Soho

Chapter 229: < Protect – Episode 219 – Grand Circle [2] >

“CEO Ahn, please calm down.”

As soon as the situation took a weird turn, the most shocked was the official of the Ministry of Unification. Ahn Soo Ho ignored the related person from the South and talked with the related person from the north.

“Can you give it to me or not?”

“I received orders to give you whatever you want.”

“Good.”

“CEO Ahn!”

When the Minister of Unification tried to get involved, the army from behind the North representative glared.

“Let’s sit down.”

In response to the northern representative’s cold voice, the Minister of Unification sat down. Since the South Korean government and companies stepped on Gaesung’s land in response to North Korea’s permission, no good came from causing a fuss.

Ahn Soo Ho crossed his legs.

“It doesn’t make any sense to make a negotiation when not a single proposal has been made. Don’t you agree, Mr. Kim... Jung Ki?”

He read the nametag on the table.

“What is the Korean government’s intent, Mr. Kim?”

“We would like to make a peace agreement with the North through the Emerald Development Plan and push forward...”

“Okay.”

Ahn Soo Ho cut him off midway.

“I can’t listen to any more of this, Logan.”

Logan stepped up in response.

“Get up.”

There was a certain impact on being called out in English. As soon as men 2 meters tall with a strong build swarmed over, the Korean government and the company representatives couldn’t say anything and avoided them.

“They think they’re still the bosses.”

“Old habits die hard.”

The northern representative spoke in a Seoul accent. Just because he was North Korean didn’t mean he had to speak with a thick accent. There was a unique rhythm to the North Korean accent but so did the South Korean accent. But the fact that he spoke in a South Koren accent meant he received a top-notch education.

Just like how there were North Korean specialists in South Korea, it worked the same way the other way around.

“My name is Chae Chul Joon, CEO Ahn. I apologize for the late introduction.”

“Chae Chul Joon? What’s your relationship with Chae Myung Sun?”

“He’s my father.”

“Wait.”

He was the son of the department head. It was likely he was going to join the leaders of the Communist Party. Chae Chul Joon continued,

“My big sister asked me to send her regards.”

“Is she doing well?”

“Yes, Sir.”

Alexa, Chae Soo Hyang, and Ahn Soo Ho all grew up in unfortunate circumstances.

‘North Korea can change, too!’

‘Capitalism isn’t the only way!’

‘If only the chairman’s comrades went back to normal!’

She, whom he met in a college in Switzerland, had eyes of passion. She had the innocent hope that North Korea could also become a good country to live in just like all others.

She had always insisted on a reform.

‘Nothing will change.’

Could one person’s will change the world? Perhaps. If Ahn Soo Ho really wanted to, he could probably take over the world. But it would take some time. However, Chae Soo Hyang wasn’t a supernatural being or a magician.

On top of that, her gender didn’t work in her favor.

To be frank, North Korea wasn’t socialist or communist. It was just a kingdom ruled by the Kim family. So there was no question about the lack of gender equality. With human rights being rejected, they couldn’t pass through the glass ceiling, let alone look at the sky.

As soon as the Korean government and company representatives left, it was just Premier Kim Min Shik and the representatives of the north and the Emerald G working group. Chae Chul Joon sat next to Ahn Soo Ho and babbled on about North Korea’s circumstances.

They talked for over an hour, and Chae Chul Joon and the northern representatives left with regret. Ahn Soo Ho scratched his ear with his pinkie.

“Does he have motors on his tongue or something? What do you think, Min Shik? Do you think we can use him?”

“Chae Chul Joon? If he’s able to lead at such a young age... he must be from a great family.”

“He’s the son of the department head.”

“Wow.”

Being a department head in North Korea meant a big deal. Ahn Soo Ho looked back at Navarros.

“Did you look into him?”

“Yes, Sir. The south is trying to include the restart of the Gaesung Complex in the Emerald Plan. It appears that the Korean government has prepared a great deal for this.”

“They’re crazy.”

“It’s good that you gave up on Gaesung. It’s wise to cut it at the roots.”

Ahn Soo Ho completely gave up on Gaesung, which was in the middle of controversy.

“They don’t have a conscience, these bastards. I did so much for my home country. What more do they want?”

Hosoo Entertainment Group had already donated over 2 trillion won in Korean charities this year. They made donations to every reputable organization, and in terms of about, they donated the second most amount following Daesan Group.

At first, he wasn’t going to donate anything.

He wasn’t so sure about Korean charities, and he also heard bad things about them. However, Mrs. Park Ok Nam and Jang Seol Hyun thought differently. Since they knew more about Korea, he trusted them with this, and he also realized there were some good organizations out there.

There was something else he didn’t know.

There were actually many charities related to business. They didn’t seem to suit the cold nature of business, but establishments, whether they posed small or large influences on the society, were a part of an infrastructure. There were programs for those who were afraid of starting a business and going bankrupt. The company of the Gaesung Complex was one of those involved in the program, and some of the donations Hosoo Entertainment Group made went toward them.

“Sell them.”

“Really? If you ignore the guideline, there could be a lot of backlash.”

The Korean government had been putting a lot of pressure on Hosoo Investments due to the commotion around the world. Ahn Soo Ho wanted to teach them a lesson.

“Sell them.”

“Yes, Sir.”

As soon as Navarros left, Kim Min Shik spoke up.

“You should just let them have their way.”

“Are you taking your fellow government official’s side?”

“Of course not.”

Kim Min Shik let out a laugh. Ahn Soo Ho took a good look at his old friend’s face.

‘Not bad.’

He had lost some weight, but he looked healthy.

“What’s your plan?”

“We’re going to invite both representatives in three months. If North Korea continues to be persistent, Korea can’t just sit back either. They’ll try to hold the spoon.”

“Will this pose an influence?”

“Since Gaesung wasn’t in a good position, it doesn’t really matter. What’s important is right now. But stop spitting out whatever you don’t like.”

“There’s no reason for me to step up instead of the premier.”

“Then what happened today?”

“They were being jerks today. Those bastards.”

“Anyway... isn’t it better for that premier to be a mayor instead?”

Kim Min Shik looked embarrassed.

“There’s another mayor, you fool. Since only the city is yours, it’s weird for us to have just a mayor.”

“That’s true... But are you thinking of founding a country?”

“It’s too bothersome.”

“Haha.”

Kim Min Shik laughed at Ahn Soo Ho’s bothered face. He felt comforted that his friend hadn’t changed one bit. He talked about how he felt bothered while looking around him meticulously.

‘He’s a thoughtful little punk.’

That was why Kim Min Shik made his decision quickly.

“I’m going to renounce my citizenship, too.”

“Really?”

If he didn’t know his friend’s sincerity, he would have been sad.

“If you leave Korea as well, the group will only have 6 members.”

“It’s not just me. Chul and Soo Jung are thinking about it, too.”

“Why? What about their wedding?”

Ahn Soo Ho was surprised by what he heard. He only had to convince his parents since he didn’t have many cousins, but the Yoon family was a very large one. The same went for Kim Soo Jung.

“Soo Jung says she’s too annoyed now.”

After moving up at the HBS news headquarters, she posed a roadmap for a business reform, but the board of directors turned her down. Media rights was an impregnable force. Even in the broadcast industry, there were an owner and pet relationships as well as silver spoons and the poor.

“But most of the HBS stocks are under my influence.”

“You have no idea how much pride reporters have, Soo Ho. If you step up, there will be a lot of talk about foreign pressure.”

“What’s wrong with getting rid of the scumbags that want to be served and get paid more than they deserve?”

“They probably want to do that amongst themselves.”

“If they could do that, I wouldn’t have had to buy the broadcasting station.”

Kim Min Shik shrugged.

“There’s one thing I realized after whistle-blowing.”

“What?”

“Not everyone looks up to heroes.”

People dreamed of doing things they weren’t capable of, but when the opportunity came, they wanted what they were familiar with. Anyone could technically start a business, but not everyone could succeed. People always said that habits needed to be broken, but that was easier said than done.

“It’s a pretty pathetic realization. You’re 40 soon. Shouldn’t you be mature by now?”

“Stop lecturing me. I realized it now. Okay?”

Even if it’s not to change the world, if one wanted to do anything, they needed enough power. Whether that was money or position, in order to make other people listen, one needed power.

“You said becoming an adult is being used to ugliness, Soo Ho.”

“I did?”

That expression made him cringe.

Ahn Soo Ho laughed as soon as it came to mind. As a result of his parents’ divorce, Chul matured early. However, in the process of becoming a magician, the memories of the afterlife put Ahn Soo Ho into puberty.

“There’s no point in living a life that’s not beautiful?”

“Okay, stop.”

“Wake up.”

“Stop it.”

He had become shameless now.

“Anyway, pick a good premier for me.”

“Of course.”

The two shook hands with a smile.

******

Ahn Soo Ho’s return to the Korean peninsula got on the news.

Since they returned on a helicopter, Daniel Navarros arranged for a press conference to take place right away. It was customary to speak with the government first, but the boss thought otherwise.

Just do it my way!

Ahn Soo Ho told him not to worry even if Korea was going to be screwed over. If he was a Korean employee, there would have been retaliation, but Navarros didn’t care.

Shall we consider this training?

There had always been a belief that all of Hosoo Entertainment Group’s businesses in Korea had to benefit Korea. But now that the owner wanted to screw them over, things were going to change drastically.

Daniel Navarros stood in front of countless cameras. He had a bit of an accent, but he spoke fluent Korean.

“All facilities of the group besides the entertainment sector will be moved to Emerald G... I mean, Emerald Origin. The center of Emerald Origin will be Ongjin, not Gaesung.”

“Not Gaesung?”

“No. We changed it to Ongjin.”

“For what reason? Did it have to do with the private negotiations today? The government has yet to speak on it.”

“That’s for North Korea and South Korea to handle... But I’ll let you in on it. The Korean government tried to put the restart of the Gaesung Complex in with the Emerald Plan, and that was very rude behavior on their part. Our chairman is very angry.”

“CEO Ahn is angry?”

“Yes. I’ve never seen him this angry before.”

“Is that something to get mad about? He can help out Gaesung Complex while he’s at it.”

Navarros looked insulted and then switched to English.

“Why?”

“Because Hosoo Group represents this country. Shouldn’t they help out this country’s development?”

“But why should we do that?”

“Because Hosoo Group is Korean... and the owner loves Korea...”

The reporter trailed off.

“Director Oh Joo Kyung already stressed that there will be no transfer. And a few days later, we conducted a survey within the company. Do you remember, everyone?”

The result of the survey said they would follow Ahn Soo Ho. Including the 10,000 employees and their families, there was a total of 30,000 Koreans ready to renounce their citizenship.

“If the Korean government and the upper class continue to provoke the chairman, he might do something extreme.”

“What do you mean? Are you saying you could transfer the company?”

“No. There won’t be a transfer.”

“Then what would he do?”

Navarros smirked.

“We could go into liquidation.”

That meant they would close down.

Both the media and the public exploded.

Who said they could shut down?

That’s a threat! Are those Yankees crazy?

He’s trying to fight the government now, huh?

Those idiots! Ahn Soo Ho can close down whenever he wants! Besides the broadcasting company, everything’s his private business!

All their employees might become homeless at this rate. Should we do a candlelight vigil?

Yeah right. They did a survey! All they have to do is follow him!

The answer rate of the survey was 99.8%! That means 100% of them will follow!

100%? Seriously? Are they commies?

In this country, all the upper class only look out for themselves! No one knows how to help the country! Take me with you! I’ll be loyal!

Ahn Soo Ho did meddle too much! Not a single company likes him except for Daesan!

No, he didn’t! He’s just being a businessman! If he was only looking out for himself, he never would’ve taken it this far! Do you know how much Hosoo Group paid in taxes? You don’t even know! So shut up!

What’s going to happen to the Hope Medical Foundation and the Scholarship Foundation? I’m getting help from them... I need them...

I don’t think they’re related to the group.

Wow, seriously! He’s the only worthwhile one in Hell Joseon! Why do you have to go after him?

While Korea was in chaos in response to Daniel Navarros’ announcement, Ahn Soo Ho was in the Philippines with a client.

“Soo Ho.”

“Long time no see, Crazy Dog.”

“Don’t call me that. People can hear you.”

“Then what should I call you? Warrior of the people?”

“Just... call me crazy dog.”

Oh Chang Ik, who was from the North Korean forces and was the only one to survive the purge commanded by Kim Il Sung, seemed happy to be on North Korean land again in broad daylight.

“How does it feel to see North Korea during the day?”

“Strange.”

South East Black Death, which took up a portion of the underworld, was a group formed of North Koreans that escaped. Ahn Soo Ho, who flipped Hong Kong upside down with a missile provocation, put Crazy Dog forward to make a deal with the triad or Joseon thugs, which conducted business with the North Korean defectors at the border.

In return for Ahn Soo Ho paying for the costs, if the escapees wanted to go to Korea, they were sent to Korea, and if they wanted to go to the Philippines, they were sent there. It was a contract similar to human trafficking, but they didn’t collect the fees after they arrived in Korea. People saw it as a loss for Ahn Soo Ho, but he felt great satisfaction from it.

‘Sufficient treatment elicits sufficient loyalty.’

Was Kim Il Sung proud after raising human warriors? Ahn Soo Ho welcomed the Hosoo Guard Group with a smile.

“Welcome. This new city will become your new workplace.”

There was no answer.

Were they touched? Not at all. They were either angry or scared. They felt like they escaped North Korea just to go to another one. They regained their pride and confidence through their mental training in the Philippines, but that didn’t mean they forgot everything that happened to them in the past.

“No need to be afraid. You will always be under my care. I have a duty to protect you now.”

He sounded like a cult leader.

He always cussed out Michel for being a religious freak, but it was convenient to have firm believers. The defectors soon became loyal to Ahn Soo Ho after spending some time of freedom in the Philippines.

“There’s only one thing you must do. And it’s not hard.”

There was only one way to improve someone’s confidence and pride.

“Whether they’re North Korean, South Korean, or White, if anyone does something stupid, you must arrest and punish them.”

Wearing an armband gave people more confidence.

‘Those who have been tortured are good at torturing others.’

In the same way, those who had been monitored are the best at monitoring others.

“If a foreigner refuses to be checked, you know what to do, right?”

He looked them in the eye and smiled, and their eyes sparkled in response.

“Please follow the rules. I’ll take care of the rest.”

Cruelty came with varying degrees, but those that suffered through it never forgot.

< Protect – Episode 219 – Grand Circle [2] > The end.

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