Have your heard the story of Chung Mong-koo,
The oldest living son of Chung Ju-yung?
(That legendary Pop, “The Founder,” who
Imaged the Hyundai group and made it strong.)
Well, truth be known, young Chung’s a wily crook,
He stole a hundred million bucks by god!
(Not to enrich himself! Oh no—to hook
With bribes those folks who’d give Hyundai the nod,
Because (you know) what’s good for us is fair
For South Korea!) Karma! He got caught,
Convicted—sentenced to three years in stir—
This left the whole damn country quite distraught!
How can Korea thrive sans Chung Mong-koo?
There’s simply no one else to run the show.
Suspend the sentence (as we always do),
But levy fines to let the wide world know
We’re serious. Judges admonish Chung—
“You’ll behave, work hard, be responsible?”
Duty bound, replying, as he was sprung,
Solemn, bowing Chung murmured “Yes I will.”
Hosanna! Korea’s saved; Hyundai too,
Because young Chung’s free, no rue, no coup—phew!
(9/20/07)