Chapter 62

Chapter 62

A week ago.

In Seouls wealthy neighborhood, as if following the family motto Prosper in business, live humbly at home, the food laid out on the dining table was modest and didnt match the grandeur of the mansion.

From Hamgyeong-do style meat and eggplant stew to rice cooked with surf clams, and Youngchae kimchi made from pickled shepherds purse leaves. These were dishes that clearly reflected the hometown of the person eating them.

Father, you seem particularly cheerful today.

The eldest son, Kim Jeongwoo, looked at his father, who was seated at the head of the table.

Yes, Im in a good mood indeed.

The brothers and daughters-in-law, seated at the long dining table, opened their eyes wide in surprise. Once a week, the presidents of the affiliated companies, known as the sacred bones of Daejeong Group, dined together at Chairman Kim Daejins mansion.

To others, Chairman Kim Daejin was generous and open-handed, but to his own children, he was endlessly stingy and valued frugality.

Thus, when the daughters-in-law visited their father-in-laws mansion, they would leave behind their luxury clothing, even their expensive earrings and necklaces.

As this was also a gathering to review the weeks major and minor events of the affiliated companies, it usually involved a lot of scolding. It was essentially like sitting on pins and needles.

But today

Chairman Kim Daejin seemed to be in an exceptionally good mood.

Did you enjoy your round of golf today?

It was enjoyable, but I lost the bet.

You lost a bet? Werent you golfing with Director Ahn Jongman?

Not with Director Ahn, there was someone else. A formidable opponent indeed. I met quite an interesting character.

Suddenly, Chairman Kim Daejin turned to his eldest son and asked,

How old is Yumin [Kim Jeongwoos only daughter] this year?

Shes entering high school next year, so shes still sixteen.

Is that so?

At that moment, Kim Daejins second son, Kim Jeongcheol, abruptly joined the conversation.

Father, why do you only care about Yumin? Jinsu is also sixteen this year. The boy was so insistent on seeing his grandfather that I barely managed to leave him at home. Father, please also pay attention to the first grandson of our family. After Yumin gets married, who else will carry on our family name but Jinsu?

Hey, hyung, what are you talking about? If someone heard you, theyd think Jinsu is the only grandson in our family. Have you forgotten that my Junhyuk and Junsu are boys too?

Jeongsu [Chairman Kim Daejins third son], stop interrupting your hyung. Where are your manners? What do you expect from kids who just started walking? Even when they do grow up, would they still be able to compare to my Jinsu?

What? Is that something to say to your nephews?

Enough, all of you!

Chairman Kim Daejin slammed his chopsticks down and raised his voice, and everyone at the table suddenly became alert to his mood.

Jeongcheol, isnt your department store in the red again this year? I told you several times not to recklessly expand the business with those unworkable plans. If you keep listening to those sycophant executives, how do you expect to run the company? If its the same next year, know that Ill take it all back!

Father!

Im not finished yet. Jeongsu, I hear the media company is doing well these days with a good income. But let me tell you something: The media should be transparentthats what a media company does. If you make money by providing sensational stories heavy with ads and wiping others backsides, is that a media company or a subcontractor cleaning up after them? Ive told you countless times not to blur the essence of the business!

Like a tigers glare, Chairman Kim Daejins eyes was blazing, and the second and third sons lowered their heads. Eventually, the dinner became another debacle. When Chairman Kim Daejin left the table, the evening came to an end.

Everyone scurried out of the mansion as if to avoid another scolding, except for one person, the eldest son, Kim Jeongwoo.

Smoke from Chairman Kim Daejins cigarette wafted out of his nostrils, like a sigh.

Jeongwoo, I told you I met an interesting character today.

Yes, you mentioned that, Father.

That guy was really something. He didnt show the slightest bit of intimidation in front of me. Instead, he outright tried to scam me, and he was so cunning that I was initially taken in. But even after being deceived, I didnt feel bad at all. On the contrary, its been a long time since Ive felt this way, it made me happy as if Im back in the game.

At that moment, Chairman Kim Daejin softened his gaze and asked,

So, how about it, want to go see him with me?

* * *

Scene number 45, Psalm for the Dead!

A call that jolted him from reverie. CEO Kim Jeongwoo, who once dreamt of becoming a film director, focused on the film set with the attitude of a student.

The shabby room, likely unvisited by anyone, was full of mold and reeked of must. Lying on a bed that didnt seem to have been washed for ages, an ailing layman (played by supporting actor) was being held by a priest (Jang Yeongguk).

The difference from what I saw before the shoot is stark.

The young mans appearance he saw when he first visited the set and the priests presence inside the room was worlds apart. Although physically similar, one might wonder if they were the same person.

The black cassock was neatly worn, symbolizing piety, and his gaze was infinitely deep. For this moment, he looked like nothing less than a holy clergyman.Thê source of this content n/o/v/(el)bi((n))

My brother, why have you become so emaciated?

The believer on the bed was a drug addict. His body had been ravaged by long-term drug use, and his spirit was equally worn down. Throughout his lengthy imprisonment, it was only his faith that sustained him. He leaned on his faith to correct his wrongful past.

And to forget.

Because of that, even after being released from prison, he continued to seek out the parish. But just as a sparrow could not resist the grain mill, he reached out for methamphetamine once again.

Why have you come to me instead of going to the hospital when youre in this state?

Park-sunbe, Im on my way!

Did they rent out the whole pub? The drinkers were having a field day. The AD and cinematographer were already slurring, and the juniors faces were flushed with alcohol. Amidst them, only Director Shin Seonghyeon was sober.

Heh, I didnt expect it to be resolved like this.

The distribution problem that he had been trying to solve was taken care of, not by the film crew, but by an actor. Of course, CEO Kim Jeongwoo did not divulge the actual reason, but from the looks of it, that was the case.

In a corner, Director Shin could see two people: CEO Kim Jeongwoo and Actor Jang Yeongguk.

Perhaps out of consideration for the minor Yeongguk, CEO Kim Jeongwoo also refrained from drinking. Instead, they seemed to be engaged in an endless conversation, as if raising their glasses to each other.

The Pitfalls of the Film Industry.

Ive heard about the problems of the film industry that you, Mr. Jang, discussed with my father.

Ahaha, it was just my humble opinion. Dont take it too seriously.

No, I was truly impressed.

CEO Kim Jeongwoo was astounded by the young mans penetrating insight. When he first heard about the conversation that took place in the clubhouses sauna in his fathers study, he thought it was rather presumptuous, but as he mulled over it for a week, he realized that it was all correct. As such, he couldnt even feel offended by what he said.

He said hes 18, right?

Even though theres only a two-year difference between him and his only daughter, the discernment and knowledge of the youth in front of him were extraordinary. Of course, why wouldnt his father, second to none in judging character, take an interest in him?

The vertical integration of the film industrys structure can expand the market, but it can also lead to a monopoly. A ship with only one sailor wont move forwardit will just stop.

It was a future he had never considered.

Could you please talk a little more about the problems of the film industry? Since Ive arranged this gathering after the main event, Im sure you wont mind sharing your thoughts.

Seeing CEO Kim Jeongwoos earnest gaze, the student eventually nodded. Naturally, since he had just made a firm promise to double the promotional investment, this sort of service was the least Yeongguk could offer.

Firstly, I think the growth of the film industry is very steep. Its known as a high-risk, high-return industry, but its also a one-source multiuse industry. There are many benefits to it. However, as many as there are benefits, there are side effects as well. Vertical integration is one such example.

Why do you think it causes side effects? Its a method that has been used in Hollywood.

CEO, this is not the United States, this is South Korea. The methods used in the U.S. work because the pie is so large, theres a lot to go around, but South Korea is small.

CEO Kim Jeongwoo inwardly admired him again.

He chose the distribution company from the many affiliates of Daejeong Group for two reasons.

First, because he himself once dreamed of being a film director, and second, because he saw a great future for the film industry. The industry was changing faster than the saying Even the mountains and rivers change every ten years. Just a few years ago, production costs hovered around 1 billion won, but now they were approaching 2 billion won.

Furthermore, profits didnt just end with box office sales of a single movie but extended to DVDs, TV, cable, and even overseas exports. The scope of this one-source multiuse was set to expand.

Underpinning all of this was the firm belief that the Korean film industry would only see vigorous growth going forward.

And to think that there was an actor who had already considered this.

Is he really 18?

Its almost doubtful. His extensive knowledge of the film industry was no less than his own. Yet, every now and then, his naivety revealed the unmistakable image of a high school student, as it did right now.

CEO, can I order just one more side dish? Hehe.

Unable to drink, the student unabashedly grabbed a chicken leg, perhaps intending to fill up on appetizers instead. Watching him, CEO Kim Jeongwoo pondered deeply.

Have I made a mistake?

Vertical integration (production, distribution, exhibition) of the film industry started long ago in Hollywood. As a latecomer, Daejeong Groups distribution company had no choice but to model itself after foreign direct distributors, and the unintended side effects were unexpected.

It was too arrogant.

If one had thought about it a little, it was something that was easy to understand. After all, South Koreas landmass was as small as a single state of the United States.[1]

Do you have no plans to become a central figure in the film industry, Mr. Jang?

Im already acting, arent I?

No, I mean not as an actor, but in business. If you have such foresight at such a young age, your future is very promising. Im saying this because Im as intrigued by you as my father was when he talked about you.

CEO, Im still a student. And

Jang Yeongguk flashed a natural smile. Sure, he knew about the future but didnt think he could use it well. Knowing something and being able to utilize it were completely different things. After all, some people were meant to be in business.

Yeongguk-aaaah!

At that moment, a drunkard with a beer in hand came over.

Ah, Director Yu, why did you drink so much?

I came because I missed youuuuu. Aigo, my apologies to the CEO.

Ahaha, its alright. Its a gathering for everyone to enjoy. I was perhaps being too serious?

Right you are. Now, lets all give a round of applause to the CEO who made this gathering possible!

The smell of alcohol hit his nose hard. How much did he drink? Yeongguk joined in with the shoulder-to-shoulder director.

CEO Kim Jeongwoo smiled faintly. He hadnt heard Yeongguks answer, but he understood perfectly.

That man

will live as an actor.

[1] South Korea is about the same size as Indiana, or about a quarter of California.