The Chairman Who Wants to Play and Eat

Episode 60. Bigger is better than smaller.

Meanwhile,

“Hmmm, is that so?”

After hearing the report from Im Doo-won, the president of Seonghyeon Electronics, a wave of overwhelming emotion surged in Hyun Byeong-geon’s heart.

“You’re saying that Tetros, that game Sang-yoon made, is selling like hotcakes in foreign markets, right?”

He placed the thick report on the desk.

“That’s correct, Chairman.”

“And Sang-yoon has arranged for the royalties to be paid to his own company, Yoon International, established in Ireland.”

“Exactly.”

“What do you think? What are you planning to do?”

Chairman Hyun gazed intently at President Im.

“I’m waiting for your decision, Chairman.”

“You’re asking me to choose whether to pay in cash or in shares, is that it?”

Instead of answering, President Im politely bowed his head.

“Alright.”

He understood the situation completely.

President Im had fulfilled his role 200% as instructed. Now it was his turn.

Chairman Hyun waved his hand. That was enough; it was a signal to leave. There was nothing more to discuss.

President Im respectfully lowered his head.

As he left, Chairman Hyun thought to himself,

“That kid Sang-yoon, even without a word of hint, is moving as if he knows everything. It’s as if he’s fully aware.”

It was impressive to the point of being astonishing.

“Hey, Chief Joo.”

I couldn’t stay quiet.

Having seen my grandchild’s antics, it was only right to give a generous allowance,

so I immediately called Chief Joo Yong-hoon from the secretary’s office. The door that President Im had just exited opened quietly once more.

“Did you call for me?”

“Make a dinner reservation at Zen. And call the vice chairman as well.”

“Understood.”

Director Joo replied.

“Since there’s something important to discuss, tell them to choose a quiet room inside. If there’s even a single eavesdropper, I won’t be able to let it slide. Got it?”

A moment later,

At the upscale Japanese restaurant Zen in Samcheong-dong,

Chairman Hyun and Vice Chairman Hyun Deok-jae were seated across from each other in the innermost private room. They had just finished their meal.

“Have you mentioned anything to your son?”

It meant whether he had given any hints regarding the shares to his son, Hyun Sang-yoon.

“No, I haven’t.”

“Since Director Joo or Im Doo-won wouldn’t have said anything either, he must have figured it out on his own.”

“I think you’re right, Chairman.”

Their gazes met in silence.

Eventually,

“Haha.”

Chairman Hyun laughed.

“Your son is truly remarkable, isn’t he? While he’s busy running around, saying he’s going to study American law instead of acquiring a major league team, he understands both your and my intentions and has prepared all this on his own.”

He was talking about Hyun Sang-yoon.

“Just as you say, Chairman.”

Hyun Deok-jae replied.

He knew it too.

Deciding on a successor is one thing, but the actual process of inheriting the group is complex and challenging.

Of course, for now, it’s fine.

Various tricks have worked.

The financial real-name system that’s been consistently discussed in the political arena is still a distant future, and the conservative perception that the group’s leadership will naturally be passed down from the chairman to his son remains strong.

However,

That won’t be the case moving forward.

The world is changing. When exactly, no one knows.

At least when Sang-yoon’s generation steps up, the current way of bestowing leadership is unlikely to function as it does now.

That’s why preparation is necessary.

He understood it perfectly.

‘That reckless kid, Sang-yoon.’

He pinpointed exactly why preparation was necessary and moved swiftly to address it.

His own children,

No, even among the entire conglomerate, there were no others who moved as quickly as he did.

Sang-yoon would be the first.

‘I wasn’t even this capable when I was young.’

Unlike the other children and cousins, who were busy scheming to get their allowances and only thought about playing whenever they had a moment.

Doesn’t he know that his father is Chairman Hyun?

He just doesn’t show it.

The scoreboard in his heart is turning accurately and swiftly.

He simply hasn’t made any fatal mistakes yet. He’s just at the level where he can still remain a young master.

If things continue like this, once he graduates from college, he would be destined to run a small shop and be kicked out of the company.

Sang-yoon was different.

“Deok-jae.”

Suddenly, Chairman Hyun set down his glass and called out.

“Yes, Chairman.”

“What do you think?”

“What do you mean?”

“If you were to become the chairman, who would you choose next? The eldest? The second? Or the youngest?”

The meaning of the question was clear.

It was a question that couldn’t be answered.

“I’m sorry to say, but I’m content just assisting you, Chairman. I have no ambitions, Chairman.”

“You sound like a fool. With such a lack of ambition, you’ll only be able to defend what you have. Tsk tsk.”

Though the words were harsh, it was also a form of praise.

In the next generation, he must be a defensive lord.

In that regard, Chairman Hyun had almost decided in his heart that Vice Chairman Hyun Deok-jae would be the next chairman.

It wasn’t 100% yet.

That last 1-2%, he was merely watching with an eagle’s eye.

Wondering when that empty space would be filled.

But,

‘A 100% person has appeared.’

No.

Perhaps it was even 1,000%.

Though he was his own grandson, he couldn’t even begin to fathom the depths of him.

Thus, the current chairman thought that his grandson, Hyun Sang-yoon, might be the one to fill the missing 2% of his eldest son.

He changed the subject.

“The financial real-name system is still not in place, right?”

Not long ago, there had been talk of another report regarding the financial real-name system being submitted to the Blue House.

No matter how fierce the era of state power was, Seonghyeon was still a major corporation with its own rank. They had the necessary information power.

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“Not yet.”

That was Hyun Deok-jae’s response.

“For the financial real-name system to be implemented, the upper waters must first be cleared. But will that happen? There probably won’t be any worries for about ten years.”

Hearing those words, Chairman Hyun spoke in a light tone.

“So, you’re saying I should die within ten years.”

Hyun Deok-jae reacted the quickest.

“Father! What a morbid thing to say!”

“Haha, it’s just a joke. A joke.”

“Please refrain from such jokes. I can’t even imagine a Seonghyeon without you, Father.”

Chairman Hyun snapped at Hyun Deok-jae’s heartfelt words.

“Be quiet. Don’t speak weakly.”

“Father.”

Yet, this too was not true anger. For a moment, a smile flickered across his face.

No matter how iron-fisted the leader Hyun Byeong-geon was, he had that much affection.

“By the way, when is Sang-yoon’s exam?”

He feigned distraction.

“I believe it’s next week.”

It was the response from Director Joo, who had been silently listening to their conversation. Before being asked, he was like a shadow.

“He’ll pass, right?”

“There shouldn’t be any problems. He’s been studying day and night.”

Chairman Hyun clicked his tongue.

“If I could at least scold a kid who’s just burying himself in his studies without doing any work, I’d have a reason to reprimand him. But since he can do everything, I have no grounds to scold him for studying. It’s so boring. Hahaha. He’ll say he’s taking an exam and then bring something fun to surprise me. I won’t be fooled anymore. Not by him.”

What could that fun thing be?

“I’ll have a drink.”

“Sure.”

Even as the liquor slid down his throat, Chairman Hyun was consumed by curiosity.

*

A week passed.

Director Jo Young-dae of the Seonghyeon Global Semiconductor Research Institute was busier than ever.

“Truly, the competition never ends.”

It was just a short while ago.

Both Jeongsang and Geosan had successfully begun mass production of 64K DRAM, putting them on the same starting line in the race for 256K DRAM development.

Just because they crossed the finish line doesn’t mean it’s over.

They had to sprint to the next point.

Once 256K DRAM was completed, the next step would be mega-level DRAM. After micro fabrication, it would be nano fabrication.

They had to stay one step ahead.

That was the nature of competition.

For him, the only solace and respite came from news about the young master Hyun Sang-yoon.

“He’s doing well.”

They couldn’t meet.

The days he spent in Korea were few and far between. Each time he contacted the secretary’s office, he was told that he was in the United States.

So, he mainly received updates through the news.

Yet, strangely, there were many times he found himself lost in the illusion of being one with him.

Even while working, he wanted to work more.

He was someone who had gone all the way to America to study semiconductors for himself. He had amassed enough profound knowledge to communicate with someone who had dedicated decades to this field.

He had to repay that.

Just semiconductors weren’t enough.

New technologies, and new businesses were needed.

And,

That was precisely why he called Santomon, the global chemical group boasting the largest scale in semiconductor material production, specifically silicon wafers.

– David?

David is his English name.

“Tony, it’s been a while.”

– What’s going on? At this hour? Isn’t it dawn in Korea right now?

“That’s right.”

Five in the morning; in American time, it’s afternoon.

– Still, hearing your voice makes me think you’re doing well. You just up and left for Korea without a word after your research. I thought you were dead or something, haha.

Tony laughed heartily. He had been a close mentor since David’s days at Bell Labs.

Jo Young-dae wasn’t one to back down.

“Isn’t that the same for you, Tony? Everyone was so surprised when you got hired at Santomon.”

– Without wafers, there are no semiconductors. It’s important work.

“That’s true.”

That was exactly why he called.

He had seen it in the news not long ago.

Santomon had set a long-term goal to establish a production base for silicon wafers in Asia in the form of a joint venture.

He knew they were at a crossroads between Korea and Japan.

Of course, he didn’t believe everything.

The weighing had likely already been done; perhaps only the announcement remained.

But until he confirmed it, he wouldn’t know.

– Oh, that?

It sounded like there was nothing particularly secretive about it.

– Originally, it was Japan.

“Is that so?”

He felt a sense of relief wash over him.

– Listen to the end. You know the current atmosphere, right? Since cheap Japanese semiconductors have been flooding into the U.S., there’s been a growing sense of caution.

“······I’ve heard that.”

– So these days, everyone is leaning towards the idea of Korea. How did you know to call? Do you have a company to recommend?

He asked.

“I do.”

– Ah, the sage you’re with right now?

Tony chuckled, making an assumption.

– If you’re confident, give it a shot. There are plenty of places to sell wafers in Korea, right? Instead.

“Yes.”

– I hope you can communicate well. There are many people who think they can make money in semiconductors without knowing anything about it. You know, this isn’t just a money-driven business, right?

Upon hearing that, Jo Young-dae shrugged.

“I think I won’t have to worry about that, at least.”

– Really?

He pondered.

Someone who knows nothing?

At the very least, he knew one manager who was as knowledgeable about semiconductors as he was.

– It would be wise to think it over before starting.

Tony continued.

– No matter how much you dislike Japan, you can’t partner with an unprepared company. At least in this field, it’s a fact that Japan is far ahead of Korea. So if you’re thinking of diving in carelessly, it’s better to back off. I’ve made that clear.

After hanging up, Jo Young-dae thought.

What? Carelessly?

In the end, we’ll see which side ends up laughing.

Just wait.

*

I had a dream. It was a nightmare.

‘My brothers, cousin, and nephews were all taking over buildings in Gangnam, while I was left behind, stuck in the company, dragged all the way to the chairman’s office.’

The blanket was soaked with sweat.

Damn it,

It had already been a gloomy few days.

I was experiencing the dizzying sensation of everything I had prepared going to waste.

So it was like this.

[ Domestic game ‘Tetros’ makes a huge splash in the North American market. ······ Retail release of the IMB version of ‘Tetros’ rakes in $1 million in a week! ]

[ US Artery, Japan’s Homicom, are desperately sending “love calls” to Tetros ······ “We’ll pay anything. Please launch Tetros on our gaming console!” ]

Is that all?

Not long ago, I even received a call from Steven Jackson at Apple.

Why was there no word for me when such a game existed? It felt as if they might come and hit me if I didn’t sign the contract.

I was dumbfounded.

But this is not the end.

I must move.

There’s no time to hesitate. I need to come up with a new idea once again.

‘Hyun Sang-yoon, you can do it.’

The problems that existed until yesterday must end with yesterday. Today, the sun of today rises. It’s a fresh start, but I can begin again.

But why are the tears coming?

– Young master.

It was then that I received a call from Director Cho of the Semiconductor Division.

It was unexpected.

“Suddenly, what’s the matter…?”

– I have something to discuss regarding work. Could we meet for a moment?

Work?

Has a new idea come to light?

I immediately regained my energy.

“Feel free to come by anytime. I have no classes today, so I plan to go to Seonghyeon Electronics. You can come there.”

A little while later,

We were sitting in an empty conference room at Seonghyeon Electronics.

It was indeed an enticing proposition.

‘Silicon wafer…’

I hadn’t even considered it.

From a business perspective, it didn’t seem particularly advantageous.

First of all, we already have semiconductors. There are quite a few domestic channels like Jeong Sang and Geosan.

If I look overseas, Japan is nearby. A competitor, but an undeniable semiconductor powerhouse.

That means there are plenty of places to sell.

It’s not surprising that I hadn’t paid much attention until now.

Moreover,

I’m tired of semiconductors.

I’ve received countless accolades from the chairman for just semiconductors. And now, to receive more for this? I’d like to decline.

But,

As I listened to Director Jo’s story, my thoughts began to change.

“High-purity single crystal silicon wafers are produced in various sizes, from 1 inch to 6 inches. There are processes for 8 inches and 12 inches, but it’s still too early. When creating silicon crystals, they need to be made that large, which significantly increases costs, and there’s no demand for them either.”

8 inches, 12 inches.

That’s it.

He pinpointed the part I had forgotten.

“High costs and no demand. I never expected such a good point. Truly, it’s Director Jo.”

“That’s exactly it.”

I couldn’t help but shout.

“Excuse me?”

“The fact that there’s no demand doesn’t mean it’s useless, does it?”

“That’s true.”

His voice was hesitant. It seemed he hadn’t anticipated my interest in the 8 and 12 inches.

“It’s true that the larger the diameter, the less edge die loss there is.”

“Exactly.”

I chimed in.

“Currently, there aren’t many semiconductor processes dealing with 8 and 12 inches, but in the long run, it’s different. High-efficiency wafers will become the norm. We cannot be latecomers. We must be a leading company in the market. If we partner with Santomon, it would be better to start with 8 and 12 inches, rather than the already saturated 1 to 6 inches.”

“But they won’t sell.”

Jo Young-dae countered.

I replied.

“They may not sell now, but in the future, our specs will become the standard. Trust me. Bigger is better than smaller; this is an unchanging truth.”

I thought to myself.

‘It’s true they won’t sell. They haven’t so far, and they won’t in the future either.’

I didn’t voice it.

The fact that this work needs to be done is quite clear.

Even if 8 and 12 inches don’t become the mainstream, they will be used eventually. So, we just need to hold on until then.

We can’t succeed too much, nor can we completely fail.

That’s the business I want.

That’s the reason.

Director Jo brought a good idea.

If we talk about marketability, we could use the excuse of targeting a niche market that isn’t too big, but isn’t entirely unnecessary either.

It’s just right.

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So I said.

“Trust me. Has there ever been a business I proposed that didn’t succeed? This time will be no different.”

It’s a venture that must be pursued, even if it means indulging in this self-deprecation.