Chapter 16 - Episode 15: The Corporate & The Grassroots

November 23-24, 2005

Day 38-39 of Ascension

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November 23 (Wednesday)

07:00 AM, Preparation Day

Je-hoon woke knowing today was preparation for tomorrow's meeting. The dynamic had shifted—this wasn't two childhood acquaintances reconnecting. This was a Park Group heiress inviting dialogue about innovation structures.

He needed to be ready.

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08:30 AM, Research Phase

Before school, Je-hoon used his laptop to research:

1. HJ Group corporate structure (public filings, annual reports)

2. Recent "innovation initiatives" mentioned in business news

3. Park family dynamics (succession issues, health rumors)

4. Corporate R&D vs startup innovation (academic papers)

ZEO synthesized:

𝘏𝘑 𝘎𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘱 𝘚𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦:

· 𝘾𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙗𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙨: 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 (42%), 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙡 𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙚 (28%), 𝙇𝙤𝙜𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙨 (18%), 𝙊𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 (12%)

· 𝙍&𝘿 𝙗𝙪𝙙𝙜𝙚𝙩: 1.2% 𝙤𝙛 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙪𝙚 (𝙡𝙤𝙬 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙚𝙘𝙝 𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙮, 𝙖𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡)

· 𝙄𝙣𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙚: 𝘾𝙤𝙧𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙗𝙪𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙪𝙘𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙮, 𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙠 𝙖𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣

𝘗𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘍𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺:

· 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙞𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙠: 𝙄𝙡𝙡 (𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙤𝙣'𝙨, 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙜𝙚 2)

· 𝙎𝙪𝙘𝙘𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨: 3 𝙨𝙤𝙣𝙨 (𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙨 35-45)

· 𝙎𝙤𝙤-𝙟𝙖𝙚: 𝙉𝙤𝙩 𝙖 𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙮 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧 (𝙛𝙚𝙢𝙖𝙡𝙚, 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙜)

Soo-jae was positioning herself through innovation initiatives—a smart move when traditional power structures were closed.

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10:00 AM, Math Competition - Strategic Decision

Mrs. Lee announced the competition details: December 10th, Seoul National University campus. Top three winners get scholarships and media coverage.

"Je-hoon, you'll need a parent or guardian to accompany you."

"I'll arrange it," he said, though he had no parents. Director Kim or Mrs. Han would suffice.

The media aspect was double-edged: exposure could attract unwanted attention, but also credibility.

He decided: win, but modestly. Second or third place, not first. Avoid spotlight while securing scholarship.

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13:00 PM, Timer Production Start

Mr. Han began manufacturing. Je-hoon visited the shop after school to inspect first units.

The production line was basic but effective: circuit board assembly → component soldering → casing assembly → testing.

First unit completed: functional. Je-hoon tested it against a laboratory thermometer: accuracy ±0.3°C. Excellent.

"We can produce 8-10 units daily with current setup," Mr. Han said. "25 by December 1st, easy."

"Good. I'll handle packaging and distribution."

They designed minimal packaging: recycled cardboard, clear instructions. Cost: ₩500 per unit.

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15:00 PM, The Medical Study

Je-hoon began compiling orphanage nutrition data for the pediatric conference. He had three years of meal records, basic height/weight data for children.

ZEO identified patterns:

· 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙞𝙣 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚: 15% 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙬 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙙

· 𝘾𝙖𝙡𝙘𝙞𝙪𝙢: 22% 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙬

· 𝙑𝙞𝙩𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙣 𝘾: 𝙎𝙪𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙩

He drafted a preliminary abstract: "Nutritional Deficiencies in Institutionalized Children: A Case Study of Blue Bird Orphanage, 2002-2005."

Dr. Lee could present it. Je-hoon would be co-author.

Another credential building.

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18:00 PM, Vending Analysis Delivery

Je-hoon delivered the ten location analyses to Moon. The man reviewed them, impressed.

"Detailed. You considered things my team never did—shift patterns, seasonal variations."

"Data informs better decisions."

Moon handed over the remaining ₩250,000. "The 2% profit share starts next month. And... I have another proposal."

Je-hoon waited.

"I'm expanding beyond vending. Small convenience kiosks. Need someone to design efficient layouts, inventory systems. Partnership: 5% equity, plus consulting fees."

A larger opportunity. But deeper entanglement with Moon's possibly shady operations.

"I'll consider. Need to see business plan, financials."

"Fair enough." Moon smiled. "You don't just take offers. You evaluate. Smart."

𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙠𝙞𝙤𝙨𝙠 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣: 𝙋𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥.

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20:00 PM, Meeting Preparation

Je-hoon prepared for tomorrow:

Key Points to Make:

1. Grassroots innovation solves immediate, tangible problems (coffee timer example)

2. Corporate R&D often disconnected from ground realities

3. Hybrid model: corporate resources + grassroots agility

4. HJ Group's opportunity: create innovation fund for proven small solutions

Questions to Ask:

1. What innovation metrics matter to HJ Group? (Revenue growth? Cost reduction?)

2. What barriers prevent adopting external innovations?

3. What role could Soo-jae play in bridging gap?

He prepared visual aids: simple charts comparing innovation models. Printed on his laptop.

Also prepared his appearance: custom shirt pressed, shoes polished, hair neat. Professional but not trying to appear older than he was.

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November 24 (Thursday)

The Meeting Day

14:45 PM, Final Prep

Je-hoon arrived at the library early. Set up:

· Two chairs at study table

· Visual aids discreetly placed

· Coffee timer prototype as centerpiece

· Notebook and pen ready

He wore the custom shirt with dark trousers. Appearance: neat, professional, but still clearly a child. That was important—not pretending to be something he wasn't.

15:12 PM, Arrival

Soo-jae entered precisely at 3:15. She wore business attire—tailored suit, minimal jewelry. Tired but focused.

"Je-hoon." She nodded, sitting.

"Soo-jae." He used her first name, as she had his.

"The board meeting was... interesting," she began. "Your timer sparked discussion. Some saw it as trivial. Others as exactly the kind of practical innovation we need."

"Which side were you on?"

"The latter. But I need arguments. Data."

He presented his first chart. "Grassroots innovation characteristics: low cost, rapid iteration, solves specific pain points. Corporate R&D: higher cost, slower, seeks broad applications."

She studied it. "Our R&D department spends ₩8 billion annually. Produces patents. Few become products."

"Because the distance between lab and market is too great. My timer cost ₩8,000 to prototype. Solved a problem I observed directly."

"Scale though," she countered. "Your timer serves coffee shops. HJ Group operates at different magnitude."

"Scale comes after validation. Corporate resources should identify validated grassroots solutions and scale them."

She leaned forward. "Give me a proposal. Not theoretical. Practical. How would HJ Group implement this?"

He'd anticipated this. "Three-phase pilot program:

1. Identify 10 proven grassroots innovations via competition

2. Provide ₩50 million development fund total

3. HJ Group gets first right to license successful ones at fair market value."

"₩50 million is nothing to HJ Group. But could be everything to innovators."

"Exactly. Low risk, potential high reward. And positive PR."

She made notes. "Who selects the innovations?"

"Mixed panel: HJ Group executives, independent experts, end-users."

"End-users? Unconventional."

"Ensures market relevance."

She studied him. "You've thought this through."

"I believe in systems."

A moment of silence. Then she asked, "What would you do with ₩5 million development funding?"

Direct question. Test.

"I'd refine the timer for mass production. Add features: Bluetooth data logging, predictive maintenance alerts. Target not just cafes but hotels, offices, homes."

"Projected market?"

"South Korea: 50,000 cafes, 10,000 hotels, millions of offices. Even 1% penetration is significant."

"Numbers check out." She made more notes. "The board meets again in two weeks. I'll present this."

"May I suggest something?"

She looked up. "Yes."

"Invite a grassroots innovator to present. Not me necessarily. But someone with a tangible solution. Makes it real."

She smiled. "You'd be perfect. But yes, the optics... orphanage boy might not convey the message I want."

"Exactly. Find a university student, a small business owner. Same principle."

"Practical advice." She closed her notebook. "Thank you. This was helpful."

"Mutual benefit."

She stood. "Next donor visit is December 20th. But... I may visit before then. Informally."

"I'm usually here after school."

She nodded, left.

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16:00 PM, Post-Meeting Analysis

Je-hoon processed:

𝙎𝙤𝙤-𝙟𝙖𝙚'𝙨 𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣:

· 𝙎𝙚𝙚𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙨 𝙥𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧 𝙗𝙖𝙨𝙚

· 𝙐𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙨 𝙘𝙤𝙧𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙥𝙤𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙨

· 𝙎𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩

𝙄𝙢𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙩:

· 𝙎𝙝𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙘 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜

· 𝙋𝙤𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙨 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙞𝙨𝙤𝙧, 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙨𝙪𝙥𝙥𝙡𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙣𝙩

· 𝙀𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙙 𝙢𝙪𝙩𝙪𝙖𝙡 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩

Successful. The relationship was professionalizing. Good.

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18:00 PM, The Unexpected Visitor

As Je-hoon left the orphanage for the electronics shop, a black sedan pulled up. Not Soo-jae's. Older model.

A man in his late 40s stepped out. Well-dressed. "Kim Je-hoon?"

"Yes?"

"I'm Park Joon-ho. Soo-jae's older brother."

ZEO scanned: 𝙎𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙤𝙣, 𝙖𝙜𝙚 38, 𝙃𝙅 𝙂𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙥 𝙑𝙋 𝙤𝙛 𝙊𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨. 𝙎𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙡𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙡: 𝙀𝙡𝙚𝙫𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙.

"I understand you've been advising my sister."

"Discussing innovation, yes."

"She mentioned your... timer." He said it dismissively. "Children's toys."

"It solves a problem. Profitably."

"Perhaps." He studied Je-hoon. "My sister is idealistic. Easily impressed. I'm more practical."

"I prefer practical discussions."

"Good. Then understand this: HJ Group isn't a playground for orphanage experiments. Soo-jae's initiatives are... tolerated. For now. Don't encourage her fantasies."

A warning. Or threat.

"Are you asking me to stop meeting her?"

"I'm suggesting you consider your position. An orphanage boy. No family. No background. Getting involved in family matters could be... unwise."

Je-hoon calculated responses. Confrontation risky. Submission unacceptable.

"I appreciate your perspective," he said neutrally. "Our discussions are about innovation models. Nothing more."

"For your sake, keep it that way." Park Joon-ho handed him a business card. "If you have... business proposals, come through proper channels. Not my sister."

He returned to his car, drove away.

𝙍𝙞𝙨𝙠: 𝙁𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙮 𝙥𝙤𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙨. 𝙏𝙝𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙡𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙡: 𝙈𝙤𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚.

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20:00 PM, Strategic Adjustment

Je-hoon updated his risk assessment:

New Threats:

1. Park Joon-ho's opposition

2. Increased visibility

3. Orphanage dependence (single point of failure)

Countermeasures:

1. Diversify income streams further

2. Accelerate independence timeline

3. Document all interactions

4. Build alliances within HJ Group beyond Soo-jae

He also realized: he needed legal status. A ten-year-old orphan had no rights. If Park Joon-ho wanted to cause trouble...

He needed to formalize Blue Bird Services as a legal entity. With adult figurehead. Mrs. Shin? Or Mr. Han?

Problem for tomorrow.

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21:30 PM, The Long View

Je-hoon lay in bed, the day's events processing. Two meetings: one with Soo-jae (productive), one with her brother (threatening).

The path was getting more complex. But complexity meant he was moving in significant circles.

He updated his decade plan:

Phase 1 (2005-2007): Foundation

· Capital: ₩100 million target

· Education: Complete high school equivalency

· Network: Establish 100+ quality contacts

· Business: 5 sustainable revenue streams

· Legal: Establish corporate entity

Phase 2 (2008-2010): Scaling

· Capital: ₩1 billion target

· Education: University degrees (medicine, business, engineering)

· Network: Industry influence

· Business: Market leadership in niche areas

· Legal: Full independence

Phase 3 (2011-2013): Influence

· Capital: ₩10 billion target

· Education: Advanced degrees

· Network: National-level connections

· Business: Disrupt established industries

· Legal: Political connections

Phase 4 (2014-2015): Transformation

· Capital: ₩100 billion+ target

· Position: Equal footing with chaebols

· Goal: Reshape systems

Ambitious. But with ZEO and compounding, plausible.

He closed his eyes. Tomorrow: Friday. Timer production continues. Math competition preparation. Legal structure research.

The work never stopped.

The empire grew.

The threats emerged.

The game continued.

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𝘿𝙖𝙮 38-39: 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙧𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙧𝙤𝙤𝙩𝙨

2 𝙢𝙚𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨: 1 𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮, 1 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙖𝙧𝙮

1 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙖𝙡 𝙙𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙

1 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙙

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙜𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙫𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙨. 𝙉𝙤 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙫𝙞𝙫𝙖𝙡. 𝙉𝙤𝙬 𝙥𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧 𝙙𝙮𝙣𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙘𝙨. 𝙁𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙮 𝙥𝙤𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙨. 𝘾𝙤𝙧𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙜𝙜𝙡𝙚𝙨. 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙨 𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙚. 𝙎𝙤 𝙙𝙤𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙠.

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End Episode 15