The sky over Jeju's Moseulpo, which snowstorms had battered until just yesterday, was now clear and bright, not a single cloud in sight, and the waves were calm as if in disbelief at the change.
A Bell 430 medium helicopter made broad circles in the air above this scene.
Seok-won, who sat in the cockpit's rear seat wearing Ray-Ban sunglasses and a headset, gazed through the windscreen at the picturesque blue sea and the pitch-black basalt coastline below.
"The area you see around Moseulpo Port is the site we've selected as the optimal location for the space launch facility!"
At the voice of President Choi Tae-ho, who also wore a headset, Seok-won raised his binoculars and examined the terrain in detail.
Choi Tae-ho, a former NASA aerospace engineering Ph.D., was now leading Blue Space—the newly established private space development company founded by Seok-won—with great ambition.
"To build a launch site, we need to thoroughly review not just the annual rainfall and snowfall, but also the wind direction, wind speed, temperature, altitude, and even the condition of the surrounding bedrock. Every factor needs careful consideration."
Lowering his binoculars, Seok-won turned to face President Choi and responded,
"Not only does the investment run high, but the location of the launch site can greatly affect the rocket's success rate, so we have to be extremely prudent."
Seeing Seok-won's display of fundamental knowledge—rather than reckless enthusiasm—brought a smile to Choi Tae-ho's lips as he replied,
"Exactly. Furthermore, the Moseulpo area is situated in the southernmost part of the country, close to the equator, which is great for launches. When launching satellites into north-south orbits, we can avoid Japanese territory, which is another advantage. And unlike other candidate sites in the southern coastal archipelago, ship traffic here is minimal, so there's less risk of damage from rockets' multi-stage separations during launches."
"Moseulpo really does seem like the best place for a launch facility."
"We'll need at least 660,000 square meters to accommodate all the necessary structures—like the satellite launch pad, rocket assembly building, and control center—and to secure safety zones."
Although 660,000 square meters was a massive area, Seok-won appeared unsatisfied. After a moment's thought, he spoke,
"Thinking of the projects we'll undertake after completing the rocket development, it would be advantageous to set up several launch pads, like America's Vandenberg Air Force Base. So from the start, let's secure a more generous site."
Surprised by the proposal to expand the planned area even further, President Choi asked with a look of curiosity.
"How much, then…?"
"When constructing the launch site, do you plan to reclaim land from the sea as well as the land?"
"Yes, that's right."
"Then let's purchase a generous 1,320,000 square meters."
President Choi Tae-ho's eyes widened in shock at the proposal—twice the size of the original plan.
"That much? Are you sure?"
Even if it was a rural area, Jeju land was hardly cheap, especially since it was a popular tourist destination; the land acquisition alone would cost billions of won.
But Seok-won replied unconcernedly,
"As I said, we're not just building a single launch site. This will be the main hub for all our future space projects, so we need to plan everything based on the future we're creating—not just the budget."
Choi Tae-ho's expression grew complicated, as if he genuinely didn't know how to respond.
"I've participated in many projects in both the United States and Korea, but this is the first time someone with the purse strings has told me to ignore the budget and just focus on the work."
"Is that so?"
Seok-won answered with a smile.
"It might feel a bit strange, but an environment where we can focus solely on the project without being hampered by budget constraints is something every engineer—including myself—has always wished for. So, let's revisit the scale of the launch site from the beginning to fit the expanded land."
With the constraints lifted, a glint of mania flashed in Choi Tae-ho's eyes.
'…Did I just make a mistake?'
Seok-won wondered if he'd accidentally pressed a forbidden button, but quickly shrugged it off.
"But there's one problem we'll need to solve to build the launch site in Moseulpo."
"What is it?"
"A significant portion of the planned area around Moseulpo is owned by the Ministry of National Defense. To move forward, we'll need the government's cooperation."
Seok-won responded without concern,
"If there are lots of individual landowners, land acquisition can be a real headache. But if the Ministry holds most of the area, things might actually be simpler. Leave that problem to me—don't worry about it."
At Seok-won's confident tone, President Choi looked visibly relieved.
"That's wonderful news if you can handle it."
After continuing their discussion for a while longer, Seok-won turned to Han Ji-sung, who was onboard with them.
"Let's circle around one last time before heading back."
"Understood."
Han Ji-sung brought the headset microphone closer to his mouth and relayed the instruction, prompting the pilot in front to nod.
Shortly, the Bell 430 helicopter carrying the team completed a wide circle over Moseulpo and then turned toward Jeju Airport, where their private plane was waiting.
***
The Next Day.
After a night of steady snowfall, the entire city had turned pure white. Seok-won made his way to his family's main house in Hannam-dong for the monthly family gathering.
Crossing the garden and entering the main building, he was greeted as always by Madam Jo Deok-rye, who welcomed him in her loungewear.
"Welcome, dear."
But there was one noticeable difference from usual—his mother was holding his young nephew in her arms.
"Junu has come to greet his uncle too."
Beaming, Seok-won gazed at his first nephew—just seven months old—with eyes overflowing with affection.
"Say hello to your uncle, Junu."
"Haha, even though it's only been a month since I last saw him, he's already grown!"
"That's how babies are; they change every day."
Just then, Choi Bo-gyeong appeared from behind, poking her face into view.
"You're here, young master?"
"Yes. Sister-in-law, you've been well?"
"As always."
Smiling as she spoke, his sister-in-law looked as though she'd nearly regained her pre-pregnancy figure, perhaps thanks to some special regimen.
"Your father and brother are in the study, so go on in."
"Okay."
After gently grasping his nephew's tiny hand and giving it a light shake, Seok-won crossed the spacious living room and headed for the study.
Knock, knock.
He softly knocked, then opened the heavy wooden door. Inside, Chairman Park Tae-hong, dressed in comfortable clothing, sat on a plush leather sofa with his older brother, President Park Jin-hyung.
"I'm here."
As Seok-won entered, Chairman Park Tae-hong motioned with his chin to the empty seat.
"Don't just stand there—come sit down."
"Yes, sir."
Seok-won took a seat on the sofa across from President Park Jin-hyung. Then, noticing the crystal ashtray on the table was spotless, with not a single cigarette butt, he asked—genuinely curious—what was going on.
"You didn't smoke today?"
Chairman Park Tae-hong, catching his gaze, smacked his lips with annoyance.
"They said it's bad for my grandson, so today I've been banned entirely—even had my cigarettes confiscated."
President Park Jin-hyung added from beside him, barely suppressing his laughter,
"So instead, he's already had four pieces of candy."
Seok-won now noticed the discarded candy wrappers atop the table.
"In the old days, we didn't fuss so much and still raised our kids just fine. Honestly, it's ridiculous—at this rate, I'll end up with diabetes first."
Realizing the situation, Seok-won smile to himself.
"It's just for today, not every day. Try to bear with it a little."
"Tsk."
Though Chairman Park clicked his tongue in open displeasure, he didn't complain further. In truth, had he really wanted to, no amount of nagging from his wife would have stopped him from smoking—but hearing it was bad for his grandson made him hold back.
Lifting his cup, Chairman Park took a sip of green tea and asked,
"Anyway, how are things going with the four Hansan Group affiliates we just acquired?"
"Yes, I've formed new management teams and we're quickly getting them back on track."
"There's talk that Chairman Lim plans to sue you and the creditor group. Are you sure that won't be a problem?"
At this worried question, Seok-won responded with a cold smile,
"They tried to secretly make a deal with the Rothschild Fund to maintain their stake, but when that fell apart, they got angry. The capital reduction and asset sale were all done by the book, so there's no issue."
"That Chairman Lim… I get that he's disappointed to lose his company, but if he's decided to give up, he should do so cleanly. Clinging on until the very end is really disappointing."
"Exactly."
President Park Jin-hyung chimed in from the side.
"Still, if he insists on dragging things out, it could be a nuisance. Make sure you wrap things up cleanly so you don't have to worry about it."
"Understood. I'll be careful."
Glancing over at Chairman Park Tae-hong, Seok-won spoke up quietly,
"There's something else I'd like to discuss."
"Go ahead."
Chairman Park Tae-hong sank into the plush sofa and spoke.
"We've finished sorting out the shares, but I don't think we should keep using the name 'Daeheung.' So now, we're going to change the company name."
"…!"
Slightly surprised, Chairman Park Tae-hong soon nodded quietly.
"Well, I suppose it's about time."
President Park Jin-hyung, although initially caught off guard by the sudden news, quickly showed understanding.
"Have you decided what to change it to?"
"We've decided on 'Bluehole,' meaning something as deep as a blue hole in the sea that holds everything within."
"Bluehole, huh? It's a bit unusual since it's English, but the meaning is good. I don't think it's a bad choice."
Chairman Park pronounced the name a few times and reacted positively.
"Indeed. It sounds sophisticated and well-chosen."
"Thank you."
Curious, Chairman Park asked,
"When will you start changing the company signs?"
"Since we've resolved to do it now rather than later—like taking a bull by the horns—we plan to start renaming from next year right away."
"Right, no point in dragging it out."
Saying this, Chairman Park hidden his slight regret well.
He had known this day would come, but actually letting go of the name Daeheung left him uneasy.
Looking between his two sons sitting beside him, Chairman Park spoke in a solemn tone,
"Even when the signs change and the subsidiaries fully separate, never forget that you're brothers from the same root. Always help each other and remain united."
"Yes, I will keep that in mind."
"Of course."
Pleased by their responses, he smiled warmly.
Nodding, Chairman Park gave his sons a steady look,
"We can't let a day this meaningful pass by. I'll open the whiskey Seok-won bought last time."
"Let's eat lunch first, then drink. Otherwise, mother'll give you a hard time again."
Just as he was about to showcase his treasured whiskey collection, Chairman Park quietly sat back down at Seok-won's words.
"Hmm… I suppose that's the right call."