Chapter 649: Comeback (4)

"Method? Do you know anything about Mrs. Ha Jo-Eun?" Cha Tae-Hee looked at me with hopeful eyes.

I nodded. "Yes. I know that Mrs. Ha is often treated to expensive wine at a wine bar she frequents."

Ha Jo-Eun, who liked wine, was known for ordering just one glass of the cheapest wine in the ten thousand won range at Wine Bar W and only cheese as a side. However, the wine she actually drank was top-tier wine prepaid by the person treating her, who had already visited Wine Bar W.

Since it was hard for non-sommeliers to tell the difference just by looking at wine in a glass, this was the trick used. And this kind of treatment was possible because the owner of Wine Bar W, where Ha Jo-Eun went, was her cousin Ha Sun-Joo. Of course, Ha Jo-Eun only made such requests to those she considered trustworthy, so very few knew about it.

It was a win-win and a clever trick not widely known, but unfortunately for Ha Jo-Eun, I knew about it. Because I, too, had treated her that way in my previous life.

And the schedule entry was still in my planner.

[Everyday V12.2]

[Date: July 11, 2023]

-10:00 p.m.: Meeting with KBC's CP Ha Jo-Eun at Wine Bar W in Cheongdam-dong. (Note: Château Mouton Rothschild, vintage 2000. Order in advance.)

I glanced sideways at Everyday and, as expected, the schedule remained.

At that moment, Ahn Dong-Gyu tilted his head in confusion. "Huh? CP Ha getting treated? We don't get along, but she's known for being clean in her private life."

"Then do you know that she enjoys wine?"

"That, I know. She even drinks wine at barbecue places while everyone else drinks soju. But still, she only drinks by the glass, not costing over ten thousand won. I heard she can't even drink much."

I shook my head and replied in a firm tone, "That's all a show. She only drinks by the glass because if she drinks by the bottle, the wine and vintage would be obvious. And there's a specific place where she's treated."

"Is...Is that really true?"

"Yes, sir. She only receives treatment at Wine Bar W in Cheongdam-dong. Someone from an entertainment company pays in advance and keeps the wine there. The owner then pours it by the glass using a wine dispenser and gives it to CP Ha. On the bill, it just shows that she drank a cheap ten thousand won glass."

"She goes to that extent for fancy wine? Jeez, the scheming..." Ahn Dong-Gyu clicked his tongue and asked again. "But even if it's expensive wine, how much can a single glass cost?"

Ahn Dong-Gyu was a staunch soju drinker. He disliked beer and bomb shots, only enjoying soju. He would drink traditional soju, but never touched whiskey or wine. For this reason, he had no sense of wine prices.

At that moment, Cha Tae-Hee, who liked wine, chimed in. "Sunbae. Cheap wine bottles can be as cheap as three thousand won, but expensive ones can go up to one million won per glass."

"What? Per glass, not bottle?"

"Yes. Château Mouton Rothschild 2000 vintage would cost about five million won per 750ml bottle. Since a glass is usually one-fifth of a bottle, that's about one million won per glass. Though no one usually asks for such wine by the glass, based on market value, it's like that."

Ahn Dong-Gyu's mouth dropped open. "That's insane... Five million won a bottle?"

"There are even more expensive ones."

"Wow~ I wouldn't drink it even if it was free. No, I'd trade it for soju. I mean, for five million won, how many crates of soju is that?"

The idea that a glass of wine could cost one million won was enough to make Ahn Dong-Gyu's eyes pop out. After all, he usually drank four thousand won bottles of soju.

I continued. "Anyway, since CP Ha helped with Park Eun-Bin's surprise comeback today, TK Entertainment might be the one treating her this time."

"That's great news for us. But how many people know about this? If there were witnesses..."

"Sorry, but barely anyone knows. As you saw, even you didn't have a clue."

Despite having the information, it wasn't easy to take down Ha Jo-Eun right away. Even if we reported it to the police or prosecution, it would still take time.

"

Sigh~

Then what do you suggest we do?"

"Let's not beat around the bush and go see Mr. Oh Han-Guk directly. Even just starting an internal audit on this might be enough to put her appointment on hold."

Although Ha Jo-Eun had been appointed to KBC's

Music Stage

, there were many procedural issues. And if intelligence about corruption came in, the appointment could be postponed. In the meantime, we could gather evidence through the police or prosecutors and then expose it.

Ahn Dong-Gyu nodded. "Okay. I was planning to confront Mr. Oh anyway, so this works. Let's go together."

"Yes, sir."

Then Ahn Dong-Gyu turned to Cha Tae-Hee. "PD Cha. You stay here and make sure CP Ha doesn't mess with the broadcast. Earlier, it seemed like she was cutting down Sae-Ri's screen time because of Park Eun-Bin's comeback. No matter how much buzz Park Eun-Bin has today, sidelining Sae-Ri isn't right. Park Eun-Bin is yesterday's news!"

Cha Tae-Hee answered, "Yes, sunbae. Then I'll head to the sub-control room right away."

"Good luck!"

Cha Tae-Hee exited the lounge first.

Ahn Dong-Gyu also calmed his anger and stood up. "Chief Jung. Let's go."

"One moment, please."

I pulled out my phone and called the person who could help most in this situation.

-Hey, Chief Jung. What's going on?

The person I called was Han Yoo-Sik, CEO of the drama production company Mirinae, which had nearly completed its rehabilitation process, and former KBC executive director.

"Where are you right now, sir?"

Han Yoo-Sik was a well-respected figure who had once been considered a strong candidate for KBC's next president, and Oh Han-Guk had once been part of his faction. If Han Yoo-Sik showed up, it would empower Oh Han-Guk because the company was still filled with people loyal to him.

Besides, I needed him there to comfortably share the information I had to support Oh Han-Guk. Knowing something and being trusted were entirely different matters, after all.

Fortunately, Han Yoo-Sik said he was in the KBC parking lot.

-I'm right in front of KBC headquarters. Since Mirinae is wrapping up its rehabilitation and returning to normal operations this week, I thought I'd meet with the drama division head. What's going on? Is something wrong?

We got very lucky.

"Could you come to the president's office right now? There's an issue."

I explained that Ha Jo-Eun had been appointed to KBC's

Music Stage

, and that it would significantly harm my celebrities. I also revealed that she was involved in corruption.

-Got it. I'll see you in the president's office.

When Han Yoo-Sik agreed to come, Ahn Dong-Gyu's face brightened as meeting Oh Han-Guk alone was a burden for him.

***

Before we could even sit down and discuss things in detail in the KBC's president's office, Oh Han-Guk apologized to Ahn Dong-Gyu.

"I'm sure the sudden appointment was confusing. But I had no choice. I'm sorry."

"What do you mean?"

"The KBC board members are backing Director Na Tae-Hwan. Because of that, my authority over appointments is limited. I appointed the head of the entertainment division, so I had to give up the

Music Stage

spot."

"Then... are you aware that CP Ha Jo-Eun is aligned with Director Na Tae-Hwan?"

"Yes."

"Then you should have at least told me!"

"I'm sorry. Too many eyes were watching and I had no choice."

KBC's recent appointments had been absolute chaos. First, the former KBC president, Park Chan-Sik, had been fired over the elementary school incident with Miso. Then, Bong Sook-Hee, who was supposed to be the next president, voluntarily stepped down due to the viewership ratings manipulation scandal.

To quickly settle the turmoil, the Broadcasting Commission and KBC board chose Oh Han-Guk, someone from the opposing faction, as president. But as the situation calmed, the board began pushing Na Tae-Hwan to restrain Oh Han-Guk.

Oh Han-Guk sighed and said, "For now, go work on

Midnight Song

. Once things settle, I'll call you back."

Oh Han-Guk had started out ambitious, but shortly after taking office, he was already being treated like a puppet.

The situation was worse than I thought. Thanks to that, it became a little easier to share the information I had. Nevertheless, to do it properly and convince him smoothly, we needed Han Yoo-Sik to arrive.

At that moment, the intercom in Oh Han-Guk's office rang.

Beep.

Oh Han-Guk answered the intercom. "What? Let him in."

Soon, the door to the president's office swung open and Han Yoo-Sik entered. "Hey, President Oh. You're going through a lot, huh?"

Oh Han-Guk greeted him warmly. "Sunbae-nim! I'm glad you came."

Han Yoo-Sik, now the CEO of the drama production company Mirinae, let out a hearty laugh. "I told you that seat wouldn't be comfortable, didn't I?"

Coming from Han Yoo-Sik, who was once nearly confirmed as the next KBC president, Oh Han-Guk took the remark without resistance. "

Sigh~

I'm at my limit. I thought I could operate on this critically ill company with a scalpel, but maybe I'm just a quack."

Oh Han-Guk let out a self-deprecating smile and guided Han Yoo-Sik to the sofa.

Han Yoo-Sik sat down and asked, "You're doing well, given the circumstances. But what's troubling you so much?"

"Well, you always had such a great character that people followed you. I guess I'm not like that."

"It's not that you're lacking. It must be that the board's pressure is excessive. I know what you're like."

"

Sigh

... Yes. You're right. The pressure is enough to break my back. I just had to give up the chief director seat of

Music Stage

, which CP Ahn here used to hold, to Ha Jo-Eun."

At that, Han Yoo-Sik grinned. "That actually works in your favor. That woman's about to go down."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"You haven't heard from Chief Jung yet?"

"I just arrived, so no."

Han Yoo-Sik looked at me. "Chief Jung. Tell him."

Han Yoo-Sik naturally set the stage. At that moment, I began explaining that Ha Jo-Eun was receiving bribes.

***

The moment I mentioned Ha Jo-Eun's corruption allegations, Oh Han-Guk's lips curled slightly.

"So that's why you came with them."

I nodded. "Yes, sir."

Oh Han-Guk fell into thought. I wanted to tell him to cancel her appointment right away, but that would've been overstepping my bounds, so I subtly glanced at Ahn Dong-Gyu.

Catching my cue, Ahn Dong-Gyu spoke up. "Mr. Oh. If what Chief Jung said is true, shouldn't we cancel the appointment immediately?"

"That would make sense. But there's no evidence. What if we push too hard and give them a reason to fight back?"

"Well..."

Ahn Dong-Gyu fell silent.

That's when Han Yoo-Sik spoke firmly. "What's with you? That's not like you. Just place the appointment on hold for now and investigate afterward. Weren't you the one who said speed is most important when striking down the enemy? Looks like that seat has made you timid."

Oh Han-Guk's expression stiffened. "You're right, sunbae... I guess I have become timid. Please share your advice."

Despite his self-mocking words, he showed a willingness to listen. Now was the perfect time for me to share the crucial information I knew.

I glanced around and cautiously began. "Mr. Oh. Are you aware that the current Broadcasting Commission chairman is about to be replaced?"

KBC's board members were appointed by the Broadcasting Commission. And the one backing Na Tae-Hwan from behind was Chairman Park Yung-Hwan. However, Park Yung-Hwan and the rest of the commission members were soon to be replaced because the police were currently investigating them over high-end gifts received at the end of last year.

When I said that, Oh Han-Guk's eyes widened. "Where did you hear that?"

"I heard it from a reporter I know. Apparently, not only the chairman but the board members were widely treated by media companies late last year. The police have already begun an internal investigation."

"Really...?"

"Yes, sir. The evidence is solid, so the entire faction will likely be replaced. You can go ahead and take action with peace of mind."

At that moment, Han Yoo-Sik offered his full endorsement with unwavering confidence. "I vouch for this man. You can trust him."

"If you say so, sunbae, then I'll go with that."

Oh Han-Guk agreed without hesitation and picked up the intercom.

"Have Chief Choi from HR come in."

Click.

After lowering the intercom, Oh Han-Guk looked at us. "I'll talk more with sunbae-nim, so Dong-Gyu, you go back down. You've got a music show to put together, right?"

"Does that mean...?"

"Yes. I'll put the appointment on hold. For now, today's broadcast is yours. Once we secure the evidence, I'll cancel it altogether. So just play it cool for now."

"Yes, sir!" Ahn Dong-Gyu lit up with excitement and turned to me. "Chief Jung. Let's go!"

Ahn Dong-Gyu was already leading the way, heading to reclaim the sub-control room of KBC's

Music Stage

.

I followed close behind, because the schedule entry still showed that Sae-Ri wouldn't win first place.

***

Thud.

As Jung Yoon-Ho and Ahn Dong-Gyu exited, Oh Han-Guk began to contemplate. Han Yoo-Sik, knowing his hoobae's habits well, sipped his tea in silence, waiting for him to finish thinking.

After a moment, Oh Han-Guk spoke up. "Sunbae-nim. Do you have any idea where Chief Jung gets his information?"

"How would I know that? But I do know he's got a serious network from corporate tycoons to the wealthiest man in Myeongdong. Why do you ask?"

Oh Han-Guk spoke cautiously. "The truth is... I haven't been idle either. I had a newsroom reporter digging into the Broadcasting Commission chairman. And he just sent me a report."

"Wait. Don't tell me it's the same corruption Chief Jung mentioned?"

"Yes. I was skeptical, but it turns out it's all real... Still, it's amazing. How does a mere talent agent know all this, when even reporters and cops didn't?"

Han Yoo-Sik chuckled. "Does it matter how he knew? What's important is that he's on your side."

"Well, that's true. I suppose I'm even in this seat thanks to him after he took down Park Chan-Sik and Bong Sook-Hee. Come to think of it, I never properly thanked him. We should treat him to a meal sometime."

"Absolutely. I was only able to remain as the CEO of Mirinae because of him too."

𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

The two exchanged knowing smiles. They both realized once again that they owed their positions to Jung Yoon-Ho.

Then Oh Han-Guk cautiously asked, "So, about that... Would you consider letting me have him on my side?"

Han Yoo-Sik laughed heartily. "You've got it backward. He's not my guy—I'm his."

"Sorry? What do you mean by that?"

"He saved my life. So technically, my life belongs to him. And even without that, no way. Don't tell me... you really think a broadcast station can claim him?"

Oh Han-Guk answered confidently. After all, he was at KBC, one of the nation's top three networks.

"Of course. KBC offers a great salary table. And, well, let's be honest, broadcasting is power, isn't it?"

Han Yoo-Sik shook his head seriously. "Let me give you some friendly advice as someone who knows you well. Drop that thought and don't ever say that aloud."

"Huh? Why not?"

"That kid's salary already exceeds one billion won. And this year, it'll surpass two billion. On top of that, he'll get shares in Mirinae. And you know what else? Chairman Choi of Hoop Entertainment is giving him a stake too. He's the pillar of their house—their future. Do you think they'll just let him go? Wake up. You don't know what kind of mess you'd be stepping into."

Oh Han-Guk couldn't close his mouth. He had heard rumors about Jung Yoon-Ho, but had thought they were all exaggerated. If it hadn't been Han Yoo-Sik saying it, he still wouldn't have believed it.

Oh Han-Guk cleared his throat awkwardly. "

Ahem

. Thank you for the heads-up."

"If you're thankful, just buy him a meal. That's all it takes to please him. Oh, and boost our budget for

Haze

while you're at it."

"I'll push that through generously."

"Much appreciated."

Oh Han-Guk raised both hands as if surrendering, seemingly giving up on recruiting Jung Yoon-Ho. But inside, a very different thought was taking root.

'

A twenty-eight-year-old who knows about the Broadcasting Commission's personnel moves and is the future of Chairman Choi of Myeongdong? This is getting interesting.

'

Oh Han-Guk's eyes briefly gleamed before returning to calm.

***

Ahn Dong-Gyu and I arrived at the sub-control room. The schedule entry still hadn't changed and showed Sae-Ri wasn't going to take first place.

Standing at the door, Ahn Dong-Gyu took a deep breath. "All right... Let's head in."

"Yes, Mr. Ahn."

At the same time, Ahn Dong-Gyu forcefully swung open the sub-control room door.

Bang!

As we entered, we saw Ha Jo-Eun and the other talent agents sitting together on the sofa behind the control panel.

At that moment, Ahn Dong-Gyu shouted loudly. "Wow~ you all look so relaxed~~ Drinking coffee in a sensitive control room? Don't you know food and drinks aren't allowed in here? Huh?"

Ha Jo-Eun, who had been smiling, furrowed her brows and snapped. "What the hell? Why are you here again?"

That's when Ahn Dong-Gyu flashed a wide grin and shouted in a booming voice, "I'm making a comeback, you punk!"