KND’s sales reached 150 billion dollars. Its profit was at 18 billion dollars.
These numbers were slightly less than Daeyang but very close.
Daeyang and KND composed 30% of Korean GDP. Daeyang, however, was declining fast, which meant that very soon, KND would be on the top.
If KND left Korea…
Lee Sunghyun begged, “President Kang, you are being irrational. We need to talk this out.”
“We already talked more than enough. The government is busy trying to find my weaknesses. If you did find something on me, you wouldn’t be nice to me like this. I would have been arrested by now.”
Lee Sunghyun bit his lips. Woosung was bang on.
Lee Sunghyun quickly lied, “No way. That would have never happened. I would never let it happen.”
“I know you.”
Lee Sunghyun started to pant. He was starting to feel upset. He had to change his tactic. Lee Sunghyun was the second son of the President. He was destined to be the next President of Korea.
He replied, “So you think you can win this game? If we do a more thorough investigation, you will feel differently.”
“Do you think I’m an idiot? I know the investigation has already started full force, and I know you will find nothing.”
Lee Sunghyun murmured.
“Bastard…”
“Tomorrow, I will announce that my company will leave Korea. Let’s see who wins.”
Press conference in a hotel in Seoul.
Woosung stood in front of the platoon of cameras surrounding him.
The owner of so many companies including KND, Coconut, ANIX, and Sungyong Auto.
If he left Korea, tens of thousands of people could lose their jobs.
“I am here not as a businessman but as a Korean who hopes this country will improve its ways. In less than two years, I have been harassed by government agencies thrice. It was insinuated that I was involved in illegal and unethical activities.” Woosung took a sip of water and continued, “But nothing was found.”
“The FTC investigation hasn’t finished yet.”
“Where did you get so much funds for your business?”
“Billions of dollars! It’s impossible to make that much money so quickly unless you did something illegal.”
The reporters shouted out questions, but Woosung ignored them and continued, “It’s true that I started out as a humble salary-man, but you can’t use that against me. I have run my companies with transparent policies. I have done nothing wrong. I wanted to prove that the Korean dream exists and that it is possible for anyone to succeed in this country. I worked and worked to get where I am right now. I started from the very bottom, and I have accomplished so much. However, it appears that there are many people who don’t approve of my success.” Woosung said emotionally.
The announcement was being aired live and the internet went crazy.
“All he did was work hard, yet here is what Korea does to an honest working man.”
“Obviously, the rich don’t want an average joe to join their ranks.”
“The government is so corrupt.”
“Yes! Go to America!”
“He did so much for the country, yet this is how he gets treated.”
Woosung continued slowly, “I thought about this day and night. What should I do? I just started the AI technology, and I am about to launch the space research project. I am also considering the electric car business, yet here I am being harassed by the government when I should be focusing on my work. Therefore, I have decided. My headquarter will be moved to Silicone Valley where I will be treated fairly.”
Woosung sent an email to every employee. It was straightforward. If any of the employees wanted to immigrate to America, the company would help as much as possible. If not, they could still remain and work in Korea. This was more of a legal move and the company only required a few employees in US.
Woosung, Jang Gwangchul, and Hong Soobum’s phones rang nonstop.
Hong Soobum asked, “Are you sure about this?”
“Yes. Coconut is already listed in Nasdaq so I think it makes sense. I have the company lawyers working on the details and it seems like everything should work out smoothly.”
Jang Gwangchul asked, “Are you going to list KND on Nasdaq as well?”
Woosung nodded. “Yes. I think KND will be appreciated more in US.”
“You…What are you thinking? Are you really going to do this? You can stop now. The government got the message.”
“It’s not enough.”
“T…then what?”
“We need to find out why things like this keep happening. Don’t you agree?”
Jang Gwangchul glanced at Hong Soobum. When Hong Soobum left the room,
Jang Gwangchul asked, “I asked the assistants from Daeyang and they refuse to tell me. They said if certain things became public, they could end up in jail.”
“Choi Taemin only ordered them to do things. If they get good lawyers, they should be fine.”
“But they are still worried.”
“Then promise them to give the entirety of Daeyang. They will have full control over it.”
“You will give them the Chairman position?”
“Yes. They deserve it.”
“Gosh…”
“I want to destroy the current Daeyang. This is our chance. Daeyang Electronics especially needs to be stopped.”
“Their smartphone department is doing poorly, but their semiconductor sector is still doing great. You are worried?”
“Yes. We will grow ANIX as best as we can, but Daeyang’s semiconductor is the best in the world. We need to destroy it.”
“Alright. I will try to convince them.”
“I already have the media ready. We just need something big on Daeyang.”
Jang Gwangchul nodded gravely.
Woosung met with Lee Myungin.
Lee Myungin asked, “So this is all Daeyang’s doing?”
“Yes. I have documented proofs. They have been trying to get rid of me.”
“And you are letting me know about this because Daeyang probably has the prosecutors and the government on its side?”
“That’s right. If I submit my proofs to the government, they might just ‘disappear.’ We need to clean out the government.”
Lee Myungin closed his eyes. If this was true, it was a huge deal. He, as a high-ranking government official, could make process these proofs fairly and get them available to the public.
He replied, “My party may object, but I will take care of it. I will try to protect you as much as possible too.”
“Thank you.”
“So when do you think I should do it?”
“Soon, some of the main personnel from Daeyang will be making some big announcements in a few days or so. That will be your chance.”
Woosung handed him a folder filled with reports. It was packed with the details of corrupt activities in Daeyang. Jang Hyunho and Chun Gisu provided all these information provided.