I’m asking you for a favor.”

“I will invest as much capital as you need.”

“No, money is a secondary issue. Do you know about the Regional Broadcasting Station Ownership Restriction Act that is being pushed by the US Congress?”

When I shook my head, Murdoch sighed and explained.

“It’s a bill that would prevent a broadcasting station from owning more than 35% of a regional broadcasting station’s shares. If it passes, it’s highly likely to pass.”

“Is that so?”

It was clearly a bill targeting Murdoch.

“Our subsidiary, Fox TV, which belongs to News Corporation, owns shares in many regional broadcasting stations. In other words, it owns more than 35%. So, I hope you can stop this.”

“Aren’t the lobbyists moving?”

“That’s right. But, Charlie’s ability is more outstanding than any lobbyist. I ask for your help, Charlie.”

Before I could even respond, Murdoch bowed his head.