President Dae-sang Kim gave a nod to Senior Secretary for Economic Affairs In-cheol Han.

It was a signal for Senior Economic Secretary In-cheol Han to speak first.

"Ahem, ahem."

Having received the cue, In-cheol Han cleared his throat with a cough to compose himself, then slowly opened his mouth.

"The reason we've invited you to the Blue House today, President Kim, is none other than to confirm whether the recent controversy over Ilhyeon Card's card debt is true or not."

"Ilhyeon Card's card debt?"

Though Seong-ho Kim already knew what they were going to bring up, he feigned ignorance, wearing a bewildered expression as he looked back and forth between President Dae-sang Kim and the other two men.

"If you'd like to know the exact situation, wouldn't it be faster to summon Jeong-eun Lee, the President of Ilhyeon Card, and ask her directly?"

Hearing Seong-ho Kim's words, In-cheol Han shook his head.

"It seems there's been some misunderstanding. What we're curious about isn't Ilhyeon Card's corporate bond situation."

"Then what is it you're curious about?"

"We're curious about what Chairman Tak-hyeon Lee is thinking."

The Chief of Staff added an explanation to In-cheol Han's words.

"We're already aware of Ilhyeon Card's situation. What our government wants to know is whether Ilhyeon Group intends to handle it internally, and if so, by when it can be resolved."

"If Ilhyeon Group intends to handle it internally, we'll help ensure that no other talk arises in the meantime."

In-cheol Han looked at Seong-ho Kim with a suggestive gaze as he spoke.

Recalling the conversation they'd had just before coming in, a smile crept onto In-cheol Han's face along with a look of expectation.

But this smile did not last long.

"Well now? Since you already know everything, I'll speak frankly. It's far too large an amount for us to resolve internally... In my opinion, we'll most likely have no choice but to let it blow up."

"What did you say? Let it blow up?"

"Yes, because there's no other way."

Toward the three startled men, Seong-ho Kim spoke with a face utterly unruffled.