Kim Jihoon had built KT Investment from the ground up, growing it from a modest $10 million fund into a formidable financial powerhouse worth $30 million in just six months.
With the company thriving under the capable leadership of CEO Jake Johnson—better known as JJ—Jihoon was ready to take his ambitions even further. He set his sights on new industries, and the next step in his vision was to create KT PMC—a private military company. For this,
Jihoon needed the best of the best, and there was only one man he trusted to lead the charge.
Jackson Smith: CEO Of KT PMC
Jackson Smith, a DEVGRU captain and one of Jihoon's closest allies from his time in the military.
Jihoon arranged to meet Jackson at an upscale restaurant in Washington, D.C., the kind of place where deals of great significance were made behind closed doors. They had shared many battlefields together, but tonight would mark the beginning of a different kind of war.
As Jackson entered the dimly lit restaurant, he spotted Jihoon seated at a private table in the back, a glass of whiskey in hand. The two men exchanged a firm handshake before sitting down.
"Good to see you, Kim," Jackson said, a broad smile on his face. "You look different—more... polished."
Jihoon chuckled. "Not quite the same as our old days in the field, is it?"
"Not even close," Jackson replied with a laugh. "So, what's this all about? You didn't drag me here just for a friendly catch-up, did you?"
Jihoon leaned forward, his expression turning serious. "You're right. This isn't just a social call. I need someone I trust—someone with your skills and experience—for a new project I'm working on."
Jackson raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Go on."
"I'm expanding KT Investment beyond finance. The world's getting more dangerous, and there's an opportunity here. I want to start a private military company—KT PMC. And I want you to be its CEO."
Jackson's eyes widened slightly, but his demeanor remained composed. "A PMC, huh? That's not a small move, Kim. What makes you think I'm the right guy?"
Jihoon smiled faintly, meeting Jackson's gaze with a steady calm. "We've been through hell together. You've led men into impossible situations and brought them home. You understand strategy, leadership, and how to adapt under pressure. KT PMC needs a leader who can navigate complex operations and still get the job done. You're the best man for it."
Jackson leaned back, folding his arms as he considered the offer. "And what exactly are we talking about here? What kind of missions are you planning to take on?"
Jihoon's eyes gleamed with purpose. "Everything from high-stakes security contracts to covert operations. We'll offer services to governments, corporations, and private entities. But more than that, Jackson, this is personal for me. KT PMC will be part of something bigger. I'm building an empire, and I need people I can trust by my side."
Jackson took a sip of his drink, the gears in his mind turning. "You always did think big," he said with a grin. "But this... this sounds like more than just a business."
"It is," Jihoon admitted. "This is about control. About shaping the world the way we want it to be. And for me, it's about avenging my brother's death. I need you to help me do that."
Jackson was silent for a moment, then nodded slowly. "Alright, Kim. I'm in. But only because I trust you. If you say this is something worth fighting for, I'll follow your lead."
Jihoon extended his hand, and Jackson shook it firmly.
"Welcome to KT PMC," Jihoon said, his voice low but filled with conviction.
As they finished their dinner, the weight of their conversation hung in the air. Both men knew that what they had just agreed upon wasn't simply the formation of a new company—it was the start of a new chapter in their lives, one that would be filled with danger, ambition, and, for Jihoon, the chance to finally settle old scores.
------------------------------
James Kim: Head of the CBU Of KT Group
As KT Group expanded and Jihoon's influence grew, so did the risks. His growing empire needed protection, and Jihoon knew it was time to assemble personal security.
There was only one man Jihoon trusted enough for such a crucial role—James Kim, a legend in the SAS and an old comrade from their military days.
Jihoon sat at his desk in his penthouse office, the skyline of New York City stretching out behind him.
He dialed James's number, wondering how his old friend would respond. After a few rings, the familiar voice of James Kim came through.
"Jihoon, you old bastard," James said with a laugh. "What's it been? Years?"
"Feels like it," Jihoon replied, a small smile tugging at his lips. "How's civilian life treating you?"
"Not bad, not bad," James said. "Still feels strange not having bullets whizzing past my head, but I'm managing. What about you? What's this about? I know you didn't just call me for a chat."
"James," Jihoon greeted, his tone warm but businesslike. "I've been building something big, and I need you. We've been through a lot together, so I know you're the only man I can trust with this."
There was a pause on the other end, then James replied with a hint of curiosity. "Sounds serious. What exactly are we talking about?"
Jihoon leaned forward in his chair, staring out at the city skyline. "KT Group is expanding fast, and it's only going to get bigger. That means more attention, more enemies. I need someone who can handle the weight of protecting me, personally. I want you to be the Head of the Chairman's Bodyguard Unit."
James's voice was thoughtful. "Head of the CBU, huh? Seems simple enough. But knowing you, there's more to this than just security."
Jihoon's voice was calm, but beneath the surface, there was an unmistakable edge of cold steel.
"This isn't just business, James. It's personal. My brother, Taeha, was murdered. I need you by my side while I hunt down the people responsible. And when the time comes… I'll need your help to make sure they pay."
James didn't speak for a moment. Jihoon could almost hear him weighing the situation, considering the offer.
They had been through hell together in the past, and James knew what kind of man Jihoon was. He knew that this wasn't just about business—it was about vengeance.
"You're asking me to help you get revenge," James finally said, his tone serious. "I've got to say, I'm sorry about your brother, mate. But you know you don't have to ask twice. You saved me and my squad so many times, I owe you more than I can ever repay."
"I don't care about debts," Jihoon replied, his voice quiet but firm. "But I do care about loyalty. We've always had each other's backs, and I need to know you'll have mine now."
James let out a slow breath. "You know I will. I'm in. I'll take care of your security and anything else that needs handling. And when it comes time to deal with the people who killed your brother, you can count on me."
"Good," Jihoon said, relief washing over him. "I knew I could count on you. Fly out to New York as soon as you can. We'll get everything set up from there."
"I'll book a flight tonight," James replied, his tone filled with quiet determination. "It'll be good to work together again, Jihoon. We'll make sure your brother's death doesn't go unpunished."
As the call ended, Jihoon leaned back in his chair, feeling a sense of resolve settle in his chest. With James Kim now heading his personal security, he had a reliable ally who had been through the worst with him—and someone who would help him carry out his mission of revenge.
James wasn't just protection—he was the embodiment of loyalty forged in the battlefield. With him in place, Jihoon knew that he was one step closer to making those responsible for his brother's death face the consequences.
-----------------------
Lee Hansu: Director of the Strategic Planning Department
The phone rang only once before Lee Hansu picked up, his voice steady, but with a hint of concern. "Hello, Commander. How have you been? I heard about your brother... are you alright?"
Jihoon took a deep breath. "I'm alright now, Hansu. But I need your help with something important."
There was a pause on the other end before Hansu replied, his tone respectful but curious. "I'm all ears, Commander."
"I want you to join my company, KT Group. I need you as the Director of the Strategic Planning Department. But that's not all. I want you to recruit the other brothers from the team. We built something special in the military, and now... it's time to build something bigger, together."
Hansu remained silent for a moment, absorbing the weight of Jihoon's words. Finally, he responded, his voice firm with resolve. "If this is the path you've chosen, then I'll follow, Commander. I'll join you. And I'll bring the others with me. We'll make sure your brother's death doesn't go unanswered."
A small smile crept onto Jihoon's face, though his eyes remained hard. "Good. Let's get to work."
With that, their old bond as brothers-in-arms was renewed, and Hansu committed to bringing the team back together, just as Jihoon had envisioned.
---------------------
Viktor Abramov : Director Of the Shadow Division
Viktor Abramov was a name Jihoon had first heard through Jackson Smith during a joint operation between DEVGRU and Spetsnaz.
Jackson had mentioned Viktor in passing—describing him as a relentless force, a man with unshakable loyalty to his comrades, and a natural-born leader. Jihoon knew of Viktor's reputation but had never crossed paths with him until that mission.
The operation had been intense, with both units facing a heavily fortified enemy. During the firefight, Viktor's team had been pinned down, and it was Jihoon who led his own men to flank the enemy, giving Viktor and his unit the opening they needed to complete the mission. Afterward, Jihoon and Viktor shared a brief but respectful nod, a silent acknowledgment of each other's skills.
Months later, Jihoon learned more about Viktor through Jackson. Viktor's mother had fallen ill, and the medical bills were crippling for a soldier's salary, even one as decorated as Viktor. Jihoon, who had by then amassed considerable wealth through his investments, offered to help without hesitation.
Jackson had been the one to arrange a meeting between them. It took place in a quiet café in New York. Viktor arrived, his presence commanding yet humble. Jihoon could tell he was a man of few words.
"Jackson tells me you're the one who saved my unit that day," Viktor began, his thick Russian accent cutting through the air.
Jihoon waved it off modestly. "You would've done the same for me."
There was a pause before Viktor leaned forward slightly. "He also tells me you helped with my mother's treatment. For that, I owe you a debt I cannot repay."
Jihoon met his gaze, unwavering. "I didn't do it for payment, Viktor. But if you want to help, I could use someone like you. I'm building something bigger now, something that will need men who understand loyalty and precision."
Viktor sat back, considering his words carefully. "What do you need from me?"
"Protection," Jihoon said simply. "You'll lead the Shadow Division. You'll protect me and my interests. And when the time comes... you'll eliminate the enemies I point out."
Viktor nodded without hesitation. "You saved my team, my mother. Whatever you need, it will be done."
And with that, Viktor Abramov became the Director of the Shadow Division for KT Group, bound to Jihoon not by money, but by honor and loyalty—a debt repaid through unwavering service.
-----------------------------
Han Doyoung: Chief secretary Of KT Group
Jihoon leaned back in his chair, his mind racing with thoughts about the future of KT Group. Among the many recruits he needed, Han Doyoung stood out. Doyoung had been raised as an assassin in North Korea, known as "01" for his unmatched skills and capabilities.
After a failed mission to eliminate a high-profile defector, Doyoung and his team had decided to flee the oppressive regime. They knew the cost of defection would be severe, and as they made their escape, North Korean forces pursued them ruthlessly.
Just as they were about to be overrun near the South Korean border, a team of special forces intervened. It was Jihoon's unit, sent on an entirely different mission. But seeing the situation, Jihoon made a split-second decision to engage, saving Doyoung's life and killing those who pursued him.
Doyoung had never forgotten Jihoon's face, nor the debt he owed him. After Jihoon left the military and established KT Investment, he kept tabs on Doyoung, knowing the man's skill set could be invaluable to his growing empire.
One evening, as Jihoon sat in his office at KT Group, looking over plans for expansion, he decided it was time to call in that favor. He dialed a number through an encrypted line, a number that connected to someone who had mastered the art of staying hidden.
The phone rang twice before a calm voice answered, "Jihoon."
"Doyoung," Jihoon replied smoothly, recognizing the sharp tone. "It's time I ask for that favor you owe me."
There was a brief silence on the other end, but Jihoon knew the assassin was thinking, calculating.
"What do you need?" Doyoung asked, his voice devoid of emotion, but Jihoon could sense the respect behind it.
"I'm building something here, something that requires discretion, precision, and loyalty. I want you to be my Chief Secretary—your skills will help me in ways no ordinary man can.'' said Jihoon.
But what's the vision? What do you need from me?"asked Doyoung
Jihoon took a deep breath, sharing his plans for KT Group and the ambitions that drove him. "I want to establish a solid foundation, and for that, I need a team of trusted individuals. I want you to lead the Secretariat. Your experience and skills will be vital in organizing operations and ensuring everything runs smoothly."
Doyoung's voice was firm and resolute. "If you believe I'm the right man for the job, I'll take it. But I can't do this alone. I'll need the other members of our squad with me."
"Absolutely. I want you to bring them onboard. Each one of them has unique talents that will be invaluable. Together, we can make KT Group a force to be reckoned with," Jihoon replied, his determination evident.
"Understood. I'll reach out to them and see who's willing to join us. You have my word, Jihoon," Doyoung affirmed.
"Thank you, Doyoung. I know you'll do great things here," Jihoon said, a sense of relief washing over him. "Let's meet soon to discuss everything in detail."
"Count on it, Jihoon. I'll assemble the team and get back to you," Doyoung promised before hanging up.
After the call, Jihoon felt a renewed sense of purpose. With Han Doyoung at the helm of the Secretariat and the other members of their squad joining, KT Group was poised to rise to new heights, ready to take on the challenges that lay ahead.