Chapter 88: Plans and Politics

Han Gyeong-yeong’s arrival in Korea was a feast for the media.

He was the kind of figure that would captivate the South Korean press.

A Korean immigrant thriving in New York’s Wall Street, the financial epicenter of the world, was a chance to boost the country’s tarnished image after the IMF crisis.

Even before his arrival, numerous feature articles had decorated the front pages.

[Young South Korean Investor Takes New York by Storm]

With such provocative headlines,

Han Gyeong-yeong felt overwhelmed.

As he stepped out of immigration, the sudden flashes of cameras nearly blinded him.

“Could you share the secret behind your investment success, Mr. Han Gyeong-yeong?”

“What brings you back to Korea?”

Caught off guard by the barrage of questions, Han Gyeong-yeong glanced around.

“Please say a few words of comfort to the public!”

“Are you here to invest in Korea?”

Han Gyeong-yeong hesitated, unsure of what to say.

Suddenly, a group pushed through the reporters.

“Mr. Han Gyeong-yeong? Please come with us.”

Frowning at their abruptness, he felt uneasy with their lack of explanation.

The reporters snapped photos, seemingly aware of who these people were.

“Let’s go, Mr. Han Gyeong-yeong.”

As they urged him on, Han Gyeong-yeong replied in English.

“Who are you to tell me where to go? Am I your subordinate?”

Even officials from the U.S. Treasury wouldn’t treat him this way.

But here were these strangers demanding he follow them, which was understandably irritating.

Some reporters who understood English gaped at his response.

“So, who exactly are you?”

A man who seemed to be their leader responded in English.

“I’m Hong Tae-soo from the Blue House. The President wishes to meet with you.”

Hong Tae-soo thought Han Gyeong-yeong would bow down after introducing himself.

However, Han Gyeong-yeong’s reaction was far from what he expected.

“Hahaha! Do I look like a South Korean citizen to you? I’m an American. If you want to meet me, set up an appointment. Don’t command me around like this!”

Hong Tae-soo and his colleagues were momentarily speechless, staring at Han Gyeong-yeong in shock.

Ignoring them, Han Gyeong-yeong turned to the reporters and said in Korean,

“Journalists, I’m still adjusting to the time difference and feel a bit dazed. I’ll hold a press conference or interview later. Please understand.”

But backing down like this was not in a South Korean journalist’s nature.

“Please tell us why you’ve come to Korea!”

“What are your thoughts on the current state of the Korean economy?”

With questions continuing to bombard him, Han Gyeong-yeong finally pointed to one reporter.

“I’ll answer just one question, the one over there. Yes, you!”

The chosen reporter beamed and stepped forward.

Jealousy flickered in the eyes of the other journalists.

“Could you share your thoughts on our economy? We’ve recently handed over our economic sovereignty to the IMF. What do you think about this?”

“Hahaha! I said I’d answer one question, but that’s two!”

Han Gyeong-yeong chuckled, lightening the atmosphere momentarily before addressing the reporter’s inquiry.

“I believe the struggling Korean economy can bounce back quickly. That’s why I’m here and plan to invest in Korea. I have faith in the resilience of the Korean people. Haven’t we all witnessed the Miracle on the Han River?”

Using gestures, he conveyed his positive message.

“You mentioned handing over our economic sovereignty to the IMF, but it was a necessary choice. While their conditions may seem excessive, we have to open our capital markets. Isolation won’t lead to progress. I believe this financial crisis will serve as a wake-up call for the Korean government and its citizens.”

Having said this, Han Gyeong-yeong attempted to leave with his bodyguards.

But Hong Tae-soo and his group blocked his path.

“We said a VIP wishes to meet you. It will be very uncomfortable for you to stay in Korea if you continue like this.”

Hong Tae-soo threatened in a low voice.

After a moment of silently observing Hong Tae-soo’s face, Han Gyeong-yeong burst into laughter.

“Hahaha! You must be joking, Hong Tae-soo! Even Kandehshi has to schedule an appointment to meet with me. It seems the South Korean government still hasn’t figured out how to handle this situation. Step aside before I formally lodge a complaint through the U.S. government!”

This time, speaking in Korean meant every reporter heard him clearly.

The power of the Blue House’s secretary is not something that needs explaining in South Korea.

Hong Tae-soo could not hide his flustered expression; he had never been treated this way despite working at the Blue House.

Initially stunned, anger soon took over.

“Mr. Han Gyeong-yeong! Are you challenging me?”

Hong Tae-soo’s voice rose.

As Han Gyeong-yeong prepared to respond again, another person rushed in.

“Hello, I’m James from the U.S. Embassy. Is there a problem?”

He was an embassy staff member sent to assist Han Gyeong-yeong with his entry.

Han Gyeong-yeong pointed at Hong Tae-soo.

“These people are blocking my way!”

The embassy staff glanced at Hong Tae-soo, then smiled back at Han Gyeong-yeong.

“We’ll handle this. You can go now.”

“Thank you very much!”

Han Gyeong-yeong left the disoriented Blue House staff behind, following the U.S. embassy staff out of the airport.

As he left, the embassy staff turned back to Hong Tae-soo with a look of disbelief.

“You work for the Blue House? What authority do you have to suppress an American citizen? I will formally file a complaint!”

“No… that’s not what I meant…”

“James Han is an important figure in the U.S. too. This is disappointing for us as allies.”

The disdain was evident on the embassy staff’s face as they finished their remarks and turned away. Hong Tae-soo could only watch their retreating figures.

That afternoon, the evening paper featured Han Gyeong-yeong’s interview on the front page.

[Wall Street Legend Han Gyeong-yeong: ‘The Korean Economy is Robust’]

[Han Gyeong-yeong claimed the Korean economy would rise swiftly.]

Nowhere in the evening papers published that day was the conflict between the Blue House staff and Han Gyeong-yeong reported.

This was the reality of South Korea.

* * *

“Hahaha!”

I had secretly arrived at the hotel where Han Gyeong-yeong was staying.

Hearing about the trouble he had with the Blue House staff at the airport made me laugh.

“He probably would have let it slide, but seeing their expressions, he couldn’t hold back.”

“The Blue House is still filled with outdated notions of authority; it hasn’t changed at all.”

Han Gyeong-yeong shook his head, still feeling disgruntled.

“I expected some lip service, but I didn’t think I’d be treated like this. They wouldn’t even dare act this way in the U.S.!”

“They thought of you as a Korean. That’s why.”

Choosing Han Gyeong-yeong was a brilliant move.

Being a U.S. citizen held immense power in present-day Korea.

If he had amassed such wealth while holding Korean citizenship, hyenas would’ve pounced on him long ago.

“I bet they’ll reach out again tonight.”

It was obvious they were monitoring us through the National Intelligence Service.

Though my association with him would be revealed, I didn’t care.

I just needed to be cautious when meeting Eva, but my connection with Han Gyeong-yeong would benefit me rather than harm me.

“If they extend a formal invitation again, you should visit the Blue House. When else will you have the chance to go to a place like that?”

“Ugh… I really don’t want to think about it right now,”

Well, it seems the bureaucrats in Korea will never get their act together.

Han Gyeong-yeong’s stature was greater than they realized.

A legend on Wall Street, a member of the Wall Street cartel; that title isn’t just about having money. It signifies a chilling influence in America.

“For now, Michael and the bodyguards will protect you, but Eric’s team will soon arrive in Korea. From then on, they’ll handle your security properly, so keep that in mind.”

“Are they already planning to set up a branch in Korea?”

“Of course! I needed a reliable security team. I can’t just use Park Dong-su’s subordinates as bodyguards.”

“True enough.”

After chatting a bit more, we got down to serious business.

“You’ll be investing in stocks and the company using funds from the New York corporation. I’ll send you the list separately. The government will probably have many demands for you.”

Han Gyeong-yeong nodded slightly, as if he understood what I was saying.

“What about the shell company?”

I hadn’t yet informed him about Eva’s existence; it was time to reveal the plan.

“I have someone named Eva who takes orders from me, but she has no connection to you. No one will think she’s part of your team, and Eva doesn’t even know you’re affiliated with me, nor that I own Dream High Investment.”

I didn’t intend to tell Eva everything.

But Han Gyeong-yeong was different.

As I gradually explained the plan, he nodded along, silently absorbing my words.

“You’ll maintain good relations with the government while continuing to invest in companies. The IMF’s requirements mean there will be no restrictions on foreign investments.”

“So, I’m the good cop, and Eva is the bad cop, huh?”

“Exactly! You understood correctly. Eva will maneuver between legality and illegality, greedily siphoning everything she can.”

Here’s the plan:

When Eva shows interest in companies that are openly hostile, Han Gyeong-yeong will step in as Korea’s black knight to lead the acquisition.

Then, after negotiating substantial debt relief, he’ll buy them at a bargain price.

After that, using Dream High, he’ll gather as many shares as possible before voluntarily delisting the company.

Public companies can raise funds easily, but they face many restrictions. In contrast, private companies have fewer limitations.

There was no need to maintain a public listing when we weren’t short on funds.

“I get it—this is my role.”

“Once this meeting with the Blue House wraps up, arrange a meeting with the progressive party’s candidate, Kim Hak-gwon. Having him as president would be beneficial for us.”

I didn’t inform Han Gyeong-yeong about the existence of the Cheongpung Group.

“Really? The conservative party doesn’t matter, right?”

“If the conservative party takes power, it could lead to troublesome situations.”

I didn’t elaborate, but with his trust in me solidified, he didn’t argue further.

Soon after, as I expected, the Blue House sent a polite invitation to Han Gyeong-yeong.

When he visited the Blue House, he engaged in enough small talk with the president.

Though his answers were vague and non-committal, the government quickly turned it into a news article.

A few days later, Han Gyeong-yeong secretly met with progressive party candidate Kim Hak-gwon alongside me.

With less than a month until the presidential election, Kim Hak-gwon, who hadn’t seen any bounce in his approval ratings, desperately needed Han Gyeong-yeong’s support.

“Pleased to meet you, I’m Kim Hak-gwon.”

“I’m Han Gyeong-yeong, Candidate.”

Han Gyeong-yeong couldn’t be arrogant in front of a living political giant in Korea.

Once their introductions were over, Kim Hak-gwon finally turned to me and spoke.

“So, you’re Chairman Cheon’s grandson? I heard you provided assistance to our campaign as well.”

“Yes, Candidate.”

To win a presidential election, one needs to gather enough funds to uproot the very foundations of the party.

Of course, any legal campaign funds can be refunded if they exceed 15% of the votes, but is an election ever just a matter of legal funds?

Astronomical amounts flowed into campaigns; that was the norm.

Yet, most major corporations only offered Kim Hak-gwon token support while funneling large sums to the conservative party.

In that regard, my assistance was beneficial to the campaign, but it might not have been entirely welcome for Kim Hak-gwon.

‘Still, isn’t it a bit rude to show such a face in front of people?’

The atmosphere Kim Hak-gwon displayed towards Han Gyeong-yeong and me was entirely different.

“I didn’t know you were friends with Han Gyeong-yeong, the legend of Wall Street and the heir of Myeong-dong…”

Kim Hak-gwon turned his attention back to Han Gyeong-yeong, ignoring me.

I suppressed a chuckle.

This guy really hasn’t figured it out yet.