The flight time is approximately 14 hours.
There was no one else in first class but us. After the plane safely took off, we gathered in one place. I asked the flight attendant to bring us some wine.
“Let’s all have a drink together.”
One of the additional advantages of first class, apart from comfortable seating, is that premium wine is served. So, the more you drink, the better.
As our glasses clinked, everyone’s expressions turned dark. They seemed to feel psychological pressure due to K Company being raided.
Taek-gyu jokingly said, “We won’t be arrested as soon as we get off at the airport, right?”
Ellie chuckled, “Come on, surely not.”
I nodded, “To achieve our goals, we won’t hesitate to use any means necessary. That includes putting the CEO of OTK Company behind bars.”
Once Park Si-hyeong became president, he replaced the head of the National Intelligence Service, the prosecutor general, the chief of police, and the head of the National Tax Service with his own people. The media and conglomerates support him, and his party, the Korean National Party, holds the majority of seats in the parliament.
If a president with immense power decides to wield that power for personal gain, is there anything he can’t do?
Ellie widened her eyes in surprise, “Knowing all that, you still chose to go to Korea?”
“Even if I’m gone, OTK Company will continue to run without issues.”
Even for conglomerates, it’s challenging to make important decisions in the absence of their leader. Hence, if the leader is caught for embezzlement or corruption, there are calls for pardoning for the sake of the national economy.
OTK Company lacks a structured organization, so if the CEO is imprisoned, investment plans are bound to be disrupted. This is the general consensus.
However, once the orders are given, my role is essentially over. While I currently hold the final approval, it’s more of a formality. In case of absence, it wouldn’t matter if Hyun-joo takes over. But if it were Hyun-joo who got caught and imprisoned, the situation would turn grave.
“Fortunately, even though my noona holds Korean nationality, having the title of the Golden Gate’s director should resolve any issues.
If they arrest her without any concrete evidence, it will become international news, and Golden Gate will strongly protest.
If Golden Gate were to sell stocks or bonds… No, even just releasing a sell report would greatly impact the Korean market.
Therefore, it’s unlikely they would act rashly against Hyunjoo.
I looked at Ellie and said, “There’s nothing to worry about. Since she hasn’t committed any crimes, even if she’s arrested, she will be released soon.”
Taekgyu looked perplexed and asked, “Are you prepared to be arrested?”
“If her identity is exposed, there’s a high chance she’ll be summoned by the prosecution, even without being arrested.”
Taekgyu burst out, “Why didn’t you tell us earlier?”
“Just in case. If the truth came out, you and Ellie might have been influenced.”
Taekgyu glanced at Hyunjoo and asked, “Did you know too?”
“I don’t want to believe this administration is as corrupt as that… But maybe.”
Hyunjoo probably caught on. She must have understood my intentions and deliberately kept silent.
“Wow! Deceiving people like this? I should ask the flight attendant for some peanuts.”
“Why peanuts?”
“To divert the plane.”
“…That’s a clever idea. Convenient that the airline also has a first-class.”
Ellie acted as an interpreter and explained to Henry, “There was an incident where a third-generation chaebol diverted a flight because the flight attendant didn’t peel the peanuts.”
Henry nodded his head.
“I am well aware of the highly publicized incident. It happened at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York.”
“······.”
Korean conglomerates are promoting Korea to the world so diligently.
Hyunjoo hesitated as she reached out her hand towards her coat. Unconsciously searching for a cigarette, she realized that smoking was prohibited on the plane.
“Jinhoo, what is your purpose here?”
Following Hyunjoo’s question, Taekgyu also asked, “Exactly. Knowing the risks, why did you enter Korea?”
“Challenging the government is not a wise decision. Even though OTK Company is a foreign entity, K Company has its business base domestically. Even if we manage to get through this incident, there’s no guarantee that a similar one won’t happen in the future.”
In the past, there were cases where conglomerates were dismantled with just a word from the president. An international group that once ranked 7th in the conglomerate hierarchy disappeared into history for displeasing Chun Doo-hwan.
Though it may not be as extreme now, companies targeted by the government have faced unfavorable outcomes.
I opposed Eunsung Cha and supported Ronald. Whether intended or not, I ended up turning the government into an adversary.
The choice is binary.
Either stop now or continue to fight back. Naturally, my choice is the latter.
The more one engages in unreasonable actions, the greater the backlash if they fail.
Looking at everyone, I said, “Everything will be resolved once the U.S. presidential election is over.”
If Ronald becomes president, OTK Company will become a kingmaker. It’s as if they carry the weight of the U.S. president on their shoulders.
At that point, they can be held accountable for everything that happened until then.
Why did they resort to illegal surveillance using the National Intelligence Service, conduct a raid on K Company with the prosecution and the tax authorities? Ultimately, the reasons behind these actions will be questioned, and President Park Si-hyeong’s relationship with PAS may come to light again.
No matter what, the current administration will suffer a huge blow. On closer inspection, just one case of illegal surveillance could lead to impeachment.
“Are you going to be the bait yourself?”
“If they target me, the political responsibility will increase even more.”
While focusing on the bait, you may end up missing what’s really important.
No matter how you try to distract with baits in power, you can’t ignore it. It’s better to make them focus on me, while others can work at ease.
If I step in, can Sangyeop senior come out?
Even though he said it lightly, I couldn’t help but feel fearful. It’s reckless to fight against national power as an individual.
Am I really doing the right thing?
Should I just quit everything and live comfortably spending money lavishly? Ellie gently took my hand. I felt a soft and warm touch.
“Nothing will happen.”
Hyunjoo noona smiled.
“Jinhoo, you have a lot of money, so you’ll be fine.”
“Are you kidding?”
To my question, Hyunjoo noona replied seriously.
“No. Power is temporary, but money is eternal. That’s why politicians engage in corruption while in power. The money you have is your weapon. So there’s not much to worry about.”
After hearing this, I feel somewhat relieved.
Taekgyu added a word.
“But still, shouldn’t you be careful with the red Matiz?”
Upon hearing this, I’m not reassured again.
Taekgyu interpreted and explained to Henry.
“In Korea, a red Matiz holds significant symbolic meaning. In the past, at the NIS…”
“Why are you explaining that?”
Anyway, we discussed and planned for various scenarios for future measures.
Meanwhile, the plane safely arrived at Incheon Airport.
***
After completing the immigration procedures and heading towards the arrival hall, Taekgyu said, “Surely they won’t arrest us here, right?”
“I highly doubt it.”
There is an order to everything, so they will probably send a summons first.
“If they arrest us, I’ll visit frequently, bring you delicious food, and deposit some spending money.”
“I’ll just eat with my own money.”
At that moment, men dressed in black suits suddenly approached us.
“Who are you?”
“We are from the prosecution.”
“…”
I thought to myself, could it be true? I had mentally prepared, but this is happening too fast.
In my state of shock, Taekgyu asked on my behalf, “What’s this about?”
“Are you Mr. Oh Taekgyu?”
“Is there a problem?”
“Are you the CEO of OTK Company?”
“Yes?”
“We are arresting you for violations of foreign exchange management laws and financial management laws.”
The men in suits grabbed Taekgyu from both sides.
Startled, Hyunjoo nervously exclaimed, “Who are you people? How dare you lay a hand on him?”
In response, the man pushed forward a piece of paper, saying, “This is an arrest warrant for Mr. Oh Taekgyu.”
I was bewildered as I saw it.
For some reason unknown to me, they were mistaking Taekgyu for the CEO of OTK Company, not me!
Clang!
Handcuffs were placed on Taekgyu’s wrists.
The man recited a Miranda warning as seen in movies or dramas.
“You have the right to remain silent, and anything you say can be used against you in court. You have the right to an attorney and can request one to speak on your behalf when being questioned. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you.
We can’t just let Taekgyu be taken away like this.
“I…”
As I tried to step forward, Taekgyu spoke loudly, “I am the CEO. Take me away.”
“What?”
“After work, we’ll see. My friend.”
Taekgyu smiled at me and winked before they were taken away without a chance for me to say anything.
What is going on here?
Airport staff and people about to leave the immigration area all stopped and stared at us.
After standing there dumbfounded for a while, Ellie grabbed me and Hyunjoo and said, “Let’s go for now.”
Henry took care of our luggage.
As we were escorted out of the immigration area by Ellie, I caught sight of Senior Gihong standing there.
“This way, Jinhoo!”
A van was waiting in front of the airport. Senior Gihong drove off as soon as we got in.
I regained my senses and asked Senior Gihong, “Why are you here, Senior?”
Senior Gihong replied as he drove, “Senior Sangyeop sent me.”
“Where is Senior Sangyeop?”
“He is currently undergoing questioning by the prosecution. He asked us to follow your and Director Oh Hyunjoo’s orders in his absence. Isn’t there one more person in your group? He sent the van for five of you.”
“He was just arrested.”
“What?”
My words surprised Senior Gihong. The car swerved out of the lane, shaking.”
“What on earth happened? Jinhoo, what does this have to do with the recent incident?”
“I’ll explain later, just focus on driving.”
“Okay.”
I looked back. Hyunjoo was sitting silently. At first glance, she seemed expressionless, but I could tell she was extremely angry.
I had never seen my noona this angry before. Though he may not know, Hyunjoo cherishes her younger brother deeply.
But there he was, being dragged away in handcuffs before her eyes.
I had promised Hyunjoo to join her and assured her that nothing would harm Taekgyu, no matter what happened.
I never thought I would break that promise.
“Sorry, sis. I need to go to the prosecution office…”
Hyunjoo said coldly, “Quiet. I’m trying to gather my thoughts.”
I fell silent. Everyone avoided speaking and simply read the atmosphere.
Returning to Korea, I thought I might get arrested. So, I was somewhat mentally prepared.
Why did I confuse Taekgyu as the CEO of OTK Company, not me… Ah!
I rubbed my forehead with my hand. Since I didn’t know the exact ownership situation, with the company name being OTK, it was natural to think Taekgyu was the CEO.
Why didn’t I think of that?
As I sighed inwardly, Hyunjoo’s voice rang out.
“It’s probably for the best. Taekgyu being absent is better than you.”
“Excuse me?”
“Taekgyu knows that too; he must have chosen to be taken in.”
“That’s… ”
Instead of clearing up the misunderstanding, Taekgyu put on the handcuffs himself.
Could his words about taking over until the end of the day mean he would be staying in my place?
Ellie reassured me, saying, “It’ll be okay, nothing major will happen.”
Hyunjoo instructed Ellie, “Contact the legal team at Golden Gate’s Korean branch to assign a lawyer to Taekgyu.”
“Got it.”
Ellie immediately contacted the legal team at Golden Gate’s Korean branch.
Hyunjoo said sternly, “Dare to touch my brother? I will never forgive you.”
Lets go