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CH84 | GSI
🕑 Added 2025-01-23 03:30:02 +0000 UTCAt the same time, in a high-end Korean restaurant in Jongno-gu.
In a private annex of a luxury Korean restaurant built in the traditional hanok style, Chairman Park sat across from Koo Hyung-gi, the Chief Presidential Secretary and one of President Kim Sung-kyu’s closest confidants.
A low, wide table was laden with over forty dishes, a feast fit for dignitaries. Koo Hyung-gi smiled warmly and began the conversation.
“President was absolutely delighted with the gift you presented during your meeting.”
“I’m relieved to hear that,” Chairman Park replied politely, as befitting someone addressing one of the most influential figures in the administration.
“I was there as well, and I must admit I was surprised when I saw the gift.”
Leaning forward slightly, Koo Hyung-gi asked with genuine curiosity, “How did you come up with the idea of retrieving the Meredith Victory and bringing it back?”
Chairman Park smiled and responded.
"I was lucky. I happened to learn that the Meredith Victory was about to be scrapped, so I bought it to prevent that. Then, since the private meeting was scheduled, I decided to donate it to the nation that day."
"I see." Koo Hyung-gi nodded.
While recounting the story, Chairman Park felt a slight pang of guilt, as the idea was actually his second son Seok-won’s. Still, since Seok-won had urged him to proceed this way and explaining the full backstory seemed unnecessary, he stuck to the narrative he had prepared.
“The Meredith Victory played a pivotal role in the Hungnam Evacuation, saving countless refugees. If it had ended up as scrap metal in China, it would have been a tragic loss. What a significant contribution you’ve made.”
“I believe it was the right thing to do,” Park replied, though inwardly, he knew that public outrage would have surged if the story of the ship's near-demise had come to light, creating an awkward situation for the government and President.
“Did you say the ship is arriving in Korea in two weeks?”
“Yes. It has been neglected for so long that it is in poor condition. We decided to perform some basic maintenance before bringing it here, so it’s taking a little more time.”
Koo Hyung-gi nodded in understanding. “I imagine a ship built during World War II would be almost fifty years old by now. It’s no wonder it’s not in great shape.”
“That’s correct,” Chairman Park confirmed.
“When the Meredith Victory arrives, President Kim plans to attend the welcoming ceremony himself. It would be better to present the ship in a clean, restored state rather than looking rusty and battered.”
Hearing this, Chairman Park’s eyes widened slightly in surprise. “The President is attending personally?”
“Yes. How could he not? The Meredith Victory was awarded the Gallant Ship designation by the U.S. Congress and played a miraculous role during the Korean War. It deserves a proper welcome from the President himself.”
Smiling, Koo Hyung-gi’s words made it clear to Park that the Blue House was planning to fully capitalize on the ship’s return for political purposes.
“On that day, we’ll announce the creation of a commemorative park on Geoje Island to house the ship and present you with the Order of Civil Merit, Moran Medal.”
“You’re awarding me a medal?”
“Of course. You’ve made a significant contribution by bringing back a piece of history that could have been lost forever. You fully deserve the recognition.”
“I hadn’t expected this at all. It’s both an honor and a surprise.”
“President Kim made the decision himself. Be sure to express your gratitude to him later.”
“Of course.”
“Oh, and one more thing—President Kim’s attendance at the welcoming ceremony is confidential for now. Please refrain from discussing it until the official announcement.”
“I understand.”
As with any head of state, the President’s schedule was treated as a state secret.
Koo Hyung-ki picked up the cup in front of him, took a sip, and set it down. He then turned to Chairman Park Tae-hong across from him and spoke in a subtle voice.
“During your meeting with President Kim, you mentioned being interested in duty-free retail operations, correct?”
“Yes.”
Sensing that the main topic of the evening was finally coming, Chairman Park Tae-hong straightened his posture and listened attentively.
“You’re aware of the government’s focus on promoting the tourism industry, like declaring this year the ‘Visit Korea Year’ and introducing visa-free entry for Japanese tourists?”
“Of course.”
“Thanks to these policies, the number of foreign tourists has increased significantly. However, the government believes we still lack sufficient attractions and facilities for tourists.”
“Indeed.”
“Duty-free stores are one of those areas.”
Though his curiosity was piqued, Chairman Park maintained his composure and gave no indication of impatience.
“At the end of this year, the government plans to grant permits for two new duty-free stores.”
After a deliberate pause, Koo Hyung-gi looked directly at Chairman Park.
“Given your contributions, President Kim suggested that one of those permits be allocated to Daehung Group. Would you be interested?”
Without hesitation, Chairman Park replied, “Of course. If given the opportunity, I’ll ensure Daehung creates a world-class duty-free store that will make Korea proud.”
The Daehung Group had been considering venturing into the duty-free sector as a way to counter the increasingly aggressive expansion of competitors like Lotte and Utopia. However, entering the market required a government permit, and such permits weren’t easy to come by.
During his meeting with President Kim, Chairman Park had seized the moment to bring up duty-free operations when the President, in a good mood, asked if there were any challenges the group was facing. It was a long shot, but the gamble had paid off.
Seeing Chairman Park’s enthusiasm, Koo Hyung-gi nodded knowingly.
“A public notice for the duty-free permits will be issued next month. Please prepare accordingly.”
“Thank you.”
Smiling, Koo Hyung-gi added, “It’s only natural that someone as patriotic as you would receive such an opportunity.”
It was clear that this was the quid pro quo for retrieving the Meredith Victory. A project that had seemed dauntingly out of reach was now easily within grasp thanks to one ship.
Chairman Park couldn’t help but admire his second son’s sharp insight once again.
Shaking off his thoughts, Chairman Park picked up the jug of alcohol and filled Koo Hyung-ki’s empty glass. He then quietly slid the hard case bag sitting next to him toward Koo Hyung-ki and spoke.
“It’s a small gesture of appreciation. Please accept it.”
“Oh, you didn’t have to.”
“Since you’ll be accompanying the President, there will be things you might need. Please don’t hesitate to use it, without any burden.”
Koo Hyung-ki opened the bag slightly, placing it on the floor. Inside, there were stacks of dollars and yen in cash.
After checking the contents and smiling, Koo Hyung-ki’s tone softened further as he spoke.
“I know I shouldn’t, but since this was prepared for His Excellency, I will accept it.”
“Thank you.”
Watching Koo Hyung-ki close the bag, Chairman Park Tae-hong picked up his glass.
“Let’s have a drink.”
“Gladly.”
The two clinked glasses and downed their drinks with satisfied smiles.
***
Next Day: Daehung Securities Headquarters, Yeouido
The trading floor on the fifth floor was bustling as usual, but the tension eased as soon as the market closed.
“Good work today, everyone,” said Choi Ho-geun, rolling up the sleeves of his white shirt as he surveyed his team.
“Shall I make some coffee?” Hong Jae-hee asked.
“That’d be great,” Choi replied.
While Jae-hee headed to the break room, Jung Hwan-yeop spun his chair around, raising two fingers.
“I’ll take two packs of mix. You know my style.”
“You always do,” she retorted playfully, disappearing into the break room.
“Even though the market’s closed, make sure to organize today’s trading details and hand them over to Ms. Hong,” Choi Ho-geun instructed.
“Got it,” replied Yoo Seok-hyun.
Even after the market closed, there was plenty of work left to do. Hearing Seok-hyun’s response, Choi straightened his rolled-up sleeves, grabbed his jacket from the hanger, and prepared to head to the team leader’s office.
“I’ll be off to see the team leader,” Choi announced, carrying a file folder. But as he was about to leave, something caught his attention, and he paused.
He noticed Jung Hwan-yeop hunched over something at his desk. Curious, Choi walked over and peered over Hwan-yeop’s shoulder.
“What are you up to?” he asked.
Looking up, Hwan-yeop grinned. “Oh, this? It’s a car brochure.”
“You’re thinking of buying a car?” Choi asked.
“Yep. It’s the Espero by Daekwang Motors. Isn’t it cool?”
Overhearing the conversation, Seok-hyun joined in, “The Espero? That’s a mid-size car. Isn’t it pretty expensive?”
“I have a friend who works as a salesperson there. He said he could give me a good deal.”
No wonder he had seemed in such a good mood all day—it was because he was excited about the car purchase.
Choi raised an eyebrow. “How much?”
“Nine million won.”
“Steep. Do you have the money for it?”
“I’ll use the year-end bonus, of course!” Hwan-yeop said confidently, puffing out his chest.
Choi Ho-geun raised an eyebrow at his response and clicked his tongue disapprovingly. “You realize it’s not even summer yet, right?”
“Cars aren’t bought with money—they’re bought with courage. Besides there’s this beautiful thing called installment plans,” Jung Hwan-yeop replied, grinning.
“Ugh. You’ll learn the hard way one day,” Choi Ho-geun muttered, shaking his head. It was clear this guy was hopeless, and it seemed like his behavior was getting worse.
Choi Ho-geun shook his head and turned toward the team leader’s office.
After knocking, he stepped inside..
Seok-won was seated at his desk, flipping through some documents. He looked up and asked, “What’s the matter?”
“I’ve brought the report on Donghae Group’s debt situation, as you requested.”
“Ah, thank you for your hard work.”
Choi handed over the file folder respectfully. Glancing through the documents briefly, Seok-won nodded. “I’ll review this later. You can go.”
“Yes, sir.”
Choi bowed and turned to leave but was stopped by Seok-won’s voice.
“Wait a second.”
Choi paused, turning back with a curious expression. “Is there something else?”
“Take a look at this for a moment,”
Seok-won picked up a brochure from the desk and handed it over.
Caught off guard, Choi accepted the brochure. It featured photos of several business jet models from manufacturers like Gulfstream and Bombardier. Blinking in confusion, Choi asked, “Are you considering buying one of these?”
“What do you think? Which one looks best to you?”
“I—I wouldn’t know. I don’t know anything about planes…”
“Just go with your gut. Pick one,” Seok-won urged lightly.
Reluctantly, Choi scanned the brochure and pointed to one of the models. “I guess this one looks nice.”
Seeing his choice, Seok-won smiled. “Great. I thought the same.”
“Uh… I see,” Choi mumbled, unsure of how to respond.
“You can go now.”
“Yes, sir,” Choi said, bowing as he exited the office.
Outside, Choi glanced back at the closed door of the team leader’s office, still holding the brochure. “He can’t actually be thinking of buying a plane… can he?”
Recalling how casually Seok-won had been flipping through the brochure, it reminded Choi of someone casually browsing a supermarket flyer.
“Then again, Hwan-yeop’s planning to buy a car, so maybe a private jet is just the right scale for someone like Team Leader Park,” Choi muttered, letting out a soft laugh.
“Still… a jet? That’s crazy, even for him.”
TL/n -
The Order of Civil Merit (대한민국 국민훈장) is one of South Korea's highest civilian honors, awarded to individuals or groups for exceptional service to the nation in the fields of public welfare, culture, education, or other areas that promote the nation's development. The order has five grades, listed below from the highest to the lowest rank:
Mugunghwa Medal (무궁화장)
Named after the rose of Sharon, Korea's national flower.
It is the highest grade and is rarely awarded.
Moran Medal (모란장)
Named after the peony flower, symbolizing wealth and honor.
It is awarded for distinguished contributions.
Dongbaek Medal (동백장)
Named after the camellia flower.
Recognizes meritorious achievements of a slightly lower degree than the Moran Medal.
Jade Medal (옥조장)
Represents jade, symbolizing purity and elegance.
Awarded for significant contributions to society.
Hyang Medal (흑조장)
Named after the cassia tree or black pearls, associated with subtle beauty and resilience.
It is the lowest rank in the order.
Each grade of the Order of Civil Merit is presented with a medal and certificate.
