An Investor Who Sees The Future

The funeral hall has been decided to be at Seoul Seosung Hospital, in accordance with the wishes of the deceased.

The family announced they would hold the funeral as quietly as possible, but signs already indicated that mourners were beginning to gather.

Of course, in Korea, it seems there’s hardly anyone who isn’t directly or indirectly associated with Seosung Group. After all, that’s why the term “Seosung Republic” came about, right?

Prominent figures from business and politics will all attend, and ambassadors from various countries and foreign corporations have also expressed their intention to be present.

Even if we estimate a low number of mourners, it will be in the thousands.

If they all arrive at once, there’s a concern that not only the funeral hall but the entire hospital could be paralyzed (the parking lot would surely be overflowing), so they decided to take reservations by time slots.

Chairman Im Il-Kwon’s death has left us with another task.

That is… .

Senior Sang-yeop said, “Aren’t we supposed to go too?”

“Hmm.”

If I were just an ordinary college student, I wouldn’t need to worry about such things.

However, my current title is the CEO of OTK Company. Recently, I even met with Vice Chairman Im Jin-yong directly, and I plan to collaborate with Seosung Group going forward.

If I don’t attend the funeral for no good reason, I might hear comments later on.

Regardless, isn’t it our virtue to participate in major life events like weddings and funerals together?

The issue is that influential figures from both business and politics will all be present. Given that even the president is expected to pay their respects, I’m worried that it might result in an awkward situation if I go.

Taek-gyu said, “Is it really necessary to go? Vice Chairman Im Jin-yong didn’t attend your father’s funeral, did he?”

“…….”

Back then, I didn’t know him, so how could he have come? Anyone who hears that would think Vice Chairman Im Jin-yong is a professional non-attendee.

Senior Sang-yeop said again, “If you’re not going, shouldn’t you at least make a condolence payment?”

It’s a valid point.

If you can’t go in person, sending a condolence envelope is the polite thing to do.

Taek-gyu asked, “How much should we put in?”

Actually, this is the biggest problem.

[Problem] Describe the appropriate amount for condolence money at the Seosung Group chairman’s funeral and the justifiable reasons for it. (10 points)

“……”

Isn’t this almost an essay?

We huddled together, thinking seriously.

I brought up common social norms first. “For condolence or congratulatory money, if you’re not close, it’s 50,000 won; if you are, 100,000 won.”

“Then isn’t 50,000 won enough? We’re not that close.”

“But we met Vice Chairman Im Jin-yong not long ago.”

Taek-gyu shook his head. “Just seeing someone once doesn’t mean we’re close. He didn’t even buy us a meal.”

“He did buy us coffee, though.”

“True.”

Senior Sang-yeop spoke incredulously. “Are you joking? If it gets out that the OTK Company representative gave just 50,000 won, it would make the news.”

As Sang-yeop said, journalists with nothing to do might pick it up as a story.

[OTK Company representative donates only 50,000 won at Seosung Group chairman’s funeral.]

[50,000 won donation—what does it really mean?]

[Implying a lack of closeness with Seosung Group through the token amount of 50,000 won.]

[50,000 won is merely one ten-billionth of CEO Kang Jin-hoo’s assets.]

[These days, friends don’t do things like this.]

[Is Kang Jin-hoo even human after this?]

[Where is his conscience…?]

“……”

Looking at the state of the news from the three major broadcasting companies these days, it wouldn’t be surprising to see an article like this.

Even amid the noisy situation regarding the National Intelligence Service’s civilian surveillance issue, our news media is still reporting that sausage bread tastes good on rainy days.

After all, the entire nation knows my wealth is in the tens of trillions, so is it really that strange to contribute only 50,000 won?

“Then how much should we contribute?”

Senior Sang-yeop seriously offered his opinion.

“Shouldn’t it be around 10 million won?”

We were taken aback.

“That’s so much!”

Taek-gyu raised a counterargument.

“But the family on that side is quite wealthy too. Whether it’s 100,000 won or 10 million won, they probably wouldn’t care much.”

That was a valid point.

Opinions remained divided between those wanting to contribute only 50,000 won (Taek-gyu) and those believing it should be 10 million won (Senior Sang-yeop).

But then, Taek-gyu suddenly changed his mind.

“Thinking it over, maybe 10 million won isn’t a bad idea.”

“Hmm? Out of the blue?”

“No, if we put in 10 million won now, when you get married later, won’t they gift you a Seosung Electronics TV worth 30 million won?”

“……How would I know when I’ll get married?”

But then, listening to it, it did make sense.

If you give 10 million won and receive a 30 million won TV in return, doesn’t that sound like a good deal?

I took a moment to think and came to a conclusion.

“Let’s just ask when my noona comes back.”

“Oh! That sounds good.”

“I agree, too.”

The two of them nodded in agreement with my words.

Just then, Hyun-joo, having finished her work, returned to the office with Ellie.

Taek-gyu asked, “Are you going to Chairman Im Il-kwon’s funeral?”

Hyun-joo nodded her head. “I have to go. The Golden Gate and Seosung Group have some ties. I’ve already registered on the guest list. Ellie will accompany me as my aide.”

“How much are you planning to donate?”

“Donate?”

“We’ve been in a meeting for an hour discussing how much to contribute. Let’s only donate what you do, noona.”

Hyun-joo looked at us with a helpless expression as she put a cigarette in her mouth. “Didn’t you hear that they’re not accepting donations? The Seosung Group’s family is not in a position where they can’t hold a funeral without contributions. If they wanted, they could buy the whole funeral hall… No, it’s actually Seosung Hospital that belongs to the family.”

“Oh! Is that so?”

Our faces all brightened simultaneously.

We had been worrying about something unnecessary.

***

The news buzzed with the funeral of Chairman Im Il-kwon.

As expected, the funeral home was packed. Long black sedans lined up in front of Seoul Seosung Hospital.

Dozens of traffic police were deployed for traffic control and parking guidance, and the hospital scrambled to find nearby parking.

Only those whose names were on the pre-registered list could attend the mourning ceremony, and the press was prohibited from entering.

A separate incense altar was set up for general visitors, and a line of mourners formed there as well.

Some progressive organizations and fired workers from Seosung affiliates protested in front of the altar with banners and placards depicting various illegal activities of Chairman Im Il-kwon, while conservative groups staged counter-demonstrations right in front of them.

The thoughts of the mourners were divided.

Some fainted from crying in front of the altar and had to be carried away, while others were dragged out after shouting that he was responsible for collusion between politics and business and the ruin of the common economy.

Hyun-joo and Ellie represented Golden Gate, while senior Sang-yup and Henry attended on behalf of OTK Company.

After much hesitation, I decided to go with Taek-gyu to the funeral home at Seoul Seosung Hospital on the last day of the funeral.

Taek-gyu remarked in amazement, “I can’t believe I’m going to the funeral of the chairman of Seosung Group after attending the inauguration of the American president.”

I found it surprising, too.

“Do you know the etiquette for a funeral? You can’t make mistakes.”

While you might get away with some errors at a wedding, proper decorum is expected at a funeral.

Taek-gyu confidently nodded. “Of course. I even checked the Baram Funeral Home website.”

“Oh, really? Show me later.”

“Don’t you already know since you’ve been a mourner before?”

I shook my head. “I was so flustered that I don’t even remember how it went.”

One thing I clearly remember is that Taek-gyu cried a lot for three days. It got to the point where some mistook him for a family member, and later, people even thought he was someone hired for the occasion (a mourner from the adjacent room approached me and asked, “How much do you pay a person like him for a day?”).

The car quickly arrived at Seoul Seongbyeong Hospital. We got out and entered the funeral hall. At the entrance to the VIP room, bodyguards in suits wearing earpieces were standing guard.

A man who seemed to be the head of the security team approached us and asked,

“What’s your name?”

Only those whose names were registered in advance could enter the memorial. Given the presence of influential figures from the business and political realms, security was tight to prevent disturbances from reporters or protesters inside.

I told the security chief,

“Please inform them that Chairman Kang Jin-hoo of OTK Company and Vice Chairman Oh Taek-gyu have arrived.”

Only then did the bodyguards look surprised upon seeing my face.

“Please wait a moment.”

As the security chief went inside, Taek-gyu quietly asked,

“What if they say we can’t go in?”

“We’ll just leave our names and go.”

At least that would show our respects.

“I’m hungry. Can’t we just quietly have a bowl of spicy beef soup before we leave?”

“Go outside and buy something. How much could it possibly cost?”

“No way. The spicy beef soup here is delicious.”

“…….”

It’s hard to argue when he’s so right.

The security chief returned quickly.

“You may enter.”

“Yes.”

The hallway leading to the VIP room was lined with numerous wreaths. To the left of the entrance were wreaths sent from the business world, and to the right, those from the political sphere.

Chairman Chae Won-tae of SSK Group, Chairman Jin Kyung-ho of Lite Group, Chairman Han Min-goo of Eunsungcha Group, and Chairman Yang Jun-mo of CL Group, among others.

Korea Party, New Politics Party, Future National Party, Democratic Integration Party, etc. Party leaders, floor leaders, various members of the National Assembly, and various ministers and vice-ministers.

The wreath sent by President Park Si-hyeong was placed in a spot that was particularly visible.

Arranging the wreaths in some order must have been quite a headache.

As I walked down the long corridor, the mourning hall came into view. It wasn’t particularly luxurious, just somewhat larger than average.

Even a wealthy individual could access this special room. If the funeral parlor were extravagant, it would seem a bit odd.

During the funeral, the bereaved should stay in their seats. If there are many siblings, they take turns standing vigil.

I was curious who was present at this time. There was a woman in her mid-40s dressed in mourning clothes and a man in his early 30s.

I recognized them from seeing them on TV multiple times: eldest daughter Im Soo-mi, CEO of Ceylon Hotel, and youngest son Im Seung-yong, CEO of Seosung Heavy Industries.

It seems blood tells; both resembled Chairman Im Il-Kwon and Vice Chairman Im Jin-yong.

“I’m sorry for coming at this late hour,” said CEO Im Soo-mi to us.

“No, thank you for coming,” I replied.

In the middle of the not-so-large altar lay a portrait of the deceased, showing Chairman Im Il-Kwon in good health.

I lit the incense and placed it on the burner before bowing twice with Taek-gyu towards the altar. Then, I bowed to the bereaved and offered my condolences.

“I can only imagine your sorrow. Though I never met him in life, I always respected the deceased. I believe he has gone to a good place.”

CEO Im Soo-mi smiled faintly.

“My father would always smile and be happy whenever he heard about OTK Company. He mentioned wanting to meet after being discharged in good health, so thank you for coming even under these circumstances.”

OTK Company became known to the public during the L6 incident. By then, he must have been struggling to move.

Whether it was just a polite remark or not, I genuinely felt it would have been nice to have met him at least once.

Despite the late hour, there were quite a few people keeping vigil.

We sat in a corner. The table was laid with spicy beef soup, sliced meat, peanuts, and tangerines.

Chairman Im Il-Kwon lived a lavish life. However, the scene at the funeral home didn’t seem much different from that of ordinary people.

“Want a drink?”

“At a funeral, it’s soju.”

Since I came with the bodyguard and driver, it didn’t matter if I drank.

We filled our soju glasses. Given the funeral setting, we drank silently without toasting, enjoying the spicy soup with rice.

As I sipped the soju, I thought about Chairman Im Il-Kwon.

Unlike the founder, Chairman Im Young-cheol, who struggled after the Korean War, Im Il-Kwon was born into wealth and was still a chaebol at the moment of his death.

He lived in a fine house, ate good food, and enjoyed all the good things life had to offer.

Yet, whether rich or poor, life is the same; the end is unavoidable for everyone.

It’s merely a matter of being glamorous or miserable, long or short.

I looked at the people in the funeral home. Considering they were here at this hour, were they all attending the burial tomorrow?

Most were likely from the Seosung Group. Were they mourning the deceased, rejoicing, or calculating how this would affect them?

Taek-gyu whispered, “Do you think they knew their family would turn against each other after death?”

“They probably did.”

It had happened before.

After banishing his two older brothers from Seosung Group, Chairman Im Il-Kwon lived his life without seeing them even once. His family was also kept far from the group.

Isn’t it absurd if this is the fate of chaebol groups? It’s not the era of monarchy anymore.

We continued to eat the spicy soup with our heads down.

“I would’ve regretted it if I hadn’t eaten. I think I’ll have another bowl.”

“……”

No condolences, just extracting every bit.

I casually said, “I’ll have another bowl too.”

At that moment, someone approached from the side.

“May I sit for a moment?”

It was none other than President Im Seung-yong.