บท 7: Target Hong Kong Stars and K-Pop Dreams
With his plan vividly sketched in his mind, Jin Daojun strolled around his home. His parents, both working in the film industry, had filled the house with movie posters.
In Korea during 1987, local film production was still in its infancy, and the country's entertainment tastes leaned heavily toward foreign imports. Hollywood and Hong Kong dominated the screens, while local productions struggled to gain traction.
On the walls hung posters of actors from A Better Tomorrow, the 1986 Hong Kong film that had taken Korea by storm. Posters of Chow Yun-fat and Leslie Cheung adorned the walls. At that time, it was hard to find anyone in Korea who didn't know these stars or hadn't seen A Better Tomorrow. Those who hadn't were often called out-of-touch.
In his previous life, Daojun had seen how often Korean dramas and films paid homage to those Hong Kong cinema classics, with actors imitating famous scenes from A Better Tomorrow.
"Joey Wong, Maggie Cheung, Chingmy Yau—all these Hong Kong stars are coming onto the scene right now…" Daojun mused. "Once I earn my first fortune, I have to go to Hong Kong. Opportunities are everywhere in Hong Kong these days. Those stars are sure to skyrocket, and maybe I can help them along—and win their favor while I'm at it."
Daojun's mind was already racing through his investment plans. They weren't confined to Korea alone. Hong Kong, with its rapidly expanding entertainment market, would be a strategic part of his vision.
As he browsed through his parents' collection, he also found a Korean record by a singer named Lee Soo-man, who was becoming a popular radio DJ and host as well as a rising singer.
Daojun's eyes gleamed. "Lee Soo-man… I should get him on board," he thought. "That's the future godfather of the Korean Wave."
In the future, Lee Soo-man would found SM Entertainment, launching K-pop superstars like Girls' Generation, Super Junior, and TVXQ. But in 1987, he was still just an entertainer, a few years away from starting SM. If Daojun could partner with him now, he'd have a stake in what would become one of Korea's biggest entertainment companies.
"And if I do that… one day, I'll be the one behind the future Girls' Generation." He grinned to himself, thinking of the power and status that awaited. "In this life, I'm going to enjoy it all."
Daojun wrote down Lee Soo-man's contact details, waiting patiently for his first investment capital to come through.
Meanwhile, in the Jin Family's Old Mansion...
In his private study, Chairman Jin Yang-cheol sat in deep thought, surrounded by luxury and history. His secretary, Mr. Lee, stood respectfully nearby.
"Chairman, are you certain about following Master Daojun's advice?" Mr. Lee asked hesitantly. "Of the three candidates, the others have far higher odds. This one, Roh tae-woo, is from the ruling party with ties to General Chun Doo-hwan's administration… He's taken off the military uniform, but his past makes him highly unpopular."
The country's last regime had enacted brutal crackdowns during the infamous Gwangju Uprising, leaving countless students, workers, and civilians dead. The ruling party's reputation was damaged beyond repair, and Roh tae-woo was tied to that same legacy. To most people, he was unelectable.
Mr. Lee fell silent, observing Jin Yang-cheol's intense gaze. The Chairman looked like a tiger preparing to strike.
After a long pause, Jin Yang-cheol gave his orders. "Secretary Lee."
Mr. Lee stood straighter, attentive.
"Contact the accountant and prepare $200 million. Set up a private meeting with Roh tae-woo."
"Yes, sir!" Mr. Lee replied. Though he couldn't fathom the logic, he knew Chairman Jin was acting on Daojun's advice, placing $200 million on the least likely candidate.
The election stirred up tension nationwide. Protests swept through Seoul, and on the streets, people were divided over the future of the country. Meanwhile, Jin Daojun kept a low profile, learning about the political and cultural currents of the era as he waited for his opportunity.
Finally, election day arrived.
In the Jin family's mansion, Jeongsimjae, the household gathered in anticipation. Family members and senior executives of the corporation waited for the results to be announced on TV.
When the results came in, the entire room held its breath.
"And the candidate with the highest percentage of votes—"
"Candidate Roh tae-woo!"
"With 33.6% of the vote, elected by a slim margin of 0.5%!"
Cheers erupted from Roh tae-woo's supporters across the country. Many viewers stared in shock, never expecting such an upset.
The Jin family members sat stunned, grasping what this meant. Jin Yang-cheol had bet on the winning candidate—a decision that had surprised and even confused his inner circle.
The eldest son, Jin Yong-ji, finally snapped out of his shock and hurried to his father's study, eager to share the news.
"Father!" Yong-ji, a man in his forties and the presumptive family heir, burst in, stumbling over his words. "Father, Roh tae-woo"
"I know," Jin Yang-chul said calmly, glancing up from his desk. He raised a hand, gesturing for his son to calm down.
"Compose yourself," he chided. With a steadying breath, Yong-ji nodded and sat on the sofa, realizing how rattled he had been by the announcement.
He couldn't believe that Jin Daojun's insight had proven correct. The boy had just risen dramatically in their grandfather's esteem.
"Call for a family dinner tonight," the chairman instructed. "Invite Daojun and his family."
That evening, Jin Daojun returned to the family mansion, but this time, he was treated with an unexpected warmth.
Summoned to the study, he entered to find his grandfather grinning broadly.
"Hahaha!" the old man laughed. "My little grandson, Daojun! Come here!"
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