Chapter 119 Iron Fist and The Hundred-Year Guest 1
Chapter 119 Iron Fist and The Hundred-Year Guest 1
I couldn't help but smile as I imagined a life of hobbies. Sensing my father carefully observing my expression, I had to refocus on business matters.
"As I mentioned earlier, dramas and games are for the future. For now, it's all about movies. We plan to secure both free and paid movie channels and then gradually expand from there."
"Cable broadcasting..." My father hadn't considered such thoughts yet, so he neither approved nor disapproved.
"Father, the idea of cable channels encroaching on terrestrial broadcasting isn't a distant future. Look at the USA."
Channels like USA, TNT, FX, MTV, and Syfy, not to mention premium cable channels like HBO, Showtime, and Starz, have thrived. Especially in the USA, they not only rebroadcast terrestrial programs but also produce their original series.
These series will start sweeping the Golden Globe and Emmy Awards from 2000 onwards. The leading place for the entertainment sector led by cable channels is the USA.
"Well, can Korea really become like the USA? Even with three terrestrial channels, we're already overflowing with content."
"Well-made programs with unique characteristics are the key. People will find good restaurants even if they're in a remote location. Ultimately, the success of channel business comes down to high-quality content, right?"
"Maybe in theory, but..."
"The market is just starting to open up now. We should rely on theory to guide us."
My father fell into deep thought. He might lack perception in some areas, but if he went so far as to speak bluntly like this, he must have someone in mind.
However, the response that followed exceeded my expectations.
"Do-jun, there might not be many who boldly claim that your plan is possible, that they can take charge and make it work. However, most of those who do are usually scammers. This industry is overflowing with them."
"So, are you saying there's no suitable person?"
My father nodded. "Unless you're a savvy entrepreneur, even assembling a team can be overwhelming. You need someone who can endure at least ten years of losses while reducing the deficit. Those who talk about making money from the get-go are also usually scammers."
What should I do then? Someone who isn't a scammer, who can look at things with a clear perspective and, in ten years, become the number one powerhouse in Chungmuro. But can't even read his son's intentions.
"So, you're saying there's no one trustworthy except for the person I had in mind?"
"What? Did you already think of someone and still asked me?"
"Yes. No matter how much I think about it, the only person I can think of as the top candidate is that person. I just wondered if you might have someone else in mind, Father."
"Who is this person? Do I know them? It's not Oh Sehyun, is it?"
"Uncle Sehyun is already swamped with his current work. The person I have in mind has proper experience in managing and economics from the UK, has worked in the media field for ten years, and currently holds a firm grip on Chungmuro."
This should be enough for him to figure it out.
And indeed, my father was quick to catch on.
His eyes widened, and he froze.
"I plan to pour money into this project for the next ten years precisely. We've already covered the losses, and I'm only thinking about building a media empire to be completed in ten years. We'll invest first and start reaping the rewards later. Oh, by the way, DCN was preparing to expand into multiplexes. If we acquire them, we'll start that too."
Securing quality content, providing the space and channels to consume that contentthough the puzzle picture was simple, its size was enormous.
"Can I really do this?"
His expression and response were both subtle.
Clearly, there was a desire to proceed, but could it be hesitation due to the fear of failure? Or perhaps it was the fear of squandering his son's money, especially such a vast amount?
I, too, lacked confidence in success. With only funds, it might not be enough to create a media empire that would dominate Korea. Furthermore, my father's capabilities might not meet my expectations.
But what did it matter?
Money could be earned again, and failure would become another experience. After all, establishing a media empire was not my primary goal. It was meant for the joy unique to our family, something that uncles and cousins would never experience.
The struggle to seize Grandfather's legacy was a battle I could handle on my own. Our family wanted to savor the delight of conquering new territory.
Regardless, I needed to motivate my father, filling in the gaps of his wavering confidence.
"If you don't think you can do it, Father, then there's nothing I can do. I'll search for someone else. No matter what, no matter how much money it takes, this plan will definitely begin."
Would my father stand by and watch his son be clearly scammed by someone else?
"Do, Do-jun. Don't rush. We need time to think. We have to see if there are people willing to join us, people with talent. Regardless of what others say, for media, individuals with exceptional skills are more important than money."
"Yes. It's still a long way off before we break ground in Sangam-dong. Take your time and think it over carefully, especially when we start the construction after acquiring DCN."
Seeing my father, who had turned crimson with emotion, made me feel somewhat content. He looked like a young and passionate person even more than I did.
"Yeong-jun used some of the subsidiary company's money."
"I've heard about it and... did he squander all that money?"
"I'm sorry. I must have taught the child wrong."
Chairman Jin sighed disapprovingly, looking down at his head-hung son.
"It's like father, like son, isn't it, when it comes to parenting?"
No matter how you put it, a reprimand was in order.
"But, you see, isn't it true that Yeong-jun isn't the kind of person who's obsessed with making money? Why did he suddenly buy real estate?" When Jin Yeong-gi hesitated to answer, Chairman Jin spoke again. "Was it because I didn't know about that development area? I was trying to be careful because the country is chaotic, and it's my first business venture with Choi Seo-bang. But why would Yeong-jun suddenly..."
"In truth, I got access to the development plans first."
"Really? Did Choi Seo-bang tell you? Or was it Seo-yoon?"
Jin Yeong-gi had the same thought. It was clear that his young son was manipulated by Seo-bang through Do-jun. And Seo-yoon had been the mastermind.
This was the scenario he had in mind.
But could he say in front of his father that he had been outsmarted by his younger sister?
"No, it's not that. Do-jun seems to have accidentally seen the development plans... I think it came up in a conversation when they were having a drink. Yeong-jun used that as a clue and looked into it."