This Is How I Became a Chaebol - Chapter 587



Only Ran(o)vel dot com

587: The Age of Expansion of the Side Story (2)

A few days later, at the Blue House private residence.

“Come in. I apologize for making you, a busy person, come here.”

“Thank you for your kind words. I am honored that you have called me here.”

President Roh deliberately invited me to his private residence, perhaps because he wanted to make the meeting as comfortable as possible. Since President Irachek had come to the Czech Republic as a special envoy and visited the Blue House, it would not have been strange if an invitation had come flying in at any time.

“I should first be thankful that the Korean aircraft carrier project is progressing smoothly.”

“No. Rather, I am deeply grateful to the government for its decision to proceed with the project without delay. This project requires astronomical costs.”

Even if the Varyag is more than 90% complete, converting it into a Korean-type aircraft carrier is not an easy task.

Even if you roughly calculate it, it would easily cost 2 billion dollars, but they dressed it up as if it were a joint military advancement project promoted by South Korea and Russia.

I couldn’t help but admire this government’s ability, as it was a strategy that skillfully avoided internal opposition and external pressure.

Looking at the fact that the name itself was originally named Bear Project, just like history, it was clear that it was an event to confirm the strength of our people within the great wheel of history.

“Of course, the country’s taxes should be used for the safety of the people. Also, we need that much power to protect our territorial waters, including the 7th mine area. To be honest, it was a difficult decision because I was wondering if our country really needs such expensive weapons.”

The president took out a cigarette and took a deep smoke, as if he was still in the mood for a decision.

“21st century Republic of Korea will give a big round of applause to this decision. Shouldn’t our national power not be limited to the Korean Peninsula?”

In the near future, when K-pop and K-dramas sweep the world and we have a national defense force to match, the term ‘Korea discount’ will disappear.

“As expected, Chairman Woo’s eyes are always turned towards the world. Sometimes I wonder where that confidence comes from.”

“There’s a popular saying in the industry that if you succeed, all your previous failures will be attempts. Confidence is the same.”

If you do it until it happens, you are acting with confidence.

“Hahaha! That’s a really great saying. I can say with certainty that the only companies that would stake their company’s fate on that saying are Korean companies.”

As the story continued, the President’s expression softened as he finished smoking a cigarette.

“If there’s anything I can do, please let me know. I’ll do my best to help.”

“Well, thank you for saying so. These days, there are many cases of former Soviet republics secretly visiting the Blue House. They are from Kazakhstan, Mongolia, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Ukraine.”

What? It seems that in addition to the countries that contacted me, there are also countries that visited the Blue House directly.

That’s very good news.

It is probably because the capabilities of Japan and China have shrunk compared to their original historical levels that the value of the Republic of Korea has risen significantly.

“As I said before, Kazakhstan must establish diplomatic relations as a strategic partner in order to secure important resources.”

Our country’s diplomatic relations are broadly divided into six stages.

Comprehensive strategic alliance, strategic cooperation partner, strategic partner, comprehensive cooperation partner, comprehensive partner, simple partner, etc.

The United States is the only country that has a comprehensive strategic alliance, which is the highest level concept.

After that, friendly relations are divided according to the degree of cooperation in the fields of politics, security, economy, and culture, but with countries that are strategic partners, they discuss and cooperate not only on general bilateral issues but also on external strategies.

In this respect, the Korea-Japan relationship is practically close to a strategic partnership, but it is inferior in that there is no agreement on security cooperation and foreign strategy.

This is the reason why Korea-Japan diplomacy is expressed as a ‘future-oriented mature partnership.’

“There is a lot of talk about it even internally because it is so drastic. Diplomatic power is usually adjusted in light of the national power of the country in question, but it is like establishing diplomatic relations at the level of strategic partnership with Kazakhstan.”

“No one treats us like that, so if South Korea is the first to raise its flag, wouldn’t it naturally receive special treatment?”

“That’s right. Since I agree with that, I plan to take this opportunity to visit the countries of the former Soviet Union under the pretext of celebrating their independence.”

“Oh, so you’ve already agreed to a summit?”

“As the chairman said, the first one to plant the flag will be the owner. Right now, when the Soviet Union… no, Russia is still not in its right mind.”

President Roh was making indirect remarks about pushing for a summit meeting even though the working-level officials had not yet reached a final agreement.

“I think it’s important to first clarify what we have to give and what we have to receive.”

“Isn’t it clear what we will give you? It won’t be like the United States, but we will make you live well like Korea! I heard you had regular talks with the previous government.”

As expected, he is the kind of person that YS and DJ pushed for politically.

This is a strategy that South Korea has consistently and reliably pursued on the diplomatic stage.

Showcasing all of Sejong City’s infrastructure and cooperating with South Korea on various industries that can maintain it.

Even if South Korea enters a period of stability in the 21st century and its trade surplus and economic growth rate moderate, money will continue to flow in from all over the world.

That’s how our Republic of Korea expands.

“It sounds like you are saying that the other country has something to offer on the table.”

“Yes. Every country wants to see the Daesae Group advance into the country. There are places like Daesae Automobile, Daesae Petrochemical, Daesae Heavy Industries, Daesae Shipbuilding, and even places that are landlocked but want to set up branches of Daesae Shipping.”

“It sounds like you’re saying you want to challenge the global market through South Korea.”

“Kazakhstan, resource diplomacy! That’s the end of it, but other countries… especially the Czech Republic and Ukraine’s proposals are very radical. You can’t even ask whether you should believe it or not.”

President Roh placed a document decorated with gold on the table.

It was a personal letter from the president with a splendid national emblem, as befitting a European country.

“Are you saying you are going to sell these strategic assets?”

It was absurd, but each president’s personal letter contained provisions to not only receive special benefits for various industrial investments, but also to sell national strategic assets.

The Czech Republic said it would provide engine technology for Soviet Sukhoi fighter jets, while Ukraine said it would provide nuclear engine technology for aircraft carriers.

This was something that went beyond the scope of information gathering by the five members of the Quenian gang.

“Even Ukraine offered to give us the blueprints for the atomic bomb if we would make it the European outpost of the SMR. I refused because it was too dangerous.”

It really was worth it for President Roh to call me in and ask for my opinion.

It must have been hard to tell whether the carrot presented at the summit was bait or real food.

“Ukraine was originally a place where the Black Sea Fleet was stationed, and it also had a shipyard dedicated to aircraft carriers, so I think it is trustworthy when it comes to nuclear engines.”

It was obvious why Ukraine was acting this way.

Although it is already diesel-powered, it is a possible offer since they sold us the aircraft carrier.

And, since Daesae Heavy Industries’ nuclear power plant technology is excellent, it is possible to think that even if the former Soviet Union’s nuclear engine technology is leaked, it is unlikely that Ukraine will be suspected of being the culprit.

It really is like the Soviet Union’s strategic assets are being torn apart and sold here and there.

If we’re going to do it, we should eat as much as possible.

“I agree with that. When the time comes for nuclear submarines to be operational, it wouldn’t be strange if we formalize our possession of nuclear aircraft carrier technology.”

“Someday, I guess.”

It was probably around the end of ’97.

If President Roh is re-elected, he will take responsibility for everything from beginning to end. That’s great.

“However, the authenticity of the Czech proposal is questionable. It is said that Czech scientists participated in the development of the Soviet Union’s most advanced engine technology… Even if that is true, would it have been possible for the technology to leak out without the KGB’s knowledge?”

“In return, they are asking for direct investment in Daesae Automobile and shares in Daesae Shipping.”

“Yes. It also means that South Korea should take responsibility for stable trade routes. It seems that the disadvantages suffered by being a landlocked country were considerable.”

“The price you are asking for is quite high.”

This was something that could not be exchanged for the kind of special privileges that Irachek had mentioned, such as free lease of automobile factory land, tax exemption for several years, and visa exemption for high-ranking employees.

This means that the Czech Republic must be included in the logistics line for the major European conquest.

“Our Air Force says that the technology proposed by the Czechs is the engine technology used in the Su-27, the most advanced Soviet fighter jet. They say they are very envious of it.”

“Su-27… If that’s real…”

It’s a really coveted technology.

Isn’t the Su-27 an aircraft with equal performance to the US F-15 that it even fought mock battles with?

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * Baca Novel Korean * *
* * * Krnovel dot com * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

In addition, the Czech president’s personal letter even included a request to secretly obtain two Su-27 research engines and share one engine each with the two countries for joint research.

It seemed like the intention was to modify it into a form suitable for Korean fighter jets through reverse engineering.

It was a Czech idea, as even during the old Eastern Bloc era, the country was unrivaled in its weapons modification capabilities.

No matter how long it took, if we could domestically produce jet engines, it was definitely not a losing proposition.

The problem is that you can’t be sure without seeing it with your own eyes. If you bite too hard and the information leaks to Russia, it could cause a big hitch in Korea-Soviet economic cooperation… no, Korea-Russia economic cooperation.

“Chairman Woo, please check it yourself.”

“How much time do we have?”

“I can only give you one month. I will go through Kazakhstan and Ukraine, and my final destination will be the Czech Republic.”

“You seem to be in a hurry for a summit.”

“In common parlance, isn’t this a fight over who gets to eat first? If it falls into the hands of Japan or Germany, I think I’ll be in a lot of pain.”

“We will be leaving soon.”

“Thank you. While you’re here, let’s have a meal together.”

“Yes, Mr. President.”

I had dinner late into the night with the President and even had a drink with him.

Even in light conversations over meals, one could be certain that the President’s eyes were also turned to the world.

***

Late February, Seongsu-dong Food Alley.

“Ma, the chairman said he would congratulate me on my promotion to president, but what kind of pork belly restaurant is this?”

“Oh my, when was the president’s promotion? Why are you congratulating me now? Actually, I’ve been missing this place. Once the cherry blossom festival starts, I won’t be able to come here.”

Here, the Seongsu-dong food alley stretches along the Jungnangcheon Stream.

It used to be dirty and smelly, but now it has become a hot place with a riverside promenade and a citizens’ park.

The cherry blossom trees planted while building the Jungnangcheon Sewage Treatment Plant have now become a local landmark.

Daesae Industrial Company’s first factory is still running smoothly as a living witness to the history that led Seongsu-dong to prosperity.

Now, it’s a huge factory that only produces clean, expensive things like cable, carbon fiber, and optical fiber, rather than things like nylon like before.

“Boss!! Here’s some pork belly and soju.”

“Oh my, come here. This way!”

The two of us entered a restaurant we used to frequent, and the owner of the restaurant recognized us and greeted us warmly.

“Please give me a plate of pork rinds too.”

“It’s been a while since you’ve been here, so I guess that’s a good service.”

“As expected, you are good at business!”

“This is all thanks to you, sir, no, the president.”

The restaurant owner still has the image of Manager Lee Sam-bok from the Daesae Industrial days.

This restaurant got rich because of our company dinners. The pork belly, soju, and pork rind side dish that started in Seongsu-dong spread all over Korea. It is literally the original restaurant.

Mulberry, choke choke…

Sambok playfully poured soju with a spoon and into a glass.

There are only side dishes as an appetizer, but the first drink is always a refreshing toast and a shot.

“Eww, nice.”

“Wow, the first drink is definitely soju and kimchi!”

“Sambok, you’re not busy these days, are you? I bet you had a good negotiation with the Enter Chairman.”

Negotiations with Chrysler have also recently been concluded successfully.

Chrysler is excited to import popular hybrid components and install them in its models.

It is obvious that our engine exports will increase, so we can expect unprecedented growth.

Even if you sell only engines and motors, the profit margin is considerable, just like selling complete automobiles.

“Oh my, look at this! This guy is lying on the mat again. Man, I’m so busy! I’m the president of the world’s most popular car company!”

Sambok-ki seemed to have figured out that I had called him to give him homework.

“The ones who get the most attention are hybrid developers. They only release a little bit of technology within the license category.”

“Oh my, yes, Chairman. Do you think we can do it on our own? Do you think we can just open up the technology we acquired through such a blunder?”

Hybrid developers, including Sambok, have been extremely busy recently.

First of all, major automakers need to enter the hybrid car market to get a bigger piece of the pie, so they are at least providing the minimum technology.

Of course, the royalties from it are also very lucrative.

“Is there any progress in the development of the second-generation hybrid engine?”

“Oh my, it’s only been a while since the hybrid was released and you’re already nagging me? Isn’t that too much?”

“What’s wrong with that? But the pork rind is particularly delicious today. Let’s order pork belly and pork belly too.”

A manager’s eyes must always be on the future, even if it is a difficult and tiring task.

A manager who is strict and gives a lot of work but succeeds in every business he does is more beneficial to his employees than a manager who is gentlemanly but fails in every business he does.

“To change the subject… there is some progress…”

What? I was just asking before we get to the main topic of sending you hostages to the Czech Republic, and you’re already doing one?

“There’s one?”

“Chansu, you’re talking about the rare earth mine you discovered in Kazakhstan. I heard they also mined a lot of neodymium there?”

“It wasn’t me who discovered the mine, but Executive Director Bost discovered it anyway! What’s so great about neodymium?”

I pushed my face in with anticipation. The guy lifted his chin up and drank his soju, making a face.

“Have you ever heard of neodymium magnets?”

“No, what’s wrong with magnets?”

“Well, it’s not a commercialized technology yet… but neodymium magnets are ten times stronger than regular magnets! That means you can get more power with a much smaller motor.”

“So, if we apply it to hybrid cars, it can produce more powerful output with better efficiency.”

“Wow, did that make sense right away?”

I was so happy.

Our engineers created innovations on their own without me having to tell them the future.

“So! That patent!”

“I looked into it, and the original patents are scattered across Japan, the US, etc. There are some positive reviews from Honeywell and other places, but they’re a bit expensive.”

“Buy it even if it’s expensive! Buy it now!”

“Is that okay? This technology isn’t commercialized yet…”

“I trust our engineer… no, Sambok, your intuition. Have you ever been wrong about anything?”

I pretended to hand over a blank check issued by Chase Manhattan to the bastard.

Even if you were to patent a neodymium magnet now, you could probably buy one for a million dollars at most.

“What have I said so far… No! There’s nothing wrong with it! Of course, there isn’t anything wrong with it!!”

I was secretly delighted when I saw the guy slurping down soju and showing off.

It was time to send the guy to the Czech Republic.

Read Novel Ran(o)vel com

<!–

–>