In the morning, Lee Boo-Jin got out of the shower and walked over to Arthur Smith. "I've been quite busy lately. How long are you planning to stay in Korea?"
Arthur replied, "Lee Jay-Hyun has something to discuss with me, so I won't be here for long. I'll head back soon."
"Alright, come by whenever you can. I'll also visit you in the States," Lee Boo-Jin nodded.
"Sure thing," Arthur embraced Lee Boo-Jin and kissed her.
...
Arthur had asked Lee Boo-Jin to help him establish a company to invest in SM. The company SM Entertainment was founded in February by Lee Soo-man and was a reorganization of his previous company SM Studio. Lee Boo-Jin casually invested 200 million won to acquire a 25% stake.
"Well, I thought you were planning on making movies in Korea, but it's actually music. The head of that SM company is both a singer and a producer," Arthur mentioned.
"Is it because he's your alumni that you took a special interest in him?" Lee Boo-Jin didn't really care but noticed that Lee Soo-man was also a graduate of California State University, Northridge.
With the current depreciation of the dollar, the exchange rate was around 780 won to the dollar, making 200 million won was about 250,000 dollars.
"Alumni?" Arthur paused, "I didn't even graduate myself. How could I remember any alumni? Isn't Lee Soo-man one of Korea's top singers?"
"Would you start a company with an outsider?" Lee Boo-Jin laughed. "Your Galaxy Records doesn't seem to care much for the Korean market, huh?"
"Galaxy Records just entered Asia. It's well known that Japan is the music capital of Asia, so our focus is there," Arthur explained as he sat on the sofa, pulling her onto his lap. "And in Japan, Galaxy Records has also invested in domestic companies, while we've acquired labels in Hong Kong, Taiwan and China. It doesn't matter if we're successful at this initial stage."
"At that point, I'll propose a collaboration between Samsung and Galaxy. Currently, Galaxy MGM is making waves in Hollywood, and we could strengthen communication between the two brands," Lee Boo-Jin stated.
With Galaxy's influence, it could aid Samsung's marketing efforts in the U.S. Arthur not only had Galaxy Group but also owned several American sports clubs.
"Of course," Arthur smiled, fondly caressing her, "Don't worry, I'll help you..."
...
In the evening, Arthur met with Lee Jay-Hyun at the Walkerhill Sheraton Hotel along the Han River to the northeast of Seoul. Walkerhill in Korea was the first comprehensive resort hotel in Asia, famous for its casino.
The 35-year-old Lee Jay-Hyun and his sister Lee Mi-Kyung were both directors of CJ Group, but as the rightful heir, Lee Jay-Hyun was destined to become the chairman of CJ.
CJ had already developed in the food and beverage, medical, and chemical industries, and had formed new telecom and real estate businesses this year with CJ Care and CJ Construction Group.
"Arthur, cheers," Lee Jay-Hyun raised his glass to Arthur in a private room at the Walkerhill Sheraton Hotel, "This is the largest and most luxurious integrated entertainment facility in Korea, and of course, the biggest casino!"
Arthur took a sip of his drink, glancing at the beautiful woman beside him. Lee Jay-Hyun commented with a smile, "She's someone from the Korean film industry."
"Walkerhill is impressive, particularly because it prohibits locals from entering, only serving foreigners!"
Lee Jay-Hyun nodded, "Now, most casino visitors are Japanese; there isn't a single casino that allows locals in!"
"By the way, is CJ interested in introducing modern multi-theater cinemas?" Arthur inquired.
"Yes, my sister visited Galaxy Cinemas in Los Angeles and was thoroughly impressed. It's said to be your brainchild and has been the highest-grossing cinema in the U.S. since it opened," Lee Jay-Hyun chuckled. "Galaxy Cinemas has become the benchmark for multiplex theaters!"
Galaxy Cinemas then had fewer than ten locations, mainly in large cities like Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Chicago, and Miami. Additionally, Galaxy Cinemas held shares in the Carmike chain and was planning to renovate two Odeon Cinemas under Galaxy International (UK) into multiplexes.
"Since CJ lacks experience in cinema operations, they hope to collaborate with Galaxy to form a joint venture in Korea," Arthur tapped the table. "We can build new multiplexes in places like Seoul, Incheon, and Busan with Galaxy sending management."
Warner Bros. had partnered with MYCALC Department Stores to establish Warner MYCALC Cinemas in Japan; Arthur had considered opening a few theaters there himself. However, Japan's film industry was advanced with numerous cinemas, and he wasn't inclined to over-invest. Korea was different, having a later movie development and less advanced cinema sector. With CJ's collaboration, Galaxy could quickly penetrate the market!
"Sure," Lee Jay-Hyun raised his glass again to toast with Arthur, "Do you know any Korean actors?"
Arthur shook his head. He didn't know Korean cinema that well, nor did he recognize any of the ladies around, thinking about how many people they must have entertained before.
"Later, shall we hit the bar for a drink?"
"Yeah, let's check it out," Arthur wasn't keen on gambling. Shortly, they headed to Itaewon in the city center, known for its concentration of foreigners and vibrant nightlife. Near a club, Arthur spotted an advertisement poster featuring a young Kim Hee-Sun. Did Korea's future top actress already debut?
"Arthur, do you think she's pretty?" Lee Jay-Hyun pointed to Kim Hee-Sun on the poster with a smile.
"Yeah, she's quite beautiful, has a lot of spirit!" Arthur nodded. "Let's go in and grab a drink."
Early on, in terms of Korean beauties, Arthur only really knew Kim Hee-Sun. Upon entering, Lee Jay-Hyun signaled his assistant, "Hey, go fetch Kim Hee-Sun as fast as you can," pointing at the nearby poster.
"Got it!" The assistant promptly left without saying more. Following that, Lee Jay-Hyun quickly caught up with Arthur...
*****
https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.