Both CEOs were already well-versed in the concept of factory automation.
Especially Carlos, who had spent years in Europe and the U.S., understood it deeply—his belief
in reducing labor costs to maximize revenue aligned perfectly with this idea.
"Kia Motors is actively implementing factory automation systems."
"Taewoo Motors as well!"
They answered almost competitively, their enthusiasm evident.
I gestured for them to calm down and laid out several photographs in front of them.
"These are images of Amazon's fulfillment centers. As you know, Amazon is one of the hottest ecommerce companies right now. I want our factories to be just as automated as these."
"We should integrate conveyor belts more aggressively. Using them to transport parts will
eliminate the need for forklifts, improving efficiency across the board."
They were clearly open to the automation concept.
So, I took the opportunity to bring up robotics.
"To fully automate our factories, we'll need to develop various industrial robots. That's why I'm
collaborating with Amazon to create factory automation robots. I'd like Taewoo Motors and Kia Motors to select specialists and send them to Amazon."
"You mean robotics engineers? We have a few in our R&D labs, but their expertise doesn't compare to professionals from dedicated robotics firms."
"Ah, I misspoke. I don't need robotics engineers—I need experts in automobile manufacturing.
To develop the right kind of robots, we need to understand the specific needs of car factories."
We continued our discussion at length, brainstorming how robots could best aid in factory automation.
"Conveyor belts alone won't be enough. We need robots to replace forklifts for lifting parts to
higher areas. Maybe something like small helicopters—drones, essentially."
I was genuinely surprised.
Carlos wasn't just talking about robotic arms—he was already thinking about drones for logistics.
If Carlos and Jeffrey worked together—
Maybe the smart factory would become a reality much sooner than I expected.
***
A few days later
David rushed back to Korea.
We met at Captain Kang's office, and as soon as he walked in, he waved at me with unshakable
confidence.
"Judging by that look on your face, I'm guessing the World Trade Center lease went well?"
"What did I tell you? I said I could get it done without the White House's help, didn't I? I just
finalized a 99-year lease agreement."
"How much did it cost?"
"Only $3.2 billion. Pretty cheap for controlling a landmark for nearly a century, don't you think?"
"$3.2 billion is cheap?"
David called a whopping $4 trillion KRW a "cheap" deal.
And yet, I didn't think it was that expensive either.
Compared to the funds SAVE Investment was managing, it was a drop in the bucket. Besides, we weren't occupying the entire building—we could generate rental income, making it a fairly
reasonable investment.
"Not a bad price. What about insurance?"
"We plan to inherit the existing policy from the Port Authority."
"You're leasing it for 99 years, and you think that's enough? Get additional coverage—not just
from U.S. insurers, but from European companies as well."
"That would mean paying at least a few hundred thousand dollars in insurance premiums every
year."
"That's fine. Take out every policy you can—fire insurance, collapse insurance, terrorism
insurance—everything."
A $3.2 billion lease?
That was nothing compared to what I could claim through insurance.
"If that's what you want, Boss, I'll do it. Though, personally, it seems like a waste of money…
You're not planning to bring down the World Trade Center, are you?"
"Are you crazy? If I did something like that and got caught, I'd become America's public enemy
number one. Not to mention, it'd be a total waste of all the money I've poured into the White
House."
I felt a slight pang of guilt.
I wasn't planning a terrorist attack, but I did know that someone else was.
"The insurance companies will jump at this opportunity. Who would turn down free money?"
"And while we're at it, we should remodel the World Trade Center. SAVE Investment is moving
in—we can't just keep the old interior, can we?"
"For renovations, we can bring in a professional firm and finish in two weeks."
"You're saying you can renovate the entire building in two weeks? The World Trade Center has 110 floors."
For the first time in a while, David looked genuinely shocked.
Even someone who just signed a $3.2 billion lease found my idea insane.
"We need a large-scale remodel to make it clear that ownership has changed."
"At that scale, the renovation will take at least one to two months. What about the companies
currently operating there? Since we inherited the existing leases, we'll have to compensate them."
"We'll lease vacant offices in nearby buildings, and if space runs out, we'll book hotel conference rooms. If tenants want refunds, we'll give them their money back."
"Boss… are you feeling okay?"
"The renovation won't take that long. Tenants can continue working while we handle exterior
modifications. They'll only need to vacate for about 20 days when we start the interior work."
In reality, they only needed to leave for one day—
September 11th.
But if I only evacuated the building on that day, people might get suspicious.
So I planned to clear the building for 20 days instead.
"Well, it's your money. Who am I to argue? I'll give you this—no sane person renovates 110
floors all at once. I must say, Boss, you're truly one of a kind."
"Glad you finally realized that. We don't need to hire an outside firm—Taewoo Construction will
handle it."
"Do whatever you want. I'll just follow orders."
***
The next day
I summoned the president of Taewoo Construction to my office.
"I came running the moment I heard you called for me, Vice Chairman. Thank you for
summoning me."
"You don't have to be so formal. Relax a little."
After Jang Soo-young left Taewoo Construction, I had to appoint a new president.
Several executives were considered, but I only looked at ability, nothing else.
That's how Ahn Deok-hwan ended up in the position.
He wasn't politically savvy, but in every other aspect, he was outstanding.
You could call him a hexagonal talent—no weaknesses except for his lack of political instincts.
Because of that, he had no real faction within the company, nor did he know how to align
himself with power.
But since I personally promoted him, his loyalty to me was absolute.
"How could I dare relax in front of you, Vice Chairman?"
"Suit yourself. More importantly, I need you to handle something."
"I will faithfully carry out any task you assign me."
"I want Taewoo Construction to handle the remodeling of the World Trade Center in New York."
"Remodeling? Taewoo Construction doesn't do renovation projec—… My apologies. I will
follow your orders."
He was acting even more disciplined than Captain Kang when we first met.
Not like an officer, but like a fresh recruit.
No matter how talented someone was, everyone fumbled a bit when they first joined a company.
Even the most capable executives got nervous when meeting a high-ranking superior one-onone for the first time.
He'll get used to it over time.
"I know Taewoo Group doesn't usually take on small-scale renovations. But consider this an
exception. We're talking about remodeling an entire 110-story building—this isn't a small
project."
"The entire 110 floors? Who in their right mind would attempt such madness?"
That one hit me hard.
Especially coming from Ahn Deok-hwan, who was acting like a perfect soldier just moments ago.
"Ahem. A Wall Street investment firm made the request."
"Wall street must really be swimming in money. I never imagined anyone would be crazy enough
to renovate an entire building like the World Trade Center"
I cleared my throat. "Before September, send the heavy cranes and the team I've listed to the
U.S."
I handed Ahn Deok-hwan a prepared list.
He glanced at it, then hesitated—his brows furrowed slightly as if something felt off. But he
didn't ask.
"Is something wrong with the list? Feel free to speak your mind."
"Some of these names don't seem related to remodeling work. They're all highly skilled
employees, of course, but their usual roles don't align with this project."
His observation was sharp.
Most of the listed personnel had little to do with renovations—Taewoo Construction had plenty
of staff who were better suited for such work.
And yet, I chose these people.
Because every single one of them had been involved in the Sampoong Department Store collapse response.
The rest? Experts in fire safety.
The remodeling was just a cover.
This team was chosen to prepare for 9/11.
"The project will be completed within a month. I understand if the list seems strange, but trust me on this one."
"How could I ever oppose your orders, Vice Chairman? I'll arrange their departure to the U.S.
immediately."
"As for the equipment, I've already made separate arrangements."
"Taewoo Construction's U.S. branch has all the necessary machinery. A renovation job like this is well within our capacity."
"The Wall Street investor behind this project is… a rather unusual person. The equipment is his
choice, so my hands are tied."
Ahn nodded in understanding. "Got it. We'll make sure the client is impressed."
"I'll be counting on you."
"We won't disappoint you!"
With that, everything was in place.
Now, all that was left was to wait for September.
***
September 11 — 8:40AM (New York Time)
As darkness crept over Korea, I left work and headed to Captain Kang's office.
"What brings you here at this hour, sir?"
"Still working late, Dimon? Thought I'd drop by for a beer."
I tossed him a cold can, then switched on the TV.
Without hesitation, he clinked his can against mine and took a sip.
—Tsssk. Clink!
Just as the fizzing sound of the beer filled the room…
A breaking news alert blared from the TV.
The World Trade Center appeared on screen.
"S-Sir! Something terrible has happened!"
Dimon's voice was urgent, laced with panic.
But I couldn't bring myself to turn toward the screen.
Instead, I took a long swig of beer.
Because watching a catastrophe unfold twice—sober—was far too much to bear.