Captain Kang's office.
After wrapping up the meeting with Governor Choi Jae-seok, I had a casual beer with President Han.
"Are we planning to install a large number of EV charging stations in Gyeonggi Province?" he asked.
"For now, we'll build the stations with private operators. Depending on the interest generated by the electric vehicles launching at the end of this year, Gyeonggi will be declared an EV-friendly province," I replied.
Governor Choi had made his decision after much deliberation.
It was a move to minimize risks, and it wasn't a bad decision for us either.
"Even if we build many charging stations, won't the infrastructure still be insufficient?" he inquired.
"That's why we'll first utilize assets owned by Taewoo Group. The initial step is to install at least two EV chargers at every Starbucks store," I explained.
"That's a good idea. If people can charge their cars while enjoying a cup of coffee, they'll definitely use it," he said.
Installing chargers in every Starbucks parking lot would be costly, but it was manageable for Taewoo Group.
Additionally, the government had agreed to provide some financial support, so the burden wasn't too great.
"All future Starbucks locations will be required to have EV chargers. We'll include it as a condition for store entry," I added.
"Isn't that too much of a burden?" he asked.
"Don't worry; we're not asking them to bear the full cost. And you know which partner our upcoming EV will collaborate with, right?" I asked.
"Apple, correct?" he replied.
President Han paused briefly, considering my question, then realized the idea and responded enthusiastically, even clapping his hands.
"Ah! Apple users charging their Apple Cars at Starbucks? That's a guaranteed hit!"
"Starting with Starbucks, all buildings owned by Taewoo Group will be required to install at least five EV chargers. And Captain Kang, you'll need to work hard too," I added.
"I'll do whatever is needed. What exactly should I do?" he asked.
"All Cocoa Taxis will be replaced with electric vehicles. Of course, not all at once. Only newly purchased taxis will be electric, gradually replacing the entire fleet over time," I explained.
It wasn't wrong to say that electric vehicles were particularly suited for taxis.
They offered clear advantages for city driving, and charging costs were far lower.
If the government also subsidized the charging fees, taxi drivers could earn significantly more.
"We'll install large-scale charging stations at taxi company parking lots. Also, we'll halt all new car deliveries until the end of the year and place massive orders once the electric vehicles are ready," I explained.
"Any funding shortfall will be covered, so proceed without worrying about capital," President Han added.
"The Cocoa Taxi funds alone are more than sufficient. It may sound boastful, but we already control over 50% of the national taxi market," Captain Kang said.
Usage of Cocoa Taxi was skyrocketing.
Smartphone adoption had increased dramatically, and smartphones were no longer just the domain of the younger generation.
"You're making excellent progress," President Han acknowledged.
"Our shared mobility business can start soon as well. Shared bicycles and kickboards have already been deployed in Seoul and other major cities nationwide, and once the permits are approved, operations can begin immediately," I added.
"Isn't that too much work? It seems like Captain Kang has a heavy burden," he remarked.
"Not at all! We've brought in many former military administrative officers, so it's perfectly manageable," Captain Kang responded in his military-style precision.
Even while we were talking, President Han was deep in thought about a particular concern.
"But Chairman, even with Gyeonggi Province, Taewoo Group assets, and the taxi company, the infrastructure is still insufficient. Also, concentrating the EV infrastructure in Gyeonggi is somewhat limiting. If such infrastructure were built in Seoul, EV commercialization could proceed much faster, don't you think?"
"You're saying there's a lack of EV infrastructure in Seoul. I actually have one plan in mind," I replied.
I pulled a sheet of paper from my briefcase.
It contained data on congestion levels for Seoul Subway Line 9.
"Subway Line 9? I've heard reports that congestion is increasing daily," President Han said.
"High congestion isn't the only issue. The fare system is different from other lines, and Seoul City is struggling because of it," I explained.
Fares on Line 9 were about 100 won higher than other lines, a rate set when the contract was originally signed. This meant neither the city nor the government could adjust it arbitrarily.
"Are you suggesting we trade Subway Line 9 concessions for EV infrastructure?" he asked.
"Seoul wants to standardize fares across all lines. If we offer to lower the price by 100 won in exchange for building EV infrastructure, they won't refuse, will they?"
Subway Line 9 was frequently making headlines.
During rush hours, the platforms were packed with people, leaving barely any room to move.
It was perfect material for the media, so reporters often came to cover it.
Even knowing this, I had refrained from taking any action.
Even though I could deploy eight-car trains with four times the seating capacity if I wanted.
"The biggest problem for Seoul City is undoubtedly Subway Line 9," I remarked.
"If we solve the congestion issue on Line 9 and lower the fares as well, Seoul City won't have any choice but to accept our demands," I added.
"Do you plan to negotiate directly with the Mayor of Seoul, Chairman?"
"Wouldn't it be more effective if I handle it personally? The planning office is already making arrangements, so we should be able to meet by the end of this week at the latest."
From Gyeonggi Province to Seoul.
As long as the EV infrastructure was properly established, the commercialization of electric vehicles in Korea could be significantly accelerated.
***
I visited Seoul City Hall.
There was no need for a secret meeting, so we decided to discuss in the mayor's office.
"Chairman Kim! It's finally an honor to meet you in person,"
"Oh, I apologize for the delay in greeting you. I should have visited earlier, but I was on an extended business trip to the U.S., so I couldn't properly make my introductions."
Mayor Oh Jeong-hoon of Seoul had a striking and commanding appearance.
He had been elected with high approval ratings and was one of the ruling party's presidential hopefuls, aiming for re-election as mayor as well.
"Thank you for coming. And I truly appreciate that you've taken the time to discuss the issues with Subway Line 9,"
"There's no reason for Seoul citizens to continue suffering because of Line 9, is there?"
Mayor Oh got straight to the point.
This was an urgent matter, and resolving the Line 9 problem was critical—not just for efficiency, but also for his re-election prospects.
"I've personally used Subway Line 9 during rush hour," I said.
"Really, sir? That must have been quite an ordeal, with people surely recognizing you along the way,"
"No one noticed me. There wasn't even room to see anyone's face."
When you're worried about being crushed, noticing anyone's face is the last thing on your mind.
Even if a top celebrity had been on the train, they wouldn't have been recognized on Line 9.
"If it weren't for the hearing issue, Taewoo Group would have already started improving Line 9, but the project was delayed. And frankly, the motivation and drive to move it forward had waned."
"I apologize on behalf of our party for the hearing issue. We went a bit too far,"
"There's no need for that, Mayor. The matter has already been resolved amicably,"
The initiative was clearly in my hands.
Seoul City could not resolve the Line 9 issue on its own; it required Taewoo Group's involvement.
"I'm truly impressed that Taewoo Group expanded the project beyond the government's projections. Thank you for increasing the scale of construction for the sake of Seoul citizens, even at a financial loss,"
"The projections Taewoo Group calculated independently differed significantly from the government's estimates, so we chose to expand the scale despite the risk. If it had gone wrong, it would have been a huge gamble for the group."
High-stakes gambles always carry immense risk.
But if you overcome the risk and succeed, the rewards must be equally great.
Because I emphasized the gamble, Mayor Oh immediately understood my meaning.
"You've taken a risk, so naturally you should gain considerable benefits. But please also consider Seoul's transportation policies. Because fares on Subway Line 9 differ from other lines, transfers and other related policies are being obstructed."
"If I don't receive commensurate compensation, there's nothing I can do. I can't persuade the companies that invested in the consortium by trusting me alone."
He was essentially asking for justification to persuade others.
The mayor paused, thought for a moment, and then offered several potential benefits.
"We could provide certain perks in the large-scale construction projects currently underway in Seoul. I could also oversee the completion of the major buildings that Taewoo Group is constructing."
"If I accept those conditions, people will say that Seoul City and Taewoo Group are colluding. For now, it might pass without issue, but once the government changes, both you and I could face serious trouble. So how about this alternative?"
I paused briefly.
Mayor Oh leaned in, ready to listen.
"What if we standardize Subway Line 9 fares to match the other lines, and in exchange, Seoul City establishes electric vehicle charging stations? Additionally, I'd like to see EV chargers installed in all large buildings and apartment complexes."
"Seoul City cannot act independently in this way. Once the government creates EV subsidy policies and legislation, the city can actively implement them—but right now, it's difficult."
The mayor's authority was immense.
Unlike other mayors, the Mayor of Seoul was treated at a ministerial level, giving him naturally more power than his peers.
Still, he could not break the framework established by the central government. Only when national directives were issued could the city invest more freely in infrastructure.
"The government plans to implement subsidy policies soon. And in the next session, the National Assembly in Yeouido will pass legislation related to EV subsidies."
"In that case, Seoul City can certainly allocate funds for infrastructure. However, the amount spent on infrastructure cannot exceed the reduction in subway fares."
The mayor was essentially saying that any additional investment in infrastructure would match the revenue lost from the fare reduction.
That alone was a significant achievement, but I decided to push a little further.
"We'll also address the congestion problem. Currently, Line 9 is running with just two-car trains, but we'll deploy two eight-car trains. That should reduce congestion by at least half, shouldn't it?"
"Phew, excellent. Over the next five years, we'll invest heavily in building EV infrastructure. We can't complete all the infrastructure this year, but if we expand gradually over five years, we should be able to create as much infrastructure as you desire."
A five-year timeframe had been set.
This meant that the mayor would need to win re-election for the plan to be feasible. In other words, investing heavily in EV infrastructure was tied to supporting his re-election.
"All announcements regarding Line 9 will be left entirely to Seoul City. You can present both the fare reduction and the introduction of eight-car trains as projects led by the city."
"Wonderful! I look forward to meeting with you frequently. Even one meeting has produced such good results—imagine what we could accomplish by meeting often."
We stood and shook hands.
I gained the EV infrastructure I wanted, and the mayor gained a chance to boost his approval ratings through Line 9.
It was a mutually satisfying negotiation, and we genuinely smiled as we shook hands.