[085] The Bad Guys, The Ruthless Guys 2
The Sunyang audit team rolled up their sleeves.
“Alright, we’ll sort these out for you. Just focus on what we give you.”
They quickly opened the boxes and began skimming through the documents.
“Start with last year’s financial statements. We’ll handle the rest.”
Finally snapping out of their daze, the accountants from Yeouido opened another box and began searching for the financial statements.
The Sunyang audit team swiftly sorted through the files, as if they knew exactly what evidence they were looking for.
The Sunyang Group audit team was well-known.
Within the group, they were reputed to be more fearsome than the prosecutors. Prosecutors needed warrants, but the audit team could investigate without one.
They could even demand the disclosure of the subject’s bank accounts, and refusal meant resignation.
But resigning wasn’t the end. The moment you resigned, it was assumed you were guilty, and the case was immediately handed over to the prosecutors.
Cooperating with the audit team and reaching a settlement was the best way to avoid a more exhausting ordeal.
Since my job was to clean up the messes made by the owner’s family, I had never encountered the audit team before.
Watching them work, I realized anew that to control a massive corporate group, you needed all sorts of organizations. And they had to be filled with your own people.
As these thoughts crossed my mind, the Yeouido accountants and the Sunyang team began comparing the documents and data they had verified.
“Mr. Oh, take a look at this.”
Oh Se-hyun adjusted his glasses and began examining the complex documents in detail.
“It looks like money laundering. And the last transfer never even entered the country.”
“Playing with exchange rates and siphoning off dollars?”
“Are you sure?”
A member of the Sunyang audit team chimed in.
“They disguised it as raw material imports to siphon off money and started laundering it. With the current exchange rate fluctuations, they made a killing.”
“The raw material import itself is a sham?”
“Yes. According to the invoice, they imported luxury interior materials like chandeliers… For this amount, you’d need at least six containers. The volume is huge. But it shows they only used one. They’ve even bribed customs.”
“Are you certain?”
“We’ve handled these items more times than we can count. We might not know the number or price of our own dishes at home, but we know these items’ prices and sizes inside out. We’re sure, so let’s go with this.”
Confident in the Sunyang audit team’s findings, Oh Se-hyun nodded and stood up.
“Shall we go settle this?”
“Let’s make a call first.”
I picked up my phone and instructed the lawyer waiting at the court to file for an injunction to suspend Daehan Construction’s management and to press charges for embezzlement and violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act. I also informed my grandfather.
“You’ve sent some impressive people. It’s been less than two hours, and we’ve hit the jackpot. I think I’ve got the upper hand now.”
“I’ve submitted the documents to the court. Now…”
After ending the call, Oh Se-hyun and I headed up to the president’s office.
“Hasn’t enough time passed for a thorough review? Or are you just tired of looking at documents?”
The Kang brothers’ faces showed relief.
It was indeed a short time to find anything significant. They believed it was impossible for some Yeouido investment firm to uncover their hidden secrets in just two hours.
“Really, with such poor judgment, no wonder the company is in this state. Do we look like people who would walk away after two hours?”
“Who are you? Such impudence.”
President Kang Moo-sung glared at me with a smirk.
“Oh, my apologies. I spoke without introducing myself. I’m the one who just reported the entire Daehan Construction management and owner family to the prosecutors. I suppose we’re past the point of polite conversation, aren’t we?”
“What!”
“What did you say?”
The two men jumped up from the sofa, shouting in disbelief.
“You probably have a few informants in the prosecution. If you don’t believe me, feel free to check.”
As Oh Se-hyun gestured to the two stunned men, Kang Moo-jin, the younger brother, hurriedly pulled out his phone and stepped outside.
“What the hell are you doing? Pouring oil on a burning house? Are you trying to bring us all down? If the company goes under, your shares will be worthless too!”
President Kang Moo-sung shouted at us.
It’s only the beginning, and he’s already crumbling like this?
“Perhaps we should postpone the coffee and calm conversation for another time.”
As Oh Se-hyun and I stood up, Executive Director Kang Moo-jin rushed back in, breathless.
“Brother, the Western District Prosecutor’s Office’s Financial Investigation Division has issued a warrant. Judging by how quickly it’s moving, someone must be exerting pressure…”
Director Kang stopped mid-sentence and glared at us.
“After acquiring Ajin Group and swallowing Sunyang Motors, it seems we’ve gained some influence too. They’re all clamoring to help us… Oh, President Kang, do we need to pay a bribe even when public officials voluntarily offer their help? You must have some experience, any tips?”
Oh Se-hyun taunted the two men. I added a crucial piece of information.
“The entire family and every member of the management are likely under a travel ban. Forget about fleeing by plane and cooperate with the investigation.”
As we opened the door to leave the president’s office, Oh Se-hyun offered them a lifeline.
“If you’re scared of the prosecutor’s interrogation room and want to settle, give me a call. You have my number, right? If you spill everything in front of the prosecutor, you’ll be in deep trouble.”
Among the eight gathered in Chairman Jin’s study, three were seeing it for the first time.
They had been to the Sunyang headquarters’ chairman’s office a few times for direct reports, but it held little symbolic value. However, being invited to the chairman’s home study signified a promotion to the first tier.
The three newcomers’ faces were flushed with excitement.
“Who’s the youngest here?”
“Yes, Chairman. I’m Director Kim Kyung-sik from the Construction Support Division.”
As President Hong Song-chul introduced him, Director Kim stood up and bowed.
“When did you become a director?”
“I was promoted to executive during last spring’s regular personnel changes, Chairman.”
“Looks like you’ll be promoted again in a year. You’re lucky. Haha.”
From director to senior executive? In just a year?
All eyes in the study, except for President Hong Song-chul and Chief Lee Hak-jae, turned to Director Kim Kyung-sik.
They wondered if he had some special connection with the chairman. But Director Kim himself looked more surprised than pleased.
Only the chairman could resolve their curiosity.
“Chief Lee, explain.”
“Yes, Chairman.”
Chief Lee Hak-jae pulled out a simple organizational chart.
“You will all soon be moving to another company. Of course, with better treatment and a promotion or two compared to your current positions at Sunyang Construction.”
A promotion and a pay raise were not the main concerns. Moving to another company? If it was a subsidiary, it would be a clear demotion.
“Executive Vice President Baek Jae-jin will become the CEO, Senior Manager Jung Kwang-tae will be promoted to Vice President, and…”
Six names were listed in order, with Director Kim Kyung-sik being the last.
“Director Kim will be transferred as the Head of the Management Division, with a promotion to Senior Executive.”
Everyone watched Chief Lee’s mouth intently.
Where could it be?
If it was a subsidiary on par with Sunyang Construction, it would be a promotion, but if not?
However, if it was merely a demotion, there was no need to announce it in the chairman’s study.
They clung to this hope.
“Your new workplace will be Daehan Construction.”
The name Daehan brought more confusion than disappointment.
Wasn’t it a company on the brink of collapse? Moreover, it had no connection to Sunyang Group. It was a name that should never be mentioned in this study.
“You might be wondering why Daehan Construction…”
“Enough. I’ll explain. You all look like you need reassurance. Haha.”
Chairman Jin smiled as he looked at the bewildered faces.
“Daehan Construction will soon be taken over by Miracle. You know Miracle, right?”
“The investment firm that acquired Ajin Group and merged with Sunyang Motors…”
“Yes, that’s the one. We’re in the process now, and within two to three months, Miracle will become the major shareholder of Daehan Construction.”
“But there are rumors of bankruptcy…”
“We’ll take over before it goes bankrupt and bring it back to normal. But you all seem quite anxious. Interrupting me like that. Well, I suppose…”
“I’m sorry, Chairman.”
A couple of people quickly bowed their heads, and Chairman Jin waved them off.
“It’s alright. It’s understandable given the suddenness of it all. Anyway, your task is clear. Restore Daehan Construction to its original state as quickly as possible. I expect you to give it your all.”
“Yes, Chairman.”
They answered robustly, but a hint of unease still lingered in their eyes.
How could those tasked with reviving a company be trembling with anxiety?
Chairman Jin continued with words to boost their morale.
“Once Daehan Construction is back on its feet, it will become a subsidiary of Sunyang Group within two years. It won’t merge with Sunyang Construction. You’ve worked hard to build it up, so merging would only reduce positions. It will become another construction company within the group.”
The promise of a return eased their worries.
“President Hong Song-chul is holding onto the only CEO position tightly, isn’t he? Make the most of this opportunity.”
As President Hong laughed, the others relaxed and smiled.
“Chairman, if I may ask, what is the relationship between Miracle and our Sunyang Group? Could it be that Miracle is an investment firm you established?”
President Hong cautiously asked the question he had been holding back since Sunyang Motors was handed over to Ajin Group.
The car deal seemed more like a merger, but this time, it felt as if they were drafting people to support it. It was a situation that would be impossible without an extraordinary relationship.
“Wouldn’t it be great if Miracle was mine? It’s rumored to be flush with cash.”
“So…?”
Even Lee Hak-jae had held back from probing further. His eyes were filled with anticipation, hoping today might finally bring some answers.
“Someone I trust as much as I trust you is a major shareholder in Miracle. You could say the company was built with their capital.”
For a brief moment, Lee Hak-jae’s eyebrows twitched. At last, the pieces of the puzzle fell into place, and he understood the true nature of Miracle.
It was said that Oh Se-hyun, who had been thriving at the global investment firm PowerShares, was managing the proceeds from Jin Do-jun’s land sale in Bundang.
Soon after, Oh Se-hyun left PowerShares and established an investment firm called Miracle in the United States. Ten years later, Miracle had acquired Ajin Group, supported Sunyang with dollars, and amassed enough funds to swallow up Daeah Construction.
This meant the true owner of the money was none other than Jin Do-jun.
Despite being just a college student, the youngest in the family might be wealthier than Chairman Jin if you consider personal assets alone.
Oh Se-hyun had grown Jin Do-jun’s seed money from the land sale to this extent.
Chairman Jin trusted him as much as his key personnel at Sunyang, and it made sense that he would support Miracle’s aggressive acquisition of domestic companies.
Chairman Jin wouldn’t send his close aides to help unless it was someone who shared his bloodline.
It had to be Jin Do-jun.
Lee Hak-jae struggled to conceal the shock he felt.