"Let's just handle this as it is."
"Understood."
Returning the approval file, Seokwon leaned back and looked at Manager Choi Ho-geun standing in front of the desk.
"By the way, is the instruction to convert all the operating funds into dollars taken care of?"
Receiving Seokwon's gaze, Manager Choi answered while holding the approval file in one hand.
"Yes. I was going to report that. With Director Eom's help, we completed all the currency exchange yesterday afternoon."
"How much did we get?"
"Thanks to the recent rise in exchange rates, we ended up with 209.43 million dollars."
Hearing the figure, Seokwon gave a small nod.
"We've grown our operating funds quite a bit."
"That's all thanks to the strong gains from the three stocks you pointed out. If it weren't for that, we wouldn't have seen this much increase."
Manager Choi gave credit to Seokwon with a smile.
And it wasn't an exaggeration. Even the lowest-performing of the three, Korea Mobile Communications, had gone up 50%, and in the case of S1, they had bought at 42,000 won and sold at 236,000 won—a whopping 550% gain.
It was an incredible return rate, enough to leave people speechless, but Seokwon responded as if it was no big deal.
"It wasn't just me. It was a result of you and the team working hard together."
Of course, some of the gains were from individual trades by Seokwon and the team, but compared to the profits Seokwon pulled in with his picks, they were embarrassingly small.
Even so, Seokwon's words about it being a team effort deeply moved Manager Choi.
"You must've been surprised when I suddenly ordered everyone to close out all individual trades."
"Honestly, I was puzzled at first, but when the market kept falling, I was amazed at how you nailed the timing."
Indeed, the market had been rising with anticipation over the selection of a new telecom provider, but dropped sharply after the government's announcement.
"With the yen depreciating, export conditions worsened, and DRAM prices—one of our main export items—are falling. The market won't bounce back easily for a while."
"I think so too."
Seeing Choi's concerned expression, Seokwon said,
"At times like this, it's good to step back and wait for the next upward cycle."
"Absolutely."
Choi nodded, then added jokingly,
"Honestly, sir, when I hear you speak, I feel like I'm talking to a seasoned veteran who's spent decades in Yeouido."
His age-defying insight amazed even Manager Choi.
"Haha. I'll take that as a compliment."
Seokwon gave an awkward smile, feeling slightly guilty.
"By the way—do you have a passport?"
The sudden topic shift made Choi slightly puzzled, but he answered,
"Yes, I do."
Since the 1988 Seoul Olympics and the full liberalization of overseas travel, travel boomed, especially to nearby Southeast Asian countries with low costs.
'Even the media pointed to the surge in overseas travel as one of the reasons for the current account deficit. That says it all.'
Shaking off the thought, Seokwon looked at Manager Choi and said,
"That's good. I'm planning a long-term business trip to the U.S. soon, and I'm thinking of taking the entire asset management team with me."
Manager Choi's eyes widened at the unexpected news.
"You mean the whole department?"
"Yes. I think I mentioned before that I operate a private fund in New York."
"Yes."
Choi nodded.
"Since you've all exceeded expectations, I'd like to give you a reward—and also a chance to directly observe Wall Street, the center of global finance."
For those in finance, Wall Street was both a dream and a final destination. Manager Choi could hardly hide his excitement.
"But if the whole department's away, we won't be able to do any work during that time."
He said this with slight concern, but Seokwon shrugged.
"All positions are closed, so we don't have anything urgent."
"That's true, but still..."
In fact, the whole team was idle, having even stopped personal trading at Seokwon's instruction.
At first, the team had welcomed the break—but after a few days, everyone was getting stir-crazy.
'Well, except for Assistant Manager Jung.'
Jung Hwanyeop, who always loved to slack off, was practically thriving, humming and smiling all day.
'Yeah, the boss is right.'
With the market on pause, going to the U.S. was far more productive than wasting time doing nothing. Not just better—but a golden opportunity.
Even though overseas travel had become easier, going to the U.S. was still a big deal. Especially being able to watch Wall Street traders in action—it was thrilling.
'And on the company's dime, no less. No way I'm missing this.'
It absolutely had nothing to do with his irritation at watching Jung goof off.
Manager Choi slightly bowed and accepted Seokwon's offer wholeheartedly.
"Thank you very much for this opportunity."
Seokwon smiled.
"Think of it as a reward for working hard. And if the team gains a broader perspective from experiencing Wall Street, it'll benefit the company too."
"I'll make sure to learn as much as I can."
"It's technically a training trip, but it's also a reward vacation. Don't overdo it—just go with an open mind."
"Still, if we're going all the way to the U.S., we should bring something back."
Seokwon didn't press the matter further—what each person got out of the trip depended on their mindset and capability.
"So, how long will you be staying in the U.S.?"
Manager Choi asked, face lit up.
"Hard to say exactly until I'm there—but probably about a month."
"Then we'll be there for a month too…?"
Choi trailed off, surprised by the length.
"There may be changes, but yes, prepare for at least a month."
"A—A whole month?"
Choi asked again, eyes wide. Seokwon paused, then spoke in a slightly apologetic tone.
"Ah, right. You have a family. It might be hard to be away that long."
"No, not at all! In fact, I welcome it!"
"...?"
Surprised by Choi's eagerness, Seokwon tilted his head.
"Ahem."
Embarrassed, Choi quickly added,
"My family might feel bad, but they'll understand—it's work, after all."
Choi looked at him with desperate eyes, afraid he'd be excluded.
"Ah, I see."
Having once had a family before returning in time, Seokwon understood the look right away.
Reading Choi's mind, he smiled and nodded.
"The company will apply for group visas. Just prepare the necessary documents and tell the team to get their passports ready."
"Yes, sir!"
Manager Choi answered with a bright smile and more energy than ever.
Soon after, he left the president's office and walked back to his department with a light step, approval file in hand.
The thought of a month away from home, living freely, made him grin uncontrollably and whistle to himself.
"Heh heh."
Entering the office still smiling, Choi spotted Jung Hwanyeop slacking off again.
Jung had even taken off his dress shoes, wearing Adidas slides and playing Minesweeper on his computer—it was hard to tell if this was the office or his own living room.
Normally, Choi would've furrowed his brow and smacked him with the approval file—but not today.
Instead, Choi quietly walked up behind him and laid the approval file on his shoulder.
"Having fun?"
"Eek!"
Startled, Jung quickly moved his mouse to close the game window.
"M-Manager!"
He stammered and tried to explain.
"I-It's not what it looks like! I was working hard a minute ago—just took one game to clear my head!"
But it was clearly not just one game. Still, Choi let it go, feeling unusually generous.
"Well, all our positions are closed, and we've got no urgent tasks. When else would we get this kind of downtime?"
"I'm serious! Trust me… wait, huh?"
Jung blinked, confused. He expected a scolding, not this.
The other employees looked just as shocked. Hong Jaehee, dressed in a sharp navy suit with a brooch, whispered to Yoo Seokhyun,
"What's with the manager today?"
"Yeah. He'd never let Jung get away with slacking off like that."
Even Jung seemed suspicious. He stood up and touched Choi's forehead.
"Manager, are you feeling okay?"
"What?"
"I mean… did you eat something weird? Or bump your head?"
Choi slapped his hand away with the approval file, frowning.
"What nonsense?"
"It's just, you're acting so differently. When people change like that, isn't it said they're about to… you know."
"'About to' what, you punk!"
Choi glared, clearly annoyed.
"You trying to send me off already?"
Jung, relieved by the reaction, sighed dramatically.
"Ah, now that's the manager I know. Don't go pretending to be the generous boss—it's weird."
"You little—!"
Choi smacked his shoulder with the file.
"Ow!"
"It's supposed to hurt, you brat!"
After their usual banter, Choi clapped his hands to get everyone's attention.
"Alright, listen up!"
Everyone turned to him.
"Raise your hand if you don't have a passport."
Hong Jaehee and Yoo Seokhyun raised their hands.
"Me."
"Same here."
Jung, unable to hold back, chimed in again.
"Why the sudden passport check?"
Choi furrowed his brow but quickly sighed and muttered,
"Ugh. It's a good day. I'll let it go."
Jung, even more curious, kept pressing.
"Seriously, what's going on? Asking about passports out of the blue—it's weird."
"You have a passport?"
"Of course not."
That only deepened Choi's headache.
"Those two I understand—but you? What have you been doing all this time?"
"Why would I spend money on a passport if I'm not going anywhere?"
Not entirely wrong. Choi smacked his lips and looked around.
"Anyway, everyone—get your passports ready tomorrow."
"Huh?"
"Suddenly?"
Amid the chatter, Jung quickly asked,
"Why? Are we going abroad as a group?"
Choi gently pushed his face away and nodded.
"Yes. The schedule could change, but we're going on a one-month training trip to New York with the president."
As soon as he said it, everyone exploded in excitement.
"Wow, New York!"
"Seriously? Are we really going to the U.S.?"
Jung's eyes widened.
"Wait… you mean real New York, not the bar down the street called New York Hof?"
"Yes. The real deal. The president wanted to reward us for our hard work—so be grateful."
Once they realized he was serious, the room burst into cheer.
"New York! This is my first time overseas!"
"Same here!"
"A vacation to New York!"
"Man, our president is so awesome!"
As everyone celebrated, Jung alone looked serious.
"Manager. We have a critical issue."
"Bet it's something dumb again."
"No, seriously—it's important."
"Alright, what is it?"
Jung lowered his voice dramatically.
"How are we going to find the best restaurants in New York?"
"..."
"Food is the most important part of travel. And I need kimchi once a day, or I just can't digest Western food."
Manager Choi seriously considered whether or not to kill him.
September 17, 1996, 11 PM, Gangdong-myeon, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do.
About 10 km off the coast, a pitch-black submarine lay quietly on the ocean floor.
It was a small submarine, weighing less than 300 tons, and it belonged to the North Korean Reconnaissance Bureau under the Ministry of the People's Armed Forces—a Sang-O class submarine.
Only 34 meters long and 3.8 meters wide, it was so cramped that standing upright was barely possible. Inside, 19 crew members, including the captain, Lieutenant Colonel Ri Dae-hyeok, were aboard.
"Captain, comrade. It's time for the second contact."
At the words of Executive Officer, Major Jo Cheol-ho, Captain Ri Dae-hyeok checked the watch on his wrist and spoke.
"Alright. Ascend to periscope depth."
"Yes, sir."
Ri Dae-hyeok turned and gripped the periscope with both hands.
Compressed air was injected into the ballast tanks at the front and rear of the submarine, expelling seawater and causing the hull to tilt and slowly rise.
When they reached near the surface, Ri brought his eye close to the periscope.
"Start timing."
As he raised the periscope, Jo Cheol-ho activated a stopwatch.
Sweeping the periscope equipped with infrared night vision in a full circle, they saw nothing alarming. With ample experience, Ri lowered the periscope again before risking detection.
Bearded from days without shaving during the mission, he gave orders.
"Good. Surface the ship. Jo, attempt communication with the infiltration team."
"Yes, sir."
Moments later, white foam appeared at the surface as the Sang-O class submarine emerged from the water.
Ri Dae-hyeok, dressed in a black raincoat, opened the hatch and seawater poured in. Drenched, he climbed up the ladder to the conning tower.
The night was dark and moonless—ideal for sneaking ashore, but the waves were rough.
As he frowned at the waves, Jo Cheol-ho joined him.
"We've established contact with the infiltration team."
"Where are they?"
"Just as planned, at Aninjin-ri beach."
"Hmmm…"
He wanted to delay the rendezvous for calmer weather, but having already failed one attempt, there was no choice.
Hiding his concern, Ri gave orders.
"We're moving toward the shore. The waves are strong, so mind the steering."
"Yes, sir."
Jo descended to relay the order, and Ri looked grimly at the stormy sea.
Despite the East Sea's depth, nearing the coast meant a sudden rise in the seafloor. The submarine, fully surfaced, approached Aninjin-ri beach.
The Sang-O class, barely 300 tons, was buffeted by waves and struggled to maintain balance.
"Damn it! Chief Engineer, increase engine output! We're getting tossed around!"
Clutching an overhead pipe to stay upright, Ri shouted into the internal communication mic.
The engineer's frustrated voice replied through the speaker:
[We can't push it any further. The engine's too old—if we increase output here, the pistons might blow.]
"Damn it!"
Despite being equipped with a smuggled German MTU diesel engine, it was over 20 years old and often broke down due to a lack of parts.
If the engine failed mid-operation, it would be disastrous. All Ri could do was curse.
As he thought of the photo of his wife and family tucked in his service notebook and silently prayed for a safe mission...
Suddenly, the sub lurched violently. A massive shock hit, and all internal power went out.
BOOM!
"Argh!"
"Ugh!"
Some time passed. Ri, bleeding from a head injury, regained consciousness and stood up.
"Ugh…"
Red emergency lights flickered as dazed crew members began to rise.
"Captain, are you alright?"
Jo Cheol-ho helped Ri up as he grimaced at the chaotic interior.
"What the hell just happened?"
Jo, face pale, gave his report.
"The waves pushed us onto a reef."
"What?!"
Ri's face contorted with frustration.
Forgetting his bleeding forehead, he gave an urgent order.
"Back away from the reef now!"
But Jo hesitated, not moving.
Ri raised his voice.
"What are you waiting for?!"
"The stern horizontal rudder and propeller are destroyed. We can't move."
"Is that true?"
"Yes, sir."
"Damn it!"
Ri closed his eyes tightly in despair.
Same time, near the Aninjin beach, 68th Division ROK Army coast guard post.
Private First Class Pyo Hyun-gu, on night watch with his K-2 rifle, noticed something strange floating near the shore and shook awake Corporal Jeong Yeon-tae.
"Corporal! Wake up!"
"Ugh, is it time to switch already?"
Jeong yawned, leaning against the bunker wall.
"There's something weird near the shore."
"Probably your imagination."
"No, sir."
Seeing Pyo's serious face, Jeong stood slowly.
"You'd better be right."
Using infrared binoculars, Jeong looked in the direction Pyo pointed—3 o'clock, just off the beach.
There it was—a dark submarine, partially surfaced and clearly stranded.
"Holy… What the hell is that?"
"That's a North Korean sub, isn't it?"
Jeong turned to Pyo, who had unshouldered his K-2 rifle.
"How many months until your discharge?"
"Fifteen months and nine days, sir."
Jeong smirked as he released the safety on his rifle.
"You lucky bastard. Less than a year in and you hit the jackpot."
"Sir?"
Pyo frowned.
"You heard the story about the private in Baekma Division who killed three infiltrators and got a whole year of leave?"
"Oh, the legendary private."
"Yeah. He took out infiltrators. If we catch a sub, maybe we'll be discharged on the spot."
Pyo's eyes lit up.
"Should we open fire?"
"Are you nuts?"
Jeong tapped his helmet.
"There are only two of us. We don't know how many are in there. You want to die before going home?"
Pyo calmed down and asked,
"Then what should we do?"
"I'll keep watch. You go report to the post immediately."
Jeong cursed under his breath as he stared at the sub.
"Damn it, the intercom's broken again."
The field post had a wired intercom to report incidents, but it often malfunctioned—and today was one of those days.
"You'll be okay alone?"
Pyo asked anxiously.
Jeong forced a chuckle.
"You think a corporal can't handle this? Go report now. I want my medal and a chopper ride home."
"Yes, sir!"
Pyo saluted and ran off.
Left alone, Jeong felt the weight of the silence and darkness.
"Stay calm… Stay calm…"
He took a deep breath, chambered a round, and checked the sub again with the infrared binoculars.
"A goddamn submarine. Unbelievable."
1:30 AM, September 18
A taxi pulled up on the road near Aninjin Beach with headlights on.
The driver, having seen suspicious men in military gear earlier, had turned back out of concern.
As he neared the shore, he spotted a strange vessel partially stranded in the dark sea.
"What is that?"
Before he could get closer, a loud explosion erupted from the sub.
BOOM!
"Ah!"
Startled, he fell on his rear. Moonlight breaking through clouds revealed it clearly—a submarine.
"That's a sub!"
Terrified, he scrambled back to his taxi and sped to the nearest police station.
Elsewhere, that morning
Seok-won, following his morning routine, buttoned his shirt while watching the TV.
A breaking news alert made him freeze.
"The Ministry of National Defense announced that around 1 AM, a North Korean Sang-O class submarine carrying armed infiltrators ran aground on the coast of Gangneung, Gangwon Province. A nationwide alert has been issued, and 'Jindogae One,' the highest alert status, was declared in the 1st and 2nd Army regions. Search operations for infiltrators have begun…"
"According to the announcement, a sentry on duty spotted an unusual object 9 km south of Gangneung's coast and took immediate action. A nearby taxi driver also…"
Seok-won frowned.
"That's right… This was around the time of the Gangneung submarine infiltration incident."
He recalled the shocking event that plunged the nation into chaos for over a month, claiming the lives of 14 servicemen, police officers, and four civilians.
Eyes fixed on the TV, his expression hardened as the breaking news continued.