1953 Bare-handed Tycoon - Chapter 386



Only Krnovel

386 – Ngo Dinh Diem

Presidential Palace, South Vietnam, November 16, 1962.

Kijo dressed up neatly and went to meet with Taesung.

The two were led to a reception room and waited for the South Vietnamese president to come out.

While waiting for him, Kijo shared what he knew about Ngo Dinh Diem.

I felt it slowly.

However, Kijo did not blindly trust the knowledge he brought from the past.

There were many cases where what I knew from books was different from the historical figures I actually met.

It was better than what was described badly, and worse than what was described well.

Overall, most of the material about Ngo Dinh Diem portrayed him negatively.

The prevailing view was that he was a corrupt leader steeped in religious fanaticism.

But that would only highlight one side of him.

When the keynote speech delved into the history of Gho Dinh Diem, a completely different record emerged.

all.

From 1955 to 1963, when he took power, the Vietnamese economy grew rapidly and prices

was moderately suppressed.

This is something that even Korean leaders, such as Syngman Rhee, Jang Myon, and Park Chung-hee, have not yet achieved.

It was an unsatisfactory achievement.

Korea has always suffered from high inflation, and its economy has always been stagnant.

Objectively speaking, Ngo Dinh Diem was not a completely economically incompetent leader.

It was.

Since 1957, we have implemented policies to attract foreign investment and have

The war reparations received from Korea and Japan were used for economic development.

From 1962, Korea pursued a five-year economic development plan to promote import substitution industries.

It was also strategically nurtured.

The paper industry, glass industry, and cement industry, which utilize abundant wood, are new growth industries in Vietnam.

It was the driving force.

Unlike Korea, which suffers from chronic deficits, Vietnam has been recording trade surpluses for years.

It was also a rider.

In conclusion, it was clear that Ngo Dinh Diem had some economic sense.

Finally, the presidential door opened and Ngo Dinh Diem came in.

DM, who was over 60 years old, had the air of a gentleman with a mature charm.

Kijo and Taesung rose from their seats and bowed to Ngo Dinh Diem.

President Diem shook hands with Tae Sung and Ki Jo and exchanged brief greetings before sitting down.

He suggested that I sit down.

DM, sitting on a chair, talked about his connection with Korea.

“I visited Korea in September 1957. At that time, President Lee treated me very warmly.

I remember that the weather in Korea was also very nice.”

DM inspected the Korea Military Academy and received an honorary doctorate in law from Seoul National University.

I recalled.

“How is the former president’s health?”

When Taesung was embarrassed by the question about Syngman Rhee, Kijo answered.

“I hope you are staying in Hawaii in good health.”

“Will the former president return to Korea someday?”

“You could do that.”

The keynote speech was that Syngman Rhee could not bear to say that he could be buried in Korean soil only after he died.

all.

He attempted to return to the country several times, but was unable to do so due to public opposition.

Ngo Dinh Diem felt sorry for Syngman Rhee because he had many similarities with him.

It was the same.

Both were Christians and had similar policies as first presidents.

There was this.

And there was a similar aspect of America that was not very submissive.

Diem spoke briefly about Vietnam’s economy.

“Vietnam’s main exports are still agricultural products. However, it is trying to industrialize by fostering light industry.

We will achieve it. This year is the first year of the five-year economic development plan.”

The keynote speech said that Korea will also pursue similar economic policies starting this year.

DM nodded and got to the main point.

“I am glad to hear that Korean companies want to invest in Vietnam. Economy

“The development plan is being pushed forward and this is the first overseas investment. It is very meaningful.”

“Thank you for meeting us like this.”

“I heard that there will be a guarantee from the Korean government. Is that certain?

peel?”

The keynote speech was that he expected that the business would be approved thanks to the strong lobbying of his brother and sister-in-law.

But the stumbling block will still be the Korean government’s guarantee.

“If you make a memorandum of understanding, I will return to Korea and get the government’s approval.

First, President Park’s approval for the basic plan for advancing into Vietnam

“I received it.”

“Yes, I also welcome investment in Vietnam as long as there is a guarantee from the Korean government.

Isn’t Korea a valuable partner and a country with much in common with Vietnam? Let’s work together.

They are fighting against the mountain forces, and Vietnam and Korea have something in common as divided countries.

“We need to join forces to develop the economy.”

President Diem also showed interest in Chairman Park, who currently rules South Korea.

“The Korean president visited the United States last year, right? It must not have been easy to visit the United States.

“It seems like it has had good results.”

“This president accompanied President Park on site. During the meeting with President Kennedy,

“I also served as an interpreter.”

When Kim Tae-seong explained the keynote, DM was delighted.

“Was it like that? What was it like seeing President Kennedy in person?”

“I had a strong feeling that he was a pacifist.”

DM laughed heartily at Kijo’s answer.

“Yes, he is a pacifist. And so am I. So now,

“The war in the South is being suppressed.”

The keynote speaker nodded.

Apart from his dictatorship and corruption, Ngo Dinh Diem was a pacifist.

This has also been confirmed in official documents.

Ngo Dinh Diem did not want the United States to send troops to Vietnam and had a long-term relationship with the Viet Minh.

He conveyed to Kennedy his intention to negotiate for a peace settlement.

Kennedy also did not want to send American troops to Vietnam, so the two joined forces.

I was able to stop the fight.

Coincidentally, in November of the next year, Ngo Dinh Diem was executed by the coup forces, and Kennedy also died of cancer.

The peace of Vietnam is shattered by the killing.

Two leaders who did not want the Vietnam War died in succession just 20 days apart.

It brought great tragedy to both countries.

“President Kennedy is having a hard time with the Cuba issue, but I believe in him. Peace.

“We will resolve this issue as enemies.”

Ngo Dinh Diem said the Cuban Missile Crisis would never escalate into a nuclear war between the US and the Soviet Union.

I was sure that it was that.

“And now India and China, who are at war, should stop fighting and go back to the way they were before.

I’m afraid. The two countries have large territories and large populations, so they can completely defeat each other.

I know very well that I can’t.”

Regarding the Sino-Indian war, Ngo Dinh Diem predicted it accurately.

“Mr. Lee, who decided to make a large investment in Vietnam when everyone was pessimistic about the world, was really

“He is a wise man.”

DM praised the keynote.

“Thank you. I agree with the President’s opinion and have no doubt about the prosperity of Vietnam.

“It is.”

The keynote speech was complicated as he watched Ngo Dinh Diem end his life with the stigma of being a dictator.

all.

If he had been a little better at politics, he would have been able to overcome religious oppression, oppressive dictatorship, and nepotism.

If the corruption at the highest levels had not been tolerated, the Vietnam War might not have happened.

For about 12 years, 1.8 million North and South Vietnamese citizens, 60,000 US soldiers, and 5,000 South Korean soldiers

This meant that he could not die.

These are only official statistics, and there are still unidentified deaths and irreparable damage.

There was a theory that the number of Vietnamese people who were affected was 3 million.

The keynote speech once again demonstrated the two-facedness of dictators.

“Oh, and please don’t worry about the security of South Vietnam. South Vietnam is currently in the process of

We have overwhelming military power and are receiving necessary material support from the United States.

“It is.”

In terms of numbers, including troops and weapons, it was true that South Vietnam was overwhelming the Viet Minh.

But these were just simple numbers.

Ngo Dinh Diem was able to overwhelm the enemy in the north just as Syngman Rhee had done during the Korean War.

I was full of confidence.

His assurance that he would maintain peace with the Viet Minh through negotiations was also based on that confidence.

It will come out from the west.

Taesung, who was listening to his story, asked about a part that he was slightly concerned about.

“Mr. President, what do you think of China? When South Korea went to war with North Korea,

“We missed the opportunity for unification because of the Gong’s participation.”

DM laughed heartily at Taesung’s question.

“I can guarantee you this one thing. If the Chinese army helps the Viet Minh, they will take over the Viet Minh’s land.

If we set foot on the island, the Viet Minh will attack the Chinese, not us. Historically,

Vietnam has suffered too much from China. Both North and South Vietnam have roots in China.

“I hold a deep grudge.”

This time, DM’s prediction was correct.

Throughout the Vietnam War, the North Vietnamese leadership was also extremely reluctant to allow Chinese intervention.

, and repeatedly rejected China’s official proposal to dispatch troops.

The Chinese army played only a support role behind the North Vietnamese lines, and the Vietnam War ended in 1975.

After that, Vietnam and China went to war.

Diem, a nationalist, also had a clear view of Sino-Vietnamese relations.

The keynote speech was a 15-minute interview in which Diem was promised support by Ngo Dinh.

“Please discuss future business with my younger brother, Ko Dinh Niu. He will help you well.

“I’m scared.”

After finishing the interview, Kijo and Taesung left the presidential palace and stopped by the Korean embassy to discuss the interview.

reported.

Ambassador Seo Sang-cheol had a happy expression on his face, as if he was glad to be able to deliver good news to his home country.

Lee Dae-yong, who had become close to him, also sincerely congratulated the keynote speaker.

The keynote speech was to go to Kim Tae-seong’s house and have a small celebratory drink.

Kim Tae-seong said to Ki-jo at the drinking party.

“You have now reached the 8th ridge. You must return to your home country and get Chairman Park’s approval.

If you do, investment in Vietnam will be confirmed.”

“I think I have now reached the fourth ridge. The Sarawak forestry development project is also in progress.

“You need to get a guarantee.”

Taesung was grateful that Gijo did not forget to take care of his business as well.

“I have the Malaysian jungle under my control. You don’t have to worry.”

Then Taesung remembered that Gijo took care of his business partners with sincerity.

all.

When Hyundai Construction’s Chung Ju-young came to Vietnam, he said this.

“President Lee Ki-jo is a truly trustworthy person. He built a cement factory in Danyang.

I tried to get a vice minister since the 1950s, but I failed every time.

The person who solved this problem was this CEO. CEO Lee Ki-jo is a vice minister expert. An expert.

Hahaha.”

What Kijo did for Chung Ju-young was the survey of Korean cities conducted by the U.S. Agency for International Development (AID).

It broke the basis of the survey on the demand for comments.

AID had previously commissioned an American company to survey Korea’s cement demand.

Americans tend to have a negative view of the Korean economy, so the survey results are also negative.

It was.

American companies had estimated Korea’s cement demand at 750,000 tons by 1963.

all.

It was a sheep without a chin.

The keynote speech was to investigate the demand for restoration and housing shortage in Seoul and local cities.

He advised the government to submit the calculation and submitted it to the government.

all.

According to the calculations of Kijo and Chung Ju-young, the demand for cement in 1963 was 1.2 million tons.

It was a prize.

Jeong was wondering whether to trust the American data or the words of the Korean construction company.

It was the keynote that convinced the wealth.

Every time I visit the Supreme Council, I go to see the Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Oh Jeong-geun, and have a callus on his ear.

Until then, he had talked about the need for a loan to establish a cement plant.

Oh Jeong-geun eventually surrendered to Kijo’s continued efforts.

“Okay, we have a cement factory in Cheongsan-do, and Hyundai is our competitor.

That seems to be true, seeing as other companies are also arguing that they should build cement plants.

Okay. Let’s give it a try.”

Ultimately, with the guarantee of the South Korean government and the approval of the U.S. State Department, $4.25 million was provided.

The loan deal was concluded.

Kim Tae-seong said, recalling Chung Ju-young who had told him about this process.

“This CEO seems a little different from other businessmen.”

“What is it?”

Kijo asked while putting the side dish in his mouth.

“Businessmen are usually greedy and want to eat everything themselves, but why do you, the CEO,

Do you want to share this with many people? This is also the case with this Vietnam business.”

The keynote was like that for a reason, but I omitted all that and spoke.

“A meal eaten with others is always more delicious than a meal eaten alone.”

Taesung burst into laughter at the keynote speech.

“Are you sharing your meal with me so that I can eat it all by myself?”

“sure.”

Taesung is much younger than me, but he is generous and knows how to share the profits.

Many of the keynotes felt somehow elder-like.

Taesung felt once again that one should never judge a person by his age.

“Just open your mouth. Try it.”

“yes?”

Kijo looked at Taesung and asked him about his unexpected request.

“Why are you doing that?”

“I thought there was an old man inside this CEO who had been through a lot. Let’s check it out.

I’m going to do that. Hahaha.”

When Taesung laughed, Kijo laughed too.

From then on, whenever he put food in his mouth, Kijo would playfully cover his mouth while eating.