Chapter 40
40. How to Handle People
Kangwoo stopped by the main house before heading to work. The garden, blanketed in snow from the night before, looked especially beautiful today. He found himself appreciating such things more these days, which amused him. It was a change brought by being around the children. As he entered the main house, Gyeonghye welcomed him.
"What's this? Coming by right at work time. Is something going on at the company?"
"Does Mother always think of company matters first when I visit the main house?"
Gyeonghye clicked her tongue at Kangwoo's jab at her habits.
"Do you have to say it like that? I'm glad to see you, but I wondered if there was something worrying."
"Nothing much. Is Father in?"
"Yes. He's in the study."
As Kangwoo headed toward the study, Gyeonghye said,
"Should I call him out?"
"No. It's a conversation for the study."
"Alright then."
Gyeonghye immediately realized it was business talk and nodded.
"Shall I send in some tea?"
"No need. I just finished some."
After Kangwoo entered the study, Gyeonghye watched his retreating figure and bit her lip.
"Why can't I be like Teacher Han Naeun? I try to be warmer, but it just doesn't come naturally."
Gyeonghye muttered to herself and headed to her room to prepare for work.
Chairman Choi was sitting in the study, reviewing documents with reading glasses on.
"Yes. What is it?"
He set down his glasses upon seeing Kangwoo.
"Just wanted to see you, Father."
"Sit down. You're here because of something difficult, right?"
"It's not that hard. But I wanted to hear your thoughts."
Chairman Choi nodded, and Kangwoo sat. Facing each other across the table, Kangwoo looked at him.
"Why? Is acquiring the new cable channel giving you trouble?"
"Not the acquisition—it's the people causing issues. And they're quite important ones."
Chairman Choi spoke in a low, weighty voice.
"You're悩ing over how to handle people. Using people is the most important part of management."
"A company's growth ultimately depends on people. Misusing them can bring the company down in an instant."
Chairman Choi paused, gazing off into the distance as if in thought, then continued toward Kangwoo.
"Hiring capable people is basic. But capability alone isn't enough. No matter how talented, if they harm the company, it's a greater loss. It's crucial to move forward with those who understand our company's vision and act accordingly."
Kangwoo nodded quietly. Chairman Choi added,
"When evaluating people, I look first at diligence and trustworthiness. Capability can be learned when needed. But those lacking diligence and loyalty to the company will eventually betray it for personal gain. So, even the most capable must be discarded decisively if they damage the company or commit misconduct."
Kangwoo said,
"Discarding decisively requires timing. The role he's handling is too significant right now."
"Exactly. Even discarding needs the right timing. And how you do it matters too. They could harbor resentment and cause more harm."
Chairman Choi smiled and said,
"It's not about using and discarding people—it's the executive's role to select those who grow with the company and take responsibility. That's the difficult and vital task."
"I understand."
"So, what do you plan to do?"
"First, separate him from the misconduct. Give him time to wrap up and hand over properly. That way, he'll confess his wrongs more thoroughly."
"That's a good idea."
"Yes. I'll head to work."
Kangwoo steeled himself and went to the office. He gathered the directors and said,
"Director Son siphoned off some advertising fees from deals with intermediaries related to Myeongseong Media's sports channel."
The directors began murmuring.
"Director Son was the key figure in this channel acquisition..."
"Not just that. He inflated channel ad budgets and diverted the difference to his personal account. It was discovered during an internal audit, as it extends to the newly acquired travel channel."
One director said,
"Then we need a new director. Wonder if there's anyone ready to step up right after him."
Kangwoo ignored it and continued on Director Son's corruption.
"Director Son used the corporate card for personal luxuries, family trips, high-end designer goods, etc., processing them as business expenses. The frequency and amounts raised suspicion, and a secret audit confirmed the improper expenditures."
"So what will you do? Fire him immediately?"
Kangwoo replied,
"Director Son won't be fired right away. Instead, he'll be demoted to a regional affiliate outside the Myeongseong Group core. Far from key decision-making at headquarters, handling routine tasks or reviewing local promo materials."
The directors showed no objection.
"I agree with the CEO's decision. Firing him outright could be problematic, but as long as he's in the group, he should contribute."
Kangwoo executed it that day.
News of Director Son's demotion spread instantly through everyone at Myeongseong Media. Hayoung learned of it quickly. She clenched her fists. Nothing felt right. With no special schedule that afternoon, she headed home early.
"What's this? Coming home at this hour."
Hayoung usually networked late even without work. Dressed up for it today, coming back early worried Misuk. Hayoung kicked off her heels habitually and stormed in.
"Aigoo, those expensive shoes."
Misuk straightened the disheveled luxury heels worth millions. Admiring the crystal-studded pair, she slipped one on her foot when Hayoung shrieked sharply from the living room.
"Argh!"
Misuk nearly dropped what she held, frowning at her.
"Aigoo, you scared me. What's wrong with you?"
Hayoung yelled with a face full of rage.
"Director Son got demoted!"
Misuk gaped in shock.
"Demoted? What does that mean?"
Hayoung stomped her feet, breathing heavily.
"Sent to the provinces!"
"Why? What did he do?"
Hayoung scoffed incredulously.
"What do I care? Idiot. As long as he doesn't get caught. But he did, and now this."
Misuk sighed, shaking her head.
"What now then?"
Hayoung raked her hair in frustration.
"What do you mean? I won't get anything more from him now. Why'd I ever trust that guy."
Misuk sighed, looking at her.
"Aigoo, what a bolt from the blue..."
Hayoung racked her brain. Without his power now, how to handle him? Just then, Director Son returned to Hayoung, who hadn't followed him in.
"What are you doing? Come in. We need to talk."
Hayoung replied indifferently.
"Coming soon. Want some water?"
"Yeah. Throat's dry."
Yeah, it would be. With his neck on the line.
Hayoung handed him a bottle of water. After gulping it down, Director Son went back to the bedroom, and Hayoung followed. Without a word, he threw her onto the bed and climbed on top.
