Spring Has Come, Part 1
“Since you seem to favor my uncle more, why don’t you go to him? I’m sure he’ll find a place for you.”
“W-wait a minute. That’s not what I—”
Yang Woo-chan, the company president, hurriedly tried to speak, but I raised my hand to silence him.
“Do you understand now? Who really holds the power here?”
Neither of them could meet my gaze, their eyes darting away.
“Consider this a warning. Once you leave this room, forget everything that happened at Sunyang Group. Reminisce in your mind if you must, but don’t speak a word of it. If I see even a single line in print, I’ll dig into your pasts thoroughly.”
Anyone who rises to the level of a Sunyang Group subsidiary president is bound to have some dirt on them. In some cases, a lot of dirt.
They know well that if they aren’t careful with their words, they could become the subject of an investigation, or even a suspect.
With Sunyang Group’s influence, getting a few prosecutors involved is a piece of cake. They know all too well that if a prosecutor starts digging, their twilight years could be ruined.
The faces of the three men turned ashen.
Only Yoon Ho-il, the president of Sunyang Fire & Marine Insurance, stood stiffly, tense.
“Now, gentlemen, let’s erase the last traces of Sunyang Group. Please take out your phones.”
They hesitated for a moment, then let out a long sigh.
Upon promotion to an executive position, they were given company phones. Though meant for business, they often blurred the lines, using them for personal calls as well.
But a company asset remains a company asset.
Reluctantly, the three of them placed their phones on the table.
“Don’t worry too much. I have no intention of prying into your personal calls. I’ll only check the business-related parts and then dispose of the phones.”
Executive Director Jang Do-hyung collected the phones with a stern expression.
“You might have a lot to say, but please hold back. I’m not in the mood to listen to a single word.”
At my cue, Executive Director Jang spoke up.
“The audit team is currently packing up your office belongings. They’ll check everything and send your personal items to your homes. There’s a car waiting at the main entrance to take you wherever you wish. Goodbye.”
Jang finished mechanically and opened the door.
It was a clear signal for them to leave.
The three men stood up, gritting their teeth. Their glares were anything but ordinary, but they held their tongues.
They weren’t foolish or amateurish enough to part on bad terms with curses. Even if we part ways today, who knows when we might have to shake hands and smile again?
They won’t remain unemployed for long. There will be places eager to hire them as advisors, outside directors, or auditors. Those places will want to establish ties with Sunyang Group, and to get what they want, they’ll need to smile and shake hands.
They might not want to shake hands with me, but they’re certainly not looking for a fight.
Once the three left, Executive Director Jang closed the door and quietly sat on one side of the sofa.
“President Yoon Ho-il of Sunyang Fire & Marine Insurance.”
“Yes.”
President Yoon finally lifted his head to meet my gaze.
“Sunyang Fire & Marine is an unlisted company, with 75% of its shares held by Sunyang Life.”
“Yes, I’m well aware.”
“I’m curious about your thoughts. Do you plan to follow the three who just left, or will you take the helm of Sunyang Life, the parent company, and showcase your abilities?”
It must be a difficult decision. He might be thrilled at the opportunity, but considering his ties with those who just left, he might feel like a traitor. Yet, their relationship isn’t strong enough to warrant a refusal.
In such cases, I need to give him a reason to nod.
“Please, as you might have noticed, it’s time for a generational shift. Sunyang Financial Group’s core is undoubtedly Sunyang Life. There’s no one more suitable than you, President Yoon.”
Having heard my earnest plea, it should be enough.
President Yoon nodded, looking like a patriot making a monumental decision for the country.
“I should thank you first. Thank you. I’ll do my utmost to ensure you won’t be disappointed.”
“Thank you for accepting so readily, President Yoon Ho-il of Sunyang Life.”
Executive Director Jang smiled warmly as he spoke.
“Let’s head to the conference room. All the financial division executives are waiting.”
“Yes, President Yoon. Let’s go together and make the announcement.”
The three of us headed to the conference room with smiles.
As we entered, dozens of people stood up abruptly.
Though a bit nervous, I straightened my shoulders and walked confidently to the head of the table.
With Jang Do-hyung and President Yoon on either side, all eyes were on us.
“Hello, I’m Jin Do-jun.”
I pulled the microphone closer and greeted them.
The executives gave a slight nod. Some looked tense, others indifferent, and a few had their lips pursed.
“Just moments ago, three CEOs left Sunyang.”
Everyone would know who they were, especially with President Yoon by my side.
The room buzzed with murmurs.
This buzz could be someone’s anger, another’s anticipation of change, or someone’s concern.
As I spoke again, the murmurs ceased.
“If anyone is dissatisfied with the first personnel change, you’re free to leave the company at any time. But if you’ve decided to stay, remember this one thing.”
Scanning the room, I could sense their anxiety.
“If I hear childish complaints about the upcoming changes, you’ll have to face the consequences. You’re executives, after all. You should be aware of your role in management. Why? Because I won’t be involved in management, nor will I hold any position within Sunyang Financial Group.”
Of course, no one seemed to believe that.
Their expressions said it all: “With his lineage, how could he stay out of it?”
“This will be the first and last time I gather all the executives in one place. The reason for this one-time meeting is to explain the principles of personnel management.”
Executives, being salaried employees, perked up at the mention of personnel principles.
“There will be no parachute appointments. Internal promotions will be the norm. Today, President Yoon Ho-il has become the CEO of Sunyang Life. The CEO positions of the three companies are still vacant. The current deputy executives will be promoted to those positions.”
This meant a large-scale promotion.
With everyone moving up a step, the atmosphere in the room warmed instantly.
“We’ll also establish a new Strategic Planning Office for Sunyang Financial Group, with Executive Director Jang Do-hyung in charge. His rank will be Vice President.”
When I met Jang’s eyes, he gave a slight nod.
“I hope the new CEOs, Vice President Jang, and all the executives will lead the company well. I’ll only receive quarterly performance reports. However…”
I paused for a moment, leaving a crucial statement hanging. The executives seemed to lean in, eager to hear.
“Based on the quarterly performance, positions and roles will be constantly reassessed. We’ll adhere to a ruthlessly pragmatic approach, so be prepared.”
Anything more would be superfluous. Now, it’s time to show through actions.
I left the conference room with Vice President Jang. Back in my office, I relaxed with a cup of coffee.
“Please handle the follow-up, Vice President.”
“Yes, I’ll issue all the personnel appointments by today.”
“And as we discussed, coordinate the sale of the credit card company with the vice presidents’ secretaries.”
Vice President Jang let out a sigh.
“Did you really negotiate with bonds? Isn’t that too generous?”
“Otherwise, it won’t be competitive. The heavy industry sector can’t raise a trillion won immediately.”
“Understood. That was my last complaint. It seems you’re leaning towards Vice President Jin Dong-ki, am I right?”
One side is a grenade, the other a nuclear bomb. Might as well go for the nuclear option, right? After all, only one will survive this war.
“Yes. Might as well… haha.”
I brushed it off with a laugh and changed the subject.
“At the end of the first quarter, we’ll let go of the bottom 10 performing executives. Vice President, you’ll have to get your hands a bit dirty.”
“Ten of them?”
As soon as spring arrives, a storm of change follows. Jang’s expression showed he knew the impact wouldn’t be small.
“Would one or two scare anyone? It needs to be shocking enough for the entire staff to feel it. In return, give generous bonuses to the top 10 performing teams. One side gets the cold wind, the other the spring breeze. Everyone will feel the company’s transformation.”
“Yes, I’ll ensure the bonuses are substantial enough to offset the shock of losing 10 executives. Is that okay?”
Jang’s quick understanding and lack of stubbornness are his strengths.
“It’s fine. From now on, you can handle such matters on your own. No need to seek approval for everything.”
“If you give me discretion, I won’t give it back. Haha.”
Joking even in this situation. Is it courage or just his nature?
“I’ll be giving you even more discretion in the future, so don’t be surprised.”
“I look forward to it. Haha.”
“Then I’ll be off. I won’t waste any more of your time.”
“Are you heading to Yeouido?”
“No, I need to stop by the school. They called because I missed the graduation photo shoot.”
“Graduation? Oh, that’s next week, right?”
Jang’s expression turned oddly amused.
“Yes. Why?”
“It’s just… I forgot you’re a college student. The way you spoke in the conference room, I thought you’d been in the workforce for years.”
Oh, my dear man, it’s been over a decade. The only difference is that I used to be the one listening, not speaking.
“Anyway, congratulations. Should I bring a bouquet to the graduation ceremony?”
At the mention of a bouquet, I waved my hand dismissively.
“Oh no, I’m already losing my mind. It’s fine with just my parents, but my grandfather is coming. Just imagine that.”
“Ah… that must be really stressful for you.”
Jang Dohyeong’s expression shifted to one of genuine sympathy, as if he truly understood.
Honestly, it’s overwhelmingly stressful.
“How’s it going? It’s been over two weeks, right?”
“Look at my face. Doesn’t it seem like my cheeks have been scooped out with a spoon?”
It was a bit of an exaggeration, but after less than 20 days, her eyes were noticeably sunken.
Since Minyoung Seo entered the Judicial Research and Training Institute on February 1st, she hadn’t sent a single text. I knew she’d be busy, but I hadn’t imagined she’d be going through such a grueling time that it would show on her face.
“Should I send you some ginseng roots?”
“Would ginseng help in this prison-like place? Just visit me often.”
“Sure, I’ll try.”
“By the way, I heard you took on the financial subsidiary of Sunyang Group? Rumors are going around.”
“Take on? I’m just learning the ropes there. I’m starting my own tough journey. If I mess up, it’s a family tradition to be exiled to Geoje Island.”
“Just try it! I’ll drag you back by the hair and lock you up in an apartment!”
At that moment, the entrance to the law school auditorium became noisy. Men in black suits were streaming in, clearing a path.
He’s here.
Our extraordinary grandfather…