Hyundai Motors.
Before my regression, it had almost monopolized the Korean market.
Now, however, it had been pushed to second place by Taewoo Group.
Still, the gap wasn't that large, and the Korean market was essentially divided between Taewoo and Hyundai Motors.
Both groups were constantly striving to take market share from the other.
But when we faced each other directly, we wore masks and pretended to be cordial.
"Chairman Kim, it's been a long time. I've heard that Taewoo Group is involved in multiple businesses. You must be very busy."
"I'm involved in many businesses, but there's little real gain."
"Little gain? You're pouring money into semiconductors, electronics, and IT."
"Even with those revenues, the holes are so large that money just leaks out."
In terms of revenue alone, Taewoo Group was overwhelmingly the number one conglomerate.
But looking at operating profit, it wasn't even close to first place; it would struggle to rank fifth.
This was due to deficits accumulating from electric vehicle development, underground resource mining, and entry into online commerce.
"I've heard Rocket's losses are larger than expected."
"To be honest, Rocket only loses about three trillion won a year. The real problem is the astronomical funds going into EV development and infrastructure."
Rocket was a domestic business.
Even if it ran a deficit, it was manageable.
But electric vehicles targeted the global market, making the scale of investment almost incomparable.
"I've heard that politicians are actively moving to support EV infrastructure. In Gyeonggi Province, they've already begun securing funding."
"Even if local governments provide funds, Taewoo Group has to cover the shortfall. It's far from all good news."
"You didn't call me here just to vent. Go ahead and get to the point."
Chairman Jang Kyung‑joon leaned forward.
I mirrored his gesture, leaning in and speaking in a serious tone to address the main topic.
"Chairman, how about Hyundai Motors joining us in entering the electric vehicle market?"
"Ha—an unexpected proposal,"
Chairman Jang Kyung‑joon laughed awkwardly, clearly taken by surprise.
It was a natural reaction; it was extremely rare for the number one and number two companies to join forces.
"You're well aware, aren't you? The era of electric vehicles will eventually come."
"It will come eventually, yes. But I don't think it's the right time now. I don't say Taewoo Group is wrong—it's just that our paths to the destination differ. We intend to focus on hybrid vehicles, not electric cars."
At this time, hybrid vehicles attracted more attention than pure electric vehicles.
Compared to electric vehicles, which had to be created from scratch, hybrid vehicles used internal combustion engines already in production, so development costs were far lower.
And the biggest advantage: unlike electric vehicles, no dedicated charging infrastructure was required.
The hybrid vehicle could recharge its battery through regenerative braking, eliminating the need for costly EV infrastructure.
"Even if you focus on hybrid vehicles, you can't exclude plug-in hybrids, can you?"
"Plug-in hybrids do require charging, yes. But currently, we don't have funds to invest in EV infrastructure."
Plug-in hybrids were the middle ground between electric and hybrid vehicles.
Like electric vehicles, they contained rechargeable batteries and required external charging to operate.
"I'm not suggesting using Hyundai Motors' funds for this."
"You mean you want us to pressure the government to build EV infrastructure?"
"Exactly. If both Taewoo Group and Hyundai Motors emphasize the need for EV infrastructure, the government will be more likely to accept it."
The government and political circles had already been persuaded.
But if Hyundai Motors tried to cause trouble, things could get complicated.
How to prevent them from interfering? Riding in the same boat was far more efficient than threats.
If they were already on the same boat, would they really make a hole in it?
"So all costs are covered by Taewoo Group and the government, and Hyundai Motors just participates and shares the benefits?"
"Exactly. Even for plug-in hybrid vehicles, and even if Hyundai produces electric cars, they stand to gain significantly."
"Hmm, not a bad proposal. In fact, it's such a good proposal it feels almost burdensome."
On the surface, it seemed Hyundai Motors would gain everything.
They could use the infrastructure without spending a single won—how could that be bad?
But once Taewoo Group's EV charging stations were installed across Korea, the situation would change.
Taewoo would effectively control the standard for EV charging.
If Taewoo set the standard, Hyundai would naturally have to pay royalties or use batteries made by us.
There was no need to mention this yet.
I used another pretext to persuade Chairman Jang Kyung‑joon.
"As you know, Taewoo Group is standing at the edge of a cliff. Especially with EV development, we incur tens of trillions in annual deficits. That's why we must go all in on EV infrastructure."
"We can't provide much help, but Hyundai Motors can send an official statement to the government expressing support for EV infrastructure development."
"That alone is more than enough."
We couldn't leave a contract on record.
Other documentation would suffice, and an official letter to the government would be sufficient.
With it on file, it would be difficult for them to backtrack later.
"Will Taewoo Group continue to invest in the EV market going forward?"
"We've already crossed the point of no return. If we give up now, Taewoo Motors will lose its growth engine. We must endure the deficits, no matter how large."
"I hear Japan is skeptical about EVs and is increasing investment in hybrid vehicles. Are you confident in continuing this path?"
"Thank you for your concern, but it's already too late to switch to hybrids."
Contrary to his words of concern, Chairman Jang Kyung‑joon's lips were smiling.
He probably believed that Korea's number one automaker was heading straight for a downfall.
But I intended to prove that his assumption was wrong.
***
Two days later.
The head of planning came to see me with an official letter.
"Hyundai Motors has sent an official statement to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport supporting EV infrastructure development."
"Chairman Jang always keeps his promises."
"Even the members of parliament in Ulsan are actively supporting EV infrastructure development."
"Chairman Jang is giving us an unexpected bonus as well."
Hyundai Motors carried a reputation that could not be ignored.
With their support and the politicians moving as well, the infrastructure development was practically a done deal.
"I didn't expect the politicians to get involved as well."
"It only proves how skeptical they are of the EV market. Since Taewoo Group is holding onto a business they think can't succeed, they're letting it run longer to see what happens."
"Regardless of their intentions, it's still a major boost for EV infrastructure development."
"Now we just need to release a proper electric vehicle."
The Apple Car announcement was less than a month away.
My schedule for the U.S. business trip was already finalized, and mass production had begun at the factory.
"We're taking strict security measures so you can travel to the U.S. discreetly. Multiple tickets were booked to prevent airport staff from tracking you, and a private jet has been prepared."
"The U.S. trip is still some time away. In the meantime, we need to focus on Rocket. How's the response these days?"
"The response has been explosive. Especially the luxury brand section is extremely popular."
Several luxury brands from the Anor family had joined Rocket.
That alone provided significant publicity, and Rocket's user base was rapidly increasing.
"It seems the luxury brand section is getting a good response, even though it's only available to VIP members."
"The number of customers placing large orders to qualify for VIP membership has increased significantly. Even though the monthly fee is twice as expensive as regular membership, all customers who meet the requirements are automatically upgraded to VIP."
VIP membership didn't offer any special perks beyond access to the luxury brand section.
Yet these were customers who preferred VIP status.
"Just having a luxury brand section isn't enough. We need to attract more sellers."
"We're registering not only large companies but also many small and medium enterprises as Rocket sellers. We're even getting inquiries from businesses in Japan and China."
"Customers will only continue using the service if we have at least five times more products than a large supermarket. But don't just accept anyone as a seller—maintain quality through careful verification."
An e-commerce platform's role was to connect sellers with customers.
More customers brought in more sellers, and this positive cycle repeated, allowing market dominance.
"We conduct a three-step verification process. First, AI handles initial screening, then experts manage the second and third checks manually."
"Increase same-day and early-morning delivery as well."
"We're continuously hiring delivery staff. Additionally, Taewoo and Kai Motors will supply 2,000 more electric delivery vehicles this month."
All delivery vehicles used by Rocket were electric.
Large charging stations were installed at the logistics warehouse, and multiple chargers were available at delivery staff dining facilities, allowing deliveries to proceed without major disruptions.
"Rocket must always deliver faster than other couriers. Only then can we dominate the market."
"We're hiring staff excessively and paying higher salaries than other courier companies. Even if it seems over the top, we will ensure there are no delivery delays, though we may have other minor concerns."
Speed was everything for Rocket.
It wasn't named "Rocket" for no reason—the company was created to redefine a logistics system that normally took two to three days.
"This U.S. trip won't be very long. Take good care of the company while I'm away."
"With the vice chairman and Mr. Han here, no matter what happens, we can handle it. Travel safely and don't worry."
My grandfather's absence was still felt.
But now Vice Chairman Park Mandeuk and President Han Jung‑hoon had filled that gap.
And the talented individuals I had recruited were firmly holding their positions.
That was why I could leave for the U.S. with peace of mind and attend the Apple Car launch event.