Throughout the briefing, the journalists diligently took notes with composed expressions. When the slides were over, the lights brightened again.
“Now, let’s move on to the Q&A session.”
It was a polite announcement indicating the end of the exploratory time. Raised hands, expressing impatience, quickly went up.
Director Kim pointed out a familiar veteran reporter first.
“What are your thoughts on the internal disclosure this morning? There were internal documents indicating that both restructuring and wage increases were unavoidable.”
Taesang slightly pulled the microphone closer and drummed his fingers on the table. His calm and composed gesture was quiet but overwhelming.
“That document was just the personal opinion of an individual within the M&A team and does not represent the official stance.”
“But there were discussions about it, right?”
“Yes.”
Taesang calmly admitted it. Director Kim Chanho, observing his demeanor, felt a silent sigh deep within.
To officially admit to the discussions was quite a move. Regardless of what he would say next, people would accept the fare increase and restructuring as established facts.
It was like folding and going in, not just one move but about ten moves.
Director Kim inwardly sighed softly and handed the speaking rights to a journalist sitting in the front row.
“I’m Jeong Eunji from Hana Ilbo. It seems inevitable to reorganize the dominance structure after the integration. Is there no change in your initial position that there will be no restructuring?”
“No.”
“There are likely many overlapping areas in ground operations, reservations, and ticketing. Are you confident that you can avoid restructuring beyond core personnel?”
“Do you know about the management difficulties Air Korea faced in 2015?”
As the one asking the question suddenly became the one being questioned, she was momentarily confused. However, after rolling her eyes once, she quickly provided a precise answer.
“…Yes. I know. It was a year when the aviation industry overall suffered from the oil price fluctuations.”
“Then, do you know how many of our Air Korea employees were laid off through contract expiration and voluntary resignations at that time, under the name ‘Hopeful Resignation’?”
“Well, I’m not sure about the exact number, but considering the company’s size, I think it might be around 500.”
There was a moment of puzzlement, a confusion about why she was being asked such a question and the bewildering feeling of becoming the center of attention. Her eyebrows subtly furrowed as she answered.
“It’s exactly 301.”
“…”
Instantly, the hall was once again engulfed in a strange atmosphere.
A man with piercing eyes, now attracting attention for what he might say next, looked at Taesang with curious eyes.
Facing those eyes directly, he opened his mouth.
“And out of the 301 employees laid off, 270 are currently working at Air Korea.”
“What does that mean…”
“The year after the management recovered, the headquarters conducted extensive recruitment for experienced positions. Of course, those with experience at Air Korea received the highest bonus. Except for a few who did not wish to return, everyone else came back to work.”
Taesang firmly stated, his black pupils solidifying.
“While it was an unavoidable decision for the survival of the company, everyone in the management still considers those events as a bitter lesson.”
“…”
“We are not foolish enough to repeat the same mistakes. There will be no layoffs.”
“…Thank you for your sincere answer.”
Promising to increase cargo operations to improve the profit structure, claiming to enhance efficiency through redistributing tasks.
Contrary to the expectation of polished answers, what he offered was ‘sincerity.’
Although known as the precious son of the owner’s family, he was also a business magnate growing the company and a leader guiding people.
At that moment, a man who had been quietly bowing his head in one corner unexpectedly threw a question.
“What are your thoughts on the monopoly controversy?”
“First, your name?”
Taesang looked at the man sitting with a cool gaze. The man responded casually, his lips curling nonchalantly.
“I’m Yoon Jungsu from Daeyang Ilbo. There’s much talk about market share issues… Can you share your thoughts on this?”
“I’m not here to give a wedding speech; I didn’t come to speak. If there are no questions, I’ll pass the opportunity to speak to someone else.”
A sharper response than a spear flowed confidently through the microphone. Amidst the echoing voice, laughter from fellow journalists mixed in.
The man cleared his throat once and then took the microphone with a grim expression.
“After the merger, Air Korea will be reborn as an unprecedented giant airline. Although it’s not the final version, internal documents have discussed a 5% increase in fees. How do you plan to prevent fare increases due to the monopoly phenomenon?”
“Air Korea’s policy is to raise fares only to a reasonable extent in unavoidable situations. This policy remains unchanged regardless of the merger.”
“Isn’t policy subject to change depending on the circumstances?”
The man didn’t back down easily.
Now that he knew the internal disclosure was incomplete, his role became much more critical. His role was to disgrace Taesang at the press conference.
“That part is something our acquisition committee has pondered for a long time.”
Taesang calmly looked at the audience. It was time to explain the reason it took a long time for the final version to come out.
“The airline fare is only allowed to be set below the upper limit determined by the Ministry of Land. However, the current upper limit is set so high that it practically does not act as any restraint on the airlines.”
As a business executive, he could have simply made statements based on economic logic. However, Taesang’s feelings for Air Korea were too profound.
He wanted to make everyone understand, and he wanted Air Korea to remain the most beloved airline for the people.
Taesang glanced lightly at Director Kim. He quickly displayed a slide on the wall.
Why She Is Still Unmoved (Female-dominant)
One-line summary: He uses various methods to seek her affection, but she remains unmoved.
Synopsis:
Si Qingyu is a doctor who has saved countless lives and enjoys tranquility.
Luo Shaoxuan is ruthless, deeply scheming, and the top young master in the capital. He admires Si Qingyu.
Luo Shaoxuan: I want to be the only one in your eyes and heart.
Features a cold and calm female lead vs A noble and scheming male lead.
There will be both sweetness and torture towards the male after their marriage.
