Chapter 1: The First Investment
“So, what do you think?”
“This area is known as ‘Southern Greenbelt.’ It’s designated as a development-restricted zone.”
“And?”
“It’s a typical rural area with lots of cucumber and melon fields.”
“And?”
“The transportation infrastructure is poor, making access difficult. The nearest populated area is mostly inhabited by low-income families. I believe the potential for development is significantly low.”
“Hmm… then setting up a ranch shouldn’t be a problem.”
“A ranch? What kind of ranch are you thinking?”
“A place to raise horses and offer horseback riding.”
“That’s possible. Since it’s a development-restricted zone, a ranch isn’t prohibited.”
Chairman Jin took a sip of water and tapped the map thoughtfully. He seemed to ponder for a moment, but once he made up his mind, he didn’t dwell on it for long.
“Look into acquiring land around here.”
“What scale are you considering?”
“Since it’s a restricted area, it shouldn’t be too expensive, right?”
“That’s correct.”
“At least fifty thousand pyeong.”
“Understood, Chairman.”
Is he being too cautious? Just fifty thousand pyeong? I was hoping for at least a hundred thousand. What a letdown.
Once the secretary left, Chairman Jin smiled again.
“Let’s see how the land you chose transforms.”
“Can land change?”
He knows, but he plays along like a child.
“Do-jun.”
“Yes.”
“Listen carefully to what your grandfather is about to say. It’s okay if you don’t understand it all. Just try not to forget it. Someday, when you need it, you’ll remember.”
Say whatever you want. I understand everything. That’s what I think but can’t say out loud.
“Land is a living entity.”
He paused before continuing.
“This living entity, land, is surprisingly sensitive to change. Of course, it’s humans who create that change.”
It seemed like a cliché story was coming, but I didn’t show my disappointment.
“The important thing is to create changes that work in your favor. When the land starts to stir, you need to give it a push and a shock to ensure it transforms. Then, what was once just dirt becomes a gold mine.”
In the end, there are two types of land speculators.
Those who get insider information on development.
And those like Chairman Jin, who create favorable conditions by colluding with the powerful.
Those who rely on information might fail if they trust the wrong sources, but the latter never fail. They always strike gold.
“The land you chose is just dirt right now. That’s why I wouldn’t buy it.”
“Why not?”
“It will take a long time for this land to turn into gold. It might not even happen in my lifetime. So there’s no reason for me to buy it. 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 plenty of time to see that change. So think of it as a savings account and hold onto it.”
“Yes, I’ll remember that, Grandpa.”
Hold onto it for 20 or 30 years? No way.
Grandpa’s mind will change.
Why?
Because in two years, this land will transform into a prime new city.
I just secured fifty thousand pyeong of prime land in Bundang New City. Life tastes sweet.
The year 1988, which elevated Korea’s global recognition, dawned.
Twenty-seven years later, the hit drama “Reply 1988” would tell stories of a world completely different from mine.
That drama captured the everyday lives of ordinary people, while I live in a world overflowing with wealth, in the highest echelons of a chaebol family.
“Hello, Aunt.”
“Do-jun, I see you often these days.”
You’re not really in a position to say that, are you? If you want to make your husband a congressman, you should be heading to Yeouido, not hanging around your family home.
“Do-jun, you’re growing more handsome by the day. You take after your mother. How is she doing?”
My uncle, who’s preparing to run for congress, ruffled my hair as he strode into the study.
That guy gives me the creeps. Maybe it’s because he’s a prosecutor, but he always seems to be probing for something. Especially when he looks at my mother, there’s always a hint of something unsettling in his eyes.
But he’s not the only one. All the men in this family have a bit of a lecherous look in their eyes.
My mother is beautiful enough to be an actress right now. It’s no wonder men can’t take their eyes off her. But because of men like them, my mother suffers even more from her sisters-in-law and other relatives.
The jealousy of women towards beauty only adds to her torment.
One day, I’ll gouge out that guy’s eyes.
**
“Do-jun, do you live here?”
“I’m just staying for a week during the break. But why are you here again? And with your husband?”
“Father-in-law, it’s not like I’m coming to a place I shouldn’t, right? Haha.”
“You must have a reason to come together when there’s nothing special going on.”
Jin’s disapproving tone made Jin Seo-yoon pout.
“Dad, there’s a reason we came in such a hurry.”
“What now?”
“Why is my husband’s district Suwon?”
Chairman Jin felt a surge of irritation.
She clearly knows the answer. Suwon is where Sunyang Electronics’ factory is located, and many subcontractors are concentrated there.
Half the population in that area is connected to Sunyang, so winning the election is a sure thing. That’s why it was chosen, wasn’t it?
“Father-in-law, honestly, with the backing of the Sunyang Group, even a stick would win in Suwon, right? If I get elected, I’ll just be a figurehead in Yeouido.”
“Stop beating around the bush. What do you really want to say?”
Her husband gave her a look, signaling that he was about to bring up something difficult.
“Dad, even as a first-term congressman, having the influence of a senior member would be beneficial for you too.”
“Again! You’re beating around the bush.”
“Please help him run in Jongno.”
Jongno, known as the heart of Korean politics.
Even as a first-term congressman, winning in Jongno carries a different weight. Considering the background, it would be like having the influence of a senior member.
Chairman Jin didn’t hide his displeasure as he spoke.
“Son-in-law.”
“Yes, Father-in-law.”
“I paved the way for you to become the Prosecutor General, and you turned it down. You know that, right?”
“I’m truly sorry about that.”
“I’m not bringing it up to blame you. I’m just curious about your goals after entering Yeouido. What’s the real reason you want Jongno so badly?”
Jin Seo-yoon quickly answered in place of her husband, who hung his head.
“Dad, once you’re in politics, the goal is obviously the presidency. Imagine if my husband becomes the owner of the Blue House. It would mean Sunyang becomes synonymous with Korea.”
Chairman Jin wasn’t surprised by the mention of the presidency, as he had already guessed it. Instead, his gaze grew heavier, as if he were looking down on them with disdain.
“Son-in-law.”
“Yes.”
“Don’t get ahead of yourself.”
The unexpected response left the two of them wide-eyed.
“Dad.”
“Father-in-law!”
“Both of you, shut up and listen to me.”
They closed their mouths, knowing that arguing now would be irreversible.
“Jongno? Do you know who the current congressman for Jongno is? Do you know how much money I’ve invested in supporting him? He jumps out of bed at a single call from my secretary. Why should I abandon him? He listens to me more than you do, my son-in-law.”
There’s a saying in political circles: you don’t switch horses mid-race.
The two of them understood this well.
“You said it yourself, right? With the Sunyang Group’s name on your shoulders, even a stick would win. That’s exactly why I placed you in Suwon. It doesn’t cost much for the election.”
“Father-in-law.”
The son-in-law felt more fear than disappointment at the clear implication that he wasn’t worth spending money on. Could it be?
Is he being discarded for defying his father-in-law’s plan to make him Prosecutor General?
“Dad, that’s too much. How could you say such a thing…?”
Jin Seo-yoon, who had been silent, finally spoke up in defense of her husband.
“Why? Did I say something wrong?”
“He’s not someone to be treated like that! He’s from Korea’s top legal family. Even without the Sunyang Group’s name, he could easily win in most places. He’s the top recruitment target for both parties.”
“Korea’s top legal family… Do you think so too?”
”…”
Faced with Chairman Jin’s mocking expression, it was hard to answer confidently.
“A family that produced a few chief prosecutors and court presidents is a prestigious family? This is ridiculous.”
“Dad!”
Jin Seo-yoon inadvertently reverted to her pre-marriage way of speaking, shocked by the complete disregard for her husband and his family. But Chairman Jin continued to focus solely on his son-in-law.
“I raised your father to the position of chief prosecutor. With my power and money. Has anyone in your family ever topped the class in law school? They all have mediocre brains and wouldn’t have dreamed of key positions without my help. If it weren’t for our family ties, they wouldn’t have even reached the position of chief judge.”
As Chairman Jin’s anger grew, the two of them lowered their heads even further.
“I raised your family to be loyal dogs guarding the Sunyang Group. Your role is to continue protecting our family, just like you have been. The location has changed from the prosecutor’s office to the National Assembly. Remember that.”
Being called a dog made his face flush with shame and anger. But what could he do? It wasn’t wrong.
The son-in-law clenched his teeth, his shoulders trembling, but Chairman Jin’s words grew even sharper.
“One more thing, the presidency? That’s laughable… The idea of becoming president didn’t come from your head. Who put that nonsense in your mind? Was it your father?”
In an instant, Chairman Jin understood everything just by looking at the two flustered individuals.
He took a deep breath to calm his anger and delivered his final warning.
“Mr. Choi.”
“Yes.”
“Stop chasing empty dreams and erase those useless thoughts. Just keep living off the honey I provide, like you have been. Make sure to tell your family too. If they get greedy, they’ll end up losing everything. Do you understand?”
”…Yes.”
The response came out with difficulty, weighed down by shame. With just one phone call from his father-in-law, relatives in the prosecution and judiciary could be exiled to remote regions.
And the family’s cash cow, the law firm, would collapse. After all, the lucrative clients only do business because of the Sunyang name.
“You can leave now. And Seoyun, you stay.”
As his son-in-law left, shoulders slumped in defeat, Chairman Jin’s demeanor grew even harsher.
“You… you wretched girl…”
“F-Father, it’s not like that…”
In the end, a book from the massive desk flew across the room, landing on Jin Seoyun’s head.
“How many times have I told you it’s not possible! Are you defying my wishes to be content as a department store owner?”
Jin Seoyun knew exactly what to do in these situations. The only option was to lie low until her father’s fury subsided.