Guerrilla Warfare. Chapter 4

Sending troublemakers far away has always been an effective strategy. But it’s never the complete solution.

“There are plenty of people at Hanseong Daily who can replace us. That’s the strength of a company with a long history. Just because I put down my pen doesn’t mean the blade gets dull.”

The editor-in-chief pointed out that the bench of candidates waiting to take over is formidable. It’s not something that can be resolved by dealing with just one or two people.

“You said the strength of Hanseong Daily is its people, so we’ll make sure anyone who replaces you or the director puts down their pen too. It doesn’t matter if it’s dozens or hundreds.”

“You’re being reckless. Do you think you have all the seats in Yeouido in your pocket?”

The managing editor chimed in.

“Do you think the only way to break a pen is with a carrot? There’s also the stick.”

These fools need to be disillusioned. Knees don’t bow to those who show mercy; they bend before those who instill fear.

“I’m not a generous man. I’m offering a carrot this first time as a negotiation tactic. From the second time on, I’ll be wielding the stick. You two are just lucky to be the first, which is why I’m offering you a parliamentary seat.”

“And if we refuse your offer…?”

“Then, of course, I’ll threaten you with the stick.”

Finally, their voices began to tremble.

“Can you tell us what this stick is? As journalists, we’re naturally curious…”

“Think about your honest autobiographies. Surely, there are one or two secrets you’d rather keep hidden, and perhaps one that could ruin you if it came to light.”

To make a threat effective, you need to drop a secret that makes their hearts skip a beat.

“Cha In-hae, Park Sun-mi. Those names aren’t unfamiliar to you, are they, Director?”

The managing editor turned pale at the mention of a reporter who left the newspaper less than a year after joining.

“Your child studying in the U.S. isn’t just avoiding their studies but is also caught up in alcohol and drugs, requiring rehab. But what’s more damning is the vast land in their name, with no gift tax paid.”

This time, the editor-in-chief’s face changed.

“If you want to enter Yeouido next year, you need to clean this up. Accept my offer, and I’ll erase it all for you.”

Whether it was the carrot or the stick that worked, silence lingered for a while.

After a long pause, the managing editor spoke up.

“Even if we accept your offer, how can you guarantee the nomination?”

That’s the question I was waiting for. The end of the negotiation is in sight.

“I’ve invited someone to join us for dinner. Someone you’re familiar with, so it shouldn’t be awkward.”

At the press of a call button, an employee rushed in.

“Please invite the two guests dining in the next room to join us. And reset the table.”

As soon as the employee left, two people entered the room.

“Ah, it’s been a while, Director.”

The two journalists seemed too shocked to even greet them.

It was because the ruling party’s floor leader and a key figure known to be the confidant of a strong presidential candidate had appeared.

Once they exchanged greetings and laughter filled the table, the conversation turned to nominations.

“Pyeongtaek is an automotive hub, and Geoje is the home of Sunyang Heavy Industries, right? If the ruling party and these two companies move, getting elected next year shouldn’t be a problem, should it?”

“As they say, even a stick would win by a landslide. A nomination is as good as a win.”

The floor leader spoke as if on cue.

“So, will there be any difficulty in getting these two nominated for Pyeongtaek and Geoje?”

“What are you talking about? They’re exactly the kind of people we want.”

Watching the two brighten at the floor leader’s words, I added, “Is there anything more you need?”

I wasn’t asking because I needed their answer.

“Think carefully about whether you’ll work for the company or for yourselves.”

The word “yourselves” included not just the two of them but also me.

It’s only natural to expect a reward when you move for your own benefit. I trusted that these sharp journalists understood that well.

“Then I’ll take my leave. Please have a good conversation among yourselves, future colleagues.”

As I pushed back my chair and stood, the two from Hanseong Daily quickly rose and bowed their heads.

They’re smart and adept at navigating situations.

＊＊＊

“Did you really shut them up with a parliamentary seat?”

“Not only did I shut them up, but they also volunteered to be my hands and feet.”

“How many parliamentary seats do you think you have to throw around like that? Don’t you know managing current members is more important?”

Chairman Lee Hak-jae looked troubled. The company’s district representatives are crucial positions. Representatives from automotive and heavy industry regions are key, so it’s understandable he’d be concerned about replacing them.

“Take a look at this.”

I handed over the materials sent by those who had turned into obedient pets.

“Hanseong Daily is no different from a detective agency. They’ve been closely monitoring Uncle and Young-jun. Why do you think they were so thorough with the in-laws?”

Chairman Lee chuckled as he flipped through the documents.

“Worried a secret child might pop up somewhere, huh? They want to make sure their daughter’s child inherits the Sunyang fortune.”

“If I handed this to Young-jun or Uncle, they’d be divorced by the end of the day. Haha.”

“So, are you planning to wreck their families too?”

Chairman Lee’s eyes were disapproving.

“Why would I? Young-jun has kids, and the moment he divorces, he’d probably celebrate his newfound single life. Why would I do that?”

“Somehow… it feels a bit sad. Do you miss the glamorous single life already?”

“Chairman, your jokes aren’t very funny, so let’s stop. And don’t worry too much about the district representatives. Politics is a living, breathing thing, isn’t it? No one knows what might happen before next year’s general election. Those two are the only ones who think they’ve secured a sure spot.”

“Look at you. You never intended to give them a seat in the first place.”

“People who think they’re smart are the easiest to handle. I’ll have everything sorted out before the general election, so don’t worry.”

In truth, the materials they provided are quite useful. If they keep bringing in such information, I might even consider giving them a proportional representation spot.

“Take a look at the people Uncle has been meeting with recently. Doesn’t something seem off?”

Chairman Lee reviewed the list.

“It looks like he’s trying to give the current administration a final gift. He’s meeting with most of the key government figures.”

“It also means the administration is the only thing he can rely on. The private sector is just waiting for our fight to intensify.”

“Knowing he can’t win a money battle, he’s aligning with the administration.”

His expression hardened slightly.

“Even if we complete the succession process, we need to secure public institutions as friendly shares. Are you confident about that? You’re dismissing private shares too much. There’s no contact at all.”

I calmed Chairman Lee, who was muttering as he reviewed the list.

“Let’s wait a bit longer. If Kyung-jun finds out anything, he’ll let me know.”

“Alright. I’ll also keep my antennas up.”

Chairman Lee’s uneasy expression was unsettling. Did he sense something strange from the list of people Uncle was meeting?

＊＊＊

“Director Cho, what are you doing? Didn’t you filter this?”

As soon as the managing editor of Hanseong Daily entered the chairman’s office, he had to pick up the newspaper fluttering to the floor.

“I approved all the articles. Is there a problem…?”

“What? Are you pretending not to know?”

Director Cho was more concerned about Hong So-young, the chairman’s daughter sitting beside him, than the chairman’s shouting.

“We’ve been taking a hardline approach for days, so we’re just taking a breather. It’s a planned article, so as a follow-up…”

“Director Cho, who do you think you’re lecturing?”

Director Cho, who had endured the complaints and grumbles of difficult journalists, found it hard to hold back this time.

Even if she was the chairman’s daughter, she was much younger, and yet she interrupted the adults’ conversation with such disrespect, even using informal language!

Having become a chaebol’s wife, she was utterly arrogant.

Director Cho ignored Hong So-young and addressed the chairman.

“The follow-up article will compare Japanese capital’s dominance in Southeast Asia. Overlaying American capital with the shadow of Japanese capital should be effective.”

As soon as Director Cho finished explaining, Hong So-young slammed the table and shouted.

“Is that an excuse? Director Cho, do you think we’re fools? This isn’t a breather; the tone is completely different! Today’s article could be interpreted as saying Miracle is helping the Korean economy. Where’s Editor Park, who wrote this nonsense? Didn’t he even show up for work?”

‘Damn it… I could just shut her up!’

Though he didn’t say it out loud, he couldn’t hide his expression. As his face twisted, Hong So-young glared at him, and the chairman spoke up.

“Director Cho, just go find Editor Park and drag him back here if you have to. Why did you make such a mistake when you usually follow company policy so well? Make sure tomorrow’s morning edition is solid. Enough with the lame excuses about taking a breather.”

Director Cho bowed his head and left the chairman’s office.

He knew why the chairman hurried him out. It was to prevent an incident from escalating due to his daughter’s harsh words.

Director Cho realized another truth.

Humans are truly fickle.

How many times had the family of the owner scolded or criticized him?

Each time, he tried to correct his mistakes, never feeling angry. It was exactly the mindset of a servant.

Fear of being blocked from promotion or kicked out of a key position filled his mind.

How many times had Hong So-young, the daughter of the owner and a chaebol’s daughter-in-law, stormed into the company and hurled harsh words?

Each time, he bowed his head, always worried about upsetting someone with immense power.

However, once he decided to take a new path, he saw clearly that Hong So-young, whom he had once admired, was nothing more than a spoiled rich girl. And Chairman Hong, whom he had respected so deeply, was just a greedy old man, more interested in leeching off his in-laws than anything else.

When you’re fond of someone, even their messy eating habits seem endearing. But when that affection fades, even the way they hold a spoon can be irritating.

Director Jo couldn’t suppress the surge of irritation rising within him.

If he had accepted their support to enter the National Assembly, he would have been their servant forever, wouldn’t he?

Of course, if he entered the Assembly with Jin Do-jun’s backing, he wouldn’t escape servitude either.

But if he had to serve someone, he figured it might as well be Jin Do-jun, the rising star of the business world and a blood relative of the Sunyang family, rather than a media mogul.

Back in the newsroom, Director Jo discreetly gathered a few veteran reporters from the social affairs department.

“Pass your current assignments to the juniors. From now on, focus on just one thing.”

The reporters’ eyes gleamed with curiosity. They assumed it was either a huge scoop or a direct order from Chairman Hong.

“You know Hong So-young, right?”

“Of course. There’s only one Hong So-young we know.”

“Good. Dig into her. Use every police contact, call in all your favors. Hire the best investigators to tail her.”

Director Jo bit his lip as he faced the reporters, who were staring at him in shock.