Free Web NovelAfter my bombshell declaration, an awkward silence filled the study.
Both Kim Byungwoo and Lee Sanggeun just stared at me blankly.
“It’s true. We’re definitely going to make it to the semifinals.”
“Uh... President.”
Hesitating, Kim Byungwoo finally began to speak.
I could already guess what he was thinking, and I couldn’t help but smile. He probably thought I was being stubborn.
“No matter what, isn’t it difficult for our national team to reach the semifinals?”
Well, if you think about how the team has performed so far, that would sound impossible.
But I’m a man who’s seen the future.
“The higher the goal, the better. If we manage to pass the round of 16, then the quarterfinals, and then the semifinals—what do you think will happen to Korea?”
“...It would be nice if that really happened. But not that many people like soccer that much. It’ll probably just be a festival for those who do.”
From a logical standpoint, Kim Byungwoo was right.
But we all wore those red T-shirts with the devil face and shouted for Korea.
Shaking my head, I recalled those days.
“No. It’ll become a social phenomenon. Whether they like soccer or not, everyone will be drawn in. People exhausted from the IMF will finally have something to cheer for.”
Kim Byungwoo still looked doubtful. Lee Sanggeun was listening quietly, but his face also showed uncertainty.
“The current team must be overflowing with motivation. A World Cup co-hosted by Korea and Japan—at the very least, they’ll want to outperform Japan. Add to that a remarkable coach like Hiddink and the advantage of home ground. Everything fits together like a perfect puzzle. They’ll achieve great results.”
“If it really turns out like that, of course the country will go wild.”
“Now, if my prediction is right, what should Joongwoo Group and Joongwoo Construction do?”
I threw the question at the two of them.
They didn’t answer right away, lost in thought.
I didn’t rush them; I waited.
The first to speak was Lee Sanggeun.
“If that happens, we should sponsor the players. Joongwoo Construction will reward the national team players with an apartment each from the complex we’re building in Gwanak-gu.”
Not a perfect answer, but I nodded silently.
“Good. And you, Chairman?”
I turned to Kim Byungwoo, who had been struggling to form an answer. He finally opened his mouth.
“We don’t have much we can give in kind. Most of the affiliates that directly deal with consumers have been restructured... so it would be difficult to plan consumer events. We’ll instead organize a group-wide cash reward for the players.”
Also not a perfect answer.
“That’s fine. Rewards for the players are covered. But what about the real stars of the festival—the people?”
“The people? Why would we—”
“No, this is an opportunity. A chance to change Joongwoo Group’s image—from the corporation blamed for starting the IMF crisis into one that stands with the public.”
Before the IMF collapse, Joongwoo Group’s brand image was excellent.
But the successive bankruptcies, the management’s negligence, and crimes like accounting fraud had stained the name Joongwoo.
People weary from the financial crisis often said:
If Joongwoo Group hadn’t collapsed, Korea’s economic crisis would’ve been nothing more than a passing cold.
I could have changed the name after acquiring the group, but discarding decades of built brand value would’ve been foolish.
Using the World Cup as a springboard to rebuild Joongwoo’s image was the smartest move.
“Imagine crowds gathering on the streets to cheer—Gwanghwamun, Seoul City Hall Square, Seoul Station Plaza—people filling every space possible to support the team.”
Kim Byungwoo’s eyes narrowed, as if he were picturing the scene.
“Of course, it won’t be big at first. Maybe just a few hundred thousand passionate fans. But if each game brings good results, and the news and newspapers show street cheering, you won’t be able to imagine how many people will flood the streets.”
I couldn’t hide my thrill as I spoke. In my previous life, the World Cup year had passed me by.
At the time, I was neck-deep in battles with Japanese loan sharks for dominance of the lending market. Soccer was another world to me.
Then one night, utterly drained, I turned on the TV in my grandfather’s study—and I felt chills all over.
The moment I saw the red waves of street cheering, it was unforgettable.
By the quarterfinals, I joined them myself.
Manager Ha had opposed it, but I wouldn’t give in.
— Manager, I want to go too!
— No, sir. It’s dangerous.
— I don’t care! Follow me or don’t, do as you please.
Despite his protests, I went to Gwanghwamun to cheer with the crowd.
I watched the game, shouting chants, singing, dancing—simply enjoying it.
For once, I could let go of everything and live in the moment.
Even after the game ended, I celebrated, tangled up with strangers.
Looking back now, it was childish—but it was the only reckless joy I’d allowed myself in that life.
After that, I never had that kind of freedom again.
Lost in that memory, I snapped back when Kim Byungwoo called me.
“President.”
I cleared my throat, embarrassed.
“Sorry. Got a little carried away.”
“I’ve never seen you so excited before. You finally look human.”
Hearing his loud laughter, I laughed too.
“Anyway, there’s a soccer fan group called the Red Devils. Work with their organizers. Wherever they gather, Joongwoo Group will provide support. Cooperate with the Seoul Metropolitan Government to sponsor street cheering events at Gwanghwamun, Seoul Station, and City Hall.”
“When you say ‘provide support’...?”
“Water, light snacks, cheering gear, mats—things like that. Of course, everything must bear the Joongwoo name. It’ll all serve as advertisement.”
Nodding, Kim Byungwoo hesitated before asking quietly,
“President... should we really prepare for the semifinals?”
“Yes. Absolutely.”
I spoke firmly and nodded.
Hearing the certainty in my voice, Kim Byungwoo finally accepted it.
“Since it’s your order, I’ll follow it. It’ll be a lot of work.”
“Still, it’ll help rebuild Joongwoo’s image. Make sure it’s done.”
Then I turned to Lee Sanggeun. Since Joongwoo Construction carried the same name, they’d have much to do for the World Cup as well.
“Chairman Lee, assist the group however ~Nоvеl𝕚ght~ you can.”
“Yes, President.”
I checked the time. Soon, I had another appointment.
“If Korea doesn’t make it to the semifinals, I’ll grant each of you one wish. So just trust me and follow my lead.”
“Understood, President.”
“I’ve already taken enough of your time. Go back and take care of your work.”
After bowing, Kim Byungwoo and Lee Sanggeun left the study.
Manager Ma escorted them out, then came back in.
“Chairman Song will arrive in about an hour. I’ll inform you when he gets here.”
“All right, Ma.”
He bowed and left. Alone, I grabbed a golf club and began practicing my putting.
“I really did get carried away.”
Even looking at a golf ball, I found myself thinking of a soccer ball.
The smile wouldn’t leave my face—it had been a long time since I felt that way.
Hearing a knock on the door, I put the club away.
“Boss, Chairman Song Chanwoo of Daehyeon Group and Assemblyman Song Chanhyuk have arrived.”
“Let them in.”
I tidied the clubs and spoke. Moving after a while had cleared my head.
“Chairman Song, it’s been a while.”
“Yes, President Kim. Long time no see.”
“I hope I haven’t dragged a busy man here for nothing.” ƒreewebηoveℓ.com
After shaking hands with Song Chanwoo, I turned to the man beside him.
“This must be our third meeting, Assemblyman Song?”
“Yes.”
After exchanging a brief handshake with the curt Song Chanhyuk, I led them to their seats.
Manager Ma brought in coffee, set it down on the table, and left, closing the door.
“Has Daehyeon Group been stabilized?”
Song Chanwoo nodded.
“Yes. Thanks to your recommendation to Taesan Finance, we were able to secure enough loans.”
“It was possible because Daehyeon is a solid group.”
“The government has restricted loans to conglomerates so much that we almost had to sell off some affiliates. We used stock as collateral, but thankfully Taesan Bank provided funding, and we could put out the fire.”
Because of Chairman Song Youngjoo’s legacy, Daehyeon rarely touched its affiliates.
But the fact that they nearly had to meant their financial strain had been severe.
“That’s good to hear. So there’s no more liquidity issue?”
“We’ve only put out the immediate fire—it’s still difficult. Daehyeon Motors is stable, but Daehyeon Construction and Daehyeon Heavy Industries can’t afford new investments. The biggest problem is Daehyeon Asan’s losses in the inter-Korean project.”
The butterfly effect of the coup in Pyongyang had been devastating for Daehyeon Group.
Kim Jongil halted all economic cooperation with the South and stopped negotiations with the U.S. as well.
And as America invaded Afghanistan and intensified sanctions on North Korea, the South–North relationship froze overnight after strong remarks at the Korea–U.S. summit.
The inter-Korean project Daehyeon had poured its full strength into was collapsing, dragging the whole group down.
“I heard even the Mount Kumgang tourism project has stopped.”
“Yes, we were notified of its unilateral suspension. Likely an order from Kim Jongil after President Bush’s remarks in Seoul.”
“For now, please just maintain the current status. There’s a good project coming up—a collaboration between Joongwoo, Daehyeon, and Hyeonhwa. All three will need to join forces.”
Hearing that a project required cooperation among three of Korea’s top ten conglomerates, Song Chanwoo’s eyes widened.
“A joint project between all three groups?”
“It’s not time to discuss details yet, but you’ll hear good news soon.”
“How is that even possible...”
I raised my coffee cup and smiled.
“You’ll see. The coffee’s getting cold—let’s talk while we drink.”
Song Chanwoo picked up his cup, while Song Chanhyuk sat stiffly, discomfort written all over his face.
He must’ve resented me for blocking his chance to seize the heavy industries branch entirely.
I left him alone and chatted with Song Chanwoo for a while about Daehyeon’s current situation.
When the atmosphere had eased, I set down my cup and shifted the topic.
“Let’s wrap up the Daehyeon discussion. There’s another reason I called you both today. It’s about the World Cup.”
At my sudden mention of the World Cup, Song Chanwoo looked puzzled.
“The World Cup? Why bring that up now...”
“I heard Assemblyman Song worked hard to help Korea co-host it.”
I glanced at Song Chanhyuk’s still displeased face, then continued.
“I recently acquired a Premier League club. Were you aware?”
I had asked Song Chanwoo, but the answer came from Song Chanhyuk instead.
“The Premier League? Ah, yes. You’re close with James Han of Dreamhigh Investment, who bought Leeds United.”
“Exactly. That’s why I’ve grown quite interested in soccer. And as you know, Korean soccer and Daehyeon Group are inseparable. The World Cup’s co-hosting with Japan is thanks to your efforts, Assemblyman. I truly respect that.”
It wasn’t an exaggeration to say Korean soccer existed thanks to Daehyeon Group.
Since the early ’90s, when Song Chanhyuk became head of the Korean Football Association, he had poured his time and money into developing Korean soccer.
You could say the World Cup being held in Korea was largely his doing.
At the mention of the World Cup and soccer, Song Chanhyuk’s face finally brightened.
People always respond well to flattery, after all.
“The World Cup is just around the corner... Assemblyman, what kind of results do you think our national team will achieve?”
Out of curiosity, I asked for his opinion.
“They’ll reach the round of 16. It’s being held in Korea, after all. We can’t let it become someone else’s celebration. I guarantee it.”
I smiled faintly at his confident tone.
At least he was more optimistic than Kim Byungwoo or Lee Sanggeun.
“Full of confidence, I see. The better they perform, the greater your achievements will shine. I truly hope they do well.”
“Mark my words. There’ll be a miracle! Korea, which has never won a single World Cup match, will make it to the round of 16 this time!”
They’ll go even higher than that, I thought, nodding.
“That’s why I’d like to ask something. Before the World Cup begins, could you arrange a meeting with Coach Hiddink?”
“Coach Hiddink?”
“Yes. Once the World Cup is over, he’ll be returning to club management... and I want to offer him the position of manager for Leeds United.”
The man to hold my club’s reins had to be Hiddink.
