Dong-sik and I began searching for a site to build Luktic's second factory.
There was no doubt—the second plant would be significantly larger than the one in Yangseo County.
It had to be.
We were building it to handle the flood of export requests pouring in from around the world.
The first factory in Yangseo was already struggling just to meet American demand alone.
"Dong-sik, what should we do?" I asked."The Yangseo plant was built with Chairman Choi Chang-sik's investment. This new one will have to be even bigger. I'm not even sure where to start. Should we seek Daesung Group's consulting help again?"
Dong-sik shook his head.
"Si-woo. When we built the Yangseo factory, we relied heavily on Daesung Group's consultants, didn't we?"
"We did."
"But I don't think it's healthy to keep depending on them forever. So while they were working, I studied everything I could—observed closely, learned as much as possible."
I blinked in surprise.
"Wow. I didn't realize you were working that hard behind the scenes."
He chuckled awkwardly.
"I want to carry my weight. I'm a director at Luktic now. If I'm going to hold that position, I need to grow into someone worthy of it."
That was Dong-sik.
Responsible to the core.
"Then… do you think you could take charge of overseeing the second factory construction? If it's too much, we can still ask Daesung Group for help."
"Let me try," he said firmly."The specialized work will be handled by experts anyway. As project lead, I think I can manage the overall coordination. I learned a lot from the Yangseo build. We can't rely on Daesung forever."
I nodded.
"I'll support you in any way I can as CEO. If it becomes overwhelming, tell me immediately."
In truth, Dong-sik wasn't inexperienced.
Even back when Luktic was a small enterprise, he handled factory-related operations. He had grown up watching relatives run businesses and learned from them.
This time, I decided to trust him.
And so, we began drafting the Second Factory Construction Plan.
It would be a massive undertaking.
The first step: pre-consultation with the government.
***
At the presidential office, President Kim Sang-min was receiving a briefing.
"Mr. President, CEO Hyun Si-woo wishes to build another factory."
"Another one? Didn't Luktic recently complete a large facility in Yangseo?"
"Yes, sir. But as you know, Luktic recently began exporting to the United States."
"That's right."
"Demand in the U.S. is extremely strong. Their distributor, Target, has requested massive additional shipments. Yangseo's production capacity is already insufficient."
The President's expression brightened.
"I've heard about their success in America, but is it really that significant?"
"Yes, sir."
He laughed in satisfaction.
"So now Luktic is bringing in substantial foreign currency as well. Remarkable."
After a moment of thought, he picked up the intercom.
"Connect me to the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport."
***
Not long after, I received a call from the Minister himself.
He promised full governmental support for Luktic's second factory and active cooperation in securing suitable land.
It felt surreal.
Not long ago, I had been summoned to Sejong City to spar verbally with bureaucrats.
Now, a cabinet minister was pledging direct support.
Luktic had grown faster than I realized.
Meanwhile, our overseas business division was drowning in proposals.
Japan and China.The UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal.Brazil, Chile.Australia and New Zealand.
Distribution companies from every continent were requesting contracts.
But even fulfilling Target's U.S. orders was overwhelming for now.
Global expansion would have to wait until the second factory was operational.
I discussed potential locations with Dong-sik.
"If we're mainly producing exports," he said, "wouldn't the Yeongnam region make sense?"
"You're thinking proximity to Busan Port?"
"Exactly."
It made sense.
Soon, local governments began reaching out.
News of our search for a new site had spread quickly.
They offered streamlined permits, infrastructure support, tax incentives—anything to attract us.
The transformation of Yangseo County proved the stakes.
Once a modest rural county, it had been revitalized by Luktic's plant. Thousands of high-income workers moved in. Local tax revenue soared.
Now imagine an even larger factory.
Naturally, regional leaders were eager.
One mayor didn't wait for us to visit.
The Mayor of Busan came to us.
***
Mayor Jeong Doo-cheol of Busan drove five hours to Seoul the very next day.
He had the unmistakable aura of a bold Busan native—direct, energetic.
"CEO Hyun, it's an honor to meet you."
"The honor is mine, Mayor. Thank you for making the trip."
"If it's for Luktic, I would do anything."
He leaned forward.
"I understand you're planning a factory even larger than Yangseo's."
"Yes. Overseas demand is increasing rapidly."
His eyes gleamed.
"Then Busan is the perfect choice. We have Korea's largest international trade port."
A strong argument.
"We also have flat industrial land ready for development," he continued. "I've already had officials investigate. Land acquisition would proceed smoothly. If you choose Busan, we will mobilize all resources to ensure seamless construction and operation."
Busan's geographic advantage was undeniable.
But I couldn't show eagerness too quickly.
"Several regions have offered tax benefits and permit simplifications. What unique advantage can Busan provide?"
He hesitated briefly.
"We will match or exceed any incentives offered elsewhere. Additionally, we'll upgrade transport infrastructure to ensure efficient logistics between your factory and Busan Port."
Classic negotiation.
From his perspective, securing Luktic's factory was critical.
Busan's job market had weakened in recent years. Young people were leaving for Seoul or industrial cities like Pohang and Ulsan.
Major domestic investments had slowed due to economic downturns and U.S. tariff pressures.
A mega-project like ours was rare.
"Thank you, Mayor," I said. "We will review internally and respond soon."
He nodded respectfully.
A few hours later, however, another visitor arrived.
Yangseo County's Governor, Yang Jeong-cheol.
He looked deeply distressed.
"CEO… was Yangseo lacking in some way? Please tell me, and we will correct it immediately. But please… reconsider building the second factory elsewhere."
His voice trembled.
"Please think of your hometown… Yangseo raised you."
Then, shockingly—
He dropped to his knees.
"Governor, please stand!"
I hurried to lift him up.
The decision to build elsewhere was already made.
But seeing someone older than my father kneel before me—
It was difficult.
Still, I couldn't reverse course.
However…
I did think of one solution.
One that would not harm Luktic—
And might even benefit everyone.