Chapter 976: Youth, Once Again! (1)
Before high-ranking government officials visited a company, they always sent their secretaries ahead to coordinate schedules.
Part of the reason was that they often dealt with important and complicated matters that required prior discussion of the agenda, but it was also because showing up unexpectedly and leaving empty-handed would be a considerable blow to their dignity.
Yet here was a minister—not even a vice minister, but an actual cabinet minister—visiting the company without any prior scheduling.
A minister's movements were usually significant enough to make the front page of the news, so I hurried down to the lobby to find out what was going on.
In the lobby, President Kang Gam-Chan, Director Kang Ji-Yung, and Vice President Kim Gwan-Woo had already gathered the remaining employees to welcome Minister Han Yung-Bok of the Ministry of Culture and Secretary Lee Chil-Sung.
After greeting the employees with his characteristic benevolent smile, Han Yung-Bok casually spoke to Kang Gam-Chan. "Quite a lot of people came to work even though it's the weekend."
"Yes. Since we're busy with music shows and other events, weekends are actually our busiest time."
"That's true. These days, so many places are looking for Hoop Entertainment's stars. The company must barely have a moment to breathe. Ah, and I was especially impressed by Mr. Seo Yeon-Woo's acceptance speech on MBS yesterday."
Han Yung-Bok's mother was the renowned hanbok designer Lee Tae-Yeon, and it was publicly known that she showed early symptoms of dementia. Because of that, he went on at length about how moved he was by young Seo Yeon-Woo's declaration that he would stay by his grandmother's side until the very end.
Kang Gam-Chan nodded as he accepted the praise. "Yes. My own father suffered from the disease for two years before he passed away, so what Yeon-Woo said really struck a chord with me."
"Hahaha. This dementia... it's truly something, isn't it?"
"Yes. I just hope a cure comes out soon so everyone can get better."
Since Seo Yeon-Woo's story about his grandmother had become such a hot topic after the broadcast, their conversation naturally drifted in that direction. It was another reminder of just how many families in Korea were affected by dementia.
I watched for an opening, then approached with a greeting when the conversation paused. "Mr. Minister."
Han Yung-Bok, who had been speaking with Kang Gam-Chan, raised a hand. "Sorry to summon such a busy man. Have you been doing well?"
"Yes. I've been fine. But what brings you here?"
"Ah, I had something to ask you, Chief Jung, and I happened to be passing by."
"You could've just called me. I would've come to you."
Right then, the phone in my pocket vibrated like crazy as one call after another came in.
Buzz. Buzz.
Han Yung-Bok pointed at my pocket. "I couldn't get through."
"I'm... sorry."
"No, it's fine. I know how busy you are." Han Yung-Bok gestured around him. "Still, are you planning to keep us standing here while we talk? I keep hearing rumors that the coffee Chief Jung makes is exceptionally good. Think I could get a cup?"
Even though he was a cabinet minister, he always spoke as though he were making a polite request.
"Oh, of course. Please come upstairs."
At that moment, Kang Gam-Chan pointed toward the executive office. "Chief Jung, why don't we talk in my office instead?"
"Yes, sir."
After leaving Kang Ji-Yung to handle things in the lobby, we escorted the minister and his party to the president's office, following Kang Gam-Chan's lead along with Kim Gwan-Woo.
***
In the president's office, Kang Gam-Chan yielded the seat of honor to Han Yung-Bok before sitting beside Kim Gwan-Woo. I personally brewed coffee for everyone and handed it out before taking a seat next to Kang Gam-Chan.
Seated in the place of honor, Han Yung-Bok savored the coffee I had made and broke into a wide smile. "Ha! This is absolutely incredible. They said Chief Jung makes good coffee, but the rumors don't do it justice."
"Thank you, sir."
Han Yung-Bok set down his coffee cup and finally revealed the real reason for his visit. "Now that I've had my coffee, I suppose it's time to talk. The truth is, I'm here because of an advertisement."
"What kind of advertisement would make you come all the way here yourself?"
"Hmm. You know how Mr. Seo Yeon-Woo thanking his grandmother on yesterday's music show became a hot topic, right?"
"Yes. We've been flooded with advertising offers because of it."
"I thought as much. The reason I came in person is... well, orders came down from up high," Han Yung-Bok pointed upward with his index finger.
"From up high? Ah..."
If a minister pointed upward, there was only one place he could mean—the President of South Korea.
Gulp.
As I swallowed dryly, Han Yung-Bok burst into laughter. "There's no need to be so nervous. Anyway, at yesterday's cabinet meeting, we were instructed to produce public service advertisements about dementia across all government departments. I hurried over before those fellows from the Ministry of Health and Welfare could get here first."
The officially recorded number of dementia patients nationwide had already exceeded 880,000. That was one-tenth of the entire elderly population. Considering how many families concealed it, the actual figure could easily be double that. It was a serious disease.
Seo Yeon-Woo had won first place on the music show the previous day and spoke about his love for his grandmother suffering from dementia, creating a nationwide sensation. The government had decided to seize the opportunity and raise awareness through a public service campaign.
However, because dementia was mainly handled by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the Ministry of Culture's budget was relatively small, which was why the minister had come personally.
I said, "Even so, you could've sent your staff."
"Haha. When you're short on money, you've got to make up for it with legwork. Besides, I happened to be passing nearby."
Han Yung-Bok spoke casually, easing the pressure on us.
At that moment, Kim Gwan-Woo cautiously asked a question. "Mr. Minister, forgive me for asking, but what would the Ministry of Culture have to do with a dementia public service campaign instead of the Ministry of Health and Welfare?"
The smile on Han Yung-Bok's face stiffened slightly.
The moment I saw it, I quickly stepped in. "That's not true, Mr. Kim. The Ministry of Culture also runs cultural and artistic therapy programs for dementia patients through senior welfare centers."
"Huh? Really?"
"Yes."
Senior welfare centers offered programs that used cultural and artistic activities to help dementia patients—listening to music, singing, playing instruments, painting, and more.
Recently, studies had begun showing that the treatments were more effective than expected. They reduced emotional instability and depression, and in some cases even improved cognitive impairments. Because of those results, the Ministry of Culture had been actively expanding the program.
Han Yung-Bok's mother also participated from time to time, listening to trot music and singing along, and had reportedly benefited from it.
When I demonstrated that I knew all of this, the tension left Han Yung-Bok's face, and he looked at me with surprise. "Hahaha. A young man like you knows about all that?"
"Of course. It may not have the biggest budget, but it's one of your key initiatives, Mr. Minister."
The truth was, I knew about the project for another reason. Before my regression, Han Yung-Bok's proposal for a cultural healing public service campaign had been offered to Ju Yung-In. Back then, however, the budget allocated for the public service advertisement had only been thirty million won, so we had turned it down.
Remembering that made me feel unexpectedly guilty, but I intended to make a different choice in this life. There were still plenty of people—just like Kim Gwan-Woo sitting here—who had no idea that cultural arts therapy programs even existed. I wanted to help, even if only a little.
Pleased that I was so familiar with one of his signature projects, Han Yung-Bok clicked his tongue and turned toward Kim Gwan-Woo. "If you don't want young people leaving you behind, Vice President, you'll have to study harder. A man working in the entertainment business who doesn't understand the power of culture and the arts... tsk, tsk."
Kim Gwan-Woo's face turned bright red. "I'm... sorry." After nervously reading the room for a moment, he awkwardly rose from his seat. "Well... I have an important prior engagement, so I should be going now. Mr. Minister, it's been an honor meeting you today. If there's anything I can do to help, please don't hesitate to let me know."
"If you're busy, then you should go."
Since Han Yung-Bok made no move to stop him, even jokingly, Kim Gwan-Woo bowed repeatedly before hurrying out of the room.
Bang.
The moment the door closed, Kang Gam-Chan apologized on his behalf. "My apologies, Mr. Minister."
"What is there to apologize for? As long as Chief Jung knows about it, that's enough. Hahaha. Still, I'm jealous. Truly jealous. To have such a capable young man by your side."
"I feel the same way, Mr. Minister."
With both of them practically showering me with praise, I could hardly bring myself to lift my head.
Just then, Han Yung-Bok looked at me with a warm smile. "Anyway, that's why I've come to ask a favor. I was hoping Mr. Seo Yeon-Woo and his grandmother might appear in a public service advertisement promoting the Cultural Arts Therapy Program. As you know, public service advertisements don't have particularly large budgets, so I'm afraid I'm making a rather shameless request."
Projects like Project I.O.A could receive substantial funding, but programs that used cultural arts to help treat dementia were allocated far smaller budgets. In other words, reckless spending would immediately attract an audit, so even the government couldn't simply throw money at advertising.
I said, "It's a campaign with a worthy purpose, so I'd like to do it. However, I'll need to confirm their participation before I can give you a definite answer."
Han Yung-Bok nodded. "Of course. That's only natural."
"And I'd appreciate your understanding that having Yeon-Woo's grandmother appear may be difficult."
"Well, she's a private citizen, so that's understandable. I understand. But aren't you going to ask about the advertising fee?"
I grinned. "About thirty million won?"
"Hahaha... Is there anything you don't know?" Han Yung-Bok let out a helpless laugh and fanned his face with his hand.
Still smiling, I offered a condition. "In return, I'd like to be allowed to choose the director."
"The budget is small, so it won't be easy to hire a top director. Are you sure that's alright?"
"Don't worry. I'll handle everything."
"May I ask who you have in mind?"
"Yes. Director Park Bull-Chool. There's a director who's doing exceptionally well these days."
Han Yung-Bok's eyes widened. "Huh? You mean that director? The hottest one around right now is willing to work on our project?"
"Leave that to me. I'll make it work within the budget."
Before my regression, this very advertisement had been offered to Ju Yung-In. When I turned it down, the production eventually moved forward anyway. However, perhaps because they were paying so little, they hired a director whose best days were behind him and ended up producing a stale advertisement devoid of both emotion and message.
As a result, the Ministry of Culture's dementia campaign failed to leave any real impression and quietly faded from public memory. That was why I wanted to do it properly this time. After all, Seo Yeon-Woo's grandmother was also benefiting from this very program at the Cheonho-dong Senior Welfare Center.
"Hahaha. In that case, I'd be grateful. We'll use whoever you recommend. No, I'm the one asking the favor."
"Thank you!"
Now that I had secured the authority to choose the director, all that remained was confirming things with Seo Yeon-Woo.
"I'll make a quick phone call."
"Go ahead."
Just then, the phone beside me, belonging to Kang Gam-Chan, suddenly began vibrating nonstop.
Buzz~
Kang Gam-Chan hurriedly reached to silence it. "My apologies, Mr. Minister."
"Not at all. It only means the company is busy. Why apologize? Go ahead and answer it."
"Then, if you'll excuse me for a moment..." Kang Gam-Chan glanced at the screen and tilted his head. "Hm? Why is the vice president calling?"
Seeing that the call was from Kim Gwan-Woo, who had left the office only moments earlier, Kang Gam-Chan looked puzzled as he answered.
"Yeah, Vice President. What's wrong?"
A frantic voice immediately came through the receiver.
-Mr. Kang, um... the First Vice Minister of Health and Welfare, Oh Song-Hyun... is here.
Kim Gwan-Woo was so flustered that his voice boomed through the phone as though he had accidentally turned on speakerphone.
"The First Vice Minister of Health and Welfare?"
Even Kang Gam-Chan couldn't help being startled. A minister showing up was shocking enough, but for an entertainment company, even a vice minister's visit was enough to throw the entire place into chaos.
"Wait! Wait! Just stall for time somehow!"
-She says she wants to see you immediately.
As Kang Gam-Chan panicked, Han Yung-Bok chuckled in disbelief. "Minister Tae Sung-Han from Health and Welfare must've sent her. There's no point making enemies and creating unnecessary headaches. Just tell her to come up. I'd rather not put Hoop Entertainment in an awkward position."
"Will that really be alright?"
"Of course it will. She's a vice minister, and I'm a minister. If necessary, I'll pull rank. Hahaha."
Kang Gam-Chan looked at me. I had already made up my mind, so nothing would really change.
"I'm fine with it too," I answered.
"Alright." Kang Gam-Chan spoke into the phone. "Bring her up."
-Yes, sir. Director Kang and I will escort her.
Click.
As soon as the call ended, Han Yung-Bok calmly picked up his coffee and took another sip.
Sluuurp.
Yet perhaps he was nervous about losing Seo Yeon-Woo, because the sound of him drinking seemed noticeably louder than before.
***
Kang Ji-Yung and Kim Gwan-Woo soon arrived with First Vice Minister Oh Song-Hyun of the Ministry of Health and Welfare and Secretary Lee Sun-Ye.
Oh Song-Hyun was a well-known figure in the welfare sector, someone who had built a considerable reputation and frequently appeared on television debate programs. She was also famous for being particular about protocol, usually giving at least a day's notice before any visit.
Yet today, perhaps because she was in a hurry, she had arrived without warning. Dressed in a black suit with her long hair flowing behind her, Oh Song-Hyun entered with irritated strides. The moment she spotted Han Yung-Bok, however, her expression shifted into one of cautious wariness.
"Mr. Minister, I didn't expect you to come in person..."
"Hahaha. Well, what else does a minister have to do? The vice ministers handle all the real work anyway, so I have plenty of spare time," Han Yung-Bok answered leisurely.
Oh Song-Hyun immediately grumbled back. "I don't think that's something a man known for working harder than his vice ministers should be saying."
"Ahem. Let's leave our conversation there. What brings you here?"
Oh Song-Hyun bit her lip before speaking, "Chief Jung. Could I speak with you privately for a moment?"
Apparently uncomfortable speaking in front of the minister, she tried to pull me aside.
At that moment, Han Yung-Bok smiled and drew a firm line. "Now, now. Are you really trying to take away someone I'm in the middle of talking to?"
The minister casually exerted a little pressure through his status. Nevertheless, Oh Song-Hyun didn't even blink. "Well, I was only trying to be considerate of your dignity. If that's how it is, then I'll just say it here."
Han Yung-Bok tossed in another casual remark from the side. "As if I have any dignity worth protecting."
Looking slightly annoyed, Oh Song-Hyun turned to me. "Chief Jung. I'll get straight to the point. Can Seo Yeon-Woo appear in a Ministry of Health and Welfare advertisement?"
Her tone carried the natural authority of a senior government official.
As though he had expected this all along, Han Yung-Bok spoke up first. "Ahem. Vice Minister Oh. That might be difficult. You see, our Ministry of Culture claimed Mr. Seo Yeon-Woo first."
Oh Song-Hyun's expression darkened further. However, she refused to back down.
With a rigid expression, she replied, "I'm sorry, but that won't be possible. Minister Tae specifically ordered me to bring Seo Yeon-Woo back with me. No matter what."
"Hahaha. This isn't something you can win through stubbornness. The advertiser has already said they'll go with us."
"Have you signed a contract?"
"Ahem. We're about to."
For the first time since entering the room, the corner of Oh Song-Hyun's mouth lifted. "Oh, really?"
I was wondering what gave her such confidence when she suddenly turned to me and declared, "Three hundred million won. What do you think? The campaign is about dementia prevention."
Everyone in the room was stunned. The amount she had just offered was ten times the thirty million won Han Yung-Bok had proposed.
For the first time since this began, Han Yung-Bok visibly lost his composure. "Have you forgotten this is a public service advertisement? Three hundred million won? That's taxpayers' money!"
"No matter how important it is to save tax money, isn't lowballing people an abuse of government power?"
"Who said anything about lowballing? We're paying the maximum amount allowed under government guidelines, and we'll make up the difference through support for other departmental projects!"
Oh Song-Hyun immediately cut him off. "That's still lowballing, and it's also using your position to pressure people. And what's with acting generous because you'll compensate them through other projects?"
"Why, you little..."
To be fair, Oh Song-Hyun wasn't entirely wrong. Still, unlike many high-ranking officials, Han Yung-Bok wasn't the type to take favors and forget them. Whenever someone helped him, he always found a way to repay the debt later.
Then Oh Song-Hyun drove the knife in even deeper. "And our department's campaign isn't just one advertisement. It's a three-part series. One story starring a young person, one starring a middle-aged person, and one starring a senior citizen. Seo Yeon-Woo will be cast as the lead in the youth installment. And for the middle-aged series, we'll cast Singer Kim Hyun-Ji. I heard she recently made her first comeback in decades with 'Youth, Once Again!' Wouldn't this be a great opportunity to get her name out there?"
'Wait. She knows Kim Hyun-Ji had once been Kim Hyun-Ja's copy singer?'
When I looked at her in surprise, Oh Song-Hyun smiled. "I'm a trot fan. Besides, Kim Hyun-Ji used to be pretty famous. Some people even said her voice was better than Kim Hyun-Ja's, despite being the imitation singer."
Looking purely at the conditions, choosing the Ministry of Health and Welfare's campaign seemed like the obvious answer.
Even Han Yung-Bok couldn't hide his anxiety. "Chief Jung..."
At that moment, Oh Song-Hyun cut him off and spoke directly to me. "Chief Jung. Let's not drag this out. Let's sign the papers today. Hmm? Sounds good, right? I'll have the money transferred immediately."
A confident smile spread across her face.
However, I smiled back and said, "No. Yeon-Woo will be taking the Ministry of Culture advertisement."
"Right. Our Ministry of Health and Welfare... wait, what? The Ministry of Culture?"
Oh Song-Hyun nodded automatically before realizing what I'd said and stumbling over her words. She immediately turned to me.
"W-Why? Why not us?"
The reason was that the advertisement contained a disastrous problem that absolutely couldn't be ignored.
'You want Yeon-Woo to become the face of that catastrophic flop of a campaign? If someone has to go down with it, you can go down alone!'
It was yet another moment that reminded me of the greatest privilege of being a regressor.