Mutual Interview 1
“It’s essential to bring in new people who fit the role, but you mustn’t disregard those who’ve been with you for a long time. You should let them leave with dignity. Making them feel humiliated would be a disaster.”
It was a sentiment born from concern for those who had been by his side for years.
Given that I might have been a bit too forward during our first meeting, I wanted to ease my grandfather’s mind.
“I’ll leave their positions as they are for now. If they prove their capabilities, I see no reason to replace them.”
“No.”
“Sorry?”
“It’s just a matter of timing. Those folks need to be let go. Everyone needs to understand that the times have changed. It’s no longer my era; it’s yours. The most effective way to make that clear is to cut off the head.”
As expected.
This wasn’t about caring for people.
“When you let them go, minimize any negative impact. They were loyal to Sunyang. Make sure no one sees their harsh dismissal as a glimpse into their own future. Betrayal comes from those who feel betrayed. Do you know why?”
“Because they can justify their own betrayal?”
“Exactly.”
My grandfather looked at me with a satisfied smile.
“If they leave without a blemish, treat them well enough that they don’t feel slighted. But if there’s a flaw that even they can’t deny, then be ruthless. Their remaining time at Sunyang should serve as an example to others, for better or worse.”
“I understand.”
I almost laughed.
Does my grandfather have not even a shred of compassion or nostalgia? Even for Yang Woo-chan, the president of Sunyang Life, who has been with him for over thirty years, there’s no consideration.
Will I become like this too?
“By the way, I’ll meet with Executive Director Jang Do-hyung myself. We’ll decide what to do after that.”
“I don’t know much about Director Jang, but I’ve heard he has a good reputation. He won’t be easy to deal with.”
“To have risen to executive director at Sunyang at his age, he must be something.”
“If you two get along, it could be a great combination. Haha.”
We need to get along.
Jang Do-hyung will rise to vice president but eventually fall. Jin Young-ki, when he took over as chairman and started making changes, didn’t like Jang’s aggressive and challenging business style.
For Jin Young-ki, Sunyang’s financial affiliates were just a place to store controlling shares and withdraw money when needed. Jang’s ambition to turn the company into a global financial network hub was incompatible with Jin Young-ki.
Jin Young-ki promoted someone who aligned with his thinking to CEO, and Jang couldn’t escape being discarded.
This is the hidden story I know, but I need to confirm it.
Is Executive Director Jang someone who will get along with me? Does he really have the ability to grow a global company?
“This feels a bit strange, doesn’t it? It doesn’t quite suit you, Director Jin. Oh, by the way, may I call you Director?”
“Yes, that’s fine with me, Director Jang.”
The office was as large as an apartment but had only a comfortable sofa set and a table. It was empty.
Director Jang Do-hyung’s first words upon entering were that it felt strange and didn’t suit me.
What doesn’t suit me?
“Would you like a drink? Beer, coffee, tea?”
“If you have a can of beer, I’d like to wet my throat a bit.”
I took out two cans of beer from the fridge and placed them on the table.
“President Yang mentioned with a laugh that he had a rough time. Is that true?”
Director Jang said with an awkward smile.
“If he had a rough time, would he have told his subordinates? He’s a proud man.”
Look at this guy.
He’s fishing to find out what was discussed that day.
“Haha. So he was joking to scare me. I took it seriously and ended up looking foolish.”
He tried to brush it off with a sip of beer.
“So, why did you want to see me?”
“I have a few questions. As you probably know, I’ll be taking over Sunyang Group’s financial sector.”
“Yes, I’m aware.”
“But I’m not like my uncles. I have no intention of taking on a significant role in management.”
“That’s unexpected.”
Director Jang put down his beer and straightened his posture.
“You can’t grasp what’s happening inside a building from the outside. Financial statements aren’t everything. The atmosphere you feel when you enter the lobby, the expressions of the employees, the buzz in the office—these are the true reflections of a company.”
“Is that so?”
Feigning surprise, I listened closely to what he had to say.
“Positions like chairman or vice-chairman don’t exist in the company system. But when someone with such a title walks into the lobby, everyone bows at a 90-degree angle.”
“I don’t like that. Isn’t it a bit old-fashioned? We’re not gangsters…”
“You don’t understand.”
“What do you mean?”
“The petty nature of salaried workers.”
“Petty?”
This guy is unique. Is this what my grandfather meant by not being easy?
“99% of salaried workers who bow to the family of the group owner, as you mentioned, like they’re dealing with a mob boss, leave the company without ever speaking a word to the chairman.”
“That makes sense.”
“Do you think they don’t know that? But if the chairman approaches and shakes their hand, everything changes. They start to believe they’re special, not part of the 99%.”
“So, what are you trying to say?”
“Not wanting a position means you’ll just check the performance annually and replace the executives, including the CEO, if the results are poor, right?”
“Exactly.”
“That’s a Western approach. Adopting a Western system doesn’t mean advanced management. People also need to fit the Western system, but our country is still deeply rooted in the mindset of master and servant, lord and loyal subject.”
“Don’t you know it’s the 21st century?”
I said this, but I was a bit surprised.
Director Jang Do-hyung is indeed unique.
I know it too.
The slave mentality ingrained in ordinary people who set their own limits and don’t even dream of looking beyond them.
Even the most ambitious person sees becoming a CEO as the end. Dreaming of becoming a chairman is considered madness.
Yet, they think it’s natural for a second-generation heir, who hasn’t done anything, to take that position. They see themselves as loyal servants to the founding family, and that’s their limit.
But this is the first time I’ve met someone who acknowledges and analyzes this fact. Does he have no pride?
“Let me ask again. What are you trying to say?”
“Even if you don’t do anything, just sit at the top.”
“Is that necessary? There are excellent presidents in each affiliate.”
“Those excellent presidents are no exception. They, too, have always followed orders, whether right or wrong. They’re servants. They feel at ease doing as they’re told because it means they don’t have to take responsibility.”
“Responsibility… it weighs more than you think. Sometimes it’s too much to bear.”
Director Jang’s eyes sparkled.
“You know well, yet you plan to step back with just a shareholder’s role? Is it because of your age?”
“Externally, it’s age. Internally, I need to be cautious about my health.”
Did he understand what I meant by that?
“Oh…”
His expression seemed to indicate he understood.
Director Jang took a refreshing sip of beer and lowered his voice.
“Is it very intense?”
“Somewhat. It’s not like inheriting a single apartment.”
Director Jang nodded and murmured softly.
“Director Jin, you seem to be seen as a Jaws-like figure in your family.”
“Jaws? The movie? The shark?”
“Yes.”
“Why do you say that? You don’t think I’m a terrifying creature that devours everything, do you?”
“Not that… In the movie, everyone knows there’s something beneath the sea, but they don’t know its exact nature. They don’t know its size or aggression. But they know it exists and will attack someday. That’s what they’re afraid of.”
“So they keep me in check?”
“Jaws must be scared too, thinking the surface might harm it. You must feel even more so. The moment you take over Sunyang’s core affiliates, the family elders will attack. I can’t imagine the kind of pressure that brings.”
Does he know something?
Or is he just guessing like everyone else?
Jaws. It’s an apt metaphor. But at least no one knows the size of my teeth, so that’s a relief.
“Can you handle it?”
“Handle what?”
“If it’s known that I trust you, you’ll face many challenges. Some will threaten you, others will try to sway you. All sorts of things will happen.”
“If you give me the authority to use those situations to my advantage, I have no reason to refuse.”
His voice rose again, and his lips curled up. His complexion was slightly flushed. He doesn’t try to hide his excitement.
Is he a combative type who enjoys a fight?
“You don’t seem to think deeply. I only mentioned trust, yet you readily accept without hearing a concrete proposal.”
“I haven’t accepted anything. I was planning to decide after hearing what kind of authority you propose.”
His sly smile gave me a glimpse of his character.
This man has no slave mentality.
He’s someone who fits the Western system he talked about.
But he hasn’t been frustrated or tried to change the fact that such a system doesn’t work at Sunyang. If he had, rapid promotion would have been impossible.
He’s accepting the present as it is and finding his own way.
“Shall we leave it at that for today?”
“Sorry?”
“This is like an interview, isn’t it? A chance to figure out what kind of person the other is. Let’s take our time with the decision.”
“It’s not exactly equal, though. You’re the one making the choice, while I’m the one hoping to be chosen. There’s a clear difference.”
“Haha. For someone who needs to be chosen, you seem quite confident and relaxed. You don’t seem to be lacking anything.”
“I’m just pretending. I’m actually quite nervous.”
I can’t quite tell if he’s being sincere or just sly. Probably the latter…
“Even if it’s not me, I’m sure someone will choose you. Everyone’s saying you’re the future CEO of Sunyang Life.”
“Both Vice Chairman Jin Young-ki and Vice Chairman Jin Dong-ki are waiting for your touch.”
“Me?”
“Yes.”
“Why’s that? Oh… Is it because I’m still young and easy to manipulate? Is that it?”
“Not at all. If you were someone who could be easily controlled, Chairman Jin wouldn’t have entrusted you with a key affiliate. It means you’re exceptional enough to have already earned the chairman’s favor, despite your young age.”
I have to admit, Director Jang is quite perceptive. And there seems to be something more to him. What could it be?
It looks like we’re going to have a long conversation today.