Who Owns the Separate Household? Part 1
Vice Chairman Jin Young-ki’s hands trembled as he looked at the personnel appointment papers clipped to the approval file.
While he still had to follow his father’s decisions regarding appointments at the subsidiary president level, the fact that the construction executives resigned en masse without a word to him was a blow to his pride that he couldn’t swallow.
“Did those people come to work today?”
“They haven’t come to the office.”
“Then where are they?”
The nervous secretary hesitated, prompting Jin Young-ki to let out a short sigh and lower his voice.
“Report what you know. It’s fine.”
“It seems President Hong Song-chul received instructions from the Chairman. The selection of people like Executive Director Baek Jae-jin was at President Hong’s discretion. And…”
“And what else?”
“The selected individuals are reporting to the Miracle Investment office in Yeouido.”
“Miracle? You mean Oh Se-hyun, that guy?”
“Yes. With both Sunyang Motors and this situation, it seems clear that Miracle has a close relationship with the Chairman.”
“Miracle lent us a billion dollars, didn’t they? That might have been the start of a simple partnership.”
The secretary’s mention of a “close relationship” implied that Miracle could be the Chairman’s private fund.
Jin Young-ki shook his head. He knew his father wouldn’t reveal a private fund so openly if he had one.
“Is there anything else you know?”
“I’m sorry. The Chairman has instructed everyone to keep quiet for now, so they just keep repeating that they can’t disclose details. Perhaps you should meet with them yourself?”
“They’re all my father’s people. They won’t talk just because I ask.”
“What about Director Kim Kyung-sik? He’s too young to be considered one of the Chairman’s people.”
“Kim Kyung-sik?”
“Yes, you know him well. He seems to be floating on air since he got his executive title and is desperate to grab onto a line… If you call him, he’ll drop everything and come running.”
“Hmm…”
He’s a guy whose face is barely memorable. Someone whose last position will likely be as a director, so he might shed tears of gratitude if I call him.
“Invite him for dinner. Quietly.”
When he first saw the personnel file, he wanted to run to his father and demand answers, but now he knew how to hold back.
At his age, in his mid-fifties, he understood that securing his share was something he had to do on his own.
“Help yourself. This is a belated congratulations on your promotion. Retiring right after becoming a director, huh?”
The fact that Director Kim Kyung-sik came running at once was proof he hadn’t left Sunyang, and the mass resignation of the construction executives was just a formality.
“I’m sorry, Vice Chairman. I was in such a rush that I couldn’t even greet you properly.”
“No, no. Whether you work outside or inside, you’re still a Sunyang person, aren’t you?”
Jin Young-ki poured a drink while observing Director Kim Kyung-sik’s expression.
“So, how is it working with CEO Oh Se-hyun? Is it tough?”
“It’s fine. Having spent a long time abroad, he’s quite unpretentious.”
It was clear that Kim Kyung-sik wasn’t wary of him.
After all, he was the Chairman’s eldest son and Vice Chairman. He probably thought this dinner was just a gesture of encouragement, knowing everything he was up to.
“Does that mean things are progressing quickly?”
“Yes. The acquisition of Dae-A Construction is imminent, and the Digital Media City project has a clear concept and well-laid plans. We can finalize the construction schedule and total cost estimation by the first half of the year.”
Dae-A Construction acquisition? Digital what? City?
He tried hard not to show his surprise, but the mention of an even more shocking name caught him off guard.
“By the way, Do-jun… I mean, Director Jin Do-jun is quite impressive, isn’t he? Sometimes it feels like he’s leading rather than learning. I guess blood doesn’t lie. Haha.”
It was clearly meant as a compliment, but it left him unsettled.
Jin Do-jun?
Jin Young-ki quickly downed a drink to hide his shock.
After setting the glass down and chewing on a piece of sashimi, he spoke.
“Oh, right, Do-jun. But Director? That’s the first I’ve heard of it.”
“You didn’t know? It’s nothing much. CEO Oh just had some business cards made to introduce him appropriately when taking him around.”
Learning the ropes and being taken around.
A red warning light flashed in Jin Young-ki’s mind.
“It’s the first I’ve heard of our youngest nephew learning under CEO Oh… What exactly is he learning there?”
“Oh, dear… I shouldn’t have said anything…”
“No, it’s fine. Everyone’s busy, so we haven’t had time to pay attention to what our nephew is up to… It’s okay. Speak freely.”
“Even without the Chairman’s words, it was quite apparent. It seems his goal is to become an expert in investment and M&A.”
“Like CEO Oh Se-hyun?”
“Yes.”
The warning light faded. If he was leading investments and M&As outside Sunyang, he was just a general, not someone aiming for the throne.
“Well, I always thought it would be nice to have a prosecutor nephew, but I guess blood doesn’t lie, huh? Haha.”
Feeling somewhat relieved, Vice Chairman Jin Young-ki began to subtly probe Kim Kyung-sik.
“And I’d like to hear your thoughts…”
“Yes, please go ahead, Vice Chairman.”
“Do you think Dae-A Construction can smoothly carry out that project? I heard it’s quite large.”
“It is. It’s enormous…”
Kim Kyung-sik suddenly clammed up. Isn’t it taboo to speak about projects outside the company? It’s common sense to keep such things under wraps, even from one’s spouse.
And judging by his tone, it seemed the Vice Chairman wasn’t aware of the details either.
Seeing Kim Kyung-sik’s awkward expression, Jin Young-ki quickly spoke up.
“I know it’s enormous. That’s why I’m asking. I heard a bit from my father, but since it’s a project outside, I haven’t been able to pay much attention.”
“Oh, I see. Don’t worry. As I mentioned, it’s progressing without a hitch. It’s a multi-trillion-won project, so there can’t be any mistakes.”
It felt like a hammer had struck his head, but Jin Young-ki nodded without showing it.
Multi-trillion won?
How can they proceed with a multi-trillion-won project when companies are collapsing left and right across the country?
And if there’s such a massive project, shouldn’t Sunyang Construction be handling it? Why is it being diverted outside?
Though the questions lingered, he didn’t ask further. If he probed more, even this seemingly naive director might realize he knew nothing.
“But even if that project is completed smoothly, wouldn’t it be difficult to merge back with Sunyang? After all, it’s something Miracle acquired.”
“Is that so? The Chairman seemed to have a different view…”
“Situations always change, you know.”
Seeing the worried expression on Director Kim Kyung-sik’s face, it was clear that this was all he knew.
Jin Young-ki filled Kim Kyung-sik’s glass and asked a few more questions, but nothing new came out.
The only person who could provide clear answers to these questions was, of course, his father.
“Brother, what brings you to my office? You could have just called me over.”
President Jin Dong-ki was quite surprised to see Jin Young-ki suddenly walk in.
Though it was only fifteen steps between their offices, as they grew older and competition became routine, even brothers found it uncomfortable to see each other.
“I have something to discuss. Why, is it inconvenient?”
“Oh, no. Please, have a seat.”
As they sat facing each other on the sofa, the awkwardness only grew.
Jin Young-ki glanced around the office before speaking.
“It feels like it’s been a while since I was here. Nothing’s changed. You should replace the desk or the sofa; they’re too worn out.”
Jin Young-ki rubbed the cracked leather on the sofa’s armrest.
“When I was promoted to president, Father gave me the desk, and you gave me this sofa, didn’t you? I can’t just replace them.”
“Did I? I don’t even remember.”
As they sipped the tea brought by the secretary, silence fell once more.
In the end, it was the younger brother who spoke first. Since his brother had made the difficult step to come, it was only right to cooperate.
“Brother, you didn’t just come by to say hello, did you? If you have something to say, feel free.”
“Yes, I thought we should have an open conversation. Do you know about the mass resignation of Sunyang Construction’s executives?”
“Yes, the company’s been buzzing about it, hasn’t it?”
“I’m asking if you know the reason.”
“I’ve only heard rumors, so I’m not sure…”
“Do you know it’s related to Oh Se-hyun from Miracle?”
“Yes, I heard they’re all reporting to Yeouido.”
His brother also had many eyes and ears. He must already know it’s for the acquisition of Dae-A Construction.
“Shouldn’t we figure out what kind of relationship Miracle Investment and Oh Se-hyun have with Father?”
“Why? Does it bother you?”
Seeing Jin Dong-ki’s slight smile, Jin Young-ki felt a surge of irritation.
That condescending attitude towards him, the eldest son and head of the family, was what kept building walls between them.
“And you? It doesn’t bother you?”
“Not yet.”
“Why not?”
“I think it’s because of Yoon-ki. Father dotes on Do-jun so much that he probably sees Yoon-ki in a good light too. Yoon-ki is doing well on his own now. Maybe Father wants to leave something for his youngest son.”
“And that something is Miracle?”
“I heard Oh Se-hyun is Yoon-ki’s friend. Father invested some money there… He’s probably grooming it to hand over to Yoon-ki.”
Jin Dong-ki took a sip of tea before continuing.
“If he gave away parts of Sunyang, he probably thinks you or I would just take them back. Haha.”
“And for that, he’s giving away the car division and growing another construction company? Don’t you think that’s too much for Yoon-ki?”
“You mean Dae-A Construction?”
As expected, his brother knew about the Dae-A Construction acquisition.
“And you’re still so carefree?”
“The scale of Dae-A Construction is only half of our Sunyang Construction. It’s not like we’re splitting Sunyang in two. We’re just adding another affiliate, so there’s no need to worry.”
“You clearly don’t know what Dae-A Construction’s first project this year is. If you did, you wouldn’t be saying that.”
Jin Dong-ki fell silent. He hadn’t yet figured out what the first project was, just as his brother had pointed out.
Jin Young-ki felt a surge of satisfaction as he watched his brother, wide-eyed and speechless. That condescending look, as if he knew everything, had always been irritating, but now his brother was the one watching his every move.
Yet, Dong-ki didn’t ask. He couldn’t bring himself to admit there might be something happening beyond his understanding.
“Annoying brat.”
How should he deal with that smug attitude?
“You’re curious, but your pride won’t let you ask, huh? Heh.”
A mocking laugh escaped him, lifting his spirits.
The power struggle ends here!
Right now, it’s more important to find out what their father is secretly up to behind their backs.
“Dae-A is aiming for a multi-trillion won project. If it succeeds, it might stand shoulder to shoulder with Sunyang Construction. Don’t you think we should find out why such a goldmine was handed over?”
“Did you just say a multi-trillion won project?”
Jin Young-ki simply nodded. It was now his brother’s turn to ask questions.
“Are you sure about this? The entire country is strapped for cash. How could there be a multi-trillion won project? It’s impossible.”
Jin Dong-ki shook his head.
“Besides, Dae-A Construction is on the brink of bankruptcy. If they had that kind of money, they’d pay off their debts first.”
“It doesn’t make sense, does it? But isn’t turning the impossible into possible exactly what Father excels at? If he’s the one orchestrating all of this?”
Once again, Jin Dong-ki was at a loss for words.
“Passing on the car division to Yoon-ki seemed like a formality. But pushing a multi-trillion won project? Does that look like a gift for Yoon-ki too?”
Vice Chairman Jin Young-ki hoped his brother would feel the same sense of urgency he did.
Only then would he reach out and take his hand.