October 29, 1998 — Illinois, USA.
The sweltering summer had passed, and a cool autumn breeze swept through the air.
At the opening ceremony of a new soup kitchen established by a local charity, the clear, resonant voice of Barack Obama—Illinois state senator and a board member of the organization—echoed across the venue.
"Today, we are honored to introduce a donor who made this new soup kitchen possible. He is a young entrepreneur from South Korea and a steadfast supporter of our organization—please welcome President Park Seok-won!"
Thunderous applause erupted as Seok-won, seated in the audience, rose and walked up to the stage.
Though he wore a simple, neatly tailored suit without any ostentation, his tall stature and movie-star-like good looks could hardly be concealed.
His close friend, the promising young politician Barack Obama, greeted him warmly with a smile. The two had first met years ago by chance at a school gaming tournament—thanks to Roy—and had remained connected ever since.
Seok-won not only provided consistent and substantial political donations to support Amar's career, but also gave generously each year to various local charities in which Obama was involved.
With Seok-won's unwavering support, Amar—who had started out with little wealth and limited political experience—was able to quickly solidify a strong base of support in his district.
Today's new soup kitchen, too, had been made possible thanks to Seok-won's donation of one million dollars.
The charity's chairman, beaming brightly, presented Seok-won with a plaque of appreciation before speaking into the microphone.
"Without President Park Seok-won's generosity and warm-hearted support, we could not have built this new soup kitchen for our struggling neighbors. This plaque represents our deepest respect for his noble spirit of giving."
Once again, the crowd erupted into loud applause.
Holding the plaque in one hand, Seok-won stepped up to the stand microphone. Looking out over the gathered audience, he began speaking in fluent English.
"My connection to Illinois's 13th District began through my long-time friend, State Senator Barack Obama."
As he turned his head, Amar, standing off to the side with the chairman, met his gaze with a smile.
"At first, I simply wanted to support the noble intentions of my friend, Obama. But over time, as I watched him and the members of this charity devote themselves wholeheartedly to helping those in need, I learned so much. I will continue doing my best to contribute, in whatever small way I can, to this beautiful mission of service. Lastly, I would like to thank my friend Obama for allowing me to take part in such a meaningful cause."
Even as he received the plaque of appreciation, Seok-won made sure to continue mentioning Barack Obama's name and giving him credit. Amar felt deeply grateful for this thoughtful gesture, his face glowing with satisfaction.
The look in Barack Obama's eyes as he gazed at Seok-won carried unshakable trust and genuine friendship.
When the short ceremony came to an end, many attendees approached Seok-won to personally thank him.
Introduced by Obama, he also had the chance to meet and converse with influential local figures, putting faces to names and building connections.
"Good afternoon. Would you, by any chance, be interested in participating in civic activities…?"
"There's a charity gala next week. If your schedule allows, would you consider attending?"
"I'm sponsoring an artist who's holding a solo exhibition—would it be all right if I sent you an invitation?"
Knowing that Seok-won was already a prominent figure on Wall Street, everyone was eager to show goodwill and seek a closer relationship with him.
Throughout it all, he frequently made it clear how close he was with Barack Obama, which only heightened Amar's pride.
After that busy and whirlwind period, Seok-won accepted an invitation to visit Barack Obama's home.
"Welcome!"
"It's been a while, Michelle."
Having already met several times before, Michelle—holding in her arms the daughter she had given birth to the previous year—greeted him warmly.
"Hello, Nellie."
Giggle!
Nellie burst into laughter at the sight of Seok-won's face, reaching her tiny hands toward him.
Seok-won gently clasped her palm—so small it could hardly grasp his finger—before letting go, smiling as he turned back to Michelle.
"She doesn't seem shy around strangers."
"That's because you're handsome, Seok-won. Normally, she's incredibly picky."
"Really?"
"Just yesterday, when Amar leaned in to give her a goodnight kiss, she turned away and refused him. I had such a hard time cheering him up afterward."
"Hahaha. Ah, and here—I brought some gifts."
Seok-won handed over several baby items he had prepared with a smile.
"Oh my, thank you!"
Delighted, Michelle began opening the gifts. When she came across something unfamiliar, she tilted her head curiously.
"What's this?"
"That's a baby podaegi. It's something Korean mothers have traditionally used to carry their babies."
Seok-won unfolded the podaegi, letting Michelle feel the soft fabric.
"Before Korea achieved economic development, most people lived by farming. By using the podaegi to carry a baby on their back, mothers could keep their hands free, allowing them to work while still keeping their child safe and close."
Following his instructions, Michelle tried it herself and looked amazed.
"This really does seem much more convenient than pushing around a stroller."
Obama, who had been watching from the side, also showed interest.
"You could do housework or even gardening while carrying the baby. Leaving kids alone is always risky—you never know what mischief they'll get into."
"Exactly. Especially Nellie. I don't know who she takes after, but she's so curious and mischievous."
"Why are you looking at me when you say that?"
Seok-won chuckled at the couple's playful banter.
"As you can see, the fabric is lightweight, so it's easy to fold up and carry in a bag. More importantly, it lets the baby feel secure by keeping them pressed close to the mother's body."
"I heard at the hospital that babies feel comforted by their mother's warmth and heartbeat."
"Right. And it even helps with the baby's physical development."
"Oh? How so?" Michelle asked, her eyes shining with curiosity.
"When a baby is carried on the back, they naturally work on supporting their head and neck. That, in turn, helps them develop the strength to hold their head up on their own."
"I see."
Michelle gazed at the podaegi in her hands with fascination.
In fact, years later, through the spread of the Korean Wave, the usefulness of the podaegi would become known in the United States, gaining popularity under the name "Podaegi."
"I've already been struggling to balance childcare and work, but this will really make things easier."
Among the gifts Seok-won had brought were designer baby clothes from a famous European brand, but Michelle seemed to like the podaegi even more.
He hadn't expected such a positive reaction, and though he felt a little awkward, he was also pleased to see her so happy.
"Michelle recently started practicing law again, and juggling that with childcare has been tough. This is exactly the kind of gift she needed."
Obama added his gratitude with a warm smile.
The three of them shared a delicious dinner prepared by Michelle, chatting in a cheerful atmosphere.
Although they often spoke on the phone, it had been a while since they last met in person, so their meal was filled with constant conversation and laughter.
After dinner, Michelle took Nellie to bed, leaving Seok-won and Obama to move to the living room sofa. Over a bottle of wine Seok-won had brought, they continued talking quietly.
After taking a sip and setting his glass down, Obama looked at him with a serious expression.
"I have something to tell you."
"What is it?"
"I'm planning to run in the congressional elections two years from now."
"…!"
At that, Seok-won straightened from where he had been leaning back against the sofa.
"Did the party approach you about this?"
Obama shook his head.
"No, not yet."
"Hmm. Then that means you'd have to beat the incumbent in the primaries."
Obama leaned forward, his voice filled with conviction.
"The current congressman, Reiter, does nothing but parrot vague lines about carrying on Harold Washington's legacy. But he has no clear principles, no real drive. He's not the kind of person who should be representing us in Congress."
Harold Washington had been a prominent African-American politician, famous for becoming the first Black mayor of Chicago.
"I know I can do a far better job in Congress than someone as ineffective as Reiter."
From the passion in his voice, it was clear Obama had already made up his mind to run.
Seok-won searched his memories from before his regression.
Wasn't Obama's first step into national politics supposed to be Congress?
No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't recall Barack Obama ever having served in the House of Representatives.
Which meant that Obama had lost that election.
Looking at the unusually serious expression on his friend's face, Seok-won spoke carefully.
"Of course, if it's you, Obama, I believe you could handle something much bigger than this. But ability aside, someone who's been re-elected multiple times has a solid base of supporters. That's not easy to overcome."
Obama nodded, acknowledging the point.
"You're right. But I've been listening to people and running informal polls. From what I've seen, I think I've got a real shot."
"Did you commission an official poll?"
"No, just through reliable contacts."
Which meant the data wasn't particularly reliable.
Seok-won knew Obama had to realize that too. Yet the way he spoke made it clear—no matter what he said, Obama was determined to run.
Seok-won pressed his lips together. He couldn't bring himself to say outright that his friend would lose.
He's had a fairly smooth ride so far in politics. Maybe experiencing a failure here wouldn't be the worst thing. Learning from it could be exactly what shapes him into the man who eventually wins a Senate seat—and perhaps even becomes the first Black president of the United States.
With his thoughts settled, Seok-won looked straight at Obama and said—
"When you first went into politics, I never thought you'd stop at being a state senator. Since you've started, you might as well see it through to the end."
"Then…"
"If you decide to enter the primaries, I'll back you. Don't worry about campaign funds."
Hearing Seok-won's unwavering support, Obama—who, despite deciding to run, still carried unease in his heart—looked deeply moved.
"Thank you, truly!"
Seok-won smiled gently.
"No need for words like that between friends."
"Is that so."
Obama chuckled as well, his eyes filled with trust as he looked at Seok-won.
The two of them continued late into the night, drinking wine and sharing earnest conversation.
Leaning back in the wide seat of his private jet, Seok-won flipped through a dossier in his hand, letting out a low hum.
"As I thought… not only the general election—he'll struggle to even make it past the primaries."
What he was reviewing were materials on Congressman Reiter, who held Illinois's 1st congressional district—the very seat Barack Obama intended to challenge.
"Just as Obama said, he isn't particularly capable, nor is his leadership strong. But being elected four times means his name recognition is on a whole different level."
Moreover, while Reiter hadn't accomplished much in his years in Congress, he also hadn't made any major blunders.
That meant Obama's platform of "renewal" might not resonate; it could even backfire, stirring resistance instead of support.
"It's going to be tough."
Seok-won shook his head with a murmur.
At that moment, the phone on the table began to ring. Seeing Landon's name flash across the screen, Seok-won answered immediately.
"It's me."
A rushed voice came from the other end.
—"Just now, Fed Chairman Monroe testified before the Senate that at the next FOMC meeting, they'll cut the benchmark interest rate again."
With rates already lowered by 0.25 points each in September and again on the 15th of this month, another cut would mark three consecutive reductions.
It was an unusual move, but Seok-won showed no surprise—only calm composure.
"Even after two rate cuts, the U.S.—and the global economy as well—keeps contracting at a rapid pace. The Fed must be getting desperate."
—"There's still more than two weeks left before the FOMC meeting. The fact that they've telegraphed a cut like this pretty much confirms it."
"If they follow through next month, that brings the rate down to 4.75%."
—"That's right."
"A 0.75% drop in the benchmark rate will free up liquidity again, and that rigidity in the markets should rebound. Since we've already shifted fully into long positions, this is good news for us."
—"If they were going to do this anyway, why not just slash it all at once? I don't get why they had to drag their feet and play catch-up like this."
Landon grumbled, sounding frustrated.
"They were cautious, worried about sparking inflation. Still, it bought us time to adjust our positions, didn't it?"
—"That's true."
"With the dot-com frenzy still far from burning out, adding more liquidity will make the rebound both big and blazing hot. Let's align our investment plans with that."
—"Understood."
"The plane's about to take off. We'll continue this conversation once I'm back in Korea."
—"Yes. Have a safe flight."
After ending the call, Seok-won lowered the phone and murmured to himself:
"Now the bubble will start swelling at a terrifying pace."