Golden Spoon Investor

Before his father could introduce him, Seok-won immediately recognized the middle-aged man with a neatly combed hairstyle and a dignified demeanor. It was hard not to, given that this man, Choi Jin-woo, had once been the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs and was the one who signed the agreement for the IMF bailout after the 6.25 Korean War, which was considered the nation's greatest crisis and humiliation. Forgetting who he was would have been even stranger.

The memory of that time was still vivid for Seok-won, especially the sight of Deputy Prime Minister Choi Jin-woo signing the IMF agreement with a solemn expression and then delivering a somber speech to the nation, a moment broadcast live on television.

"At the time, it really felt like Korea was on the brink of collapse."

The sight of Choi Jin-woo, head bowed with a dark expression as he spoke in front of live cameras, perfectly captured the precarious state of the nation, which had been on the verge of national bankruptcy.

"Looking back, Choi Jin-woo must have felt deeply wronged and frustrated."

He had been appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Economy just a month before the IMF crisis hit, and he had to negotiate the grueling deal with the IMF while enduring public scorn and disgrace. He likely regretted accepting the President's offer every day since.

Although he successfully concluded negotiations with the IMF and helped the nation avert bankruptcy, the stigma of being the architect of the IMF crisis stuck with him.

"Although he went on to win the gubernatorial election in Gyeonggi Province and continued his career, that was the extent of it."

Choi Jin-woo stayed involved in politics but, after serving as governor, he never returned to the forefront, gradually fading into the background. For someone with as much political ambition as Choi Jin-woo, his decision to accept the Deputy Prime Minister position must have been a deeply regrettable mistake.

"But did he serve as a professional CEO before becoming Deputy Prime Minister?"

No matter how much Seok-won tried to recall, he couldn't remember any such thing.

"Seems like the future has changed because of me again."

Had it not been for Seok-won winning the large Powerball jackpot and making a significant profit from the pound sterling, Chairman Park Tae-hong wouldn't have considered acquiring a securities firm. This was a plausible assumption.

"I just hope that this doesn't lead to a situation where, during the IMF crisis, negotiations fall apart, and Korea ends up declaring a moratorium like Russia did."

A moratorium is when a country or local government unilaterally suspends the repayment of its external debt because it cannot meet its obligations. In other words, it's like a country declaring bankruptcy and refusing to pay its creditors.

While Korea had successfully navigated the IMF bailout and graduated as a model student in a short period, other countries like Indonesia, the Philippines, and Singapore had declared moratoriums instead.

"Indonesia, in particular, couldn't escape the crisis even after receiving IMF bailout funds and eventually declared a moratorium."

Whether a moratorium would have been better than the IMF bailout remained a contentious topic for years. The pain and suffering endured by the government, corporations, and citizens under the IMF program were immense and deeply scarring.

Although there was no definitive answer, a moratorium was an uncharted path with countless variables and unknown consequences, unlike the IMF, which the entire nation had overcome together.

As these thoughts whirled through his mind, Seok-won was brought back to the present by Chairman Park Tae-hong's voice.

"Why are you just standing there? Sit down already."

"Oh, yes."

Seok-won composed himself and sat in the seat opposite Choi Jin-woo. Just then, there was a soft knock, and Deputy Manager Jung Yoon-kyung entered the room in a neat two-piece skirt suit.

"Shall I bring fresh tea?"

Chairman Park Tae-hong glanced at his watch while still seated.

"No, that's alright. What we've had is enough."

There were already empty teacups in front of Chairman Park and Choi Jin-woo.

"It's almost lunchtime, so let's continue our conversation over a meal."

"Yes, let's do that."

Understanding the flow of the conversation, Deputy Manager Jung quickly responded.

"I'll have the car prepared downstairs."

"Please do."

With a nod, Deputy Manager Jung bowed slightly and quietly left the room.

"I've made a reservation at a sushi place I frequent. How does that sound?"

"For lunch, something light like that sounds perfect."

"They just flew in fresh amberjack from Jeju Island this morning. Let's try that. It should be delicious."

"If it's a place you recommend, Chairman, I'm looking forward to it. They say the firm, sweet taste, especially when dipped in soy sauce with a touch of wasabi, is unparalleled."

"Oh, it seems you know your sushi well, Mr. Choi. Do you fish yourself?"

"Haha, I've gone a few times as a hobby."

Chairman Park Tae-hong laughed, clearly pleased with Choi Jin-woo's apparent appreciation for fine cuisine, and stood up.

"Let's go have lunch, Seok-won. You come along too."

"Yes."

Following behind his father, Seok-won and Choi Jin-woo also stood up.

The place Chairman Park Tae-hong took them to was one of the top Japanese restaurants in Seoul. The chef was a renowned artisan, and naturally, the freshness and taste of the ingredients were first-class.

After a satisfying meal, they were seen off by the manager at the entrance, and Chairman Park, looking pleased, turned to Choi Jin-woo.

"Let's meet again soon."

"Yes, take care."

With a slight nod, Chairman Park got into the back seat of the car as the secretary opened the door for him.

"See you next time, Mr. Choi," Seok-won said as he also prepared to leave.

Choi Jin-woo smiled and asked, "You're graduating next year?"

"Yes, that's right."

"I look forward to seeing you again once you've completed your studies."

With a faint smile, Seok-won bowed slightly.

"Thank you. I'll be heading off now."

"Alright."

As Seok-won got into the back seat next to his father, the secretary closed the door and then joined the driver in the front seat.

The large sedan started smoothly, exiting the parking lot and merging onto a wide boulevard.

Since it was midday, the road was relatively quiet. As they drove along, the driver, Kim Hyung-gi, glanced at Chairman Park in the rearview mirror and asked, "Chairman, where shall I take you?"

"I had a few drinks with lunch, and I'm feeling a bit tipsy. Hey."

The secretary in the passenger seat immediately turned around at the chairman's call.

"Yes, Chairman?"

"There's nothing too important scheduled for the afternoon, right?"

"No, sir."

"Then cancel the rest of the day's appointments. Take me home; I need some rest."

Leaning back in his seat, Chairman Park closed his eyes.

Sitting next to him, Seok-won had a lot on his mind, but since they weren't alone, he decided to hold back for now.

The sedan drove along the riverside highway for a while, eventually reaching Hannam-dong, where it came to a gentle stop in front of their family home.

"Father, we're home."

Seok-won gently shook his father, who had dozed off, and Chairman Park, looking tired, opened his eyes.

"Oh, alright."

As the secretary opened the door, Seok-won stepped out first and helped his father out of the car.

"Hoho, don't worry, I'm not that drunk."

"Really? You sure you can walk on your own?"

"I just didn't want to show up drunk in front of the staff, but I could still handle three or four bottles of whiskey on my own."

Chairman Park boasted about his drinking capacity, and Seok-won responded nonchalantly.

"Yes, yes, I'm sure. But just in case, let me help you to the door."

Despite his father's protests, Seok-won supported him as they walked to the entrance.

"Hoho, alright, if you insist."

Chairman Park half-heartedly resisted but didn't push away his son's arm.

As they entered the house, they were greeted by Seok-won's mother, Jo Deok-rye, and the housekeeper, who both clicked their tongues disapprovingly.

"Why did you drink in the middle of the day? Did you have a lot?"

"Just a few cups of sake."

"It doesn't matter if it's sake or soju, it's all the same. You'll complain about an upset stomach later. Should I make you some honey tea?"

"That sounds good."

Chairman Park patted Seok-won on the shoulder as if to thank him before heading to the bedroom.

Seeing him walk steadily without stumbling, Jo Deok-rye sighed in relief.

"At least he didn't drink too much."

"He only had a bit of sake with lunch, nothing serious. Don't worry."

"Still, he should avoid alcohol while taking his herbal medicine. What's the point of giving him good supplements if he just ruins it all by drinking?"

Shaking her head, Jo Deok-rye turned to Seok-won.

"Anyway, you should go upstairs and rest now."

"Yes, Mother."

With a short reply, Seok-won went up to his room on the second floor.

That evening, since Chairman Park was at home, dinner was served slightly earlier than usual. After the meal, Chairman Park headed to his study, and seeing this, Seok-won seized the opportunity and followed him, knocking on the door.

"Father."

"What is it?"

Entering the room, Seok-won found Chairman Park sitting at his mahogany desk, reviewing documents. He looked up at his son.

"I have something to discuss with you. Could you spare a moment?"

Hearing the serious tone in his son's voice, Chairman Park studied him for a moment before setting the documents aside and gesturing to the sofa.

"Alright, there's no harm in that. Have a seat."

Seok-won sat down on the right side of the sofa as Chairman Park got up from his desk and took his usual spot on the opposite side.

"Is this about what Mr. Choi and I discussed over lunch?"

"Yes, it is."

Seok-won responded seriously, maintaining eye contact with his father.

"When we spoke on the phone last time, I clearly stated that I planned to establish my own investment firm and manage it independently."

"Yes, you did."

Chairman Park calmly acknowledged, but this only made Seok-won's expression grow more puzzled.

"Then why did you ask Mr. Choi to take me under his wing and teach me?"

"I said we'd discuss it by the time you graduated, not that I had given my approval."

Chairman Park's slightly lowered tone only made Seok-won's face harden further.

"Father!"

Sensing the strong resistance in his son's voice, Chairman Park responded seriously, as if questioning what was wrong with his suggestion.

"You got lucky with the pound sterling investment, but there's no guarantee you'll succeed again next time."

"What if it wasn't luck, but skill?"

In the past, Seok-won might have backed down and accepted his father's judgment, but this time, he didn't. He looked his father squarely in the eyes, unwilling to concede.

'This kid…'

Chairman Park was taken aback by the unexpected firmness in his son's stance but kept his surprise hidden as he spoke more earnestly.

"Perhaps you do have a talent for investing. But even so, I can't approve of this."

"Why are you so opposed to it?"

"With the money you have, you could certainly start an investment firm without my help. I'll even admit that you seem to have a knack for it."

Chairman Park continued, looking at his second son's resolute expression.

"But Wall Street is a place where the best investors in the world buy and sell a wide range of assets, competing fiercely. It's a cutthroat jungle where only the fittest survive. Throwing yourself into that with nothing but the confidence from one successful investment is nothing short of reckless."

"I understand it's not going to be easy."

"If you know that much, there's nothing more to discuss."

Chairman Park seemed ready to end the conversation, but Seok-won, strengthening his resolve, pushed back.

"I've learned that it's more valuable to take on challenges, even if I might fail, than to give up because something seems difficult."

Quoting his grandfather, Park Yong-ju, the founder of Daeheung Group, who had frequently espoused such views, made Chairman Park click his tongue in annoyance.

"And just because it's difficult doesn't mean I'm going to fail."

"There's an old saying: You won't know whether it's dung or miso until you taste it!"

"Or it could be a golden nugget. That's why I intend to find out."

Though Chairman Park raised an eyebrow in dissatisfaction, Seok-won showed no sign of backing down.

Seeing his son display such unyielding determination when he had expected him to accept his decision left Chairman Park feeling both frustrated and somewhat proud.

'Alright, a man should have this kind of stubbornness when he's set his mind on something.'

Up until now, he had thought of his son as a compliant, good-natured boy, but perhaps his true character was only now revealing itself in this critical moment.

Yet, despite his inner thoughts, Chairman Park maintained a stern expression.

"I'm not saying you shouldn't do it at all. Spend a few years learning under Mr. Choi, gain some experience, and then I won't stop you from doing whatever you want."

Considering Chairman Park's typically authoritative personality, this was already a significant concession. However, Seok-won had a different perspective.

'Opportunities to make big money are coming up, one after another. I can't afford to miss them.'

Even aside from that, knowing that the massive storm of the IMF crisis was just a few years away, he couldn't waste precious time.

Yet he knew convincing his father, who seemed set on having him work in Korea, wouldn't be easy.

After a long pause, as he deliberated on how to proceed, Seok-won finally made a compromise.

"Alright. I'll return to Korea and work as you suggested after I graduate."

"Good, I'm glad you've come to your senses."

Chairman Park seemed pleased but was soon taken aback by what followed.

"But I have one condition."

"A condition?"

Chairman Park frowned slightly.

"Allow me to manage a separate team and independently oversee a portion of the funds."

"What?"

Despite the incredulous look his father gave him, Seok-won stood firm.

"You might think I'm being arrogant, but spending my time making copies and learning the ropes would be a waste. Instead, I want to prove my ability to you directly."

It was an audacious request.

The sheer confidence it took to make such a proposal was staggering.

Chairman Park found his son's boldness both shocking and intriguing.

"You want me to allow you to establish your own investment firm if you prove your abilities?"

"Yes."

"And what if the results are disappointing?"

"Then I'll never mention starting an investment firm again, and I'll follow your instructions without complaint."

This was the best compromise Seok-won could think of.

"Alright. But no backtracking later."

"Should I write it down?"

"That won't be necessary. If there's nothing more, you may leave."

For a moment, Chairman Park was silent, taking in his son's determined expression, before slowly nodding.

As Seok-won rose from his seat, he bowed slightly before leaving the study.

Alone in the study, Chairman Park glanced at the chair where his second son had been sitting moments ago and chuckled softly.

"That kid. I thought he was still just a boy, but he knew how to make a deal with me. Impressive."