I watched the National Economic Party's event from the vice chairman's office.
It was a talk-show style event with Representative Choi Jaeseok and affiliated politicians.
Since a perfect script was prepared in advance, the conversation flowed naturally and professionally.
"The event is going quite well."
"A few politicians who are weak in English memorized their English scripts for several days just for today's event."
"Election campaigns are ultimately shows, right? Memorizing the script is the basic requirement to put on a proper show."
To me, elections were shows.
The success of the show depended on how much the people were thrilled.
And another key to success was the actors.
It wasn't without reason that Hollywood spends astronomical amounts to cast famous actors.
"Several media outlets have already published articles about the National Economic Party event. And a large crowd is gathering around the venue. Especially, many people have come to see Steve from Apple."
"Make sure to pay close attention to security. If an accident happens, the focus could shift from the event to that incident."
"We've doubled the security personnel."
It was obvious that a crowd would gather.
I also sent many of Captain Kang's team members to the venue.
These guests were extremely valuable ones brought over from the U.S.; we couldn't afford any mishaps.
"But Vice Chairman, I still can't believe it. How did you manage to bring such big-name figures to Korea?"
"It's thanks to the good relationships I've maintained."
I was a major shareholder of the companies whose CEOs attended.
Still, bringing them to Korea was no easy feat.
And especially convincing them to attend a political event was really difficult.
I normally wouldn't want to bother them with such a request.
But for the future of the Taewoo Group, I grit my teeth and made the difficult ask.
Thankfully, everyone agreed without hesitation.
"Vice Chairman, breaking news just came in. It's from the Q&A session with the reporters."
"So the Q&A session is already underway, huh?"
[Why Did the CEOs of American IT Companies Choose the National Economic Party?]
The CEOs of American IT companies reportedly reached out to all political parties in Korea, but only the National Economic Party responded. Their claim was that, "while other parties focus on political issues like impeachment, the National Economic Party prioritizes economic development and future-oriented IT technologies."
The article boosted the National Economic Party but subtly criticized the major parties.
"Vice Chairman, the factual accuracy of this article is already being questioned."
"No need to worry. Everything in the article is true."
"Did the IT CEOs really request meetings with all parties? Why then would the others not respond? Wouldn't they jump at such a big event during the election season?"
"Probably they thought it was a prank email. We played a little prank ourselves."
We added a cute joke to the email.
Who would believe that CEOs of huge corporations sent an email using emojis?
Moreover, since the email resembled spam, it was likely deleted without being opened.
"Then the big parties have no defense. They become the ones who refused a meeting request from major American IT companies."
"That was part of the plan. Is there no article about Representative Choi Jaeseok?"
"There is an article about the data center he attracted to his district. The IT CEOs emphasized the need for data centers, and Choi Jaeseok was reported to have already secured one."
"If linked well, that could make a very good article."
The media isn't just a place that creates issues.
Rather, when a big issue breaks, media outlets scramble to get as much coverage as possible.
"We will carefully edit footage from the event and distribute it to various media outlets."
"Make sure the media can continue reporting on this issue in various ways until the election ends."
"Experts are currently working on the edits."
Choi Jaeseok and the National Economic Party, having won the hearts of these mega IT CEOs—
With news like this, wouldn't it also capture the hearts of the middle-aged and older generations?
"I'll leave work early today. We can't just send off friends who've traveled such a long way like this, can we?"
"Have a good time!"
Now it was time to handle the aftermath.
Since we had invited these important guests all the way to Korea, we couldn't treat them poorly.
We needed to make them feel their trip here was worthwhile.
Grabbing the notes I had prepared during idea meetings with Cheon Min-jeong, I stood up.
We were held up for a full 24 hours.
For 24 hours straight, we talked only about the future of IT with Steve and the other two CEOs.
They showed particular interest in Cheon Min-jeong's ideas, and I ended up explaining so much that my mouth was dry.
We also had to discuss the projects linked with each company — artificial intelligence, automated machinery and robots, and even iPhone accessories.
The fortunate thing was that they were all so busy they had to return to the U.S. the same day, so after 24 hours, we parted ways.
"Director, how is the media reacting? I haven't had a chance to check the news, so I don't know how things are going."
"All the media outlets have extensively covered the story of the IT CEOs and the National Economic Party. Especially on the 9 o'clock news, it was featured for over 10 minutes. And it made the front page of this morning's newspapers."
The planning director showed me various editions of the morning papers.
Photos of the IT CEOs holding hands with Representative Choi Jaeseok filled the front pages.
"Choi Jaeseok's recognition must be rising dramatically."
"According to a secret poll, his name has entered the list of potential presidential candidates for the first time. It's not yet at the level to run for president, but enough to hold a central role in the National Economic Party."
"We've done everything we could now."
"Although we can't compare with the solid support base the major parties have, we have launched election campaigns that the big parties couldn't. From here on, it depends on the candidates' own abilities."
Six days left until the general election.
Now begins the so-called "dark period" when polls cannot be publicly released.
The only thing left is for the candidates to go out and win every possible vote.
With only three days left until the general election, CEO Lisa suddenly came to the vice chairman's office.
"I have something to discuss regarding the future of Taewoo Electronics and Taewoo Semiconductor."
"If it's from you, CEO Lisa, I'm always ready to listen. Please, feel free to speak."
I gestured for her to take a seat on the sofa.
She pulled out the materials she had prepared and quickly began to speak.
"I had many conversations with Vice President Wei of Taewoo Semiconductor, and after visiting their facilities several times, it seems they are focusing heavily on the foundry business."
"That's a policy meant to build trust with customers. If we compete with our customers, wouldn't that discourage many companies from choosing Taewoo Semiconductor?"
"I agree with that. IBM, for example, never wanted to deal with companies that competed with them. But that doesn't mean we should give up on semiconductor design technology."
Lisa was a CEO with excellent semiconductor design expertise.
That's probably why she wasn't pleased that Taewoo Semiconductor was concentrating mostly on the foundry business.
"So you're saying we also need to do system semiconductor design."
"Although the memory semiconductor market is big now, the era of system semiconductors will surely come. I believe you already know this well, Vice Chairman, since you were one of the leaders ushering in the smartphone era."
System semiconductors have a very complex structure.
They perform data computation, control, and various information processing tasks.
Developing top-tier design talent and technology requires massive R&D investment.
"I'm well aware of that. The system semiconductor market will eventually surpass the memory semiconductor market."
"If it's difficult for Taewoo Semiconductor to do it, I recommend starting a fabless company."
A slight smile crossed my face.
Why wouldn't I understand the value of a fabless company focused on semiconductor design?
I already owned a controlling stake in the world's number one fabless company.
Qualcomm.
The world's top fabless company, in which I hold 50% of the shares.
I had bought Qualcomm stock for a bargain during the IT bubble and still held that stake.
But I couldn't say all this.
It wouldn't do for the vice chairman of Taewoo Group to be known as the real owner of Qualcomm.
"CEO Lisa, go ahead and start a fabless company. I'll provide unlimited funding. More than what we invest in our affiliates."
"...I didn't expect you to decide so easily."
"I was never uninterested in fabless. We just never had the right person to lead it. But now that we do, I'm ready to invest boldly."
"After all the research I did overnight, I feel like a fool."
Even though I owned Qualcomm, there was no reason to block the creation of a new fabless company.
The semiconductor design market was only going to grow, so creating multiple fabless companies would never be a loss.
"We also need semiconductor design technology to apply to Taewoo Electronics' home appliances."
"That's what my research showed. I was going to say that to improve the functions of Taewoo Electronics' new products in the future, semiconductor design technology is essential."
"Right now, we are working with Qualcomm to develop products. It would be ideal if a fabless company under Taewoo Semiconductor could take on that role."
Although I was the de facto owner of Qualcomm, having competing companies was necessary to produce better designs.
And if those competitors were companies I owned, that would be even better.
Whoever wins, I would be the one benefiting.
"By the way, would it be okay if I took Cheon Min-jeong with me?"
"Why would an IT developer be needed in semiconductor design?"
"With her ability, if she's taught a little about semiconductor design, I think she could quickly create innovative products."
Lisa and Chun Min-jeong—
It would be like a dragon gaining its precious orb.
But Chun Min-jeong was at a time when she needed to focus on AI development.
"She's already working on so many projects, it's unlikely she could be transferred to another department."
"Then would it be okay if we just met occasionally to discuss things? Like how you have idea meetings with the vice chairman."
"Of course, that's possible. If Chun Min-jeong agrees, that is."
"Alright. I'll discuss that with her."
Now Taewoo Electronics was truly starting to run smoothly.
Until now, I had to initiate the direction and manage everything, but now CEO Lisa could take on that role.
TL/n -
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