Free Web NovelThese days, it had become difficult to see Chairman Yoon Chang-ho.
Of course, every lawmaker was busy, but Yoon Chang-ho’s schedule was exceptional — he had already been nominated as the presidential candidate, and every day was packed.
He toured every province, met people, attended gatherings with figures from politics and business, and even gave lectures at universities — he was fully walking the path ahead of him.
That was why even today’s meeting had only been possible after squeezing out a bit of time.
“My shot’s... off today.”
Yoon frowned as he watched the golf ball he had just hit splash into the lake.
“Haha, Mr. Chairman. You’ve been playing golf a lot lately, but it looks like nothing’s changed. My turn now.”
Lee Myung-soo grinned broadly and swung his club hard.
The ball flew cleanly across the sky and landed smoothly on the green.
“Nice shot!”
The secretaries who had come along instead of caddies clapped, and Yoon joined in with polite applause.
“I’m on a roll today. Haha.”
As Myung-soo teased him, Yoon’s expression soured.
He was clearly thinking he’d like to smack the back of the man’s head.
After a moment, Yoon cleared his throat and reprimanded him in a measured tone.
“Hmm... You’re not neglecting your legislative duties just to play golf, are you? Or maybe you’re getting private lessons from a pro.”
“Come on, sir. Who works harder than I do in the Assembly? I’m busier than you are.”
Feigning grievance, Myung-soo complained, but Yoon didn’t let up.
“Is that so? I heard a rumor that you’ve been playing rounds lately with a beautiful female pro.”
Yoon looked at him with a suspicious gaze.
“What? Myung-soo, are you seeing someone?”
I turned my head mid-swing. What’s this about now?
Seeing the mischievous grin on my face, Myung-soo’s eyes went wide.
“No, it’s not like that. We’ve just played a few rounds together and got friendly, that’s all—”
He waved his hands in panic, but I wasn’t about to let the chance slip by.
“You’re not married, so what’s the problem? If she’s a good person, then date her.”
I set my stance again and struck the golf ball cleanly.
The ball shot straight across the field, rolled up the green, and didn’t stop — it sank neatly into the hole.
Ma, standing nearby with his usual stoic expression, clapped his hands and called out,
“Nice shot!”
Trying not to laugh at the sight of that wooden-faced man loudly cheering to boost my mood, I handed him the club.
Somehow, it felt amusing — and oddly pleasant.
“Myung-soo, you need more practice. Hard to focus on golf when you’re too busy flirting, huh?”
“What the hell! Flirting? I told you, it’s nothing like that.”
“Sure, sure. Anyway, if you do plan to get married, give me a heads-up.”
“Oh, damn it!”
Knowing he’d walked right into it, Myung-soo kicked at the ground and grumbled.
I snickered and turned to Yoon Chang-ho.
“Mr. Chairman, shall we take a walk?”
Yoon glanced toward the golf cart, then nodded.
“Let’s.”
We walked side by side, continuing our conversation.
“How’s the atmosphere within the party these days?”
“No major movements yet.”
“And what about former President Choi Sun-man? Have you met him recently?”
Yoon shook his head.
“No. But he must realize by now that I can’t be separated from you. That’s probably making him uneasy. I don’t know when the lawmakers might suddenly defect in groups.”
“Do you know what kind of hidden power Choi Sun-man holds? Has he ever shown it to you or mentioned it?”
A heavy expression crossed Yoon’s face. His lips moved slowly.
“He’s never shown me directly. But if the senior members of the Centrist Party, who I thought were firmly under my control, are now rebelling, then I’d say he’s already proven his power enough. Don’t you agree?”
“I met with Floor Leader Heo Tae-min not long ago — to get his support for approving Representative Jeong Chan-seong’s arrest motion. He decided to give me a little ‘warning.’ He said Choi Sun-man is a terrifying man... and that what I know isn’t the whole story.”
“He said that?”
Yoon stopped walking and asked. His voice held a faint trace of shock.
I stopped too and nodded.
“Yes. That’s why I intend to meet Choi Sun-man myself. Could you arrange it?”
“...I could. But you understand that doing so carries risk for me. Meeting him might mean cutting ties completely.”
“It’s already one or the other. Either become that man’s pawn, or join hands with me and become President. You’ve already made your choice, haven’t you?”
Yoon didn’t release my hand. No — he couldn’t.
His face hardened as he nodded, meeting my eyes.
“I’ve made it. But if you meet him, things won’t end quietly. That’ll be the start of war. The party will split, and the conservatives and progressives might even join forces...”
“I won’t let that happen. Trust me and set up the meeting. There’s not much time left before you become the owner of the Blue House. If we miss this chance, it’ll never come again.”
Yoon nodded and resumed walking. I followed, matching his pace.
“I’ll arrange it as soon as possible.”
“Thank you.”
Just then, Myung-soo drove past us in the golf cart.
“I’ll go on ahead. Take your time, gentlemen~.”
As we watched him wave and drive off, Yoon sighed.
“Tell me... can you really change this country with someone like that on your team?”
“...”
I wanted to die of embarrassment. I couldn’t exactly claim with confidence that I could.
Two weeks before the World Cup, I arrived at Jeju Airport for the friendly match against England.
The airport lobby was filled with soccer fans wearing red T-shirts.
I walked past them and headed straight for the stadium.
The Jeju World Cup Stadium — built specifically for the Korea–Japan World Cup — was a good distance from the airport.
When I reached the VIP seats, Assemblyman Song Chanhyuk was talking with an official from the Korea Football Association.
He was so focused on the conversation that he didn’t notice me approach.
“Assemblyman Song.”
At my call, he turned his head.
“Ah, President Kim. Welcome.”
“Thank you for inviting me.”
“Not at all. Anyone who loves soccer is welcome. You’re one of us, aren’t you?”
Ever since learning that I owned an English club, Song Chanhyuk had completely set aside his past displeasure and treated me warmly.
Of course, I knew why. Keeping ties with a Premier League club owner would help him on his way toward his dream — the FIFA presidency.
He was the kind of man who valued honor more than money.
“Coach Hiddink will only be able to meet briefly after the match. With just two weeks left until the World Cup, he’s implied he can’t spare much time.”
That was understandable. I nodded.
“I completely understand. You’ve spoken to him already?”
“Yes. But his reaction wasn’t positive. He said he wants to go back home.”
I’d expected that.
After leading the Korean national team — a footballing backwater — to a miracle run to the semifinals, there was no way other national associations /N_o_v_e_l_i_g_h_t/ or European clubs would leave him alone.
He’d already received countless offers, but Hiddink had chosen a Dutch club team instead.
“Even if he rejects me, I’d rather hear it in person. I’ll try to persuade him — and if it doesn’t work, I’ll let it go. I don’t want to burden him before the World Cup.”
“Thank you for being considerate.”
“Then I’ll head to my seat. I’ll come find you again after the match.”
I turned to leave, then stopped.
“Oh, Assemblyman. By the way, the owner of Chelsea will be attending the opening ceremony of the World Cup. When he arrives, I’ll introduce you.”
Russia’s group matches were being held in Japan, but Roman had contacted me to say he’d come to Seoul to watch the opening ceremony at the World Cup Stadium.
I intended to introduce him to Song Chanhyuk — a connection that would serve him well.
In Korea, Song carried weight, but abroad, he didn’t. The more contacts, the better.
“Really? I heard the news about Chairman Roman’s acquisition. He’s coming here himself?”
“Yes. I’ll arrange the meeting personally.”
Song Chanhyuk stood up and gripped my hand tightly.
“Thank you.”
“Think nothing of it. And if you ever build connections with other club owners, I’ll introduce you around. Your success benefits me too, doesn’t it? Anyway, I’ll take my seat now — the game’s about to start.” freēwebnovel.com
I looked down. The thirty-thousand-seat stadium was already a sea of red.
I turned away and went to my seat.
Thanks to the national team’s recent 4–0 victory over Scotland, the atmosphere was electric even before kickoff.
Until that win, many fans had doubted Hiddink.
But a month before the World Cup, the crushing victory over Scotland had erased those doubts — now there was only anticipation.
And then, the friendly against England began.
Aside from Beckham, who was out with an injury, England had brought their full starting lineup. The whistle blew.
Ranked twelfth by FIFA and boasting a powerhouse roster, England wasn’t expected to lose to Korea.
Sure enough, by midway through the first half, Michael Owen scored the opening goal.
But early in the second half, Korea’s equalizer changed everything.
To everyone’s surprise, Korea dominated the second half — and the match ended in a 1–1 draw.
I already knew the result, but around me, every face in the VIP box wore a different expression of shock and awe.
The Korean Football Association officials were ecstatic, while the English delegation looked stunned.
From the sidelines, Beckham, shouting from the stands, gestured furiously for his teammates to get off the field — the English players left without even exchanging jerseys.
But the Korean fans were different.
They roared until the stadium shook, singing as they waved to the departing players.
When the match ended, I rose and approached Song Chanhyuk.
“Assemblyman, should I congratulate you on the draw?”
I asked jokingly, but he greeted me with a bright, triumphant smile.
“A draw? Everyone can see we won! A tie against England, the birthplace of football! Our players completely controlled the second half.”
“I agree. They’ve clearly been training hard.”
Song was genuinely delighted. Nodding and smiling, he continued,
“Coach Hiddink will meet you in an hour. He said he’ll take some time with the players first.”
Following him, I headed to an office inside the stadium.
We chatted about soccer.
When I asked a few questions, he eagerly explained everything, excited as a child.
An hour later, the door opened, and Coach Hiddink entered.
I stood and extended my hand first.
“Good to meet you. I’m Kim Muhyuk, Coach Hiddink.”
“Pleasure to meet you.”
After the brief formality, we sat down.
“I’ll go see the players. Please, continue your conversation.”
Song, reading the mood, excused himself and left. Only Hiddink and I remained in the room.
He got straight to the point.
“I’ve heard a little about this already, but I’m still under contract with Korea. For now, I only want to focus on the World Cup. And I’m sure you know how I was treated at my previous clubs. I accepted the Korean job because I was disillusioned with club management.”
I nodded in understanding. I already knew he’d suffered greatly under stubborn executives and constant interference.
So I planned to make him a groundbreaking offer.
“Of course. I understand. Coach, I’ll give you full authority over the entire team.”
