Chapter 14: Land is a Living Thing

“So, what do you think?”

“This area is classified as ‘South End Greenbelt.’ It’s currently under development restrictions.”

“And?”

“It’s a typical rural area with a lot of cucumber and melon fields.”

“And?”

“The transportation infrastructure is poor making access difficult. The nearest populated area is mostly inhabited by low-income residents. The development potential is considered significantly low.”

“Hmm… Then there should be no problem setting up a ranch.”

“A ranch?”

“A place to raise horses, where people can ride.”

“That’s doable. It’s just a development restricted area so ranches aren’t prohibited.”

Chairman Jin took a sip of water tapping the map. He seemed to ponder for a moment but his hesitation didn’t last long since he had already made up his mind.

“Look into the available land around this area.”

“What scale are we looking at?”

“It’s a development restricted area so it shouldn’t be too expensive right?”

“Probably not.”

“At least 50,000 pyeong.”

“Understood, Chairman.”

Is he being too cautious? Just 50,000 pyeong? I was hoping for at least 100,000 pyeong. What a shame.

As the secretary stepped back Chairman Jin smiled again.

“Now let’s wait and see. How the land you chose will transform.”

“Land transforms?”

He knows, but playing along is the childish thing to do.

“Do-jun.”

“Yes.”

“Listen carefully to what this old man is about to say. Oh, of course it’s okay if you don’t understand. Just try not to forget. And one day when you need it, try to remember.”

Say what you will. I understand everything. Those are my thoughts that I can’t say out loud.

“Land is a living thing.”

He paused briefly before continuing.

“This living thing called land is surprisingly sensitive to change. Of course that change is created by humans.”

I was a bit disappointed as it seemed like a predictable story, but I didn’t show it.

“The important thing is to create change that makes the land favorable to me. When the land stirs you must stimulate it to change decisively. Then land that was just a lump of soil turns into gold.”

Ultimately there are two types of land speculators.

Those who get development information in advance.

And those like Chairman Jin who collude with the powerful to create development opportunities.

Those who get information may fail if they trust the wrong information but the latter never fails. They always scoop up gold.

“The land you chose is just a lump of soil now. That’s why I wouldn’t buy it.”

“Why?”

“It will take a long time for this land to turn into gold. Maybe it won’t even happen in my lifetime. So there’s no reason to buy. But it’s different for you.”

“Why is it different for me?”

“In 20 or 30 years this land could become incredibly valuable. You have a long life ahead of you, enough to see that change. So think of it as a deposit and hold onto it.”

“Yes. I’ll keep that in mind, Grandfather.”

Hold it for 20 or 30 years? I have no intention of doing that.

Of course, Grandfather’s thoughts will change too.

Why?

Because in two years this land will transform into a new city, a huge chunk of gold.

I just got my hands on 50,000 pyeong of prime land in Bundang’s new city. This meal tastes like honey.

***

The year 1988, which elevated Korea’s global recognition, has dawned.

Twenty-seven years later the sensational hit ‘Reply 1988′ is a story from a completely different world than mine.

That drama portrayed the daily life of ordinary people. I’m living in a world overflowing with money, among the super-rich, in a chaebol family.

“Hello, Aunt.”

“Oh Do-jun? I’ve been seeing you a lot lately.”

I don’t think you’re in a position to say that? If you want to make your husband a congressman you should be heading to Yeouido, not coming and going from your parents’ house.

“Do-jun, the older you get the more handsome you become. You take after your mother. By the way, is your mother well?”

My uncle, who’s preparing for his congressional run, ruffled my hair and strode into the study.

That guy gives me the creeps. Maybe it’s because he’s a prosecutor but he’s always looking for something, his eyes darting around. Especially when he looks at my mother, there’s always a red glint in his eyes.

Well, it’s not just him. All the men in this family have a slightly lecherous look in their eyes.

My mother is beautiful enough to be an actress right now. It’s natural for men to be unable to take their eyes off her. But because of men like this, my mother suffers even more from her elder sisters-in-law and her husband’s sister.

The women’s jealousy of her beauty makes them bully my mother even more.

Anyway, one day I’ll gouge that guy’s eyes out.

**

“Does Do-jun live here?”

“He’s here for about a week during the vacation. By the way, why are you here again? And with Husband Choi too?”

“Father-in-law. It’s not like I’ve come somewhere I shouldn’t. Haha.”

“You’re here together without any particular business, that’s why.”

At Chairman Jin’s displeased tone, Jin Seo-yoon pouted her lips.

“Father. We came so urgently because there’s something important.”

“What now?”

“Why is my husband’s district Suwon?”

Chairman Jin’s annoyance flared up.

It’s clear she’s not asking because she doesn’t know. Suwon is where Soonyang Electronics’ factory is, and it’s packed with subcontractors.

Half the population in this area is connected to Soonyang so his election is certain. Isn’t that why it was chosen?

“Father-in-law. Honestly if I run in Suwon with Soonyang Group’s backing, even a stick would get elected. Even if I get a badge I’ll just be a figurehead in Yeouido, a rubber stamp.”

“Stop beating around the bush. What do you want to say?”

The son-in-law signaled his daughter with his eyes. It’s clear he’s about to say something difficult.

“Father. Even as a first-term, having the power of a senior member will be beneficial for you too.”

“Again! You’re doing it again! You’re going in circles.”

“Please help him run in Jongno.”

Jongno, known as Korea’s political hub.

Even a first-term elected in Jongno carries a different weight. Considering his background, it’s the weight of a senior politician.

Chairman Jin, without hiding his displeasure, opened his mouth.

“Husband Choi.”

“Yes, Father-in-law.”

“I paved the way for you to become Prosecutor General, but you kicked it away. You know that?”

“I’m truly sorry about that.”

“I’m not bringing that up to scold you. I’m curious about your goal after going to Yeouido. What’s the real reason you want Jongno so badly?”

Jin Seo-yoon quickly answered instead of her husband who hung his head.

“Father. Once you enter politics, it’s obviously the presidency. Imagine Husband Choi becoming the owner of the Blue House. It means our Soonyang will become the Republic of Korea.”

Even though the word ‘president’ came out, as if he already guessed the answer, Chairman Jin showed no sign of surprise.

Instead, his gaze, as if looking down on the opponent, as if looking at someone pathetic, only became heavier.

“Husband Choi.”

“Yes.”

“Don’t be ridiculous.”

At the unexpected reaction, the two just widened their eyes.

“Oh, Father.”

“Father-in-law!”

“Both of you shut up and listen to me.”

At Chairman Jin’s শীতল demeanor, the two shut their mouths. They know well that arguing back at times like this is irreversible.

“Jongno? Do you know who the current Jongno assemblyman is? Do you know how much money I’ve poured into raising that guy? If I call him… no, if my secretary calls him he’ll jump out of bed in the middle of the night. Why should I throw him away? He’s more obedient to me than my own son-in-law?”

There’s a saying in politics: don’t change a well-running horse.

These two aren’t unaware of this.

“You said it yourself, didn’t you? If you have the Soonyang Group’s name on your shoulder, even a stick would get elected. That’s exactly why I put you in Suwon. It doesn’t cost much for the election.”

“Fa, Father-in-law.”

The meaning that he’s not worth spending money on was clear. The son-in-law was more scared than upset. Could it be?

Is he being thrown away for disobeying his father-in-law’s intention to make him Prosecutor General?

“Father. You’re being too harsh. How could you say such a thing…?”

Jin Seo-yoon, who had been চুপचाप, flared up at the disregard for her husband.

“Why? Did I say something wrong?”

“He’s not someone to be treated like that! His is the best legal family in Korea. Even without our Soonyang Group’s name, he would easily win in any district. He’s the top candidate for recruitment by both the ruling and opposition parties.”

“The best legal family in Korea… Do you think so too?”

“……”

At Chairman Jin’s mocking expression, it was awkward to answer confidently.

“A few prosecutors, a few court presidents, that’s a prestigious family? Goodness, I’m at a loss for words.”

“Dad!”

Completely ignoring her husband and her in-laws, Jin Seo-yoon inadvertently used her pre-marriage habit of speech. But Chairman Jin continued, glaring only at his son-in-law.

“I made your father a prosecutor. With my power and my money. Are there any top performers from the Judicial Research and Training Institute among your family’s prosecutors and judges? Do you think they could have even dreamed of their current positions with their mediocre abilities? If it weren’t for me, if I hadn’t helped they wouldn’t even be department heads. Where do they dare…!”

As Chairman Jin’s rage grew, the two people’s heads dropped lower and lower.

“I raised your whole family. You know why? To use them as loyal dogs to guard our Soonyang Group. Your role, as it has been until now, is to be a dog that protects our household. You’re just changing locations from the Prosecutor’s Office to the National Assembly. Keep that in mind.”

Calling his family dogs, his face flushed with shame and anger. But what can he do? It’s not wrong.

The son-in-law clenched his teeth, his shoulders trembling, but Chairman Jin poured out even harsher words.

“And another thing, the presidency? Goodness, I’m speechless… That position couldn’t have come from your head, so who is it? Who put such hot air into you? Your father?”

Seeing the two instantly flustered, Chairman Jin immediately knew everything.

Taking a long breath to calm his anger, he delivered his final blow.

“Husband Choi.”

“Yes.”

“Get rid of the hot air, erase those useless thoughts. Just live off the honey I give you like you do now. Make sure to tell your family too. If they harbor vain ambitions they’ll ruin their lives. Got it?”

“…Yes.”

The answer came out barely, from shame. One phone call from his father-in-law and his relatives in the prosecution and judiciary would be instantly banished to the provinces.

And the family’s cash cow, the law firm, would also collapse. The lucrative clients are all doing business because of the Soonyang name, aren’t they?

“You can leave now. And Seo-yoon, you stay.”

As the son-in-law left, shoulders slumped, Chairman Jin’s attitude became even more aggressive.

“You, you little…!”

“Oh, Father. It’s not like that…”

In the end, a book on the massive desk flew towards Jin Seo-yoon’s head.

“How many times have I told you it’s not allowed! Are you defying my will to be satisfied with being the owner of a department store?”

Jin Seo-yoon knows what to do in times like this. Just lie flat until her father’s anger subsides.