After finishing our conversation at Hyun-joo noona's place...
We returned home together. I recalled the face of Yoo Jin-wook I had glimpsed earlier. That bastard groped Ellie's body with his hands, then forcibly wrapped his arm around her waist?
The more I thought about it, the angrier I became.
It was fortunate it stopped there; if Ellie hadn't taken action, he could very well have done something much worse.
And that wasn't all. After getting hit, he apparently tried to punch Ellie and hurled all sorts of unspeakable abuse and curses at her.
Just picturing the situation in my head made me furious. I really shouldn't have let him just run away. If I had heard the story before he fled, I would have immediately grabbed him by the collar.
Yoo Jin-wook is the youngest son of Chairman Yoo Byung-moon of GJ Group. GJ Group ranks 17th in the Korean business hierarchy. Impressive, perhaps, but compared to OTK Company, it's practically a small-medium enterprise.
I have many options. If I set my mind to it, I could attack the group, dismantle it, or let it wither away.
What would be the best approach?
Ellie stared intently at my face and asked, "Are you still angry about that incident?"
"How could I not be angry?"
At my words, Ellie smiled brightly.
"Why are you smiling?"
"It just made me think, 'Ah, I'm being loved.'"
"R-really?"
Seeing her smile, my anger somehow began to subside.
"It's okay to be angry, but don't do anything excessive. I don't want Jin-hoo to become a bad person. You know what I mean, right?"
"Ah, alright."
Hearing that, I understood why Ellie had acted the way she did earlier.
If I had grabbed Yoo Jin-wook by the collar and punched him right there, maybe I would have felt better. But if I had, everyone there would have witnessed it, and bad rumors would have spread instantly.
That's why Ellie let Yoo Jin-wook escape and immediately dragged me to the company dinner. The fact that the staff, treated to beef, now viewed me favorably was an added bonus.
Things like this really show her depth. Is it because she's older than me?
"Besides, doesn't my makeup look pretty today? I deliberately didn't wash it off to show Jin-hoo."
"Ah, now that you mention it..."
Ellie usually wears light makeup. But having received a professional makeover, her beauty shone brighter than most Hollywood actresses.
Anger is anger, and beauty is beauty.
"Should I go wash up?"
I grabbed the hand of Ellie, who was about to stand up, and pulled her into an embrace.
"Wash up later. You look so pretty right now."
***
Sang-yeop sunbae continued to gather information about Yoo Jin-wook through Edm Entertainment. When I arrived at work, he handed me the compiled documents.
"This guy's method is always the same. He lures them by promising a panelist or guest spot on a popular variety show, then calls them to his private office under the guise of an audition or contract signing."
"And they fall for it?"
"There are probably some girls desperate enough for exposure to cling to the opportunity. For those who don't comply, he just forces himself on them. When problems arise, it seems he silences them with minor appearances or money. Quite a few girls were so traumatized they left the entertainment industry altogether."
I scanned the documents. There were over ten victims listed by name.
"Is all of this real?"
"That's just what's been confirmed. The actual number of victims is likely much higher."
As we were talking, my secretary came in. "Chairman Yoo Byung-moon of GJ Group is here to see you."
I figured he would show up sooner or later.
"Let him in."
Sang-yeop sunbae left, and Taek-gyu and I sat waiting. A moment later, Chairman Yoo Byung-moon entered. I had seen him once or twice before at events like parliamentary hearings. Despite being in his 70s, he still looked vigorous. He'd probably lead the group for another 10 years.
Following behind him, like a condemned criminal, was Yoo Jin-wook. Just seeing his face made anger surge within me.
Chairman Yoo Byung-moon bowed low. "I heard my foolish son committed a grave discourtesy. You may beat this punk to your heart's content until your anger subsides. I don't care if teeth get knocked out or bones break."
As if on cue, Yoo Jin-wook dropped to his knees on the floor. "I have committed a crime punishable by death, CEO Kang Jin-hoo! Please strike me as you wish."
This wasn't some scene from a movie.
Taek-gyu unnecessarily cracked his knuckles loudly. "Well then, don't mind if I do. Which iron number do you prefer?"
Chairmen beating people with golf clubs is a common movie trope. Unfortunately, we didn't have any golf clubs. Because we don't play golf.
If I followed my heart, I'd want to beat him with whatever I could grab, be it a golf club or a baseball bat.
But if I did that, how would it be any different from the entitled chaebols who assault people and then toss money from their wallets?
Having money and power doesn't give someone the right to sexually harass women. Similarly, no matter how much money I have, it doesn't mean I have the right to hit someone.
Of course, I could hit him in my capacity as a boyfriend... but doing so when he's practically laid out the welcome mat, asking to be hit, would just be playing into his hands.
I unclenched the fists I had been gripping tightly. "You shouldn't hit someone just because they did wrong."
At my words, Yoo Jin-wook's expression brightened. "Th-then, are you forgiving me?"
"Forgiveness should be sought from the person who was wronged."
"Ah! I will immediately kneel and apologize to your girlfriend."
"It's alright. Ellie said she forgives you too."
Yoo Jin-wook's face grew even brighter, and Chairman Yoo Byung-moon let out a sigh of relief.
"But I'm not sure about the others," I added.
"What do you mean by that?"
I pushed the documents compiled by Sang-yeop sunbae towards them. Chairman Yoo Byung-moon and Yoo Jin-wook looked shocked as they examined them.
"Looking at this, it seems you've done similar things quite a few times before. You need to get forgiveness from these people too. If you can't get forgiveness, you must face punishment."
I then placed paper and a pen on the table. "This is a confession statement. Take your time, feel free to write comfortably."
Yoo Jin-wook asked back, dumbfounded, "A c-confession statement?"
"Yes. Use the documents beside you as reference, write in detail, then go to the nearest police station and submit it yourself. You know what will happen later if another victim not listed here comes forward, right?"
Yoo Jin-wook, his face pale, turned his head sideways. "F-Father."
A look of humiliation and dismay washed over Chairman Yoo Byung-moon's face.
Currently, GJ Group was facing contract cancellations from the top 5 conglomerate groups. Once rumors spread, other groups would likely follow suit. I hadn't ordered them to do it, but I could probably tell them not to.
The prerequisite for that was Yoo Jin-wook apologizing to the victims and receiving appropriate punishment for his crimes.
"If you don't want to write it, you can just leave."
***
A brief press conference was held in front of the Seoul Central District Police Station.
Yoo Jin-wook, with a bandage on his nose, bowed his head low and spoke tearfully. "I... I am a sex offender. I have used my position to sexually harass or assault multiple aspiring entertainers through coercion or persuasion. From this moment, I will turn myself in to the police, give my statement, and readily accept punishment for the crimes I have committed. I sincerely apologize to all the victims."
After the short press conference, he walked into the police station on his own two feet and turned himself in.
Chairman Yoo Byung-moon's love for his youngest son was known to be exceptional. However, no matter how deep his love for his son, it wasn't more precious than the group. Ultimately, to save the group, he decided to send his youngest son to prison.
Chairman Yoo Byung-moon personally issued a public apology and stated that they would do their utmost to reach settlements with the victims.
The media scrambled to report on the sudden, bizarre situation. Due to the impulsive actions of the GJ Group Chairman's youngest son, the stock prices of all GJ Group affiliates plummeted, with GJ Media hitting the daily lower limit.
Owner risk is the same whether in Korea or abroad, whether it's a chaebol or not. Even Master Chicken saw a sharp decline in franchise sales after its owner was arrested. Abroad, when professional managers cause trouble, public criticism and boycotts follow. Moreover, while a professional manager can simply be replaced, a chaebol owner cannot, making it a bigger problem.
Taek-gyu patted my shoulder and said, "Sent another one away."
"Well, strictly speaking, I didn't send him away."
What that guy did to Ellie was a crime, but legally, it probably wasn't enough for imprisonment. At most, it would have been a fine or probation. However, his other crimes were certainly grounds for arrest.
He's going in because of his own sins, so who can he blame?
"...Having said that, isn't he probably blaming you intensely?"
"Probably. Still, GJ Group should be grateful to me."
If a guy like that continued doing the same things, what would happen to the group's image later on? It's better for him to quietly go to prison before causing an even bigger incident.
"Do you think he'll reflect on his actions?"
"Probably not."
If he were the type to reflect, he wouldn't have behaved like that in the first place. Still, receiving legal punishment might offer some solace to the victims.
***
Although there had been an unpleasant incident, the photoshoot continued as contracted.
There was one more additional indoor shoot, and the location for the TV commercial shoot was decided: an island and resort in the Maldives. Since it was a commercial shoot, official permission was required, but this issue was easily resolved.
Because the island and resort are owned by the Goldman family.
Coinciding with Ellie's shoot, we all decided to take a vacation together. One thing I've learned running a company is that if you postpone vacations, you might never get to go. Just when you think you can go somewhere, something comes up. So, you have to go when you can.
The trip was for 3 days and 2 nights. After some persuasion, Hyun-joo noona also took a day off to join us.
Henry remarked, seemingly filled with emotion, "We're finally going to the Maldives."
"I know, right?"
Thinking back, the talk of going to the Maldives first came up the year before last. We had planned everything, but had to cancel because of the Big One incident. Originally, the plan was to help Henry and Hyun-joo noona get together during the trip, but that was no longer necessary.
Because Henry was already holding Oh Geon in his arms.
"Aren't you returning to the company?"
"I plan to rest for a while. I want to create an environment where Hyun-joo can work comfortably."
Is he surprisingly suited for housework and childcare?
A short while later, Ellie arrived home with my mother.
"You never call your mom usually. What have you been so busy with lately?"
"I'm sorry."
"You need to call at least once a day so I don't worry. Do you know how startled I get when I see news about you?"
"..."
No matter how much money you earn, you can't escape a mother's nagging.
The shooting team was scheduled to travel by a separate aircraft, while we decided to take the private jet.
The time had finally come to debut OTK Company's private jet!
The model was a Gulfstream G700.
We chose it because it had the fastest delivery time available. It was originally ordered by a Russian tycoon, but issues caused a delay in delivery, and we bought it instead.
Sang-yeop sunbae was more enthusiastic about purchasing the private jet than ever before. He meticulously oversaw the interior design and had selected the pilots and cabin crew in time for the delivery date.
The interior of the private jet was clean and modern. It was equipped with seats, a conference room, a shower, and satellite communication capabilities.
Taek-gyu exclaimed in awe, "Wow! There's even a bed inside!"
There was also a separate room at the back. It was a luxury unattainable even in first class.
This wasn't my first time on a private jet; I had flown on Seosung Electronics' jet before. But having my own jet felt different.
Before departure, I greeted the captain, co-pilot, and cabin crew.
"It's an honor to serve you, CEO."
"I look forward to working with you."
As the plane ascended, my ears popped momentarily, and a startled Oh Geon cried loudly. On a commercial flight, I would have felt apologetic towards other passengers, but on a private jet, there was no need to worry.
As the jet flew towards the Maldives, we put on some music and enjoyed wine and beer.
***
After arriving at the airport, we had to take another seaplane to reach the island. The ocean stretching below was truly emerald green.
The seaplane landed on the water upon reaching the island.
Staff members, already waiting, greeted us. We were guided to the best suite within the resort.
The suite featured an open-air bath and a private pool. You could enjoy bathing or swimming while looking out at the ocean.
My mother was astonished by the luxurious resort, the kind you'd only see in movies. "My goodness, a place like this exists?"
Even for me, while I'd stayed in many 5-star hotels, this was my first time in a 5-star resort.
The resort had everything: a private beach, infinity pool, restaurants, massage shop, wine bar, water sports center, and more.
We quickly unpacked and went out to the beach. Ellie wore a sleeveless, knee-length sky-blue dress with a white cardigan thrown over it. Her legs, extending below the skirt, revealed sleek, beautiful lines.
The weather was perfect. Not a cloud in the sky, and the sun shone intensely.
Since only resort guests could access the island, the beach was pristine, without a single piece of trash. Ellie kicked off her shoes and ran towards the ocean in one go.
She dipped her feet in the water, then turned back and waved at me. "Come on, Jin-hoo!"
Under the dazzling southern sun, the brown-haired beauty smiled refreshingly.
My mother nudged my side and asked, "When are you getting married? In Mom's eyes, there's no young lady as fine as her."
I smiled and nodded. "I know."