The Chairman returned to Korea three days ahead of schedule.
He went straight to the office from the airport and called for an emergency executive meeting.
"I heard the last executive meeting was interrupted. Is it true that CT Bank has agreed to loan money for the Changwon Factory's debt?"
"Yes, that's correct. CT Bank has agreed to provide a 400 billion won loan on the condition that it is used to repay the Changwon Factory's debt. The interest rate is significantly lower than Myeong-dong's, so our interest burden will be greatly reduced."
Chief Secretary Kim answered on my behalf.
It seemed the Chairman had already been briefed in the car ride from the airport, as he moved straight to the next question.
"I heard Director Kim has personal connections with CT Bank?"
"During my university years in the U.S., I established some connections with Wall Street bankers."
"In business, networking is just as crucial as management skills. And while boosting sales through great products is important, cutting costs—especially interest payments—is just as significant. You did an excellent job on this, Director Kim."
"Thank you, sir. Additionally, I have successfully negotiated with Myeong-dong as well."
The Chairman looked at me with satisfaction.
With Taewoo Group's total debt exceeding 10 trillion won, the interest payments alone were astronomical.
A slight reduction in interest rates on 400 billion won might not dramatically change things,
but it was still a notable achievement.
Since the Chairman had praised me, it was only a matter of time before the opposition came.
Now, let's see what ridiculous excuse they'll use to try and block me this time.
I glanced around at the executives allied with Executive Lee.
Sure enough, President Park Jin-hoon of Taewoo Electronics, a known close associate of Lee, was the first to speak up.
"Director Kim has accomplished a 400 billion won loan negotiation and successfully audited Changwon Factory, all within less than a month of joining the company. At this point, I don't think anyone can question his competence
just because of his young age."
Wait... what?
Why is he suddenly complimenting me?
Sometimes, praise is more terrifying than criticism.
I couldn't figure out what Park was thinking.
And it wasn't just him— the other presidents started praising me as well.
"Director Kim has solved the deep-rooted issues at Changwon Factory in an instant— his capabilities are truly extraordinary."
"His talents are wasted in the Audit Team."
"Taewoo Group is a global company leading the world market. We should follow the global trend of valuing ability over age."
"The Audit Team is too small a stage for Director Kim's full potential."
By the time they finished, I had figured it out.
So, they want me out of the Audit Team.
They've probably already agreed on where to send me.
But ultimately, the final decision rested with Grandfather.
Now, I just had to see how Park planned to convince him.
"Director Kim has accomplished major reforms in the Audit Team in just one month. Right now, Taewoo Electronics is in desperate need of reform as well."
"His achievements are undeniable, but wouldn't it be strange to reassign him twice in less than a month?"
"If his competence is the reason for his reassignment, then who would object to such a move?"
"Even if there's no internal opposition,
public opinion might still raise concerns."
"That might be true if he were being reassigned
to a high-profile executive position in a subsidiary. But the Tech Research Center is relatively low-profile, so there wouldn't be much controversy. I formally propose that Director Kim be promoted to Head of the Tech Research Center."
Ah… so they want to send me to the Tech Research Center.
The Tech Research Center was part of Taewoo Electronics but also operated as an independent institution.
And most importantly—it was powerless.
Taewoo Group never valued technology.
"Technology? Just buy it."
That was Grandfather's philosophy.
He cared far more about acquiring technology than developing it.
Naturally, this meant the Tech Research Center
had severely limited funding and authority,
to the point that being assigned there
was often considered a form of exile.
But for me, it was different.
Despite its low status, the Tech Research Center
was still part of Taewoo Electronics.
The moment I step in, I can tear Taewoo Electronics apart from the inside.
With Taewoo Electronics shouldering a significant portion of the group's debt,
I had been looking for a way to restructure it
as soon as possible.
This was the perfect opportunity.
But of course, I couldn't let them see my enthusiasm.
Act reluctant.
Push back.
Squeeze out as many concessions as possible.
"I truly appreciate the recognition, but there are still many unresolved matters in the Audit Team."
"Which matters specifically?"
"The Changwon Factory Task Force has yet to complete its work, and the disciplinary process for the Audit Team staff involved with Executive Lee hasn't even begun."
"That can be resolved by officially upgrading
the Task Force to Audit Team 6 and promoting Deputy Manager Yoon to Department Head so he can finalize the matter."
Wow… they really want me gone.
They were even offering a promotion
to Yoon, a known loyalist of mine,
and creating a whole new Audit Team.
They're bending over backward to accommodate me.
Let's see how far they're willing to go.
"While that solution addresses the Audit Team issue, I'm uncertain about what role I could play
in the Tech Research Center. Of course, technology is crucial, but right now, the center has no real autonomy—
it's nothing more than a subordinate department."
"The issue of its autonomy has been brought up many times. This might be a good opportunity
to expand its authority and independence."
Wow. They're even willing to give me that?
Alright, let's push for one more demand.
Before making my final move, I should throw in one more complaint. That way, they'll keep handing out concessions
without suspicion.
"Even if the Tech Research Center gains more autonomy and authority, it still lacks manpower.
Especially in technology research, which should be focused on developing future revenue sources—
but right now, that aspect is far too weak. If I were to oversee both the Tech Research Center and the Economic Research Center, then I might consider it. Otherwise, I have no desire to take the position."
I had cast my bait.
Head of both the Tech and Economic Research Centers.
The Economic Research Center had
even less power than the Tech Research Center.
It was essentially a think tank where renowned veteran experts from around the world were given advisor titles to predict future industry trends.
The executives, including President Park, exchanged silent glances, weighing their options.
But judging by their expressions, they had little attachment to the Economic Research Center, which was filled with old scholars.
"The Tech Research Center and the Economic Research Center could create great synergy together. I believe it is highly appropriate
for Director Kim to oversee both as General Director."
"Kim, what do you think? Would you be willing to transfer from the Audit Team to lead the research divisions? I find President Park's proposal reasonable."
Grandfather had asked for my opinion, but in reality, it was nothing more than a veiled order.
A clear directive to leave the Audit Team and move to the research divisions.
He must be growing uneasy with how freely I've been wielding my blade in the Changwon factory and the Audit Team.
How could I possibly refuse Grandfather's wishes?
Of course… that doesn't mean I'll follow them as he intends.
"I appreciate this great opportunity. I will do my utmost to oversee the Tech Research Center and the Economic Research Center to contribute to Taewoo Group's future. However, I would like permission to recruit additional personnel."
"Since your authority is increasing, it makes sense that you'll need more staff. How many do you plan to hire?"
"I'd like to bring in about 20 new members. And I'd appreciate it if you left the hiring decisions entirely to me."
"What does everyone else think of this?"
[That sounds reasonable.]
[As the new General Director,
it's only right for him to choose his own team.]
[I've always thought the research divisions needed expansion.]
The executive board was perfectly in sync—
their responses flawless.
And yet, every single one of them was wearing a satisfied smile.
Especially President Park, who looked at me like he had just caught the biggest fish of his life.
You're mistaken.
The real fish isn't me—
it's you.
Suddenly, I remembered.
Back in my past life, when I drafted my hit list…
President Park's name was on it.
***
One Week Later
I reported to the research center located just outside of Seoul.
With the Economic Research Center also being relocated from headquarters to this building,
the atmosphere was chaotic.
Most notably, the two deputy directors from each research division were struggling to adjust.
Joo Kwang-il – Deputy Director of the Tech Research Center
Moon Kyung-il – Deputy Director of the Economic Research Center
Neither of them looked particularly happy—
probably because they now had to serve under me, someone young enough to be their son.
"I'm Kim Min-jae, the newly appointed General Director. I look forward to working with you."
"It's truly an honor to work under your leadership, Director. The Tech Research Center
has not been able to fulfill its role properly until now. But with you here, we will do everything we can to restore its rightful place."
"As for the Economic Research Center, I don't think there's much to worry about. We'll continue running it as it has always been."
Moon Kyung-il's expression was quite something to behold.
Of course, he was originally the Director of the Economic Research Center.
But with my appointment as General Director, he had been demoted to Deputy Director. It was only natural that he found me less than agreeable.
Besides, the Economic Research Center had long been known as a "cushy post."
It was a place where people could quietly collect their paychecks, doing little more than playing the role of decorative scholars.
Now that it was under scrutiny, he was bound to feel uncomfortable.
"I don't intend to interfere much with the Economic Research Center. The only reason for merging the two divisions was to expand the research department. Nothing major will change."
"In that case, I'm grateful. Most of our advisors are elderly, and they don't like being caught up in troublesome matters. Additionally, many of our members are foreigners, so they aren't fully accustomed to Korean corporate culture."
"I'll just drop by occasionally, have some tea, and say hello."
"That would be greatly appreciated."
Moon's expression visibly brightened.
I had implied that I wouldn't interfere, allowing the Economic Research Center to remain a comfortable post.
"However, the Tech Research Center will undergo significant changes. Until now, it has operated more like a subcontractor for Taewoo Electronics. But from now on, we will shift to leading technological advancements."
"We have brilliant talent here. They've been held back due to a lack of opportunities and authority, but they're more than capable of taking the lead in technology."
Deputy Director Joo Kwang-il seemed fired up.
Having once held a high-ranking position in Taewoo Electronics, he had been exiled to the Tech Research Center.
Now, he saw me as his lifeline— his one chance to reclaim his career.
"For now, let's restore order amidst all this confusion. As for me, I'll be visiting the Economic Research Center today to have tea with our advisors, and then I'll head home."
I walked with Deputy Director Moon to the Economic Research Center.
Unlike most research departments, this one was unusual— each of the ten advisors
had their own private office.
"That office belongs to Advisor Fukuda.
May I go in to introduce myself?"
"Of course. But I should warn you— he's quite an eccentric old man. You might have a hard time dealing with him."
Leaving Moon behind, I entered Advisor Fukuda's office.
Ah, now I see why they call him "eccentric."
A white-haired old man, his posture stiff, his demeanor rigid.
Despite my entrance, he didn't so much as glance at me. Instead, he continued reading his newspaper as if I didn't exist.
But the moment I spoke a single sentence
in Japanese—
He bolted upright.
"I agree with the Taewoo Group loan issue report."
Fukuda— the only person who had dared to question the Taewoo Group's debt structure.
In truth, merging the Economic Research Center
with the Tech Research Center had all been for one purpose—
To meet him.