I searched my memory and organized everything I knew about Bitcoin.
The developer of Bitcoin was Satoshi Nakamoto.
Although the name sounded Japanese, no one knew his nationality, age, or any other personal details.
Because of this, various conspiracy theories had emerged.
Some even speculated that Bitcoin was secretly created by a coalition of major corporations.
But conspiracy theories weren't important.
Since recruiting Satoshi Nakamoto himself was impossible, I needed to find people with the skills to develop Bitcoin.
What skills were required to create Bitcoin?
No matter how hard I racked my brain, I couldn't come up with a clear answer.
The only fragmented pieces of information I could recall were that Bitcoin was built using P2P technology, game theory, and blockchain technology.
So, I left the recruiting to David, who assembled a team of experts from around the world.
He traveled across the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia, and other countries, gathering top talent.
And today, the experts he had recruited had finally gathered in Korea.
"It's a pleasure to meet you all. Thank you for traveling such a long way to be here."
More than ten experts had assembled.
Each one of them had a distinct personality.
From university professors to game developers and military specialists, they came from various fields.
But one thing they all had in common was that they had signed non-disclosure agreements.
The details of the Bitcoin project were strictly confidential, and in addition to the NDA, they had also signed other security contracts.
"I was told this was a new project related to cryptography. Please get to the point. I hope it's worth putting my other projects on hold."
Hal Finney.
He was one of the most valuable recruits.
A world-renowned cryptographer with exceptional skills in mathematics and computer science.
And the very person who had developed Bitcoin's core cryptographic system.
"The reason I've gathered you all here is to create a cryptocurrency. Our goal is to develop a digital currency that is secure and reliable enough to replace traditional money."
"A currency with enough trust to replace fiat money? That won't be easy."
"But if we combine P2P technology, cryptography, and game theory, isn't it possible?"
I threw out the idea and stepped back.
Despite language barriers, the ten experts immediately launched into an intense brainstorming session, throwing out ideas one after another.
There was no need for me to intervene.
[Using P2P technology, everyone would be able to see the cryptocurrency, which would increase trust.]
[But if everyone can see it, doesn't that mean anyone could modify it? We need a way to make it impossible to alter.]
"What if we store the information in a distributed manner? If we chain the data together in an endless sequence, modifications would become impossible."
At Chu Min-jeong's words, the experts nodded in agreement.
I wasn't entirely sure, but from the way they discussed it, it seemed like she had touched on the concept of blockchain technology.
[Instead of storing data on a central server, it would be accessible to everyone, making counterfeiting impossible. That's a brilliant idea.]
"But even if we create this kind of currency, how do we distribute it? A currency only has value if it's used, right?"
[If people simply buy virtual currency with money, then it's more of a product than an actual currency.]
"What if we introduce a mining system? Users would have to solve mathematical problems to obtain the cryptocurrency."
The discussion naturally shifted to mining methods.
Ideas poured in: solving mathematical equations, mining through gaming, or even earning cryptocurrency by watching advertisements.
The creativity in the room was endless.
"And wouldn't setting a limit on the total supply increase credibility? If you look at countries that print unlimited amounts of money, their currency value always collapses."
[We could set a fixed amount of cryptocurrency to be issued each year.]
The Bitcoin project team had started using highly technical terms, and at this point, I could barely understand their conversation.
Realizing there was no reason to stay, I quietly slipped out of the meeting room.
"You're out already?"
"Captain Kang, I'll need you to put in some extra effort."
"We've already activated a 24-hour surveillance system. Each person is being shadowed by at least two of our staff, and all phone calls are being monitored."
This had been made clear to them in advance.
Despite knowing they would be under constant surveillance, these experts had still flown to Korea.
Some were lured by the promise of an enormous salary, but many were here for the thrill of creating something groundbreaking.
They had willingly sacrificed their privacy for this opportunity.
"And what about the military recruitment efforts?"
"We've successfully recruited over 50 people. All of them are experts in decrypting random codes and have played crucial roles in deciphering enemy communications."
Korea had its fair share of cryptography experts.
Despite the ongoing ceasefire, the country remained divided.
And since warzones relied heavily on coded messages, it was only natural that South Korea had a strong base of cryptographers.
"Make sure they work well with the expert team."
"Understood. We'll do our best, but no matter how much we try, we can't completely prevent minor leaks."
"That's fine. Just maintain the current level of security."
In truth, cryptocurrency technology wasn't that groundbreaking.
Before my regression, anyone with basic programming knowledge could easily create one.
The real challenge was establishing trust in the cryptocurrency.
And I had a foolproof way to solve that problem.
"Whoaahhh!"
Suddenly, deafening cheers erupted from all directions.
It sounded like a battlefield, but I wasn't particularly alarmed.
"Looks like our team just scored."
"I wasn't expecting much since we're up against Poland, but it seems like we got the first goal."
While we had been busy working on Bitcoin, time had flown by.
The World Cup season had already arrived.
"Shall we watch the game together?"
"I'll prepare some simple snacks and beer."
I sat down on the sofa with Captain Kang.
It was an old memory, so I didn't recall every detail clearly, but the match was unfolding just as I remembered.
If my memory was correct, there would be another goal in the second half, right?
As if on cue, a South Korean player launched a powerful mid-range shot. The goalkeeper got a hand on it, but the ball still found the back of the net.
"Sir! It's 2-0! South Korea is leading a European team 2-0!"
"Don't get too excited just yet. The drama has only just begun."
This was the moment when the first episode of the 2002 World Cup drama aired.
A 2-0 victory against Poland, a draw against the U.S. in the second match, and then a miraculous 1-0 win against football powerhouse Portugal—securing South Korea's first-ever advancement to the Round of 16.
"We did it! Our national team actually defeated Poland!"
"Move aside, you're blocking the TV. Taewoo Electronics' commercial is coming up soon."
As the match highlights ended, commercials began.
A documentary-style ad by Taewoo Electronics, featuring the coach and national team players, aired.
[We'll break South Korea's habit of never winning a match in the World Cup!]
The ad ended with the coach's confident declaration.
Had they lost to Poland, his words might have sounded arrogant.
But with a victory secured, his statement was nothing short of legendary.
"What do you think of the ad, Captain Kang?"
"I'm not sure how to put it into words... but it stirs something deep inside."
The ad emphasized the team's dedication.
It instilled a sense of pride in South Korea's long-awaited first World Cup victory in 48 years.
"This is the kind of ad that makes you excited for tomorrow. I'm sorry for making you work instead of letting you enjoy the festivities."
"Not at all. That's just part of the job. A bodyguard can't exactly join the celebrations, can they?"
Leaving the Bitcoin team in Captain Kang's care, I headed home.
Cars honked in celebration all across the streets, and people dressed in red reveled in the victory.
***
The cheers continued well into the morning.
Normally, the sound of honking during rush hour would be annoying.
But today, it was different.
Everyone was honking in celebration as they headed to work, and I enjoyed the sounds as I drove to the office.
"Vice Chairman! The response to Taewoo Electronics' commercial is phenomenal! Customers are lining up at our stores just to get pamphlets featuring the national team and the coach!"
"The next ad is ready, right?"
"Yes, we've already filmed an exclusive interview, and we plan to air it on June 10th—the day of the next match."
"Make sure the commercials are top-notch. Once the World Cup ends, we'll turn them into a full-length documentary instead."
The footage was too valuable to be used solely for commercials.
So before the World Cup fever died down, I planned to edit the material into a two-hour special.
"The next ad will be aired under the Taewoo Telecom brand. The Portugal match ad will be under Taewoo Motors."
"From the Round of 16 onwards, run all commercials under the Taewoo Group name."
"Do you really think our team will make it to the Round of 16?"
"The ball is round, so no one knows what will happen. Film commercials for the quarterfinals and semifinals as well."
"We'll create an ad that will be remembered in history!"
Taewoo Electronics' commercials received such overwhelming attention that even the media was talking about them.
Some even said that Taewoo Electronics, despite not being an official World Cup sponsor, was reaping the biggest benefits from the event.
As time passed, June 10 arrived, bringing the much-anticipated match against the United States.
As expected, the game ended in a 1-1 draw, securing one more point for South Korea.
Once again, the commercial focused on the national team's dedication and ended with another powerful quote from the coach.
[Of course, we will advance!]
A declaration that solidified South Korea's determination to reach the Round of 16.
As expected, this ad also received an explosive response.
"Vice Chairman, sales of Taewoo Electronics and Taewoo Telecom are rising rapidly."
"This is just the beginning. The World Cup boom is far from over."
"At this rate, South Korea might actually make it to the Round of 16!"
Perhaps the planning director's prayers were answered.
Four days later, South Korea stunned the world with a 1-0 victory over Portugal—a football powerhouse—securing a historic spot in the Round of 16.
"An incredible upset! Portugal, one of the strongest teams, has been eliminated, and South Korea has advanced to the knockout stage!"
"The latest commercial was fantastic."
The ad's defining quote this time was:
[I am still hungry.]
Originally, this statement was made right after South Korea secured their Round of 16 spot, but in our commercial, it was revealed first.
"Vice Chairman, how about meeting the national team and the coach personally to congratulate them? It would be great for our company's image."
"And what if they lose? I could end up being blamed for jinxing them."
So far, history had been unfolding as I remembered.
But things could change at any moment.
Rather than taking unnecessary risks, I simply watched the World Cup from a distance—just another citizen enjoying the spectacle.