Chương 684: Chapter 684: What an Interesting Family
After arriving in Korea, Medvedev attended his scheduled appointments.
People from all walks of life came to meet him.
"Russia is open to Korean businesses. You are always welcome here."
After a busy schedule, Medvedev engaged in serious negotiations with the Korean government.
"I hope to negotiate the details for the construction of oil and gas pipelines connecting Russia, North Korea, and Korea."
It seemed Medvedev wasn't even considering slow negotiations.
His straightforward manner left Minister of Industry Lee Jin-sik and Minister of Foreign Affairs Heo Seong-gu quite taken aback.
Up to this point, their negotiations had always been tedious, filled with diplomatic rhetoric.
However, Medvedev was unlike any counterpart they had ever encountered.
His voice reflected a firm determination to move things along quickly.
"The presidents of Korea and Russia have already agreed on the broad framework. You all know this, right?"
Glancing at Heo Seong-gu, Minister Lee replied.
"I received word from the President."
"I have been delegated the President's full authority for my visit to Korea. I intend to conclude all negotiations during this trip."
"But every undertaking has its procedures."
"Isn't that a good thing for Korea? I thought Korea would feel more anxious than Russia about this."
As Medvedev pointed out, the oil and gas pipeline project involving the South, North, and Russia was more crucial for Korea.
"We are already working on the pipelines with China. While we're at it, we plan to include Korea too. Such projects must be expedited; otherwise, someone might intervene."
"I agree with that thought. However, for such a major undertaking, shouldn't we adhere to the proper procedures? While we could proceed swiftly if it were just between Korea and Russia, we're involving North Korea, which complicates matters for all three countries."
Even with the direct discussion of the main topic, Medvedev let out a short sigh at their roundabout manner.
"So what exactly do you want to say?"
"Let's at least start with an MOU …"
"Excuse me, Minister Lee Jin-sik. What do you mean by that? This meeting is about fine-tuning already determined issues. What is your agenda?"
"I meant …"
Medvedev narrowed his eyes at Lee Jin-sik's response.
"When I met the President yesterday, we concluded the discussion. Now, the Minister of Industry is suggesting an MOU?"
"…"
"I did not come to Korea, putting my busy schedule aside, just to obtain a meaningless piece of paper like that!"
An MOU between nations carried no binding power.
Each government would tout the MOU as if it meant the project was underway, but that was merely an illusion.
"Speak up. What exactly is your agenda? What do you want?"
"What do you mean, 'want'? I have nothing in particular. I was merely talking about standard procedures."
"How can we carry out a project involving multiple countries while following all procedures? This needs to be the start for rail projects too. If that's the case, how can we trust Korea to proceed with this project?"
"Minister Medvedev, please, calm down."
Minister Heo Seong-gu interjected, smiling pleasantly as he stepped between the two men.
"Minister Lee is young and inexperienced. Please understand. From now on, let's talk with me."
Although Lee Jin-sik tried to speak up, Heo Seong-gu kicked his ankle under the table, signaling him to stay silent.
"Please tell us what Russia wants."
"What we want is simple: Russia will take the lead in this project."
The gas pipeline project was a national priority for Russia.
The czar of Russia wanted to retain control over a project that would involve significant budgets and manpower.
"Of course, that makes sense. But our Korean businesses must be included as well."
This was also an already-agreed-upon matter. Medvedev nodded, seemingly unfazed.
"This project will be jointly led by Gazprom and Yugansk Oil Company. The cooperating Korean company is already set to be Jungwoo Oil."
"Did you say Jungwoo Oil?"
"Yes. Jungwoo Construction will also take on the project management role for the pipeline construction. At this point, Russia is already making significant concessions."
"You mean Jungwoo Construction will handle the project management for such a large project?"
At that moment, Lee Jin-sik interjected into the conversation.
Medvedev paused, frowning at him before he continued.
"Yes. Jungwoo Construction is expected to oversee the project."
The capabilities of Korean construction companies had already been proven in the global construction market.
However, in the area of project management (PM), Korean firms struggled to assert themselves.
While their construction abilities had long been recognized, they had yet to reach the position of overseeing all aspects, from design to construction and supervision, of a single project.
PM greatly influences construction firms. They often decide which companies will do the build and assign work accordingly, rather than directly doing the construction themselves.
Global companies like Bechtel have secured their positions firmly by conducting PM operations.
"Jungwoo Construction taking on the PM role for such a major project? Is this already settled?"
Lee Jin-sik's face brightened.
As Minister of Industry, he couldn't ask for a greater achievement.
"Unless there are any unexpected variables. For instance, if Jungwoo Group faces any controversies regarding favoritism in this project from Korea…"
Medvedev's trailing words caused Lee Jin-sik to bite his lip. It was indeed a plausible concern.
Medvedev was acutely aware of the situation in Korea.
"If we cannot partner with Jungwoo Group, this project will be off the table. That's a non-negotiable condition."
"If we work with a Korean company, whether it's Jungwoo or Daehyeon, what difference does it make?"
Quickly shaking off the grim expression, Lee Jin-sik stepped in eagerly.
"If Jungwoo Construction takes on the PM role, and Russia's Gazprom and Yugansk, along with Jungwoo Oil, handle the pipeline and gas projects, those are ideal conditions."
"Your position differs from earlier. You were talking about procedures before."
Though Medvedev spoke sarcastically, Lee Jin-sik responded with a smile.
"Haha. Procedures are important, but national interest comes first. Didn't the Administrative Director also say so? That Russia's interests should come first? If Jungwoo Construction is the PM for this large-scale project, Korean construction companies will have a greater chance of securing projects around the world."
Most large-scale projects were governmental contracts.
Nation-building or landmark projects usually sought experienced overseas construction firms.
Korean companies, which had not undertaken major projects, consistently faced failures.
It was a cycle where, no matter how they tried to gain experience, it was an impossible task.
"I believe our construction companies are more competitive than any other construction firm worldwide. They have consistently failed in various projects simply due to a lack of experience. If they can undertake the PM for such large-scale projects, they will have achievements that no country can overlook."
Lee Jin-sik wasn't finished; he pushed further.
"I am open to accepting most conditions. If you're already making these concessions, why not let in one more Korean construction firm to form a consortium?"
"Minister Lee."
Heo Seong-gu intervened.
It was a rookie mistake to openly express desires at the negotiation table.
"A consortium? That would escalate the scale. If anything goes wrong, are you prepared to take responsibility?"
As expected, Medvedev seized the opportunity without hesitation.
However, Minister Lee Jin-sik answered decisively, without a moment's hesitation.
"I promise here and now. If you grant us a consortium with two construction firms to oversee the project, I will concede most requests to Russia."
"Minister Lee!"
Unable to restrain himself, Heo Seong-gu shouted. He pressed Lee Jin-sik in Korean.
"Are you out of your mind? What authority do you have to accept most of their demands? Are you the President?"
"Minister Heo. This must be accepted unconditionally. Project management isn't a task one can decide to do on a whim. The project profit share is substantial, and no matter how many construction contracts you receive, you only get the leftovers. Being the PM is far more profitable than managing ten constructions. However, due to a lack of experience, we are falling behind in competitiveness."
Though Lee Jin-sik spoke calmly, the frustration was evident.
Heo Seong-gu was also aware of the grievances the Ministry of Industry felt regarding the PM issue, but the stakes were too high.
"That cannot be! Regardless of circumstances…"
"If we can take on the PM role for a major Russian project, there's no loss in conceding anything. Minister Heo, I've worked for the Industry Ministry for decades. I know more than anyone how significant this is."
"No matter what you say, negotiations between nations do not work that way. The moment they know what we want, they'll ask for something much larger in return."
"But it must be done. This is an opportunity—a chance greater than pipelines or gas projects!"
At that moment, Medvedev, who had been quietly listening to their conversation, cleared his throat.
"Have you both finished talking?"
"Oh, I'm sorry."
Heo Seong-gu, regaining his composure, bowed his head.
In a negotiation setting without interpreters, it was impolite to converse in one's native language.
"It's fine. Shall we resume our discussion? As for the consortium you mentioned earlier, it's not something I can decide. The person who will undertake this project has already been chosen. They wanted Jungwoo Construction to lead the PM, so it has been assigned to them. Without their approval, I cannot change that."
At Medvedev's words, Lee Jin-sik blinked in surprise.
Even Medvedev, known as Russia's second-in-command, could not freely decide the matter.
"Who is it?"
"That's not something I can disclose. They prefer not to reveal themselves. But I promise you one thing: Jungwoo Construction will definitely be the PM. However, let's discuss the consortium again tomorrow. For today, let's finalize the specifics first."
From that point on, the serious negotiations for this project commenced.
* * *
Grandma decided to stay in Pyeongchang-dong until her health checkup results arrived.
"Grandma, I'm going to work. Make sure to have dinner."
"Oh, don't worry about me. Just be careful on the road and watch out for people!"
While Grandma was staying in Pyeongchang-dong, I resolved to postpone most matters.
Yet, with Medvedev's stay in Korea only lasting about a week, I could not delay this matter any longer.
"Let's head to the Baekje Hotel."
The car carrying me sped straight toward the Baekje Hotel, where Medvedev was staying.
"Manager Ma, what about the information I asked to look up?"
Manager Ma turned around and handed me a paper envelope.
I opened the envelope and pulled out the photos and documents inside.
In the quiet back seat, only the sound of me flipping through the papers could be heard.
The documents Manager Ma provided included several photos.
In the photos, the mistress of Chairman Choi Woo-sik was captured alongside Director Yoon Hyun-joo's lover.
"Do they know about each other's existence? Playing dumb while they are aware—what an interesting family!"
Chairman Choi Woo-sik's mistress resided in a large villa in Gyeonggi Province.
Her identity was that of a former actress who once dazzled the entertainment industry.
"It's understandable for this actress to be well-known, but Director Yoon Hyun-joo's lover is equally intriguing."
Director Yoon Hyun-joo's affair partner was his driver and personal secretary.
The key detail was that both couples knew of their partner's infidelities.
"Well, they must have conducted a paternity test knowing the truth."
Choi Jin-woo, son of Choi Woo-sik and the actress.
Choi Seung-woo, son born between Yoon Hyun-joo and the secretary.
While the public regarded both sons as Choi Woo-sik and Yoon Hyun-joo's, those in the business circle were aware of Choi Jin-woo being the illegitimate child.
Thus, it was widely accepted that Choi Seung-woo would be the rightful heir to the KS Group.
Choi Woo-sik was still in his forties; the management transition would not occur for several more decades, but succession planning generally began early.
"Find out more about this secretary."
"Yes, Boss."
A hunch struck me. Choi Woo-sik must have covertly instructed this secretary to entice Yoon Hyun-joo.
There's no way a fiery man like Choi Woo-sik would allow his wife's lover to be free if he knew about it.
While reviewing the documents, I arrived at the Baekje Hotel.
I went straight to the suite where Medvedev was staying.
The special envoy team accompanying Medvedev occupied an entire floor.
As soon as I got off the elevator, a subordinate of Medvedev rushed over upon recognizing me.
"CEO Kim Mu-hyeok! You've arrived! The chairman is waiting for you."
"Oh, it's great to see you here. Please lead the way right away."
I followed his lead into the space where Medvedev was staying.
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