Coming to the U.S. wasn't just about inspecting the World Trade Center.
I had another, perhaps even more critical, mission.
I was here to recruit a man who would shape the future of Taewoo Group.
"You mentioned that you got in touch with the professor. When can we meet him?"
David, who was in charge of talent acquisition, nodded. "I've scheduled a meeting for today. He's currently teaching at the University of Toronto, so if we don't meet now, we'll have to
reschedule."
"If we can meet today, we definitely should."
"I'll arrange for us to have lunch together."
David and I headed to a nearby restaurant.
The aftermath of 9/11 had left the place eerily quiet.
Fewer customers, hushed conversations—a heavy atmosphere still lingered.
But that worked to our advantage. A quiet setting was ideal for this meeting.
"Pleasure to meet you. I'm Geoffrey Hinton. I'm curious—why did you want to see me?"
I extended a hand. "I'm Min-jae Kim, Vice Chairman of Taewoo Group. I've long been interested in your research."
Today, I wasn't here as the CEO of SAVE Investments.
This meeting was as Taewoo Group's Vice Chairman.
I had one goal—to bring Hinton to Taewoo.
"Which part of my research interests you?"
"Deep learning through algorithmic modeling. But I heard you've recently stepped away from
deep learning research."
Hinton raised an eyebrow. "Deep learning? That's surprising. Big corporations don't usually care about that field."
I fought the urge to smile.
Geoffrey Hinton would one day be called 'The Godfather of AI.'
A pioneer of deep learning, the very foundation of modern artificial intelligence.
Without him, AI advancement would have been impossible.
"Deep learning isn't just about AI." I leaned forward. "With the right development, it can be
integrated into every sector. At Taewoo Group, we have multiple subsidiaries that would benefit
tremendously from this technology."
Hinton nodded slightly but remained unconvinced.
"I appreciate the interest, but I don't plan to continue deep learning research at the moment. I have ongoing projects, and I have no intention of leaving academia for the corporate world."
I had expected this resistance.
Right now, the world didn't recognize the potential of AI.
Most corporations didn't even consider funding deep learning research.
Of course, Hinton would feel disillusioned.
Decades of rejection must have hardened his resolve.
"You don't need to leave your teaching position."
Hinton frowned.
"We'll also cover any penalties for terminating your current projects."
He chuckled. "You must think highly of me."
Then his tone turned skeptical.
"But deep learning is expensive. It takes time—years of work, and millions in funding. Today,
you're eager to invest. But in two or three years? You'll lose interest and cut funding. I've seen it
happen too many times."
So he had been burned before.
I could see it in his eyes—mistrust, disappointment.
A man who had heard the same empty promises over and over.
But what if I offered something no one else could?
Something so irresistible, even he wouldn't be able to refuse?
"$500 million in research funding—paid upfront.
$100 million in a personal signing bonus.
And an annual commitment of at least $500 million in research grants. If that's not enough, I'll place the entire amount in an escrow account—fully secured."
Hinton leaned back, studying me.
For the first time, his doubt wavered.
"Hah. That's an interesting proposal."
But then his gaze sharpened.
"Still… Taewoo Group is a Korean company. Why should I trust a Korean corporation?"
"SAVE Investments will co-fund the research."
"This project isn't just of interest to Taewoo Group—SAVE Investments is deeply invested in it as well."
So, Korea still felt distant to him.
Even now, the world didn't see Korea as a major player.
Just being a Korean company was enough to invite skepticism.
But the moment I mentioned SAVE Investments—
Hinton's expression changed instantly.
"You're saying this is a joint project with SAVE Investments?"
A slow nod.
"Then, of course, I'll do it."
"Are you serious?"
Hinton exhaled.
"My son worked at the World Trade Center."
"If SAVE Investments hadn't remodeled the building, I might have lost him that day."
A faint smile flickered across his lips.
"I didn't know how to express my gratitude, so I sent coffee to SAVE Investments as a small
token of thanks."
"That was you?"
The words left my lips before I could stop them.
Life is full of unpredictable connections.
Who could have imagined that remodeling the World Trade Center would snowball into this
moment?
"Now, I finally have a proper way to thank SAVE Investments."
David, ever the strategist, seized the moment.
"The company that handled the remodeling was Taewoo Construction. Their swift response
minimized the casualties."
Hinton's expression shifted once more.
"That was Taewoo Construction?"
A thoughtful pause.
"That gives me yet another reason to accept this project."
"The contract states $500 million in research funding, but feel free to use as much as you need."
"Hire as many people as necessary. Buy a supercomputer if you want. No restrictions."
Hinton's eyes lit up.
"Are you saying I can actually purchase a supercomputer?"
"I'll amend the contract to include a dedicated budget for one."
A grin.
"A supercomputer costs over $100 million… but if you're willing to cover that, my motivation
just skyrocketed!"
Over $100 million for a single machine?
I almost flinched.
But if it meant securing Geoffrey Hinton, I was willing to spend not just $100 million—but $1
billion.
"Taewoo Group will also recruit top AI talent and assign them to your team."
Hinton's voice was lighter now. "If you're willing to go that far, I have no reason to refuse."
While the world drowned in the madness of war— we were preparing to shape the future.
***
The next day.
I was preparing to return to Korea.
But David's unexpected visit forced me to delay my flight.
"Former Secretary of State George Shultz has requested a meeting."
My brows lifted slightly.
"I can't refuse a request from the second-in-command of Bush's election camp."
"Set it up immediately."
George Shultz was the first to back President Bush.
A towering figure in the Republican Party.
One of the few voices that carried real weight in the White House.
To meet him, I headed to the outskirts of New York—
A steakhouse straight out of a Western movie.
And there he was.
A frail-looking old man with snow-white hair.
But one glance at his eyes—and I knew.
This man was no ordinary politician.
"Ha-ha, must've been a hassle coming all this way to meet an old man like me."
His smile was warm, but his presence commanded respect.
"Just call me George."
"A pleasure to meet you. I'm Kim Min-jae, Vice Chairman of Taewoo Group."
I greeted him with proper formality.
Shultz chuckled.
"So today, you're here as the Vice Chairman of Taewoo Group?"
"You already know, I see."
He nodded.
"I hear things. Naturally, I've heard about you too, Mr. Kim."
So, he knew.
That I was the real owner of SAVE Investments.
But I wasn't surprised.
A man of his influence would have access to such information.
"It's not the right time to make it public."
"There's no such thing as an eternal secret, Mr. Kim. It's always better to reveal the truth
gradually—before someone else does it for you."
"A wise piece of advice. Thank you."
"No, it's I who should be thanking you."
Shultz suddenly rose from his seat.
And bowed.
A moment of genuine gratitude.
"Because of you, we were able to minimize the damage from the attacks."
For a brief second, I considered stopping him.
But refusing such sincerity wouldn't be right.
Instead, I offered a small, knowing smile.
"I received just as much in return."
"I never intended it, but I'm simply glad I could help in some way."
Shultz chuckled again.
"If you're talking about the Super 301 trade law, you needn't concern yourself. That was done for
America's national interest."
He leaned in slightly.
"But what you did was different. You didn't just save thousands of American lives—you preserved America's pride."
He was truly grateful.
My carefully planned gift must have deeply moved the White House.
"The U.S. and Korea are strong allies, after all."
I gave a diplomatic smile.
"Taewoo Group may be a Korean company, but for a friend, we're always willing to lend a hand."
Shultz's eyes gleamed with amusement.
"Rather than just an ally… how about becoming one of us?"
His next words caught me off guard.
"I can have U.S. citizenship ready for you—by tonight."
I blinked.
"I haven't really considered citizenship."
Shultz smirked.
"You graduated from Harvard, didn't you?
What reason could you possibly have to refuse?"
"Leading a business group in Korea comes with many responsibilities."
I offered a polite but firm response.
Shultz nodded, though a hint of disappointment crossed his face.
"A shame. In that case, we'll have to express our gratitude in our own way."
Was he talking about compensation?
If it was a reward from the White House, it wouldn't be something insignificant.
"I didn't do this expecting a reward."
"Even so, we can't just let it slide. This is about American pride."
His tone was resolute.
I hesitated for a moment, then smiled.
"If you insist, I won't refuse."
"The White House will issue an official statement thanking Taewoo Group and SAVE
Investments. Additionally, we'll assist with your insurance matters at a government level."
Not exactly the type of reward I had expected.
But an official statement of gratitude?
That would undoubtedly boost Taewoo Group's image in the U.S.
A favorable outcome.
"I appreciate it. This will greatly enhance Taewoo Group's reputation in America."
Shultz smirked.
"There's also an unofficial part of the deal."
I raised an eyebrow.
"We won't be filing anti-dumping charges against Taewoo Motors."
I immediately understood what that meant.
Anti-dumping regulations prevented companies from selling goods below market price to gain an unfair advantage.
With this exemption, Taewoo Motors could sell its cars in the U.S. at lower prices than its
competitors.
A massive advantage in the cutthroat American auto market.
"We'll ensure Taewoo Motors doesn't cause excessive harm to American automakers."
Shultz nodded in approval.
"I trust you. Just remember—if it gets out of hand, we'll have no choice but to revoke the
exemption."
"Understood. I'll be careful."
I had no intention of killing the goose that lays golden eggs.
Even subtly leveraging this deal would skyrocket Taewoo Motors' U.S. market share.
Then Shultz leaned forward slightly.
"The White House is also prepared to assist you personally."
"What kind of assistance?"
"Misinformation and cover-ups. We'll ensure that, for now, the world sees you only as the Vice
Chairman of Taewoo Group. But keep in mind—once our administration ends, so will our
support."
The U.S. government was offering to conceal my real identity.
But only for four years.
Too short.
If Bush won re-election, I could extend that protection to eight years.
More than enough time to solidify my position.
I met Shultz's gaze and smiled.
"I'm grateful. And although there's still time before the next election, if you ever need support for the re-election campaign, don't hesitate to reach out. As the Vice Chairman of Taewoo Group—or in my other capacity—I'll be happy to assist."
Shultz laughed heartily.
"Ha! If it were up to me, I'd recruit you into the Republican Party myself."
Our conversation continued over dinner.
Shultz seemed genuinely pleased with me.
But when the topic shifted to America's future, his expression hardened.
"War with Al-Qaeda is inevitable. And it won't end until every last one of them is eliminated."
His voice was cold and unwavering.
I nodded.
"I wish America victory."
It was easy enough to offer words of support.
As long as Taewoo Group stayed clear of the war's chaos.
TL/n -
Geoffrey Everest Hinton is British-Canadian computer scientist, cognitive scientist, cognitive
psychologist, and Nobel Prize winner in Physics, known for his work on artificial neural
networks which earned him the title as the Godfather of AI