Homecoming 3
“I couldn’t catch the details of the conversation, but there were occasional raised voices.”
“And Vice Chairman Jin Young-gi wasn’t there?”
“No, it was just Chairman Jin Dong-gi and him.”
Finally, Director Lee Hak-jae had figured out who was targeting him.
I was curious about how he would handle it, but I couldn’t just sit back and watch. I had to prevent him from being pushed to a point of no return.
I turned to Deputy Kim Yoon-seok again.
“How are the former planning department employees doing?”
“The two vice chairmen have placed them in suitable positions. They don’t seem to be neglected.”
“No, I mean the people themselves. Are they satisfied?”
“They can’t be too happy. They were practically the late chairman’s inner circle, and now they’re second-tier. The vice chairmen have their own close aides from the start, don’t they?”
For salaried workers, two things matter: salary and position. But there are two more important things that don’t show up in numbers or on business cards, yet everyone knows them.
They are the significance of one’s work and the recognition from peers. These are other words for ability and pride.
Those who thrived under Director Lee Hak-jae, satisfied with both the visible and invisible aspects, would find it hard to adapt easily.
I thought about extending a lifeline to them first.
Director Lee Hak-jae’s success wasn’t solely due to his own abilities; it was also thanks to the excellent team supporting him.
“Deputy Kim.”
“Yes.”
“Coordinate with trustworthy strategy department staff to arrange a meeting with Director Lee Hak-jae’s people.”
“All of them?”
“Yes, but exclude those who are content under my uncle.”
Understanding my meaning, Deputy Kim Yoon-seok nodded.
“Yes, I’ll make sure no word gets out.”
Even a retired political figure can’t ignore the plight of his close aides. It’s a leader’s duty to step back into the fray, even at the cost of public criticism, to uplift those who once followed him.
I trust Director Lee Hak-jae hasn’t forgotten this duty.
“How many showed up? Or rather, how many didn’t?”
“Four didn’t. We excluded those whose allegiance was uncertain.”
“So, everyone here is dissatisfied?”
“Not outwardly, but they do grumble about the good old days under the late chairman.”
It’s hard to identify the fence-sitters until you confront them. Now’s the time to see for myself and change their colors.
“Let’s go in. Oh, and did you prepare the gifts for them?”
“Yes, according to their ranks.”
As I entered, about a dozen men stood up and bowed.
“Please, sit down. I’m not someone you need to greet so formally.”
They awkwardly sat back down, their discomfort evident.
They must be curious about why they were summoned, but it’s hard to ask directly when you’re dealing with the founder’s kin, especially when the relationship isn’t direct.
Their expressions were understandable, given the lack of clarity.
“Since you seem uncomfortable, I’ll get straight to the point before we eat. Listen to what I have to say, then enjoy your meal.”
Their expressions relaxed slightly, and their eyes began to sparkle with interest.
“I was asked to come here. I have a difficult request to make, and I must convey a difficult message to you.”
In any group of a dozen, there’s always someone impatient. One of them couldn’t hold back.
“Could you tell us who made the request first?”
“Two people. You probably know them well… President Jo Dae-ho and CEO Oh Se-hyun.”
The room buzzed with murmurs.
Jo Dae-ho, who once led Sunyang Motors, and Oh Se-hyun, who took it over.
These two share a common link: HW Group.
“As you know, Chairman Song Hyun-chang of HW Group has stepped down, leaving the position vacant. The heads of the group’s main companies and major shareholders refused the chairman role, insisting on one person.”
In any group of a dozen, there’s always someone quick-witted.
“Is that person Director Lee Hak-jae?”
“Yes. But when asked, he flatly refused.”
The room buzzed again, but the reactions were mixed. Some might think it’s beneath Director Lee Hak-jae, while others see it as the perfect opportunity to rise from second-in-command to the top.
“Then why are you telling us this…?”
“Haven’t you always worked closely with Director Lee Hak-jae? Wouldn’t it be easier for him to lead the group with you, who have been in sync with him for so long?”
These people are sharp.
They know that if Director Lee Hak-jae becomes the chairman of HW Group, they could all move there as a package deal.
I could almost hear the gears turning in their heads.
None of them consider themselves part of the main line anymore. There was a time when even subsidiary executives looked up to them, but now they’re just ordinary staff in the vice chairman’s office, without any clout.
Once, many people flattered them, but now they’re treated like outsiders even within the office, with no one approaching them, let alone flattering them.
Does it matter if the scale is smaller? It’s a chance to get back into the main stream.
Moreover, even if HW Group is smaller compared to Sunyang, it’s still a major corporation that no one can ignore in the domestic market.
This offer isn’t a bad deal, but they’re not the main attraction of the package. The key is Director Lee Hak-jae, who has already declined, making this a pointless discussion.
“Well… if Director Lee has refused, isn’t this all meaningless?”
“Environments change, and so do situations. Why not try to change Director Lee’s mind?”
As soon as I finished speaking, they all chuckled.
“You don’t know him. Director Lee takes his time to decide, but once he does, he never changes his mind.”
“That’s right. He’s not someone we can persuade to change his mind.”
They all shook their heads in agreement.
“Seems like you’re all content.”
Perhaps it was the somber tone of my voice, but they all fell silent.
“Are you expecting things to get better? You’re all on the chopping block, awaiting restructuring. Do you think the vice chairmen will entrust you with important roles? I’ve heard you’re all talented, but I’m disappointed. You don’t seem to grasp the situation.”
I knew my words were harsh, but they knew it too. They just didn’t want to believe that their uncertain future wouldn’t improve.
“Well, I’m just conveying HW Group’s intentions. The choice is yours. You can all rush to Director Lee and beg him to move with you, or stay here at Sunyang, getting pushed around until you’re ousted…”
I added one more thing, something stronger.
“When my grandfather’s death fades from memory, there will be a major reshuffle. If you believe you’ll have a place when the second-generation management solidifies, you’ve misjudged our family. We’re not that generous.”
With that, I signaled to Deputy Kim Yoon-seok.
He began distributing documents to them.
“These are contracts prepared by HW Group. If you want to sign them, convince Director Lee to move. Wouldn’t HW Group be a suitable new home for you?”
Leaving them staring intently at the contracts, I stood up.
“My part is done. Discuss among yourselves over a meal. Goodbye.”
“You’ve been quite clever.”
“Desperation brings out all sorts of tricks.”
“Do you know something I don’t?”
Director Lee Hak-jae’s eyes were still filled with suspicion.
Two days after meeting with the secretariat staff, I received a call from Director Lee Hak-jae.
Judging by the timing, the staff must have gone to him the night we met, and he took a day to think before contacting me.
This was a positive sign, not a negative one.
“I know a lot. Most importantly, I know you can’t refuse my offer.”
“Me? You’ve never seen me change a decision before, have you?”
“That’s because you’ve only walked the flower-strewn path my grandfather laid out. When you tread a muddy path, you might regret and change your mind. This time, step onto the flower path I’ve laid out.”
“Is this North Korea? Loyalty through generations?”
“Are you saying that without any intention of being loyal to me?”
After a pause, Lee Hak-jae spoke.
“You know my uncles are pushing me to the edge, and you used the staff to help, right?”
“Yes. I think it’s a brilliant move, don’t you?”
“Not bad. But you’re getting bolder. Even a bit cheeky.”
“I’m just trying to lighten your mood with a smile. Please see it as endearing.”
Finally, a smile appeared on his lips.
“Director, don’t clash with my uncles right now. Considering the political landscape, they’re flying high.”
The upcoming election is a do-or-die battle. With the president’s duties suspended, both the ruling and opposition parties are fighting for their lives.
Naturally, they need to pour in a lot of money, making Sunyang Group’s financial support crucial. They’ll do whatever it takes to meet Sunyang’s demands.
“Don’t fight them. Use HW Group as a temporary shield. Once the election is over, I’ll help you strike back immediately.”
“You’re saving me from the pit and securing a future for my people… What do you get out of this?”
“I don’t engage in deals that don’t benefit me. Isn’t that what my grandfather despised the most?”
Director Lee Hak-jae looked at me for a while before saying something unexpected.
“You’re quite ruthless, aren’t you? You dig into my struggles, stir up my guilt for not being there for my kids, and even bring up the chairman to make me feel sorry?”
“Surprisingly, you have a strong sense of loyalty, Director. Right now, focus on yourself. I’ll handle the loyalty part.”
“You never lose an argument, do you? Haha.”
“Should I just keep my mouth shut then?”
“Stop joking around and answer me. What is it you really want?”
“First, I want to prevent the transition to a holding company to maintain my shares. Second, I aim to elevate the HW Group to at least the third place in the business rankings. Surpassing Sunyang and Daehyun seems tough, so I’ve set a more realistic goal.”
Lee Hak-jae fell silent again.
They were almost there.
He wasn’t foolish enough to reject a lifeline out of sheer pride. And he likely had the ambition to step out of the shadows and lead a company with confidence.
After a long pause, Lee Hak-jae spoke.
“Let’s add one more thing.”
“Is there something else you need?”
“The promise to make me the chairman of Sunyang, is that still on the table?”
“Of course. But you’ll need to help us take over Sunyang.”
Lee Hak-jae smiled.
“I heard from the chairman that you prefer clean business deals, right?”
“Yes.”
“I’ll draft the contract myself. It’ll be straightforward.”
I eagerly shook the hand Lee Hak-jae extended.
“Congratulations on moving into your new home.”