Blackmail (1)
How did I use to play as a child?
I recalled the tis when my parents played with and when I played with friends.
Sure, sotis we used toys or ga consoles, but most of the ti, we relied on our imagination.
When my father swung a pillow at , he would suddenly transform into a giant monster. I would scream and run away.
Did I really mistake it for reality, even as a child? Of course, I knew my father wasn't actually a monster, yet my heart still raced, and those monts are so morable that I still rember them today because they were so fun.
Children's imagination truly possesses a mysterious strength. Let's try to target that imagination.
I t with Park Seok-min, team leader of the Event & Performance Team.
I explained my perspective that we needed to ignite the spark of children's imagination.
"Division director, do you have a concrete plan?"
"To be honest, it's still just a vague idea at this point."
"But I definitely agree with stimulating their imagination."
"For now, I'd like to split the parade into two parts: the main parade and a pre-show."
"If you say pre-show, is it sothing like a short advertisent?"
"Rather than an advertisent, it's more like a herald that awakens the children's imagination, you could say."
The pre-show team would approach the children waiting to watch the parade.
Then, as if sharing a secret, they would whisper to the children.
"You are now in a world of fantasy, and you are a child destined to beco a hero."
I picked up the tablet PC on the table.
"The pre-show team will carry around AR devices. They'll show them to the children and say, 'I'm only showing you, so you must keep it a secret.' To the children, the pre-show team will feel like prophets who can predict the future."
Looking through the AR device, the the park transforms into a world in peril.
The ground churns with lava, monsters fly through the sky and rain down lightning.
"If there's at least a little action, the children will be more drawn in, right? I'd like the pre-show team mber to say, 'Be careful,' and shield the children. Then, they tell the children that the true heroes who will save this world and make them into future heroes are coming soon, so be sure to wave at them—and then they exit."
This will heighten the children's anticipation and focus.
Then, the parade mbers arrive at the children. They wave as they approach the children.
"A little earlier, monsters were shooting lightning, but you didn't cry. You're really brave. If we refer specifically to the pre-show events like this, the children will perceive the situation as even more real."
I watched Park Seok-min's expression. He seed to like my idea. But soon, he wore a thoughtful look again.
"Division director, it's interesting. But I'm not sure our current staff can handle it."
"The number of preschool children visiting Next Planet is about 10 a day right now, but our short-term goal is to increase that to 50."
That would an daily visitors would increase by at least 150.
"With that many, I think we can handle it, but the problem is the weekends when crowds surge."
"How difficult would the training be for the staff? It doesn't seem too hard."
"No, there's no need for specialized skills."
"I'm planning to supplent staff with part-tirs. Of course, I know full-ti staff on the Event & Performance Team is lacking. And I know there's a limit to what part-tirs can do."
Even if we redesign the parade for preschool children, it doesn't an we throw away the existing parade altogether.
We need to keep doing the regular parade at least twice a week. Otherwise, the parade system we've built up will completely collapse.
Park Seok-min nodded.
"I understand how things are at Next Planet, so that's fine. But if you find any capable part-tirs, please convert them to full-ti."
Hiring is never easy, especially in a company like Next Planet that's running a deficit.
"All right. I'll leave full-ti conversion to your discretion, team leader."
This was sothing I had to accept. I couldn't just ask Park Seok-min for sacrifice.
Besides, he wasn't the kind to increase full-ti staff indiscriminately.
In the end, the Event & Performance Team needed more people to function properly.
If I streamlined the Operations Division staff a bit, it would be possible to add full-ti hires to the Event & Performance Team.
It's unfortunate, but Next Planet still has too many unnecessary elderly employees.
I haven't touched this issue yet because a major backlash from Operations Division is obvious.
But this ti, there will inevitably be friction with Operations Division. And I need to ask them for plenty of favors as is.
"Division director, how are you going to handle AR devices and graphic content? We can manage the storytelling, but those two are too much for us."
"I'll figure sothing out about that."
I was still at the idea stage, so I didn't have a concrete plan yet.
But that didn't an there were no options at all—just that it was too early to speak of them.
If Park Seok-min reacted negatively here, I'd have no way forward.
I worried that this was one of those situations where upper managent throws out ideas and staff are left to pick up the pieces.
"I'll trust you, division director."
Contrary to my expectations, Park Seok-min readily accepted.
"Even if you can't provide the AR devices or content, we'll go ahead with the plan."
Again, this was surprising.
"You never make excuses about lack of support and always deliver results, division director. I need to do the sa."
"I always had help from people around ."
"That's because you desperately pushed forward. Even if you don't give us enough support, it's fine. I'll deliver results even if I have to hide flower confetti or snow spray for analog effects."
He was so reliable.
He spoke with an embarrassed grin.
"I picked this up recently from Yunjung-nim, who's much younger than ."
Yunjung! You're the best. Even if you get a cold one more ti, should we ride the rides again on a rainy day?
***
In the secret room, I t Kang Dae-hyun with Choi Hyena.
As always, Kang Dae-hyun was leaning against the window, looking out over Next Planet.
"Division director, are you picking up a hobby of owing these days?"
"It just happened that way."
"How do you plan to repay later...?"
Choi Hyena seed annoyed by Kang Dae-hyun's sly attitude, jutting her lips in displeasure.
I needed to sit at the negotiating table with the Operations Division.
Most likely, division director Oh Kang-il and Facility Managent Team leader Kim Woo-young would be there.
"I plan to reduce staff in the Operations Division."
I told him what happened with Park Seok-min.
His expression soured.
"Division director, this is a huge deal. Even as HR team, it'll be hard to help you..."
He let out a long sigh. Not sothing I usually saw from him.
"Of course, I agree with dismissing the elderly workers. From an HR team standpoint, it's embarrassing to even discuss their KPIs. But I don't think it will work."
Choi Hyena spoke on my behalf.
"Just the fact that Next Planet hired so many elderly workers in the first place was absurd."
"Everyone knows that. But when did Next Planet ever do things logically? Even building this big in Nonsan in the first place was when the craziness started."
"If the HR team submits a positive report about the layoffs, won't that help turn absurdity into common sense?"
"I can probably get my team leader on board for that. The problem is, if we do, the Operations Division will revolt blatantly."
That's exactly what worried .
Technically, the company could forcibly cut elderly staff. But if I did, the Operations Division would turn against .
And I needed the Operations Division's help—they'd be essential for the overhaul of the children's area.
I spoke up.
"Is there nothing the Operations Division wants from ?"
"Division director Oh Kang-il wants to protect elderly staff, and team leader Kim Woo-young wants the voices of on-site workers heard. Simply handing over the Reform Division's achievents won't be enough."
Both care deeply about their respective issues.
"But neither one is as unreasonable as the vice CEO or executive vice president. They're sensible, and already know layoffs are necessary. In their case, maybe..."
Kang Dae-hyun thought for a while before replying.
"If you show genuine sincerity, maybe they'll accept it."
"Sincerity...?"
"For example, you, division director, help arrange new jobs for the people being laid off or sothing like that?"
Apparently, he didn't like his own answer. He went back to pondering.
"Sorry, that's kind of vague. Anyway, sincerity is key."
"Understood."
"And the HR team can provide an official opinion on the justification for the restructuring. But the vice CEO will definitely use that later to attack you. Are you okay with that?"
"I'm expecting that. Though I don't yet know how I'll deal with it."
Kang Dae-hyun spoke sharply.
"So what do you know?"
"That if you worry about every little thing like that, you'll never be able to move forward."
"You're really... different, division director. You seem gentle, but at tis like this, you're so decisive."
"At my old job, all I aid for was getting by quietly and without problems."
"Watching you change is one of the most fun parts of my work life."
I returned to the office with Choi Hyena.
Her expression was gloomy. I knew the reason.
She probably felt she wasn't being helpful. She really doesn't know herself.
She's already helped countless tis.
And I'm grateful for her just being here, sharing these worries.
To boost her spirits, I deliberately asked a question.
"Hyena-nim, what do you think sincerity ans?"
"Sincerity... I'm not sure either."
"It's such an abstract concept."
"But arranging jobs for them. That might just be possible."
See—this is why Choi Hyena is always helpful.
"I kept thinking about it and found that there's a place in Nonsan that needs elderly workers."
"Where is it?"
"Evening Star."
"Ah..."
That mysterious private equity fund, 'Evening Star,' that bought up all the accommodation businesses and pensions in the Nonsan area.
"Elderly people often do things like cleaning rooms. Sa with cooking. Apparently, Evening Star is trying to expand lately, but having a hard ti with staff shortages."
"But Evening Star has never replied to any of our emails."
"Maybe they thought there was nothing to gain from us."
"If they feel there's sothing to gain from Next Planet, they'll reply."
"Exactly."
"Honestly, our argunt isn't that strong, though..."
"Let's just try."
Hyena and I high-fived.
I sent an email to Evening Star right away.
They'd ignored all our communication so far.
So let's make the subject as striking as possible—so they can't help but agree to a eting.
[Concerns over Market Disruption in Nonsan City by Chinese Capital 〈Evening Star〉]
I don't even know what Evening Star's intentions are, or if they're even Chinese-backed.
But there is one thing private equity funds care about.
Foreign capital moving into local areas, destroying local markets and disrupting order—it's a disliked image.
Of all regions, I picked China because real estate prices at tourist sites have risen lately due to Chinese influence, worsening the public image of China.
The email said: there are negative rumors about Evening Star being Chinese capital, and that if we cooperate, we can clear up those misunderstandings.
Is this okay? It barely makes sense. I don't know. But if they won't ever reply, then what else can I do.
***
Jeon Chul-hwan, CEO of 'Evening Star.'
He checked the email sent by Lee Hyunmin.
After much thought, he made a call sowhere.
"Do you have ti to talk now?"
[Go ahead.]
"You said to ignore any contact from Lee Hyunmin at Next Planet, but sothing about this latest ssage caught my attention."
[What is it?]
A tone of little interest.
But Jeon Chul-hwan politely explained, describing Lee Hyunmin's email as thoroughly as possible.
[Ah... that's amusing.]
"What do you want to do?"
[Let's et.]
"Will you be attending in person, chairman?"
[You handle it yourself, CEO. Just keep updated on what that person is up to.]
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