Inside the president's office at the Blue House, a panoramic view of snow-covered Inwangsan sprawled like a painting beyond the large windows.
President Kim Jae-chun sat behind a spacious, solid wood desk, reading today's newspaper.
[President Park Seok-won of Daeheung Venture Capital Awards Congratulatory Birth Bonus of 150 Million Won to Employee Who Gave Birth to Triplets!]
After carefully reading through the entire article printed in the newspaper, a gentle smile spread across President Kim Jae-chun's face.
"Well. Truly remarkable."
His words of admiration slipped out naturally just as a female secretary knocked gently and entered the room.
"The Chief of Staff is here to see you."
President Kim Jae-chun put down the newspaper and answered,
"Let him in."
"Yes, sir."
Soon after the secretary withdrew, Chief of Staff Woo Chun-il, dressed in a gray suit, stepped into the office.
Approaching the desk, Woo Chun-il bowed respectfully before straightening. His gaze naturally landed on the newspaper lying atop the desk.
"You were reading the article about President Park, I see."
Leaning back into his comfortable chair, President Kim Jae-chun nodded with a smile.
"Yes. As expected of Chairman Park—how does he come up with such ideas?"
"Indeed. As the article noted, this congratulatory birth bonus isn't a one-off gesture. In fact, at the companies owned by President Park, not only do all employees receive birth support payouts, but he's also implemented a variety of other bold employee welfare measures."
Hearing this, President Kim Jae-chun looked genuinely pleased.
"At a time like now, with our society struggling after the IMF crisis, aren't these exactly the sort of things we need? It's an exemplary model of what business leaders should stand for."
"Absolutely, sir."
President Kim Jae-chun glanced once more at the large black-and-white photo of Seok-won prominently featured in the newspaper.
"Didn't Time magazine recently name President Park the world's richest man?"
"Yes, sir. His estimated assets reportedly exceed ninety billion dollars."
Though he'd already heard this before, Kim Jae-chun couldn't help but marvel again.
"Ninety billion dollars... I can't even begin to grasp how much money that is."
With that, President Kim Jae-chun expressed his heartfelt admiration.
"No matter how wealthy you are, it's not easy to do things like this. He's not just skilled at business—he's also exceptionally considerate."
"He truly is an extraordinary person."
Chief of Staff Woo Chun-il nodded in agreement.
With a pleased expression, President Kim Jae-chun looked at Woo Chun-il, who was standing before his desk.
"So, what brings you here?"
"It's about President Park."
Curiosity flickered on President Kim Jae-chun's face.
"Go ahead, tell me."
"President Park recently established a private space development company. He plans to build a space launch site in Moseulpo, Jeju Island."
As soon as he heard this, President Kim Jae-chun straightened up, surprise evident on his face.
"Did you just say a space launch site?"
"That's right. I was just as surprised when I first heard about it."
"Hah. He always manages to astonish me with things I never expect."
A look of keen interest spread across President Kim Jae-chun's face.
"So, building a launch site—that means he intends to launch rockets into space from there, right?"
"Yes. As I reported to you before, he's already brought in rockets and engineers from Russia, and based on that, the plan is to launch an indigenous rocket into space from the Moseulpo site within five years."
President Kim Jae-chun let out a sound of admiration.
"Amazing. Whether he succeeds or not, if he really launches a space rocket in five years as planned, wouldn't that be even faster than the space development project being promoted by the Ministry of Science and Technology?"
"The ministry's schedule is to launch a satellite in 2005, so Park's plan is about a year faster. Not only that, but he envisions using a Russian launch vehicle for the first stage and mounting an indigenously developed eight-ton solid-fuel rocket for the second stage. It's an innovative and audacious project."
"That does make sense."
As he nodded thoughtfully, President Kim Jae-chun's expression hinted at concern.
"It would be ideal to have a fully homegrown rocket, but I know there are many technical obstacles. The ministry ended up deciding to focus only on developing the first stage for now. I hope President Park isn't overreaching himself."
"That's why he's addressed the gaps by bringing in not only Russian rocket technology but also retired engineers and development personnel."
"He didn't keep the costly imported technology just for himself, either. I remember hearing he shared it with the Agency for Defense Development and the ministry as well."
"That's right. It's made a big contribution to the development of ballistic missiles and Korean-made launch vehicles."
A satisfied smile naturally appeared on President Kim Jae-chun's face.
"To act for the national interest like that, without asking for anything in return—he really is a man of great caliber."
"It's something not just anyone could do. And the fact that we overcame the foreign exchange crisis without declaring a moratorium, unlike Russia, was largely due to President Park's role."
"Absolutely. You're right."
President Kim Jae-chun nodded repeatedly, as if in agreement.
"Given all he's done for the country, we should help him however we can. Besides, what he's trying to do will benefit the nation as well."
"But there is one obstacle."
"What is it?"
Raising his eyebrows as he asked, President Kim's gaze prompted Chief of Staff Woo Chun-il to get to the point.
"There's a tract of land owned by the Ministry of National Defense—some 610,000 pyeong—in Moseulpo, Jeju Island, where President Park wants to build the launch site. It appears that part of it falls within the planned site for the launch facility."
President Kim Jae-chun immediately caught his meaning.
"So, he wants us to allow him to purchase the Defense Ministry's land."
"That's right."
"How large is the launch site he's planning for Moseulpo?"
"They're planning to build the launch pad, rocket assembly building, control center, and various other support facilities on a site of 400,000 pyeong, investing 1.5 billion dollars."
Eyes wide, President Kim Jae-chun leaned forward.
"That's bigger than I expected. And the budget is as much as 1.5 billion dollars?"
"Yes. And President Park proposed that if the Ministry of National Defense transfers the land to him, he'll build and donate a military pier at Jemulpo, capable of mooring twenty warships of over 10,000 tons at the same time."
"He's offering to build a naval base?"
Chief of Staff Woo Chun-il nodded, seeing President Kim's interest piqued.
"Once the launch facility is built, a controlled zone restricting civilian access will be needed, and they'll need a port to bring in rocket parts from the mainland. So, he's offering to build a military pier and hand it over."
"From President Park's perspective, that would reduce his security and port operation burdens, while the Navy gets a new base in Jeju for free. It's mutually beneficial."
"Exactly."
Stroking his chin with one hand, President Kim Jae-chun asked,
"How has the Ministry of National Defense responded?"
"Before this report, I casually asked around, and the response was positive."
"Oh? Is that so."
"Most of the Defense Ministry's land in the Moseulpo area has just been left idle, and there were already opinions within the military that a naval base was needed in Jeju to secure maritime routes. So, they were actually very receptive."
"In that case, there's no reason to hesitate. If there's anything needed regarding the transfer of the Defense Ministry's land, offer them full support."
"Understood."
Leaning back in his chair, President Kim Jae-chun murmured to himself with a look of anticipation in his eyes.
"Private space development… It's not something easy, but if President Park is the one challenging it, maybe he could actually succeed."
***
[Since the VIP himself instructed Minister Ahn to give full support, there shouldn't be any difficulties acquiring the land owned by the Ministry of National Defense.]
Seok-won, who was sinking comfortably into the back seat of a large Mercedes sedan driving down the road, smiled as he listened to Chief of Staff Woo Chun-il's update.
"Thanks to you, I'm able to overcome one major obstacle with ease. I appreciate it."
[Hahaha. I'm glad to hear I could help. Let's have a meal together when you have time.]
"I'd love that. I'll make sure to choose a place you'll enjoy."
[I'll look forward to it. Let's talk again soon.]
"Take care."
Ending the call, Seok-won looked satisfied—though negotiations with the Ministry of National Defense still remained, he was pleased that the first step toward building the space launch site had gone smoothly.
After a short while, the imposing black sedan carrying Seok-won glided to a halt in front of the revolving doors of the Sogong-dong Lotte Hotel, their destination.
A doorman, impeccably dressed in a tailored coat uniform, strode quickly over to the back seat and opened the door.
Seok-won unfolded his long, model-like legs as he stepped out of the car.
"We have a table at the Korean restaurant, correct?"
He asked in a relaxed tone as he walked, and Deputy Manager Han Ji-sung, following behind, immediately replied,
"That's right."
Familiar with the place from many previous visits, Seok-won entered the hotel with a practiced grace, crossed the luxurious lobby with its marble floors and sparkling chandeliers overhead, and took the elevator up to the third floor.
At the reserved Korean restaurant, the manager—who had been waiting at the entrance—spotted Seok-won and hurried over, bowing deeply.
"Welcome, sir."
Seok-won acknowledged the greeting with a slight nod. The manager, remaining extremely polite, gestured toward the interior with his arm.
"Allow me to show you to your reserved private room."
Following the manager, they proceeded to a secluded private dining room, chosen for its privacy away from other guests.
Sliding open the door, they entered a tastefully decorated space suitable for five or six people to dine in comfort.
Seok-won took off his coat and handed it to Deputy Manager Han Ji-sung before sitting down.
"We'll bring out the food once the rest of your party arrives."
"That sounds good."
The manager bowed his head before quickly stepping outside.
A short while later, a female staff member entered carrying a ceramic tea set along with ssanghwa tea—a warming herbal brew.
As they waited, sipping the ssanghwa tea filled with jujubes and nuts and giving off a slightly sweet aroma, there was a sound at the door, and soon the sliding door opened.
Guided by the manager, the visitor was none other than Liu Sang-fu, the Deputy Secretary of Fujian Province.
Seok-won had made the first contact after hearing that Liu was leading a delegation trying to attract investment from Korean companies to Fujian.
Rising from his seat, Seok-won greeted him with a broad smile and extended his hand.
"It's been a long time."
Liu Sang-fu welcomed him warmly, shaking his hand while responding in fluent English.
"I was just about to reach out but hesitated, worried I might be imposing. Thank you for suggesting we meet first."
"Isn't it only natural to host old friends traveling from afar?"
Seok-won's friendly tone coaxed a slight smile at the corner of Liu's mouth.
Although Liu wielded some influence within China, as a provincial deputy secretary, he was no match for Seok-won—the Wall Street titan and world's richest man—who was now showing such warm hospitality.
Seok-won smiled inwardly, then motioned for Liu to take a seat.
"Well, shall we sit down and talk?"
"Please, let's."
Liu Sang-fu nodded willingly and settled into the chair opposite him.
TL/n -
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