Golden Spoon Investor

Knock, knock.

Kim Deok-han, the head of the social affairs department at Koryo Ilbo, straightened his posture at the sound of knocking while working at his desk.

"Come in."

At that, Yang Young-mo, dressed in a summer suit without a tie, opened the door and stepped inside.

"Boss, you called for me."

"Yes, take a seat, Reporter Yang."

Nodding slightly, Kim Deok-han gestured toward the sofa in front of him with his chin.

As Yang Young-mo settled into the left-side sofa, Kim Deok-han rose from his seat and walked toward the shelf by the window.

"Would you like some coffee?"

"I'd appreciate it if you did."

Hearing the casual response, fitting for a veteran journalist in his sixth year, Kim Deok-han chuckled.

He pulled out a packet of instant coffee, poured it into a cup, and added freshly boiled water from the kettle.

After stirring it briefly with a teaspoon, he carried two mugs over and placed one in front of Yang Young-mo.

"Thanks for the coffee."

Blowing on the hot coffee, Yang Young-mo took a sip and then gave a thumbs-up.

"Maybe it's because you made it, but it tastes even better."

"Just bring me a scoop. Then I'll make you coffee every day."

Kim Deok-han picked up a sheet of paper from his desk and sat down in the main seat.

"That's why I brought this, didn't I? This is my article draft, right?"

"You catch on quick."

"A reporter without sharp instincts is as good as dead."

As Kim Deok-han looked down at the draft Yang Young-mo had submitted, an expression of discomfort crossed his face.

"You wrote that the maintenance and management of the Han River bridges are inadequate, posing a risk of accidents."

Leaning forward in his seat, Yang Young-mo responded.

"If you've read the article, you'd know that many of the bridges over the Han River are quite old. On top of that, they weren't designed with the expectation that traffic volumes would increase so rapidly. As a result, deterioration has progressed at an alarming rate."

"...."

"Take the Seongsu Bridge, for example. It was originally designed under the assumption that the daily traffic volume would be around 80,000 vehicles. But in reality, it has long exceeded twice that number—over 160,000 vehicles a day."

Being the closest bridge to the entrance of the Gyeongbu Expressway, it was inevitable that traffic would be concentrated there, especially since, at the time, the northern end of Seongsu Bridge had yet to be connected to Gangbyeonbuk-ro.

Moreover, with only four lanes in total, the bridge frequently suffered from chronic congestion.

"It's not just Seongsu Bridge—Hanam Bridge has also been a concern for some time. There have been multiple reports of holes forming in the deck. If things continue like this, a major accident is bound to happen."

Kim Deok-han, who had been listening silently, finally spoke, his expression reluctant.

"Most of these bridges have been in use for over 10 or even 20 years. It's only natural that they would deteriorate."

"But—"

Just as Yang Young-mo was about to protest, Kim Deok-han cut him off and continued.

"The traffic congestion on Seongsu Bridge will be resolved soon enough once Cheongdam Bridge is completed nearby. And it's not like the Seoul Metropolitan Government is completely neglecting the maintenance of aging bridges. So, do we really need to go out of our way to stir up public anxiety?"

Fixing his gaze firmly on Kim Deok-han, Yang Young-mo spoke in a low voice.

"…You sound just like a city official."

Kim Deok-han averted his eyes, as if something had struck a nerve, and made an argument that felt more like an excuse.

"We're not some third-rate tabloid. We're one of the country's five major newspapers. That means we have a responsibility—not just to publish stories indiscriminately but to ensure accountability and guide public discourse. There's no need to create unnecessary panic and chaos over this."

Yang Young-mo, his voice steady, countered.

"The public has the right to know. A journalist must pursue the truth and report fairly for the benefit of society."

His words weren't wrong. In fact, they were the same principles Kim Deok-han often preached to junior reporters over drinks. For a moment, he was at a loss for words.

Feeling cornered, Kim Deok-han clicked his tongue inwardly as he smacked his lips in frustration.

'He usually plays it cool, but at times like this, he suddenly turns so damn righteous.'

Noticing Kim Deok-han's displeased expression, Yang Young-mo straightened his posture and asked seriously,

"There's nothing particularly wrong with the article, so why are you reacting this way?"

"Sigh…"

Letting out a frustrated sigh, Kim Deok-han pulled a pack of cigarettes from his inner pocket, placed one between his lips, and lit it.

He took a deep drag, exhaled a slow stream of smoke, and, after seeing Yang Young-mo silently waiting for his response, finally spoke as if he had no other choice.

"Everything's fine, except for that part about how buildings and bridges constructed in the '70s and '80s were likely built poorly to cut costs and shorten construction time. Why did you include the argument that a full-scale inspection is necessary?"

Meeting his gaze, Yang Young-mo replied firmly.

"Because it's the truth. Even under the last administration, when they pushed to build a million housing units and develop new towns, there were rumours that they used sand dredged from the sea without properly removing the salt content due to material shortages."

Kim Deok-han frowned and raised his voice in irritation.

"That's exactly the kind of thing that creates unnecessary panic! Have you ever seen even a single apartment collapse?"

"Even as a joke, that should never happen."

"Ahem."

Realizing his own slip of the tongue, Kim Deok-han cleared his throat awkwardly and glanced at Yang Young-mo, who remained seated upright.

With a heavy sigh, he stubbed out his half-burnt cigarette roughly in the crystal ashtray.

"From the very start of this administration, there have been a series of incidents, to the point where people mockingly call this country a 'republic of accidents.' If we publish this kind of article, what do you think the government will say?"

"Isn't that exactly why we should be working to prevent such tragedies from happening again?"

At Yang Young-mo's rebuttal, Kim Deok-han's face twisted into a deep scowl.

"Do you really think the Seoul government or the administration will suddenly spring into action just because of one article? And why drag construction companies into this with all this talk about faulty construction?"

"...."

As Yang Young-mo remained silent, pressing his lips together, Kim Deok-han slammed his palm against the armrest of the sofa.

"Do you have any idea how much advertising revenue we get from construction companies? Do you think they'll be happy if we publish something like this?"

Now that Kim Deok-han had finally revealed his true concerns, Yang Young-mo realized what was really going on—and his expression darkened with disappointment.

"Are you seriously doing this just because of advertising?"

"Just because? Where do you think your salary comes from? You think it grows out of the ground?"

Looking at Yang Young-mo's dissatisfied expression, Kim Deok-han spoke firmly.

"Anyway, this article isn't going out. Just accept it."

"Chief!"

"It's no use arguing. Just drop it."

Still seated on the sofa, Kim Deok-han abruptly turned his head away, making it clear he had no intention of continuing the conversation.

"Isn't this going too far?"

"Come on, by now, you should understand how the world works."

Kim Deok-han finally met Yang Young-mo's gaze but waved his hand dismissively, as if he had no desire to keep talking.

"I don't want to say it again. Just leave."

"Are you really going to do this?"

"I said get out."

Yang Young-mo hesitated, about to say something, but seeing the firm, unyielding atmosphere, he bit his lip in frustration.

"Understood."

He sprang up from the sofa and walked out of the chief's office.

As soon as he stepped into the newsroom, the social affairs reporters, who had been eavesdropping with bated breath, quickly turned their eyes to him.

One of his close colleagues cautiously approached, studying his expression.

"What happened? Did you get into a fight with the chief?"

"It's nothing."

Scratching his head roughly, Yang Young-mo scowled in irritation.

"I'm going out for a smoke."

"Yeah, go cool off for a bit."

His colleague nodded, concern written on his face.

Ignoring the lingering stares behind him, Yang Young-mo exited the newsroom and headed to the rooftop, where employees often gathered for a smoke.

"Ha… damn it."

Standing by the railing, he pulled a cigarette pack from his pocket with a frustrated grip.

"Every time we have a company dinner, he gives us a whole lecture about journalistic integrity. But in the end, it was all just empty talk, wasn't it?"

Yang Young-mo pulled a cigarette from the pack, placed it between his lips, and flicked his lighter. His eyes narrowed in frustration as the flame ignited.

"Well, I guess it can't be helped."

He had just vented about his boss, but deep down, he knew the truth—he wasn't some righteous, passionate journalist who would stand his ground no matter the pressure from above. The bitter taste of the cigarette felt even more pronounced.

"I've been tainted by this industry too much for that."

As he exhaled a stream of smoke, he let out a deep sigh, as if trying to release the frustration clogging his chest.

"I even got treated to drinks… It's been a while since he asked me for a favour. I feel bad for Senior Choi."

The article that had just been shot down by the chief wasn't even his original work. It was a tip from his university senior, Choi Ho-geun.

Of course, he wasn't so naïve as to write an article blindly just because someone asked him to. He had done his own research, digging around to verify the claim.

And what he found was alarming— the deteriorating condition of the Han River bridges was far more serious than he had initially thought. Seeing the potential risks, he had put together a solid investigative piece.

But as he had just witnessed, it had all ended up in the trash.

"Damn chief… He's always had a thing for politics. Is he already trying to cosy up for a nomination in the general election two years from now?"

Muttering bitterly, Yang Young-mo clicked his tongue in irritation.

Then, almost instinctively, he turned his gaze toward the distant direction of the Han River.

"No way… Nothing's really going to happen, right?"

The quiet words slipped from his lips and were swiftly carried away by the wind, vanishing into the night.

***

Dressed casually in a shirt without a tie, Seok-won sat comfortably in the spacious first-class seat, listening to Landon speak from across him.

"We've finalized the deal with Chase Bank to acquire the One New York Plaza building for $300 million."

"The terms are exactly as we discussed last time, correct?"

"Yes. An initial payment of $100 million now, with the remaining balance to be fully settled in five months, by next February."

"Good work."

At that, Landon smiled and offered his congratulations.

"Congratulations on owning a high-rise in Manhattan—one of the most expensive real estate markets in the world."

Seok-won smirked slightly as he lifted his glass, swirling the whiskey before taking a slow sip.

"Oh, and I also deposited $30 million as an advance payment to Gulfstream."

Seok-won set down his whiskey glass, the ice clinking softly, and asked for confirmation.

"We've locked in the delivery of the business jet for early next year, right?"

"Yes. And to ensure that, we've included a special clause stating that if they miss the deadline, they'll have to pay $100,000 per day in delay penalties. So, there's nothing to worry about."

Seok-won's lips curled into a satisfied smile, impressed by the meticulous handling—just as expected from someone with a legal background.

"They'll make sure to meet the deadline just to avoid the penalties."

"That's right. As for the newly ordered model, it's scheduled for delivery in 24 months."

Seok-won mentally calculated the timeline and gave a slight nod.

"It's a gift, so make sure they build it with utmost care."

"Understood."

Landon, keeping his response brief, began gathering the documents he had laid out for the report, preparing to leave.

"I'll be disembarking now."

"Alright."

"Have a safe trip."

Landon bid farewell as he stood, to which Seok-won replied with a faint smile.

"Take care of things here just like you have been."

"Of course. No need to worry."

With a reassuring nod, Landon stepped off the business jet.

Moments later, a tall blonde flight attendant approached and spoke in a gentle voice.

"Shall we prepare for departure?"

"Yes."

"Then please fasten your seatbelt."

With that, the flight attendant turned and headed toward the cockpit.

Just as Seok-won drained the last of his whiskey and reached for his seatbelt, his phone, which had been resting on the table, began to ring.

He picked it up and brought it to his ear, hearing the familiar voice of Choi Ho-geun from Korea.

[Team Leader, this is Manager Choi.]

"What's the matter?"

[I'm calling regarding the matter you instructed before leaving for the U.S.]

Recalling what it was about, Seok-won adjusted his grip on the phone and asked,

"How did it go?"

There was a slight hesitation before Choi Ho-geun responded.

[Well… the article got cut by the editorial desk.]

Seok-won frowned at the unexpected news.

"What was the reason?"

[It seems the government is being extra cautious due to the string of major accidents lately. Plus, the article was critical of certain construction companies that advertise with them, so they didn't want to stir things up.]

"Hmm. I see."

[However, if we tone down the content and soften the language a bit, they might still publish it. Should we go ahead with that?]

Seok-won's expression remained doubtful. Would a watered-down article really be enough to push Seoul into action?

But then again, something was better than nothing. After a moment of contemplation, he gave a slight nod.

"Go ahead with it."

[Understood.]

"I'll be back in Korea soon. Let's discuss the rest in person."

[Alright.]

After ending the call, Seok-won leaned back in his seat, his face shadowed with concern.

"In the end… is there really no way to prevent this disaster?"

TL/n -

Koryo IIbo is a newspaper that is pro-South Korea, anti-Japanese, and Marxist-Leninist.