Impossible Alliance 3
“Let’s stop talking about the chairman. They say we can establish a holding company next year! That’s when we’ll take over the chairman’s office, just like we promised.”
“Come on, it’s all just for show. Let’s keep up appearances. I won’t touch the subsidiaries you’re managing.”
“Really? Then how about this: if I take the chairman title, I won’t even glance at your electronics subsidiaries. How does that sound?”
Jin Young-gi felt his blood boil at his younger brother’s audacity. This brat had no idea how significant it was to be the eldest son.
“Let’s cut the nonsense. Of course, I won’t interfere with your company, but tell me what else you want. Just stop demanding the chairman’s position. If the eldest is the chairman and the younger is the vice-chairman, both can thrive. But the moment the younger becomes chairman, it’s like a death sentence for the eldest. When Sejong became the crown prince, Yangnyeong was exiled from the palace. That’s how the world sees it.”
“There are more princes who were killed after the eldest took the throne. Vice-chairman? Do you really think I’d even keep that position? You’ll use the chairman’s title to kick me out, whether you want to or not.”
As the two brothers locked eyes in a tense standoff, the door suddenly swung open.
“What nonsense are you two up to? Yangnyeong? Sejong? Who do you think you are, playing at being princes?!”
“Mother!”
“What brings you here all of a sudden…?”
Startled by their mother’s unexpected arrival, the brothers halted their argument.
Mrs. Lee Pil-ok glanced around Jin Young-gi’s office before plopping down on the sofa.
“It breaks my heart to see you two content with this place when there’s a perfectly good chairman’s office sitting empty.”
“Mother, eventually, one of us will sit in that chair.”
“Quiet!”
Jin Dong-gi spoke softly, but his mother didn’t lower her voice.
“Didn’t I tell you at your father’s funeral? Get rid of that Do-jun first! Retrieve the financial subsidiaries he holds, you fools.”
“Please, Mother. We’ll handle it…”
“Lee Hak-jae has gone over to the other side. Don’t you see?”
Mrs. Lee cut off her son’s words with a sigh.
“The company Lee Hak-jae joined is owned by some guy named Oh Se-hyun. Oh Se-hyun is friends with Yoon-ki. If Lee Hak-jae and Oh Se-hyun stir up Do-jun, what do you think will happen? They’ll target our Sunyang’s financial subsidiaries first. What if they start the process of splitting them off?”
The two vice-chairmen felt like smacking their foreheads. Since their father’s passing, they’d only been glaring at each other.
They’d dismissed their mother’s dislike for Do-jun as the petty grudge of an old woman.
But if Lee Hak-jae, who surely bore a grudge against them, joined forces with Do-jun?
People only see what they want to see. Their mother, fixated on the grandson she despised, always imagined the worst-case scenario, and now it seemed that scenario might become reality.
“I’ve always said Do-jun is just like your father, haven’t I? He’s greedy, and he’s got a knack for money. He won’t be content with his small share; he’ll want to make it his own quickly. And if Lee Hak-jae eggs him on? The financial group will break away before you even get to form that holding company you keep singing about.”
The two sons looked at their mother, speechless.
Was this quick judgment really just an obsession?
“If you don’t realize now that this isn’t the time to be fighting over the chairman’s seat, then you don’t deserve to be chairman!”
At their mother’s scolding, the grown sons couldn’t lift their heads.
“Dong-gi.”
“Yes, Mother.”
“I’m not saying you should make your brother chairman right now. Work with him to reclaim Sunyang’s financial subsidiaries, which are practically its treasury.”
Even without their mother’s words, Jin Dong-gi knew how threatening a figure like Lee Hak-jae could be. He felt the urgency to act before that man made his move.
“And Young-gi.”
“Yes.”
“Even if you reclaim the financial group, don’t be greedy to take it for yourself. It would be better to put Sang-ki there, even as a figurehead. It’s a much better look than you two fighting.”
Despite their mother’s advice, the two brothers were already deep in thought, setting aside the chairman’s seat for now to focus on reclaiming the financial subsidiaries.
Yang Woo-chan, the former president of Sunyang Life, rushed over with vague expectations after being summoned by Vice-chairman Jin Young-gi.
He hoped to recover from the humiliation he’d suffered at the hands of a young upstart.
As he gently opened the door to Vice-chairman Jin Young-gi’s office, Vice-chairman Jin Dong-gi greeted him first.
“Welcome, President Yang. I didn’t get a chance to properly greet you at my father’s funeral, did I?”
“Oh, not at all. You must have been overwhelmed. I understand. It must have been a tough time for you.”
“Let’s not stand around. Please, have a seat.”
Jin Young-gi patted his back and led him to the sofa.
After exchanging the usual pleasantries and small talk, Jin Young-gi got to the point.
“We’re planning to reorganize Sunyang Financial Group. What are your thoughts on that?”
“Reorganize? Are you talking about mergers and consolidations?”
“Well… we haven’t drawn up a concrete plan yet, but it’s hard to just sit back and watch. With someone as young as Do-jun handling things, I’m concerned about their crisis management skills…”
President Yang needed to understand the true intentions of the two vice-chairmen. Speaking carelessly without knowing their real motives could cost him an opportunity.
“Director Jin Do-jun set up a new management team and hasn’t been involved since. If there’s a problem, it must be with the management team…”
President Yang cautiously observed their reactions.
“That’s exactly the problem. When the entire financial group needs to move in unison, what happens if everyone acts on their own? Tsk tsk.”
“Is the separation of ownership and management really suitable for Korea? They’re just imitating foreign companies. It’s the kind of thing that seems cool at that age.”
“That’s why someone like you, President Yang, was treated poorly. What does a kid know?”
President Yang’s eyes lit up.
The talk of reorganizing the financial group was just an excuse; they clearly intended to oust Jin Do-jun.
Indeed…
With the tiger-like Chairman Jin gone, the wolf cubs were baring their teeth. President Yang knew this was his chance.
“You make a valid point. But can an old-timer like me, who’s stepped back from the front lines, really help with the reorganization…?”
“Old-timer? What modesty! You’re still in your prime.”
President Yang’s face brightened.
He was certain now that they intended to use him to take down Jin Do-jun.
“Anyway, to reorganize the company, shouldn’t we first reorganize the management team? A company is its people, after all.”
Vice-chairman Jin Young-gi spoke as if seeking President Yang’s agreement.
“Exactly. You need to place talented people who can act like your limbs in key positions to ensure smooth operations. But…”
“Please, speak freely, President Yang.”
“If you’re thinking of replacing the management team, shouldn’t you also consider Director Jin Do-jun’s opinion?”
“Why do you think that?”
Jin Dong-gi scrutinized President Yang’s expression with sharp eyes, trying to read his thoughts.
“Appointing CEOs and executives is a board decision. Can you do that without Director Jin Do-jun?”
“Isn’t the shareholders’ meeting above the board?”
“Well, yes.”
“Looking at the group’s shares, my brother and I together hold over 51%. Do we still need Do-jun’s permission?”
President Yang felt like cheering. With the two vice-chairmen’s shares, they could control the financial group, leaving the young Jin Do-jun with nothing but to watch helplessly.
“Oh, in that case… You can convene the board and reorganize with your people without any issues.”
“That’s why we need your help, President Yang.”
“Just say the word. I’ll do whatever I can.”
The two vice-chairmen exchanged glances.
“Prepare a list of CEOs, executives, and department heads for key positions. Those who oppose Jin Do-jun and those who follow him.”
“Ah, a hit list, then.”
“Exactly. But remember one thing: don’t let personal feelings interfere. Make the list with a cold, objective judgment.”
“Of course.”
“Oh, and leave the CEO position at Sunyang Life vacant. That spot is reserved for you, President Yang.”
President Yang stood up, overwhelmed with emotion, as if the late Chairman Jin had returned.
“Thank you, Vice-chairman Jin Young-gi, Vice-chairman Jin Dong-gi. I don’t know how to express my gratitude for giving me this opportunity again… I will never forget this kindness.”
Jin Young-gi patted President Yang on the back as he bowed deeply.
“Let’s work together like we did when my father was alive. I’m counting on you. Haha.”
President Yang left, bowing repeatedly to the two men.
As they watched him leave, Jin Young-gi chuckled.
“What do you think? Will he do well?”
“He’ll be thorough. He’ll think of them as people he’ll be working with.”
“The old man should be enjoying his retirement, watching his grandchildren. But even at his age, he can’t let go of his greed.”
Jin Young-gi grimaced as if he’d seen something distasteful.
“What can you do? If he’s put out to pasture, all he’ll have are memories of his glory days. He misses those times.”
“He’ll be disappointed when he realizes making the list is his last task…”
“Why? Do you feel sorry for him?”
“Not at all. I’ll just buy him a meal and give him some pocket money.”
As they mocked the departed President Yang, the door opened again, and another man appeared.
“Ah, welcome, the new CEO of Sunyang Life.”
Jin Young-ki bowed deeply, his gesture exaggerated, but Jin Dong-ki only managed a bitter smile. It was no surprise, given that the new CEO of Sunyang Life was clearly one of Jin Young-ki’s allies.
“Welcome, Sang-ki. Care for a cup of tea?”
Jin Sang-ki, who hadn’t set foot in the Sunyang headquarters in ages, beamed at his eldest brother’s words.
“Brothers!”
“Yang, the CEO?”
“Yes. Rumor has it he’s been in and out of Vice Chairman Jin Young-ki’s office quite frequently these days.”
Vice President Jang Do-hyung couldn’t shake his unease. This was far from over.
“The same goes for Chairman Jin Sang-ki. He’s been showing up at the main building with a big grin on his face.”
No matter how much they tried to keep things under wraps, their presence at the company was impossible to hide. Especially on the executive floors, where not a single visitor went unnoticed by the vigilant staff, who were quick to spread any new gossip.
“That’s not all, is it?”
Jang Do-hyung spoke with some difficulty.
“Chairman Jin Sang-ki has been openly boasting that he’s the new head of Sunyang Financial Group.”
From the moment he heard about CEO Yang’s involvement, he suspected the two uncles were up to something. But Jin Sang-ki?
Something about this felt off.
Given the dynamics among the three brothers, the likelihood of success seemed slim.
“Our third uncle has a loose tongue. And he tends to exaggerate.”
“Isn’t it dangerous to dismiss it as mere bravado?”
Jang Do-hyung remained tense.
“Whatever they’re plotting, the chances of failure are high. Do you know what’s most crucial when acting in unison?”
“A shared interest, right? People will even join forces with their worst enemies if there’s profit to be made.”
“No. Before that, there’s something essential. It’s the willingness to accept a little loss or to take a smaller share of the profit. You have to be able to let go of some of your greed. That’s the hardest thing for our family.”
Yet, despite his words, he couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling gnawing at him.