Give and Take 2
“What’s the harm? The more allies we have, the better. Since things have come to this, let’s go all in. It’s a good chance to see just how influential Vice Chairman Jin Young-ki really is, don’t you think? Oh, and whatever you do, don’t go running to your grandfather for help. If a heavyweight steps into a flyweight fight, it’ll ruin everything. Heh.”
Oh Se-hyun, well-versed in investments and corporate mergers, seemed to relish the familiar thrill of facing a clear adversary.
“So, there’s no need to drag my father into this, right?”
“There might be things only Yoon-ki can handle. Let’s leave it be. It could be interesting.”
There’s no point in arguing further. As my uncle suggested, we’ll just have to let it play out.
“What about us? Are we going to be spectators at the Southern District Prosecutor’s Office?”
“Ignore it. I’ll go alone. I need to find out exactly what they’re after. But discreetly—no reporters, no cameras.”
“Isn’t it better to have more ears listening? I’ll go too, see what they’re saying, and greet some of the seniors.”
“Oh, right, you used to be with them. Then why don’t you get a feel for the atmosphere?”
The reason we can afford to be so relaxed is simple.
Even if the National Tax Service comes after us, there’s nothing major to uncover. Miracle operates under U.S. accounting standards. Minor violations can be settled with fines, and the 140 billion won that Aunt blew through was handled transparently.
All we did was buy her distributed stocks. How she patched up the financial hole with that money is none of our concern.
Even if the prosecutors come knocking, it’ll end up being a wild goose chase.
“Exactly. Let’s find out what the prosecutors really want.”
Contrary to his son’s expectations, Jin Yoon-ki didn’t rush to his eldest brother. Instead, he returned to his office and spent a long time on the phone.
“Mr. Kim, bring Hee-eun and Tae-hyun to the office quickly. We have something urgent to discuss.”
“Manager Choi, find Director Bong immediately and bring him here. Also, check Yoon Dong-geon’s schedule and get him here fast. It’s urgent.”
After making numerous calls, Jin Yoon-ki paced around his office. He was determined to do everything he could before the family feud escalated.
Being a major player in the Korean film industry, even the heads of large management companies and top stars came running without delay.
“Hey, brother. What’s so urgent that you called us in such a hurry?”
A middle-aged man entered the office with a playful tone, followed by a couple arm-in-arm.
The hottest duo in Chungmuro bowed their heads to Jin Yoon-ki.
“Boss, are we getting double-cast? I haven’t heard of any scripts circulating in Chungmuro yet.”
“Sorry, it’s not about a movie.”
Jin Yoon-ki apologized, seeing the hopeful eyes of the two actors.
Mr. Kim sensed something serious was up. It was the first time he’d seen the usually composed Jin Yoon-ki so flustered.
“Brother, whatever it is, just tell us straight.”
“I have a really difficult favor to ask.”
“Sure, whatever you need. You made Hee-eun and Tae-hyun stars, so we owe you.”
The three of them focused on Jin Yoon-ki’s words.
“Are you two planning to get married?”
“What? Why are you asking that all of a sudden?”
The two actors looked at each other, wide-eyed.
“Well, it doesn’t matter. Anyway, let’s break the news about your relationship. Tomorrow, or even today.”
“Brother!”
The most shocked was Mr. Kim, not the actors themselves.
The sound of all the incoming CFs and drama castings flying out the window was deafening. But he refrained from an immediate refusal.
If it were anyone else, he would have walked out without listening further, but Jin Yoon-ki was a different caliber.
He had the power to sway the film industry, and his background was the Sunyang Group. The name Sunyang provided the strength to endure any risk or loss. Mr. Kim quickly did the math.
“Sorry, I was just startled and spoke too loudly.”
Mr. Kim bowed his head and then looked at the two actors.
“Well, it’s good timing. Keeping your relationship a secret is tough, right? Let’s just announce it.”
“Boss!”
The two top stars shouted in surprise at Mr. Kim’s quick response, and he winked at them.
“Don’t forget that you two got to where you are thanks to our brother here. Helping him now will silence those who say you can’t trust people who only put on a good face. Right?”
“Mr. Kim, don’t push them too hard. It’s a tough decision for them.”
Jin Yoon-ki bowed his head again to the two actors.
“Hee-eun, Tae-hyun, please help me out. I promise I’ll make it up to you. Just this once.”
“Oh… Mr. Jin, please, lift your head. Alright, we’ll do whatever you need.”
Tae-hyun stood up and helped Jin Yoon-ki to his feet.
“Hee-eun, think of it as just moving up something that would eventually come out. Is that okay?”
“As long as you’re okay with it, I’m fine too.”
With their acceptance, Jin Yoon-ki’s expression brightened.
“Thank you. I’m in a bit of a rush, so please make the announcement quickly. Make sure it’s the top story in tomorrow’s morning papers, Mr. Kim.”
“Don’t worry, brother. I’ll make sure their story is everywhere—newspapers, TV, the internet.”
Mr. Kim stood up, indicating there was no need for further discussion, and pulled out his phone.
“Why are you calling a busy person back and forth? If my script work gets ruined, it’s all on you.”
This time, a man with disheveled hair grumbled as he entered the office.
Jin Yoon-ki pulled him to the sofa.
“Stop with the nonsense and just listen to me. After you hear everything, your answer has to be yes. Got it?”
“Brother, what’s this about? Are you playing a mafia boss now?”
“Shut up. The script you’re working on is greenlit for production. I don’t even need to see it. Okay?”
Director Bong blinked in disbelief. A film greenlit without even seeing the script?
All he had was a synopsis. The treatment wasn’t even ready, and everyone knew he hadn’t even started the script.
Plus, he was a rookie director whose debut film barely drew 100,000 viewers. And now, a guaranteed production?
“Yes, yes!”
The answer came out automatically.
“And you can cast Han Seok-kyu, Song Kang-ho, Sol Kyung-gu, Choi Min-sik, Ahn Sung-ki, and Park Joong-hoon if you want. Pay them whatever they ask.”
Director Bong could only wear a look of disbelief, unable to even say yes.
“But there’s a catch. We have a production announcement in a week. I’ll handle the preparations, but you must bring the lead actors to the event.”
“What? That’s absurd… Is my film doomed? Is that why you’re making such ridiculous demands…?”
Director Bong stopped speaking when he saw the look in Jin Yoon-ki’s eyes.
Beyond seriousness, there was a desperate plea.
“I’m not leaving it all to you. I’ll be making calls and meeting people myself. But you know actors look to the director, not the producer, when they agree to a project. You have to convince them yourself.”
“You said a week, right?”
“Yes.”
Director Bong stood up from the sofa and plopped down in Jin Yoon-ki’s office chair. Then he began jotting down names on a piece of paper.
“I’m thinking of casting these people. You make the initial contact. I’ll handle the persuasion.”
Taking the list, Jin Yoon-ki immediately picked up the phone.
“Get going. Oh, and I’ve already spoken to the production manager, so work with him. I’ll start making calls.”
Director Bong left the office as quickly as he could. He knew just how short a week really was.
But he also understood that if a trusted film company head was this desperate, it must be something urgent.
“Are you talking about Director Choi Ki-young?”
“Yes.”
The handsome Yoon Dong-geon couldn’t hide his surprise.
When Jin Yoon-ki called, he came running without his manager, feeling it was something important. He didn’t want his manager to make a mistake by drawing lines over money.
Though a TV star, he hadn’t yet reached the same level in the film industry, and he was always hungry for film roles.
While his peers were making waves on the big screen, he consoled himself with the fact that he was earning more through dramas and commercials, but he knew better than anyone that films and dramas were different leagues.
TV stars are envied, but film stars are respected. He had enough money; he wanted to be respected.
“You know Director Choi Ki-young always stirs up controversy. Just being in his film would be a bold move for you.”
“Sir, are you just using me to create buzz…?”
“Don’t misunderstand.”
Jin Yoon-ki waved his hand.
“Director Choi asked about you first. Honestly… I was sitting on it.”
“Director Choi asked first?”
“Yes. But Choi’s films are quite dark. They don’t really match your image, so I held off. And…”
“And? What is it? Please, tell me.”
“If you take this role, you can forget about CFs or dramas for a while. It’s quite brutal.”
Yoon Dong-geon couldn’t ask more and closed his mouth.
He needed to weigh what he would gain and lose. And he had to ask himself what he truly wanted.
Jin Yoon-ki observed Yoon Dong-geon’s expression and casually said,
“You can refuse. I’m not too keen on it either.”
“I’ll think about it.”
“Sure. No pressure. But because of scheduling, you’ll need to decide quickly.”
“How much time do I have?”
“Ten days. Oh, and I’ll send the script to your office so you can discuss it.”
Once Yoon Dong-geon left, Jin Yoon-ki let out a long sigh.
Stars like him can’t be swayed by money. You have to touch their last bit of pride to get things done.
He’ll hold out for a while, but in about two weeks, he’ll agree.
Three articles.
For at least a month, the internet would be buzzing. No matter how much the Hansung Daily tried to make noise, they wouldn’t be able to win. In fact, even the Hansung Daily would have no choice but to cover this gossip.
Whatever the eldest brother’s plans were, they needed to be disrupted first. It was time to show that there was another kind of power, not just a younger sibling who shouted and argued.
Only then could conversations or negotiations begin.
“These guys are pulling all sorts of stunts. Unbelievable.”
Chairman Jin tossed the newspaper he had been skimming aside with a flick of his wrist.
The article about the romance between two top stars and their official press conference acknowledging their relationship was making headlines everywhere. As a result, there were no follow-up reports on Jin Seoyun’s embezzlement. Even the Hansung Daily wasn’t foolish.
They knew that no one would pay attention to any follow-up reports right now.
Is it news anymore when conglomerates siphon off company funds?
“So, the eldest started it, and now the younger ones are striking back?”
“Yes, Chairman.”
Director Lee Hak-jae replied succinctly.
“And the Eastern District Prosecutor’s Office has quietly begun investigating Vice Chairman Jin Young-gi.”
“The Eastern District? That’s Mayor Choi’s hometown, isn’t it?”
“Yes, it seems President Jin Seoyun asked for a favor.”
“Look at them! Dragging the prosecution into their family feud?”
Chairman Jin clicked his tongue and glanced at the man sitting directly in front of him.
“Our family is in such a state. I can’t even face the Prosecutor General.”
“Oh, no, Chairman. Please, don’t say that…”
The Prosecutor General gave a faint smile as he lifted his teacup.