Golden Spoon Investment Portfolio - Chapter 487

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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487. It’s been such a long time.

Beyond the expansive windows of the Presidential Office, snow-blanketed Inwang Mountain unfolded like a painting.
President Kim Jae-chun sat at a spacious solid wood desk, reading today’s newspaper.

[Park Seok-won, President of Daeheung Venture Capital, Presents 150 Million Won Congratulatory Bonus to Employee Who Gave Birth to Triplets!]

After reading the entire article in the newspaper, a gentle smile spread across President Kim Jae-chun’s face.

“Hmm. That’s truly remarkable.”

As an admiring exclamation escaped him, a knock sounded and a female secretary from the Presidential Office carefully opened the door and entered.

“The Chief Secretary has arrived.”

President Kim Jae-chun set down the newspaper he’d been reading and replied.

“Show him in.”
“Yes, sir.”

The female secretary withdrew, and shortly after, Chief Secretary Woo Chun-il, dressed in a gray suit, entered the office.
After approaching the desk and bowing respectfully, Chief Secretary Woo Chun-il straightened up, and his gaze naturally fell upon the newspaper resting on the desk.

“I see you were reading the article about President Park.”

President Kim Jae-chun, leaning back in his plush chair, smiled and nodded.

“Yes. I really can’t fathom how Chairman Park came up with such an idea.”
“Indeed. As the article mentions, it wasn’t just a one-time congratulatory bonus for this occasion. The company owned by President Park is implementing not only childbirth support payments for all employees but also various other generous employee welfare programs.”

Upon hearing this, President Kim Jae-chun’s expression became quite satisfied.

“In these difficult times brought on by the IMF crisis, isn’t this exactly what our society needs? It’s a truly exemplary case of the responsibility a business leader should demonstrate.”
“You speak the truth, sir.”

President Kim Jae-chun glanced once at the large black-and-white photograph of Seok-won featured prominently in the newspaper and spoke.

“I heard Time magazine recently named Chairman Park the world’s richest man?”
“Yes, sir. His estimated assets reportedly exceed ninety billion dollars.”

Though I’d already heard this fact before, I couldn’t help but whistle in amazement once more.

“Ninety billion dollars. I can scarcely fathom how much wealth that truly represents.”

President Kim Jae-chun, having expressed his admiration, offered genuine praise.

“No matter how much money one possesses, accomplishing such feats is far from easy. Not only does he excel at business, but his generosity of spirit is truly exceptional.”
“He is indeed a remarkable individual.”

Chief Secretary Woo Chun-il nodded in agreement as well.
President Kim Jae-chun, wearing a pleased expression, regarded Chief Secretary Woo Chun-il standing before his desk.

“But what brings you here?”
“It concerns Chairman Park.”

At this, President Kim Jae-chun’s curiosity became evident.

“Tell me what it is.”
“Chairman Park recently established a new Private Space Development Company. He intends to construct a space launch facility at Mosulpo on Jeju Island.”

Upon hearing this, President Kim Jae-chun straightened up, his face registering surprise.

“Did you just say a space launch facility?”
“Yes, sir. I was quite astonished when I first heard the news myself.”
“My goodness. He truly never fails to astound me with the unexpected.”

President Kim Jae-chun asked, his face alight with intrigue.

“Building a launch facility means he intends to launch space rockets from there, correct?”
“Yes. As I briefed you previously, he has already brought in space rockets and technicians from Russia in substantial numbers, and based on that foundation, he plans to launch his own rockets into space from the Mosulpo facility within five years.”

President Kim Jae-chun exclaimed with admiration.

“Remarkable. Regardless of success or failure, if he truly launches a space rocket five years from now as planned, wouldn’t that be faster than the space development project the Ministry of Science and Technology is pursuing?”
“The Ministry’s plan targets 2005 for satellite launch, so this would be roughly one year ahead. Moreover, considering he plans to use Russian launch vehicles for the first stage while equipping only the second stage with a self-developed eight-ton solid rocket, it is undeniably an innovative and audacious undertaking.”
“Now that you mention it, that’s quite true.”

President Kim Jae-chun, who had been nodding along, let a hint of concern cross his face.

“I’d certainly prefer if we could develop rockets entirely on our own, but I understand there are significant technical hurdles. That’s why the Ministry of Science and Technology decided to focus on developing just the first stage initially. I’m wondering if Chairman Park might be overextending himself.”
“That’s precisely why he’s been acquiring extensive space rocket technology from Russia and bringing in retired engineers and development personnel to fill those gaps.”
“I heard he didn’t keep all that expensive transferred technology to himself—he shared it with both the Defense Science Research Institute and the Ministry of Science and Technology.”
“Thanks to that, it’s reportedly been invaluable in developing ballistic missiles and Korea’s indigenous launch vehicle.”

A satisfied smile naturally bloomed across President Kim Jae-chun’s face.

“Acting with such magnanimity for the national interest, without expecting anything in return—he’s truly a man of grand vision.”
“It’s certainly not something anyone could accomplish. Chairman Park also played a crucial role in navigating the foreign exchange crisis without declaring a moratorium like Russia did.”
“Yes, that’s true.”

President Kim Jae-chun nodded repeatedly, as if affirming the same thoughts.

“Given all he’s done for the nation, we should help him with whatever we can. Besides, what Chairman Park is attempting will benefit the country as well.”
“However, there is one obstacle.”
“What is it?”

As he raised his eyebrows in question, Chief Secretary Woo Chun-il, receiving his gaze, broached the main issue.

“Chairman Park intends to build a launch facility in Mosulpo on Jeju Island, and the Ministry of National Defense owns 610,000 pyeong of land there. It appears some of that land falls within the planned launch facility site.”

President Kim Jae-chun immediately grasped the implication.

“He’s asking for permission to purchase the Ministry of National Defense’s land.”
“That’s correct.”
“How large is the launch facility he’s planning to build in Mosulpo?”
“He plans to invest 1.5 billion dollars on a 400,000 pyeong site to construct launch pads, rocket assembly buildings, control centers, and various other auxiliary facilities.”

President Kim Jae-chun’s eyes widened as he leaned forward in his seat.

“The scale is larger than I anticipated. And the budget is 1.5 billion dollars, you say.”
“Yes. And Chairman Park has proposed that if the Ministry of National Defense transfers its land, he will construct and donate a new military port in Jemulpo capable of simultaneously accommodating twenty naval vessels of 10,000 tons or more.”
“He’s offering to build a naval base?”

Observing President Kim Jae-chun’s intrigued expression, Chief Secretary Woo Chun-il nodded in affirmation.

“Once the launch facility is constructed, we’ll need to establish restricted zones to limit civilian access, and we’ll require a port to transport rocket components from the mainland. So the idea is to construct a military dock and hand it over to them.”
“From President Park’s perspective, security and dock management burdens decrease, while the Navy gains a new base on Jeju Island at no cost. It’s mutually beneficial.”
“Exactly.”

President Kim Jae-chun stroked his chin with one hand as he asked.

“What’s the Ministry of National Defense’s reaction?”
“Before submitting the report, we had a casual discussion, and their response was positive.”
“Ah, I see.”
“Most of the Ministry of National Defense-owned land in the Mosulpo area is currently sitting vacant, and there was already discussion about the need to construct a naval base on Jeju Island to secure maritime traffic routes. They seemed quite enthusiastic about it.”
“Then there’s no reason to hesitate. Provide active support for whatever is needed, starting with the sale of Ministry of National Defense-owned land.”
“Understood.”

President Kim Jae-chun leaned back in his chair, muttering to himself with hopeful eyes.

“Private space development… It’s not an easy undertaking, but hearing that President Park is taking on the challenge makes me think it might actually succeed.”

* * *

[Since the VIP personally told Minister An to provide active support, there shouldn’t be any difficulty in purchasing Ministry of National Defense-owned land.]

Seok-won, sunk into the back seat of a large Mercedes sedan speeding down the road, smiled at Chief Secretary Woo Chun-il’s words.

“Thanks to you, we’ve been able to smoothly overcome a major hurdle. I’m grateful.”
[Haha, I’m glad it helped. Let’s grab a meal together next time you’re free.]
“Of course. I’ll take you somewhere that suits your palate.”
[I’m looking forward to it. I’ll be in touch.]
“Safe travels.”

After ending the call, Seok-won still had negotiations with the Ministry of National Defense ahead, but he wore a satisfied expression at having smoothly taken the first step in constructing the space launch facility.
Moments later, the heavy black sedan carrying Seok-won glided to a stop before the revolving doors of Sogong-dong Lotte Hotel, their destination.
A Doorman dressed in a neat coat uniform approached with quick steps, grasped the rear door handle, and opened the car door.
Seok-won then stepped out of the car, extending long, model-like legs.

“You said you secured a table at the Korean restaurant, right?”

Han Ji-sung, who was following behind, answered immediately as Seok-won walked at a leisurely pace.

“Yes, sir.”

Having visited this place many times before, I entered the hotel with familiar ease, crossing the luxurious lobby with its natural marble floors and glittering crystal chandelier overhead, then took the elevator to the third floor.
The Manager, who had come out to wait at the entrance of the reserved Korean restaurant, spotted me and quickly approached with a respectful bow.

“Welcome, sir.”

I acknowledged his greeting with a slight nod, and the Manager responded with utmost courtesy, raising one arm to gesture toward the interior.

“I shall show you to your reserved private room.”

Following the Manager’s lead, I was guided to a private dining room designed for quiet meals away from other guests’ eyes.
When the sliding door opened, a beautifully appointed room came into view—spacious enough for five or six people to dine comfortably.
I removed my coat and handed it to Han Ji-sung Deputy Manager, then took my seat first.

“We shall bring the food once the rest of your party arrives.”
“Very well.”

The Manager bowed and straightened, then departed.
Shortly after, a Female Secretary entered carrying ceramic tableware and a pot of Ssanghwa tea, a warming herbal brew.
As I sipped the Ssanghwa tea—rich with jujubes and nuts, its aroma subtly sweet—I had waited only a short while when I heard movement outside, and the sliding door opened.
Guided by the Manager came Liu Shangfu, Vice Secretary of Fujian Province.
Upon hearing that he was visiting with a delegation to attract Korean corporate investment to Fujian Province, I had reached out first.
Rising from my seat, I extended my hand with a warm smile.

“It’s been far too long.”

Speaking in fluent English, Vice Secretary Liu smiled in return and grasped my outstretched hand.

“I was actually considering reaching out to you, but hesitated for fear of being a bother. Thank you for suggesting we meet first.”
“When an old friend comes from afar, offering proper hospitality is only natural, is it not?”

At my warm tone, Vice Secretary Liu’s lips curved upward slightly.
Though he wielded considerable influence within China, he was merely a provincial vice secretary, unlike me—a titan of Wall Street and the world’s wealthiest man—so his gratitude was understandable.
Observing his expression, I smiled inwardly and gestured for him to sit.

“Please, let’s sit and talk.”
“Of course.”

Vice Secretary Liu nodded readily and took the seat across from me.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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