Golden Spoon Investor

Chairman Park Tae-hong stared intently at his son, eyes wide with disbelief. "Did you just say 'the Real-Name Financial System'?"

"Yes," Seok-won nodded slightly, continuing his calm explanation.

"As I've mentioned before, President Kim Seong-gyu is likely to keep the implementation of the Real-Name Financial System under tight wraps, executing it like a military operation to maximize its impact."

"Just like when he disbanded the Hanahoe faction?" Chairman Park leaned back into the plush sofa, mumbling in agreement.

"Exactly."

Park Tae-hong's voice grew more contemplative as he nodded. "Well, he's always been one for surprises, so it's not beyond him."

Secretary Gil Sung-ho, who had been listening quietly, naturally joined the conversation. "If he announces the Real-Name Financial System, opposition will arise from all corners, so he'll likely keep it under wraps until the last moment."

"Of course," Chairman Park agreed.

The opposition would be fierce, not just from the business world but also from politicians, who would all be affected. It was a foregone conclusion.

"Nonetheless, with the recent series of large-scale disasters causing political unrest, he'll push ahead with the Real-Name Financial System to regain control."

"Indeed, the best way to tackle an issue is with another, larger issue."

If the Real-Name Financial System were implemented, it would be a black hole, absorbing all other concerns. Seok-won, his eyes serious, looked directly at Chairman Park as he spoke.

"As I've said before, once the Real-Name Financial System is announced, it will cause massive shock and anxiety. Investors will rush to dump their shares."

"Not knowing what will happen to the shares held under borrowed names, I would probably sell off my assets and secure cash first, too," Chairman Park mused.

Given the experience of government interventions like currency reform and the freezing of private loans during the military regime, those with significant assets would be even more anxious.

"When the market takes a hit from the shock and the stock prices plummet, individual investors will panic and sell off their shares excessively, leading to a panic sell-off."

Chairman Park, who had initially called his second son in to scold him for a reckless plan, found himself being completely persuaded by Seok-won's logical explanation.

Secretary Gil Sung-ho also nodded, engrossed in the discussion.

However, Chairman Park still had lingering doubts since this entire scenario was based on the assumption that the Real-Name Financial System would indeed be implemented. If their prediction was wrong, or if the announcement came much later than expected, their plan could collapse entirely.

"Hmm," Chairman Park muttered, his upper body leaning forward as he opened the wooden box on the table. He pulled out a cigarette and placed it between his lips, and Gil Sung-ho quickly lit it for him.

As he took a deep drag and slowly exhaled the smoke, deep in thought, there was a knock at the door. Chu Se-young entered.

"What is it?" Chairman Park asked, slightly annoyed at the interruption.

"I apologize, sir. There's an urgent matter I need to report," Chu Se-young said, carefully watching his words.

"Speak."

Chu Se-young, still wary, delivered the news. "Former Minpyung Party leader Kim Jae-chun, who was on a study trip to Cambridge University in the UK, is returning to Korea."

"What!" Chairman Park exclaimed, startled.

"Is that true?"

"Yes, sir. Congressman Woo Chun-il just held a press conference with reporters to announce Kim's return."

Woo Chun-il was a three-term congressman with the Minpyung Party and a close associate of Kim Jae-chun, making him a key figure within the Donggyo-dong faction. Given that such a prominent figure had made an official statement, it was highly likely to be true.

"There have been rumors of increased activity within the Donggyo-dong faction lately. It seems this is why," Secretary Gil remarked.

Chairman Park's expression hardened as he held his cigarette, realizing the significant impact of Kim Jae-chun's return.

'Come to think of it…'

Chairman Park suddenly recalled that Seok-won had predicted Kim Jae-chun would return soon after losing the presidential election and leaving for the UK.

When Chairman Park turned his head quickly toward his second son, sure enough, Seok-won wore a calm expression, as if he had expected this all along, while everyone else in the room looked shocked.

After a brief silence, Chairman Park spoke to Secretary Chu. "I understand. You may leave."

"Yes, sir." Chu Se-young bowed and exited the room. Chairman Park stubbed out his half-burnt cigarette in the crystal ashtray on the table, then looked at Seok-won with a weighty, serious expression.

"It happened just as you said it would."

"With the Donggyo-dong faction, one of the two major political factions in the country, still standing strong and with a solid regional base, his return to politics was inevitable," Seok-won replied.

"Indeed, if he were to run in the next presidential election, he would be the strongest candidate. It would be a lie to say he has no ambition for that," Chairman Park said, nodding.

Secretary Gil, however, seemed a bit puzzled. "But isn't it too soon for him to return, considering he left for the UK only six months ago? He's likely to be criticized for lying."

"I think it's the right timing, not the best, but appropriate," Seok-won countered.

Intrigued by his son's reasoning, Chairman Park raised an eyebrow. "And why do you think that?"

Secretary Gil also looked at Seok-won, curious.

"In two years, the 15th general election will be held," Seok-won began.

"...!"

"While the Donggyo-dong faction holds considerable influence now, once the election approaches, the party leadership, which holds the nomination power, will gain tremendous power."

Realizing the implications, Chairman Park's expression hardened.

"Are you suggesting there could be a massacre during the nominations?"

"The Donggyo-dong faction's roots are deep and wide, so the likelihood is low, but there's always the possibility. Especially with the lack of a strong central figure like Kim Jae-chun, unforeseen variables could arise."

Chairman Park nodded gravely, knowing how unpredictable the political arena could be.

"And since he can't officially return to politics immediately after returning due to his previous statements, he'll likely spend some time laying the groundwork after his return before officially announcing his return to politics next year."

"Listening to you, I can see that if he had delayed his return, he could have missed the timing entirely."

The more Chairman Park listened, the more convincing Seok-won's explanation seemed.

Secretary Gil, also impressed by Seok-won's insight, recognized his own limited perspective.

"You're right. Given the future political calendar, now is the perfect time for him to return."

Chairman Park was inwardly pleased with his son's sharp insight. But quickly regaining his composure, he spoke in a stern, authoritative voice.

"You mentioned short-selling 100 billion won worth of stocks?"

"Yes, sir."

"You're aware that's no small amount. If the investment fails and incurs losses, it will put President Choi in a very difficult position."

Without a moment's hesitation, Seok-won replied confidently, "That won't happen. Honestly, I regret not being able to sell even more shares."

Chairman Park couldn't help but chuckle inwardly at Seok-won's unwavering confidence.

But outwardly, he maintained a stern facade as he spoke. "Remember, greed often leads to downfall."

"But opportunities must be seized when they arise," Seok-won countered without missing a beat.

Annoyed by his son's stubbornness, Chairman Park grumbled, "You've got quite the mouth on you."

After a moment's thought, Park Tae-hong spoke again. "I understand your reasoning. But given that there are already eyes on you, there will be a lot of talk if you take out a large margin loan and short-sell as soon as you start at the company."

"But…"

Before Seok-won could protest, Chairman Park continued, "Instead, I'll personally invest 150 billion won. Combine it with the funds you have and do what you want with it."

"Are you serious?" Seok-won asked, his face lighting up.

Chairman Park, pretending to be grumpy, pursed his lips. "Why? Do you not want it?"

"No! Of course, I do," Seok-won quickly waved his hands, fearing his father might change his mind.

He had been disappointed that he couldn't short more shares since the securities firms and institutions had not yet started lending their stock for shorting. With his father offering to invest more than what he could borrow on margin, there was no reason to refuse.

"You won't regret your investment," Seok-won said confidently.

"Hmph, we'll see," Chairman Park replied with feigned indifference.

Even though he acted indifferent, Chairman Park wouldn't have offered 150 billion won if he didn't have faith in his son.

"Then let's draw up the contract right away," Seok-won suggested.

"A contract?" Chairman Park asked, surprised.

"Since you're investing money, we should draw up an investment contract. They say that the closer the relationship, the clearer the financial dealings should be, right?"

"What's this now?"

Chairman Park squinted at his son's audacity.

"You're not worried I'll change my mind and not give you the money, are you?"

"Oh, no, of course not," Seok-won laughed.

"I trust that a man of your social standing and reputation would never go back on his word," he added, feigning innocence.

Chairman Park clicked his tongue. "You've become shameless after studying abroad."

But he didn't entirely dislike this side of his son.

In fact, Chairman Park saw it as a positive development.

'To achieve great things, you need not only a sharp mind but also a certain brazenness,' he thought as he leaned over to the intercom on the side table.

"Fine. I'll give you the contract you want," he said.

Shortly after, Cha Yeon entered, bowed, and asked, "Did you call, sir?"

"Bring me a blank sheet of paper."

"Yes, sir."

Cha Yeon quickly returned with an A4 sheet, placing it on the table before leaving the room. "I'll draft the terms myself," Seok-won said, pulling out his fountain pen and efficiently writing out the contract on the spot.

When he finished, he pushed the contract toward Chairman Park and smiled. "Since you're my father, I'll waive the management fee and just take a 30% profit bonus."

"Thirty percent? That's daylight robbery," Chairman Park scoffed.

"But without a management fee, if I don't make a profit, I won't take a dime. It's fair, right?"

"Fair, my foot."

Chairman Park scoffed again, then picked up the contract to review it, glancing slyly at his son over the document.

"You must be confident you'll make a lot of money."

Seok-won grinned broadly. "I'm not worried about hitting the jackpot."

"You sure know how to talk," Chairman Park said, shaking his head as he signed the contract.

After Seok-won had taken the signed contract and left the office, Secretary Gil, still cautious, asked, "Are you sure about giving him 150 billion won? That's no small amount."

Chairman Park rested his hands loosely on his lap. "He says he's confident."

"From predicting the disbanding of Hanahoe to the return of Kim Jae-chun. Once could be a coincidence, but getting it right twice means it's skill. So the odds are good that he'll be right again."

Secretary Gil, who had also been impressed by Seok-won's insights, found no reason to disagree and stayed silent.

"Have 150 billion won worth of certificates of deposit from the vault delivered to my second son," Chairman Park instructed.

"Understood."

Certificates of Deposit (CDs) are bank deposits that come with a certificate indicating the deposit amount and maturity date, making them tradable like bonds. Unlike regular savings accounts, they can be bought and sold like securities.

Park Tae-hong, who had preemptively converted a large portion of his wealth into CDs in anticipation of the Real-Name Financial System, leaned back in his leather sofa and smiled faintly.

"I'm curious to see how he'll surprise me this time."