บท 213: Chapter 213: Is It Really Solved By Going in Person?
While Manager Ma was away, Ha Myung-hoon was often by my side, but there were many moments when I felt a sense of loss.
Of course, while Ha Myung-hoon was skilled, none could read my thoughts and act on them quite like Manager Ma.
Upon arriving in Pyeongchang-dong, Manager Ma entered his study.
"I'm back, Boss."
"You've worked hard."
Seeing him after a long time, I stood up without realizing it, feeling glad to have him back.
"It's the first time I've been away for this long since meeting you, Manager. I didn't feel it when I was in Pyongyang, but this time the absence felt significant."
I lightly patted Manager Ma's shoulder and smiled.
"Let's sit down first. We can talk while we settle in."
I took my seat, which prompted Manager Ma to follow and sit down as well.
"Did you have a good reunion with Elder Jang and his family?"
"We met without any issues. Family is quite strange, isn't it? Even after fifty years apart, we hugged and cried as soon as we met."
Listening to Manager Ma recount the events, I imagined their reunion in my mind.
Elder Jang had already seen his family in photos, but those who came from the North were different.
But it was only natural for them to feel drawn to each other. That's how family works.
"You mentioned Elder Jang would be staying in China for a while, right?"
"Yes. But to bring his family to Korea, it seems that you'll need to go to China yourself, Boss."
"Why? Didn't we finalize everything already?"
"Wen Jiabao's actions have become restricted."
Wen Jiabao had grown more influential in the political sphere than I remembered.
I had heard that he was practically guaranteed to be the next Prime Minister.
Surprised by the mention of restrictions on his actions, I looked at Manager Ma, who added, "It seems the Shanghai faction has started attacking Wen Jiabao."
"The Shanghai faction?"
Wen Jiabao was not affiliated with any faction within the Chinese Communist Party.
That's why Jiang Zemin from the Shanghai faction had put him in the vice-premier position.
Yet history twisted; now the Shanghai faction was turning against Wen Jiabao.
Jiang Zemin, who had once advocated for Wen to be the Prime Minister, was now leading the attack.
"It seems that Han Gyeong-yeong's decision to invest in Shanghai caused quite a stir. After his visit, investments from all over came pouring in, boosting Wen Jiabao's influence in Shanghai."
Unlike the official factions like the Communist Youth League, the Shanghai faction and the royalists were unofficial entities tied by blood and friendship.
As the leader of the Shanghai faction, Jiang Zemin must have felt the pressure from Wen Jiabao's growing power there.
However, Wen Jiabao was the only high-ranking official with connections in China. If he were purged, I would be in trouble too.
"Is it really going to be solved by going in person?"
"I'm not sure myself. But Wen sent someone to me, asking if you could visit him. He said his communications are being tapped and that it's necessary to meet in person to discuss things."
This was a troublesome situation. I felt a headache coming on and pressed my temples.
"Let's first sort things out in Korea before heading to China."
"Understood."
China was a problem, but for now, Korea was more important.
"Did you get the power of attorney from Elder Jang?"
"I'm supposed to receive it from his personal lawyer."
"Then let's think about bringing them to Korea later."
For now, we had safely crossed from the North into China, and in our protective position, I hoped no major issues would arise.
"Got it, Boss."
"I'm sorry for making you jump into work right after coming back from China without giving you any time to rest. Please collect the documents that Manager Ha brought from Gong Seung-yeon's villa and review them."
"I'll check if there's anything related to Il-sung first."
Upon hearing Gong Seung-yeon's name, Manager Ma nodded as if he had guessed.
I felt a bit guilty for not giving him breathing room, but I was reassured by leaving work in Manager Ma's capable hands.
"And once you receive the power of attorney, please forward it to Eva. We'll need to prepare, as Manager Ha plans to launch an attack right after he takes office as chairman."
Everything would begin once Ha Myung-hoon assumed the position of Chairman of Taesan Financial.
I didn't want his inauguration to be overshadowed by other issues.
"Let's have a proper meal together for the first time in a while. If there's anything you want to eat, just let me know."
I figured I had to treat him well before assigning him work to avoid being labeled a cruel boss.
Seeing Manager Ma nod slightly, I stood up.
* * *
A few days after Manager Ma's return, the day of Ha Myung-hoon's inauguration as the chairman of Taesan Financial was drawing near.
The Mirae Building, which housed the headquarters of Taesan Bank, was bustling with preparations for the inauguration ceremony as early as morning.
Once Ha Myung-hoon became chairman, the Mirae Building would be renamed the Taesan Building.
I was on my way with Eva to the Mirae Building for the ceremony.
"Now you can completely distance yourself from Taesan Financial. Ha Myung-hoon will handle everything well."
I said while looking at Eva, who didn't seem too thrilled about it.
"It's a bittersweet feeling. After all, the only proper work I've done since coming to Korea was acquiring Taesan Bank."
Eva had worked tirelessly for Taesan Financial until Ha Myung-hoon took office, so it was understandable that she felt this way.
"Are you really that sad?"
Eva shook her head and smiled. There was a mix of disappointment and pride on her face.
"Yeah. Don't be too sad. There are still many things left for you to do."
While talking with Eva, we arrived at the Mirae Building. The car rolled to a stop as we entered the underground parking lot.
"Let's move separately from here."
I felt that walking together with Eva would draw unwanted attention. Perhaps sensing my thoughts, Eva went up first.
I stayed in the car for a moment, leaning my head against the seat and closing my eyes.
"Boss, it's time."
At Manager Ma's call, I stepped out of the car and made my way to the venue of the inauguration ceremony.
As I opened the door and stepped inside, many people were already seated.
Around Eva, who sat at the front, were financial figures connected with the Mofia.
I couldn't help but smirk at the sight of those who could potentially shake the economy of Korea gathered next to Eva.
Instead of taking a seat, I leaned against the wall at the back, waiting for Ha Myung-hoon to arrive.
After a moment, the front door opened, and Ha Myung-hoon walked in. He strode confidently to the stage and surveyed the audience briefly.
When he spotted me standing at the back, he acknowledged me with a nod, prompting me to smile back warmly.
The inauguration ceremony soon began.
"Ladies and gentlemen of Taesan Financial and esteemed guests attending the inauguration ceremony, I am Ha Myung-hoon, the newly appointed chairman of Taesan Financial."
As he introduced himself, the audience erupted into applause. Once the clapping quieted down, he continued speaking.
"Taesan was born amidst the tumult of the foreign exchange crisis. Although the position of chairman has been vacant, thanks to the dedicated efforts of our employees, we were able to safely anchor this company."
At Taesan Financial, Baek Seong-jin, the president of Taesan Bank, and ex-financial ministry officials held significant power.
Baek Seong-jin opposed Ha Myung-hoon's chairmanship. As a loan shark, he probably couldn't accept the idea of someone like him being in charge.
Hearing the grateful remarks, I noticed Baek Seong-jin stiffen up.
"I'd also like to acknowledge the efforts of Baek Seong-jin and many executive officers at Taesan Bank. I appreciate you all."
Ha Myung-hoon stepped slightly to the side, bowing his head. Then he took the microphone again.
"Even though it's been a short year, thank you for helping us grow into one of Korea's top financial companies. But it's time to look at a broader stage. We must aim to become a financial group that expands beyond Korea and into the world."
To protect the market after the financial crisis, financial companies inevitably faced scrutiny and regulation from financial authorities.
However, instead of merely accepting regulations, it was necessary to turn in a direction where both the financial market and investors were protected.
If we were aiming for the global market, there were essential procedures that had to precede it.
Taesan Financial had to prepare accordingly. Ha Myung-hoon was fully aware of this, and he aimed to lay the groundwork from the start.
Once his lengthy speech concluded, Ha Myung-hoon dropped a bombshell.
"From now on, I will only consider ability and performance. We'll overhaul the entire system and restructure the promotion process based on capability. While I am chairman, employees who drain salaries without merit won't survive."
The previously quiet ceremony hall erupted into a cacophony of whispers and murmurs.
"We will abolish outdated systems like seniority. There will be no differentiating pay and promotions based on tenure, age, or experience."
This was a chronic issue in Korea's financial sector.
The outdated practices rooted in state-controlled finance persisted even after privatization, fostering a passive work attitude.
In contrast, foreign investment firms determined wages and positions strictly based on performance and capability.
"To grow into a multinational corporation, this is an unavoidable choice. If anyone has a problem with my approach, feel free to submit your resignation anytime."
As Ha Myung-hoon concluded firmly, the Mofia-related executives surrounding Eva hastily began asking for details.
"Eva, what's going on? Isn't this different from what we agreed upon?"
"What do you mean by agreement?"
Despite hearing confusion in their words, Eva's gaze remained locked on Ha Myung-hoon.
"You can't be serious about pushing this through without consulting us? This will create issues."
Baek Seong-jin, voicing his grievances, was met with Eva's puzzled gaze.
"Consultation? Why is that necessary?"
"Do you realize how hard we worked to establish Taesan Financial? If you eliminate seniority now, there will be discontent within."
"Director."
Eva's smile had vanished, her expression turning frosty.
"The person chosen to be the head of Taesan Financial Holdings is now its chairman. So, you're feeling troubled? What will you do if you're in such discomfort?"
For a moment, Baek Seong-jin flinched at Eva's suddenly chilly demeanor, but he didn't back down.
"We all resign."
"Okay, go ahead. Thank you for your service."
Eva replied indifferently, turning away as if she had no concern for his words.
It seemed Baek Seong-jin hadn't anticipated her reaction, as he stuttered out,
"D-Director…"
"Director. It's understandable to have grievances. But that's as far as it goes. Don't cross the line further than this."
Baek Seong-jin opened his mouth to retort, but Eva cut him off.
"Please submit your resignation directly to Chairman Ha Myung-hoon. I am no longer associated with Taesan Financial."
Her voice was devoid of any emotion. Baek Seong-jin bit his lip.
"If that's the case, I will do everything I can. Destroying the company isn't hard, you know."
At Baek Seong-jin's threat, a smile colder than her voice graced Eva's lips.
"Are you feeling insecure, Bank President? Why are you fixated on seniority when you're not lacking in ability? I don't get it. Or do you have something else in mind?"
I asked pointedly, her eyes sharp.
Eva recognized Baek Seong-jin's abilities but knew he clearly didn't want to relinquish his authority. To control officals under him from the Financial Ministry, he needed perks for his bureaucratic allies.
"If it's a grievance, settle it with Chairman Ha Myung-hoon. Though I don't know how possible that will be. The Ha Myung-hoon I know is scarier than anyone else."
"…"
As Eva surveyed the discontented bureaucratic executives around her, she observed their disgruntled expressions.
"You all heard what Chairman Ha said. If you have the ability, you can rise to higher positions. Can this possibly be bad?"
As Eva finished speaking, so did Ha Myung-hoon's inauguration speech. He walked toward Eva.
"Thank you for your hard work thus far."
"No need for formalities."
After receiving his words, Eva rose from her seat and extended her hand to Ha Myung-hoon.
After shaking hands a few times, Ha Myung-hoon then reached out to Baek Seong-jin, who stood next to Eva.
"I look forward to your support, President Baek Seong-jin."
"Yes, Chairman."
Given the situation, Baek Seong-jin decided to take a step back. He grabbed Ha Myung-hoon's hand.
However, as soon as Baek Seong-jin tried to pull away after shaking hands, he found he couldn't. Ha Myung-hoon was firmly gripping his hand.
"I respect you, Bank President. But don't you dare think there's a cartel above Taesan. As long as I'm chairman, that won't happen."
Feeling the pressure and the sharp gaze directed at him, Baek Seong-jin barely restrained his urge to shout.
After a moment, once he felt sufficient warning was delivered, Ha Myung-hoon released his grip.
Then, as if disinterested, he began shaking hands individually with the executives.
"Manager, let's wrap it up. It seems this is over."
"Understood, Boss."
It appeared that Ha Myung-hoon would manage just fine. Watching him warn Baek Seong-jin decisively, I turned to leave.
"Kim Mu-hyeok?"
Just as I was about to open the door, someone called my name, making me stop and turn around.
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