1982 Started from Hong Kong

Chapter 452 South Korean Actresses Under the Miracle on the Han River

Zhai Yuan was already able to arrange a meeting with Wei Yixin in Hong Kong.
Lee Kun-hee frequently interacted privately with the South Korean president.

While South Korea's chaebols may not be as powerful as later internet sensations portray them, as the military government's financial backers, the Blue House's double-crown cliques still hold a significant position.

When it comes to a single international trade deal, Lee Kun-hee only needs to make a decision; he doesn't need to consult with officials from the national communications agency.

So leaving midway was just an excuse to leave Jiang Mingkui to entertain Zhai Yuan and the others. At this time, Lee Kun-hee was probably already having a small meeting with his think tank to figure out how to get more money from Japan's semiconductor business.

"Wow, Chairman Zhai is truly a young man of great talent. You may not know this since you've never been to South Korea, but the popularity of 91 Entertainment's films in South Korea is comparable to that of Bruce Lee and Chen Shilong. The Chungmuro ​​film company even planned to stake out the Shilla Hotel a while ago after learning of your visit."

No sooner had Lee Kun-hee left than Kang Myung-kyu put on a fawning smile.

At the president level, which is essentially equivalent to the general manager of Samsung Semiconductor, President Kang, a trusted lieutenant of Lee Kun-hee, adopted an extremely humble attitude and took the initiative to start conversations to avoid awkward silences.

"Really?" Zhai Yuan followed Jiang Mingkui out of the office and said with a smile, "However, I haven't met any friends from the South Korean film industry during my stay at the hotel these past few days."

Jiang Mingkui smiled, his eyes narrowing into slits, and said, "You are Chairman Li's honored guest. I was afraid of disturbing your rest, so I instructed them in advance not to disturb you. Otherwise, Chairman Zhai's fans in South Korea would have already surrounded the hotel."

Zhai Yuan chuckled and said, "Why would someone in the entertainment industry be afraid of being disturbed? I still hope to have the opportunity to open up both film markets and make progress together."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Mingkui immediately understood. It was his own decision to disperse the South Korean filmmakers and the reporters and fans who had received the news, since he hadn't been able to figure out Zhai Yuan's personality at first and was afraid that the other party would be offended.

Now that it seems Zhai Yuan is not opposed to being exposed, there will obviously be more topics to discuss during the time he spends with him.

It's not an easy task to greet guests for Lee Kun-hee; the most basic skill is to read between the lines and cater to their preferences.

It's clear that Zhai Yuan isn't very interested in Samsung's core technology and innovation business. People like Tao Zongyi, who come from a technical background, can sit down and talk for hours about the history of chip development, but Chairman Zhai in front of him is clearly not in that category.

"South Korea's entertainment industry still needs to learn from Hong Kong. Who among today's young people hasn't seen 'A Better Tomorrow'? Who doesn't know Jackie Chan?"

Jiang Mingkui flattered him, saying, "I happen to know some friends in the entertainment industry. If Chairman Zhai doesn't mind, we can all sit down for a meal together, and you can give them some pointers."

Finally, he winked and added, "Also, I don't know why, the actresses in South Korea always seem to lack acting skills. It would be even better if they could get some guidance from Chairman Zhai this time."

Translate Jiang Mingkui's words verbatim to Zhai Yuan.

Zhai Yuan glanced at his watch. There was still some time before lunchtime, but for some reason, he felt hungry quite quickly today.

"Then let's start eating quickly, President Jiang."

…………

For many years, Samsung Group's business structure has revolved around machinery and heavy industry, semiconductors, home appliances, and securities and insurance as its core businesses.

On the surface, it does not appear to involve entertainment businesses such as games, music, and film.
But that doesn’t mean it has no influence in the entertainment industry.

Conversely, due to its large market share in home appliances and the fact that the group also owns the country's most well-known advertising and marketing company, Cheil Industries, South Korean entertainment companies basically have to fawn over Samsung. Whoever can get investment from the conglomerate can gain the power in the entertainment market. This top-down, strict hierarchical system is far more prevalent in East Asia than in Hong Kong and Japan.

Another reason is that the South Korean entertainment industry is still in its early stages and needs the support of conglomerates. In the future, when conglomerates and the Blue House were being viciously insulted in movies, it was only after the South Korean entertainment industry opened up the global market and had the confidence to be supported by globally popular cultural symbols. The Blue House, which was being insulted, not only did not take offense, but also supported the entire industry to continue to expand its reach.

Ultimately, one must be strong oneself to succeed.

The South Korean entertainment industry, which is not assertive enough, was ordered around by Kang Myung-kyu with just one phone call, and all the well-known producers and directors in Chungmuro ​​rushed to Samsung City.

Taking this opportunity, Zhai Yuan also contacted Shi Nansheng and Cai Lan, inviting them over to discuss 91 Entertainment's business in South Korea and get down to business.

The female celebrities are just talking; is Mr. Zhai really that kind of person?

"This is director Lim Kwon-taek of Taehung Film Company, director Lee Jang-ho of PAN film company, director Park Kwang-soo of Seoul Film Group, Ha Myung-joong, Kim Soo-yong, Bae Chang-ho... all of whom are the backbone of our Republic of Korea's film and television industry today."

Samsung City, the group's headquarters building, consists of three towers that are thirty or forty stories high. It houses numerous departments, including a dedicated concierge department for receiving VIPs.

The banquet hall was decorated in a level of luxury that even surpassed that of the Shilla Hotel.

Jiang Mingkui smiled obsequiously at Zhai Yuan, but when facing a group of film company bosses, he revealed a somewhat arrogant attitude: "This is Chairman Zhai of Hong Kong 91 Entertainment Group, President Shi Nansheng of the production department, and President Cai Lan of the distribution department."

After Jiang Mingkui introduced Zhai Yuan and the other two, the South Korean film bosses all lowered their stance and came forward to greet them.

The last company to attract attention in the South Korean film industry was Jiahe, but now it has changed to Jiu Yi Entertainment. Those in the industry are already very familiar with this company.

They greeted each other.
Zhai Yuan glanced at his South Korean colleagues in front of him. To be honest, regardless of age, all the South Korean filmmakers of this era were unfamiliar faces to him.

The older one is Lin Zequan, who is in his fifties. He is the owner of Taixing Film Studio and a well-known director, known as the "Godfather of South Korean Cinema". Zhai Yuan's only impression of him is a Category III film called "Borrowing Seed" that was shown in a few Western film theaters in Hong Kong last year. Actually, it's not that he has any impression of him, but that the female lead, Jiang Shouyan, in the poster with her white robe open is quite pleasing to the eye.

A younger representative is Park Kwang-soo, who is in his early thirties. Zhai Yuan's knowledge of him doesn't even extend to his film works, but rather to his Seoul Film Studio, which became the first film company to be targeted and made an example of during the president's term for making films about workers resisting exploitation. The entire company was shut down for more than two years before it recently reopened.

The remaining group of South Korean filmmakers left Zhai Yuan with virtually no impression of them.

The reason for this is that South Korea was a truly weak film country at that time. Among the three East Asian countries, Japan was the undisputed number one in the film industry, while South Korea ranked behind China.

In an effort to divert public attention from the Gwangju Uprising, the film industry, under pressure from the South Korean government, produced a surge of erotic films. It can be said that throughout the 1980s and into the present, South Korean moviegoers have been in a state of quantum detachment, criticizing the government during the day and watching government-produced Category III films for entertainment at night.

This series of Category III films can barely be called commercial films.

Apart from that, the market was dominated by art films. Although they won a lot of international awards, they didn't make any money, let alone gain any influence.

In South Korea, a country that promotes the idea of ​​"body and land are inseparable," the domestic film market share has only reached 18% in the past two years, which shows how bleak the entire industry is.

When dealing with these obscure directors, it's crucial that Cai Lan steps in to support them at critical moments; even the housekeeper Shi Nansheng can't handle it.

As Zhao's former overseas cinema manager, Cai Lan had a wide network of connections. Among the group of directors present, he recognized several old friends, and they started chatting, gradually warming up the atmosphere.

It is worth mentioning that at that time, South Korea did not have a cinema chain business model.

Apart from state-run theaters, the rest were all old and dilapidated individual screening rooms, so naturally no theater owners attended the banquet.

Cai Lan and Shi Nansheng gradually became engrossed in their conversation with their South Korean counterparts.

The discussion revolved around Roh Tae-woo's relaxation of the domestic film production environment after taking office, and the gradual increase in the number of imported films allowed during the South Korea-US film negotiations.

This refers to what is known as the 'South Korean stronghold'.

“Ah Yuan, although these people are all directors, most of them also run their own film companies and independent theaters.”

During a break, Cai Lan said to Zhai Yuan, "If the negotiations between South Korea and the United States are successful, 91 Entertainment will have more films distributed in South Korea, and the local film buying boom will still depend on them."

Zhai Yuan nodded knowingly and said, "I know, that's why I brought you and Sister Nan here today to get a better understanding of the situation."

To some extent, the directors present here today will soon become film distributors who buy Hong Kong films.

These impoverished directors certainly couldn't afford to buy the films, but they could afford to run a film company and had some dealings with local conglomerates. Take the SK Conglomerate, which later acquired a large number of Hong Kong films, as an example—yes, the same conglomerate that later became the major investor in the SKT esports team—they would provide the funding and let these directors select and purchase the films. Only in this way could a true box office be formed.

"In short, let's sound out what the other party is thinking first. For 91 Entertainment, the South Korean box office will still be a very important market in the future."

Zhai Yuan said to Cai Lan, "I hope that after the negotiations between South Korea and the United States reach a conclusion, the import of films will be opened up, and our company's films can be imported as soon as possible."

Cai Lan hummed in agreement, then looked at South Korean film godfather Lim Taek-kwon with a beaming smile, saying, "Taek-kwon, the last time I saw you was at the Berlin Film Festival. It's such a pity that 'Tears of Parting' only got a nomination. Do you have any new films this year...?"

Leave the business matters to Uncle Lan and Sister Nan.
Zhai Yuan's gaze naturally shifted elsewhere.

Along with the film crew, Jiang Mingkui sat at another table, next to several South Korean actresses dressed in flamboyant attire. While Zhai Yuan and Cai Lan were talking, Jiang Mingkui remained hidden, fiddling with the dishes in front of him, but in reality, he was keeping a close eye on what was happening.

When Zhai Yuangang finally turned his attention away from the film industry and glanced in his direction.

Jiang Mingkui immediately seized the opportunity and said with a smile, "Chairman Zhai, would it be convenient for us to chat about the electronics business? Samsung is very optimistic about the prospects of Kuaibo's VCDs."

Zhai Yuan glanced at Cai Lan, then at Shi Nansheng, and seeing that both of them were talking to their South Korean counterparts without looking to the side, he coughed and said, "VCD, huh? Let's just chat for a bit."

As they were talking, he got up and left his seat, following Jiang Mingkui to the table where female celebrities were gathered.

Cai Lan and Shi Nansheng both rolled their eyes inwardly.

You're all old foxes, why are you playing at some ghost story? Are you trying to talk about VCDs? I don't even want to call you out on it!

Followed by,

As Zhai Yuan took his seat...

Jiang Mingkui gave a wink to the male translator beside him, who walked out of the banquet hall. Less than a minute later, two women dressed in high-waisted ruqun (traditional Chinese dresses) carried in a large embroidered screen, which was placed between the two tables, dividing the banquet hall in two.

This also shielded them from the gaze of the filmmakers on the other side, so as not to disturb Chairman Zhai and Jiang Mingkui's business discussions regarding VCDs...

Then the male translator didn't come in to bother us again.

While Zhai Yuan was wondering how to communicate without a translator, a South Korean woman sat down next to him with a smile and spoke fluent Cantonese.

"President Zhai, I am a graduate of Hong Kong University. I used to go to the 1024 Theater often when I was a student. I never thought I would have the opportunity to meet you in South Korea."

It must be said that Jiang Mingkui put a lot of effort into entertaining guests. Even the translators were replaced with beautiful women, specifically female college students who had returned from studying in Hong Kong, which shows how powerful Samsung's public relations department is.

Then, several South Korean actresses with slender figures and sexy outfits took the initiative to come up to them.

When Zhai Yuan first met director Lin Zequan, he was still reminiscing about his Category III film "Borrowing Seeds." At that moment, the film's female lead, Jiang Shouyan, leaned close to him with a beaming smile.

Because of "The Seed," Kang Soo-yeon won the Best Actress award at the Venice Film Festival, which was also the first international award she won for the country at one of the three major film festivals. At this time, South Korean movie fans called Kang Soo-yeon the "original world star," and she had become a face star who boosted national self-confidence.

At this very moment, this world star in the eyes of South Korean movie fans, the 'pure girl' with a cold and aloof face on the screen, is giving Zhai Yuan a seductive smile, while simultaneously reaching out her small hand under the table to climb onto Zhai Yuan's thigh.

"I've seen all of 91 Group's films. I've always considered Chairman Zhai an admirer. I didn't realize you were so young."

No sooner had Jiang Shouyan finished speaking than another woman, even more striking in appearance, came up to him and grabbed Zhai Yuan's arm, pulling him close to her chest.

"Chairman Zhai, I'm Shin-hye from MBC TV. Do you think I'm suitable for the big screen?"

"Shin Hye is an actress known as having the most beautiful face in South Korea."

Jiang Mingkui, who was standing to the side, said with a smile, "President Zhai, consider letting her join Jiu Yi Entertainment. She might become even more famous than Shou Yan in the future."

First came 'original world star' Kang Soo-yeon, and now comes 'South Korea's most beautiful face' Hwang Shin-hye.

Zhai Yuan thought that the South Koreans were really good at creating hype, and their marketing and packaging were quite sophisticated.

"Of course, no problem. Jiu Yi Entertainment welcomes newcomers anytime."

Zhai Yuan took a sip of the red wine that Huang Xinhui had offered to his lips, and suddenly noticed a woman dressed as a young married woman sitting opposite him.

His gaze paused for two seconds before he asked, "What's this young lady's name? She looks somewhat familiar."

Zhai Yuan knew nothing about South Korean actresses from the 1980s, and he had no recollection of even Hwang Shin-hye, who was the most beautiful woman present. However, the woman opposite him had a vague sense of familiarity in her features.

The woman was surprised when Zhai Yuan suddenly called her name, but a smile immediately appeared on her face.

At this moment, Jiang Shouyan and Huang Xinhui had surrounded Zhai Yuan, along with a female college student who was in charge of translation.

But this did not stop the woman from deliberately leaving her seat and walking in front of him to show respect. Since there was no place to sit, she simply knelt down next to Zhai Yuan and raised her face to answer him.

like this:

"President Zhai, my name is Li Meishu. You may have read my works? 'Firebird,' 'Wild Horse,' 'The Search for the Whale'..."

Li Meishu took the initiative to help Zhai Yuan recall that among so many big names present, Chairman Zhai had chosen to speak to her alone, and she also wanted to know which drama he had come to know about her from.

"Li Meishu..."

Upon hearing the name, Zhai Yuan's face gradually revealed a look of understanding, and his gaze towards Li Meishu carried a hint of mockery.

He had no recollection of the videos in which the woman was now introducing herself. What truly made Zhai Yuan aware of this name and face were her works that were still active in the South Korean entertainment industry in 202X, and the titles that fans had given her in real life, such as 'evil woman,' 'poisonous woman,' and 'bad woman.'

To cover up her illicit affair with a younger man, she preemptively exposed the scandals of her junior colleague Jang Ja-yeon being forced to sleep with men, thus suppressing public attention and ultimately driving Jang Ja-yeon to suicide.

With such ruthless methods, it's no wonder that while the currently more popular Kang Soo-yeon and Hwang Shin-hye have gradually faded from the spotlight, she has remained a popular figure in the entertainment industry.

……

at the same time,

After leaving his office, Lee Kun-hee convened his advisors for a three-hour-long internal meeting to discuss the cross-border telecommunications trade deal with Zhai Yuan.

The think tank offered Lee Kun-hee more than ten suggestions: Samsung is not involved in the entertainment industry, and the entire 91 Entertainment Group holds no appeal for Lee Kun-hee.

Ultimately, the focus remained on semiconductor foundry and the two businesses of Kuaibo Technology Company.

"Let's agree to this for now regarding our cooperation with Zhai Yuan."

The sun was gradually setting outside the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Lee Kun-hee closed his notebook and addressed the group in the conference room: “If Zhai Yuan agrees to our proposed conditions, the communications department staff need to follow up as soon as possible. Of course, we can start investigating the Hong Kong environment now to prepare for both possibilities. Furthermore, everyone can see the current state of the group; our overall financial situation is deteriorating drastically. Therefore, we must continuously inject fresh blood and embark on a second phase of self-disciplined operation before the 21st century arrives, seizing every opportunity for restructuring. Currently, aligning the group with international standards is of paramount importance. I hope…”

After the meeting,
A large crowd emerged from the conference room.

Lee Kun-hee walked briskly, asking his secretary, who was following closely behind him, without turning his head, "Is Zhai Yuan still in Samsung City?"

The secretary quickly replied, "President Jiang called and he received the other party at the reception desk of the Wuchan Building. Zhai Yuan just met with the owner of the film company on Zhongwu Road. After the meal, he took three female stars into the massage parlor."

"Three?" Lee Kun-hee paused, then muttered, "Damn, President Kang really knows his stuff."

The secretary smiled and asked, "President, should we contact them now?"

"How can we do something so disappointing at this critical juncture? Let's go later; negotiations aren't something that can be accomplished overnight."

Lee Kun-hee smiled and shook his head, then instructed, "Arrange my schedule for three days from now as soon as possible. Before the Olympics begin, I need to go to Japan to meet with Chairman Shoichiro of the Toyota Group. I hope we can successfully secure technical assistance and establish Samsung's own automotive division this time."

The secretary responded, hesitated for a moment, and couldn't help but ask, "I have a question. Chairman, why don't you cooperate with Hyundai, the South Korean car brand? Samsung's relationship with Chairman Jung seems to be much closer than that with the Japanese."

Lee Kun-hee rubbed his face, exhaled a breath of stale air, and said, "Chung Ju-yung's ambitions are growing bigger and bigger. He's now bidding for the Olympics, visiting North Korea and the Soviet Union, doing what the Blue House should be doing. He clearly wants to move into politics, but he seems to have forgotten that we are just businessmen. Neither the progressives nor the conservatives will allow the chaebols to interfere with the Blue House. Otherwise, they'd be asking for trouble..."

(End of this chapter)