Our country's main fighter jets were American F-series aircraft.
And the fighters we might face were Russian Sukhoi models.
"Know thy enemy, know thyself, and you will never be defeated."
For any possible wartime scenario, it was important to fully understand the capabilities of the
Sukhoi fighters.
Especially General Lee Ho, who had spent many years in the Air Force, was eager to study the Sukhoi jets in detail.
"I think I can bring in about three Sukhoi jets from Russia. Would that be a significant help to
Korea's national security?"
"Even one Sukhoi would greatly enhance the Air Force's combat power."
"It's not just about throwing money at the problem. Both Russia and the U.S. must grant
permission, and resolving the political issues will likely cost more than the purchase price of the jets."
General Lee nodded vigorously.
The U.S. was Korea's only ally.
If Korea brought in Russian Sukhois, the U.S. would certainly not be pleased.
Therefore, careful political maneuvering would be essential to avoid misunderstandings, and
General Lee understood this perfectly.
"If we cover the cost of relocating the Air Force base's runway and donate three Sukhois to the Air Force, will you approve the permits?"
"Absolutely! Even if I have to kneel before the Minister of Defense, I will make sure the permit issues are resolved. If we operate Sukhois ourselves, the Air Force's strength will increase dramatically! And it will also greatly help Korea develop its own fighter jets."
General Lee spoke with his pride completely laid aside.
His love for the Air Force made such an attitude possible.
If they could just bring in the Sukhois, he would be the first to push for the runway relocation.
"I'll do my best to acquire the latest model Sukhois, but I'm afraid it won't be easy."
"Even trainer jets with major equipment removed would be fine, and downgraded versions are acceptable too!"
General Lee just wanted Sukhois in any form.
How could anyone disappoint someone who cared so deeply about Korea's security?
"Then I will visit Russia within this week to negotiate the purchase of Sukhois."
"I'll be waiting for good news."
General Lee grasped my hand firmly as he spoke.
Despite his imposing first impression, right now General Lee's aura reminded me of my
grandfather.
My grandfather's greed for the new headquarters, General Lee's greed for the Sukhois.
When people desire something, their eyes always show that same intensity.
A few days later.
As promised, I headed to Russia.
I arranged a meeting with Roman, the governor of Chukotka and chairman of an energy company
— a man who wielded significant influence in the Russian government and was also a close
friend of mine.
"Governor Roman is expected to arrive in 20 minutes. Please call if you need anything," said a bodyguard who looked like a professional fighter, speaking politely.
I waved him off, indicating I didn't need anything. As the bodyguard stepped back, I took out my phone and called David.
"Where are you now? Not off at some resort again, I hope?"
"Resort? No way! If anyone's busier than me, they should come out and say so. The U.S.
presidential election is less than two weeks away! I'm running all over the place, getting called here and there. I need ten bodies just to keep up."
"The election is really almost here. I didn't even notice how fast time's flown."
The U.S. election season had already arrived.
Since I'd been providing steady support, I didn't have much to do this time. But David was
different.
He had to meet every politician imaginable.
He was dragged to charity events all over the U.S., drinking and spending money.
"Now's no time to relax like that. President Bush is ahead by just 1-2% in the polls, but
depending on the polling agency, candidate Kerry is sometimes leading."
"I still think Bush will win reelection, since the War on Terror isn't over and people prioritize
national security."
"I hope so too, but Kerry is ahead on economic issues, so it's not a guaranteed win."
David sounded quite tense.
I already knew the outcome, so I wasn't worried.
Before my return, Bush had already won reelection, and now that I was helping more actively, the margin would be even safer.
"Don't be so nervous. Bush will definitely win."
"Thanks for saying that — it makes me feel better. But why are you calling me? It doesn't sound like this is about the election."
"I have a favor to ask. I'm planning to purchase about three Sukhoi fighter jets in Russia to
donate to the South Korean Air Force."
"You want me to help solve the political issues around that, don't you?"
Having worked together for a long time, David immediately caught the main points.
"Is it doable?"
"If President Bush wins reelection, even more is possible. I'll make sure there's talk about
allowing anything into Korea, except nuclear weapons."
"Make sure the Bush campaign has plenty of funds."
"They already have more than enough — the coffers are overflowing. This election will go down in history as the most expensive U.S. presidential election ever."
"Then I'll trust you with this."
David seemed busy, so we couldn't talk long.
Right after I hung up, Roman came inside.
"Kim! You never came before, so what wind blew you to Russia twice this year already?"
"Didn't I promise to visit more often? I always keep my promises."
"Hmm, are you really here just because of that? Your sly face tells me there's some scheme
behind this."
Should I learn how to act?
Roman had immediately seen through that I had another purpose.
"Actually, I came to ask a difficult personal favor."
"If it's your request, of course I'll help. Just say what you want."
"I want to purchase a few Sukhoi jets. Oh! Not for me personally — I intend to donate them to the South Korean Air Force."
"Is this because of the KEPCO land issue?"
Roman even knew I was after the KEPCO land.
Though Roman had no reason to care about land in Seoul, his interest in me seemed high enough to know about the KEPCO matter.
"I've already won the bid for the KEPCO land. But there's a conflict with the Air Force over
permits, so I plan to donate the Sukhois to resolve it."
"If the price is right, there's nothing we can't sell. How many were you thinking?"
"I think about three jets would be enough as a gesture of goodwill."
"Hahaha, this is a first for me. Offering fighter jets as a goodwill gesture to build a skyscraper!"
Even I thought it was ridiculous.
But using my connections and money, this was the best way to persuade the Air Force.
"Even if they're trainer or downgraded versions, that's fine. And the U.S. won't raise any issues about this."
"Hmm, I'll help you buy three Sukhois as cheaply as possible. About $130 million should be
enough."
It was cheaper than I expected.
Depending on the model, even the cheapest fighter jets cost over $50 million each.
He must be planning to supply trainer or downgraded versions, which explains the low price.
"I can transfer the money today if needed."
"Haha, you're in a hurry. I need to report to my superiors first. Since it's your matter, I'm sure they'll approve."
"Please take care of it. And if you ever need my help, just say the word. I'll do my best."
"I will, if that happens. By the way, are you still thinking about buying that EPL football club? I want to see you and compete on the field soon."
The conversation naturally shifted to football.
In less than ten minutes, I achieved my goal and spent the remaining time listening to Roman's stories.
It had been two weeks since I returned to Korea from Russia.
Today, instead of going to the company, I went straight to Captain Kang's office, and as soon as I arrived, I stared intently at the TV.
"Are you watching the U.S. presidential election results broadcast? I heard the news on the way here, and they say it's still too close to call."
"So Captain Kang is interested in the election, huh?"
"When you've been in the military a long time, you can't help but care. If the regime changes, one of the organizations most affected is the military, right?"
Captain Kang had served during the military regime.
Maybe because of that, he was very interested in the election and watched the U.S. presidential election with me.
We spent several hours like that, and finally, the results were decided.
"Boss! President Bush has won reelection."
"Phew, that's a relief. I was worried since the margin wasn't that big."
President Bush won by only about a 5% margin.
If I remembered correctly, before the rewind he had won by just 3%.
So I effectively raised his support by 2%.
Only 2%.
But in such a close race, 2% was no small number — it could have changed the whole result.
"Boss! David just called."
"Oh! I had my phone on silent."
While I was lost in thought, several missed calls had come through.
Since I didn't answer, David called Captain Kang's office instead.
"I just checked the results too. As expected, President Bush won reelection."
[Boss! I was sweating bullets, almost passed out. It was a nail-biter, but we barely pulled it off!]
"Five percent isn't exactly 'barely,' though. Congratulate the Bush campaign for me."
[Will do. Also, we got the confirmation on the Russian fighter jet deal. But they said to bring it in quietly so no info leaks.]
That was expected.
Even if the Air Force operated them, info would inevitably leak out, but as long as it wasn't
public knowledge that the Taewoo Group led the Sukhoi acquisition, it was fine.
"When the U.S. stuff is done, please head to Russia and take the lead on bringing in the jets."
[If it's that kind of job, I'm on it. I'll visit the campaign to offer congratulations, then head
straight to Russia.]
"Sounds like a tough schedule. You know I'm always grateful and sorry for the trouble, right?"
[I recently bought a penthouse, but I can count on one hand how many times I've actually rested there. I'm constantly traveling around the world meeting people every day, so there's no time to stay in the penthouse.]
"Once this is over, take a few days off to rest."
It's such a shame there's only one David.
If I had one more person with similar abilities, David wouldn't have to keep flying back and forth between Russia and the U.S.
But people with S-class lobbying skills were rare.
And David was the only person I could trust with that level of ability.