Satellites were an indispensable resource for the Taewoo Group.
In the past, satellites had been used primarily for national security and weather observation.
But now, with the advancement of high-spec electronic devices such as smartphones, they were widely integrated into everyday life.
And then there was the future of electric vehicles—autonomous driving.
If they could secure a low-orbit communications network, it would become possible to operate autonomous driving systems across every region of the world.
To achieve that, support from the U.S. government was essential.
If only President Obama gave his approval, they could share access to SpaceX satellites, since SpaceX was backed by NASA.
"I have one request."
"It seems this is the first time Chairman Kim has ever asked me for a favor. If it's not too difficult, I'll do my best to comply."
"As you may already know, I have a deep interest in the space industry."
"I am very well aware that Chairman Kim is the largest supporter of the private rocket company."
"For a private rocket company to secure more advanced technological capability, hands-on experience is most crucial. That is why I'm willing to bear half the costs of SpaceX's rocket launches and satellites."
President Obama fell into brief contemplation.
But only moments ago, he himself had said that he trusted me enough to discuss matters of national security.
Now surely, he wouldn't claim that national security concerns would prevent them from sharing satellites.
"It's a sensitive issue, I admit. But if the condition is that the satellites are used exclusively by the Taewoo Group, I see no reason why permission couldn't be granted. This is possible only because I place so much trust in both the Taewoo Group and Chairman Kim."
"Thank you. I can assure you with certainty that I would never do anything to compromise America's national security."
"I'll make sure NASA and the related departments are informed. But first, the matter of the THAAD site must be settled."
Yet again, President Obama brought up THAAD.
The THAAD negotiations were an issue to be worked out directly between the governments of Korea and the United States.
But when it came to securing suitable land, the cooperation of a large corporation with broad holdings was practically indispensable.
"There is actually one way to resolve the THAAD site issue more quickly."
"Please, go ahead."
"Rather than offering additional compensation, if the process were handled in the form of a land swap with property currently held by U.S. Forces Korea, many corporations would show strong interest."
In Seoul and the broader metropolitan area, prime land had long since dried up.
But among the properties held by the U.S. Forces in Korea, there was still plenty of golden real estate left.
"So, you're suggesting an exchange with land in the metropolitan area."
"If we offered to swap for the site in Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province, quite a few corporations would step forward. And if the site in Yongsan, Seoul were put on the table, there's no doubt every major company would compete for it."
The metropolitan area was dotted with U.S. military bases.
Among them, the land of greatest value was, of course, the Yongsan site in Seoul.
It might be difficult to hand over the entire site, but if the condition were to exchange only part of it, the U.S. side would likely find it acceptable.
"This isn't a matter I can decide on my own. I'll have to discuss it with the relevant departments. But one thing is certain—at the very least, a land swap involving U.S. military bases in Gyeonggi Province should be possible."
"In that case, once I return to Korea, I will contact corporations that own suitable land."
"That would be most helpful. And I also want to extend my gratitude for the efforts you've put into shale gas development."
President Obama expressed his thanks with sincerity.
From that gratitude, it was clear what path America intended to take in the near future.
Was it not because my efforts had enabled them to reset relations with the major oil-producing nations?
"If the shale gas revolution takes firm root, the United States will be able to grip the leadership of the oil industry tightly in its hands."
"It has lifted a burden off our shoulders, yes. But there is still a long road ahead. At least now, with the economy stronger than before, we have the capacity to fight. And to create even more capacity, the Fed Chairman is working very hard."
He seemed to be referring to tapering quantitative easing.
Even if they could not end it immediately, there was no mistaking the determination to scale it back eventually.
"If there is ever a way I can be of help, please do not hesitate to call on me. If I can lend even the smallest assistance, I will gladly do all I can."
"You are already of great help. Since I plan to visit Korea this year, let us meet again then—on Korean soil."
Thus concluded my private audience with President Obama.
It was a conversation that yielded much, and gave me much to ponder, but above all, it reaffirmed one vital truth: President Obama trusted me—and he trusted the Taewoo Group.
After finishing my schedule in the United States, I returned to Korea.
The very moment I came back, I summoned the Chief Strategy Officer and President Han for a meeting.
"The White House has placed me in quite a difficult position. They've entrusted us with securing a site for the deployment of THAAD."
"By THAAD, do you mean the missile defense system?"
"Yes. It covers not only North Korea but also China within its operational range. So naturally, China will strongly object."
"In that case, any company providing the land could end up at odds with China."
"The Americans promised they would do their best to mediate, but we can't predict how it will ultimately play out."
We spent quite some time discussing THAAD.
And when the conversation turned to what benefits could be gained by providing the site, the expressions of the Chief Strategy Officer and President Han began to shift.
"Namyangju land is attractive enough, but if Yongsan becomes part of the deal, that would certainly carry real merit."
"I agree with President Han. If it's the Yongsan site, even I'd be tempted—it's land of exceptional value."
Both of them practically salivated at the thought.
If even they reacted this way, how would the chairmen of the chaebols respond?
Obviously, they would go wild and rush in headlong.
"We need to call for an emergency meeting of the Federation of Korean Industries (FKI)."
"I'll reach out to the FKI. But wouldn't it be far more effective if that message came through the Honorary Chairman?"
If I got my grandfather involved, convening an FKI meeting would be nothing at all.
With just a single word from him, most of the nation's conglomerate chairmen could be gathered within a day.
Of course, I could do it as well, but there was a problem of appearances—someone like me, a generation younger, summoning the heads of such companies would not look right.
"It's true I could ask my grandfather, but I don't want to trouble him over a matter like this."
"Then do you plan to contact the FKI directly yourself, Chairman?"
"If I were to take the lead, people would criticize me as being disrespectful. That's why I intend to move through the American ambassador."
"That's an excellent idea! And this time, the U.S. Ambassador happens to be Korean-American, so communication will be much smoother."
Ambassador Jun Y. Kang—the first Korean-American ever appointed U.S. Ambassador.
Born in Seoul, he had later naturalized as an American citizen, and his unusual background set him apart.
He had served as a diplomat well before the Bush administration, and under the Obama administration, he rose to the rank of ambassador, proving himself a man of ability.
"If the U.S. Ambassador gets personally involved, won't the Federation of Korean Industries take far greater interest?"
"That would significantly increase credibility. I will contact the American embassy right away."
Had he already been waiting for our call?
The moment we reached out, Ambassador Jun Kang requested to meet with me.
"We've set a dinner appointment for tonight, at the Korean traditional restaurant you often visit."
"Perfect. There's no need to waste time on this—let's move forward immediately."
After finishing some additional tasks, I headed to the restaurant.
Ambassador Kang was already waiting for me in the annex when I arrived.
"Chairman Kim Min-jae, it's an honor to meet you. Until now, I've only seen you from afar, so meeting someone I hold in such esteem face-to-face is truly meaningful."
"The honor is mine, Ambassador Kang. I respect you deeply as well. To achieve your position in a distant land, relying solely on your abilities—since the Bush administration, I have followed your career closely."
We took a moment to exchange compliments, breaking the ice in the usual way.
To put it simply, it was a performance of polite flattery, with me praising Ambassador Kang at length.
"Thank you for your interest. In truth, your support helped me endure the harsh years abroad."
"Have I ever rendered assistance to you?"
"Hahaha, there's no need to feign ignorance. Through David, I received word that you've generously provided contributions."
So, I really had supported him?
Of course, through David, I had been funding much of the American political sphere.
But I hadn't realized that David had extended that support even to figures in diplomatic circles.
How could I remember all of it?
After all, there were few in American politics who hadn't, at one point or another, received my backing.
"If it was of help, then I'm glad. But tell me, have you not received contact from the White House?"
"As a matter of fact, I did last night. The instruction was clear: I am to assist Chairman Kim in securing the site."
It was all thanks to the continuity of the Obama administration.
Had the government changed hands, such smooth communication might not have been possible.
"I've received a request from the White House. To fulfill it, I'll need to convene a meeting of the Federation of Korean Industries. Could I ask for your assistance?"
"If it means lending my name, please use it as freely as you wish. And if necessary, the embassy itself can issue an official document to the FKI."
"If you send that document, we could convene an emergency FKI meeting within this very week."
"Then I'll see to it that the official letter is prepared and dispatched by tomorrow."
Over dinner, Ambassador Jun Kang and I spoke at length.
He was already well-versed in the details concerning THAAD.
Thanks to that, there was no need to waste time. We could move straight ahead with convening the FKI meeting.
Four days later.
An emergency meeting of the Federation of Korean Industries was convened.
More than twenty chairmen and vice-chairmen of the nation's top conglomerates filled the conference hall.
I busily shook their hands and greeted them before taking my seat.
By ranking alone, I should have been placed at the head of the table.
But here, seats were arranged not strictly by market rank, but by an unspoken mix of business hierarchy and seniority—so I ended up positioned somewhere in the middle.
Once everyone was seated, Ambassador Jun Kang arrived.
He gave a brief explanation about the purpose of today's emergency session before moving directly to the heart of the matter.
"We need to secure a site for the deployment of THAAD."
"..."
Every one of the corporate chairmen immediately sensed the enormous risk.
Providing a site would mean jeopardizing their businesses in China—the thought alone was enough to make them avert their eyes.
But then came Ambassador Kang's next words, which worked like magic, pulling their gazes sharply back to him.
"We propose a land swap with the U.S. military base site in Namyangju. In addition, we will grant priority bidding rights on the Yongsan base site in Seoul."
A U.S. military base site in Gyeonggi Province…
And beyond that, priority rights to one of the last golden parcels of Yongsan in central Seoul.
This was more than enough to set the hearts of the corporate titans ablaze.
And still, there was more.
"We also understand your concerns about potential Chinese retaliation. Should China attempt countermeasures, the White House will do everything possible to shield you. Moreover, you will receive advantageous treatment in your U.S. business ventures."
Prime land in Seoul. Direct and overwhelming support from Washington.
The conditions were irresistible. Yet not one of the chairmen was willing to step forward first.
That left me with only one option—to take the lead myself and set the others in motion.