The reaction had been overwhelmingly strong since morning.
Not only the morning newspapers but also the morning news broadcasts, portal sites, and social media were filled with news about the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
"Chairman, Taewoo Entertainment's stock has also surged significantly. Since they handled the production and distribution of Director Bong's film, Taewoo Entertainment is reaping the benefits as well."
"From now on, it'll be much easier to cast actors for movies or dramas produced by Taewoo Entertainment."
"According to news reports, this award was only possible because of Taewoo Entertainment's full support."
It was true that we had invested a huge sum for this award.
But no matter how hard we tried, getting the film shortlisted as a finalist was the limit. The win itself came entirely because the work's quality was outstanding.
"Korean film festivals must be devastated."
"All the veteran filmmakers have vanished without a trace. Meanwhile, interest in the Baekseon Arts Awards has surged even more."
"It's only natural that the response is so strong, considering this is the only award ceremony in Korea where Director Bong's films are nominated. Even if films or dramas released on OTT platforms are recognized, no one can complain anymore."
Imagine someone suggesting, in this atmosphere, that OTT should be shunned.
They would not only be called outdated but could even be branded a traitor.
"OTT subscriptions are also increasing sharply. Every time the news breaks, new subscribers pour in."
"Still, we need to pay some attention to the film industry as well. We should build a massive multiplex theater."
"Taewoo Entertainment is steadily expanding theaters across the country."
"Not just any theater—we'll create theaters where audiences can experience ultra-high-definition screenings. I'm talking about IMAX theaters."
IMAX films existed as a separate category.
They used special cameras and film to deliver visuals far superior to conventional theaters, and the theaters themselves had to be specially constructed to screen them.
"Are you referring to the theater in the 63 Building?"
"That's right. But we'll need to scale it up several times. With an investment of roughly 60 billion won, we could create a truly impressive theater."
"Isn't that excessive for a single theater? Ticket prices would inevitably have to rise."
"Even if tickets are twice as expensive, there will always be audiences who want high-quality visuals. Plus, it's a good way for Taewoo Group to show off its substantial investment in the film industry."
A single display of prestige costing 60 billion won.
It was certainly an enormous sum, but since the investment could be fully recouped, it was worth it.
In fact, it could even generate more profit than the cost invested.
"Then, where would be the best location?"
"This spot should work."
I pointed down to the floor.
The head of planning hesitated for a moment, not immediately understanding, but then grasped my meaning.
"Are you suggesting we build it at Taewoo Group's headquarters?"
"Once the new headquarters is completed, we can't just leave this space unused, right? We'll remodel it neatly, start with a multiplex theater, and eventually turn it into a multi-purpose complex."
"Isn't that a bit of a waste? As you know, Taewoo Group's headquarters is located directly across from Seoul Station, so the building has extremely high utility."
"Having a building like that near Seoul Station isn't a bad thing. We can create a promotional space for OTT dramas and films, a theater, restaurants, and various entertainment facilities. Think of it as giving back to the public."
Claiming it was "giving back to the public" was, in truth, not the real reason.
This was an investment for Taewoo Group's promotion and image enhancement.
And just because it was an investment didn't mean pouring money into a bottomless pit—there was plenty of potential to recoup costs, so the risk of loss was minimal.
"So you're saying you want to turn Taewoo Group's headquarters into a massive promotional space."
"Even if it's only an exhibition center for Taewoo Group and its affiliated companies, it will attract an enormous number of tourists. Visitors could experience the exhibition halls of global companies like Apple, Google, Facebook, and Amazon right here."
"The planning department will consult with experts and create a proposal."
Taewoo Group's headquarters would become a hotspot right in front of Seoul Station.
Of course, it would take a few more years before the new building was completed, but media buzz could start immediately.
"Subtly leak news to the press about building a large-scale theater at Taewoo Group's headquarters. That way, the film industry's perception of us might improve a little."
"Even if the film industry dislikes us, there's not much they can do. Honestly, they're in a position where they have to watch their step around us."
"Think of it like giving a little extra treat to someone you don't like."
The Academy Award win had completely turned the tables.
We now had full control, and all that remained was to successfully conclude the Baekseon Arts Awards to put the finishing touch on everything.
There was no longer any need to worry about the OTT issue.
The film industry would have no choice but to extend a hand first.
So I switched topics and brought up another business matter.
"How is the collaboration with Amazon progressing?"
"Specialist personnel sent by Amazon have arrived. Taewoo Trading and Taewoo IT staff are in discussions, and Team Leader Chun Min-jung will also oversee this project."
"Team Leader Chun? She's already managing more than ten projects. How can she handle an online shopping venture as well?"
"I tried to dissuade her, but she volunteered first."
Chun Min-jung was the most reliable person.
If anyone could build a flawless system, it was her.
But pushing her too hard could lead to burnout, which would be a massive loss for Taewoo Group.
"I'll need to meet with Team Leader Chun."
"I'll call her immediately."
"No. We can't summon someone who's busy. I'll just go to Taewoo IT myself."
It was almost lunchtime anyway.
***
The Taewoo IT building wasn't far, so I was able to arrive there just before lunch and meet Team Leader Chun Min-jung, who looked a bit weary.
"Do you have any lunch plans today?"
"Even if I did, of course I'd cancel to have a meal with you, Chairman."
"You've learned a lot about social skills since we last met. Now you even know how to flatter people."
"It's not flattery. I'm sincere. I have many things to report, and if not now, when would I get the chance?"
She spoke while pulling out her notebook.
Her bag was packed with notebooks, and listening to everything would probably take us from lunch straight through to a late-night snack.
"Let's keep it light today, and we'll schedule an idea meeting soon."
"Can we set an exact date? Last time you said we'd do it soon, and then you left for the U.S."
"First, let's eat. Since returning to Korea, I haven't had proper Korean food. Let's go to a good hanjeongsik restaurant."
We went to a hanjeongsik restaurant run by Captain Kang.
Even while moving in the car, Team Leader Chun kept pouring out ideas she had been thinking about.
If it had been anyone else, I might have ignored it, but Chun Min-jung's ideas were all valuable, so I had to stay fully attentive the entire way.
Her stream of ideas didn't stop even when we arrived at the restaurant.
Despite the table being laden with a full meal, she continued to share her thoughts.
"You must be hungry. Let's eat first, then continue our discussion."
"Just a moment. I'll only tell you about the marketing ideas using AI."
I popped a piece of meat into Chun Min-jung's mouth.
She chewed, finally pausing her talk to focus on the food.
"Eat while you listen. I've received reports that Team Leader Chun will also oversee the online shopping project in collaboration with Amazon. I know her abilities well, but the schedule seems overwhelming."
"Actually, I don't do much. I don't attend every meeting; I just throw in a comment here and there. My involvement is limited to site development and creating algorithms, so it's not strenuous enough to affect my health."
On the surface, it all sounded really easy.
But to casually drop a comment in passing, one had to have an intimate understanding of the project's progress. Creating algorithms required the same level of expertise.
"Still, if you work too much, your daily life can fall apart. You need time to enjoy hobbies too."
"I enjoy my hobbies just fine. You know I like gaming, Chairman, right?"
"Of course. Are you into League of Legends?"
"I've found a way to enjoy it even more than playing the game itself. I patch the game in the way I want. Buffing the characters I like is incredibly fun!"
This was an addiction to work unlike any I had ever seen.
I had met many workaholics while traveling across the globe.
But there was no one like Chun Min-jung, whose dedication to work was so absolute that she had become one with it.
For someone like her, a vacation wasn't the ideal gift.
The best gift was finding ways for her to enjoy the work she loved even more.
"The popularity of League of Legends is skyrocketing day by day."
"That's why I'm so immersed. It's wildly popular in the U.S., Europe, Korea, and even China. In fact, the user base in China is growing faster than in the U.S."
"Since so many countries enjoy it, hosting a world championship could be interesting."
An e-sports tournament.
There were already several world tournaments being held.
But the one I had in mind would be completely different from anything before.
"Hosting a world championship would definitely raise interest. But to hold a tournament, you need professional teams—and right now, companies are only just starting to pay attention."
"If we set the stage, the league will form naturally. With enough players, corporate sponsors will follow automatically."
"How do you plan to set the stage?"
"By offering prize money greater than any game tournament ever held. Just hearing the amount will make people gasp."
The size of the prize money was also a form of promotion.
The larger the sum, the greater the interest. To create a massive buzz, nothing worked better than an amount that people could hardly imagine.
"What do you mean by the world's largest prize? How much are you thinking?"
"About 10 billion won. Even someone who's never heard of it would gasp at that amount."
"That much? League of Legends does generate high revenue, but it's still not at a level where you can allocate 10 billion won just for prize money."
"The prize money doesn't necessarily have to come from the game company's pocket."
"Then are we looking for other sponsors?"
"Is it necessary to find sponsors? Every single user can become a sponsor. We create tournament-exclusive skins, sell them to users, and give all the proceeds as prize money."
It was still a novel concept.
But I had seen this method used many times before my return, so I was able to think of it.
"It's a bit like crowdfunding, isn't it?"
"It's even more valuable than crowdfunding because users are actually purchasing a product—the skins."
"But will users really buy that many skins?"
"They will. And if the prize money falls short, Taewoo Group will cover the difference."
"Really? Then let's plan the tournament right away. The first event should be in the U.S., right? A grand opening ceremony right in the heart of Las Vegas!"
Team Leader Chun Min-jung's fatigue vanished completely.
As expected, she preferred hosting a game tournament over luxury gifts or vacations.
TL/n -
You can read the complete novel (up to chapter 750) at ko-fi.com/inkbound