Genius Grandson Of The Loan Shark King

The Wall Street Journal article came out.

[Dreamhigh's Hidden Giant: Kim Muhyuk, From Loan Shark King's Grandson to Successful Global Investor]

I stared at the Wall Street Journal article on my laptop and sank into deep thought.

Just then, Chief Ma entered the living room carrying coffee.

“Chief Ma. Come take a look. You've seen the article, right?”

Chief Ma glanced at the Wall Street Journal displayed on the screen and nodded.

“Yes, Boss. Overall, the tone was positive.”

I shook my head.

“I don't know. ‘Hidden Giant’... Doesn't that imply I'm hiding something?”

“But ending it with ‘global investor’ looks good.”

“That's true. But the focus is still on ‘grandson of the Loan Shark King.’ It's a little irritating.”

In the past, I wouldn't have cared much about something like this.

But the provocative term Loan Shark King could leave an even more negative impression on people.

No matter that we'd never lent money to ordinary civilians, in people's minds, it was still usury.

Leaning back in my chair, I let out a deep sigh.

“It was a subject that would have to be addressed eventually. In fact, I think it would be good to clear everything up once and for all through this opportunity.”

“I suppose so...”

I had a bad feeling about all this.

There would certainly be things to gain by stepping forward, but ultimately, it meant my freedom of movement had become restricted.

“Still, I'm worried about how this will be perceived. Especially what that bastard Choi Seohyeon will say next.”

Chief Ma pointed to the Wall Street Journal article on the screen.

“The article explained Dreamhigh's investments and vision in detail. We need to emphasize even more that we'll continue investing in Korea.”

I nodded.

“Control the Korean media as much as possible so they don't publish negative articles about us.”

“We've contacted most of them. But we can't control everyone.”

Silence filled the room for a moment.

“When's the interview with The New York Times?”

“Tomorrow at two in the afternoon, Boss.”

“This time, let's avoid talking about Grandpa as much as possible and casually mention my relationship with Myungsoo.”

“Would mentioning Floor Leader Lee really be a good choice?”

“Even if we pretend not to know, Choi Seohyeon will reveal it eventually. It's better if we disclose it first.”

“Understood, Boss. I'll make sure that point is reflected in the preparations.”

I looked through the Wall Street Journal article one more time.

No one could predict how Korean public opinion would change going forward.

But one thing was certain.

I would not retreat.

Because Korea was the land where I would spend the rest of my life.

The day after the Wall Street Journal article came out, I sat facing New York Times reporter Tom Brady in the reception room.

“Charlie, thank you for making time for us.”

“No, thank you.”

Tom placed a recorder on the table and opened his notebook.

“What are your thoughts regarding the recent controversy in Korea?”

It started with almost the same question as the Wall Street Journal interview.

I gave nearly the same answers, and the questions and responses continued.

“Charlie, there are rumors that you and ruling party Floor Leader Lee Myungsoo are very close. Could you comment on that?”

“Ah! I was actually hoping to clarify that.”

Leaning forward, I continued.

“Myungsoo is my closest friend. We've been balls-out buddies since we grew up together in the neighborhood. Ah, please correct that. Childhood friends.”

I corrected the provocative expression.

Tom's eyes widened.

“Then hasn't your relationship with Congressman Lee Myungsoo influenced your business?”

Shaking my head, I leaned back again.

“Not at all. Our relationship is simply one of friendship. Ever since my parents passed away and my grandmother raised me alone. Back then, we worried every day about putting food on the table...”

As I talked about my childhood, I emphasized that my friendship with Myungsoo dated back to those carefree days.

“If I had truly provided illegal political funds, I would've helped my old friend Lee Myungsoo, not the Progressive Party. Wouldn't that be obvious?”

“Then how do you explain the allegations that you supported the Progressive Party?”

I burst out laughing.

“That's simply absurd. Why would I support the Progressive Party? There's absolutely no reason for me to commit illegal acts just to provide political funds to them.”

I confronted the issue head-on by using my relationship with Myungsoo.

After the questions about Myungsoo ended, a topic that hadn't come up in the Wall Street Journal interview appeared.

“Charlie, allegations have also surfaced that you wield tremendous influence in Russia, China, and even North Korea. What are your thoughts?”

I remained silent for a moment before answering slowly.

“I'm aware of those allegations. But they're nothing more than completely baseless speculation.”

“Then what exactly is your relationship with those countries?”

I answered calmly.

“As a global investor, Dreamhigh is interested in markets around the world. Russia and China are enormous markets, so investment there is only natural. As you know, politics and economics are closely intertwined in those countries. If I had to put it simply, I only sought to maintain good relationships with politicians in each nation as an investor. To say that translates into ‘having tremendous influence over those countries’ feels like a rather excessive interpretation.”

After listening to my explanation, Tom nodded and asked again.

“What about North Korea?”

“As a Korean, economic cooperation with North Korea is good business. I've visited North Korea many times and invested there. But those investments were made legally, in accordance with international law and the laws of the Republic of Korea.”

“There are also claims that the recent rapid improvement in relations between North and South Korea was possible because of your unofficial ties with senior North Korean officials.”

I shook my head in exasperation.

“That isn't true either. Dreamhigh's investments are transparent and legal. I've never evaded taxes, nor have I broken any laws. I strictly follow the laws and regulations of every country where I invest. I believe that's what gives us the strength to continue investing.”

“Then why do you think these allegations have surfaced?”

“If someone intentionally created these suspicions, I can only assume they've dragged me onto the stage, despite having nothing to do with the issue, to divert attention from something more important. Russia and China are markets with guaranteed success. But we entered those markets ahead of everyone else, while other investment banks and hedge funds came rushing in later.”

The interview, which had lasted about an hour, was nearing its end.

“Finally, do you have anything you'd like to say?”

Looking Tom directly in the eye, I emphasized,

“It's true that I'm a major investor in Dreamhigh. It's also true that Congressman Lee Myungsoo and I have been friends for a long time. But that's simply my business and a personal relationship. Going forward, I intend to continue contributing to the development of the global economy as an investor, and especially, as the head of the Korean branch, I plan to continue investing heavily in Korea.”

Tom nodded, switched off the recorder, and put it away.

“Thank you for taking the time to speak with me.”

The interview ended, and Tom departed.

Through The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times, I'd explained what needed explaining and revealed even more truths.

Now the ball had passed into the hands of the Korean media and the Korean public.

* * *

Congressman Choi Seohyeon let out a sigh as he read the New York Times article.

His aide cautiously knocked and entered.

“Candidate. We've compiled the reactions from various media outlets regarding Kim Muhyuk's interview.”

Choi Seohyeon nodded.

“How is it?”

“As expected, all of them are practically defending Kim Muhyuk. The conservative media, especially, are accepting his explanations at face value. Only the progressive media are raising a few questions, and even they conveniently left out the most important issue—the political funds.”

At that moment, Choi Seohyeon's phone rang.

The caller was the newly elected party chairman.

After announcing his presidential run, Choi Seohyeon had stepped down as party chairman and installed a senior lawmaker from his own faction in the position.

“Chairman Han.”

“Candidate Choi. Have you seen Kim Muhyuk's interview?”

“I just received a report.”

“What do you think about this situation?”

Choi Seohyeon fell silent for a moment.

“Kim Muhyuk emphasizing his friendship with Lee Myungsoo was unexpected. That's actually a more provocative issue capable of creating even bigger suspicions.”

“The media reaction isn't bad at all. In particular, people seem to agree with Kim Muhyuk's point that if he really were giving political funds, he'd support Lee Myungsoo rather than the Progressive Party.”

“But that doesn't mean all suspicions have been completely resolved.”

“True. But things have become complicated now. If the Centrist Party gets involved, we could end up at a disadvantage. Candidate Choi, you do have a plan, right?”

Reassuring the anxious party chairman, Choi Seohyeon answered,

“Don't worry. I'm Choi Seohyeon. Just trust me and wait.”

At the same time, an emergency meeting was convened at the Blue House.

Yoon Changho let out a deep sigh and asked his aides,

“International attention is focused on our country because of Choi Seohyeon's accusations and President Kim Muhyuk's interviews. How should we respond?”

“I think it's best for the Blue House to remain silent. Intervening recklessly might only add fuel to the fire.”

“I agree. Acting hastily could backfire.”

The Blue House issued no statement whatsoever regarding the allegations.

Newspaper stands across the country were covered with articles about Kim Muhyuk's interviews.

[Kim Muhyuk Completely Denies ‘Political Influence’ Allegations... Longtime Friend of Congressman Lee Myungsoo]

[A Power Broker Across Russia, China, and North Korea? ‘Complete Misunderstanding’]

[Ruling and Opposition Parties Intensify Clash Over Truth Behind Kim Muhyuk Allegations]

People passionately debated Kim Muhyuk in cafés and subways.

“Hey, Kim Muhyuk seems incredible. Just look at how successful he is on the global stage. Ah, I'm jealous.”

“What are you talking about? Not all the allegations have been cleared up. He still seems suspicious to me.”

“You should focus on Dreamhigh's track record. They've only done things that benefit our country.”

Even civic organizations that normally rose up over issues like this remained silent.

Every issue in South Korea had been swallowed by Kim Muhyuk.

The presidential primaries themselves had practically been pushed into the background.

* * *

Kim Muhyuk's secret bar.

Lee Myungsoo and all the members of his inner circle had gathered there.

Various newspapers were scattered across the table.

With a sigh, Lee Myungsoo spoke first.

“It was already agreed that Muhyuk would mention my name.”

“And it helped a lot. It looks like the accusations about funding the Progressive Party have been overcome.”

Oh Hyunwoo interjected.

“The real problem starts now. The prosecution has begun moving.”

“What?”

Han Minkyung looked at her husband in shock.

“What do you mean the prosecution is moving?”

“Nothing official yet, but some deputy chief prosecutors are apparently trying to align themselves with Choi Seohyeon of the Progressive Party.”

“Every time there's a presidential election, prosecutors pull this kind of crap. That's why they get called corrupt prosecutors.”

Yoon Jaeha cursed while narrowing his eyes.

“Fuck. The prosecution's moving? And you're just sitting around watching?”

“You think I'd do that? Once I see a definite move, I'll step in and stop it.”

“Still, this is troublesome...”

“There's a limit to how long we can keep blocking them. If the media keep hounding this and Choi Seohyeon keeps raising suspicions, there won't be much we can do. In the end, this has to be dealt with once and for all.”

Lee Myungsoo nodded.

“Right. Hyunwoo, you should take direct control of this.”

After pondering briefly, Oh Hyunwoo nodded.

“Alright. I'll steer things in that direction.”

“Then I suppose I'll have to take charge of Muhyuk's defense.”

Yoon Jaeha volunteered to be Kim Muhyuk's lawyer.

“If anyone tries to apply for a warrant, I'll make sure every single one gets rejected.”

Han Minkyung also declared that she would reject any warrants.

“This time, we'll use every ounce of power available to us to get through this. You understand what I mean, right?”

Lee Myungsoo emphasized the point to his friends.

“Muhyuk has no intention of leaving Korea. That's why we have to help him.”

Until deep into the night, Lee Myungsoo and his friends continued discussing countermeasures.