With a long table between them, the company side and the labor side sat facing each other in rows.

"The new overall president is very young."

"Thanks to having a good father-in-law."

Seong-ho Kim made no attempt to hide the fact that he had taken the overall presidency of Ilhyeon Electronics thanks to his father-in-law, Chairman Tak-hyeon Lee.

Branch Chairman Mu-seok Kang looked at him with interest.

"Most people hide a backer or refuse to admit to one — you're different, President?"

"Because my backer can't be hidden however I try. I've found it's better to simply admit it cleanly."

Mu-seok Kang liked the directness of him.

"I've heard a great deal about you, President Kim. From the press, of course, but also through the union branch chairmen at the other affiliates. And yet…"

Union Branch Chairman Mu-seok Kang looked down at the paper before him and his expression darkened.

"I'm greatly disappointed to find you different from what I'd heard."

Union Branch Chairman Mu-seok Kang raised his head and spoke.

"At this rate we have no choice but to rise in a general strike."

"A general strike?"

Managing Director Un-ho Jeong, seated on the company side, wore a startled expression.

Then, almost at once, he spoke with a smiling face.

"It isn't that we mean to implement it immediately — only that this is one approach we're considering. So don't speak too hastily; we should take our time and exchange views."

Managing Director Un-ho Jeong was doing everything he could to talk the branch chairman round.

Union Branch Chairman Mu-seok Kang looked at Seong-ho Kim and asked:

"Is it truly one approach among several?"

"No. The plan is to implement it from next year."

"President!"

Un-ho Jeong turned to him with a face full of alarm.

He was not the only one alarmed.

Pyeong-chil Guk — Un-ho Jeong's superior and the man responsible for the Management Support Division — was equally so.

"It isn't finalized yet, surely?"

"It will be implemented from next year, so have Management Support put the relevant systems in order."

"No — there's no need…