The day after the U.S. presidential election ended.
I hadn't received a thank-you call from anyone in Bush's campaign.
It was a busy time, so I didn't worry much about it. But I didn't expect to receive gratitude delivered in person.
Chris, the U.S. ambassador to Korea, came to see me.
Since it wasn't an official meeting, I was contacted through the secretariat and we met at a quiet place.
"I was quite surprised by your sudden contact. I heard you were assigned to Korea this September, but I hadn't properly greeted you until now."
"The greeting is mine to give. President Bush asked me to sincerely thank you."
To receive thanks through the ambassador—
It meant I had played a significant role in Bush's re-election, and a satisfied smile naturally spread across my face.
"A phone call would have been enough, but you came in person. I really appreciate it."
"President Bush also said to help you and the Taewoo Group and Vice Chairman Kim Minjae with anything you need. Please don't hesitate to ask whenever you need something."
To hear such words from the U.S. ambassador—
Of course, the ambassador wasn't of the highest rank.
In Korea, ministers are usually appointed as ambassadors to the U.S., but America appoints a first-class government official equivalent to a deputy minister.
But what does rank really matter?
No one could underestimate the U.S. ambassador just because he was a first-class government official.
The ambassador represented the United States, so his words were effectively the will of America itself.
"What could I possibly ask of you? I will simply visit often and pay my respects."
"That would be appreciated. It will make your quiet life in Korea more enjoyable. Also, the president said to tell you there's no need to worry about the 'Twin Eagles' matter."
"That was quite a bold request, but I truly appreciate it."
The "Twin Eagles" referred to Russia's emblem.
The U.S. ambassador was directly conveying that they would tacitly approve of bringing the Sukhoi fighters into Korea.
"If anyone else had made such a request, they wouldn't have even listened. But you are different — he's an honorary U.S. citizen after all."
"I will ensure nothing happens that harms U.S. national interests. Taewoo Group and I will work to help both Korea and the U.S. grow together."
"I will be sure to relay your words to the president. Well then, I must be going. I can't keep a busy man like you for long."
It's exhausting when the U.S. causes trouble for no reason.
That's why I supported President Bush and avoided creating difficult situations in the first place.
The issues with the United States and Russia had been resolved.
I explained the situation in detail to my grandfather.
"Heh heh, all my life I thought Chairman Jang Young-joo was the most reckless person, but it turns out it's not true. You've outdone even Chairman Jang."
"I simply thought of and carried out the best method to achieve the goal."
"Who else in this world could think like that, besides you?"
Though his tone sounded like a chiding remark, my grandfather's face was full of a smile.
Since the breakthrough to the Air Force's seemingly unsolvable problem was nearly complete, he could not hide his joy.
"The problems with the U.S. and Russia are settled. Now only the negotiations with the Korean government remain."
"I will persuade the Korean government. I'll meet the Minister of National Defense, the president, and his close aides to convince them."
"I wasn't confident about meeting and persuading high-ranking officials in Korea myself, since I'm still young."
In Korea, age still mattered.
No matter what was said, there was a huge difference between me saying it and my grandfather saying it — especially because he was the senior most respected elder in the business world, his words carried exceptional weight.
"If the U.S. and Russia have agreed, there's no reason for the Korean government to refuse. But have you decided where to build the new headquarters?"
"We should choose the location the Korean government wants. Personally, I think the KEPCO site looks better than the Charlotte Group site, since it's larger."
"That's not the end of it, is it?"
My grandfather looked at me intently and spoke.
His eyes seemed to urge me to speak every remaining thought in my heart.
"I truly wish to obtain permits for both sites. I want to build two super-tall buildings simultaneously — one to be used as Taewoo Group's new headquarters, and the other for a company related to us."
"You're full of ambition, just like your grandfather. Trust only this old man. I will use my sharp tongue to make your greed come true."
Who was talking to whom here?
I secured the site for the new headquarters to satisfy my grandfather's ambition.
But he said it was to fulfill my ambition.
"Well, you can use me as an excuse if you want. But will people believe it? They'll think it's your greed, not mine."
"Heh heh heh, that may be so. But what does it matter what others think? What's important is that Taewoo Group ends up owning two super-tall buildings."
"That's right! So please be sure to persuade the government and the military."
"I'll start moving immediately."
My grandfather stood up abruptly.
He walked out of the chairman's office as confidently as if he were twenty years old.
Today, his back looked even broader and more imposing than usual.
While my grandfather was engaged in intense negotiations with the government, I turned my attention back to the company work I had somewhat neglected.
Only after reading through the mountain of reports did I head to Captain Kang's office.
"So Kakao Taxi has started service not only throughout the metropolitan area but also in some major cities."
"The response has been very positive. Thanks to active promotion through KakaoTalk, the number of subscribers is increasing day by day."
"The more regions you expand to, the more issues will inevitably arise."
"For now, there haven't been any major problems. In fact, in regions where the service isn't even launched yet, both customers and taxi drivers are flooding us with inquiries about Kakao Taxi's arrival."
The taxi industry was known for how quickly rumors spread.
So it was natural that news of increased earnings among taxi drivers in the metropolitan area would reach taxi drivers all over the country.
"If expansion happens too quickly, accidents are bound to happen. Even if it's slower, try to expand cautiously. After all, no competition can challenge you."
"The lack of competitors is definitely a huge advantage. Although there are other call service companies, the demographics are completely different, so it doesn't feel like real competition."
Captain Kang spoke with a broad smile.
I had been with Kang for a long time, but this was the first time I saw him this genuinely happy.
Well, he had spent a long time in the military and continued a military-like lifestyle even after discharge.
This was his first proper business venture, so everything probably felt fresh and exciting.
"If you keep running things this well, the day might come in a few years when Captain Kang monopolizes all the taxi companies nationwide."
"But sir, during a meeting with my team, one suggestion came up. How about expanding not just into taxis but also into substitute drivers and rental cars? With a few tweaks to the current system, we could easily broaden our business scope."
That was a sharp business insight.
Most of Kang's staff were former military elites.
They were talented individuals from the era when many elites volunteered for the military, so their sharpness was undeniable.
"This business isn't meant to make a huge profit. We started the taxi service to gather data. And if things get too busy, won't it become too exhausting for you, Captain? Or are you planning to become a full-time businessman from now on?"
"No, that's not it! Nothing has changed — prioritizing your orders above all else remains. If you want, I can even shut down the taxi company immediately!"
Captain Kang lowered his head deeply as he spoke.
Seeing him looking like a condemned man made me think I might have been too harsh.
"Don't take it so seriously. You should try expanding into substitute drivers and rental cars. It'll help a lot with data collection and gathering other useful information."
"No, that's not it. I'm satisfied with just the taxi company."
"This is a good chance to grow your influence too — security services, taxis, rental cars, and substitute drivers. With all that, it won't be hard to recruit capable staff."
"…Thank you. I will make sure to keep the business within reasonable limits and not overextend."
His words carried multiple meanings.
Not only was he saying he wouldn't pursue reckless expansion, but also that he wouldn't chase profits excessively.
"It's okay to make some profit. That way you can pay your employees. It might be hard to be profitable right now, but I'll cover that part for you."
"I will never forget your gratitude."
"Don't be so stiff about it. If you need anything, just say so. Don't keep things bottled up inside. Like I've said before, solving problems with money is the easiest way."
"I'll keep that in mind!"
Captain Kang looked tense.
I hadn't even meant to scare him, so I wondered why he looked so afraid.
But I guess it's just his deep loyalty.
With only a few days left in 2004, I was invited by General Lee Ho to visit the Defense Science Research Institute located in Daejeon.
General Lee was waiting for me personally at the institute's main gate, and armed soldiers were standing guard with intense security from the entrance onward.
"I thought a research institute would feel different from a military base, but the security here seems even tighter."
"That's not the usual level. We're on high alert today to protect the gift that Taewoo Group gave to the Air Force."
This was why I came to the Defense Science Research Institute.
The three Sukhoi fighters that had come from Russia were already in South Korea.
The Sukhoi jets had been disassembled by parts and then fully reassembled, and General Lee invited me to come see the real thing.
"I'm not sure if it will be the kind of aircraft you'd like. Compared to the latest models, these are quite outdated."
"Don't say that! I was more than just impressed—I was nearly knocked out by how amazing they are. I almost felt like bowing to the Taewoo Group headquarters."
Was General Lee really this excitable?
After all, I was the one who had finalized the contract for the Sukhoi jets in Russia.
I had barely managed to secure two older-model Sukhoi fighters and one experimental model.
Maybe the Korean Air Force's exclusive use of F-series fighters made them more nervous?
Or perhaps the Russian aircraft were simply unfamiliar territory to the Republic of Korea Air Force, which might explain the fuss.
"I'm glad you're satisfied."
"Nothing compares to seeing them in person rather than hearing a hundred explanations. Let me show you how much you've accomplished, Vice Chairman Kim."
Still excited, General Lee led me into the secured area.
The moment I saw the three Russian fighters there, I realized his excitement was anything but an exaggeration.