บท 372: Chapter 372: Let’s Assume They Have Good Prediction Skills
The South Korean national team's first World Cup match ended as expected, with a victory for Korea.
Incredible as it was, Korea erupted in celebration at the 2-0 score.
People rushed outside, mingling and enjoying the festival vibe.
As their excitement subsided, memories of the morning headlines came flooding back.
[Congratulations on South Korea's first World Cup victory.]
No one had predicted South Korea's first win. Most thought it was a success just to avoid losing.
Yet, Korea triumphed against Poland in the first match, etching that advertisement into the minds of the public.
On the day of the second match, newspapers plastered the ad once again.
The second game against the U.S. ended in a 1-1 draw.
Only then did people start to pay attention to the advertisement that predicted the match outcome.
And on the day of the third game.
The outcome of today's match would determine South Korea's advancement to the knockout stage.
As dawn broke, the front page of the newspaper displayed yet another ad.
[Congratulations on South Korea's first knockout stage in the World Cup.]
It was a succinct statement.
Aside from a few, no one knew who placed such an advertisement or why.
Once was understandable, but repeated ads led to a surge in newspaper sales.
Before the match, online communities buzzed with discussions about the ad.
― South Korea is advancing to the knockout stage? Are they beating Portugal?
⤷ Are you kidding me? How is South Korea going to beat Portugal?
⤷ They're number one in Group D; they might get through. Isn't it just a draw they need?
While there were plenty of predictions about the match outcome, the bigger issue was the seemingly prophetic advertisement.
― Did anyone see the newspaper ad? The one congratulating South Korea on advancing to the knockout stage.
⤷ What the heck~.
⤷ If this one comes true too, doesn't that make them the modern Nostradamus?
⤷ No way. How on earth can they beat Portugal? One player's worth is more than our entire team's salaries combined.
⤷ But who posted that ad? Does anyone know?
Rumors about the advertisement spread like urban legends on the internet, circulating endlessly.
And finally, the match against Portugal kicked off.
At that moment, I was in my study watching TV with Han Gyeong-yeong, who had just arrived.
I switched the channel to the soccer broadcast and spoke first.
"I told you to focus on the U.S., but I called you since it got urgent."
Han Gyeong-yeong shrugged in response.
"Nah, it's better to watch the World Cup. But what's going on?"
I relayed the conversation I had with Koizumi.
As I wrapped up, Han Gyeong-yeong's mouth dropped open in disbelief.
"...Those people are completely insane. Is this a declaration of war?"
It struck me as slightly funny how similar his reaction was to mine.
"I can understand the territorial dispute over Dokdo, but interlinking it with former President Choi Seon-man? What are they thinking?"
Han Gyeong-yeong continued to speak in an agitated tone.
"Damn it. That's why dealing with the Japanese irritates me. I should've just teamed up with hedge funds to attack."
"Forget it. This time, the Japanese government seems determined to do whatever it takes to stop it."
"But if we move, asset management firms that haven't acted yet will join us, right?"
Han Gyeong-yeong had a point. Not all hedge funds had jumped on board yet.
However, the eventual conflict known as the Ilbon War between the hedge funds and Japanese government would undeniably end in Japan's victory.
Even if we joined them, it was impossible to win while suffering astronomical losses.
Though the economy had shrunk significantly, Japan remained one of the world's top economic powers, holding the most U.S. Treasury bonds.
If the Japanese government fully intervened in the exchange rate, they could fend off the hedge fund attacks.
Selling U.S. Treasury bonds and using that money to buy dollars would outmatch any hedge fund strategy.
Once a victor was determined, they could buy U.S. Treasury bonds again with the dollars they had acquired.
Yet, the hedge funds remained busy crunching numbers, drunk on their past glory.
"After being hit twice, the Japanese government won't let it happen again. Every hedge fund involved will suffer huge losses this time."
"Hmm... Okay! I get it. You have no idea how many calls the Wall Street old-timers are getting. They think they're guaranteed to win."
"They have every reason to be confident. Trillions of dollars will be funneled in, and individual investors will rally behind the hedge funds. They probably didn't think the Japanese government would risk it to that degree."
Talking about it made my throat dry. I took a refreshing swig of beer and continued.
"This time, the Japanese government will win. And you know how Japanese people are. They unconditionally follow their government's orders. Unless there's a natural disaster like before, the hedge funds are bound to lose."
"If you say it that way, the hedge funds are doomed for sure. Oh dear! Our old folks are going to be really chagrined!"
Han Gyeong-yeong chuckled to himself, raising his beer glass. Looks like he had taken quite a hit.
As I watched him casually joke, I shook my head. Money was important, sure, but there was something much bigger at stake.
"It's not just about money; it's about the board I've set up being shattered. I can make money again, but once this board breaks, it's really over."
"Is it really that crucial to control Korea? Is there any reason for it? In America, they'd embrace it, and as for Russia… President Putin would welcome it with open arms. I just don't get it."
I smiled, understanding he wasn't being sarcastic, but genuine.
Since I shared my plans, Han Gyeong-yeong had always suggested the same thing.
He urged not to get tangled up in Korea and to consider switching my nationality to either the U.S. or Russia. Everything would fall into place then.
"My parents and grandfather are buried here. And my grandmother should rest here too. I have no intention of abandoning this country. If I thought that way, I would've left when Grandfather passed away, leaving Cheongpung Group and Il-seong Group behind.""
"I can't understand it because my family is all in the United States. If you want to do it, I'll follow your lead. So, what do I need to do?"
"Let's talk after the soccer match. You seem glued to the TV."
"Am I busted?"
Thanks to Han Gyeong-yeong, who joked to lighten the mood, I was able to smile.
Thus, we focused on the soccer match while enjoying some beer and chicken.
In the second half, Korea scored their first goal, and during the match, Portugal had two players sent off.
Korea had already secured advancement to the knockout stage just by drawing, thanks to the results from their previous matches against Poland and the U.S.
Because of this, excitement started to blossom on Han Gyeong-yeong's face as he watched the game.
Time passed, and the final whistle blew.
Han Gyeong-yeong jumped from his seat, yelling, "Nice! We're moving on to the knockout stage! Mu-hyeok, we actually did it! You were right!"
Pyeongchang-dong, usually quiet, buzzed with people echoing loud cheers just like Han Gyeong-yeong.
Even outside my study, I could hear the servants cheering softly. There was no doubt other areas were equally lively.
"I told you we'd definitely advance."
"I was skeptical. But to actually take down Portugal and get through? Wow…!"
Han Gyeong-yeong continued to alternate his shocked gaze between me and the TV.
"Alright, sit down now."
"Hey, hey! Mu-hyeok, do you seriously have some future newspaper or something? Or can you see what's coming?"
As I urged him to sit, he finally did so amidst his exaggerated excitement.
I looked at him with an incredulous expression. Han Gyeong-yeong didn't stop there and continued speaking while seated.
"When you think about it, it all began with this newspaper ad. If you look at the events being organized by Jungwoo Group, Taesan Financial, and Jungwoo Construction, you've known about this outcome since before the World Cup began!"
"It's just a prediction. Why do you think I hired Coach Hiddink? I anticipated the synergy between the renowned coach and our players to be excellent."
"You're talking nonsense. Nobody thought that. More people expected to be lucky just to get one win, if at all. Even soccer experts said that; how is this a prediction? It's absurd. Be honest, Mu-hyeok. Did you come from the future?"
I felt a twinge inside but could only smile outwardly.
"Well, let's assume they have good prediction skills."
"I've always found you fascinating. You could predict events like the Asian financial crisis or the IT bubble, and even the Iraq War. But this? This goes beyond mere prediction!"
"Yeah. I'm from the future. Does that work?"
"..."
Han Gyeong-yeong stared at me like a lunatic, caught completely off-guard.
He looked utterly unsure how to respond, clearly never expecting me to say something like that.
In the end, I burst into loud laughter at his bewildered face.
"Just kidding. I wanted you to prepare so there wouldn't be any losses, and if the predictions falter, I planned to run ads using Jungwoo Group and Taesan Financial's names the next day. Drawing people's attention to anything, whether good or bad, is beneficial, right?"
"If you don't want to tell me, then don't. So, when do I die? Can you see that too?"
"...Hyung, I'm really predicting it."
"Alright, I'll stop."
Just where did he pick up such frustrating ideas? Frowning, Han Gyeong-yeong tapped my shoulder lightly and grinned.
Then, in one go, he emptied his beer glass.
"Ahh… so refreshing. I hope we make it to the semifinals as you predicted. If that happens, Hiddink's market value will skyrocket. I made a wise decision to recruit him early. He won't breach a verbal contract, right?"
"He is not that kind of person. Besides, there's no upper-tier team that would offer better terms than we do. Who else would give a coach full authority over player imports and exports during a three-year contract?"
I thought this was the minimum return that would lure Hiddink in, but judging from Han Gyeong-yeong's reaction, it looked appropriate.
After all, Hiddink would soon be treated as a national hero, so this was a bargain.
"That's true. Just look at Chelsea; Roman is directly involved in everything, including player acquisitions."
"He has his reasons. It's hard to trust others. In Russia, that's just how it is, but…"
I trailed off, lifting the remote to turn off the TV.
The excitement from the soccer result seemed to have faded a bit, so it was about time to talk business.
"Let's get down to business now."
I called for the maid and asked her to tidy up the study.
While the maids came in to clean the table and the surrounding area, I had to take some phone calls that came in here and there.
"Yes. Please proceed as planned. We will genuinely make it to the semifinals. The name of Jungwoo Group and Taesan Financial will appear in the ads on the final match day. Just be aware and prepare accordingly."
After finishing the call with Chairman Kim Byung-woo, I received another call. It was Lee Sang-geun.
The usual calm voice of Lee Sang-geun was tinged with surprise, leading me to believe others were even more flabbergasted.
― Hey! Mu-hyeok! You crazy fool! Are we really going to the semifinals? Wait, is this even real? Getting to the knockout stage is already a miracle, and now we're seriously advancing to the semifinals? Did you bet with the lawmakers based on my trust? If we can't make it, be ready for it.
Finishing my conversation with the overly excited Myeong-su, the tidying-up of the study was finally complete.
"Good to see you. Boss."
"Oh, Chairman. Welcome."
On schedule, Chairman Ha Myung-hoon of Taesan Financial arrived.
Knowing that he was more informed about the situations involving the former President Choi Seon-man than I was, I called him in.
"Seeing Taesan Financial grow steadily, it seems this is indeed your calling. Your grandfather would be proud."
"..."
Ha Myung-hoon merely smiled quietly, not responding.
Instead, I could sense his longing as he surveyed the study, tracing memories of his grandfather.
A steadfast man. I still received reports that he visited his grandfather's grave every week.
He was both his grandfather's sword and his son.
Even now, he aggressively grew Taesan Financial with the determination to leave his grandfather's legacy.
So generally speaking, I had no intention of involving Ha Myung-hoon for these matters again. But for this situation, I needed to muster all my strength.
"Let's sit down first. Eva will be late. She has something to deal with. And… Manager Ma, please bring all the documents you've gathered so far."
"Yes, Boss."
After Manager Ma exited, everyone else took their seats.
Soon, Manager Ma returned with the documents.
Once he placed the documents on the table, Manager Ma sat down as well.
The people I trusted the most were gathered. Ha Myung-hoon, Ma Seok-dae, and Han Gyeong-yeong.
I explained the existence of the Grand Assembly, my connection to former President Choi Seon-man, and their intentions.
Ha Myung-hoon listened with a serious expression, occasionally nodding as I narrated.
Once I finished speaking, Ha Myung-hoon finally uttered a word.
"As expected. Choi Seon-man isn't someone who will crumble easily. I felt something was off."
Ha Myung-hoon's gaze sharpened, returning to the keen look it had before.
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