Chapter 9: If a Chaebol Returns, What Can't He Do?

The reckless son of a chaebol family's counterattack has transitioned to a paid service.

"That's how it has been so far."

When I recall the future memories I know, after the United States lost the Vietnam War, it also ended in defeat in the invasion of Afghanistan, and the Iraq War ultimately ended in failure.

"Still, the reason the United States remains the world's superpower is because American citizens are full of confidence."

"That's a good point."

"However, in this current war, we are on the brink of defeat against North Vietnam, and economically, products made by Japanese companies are invading the American mainland like an air raid."

I sprinkled a little chili powder on Japan.

"An air raid? And you said 'invasion'?"

"War is not just the past attack on Pearl Harbor."

I reminded him of the past between the United States and Japan.

"Isn't the current situation more than just an air raid?"

"Why do you say such things?"

"Japanese products are already occupying the American mainland, and it's not an exaggeration to say that American companies have lost their competitiveness. Companies that have lost their competitiveness will inevitably go bankrupt and lay off their employees in large numbers. One of the reasons for the rising unemployment rate in the United States is Japan's remarkable economic growth."

What I said to the senator might later become the catalyst for the Plaza Accord.

"It's an exaggeration, but it's not entirely baseless."

"American citizens will hope for the reconstruction of a weakened America."

Reagan, an actor by profession, will become president by advocating for a strong America.

"By emphasizing a strong America and strengthening relations with allies, you will win the hearts of American voters. The President will actively support you, and I will also help Smith, who is planning to enter politics."

In fact, South Korea is an important country for the United States.

'What if relations between the United States and China deteriorate?'

The value of South Korea in the eyes of the United States will rise even more.

Of course, the U.S. government and politicians consider Japan more important than South Korea.

"I offered to help, but it seems I'm the one receiving help. Hahaha!"

He seems satisfied that I offered to help Smith enter politics.

"Thank you very much for your understanding."

"Then, how can I help you?"

The senator asked, looking back and forth between me and the President.

"Please allow the U.S. government to provide short-term loans to the ally, South Korea."

"Short-term loans?"

"Even if the interest rate is high, that's fine."

The oil price, which is currently $2, will rise to $11.50 by 1974.

'Ensure that South Korea secures more oil than it needs.'

The surplus oil can be sold to Japan or Taiwan to profit from the price difference.

"Are you saying you want to buy oil in advance with these short-term loans?"

"War that is bound to happen will happen. The Korean War and the Vietnam War were like that, and in the Middle East, Israel and Arab countries will continue to fight endlessly."

"I'll do my best."

I planted the idea of becoming President in the senator's mind, which is why he's saying this.

"Mr. President, you have a hidden card."

A hidden card?

"Whatever happens, the senator and I will help South Korea."

I know this because the interpreter translated my words to the senator in English to the President.

"Thank you."

It seems like an unofficial secret agreement is being formed.

"There are many capable young people like Seong-su in South Korea, so I believe South Korea will develop even more."

Seong-su is the real hidden card of South Korea.

If I become the world's largest capitalist, the trickle-down effect will benefit South Korea and its people.

'Now that I've set it in motion.'

All that's left is to keep moving forward.

'How will I make the initial capital?'

Should I ask the President how much slush fund he has?

Will I really end up getting a severe scolding and becoming a penniless beggar?

* * *

December 27, 1971, in the study of Senator Walker Smith in New York, USA.

Senator Walker Smith was reflecting on the conversation he had with Seong-su after meeting the President of South Korea at the Blue House on the 24th.

In front of Senator Walker Smith sat Captain Smith, looking composed.

"Putting wings on a tiger?"

Senator Walker Smith muttered the words Seong-su had said. Seong-su was using Senator Walker Smith to carry out two operations simultaneously.

"What do you think about that?"

"I think Seong-su is right."

"I'm asking for your opinion, not Seong-su's."

"Father, China is as vast as the United States. It has abundant underground resources and a population five times larger. With cheap labor and inexpensive raw materials, China could become a more formidable rival to the U.S. economy than Japan."

"The Nixon administration plans to support the Chinese Communist Party to compete with the Soviet Union."

"That's a perfect miscalculation by Nixon."

"A miscalculation?"

"It may seem like creating a peaceful atmosphere now, but it will awaken the giant dragon of Asia with immense potential. It must be stopped. While the Soviet Union has vast territory, most of it is useless. China is different."

"Definitely different?"

Recalling what Seong-su had said to him in the hospital's VIP room, Smith answered his father's question.

'Seong-su is a genius, a genius!'

Smith marveled at Seong-su once again.

"In my opinion, China must not be opened. It will harm the future of the United States. Father, you must stop it."

"Do I have the power to stop it?"

"The Democrats do. And if you prepare now, you could become President."

"Me, President?"

Senator Walker Smith's eyes lit up.

"Nobody knows what will happen tomorrow. And it's absurd that the ping-pong diplomacy is proceeding without a formal and sincere apology from the Chinese Communist Party."

"That's true."

"Many Americans still remember the Chosin Reservoir battle like Father does."

Clearly, Seong-su had sprinkled a little chili powder on the U.S.-China reconciliation.

* * *

In the Personnel Advisory Office of the Security Command.

"Seong-su, can you persuade them well?"

A unprecedented situation in the history of South Korea's dictatorial regime is about to occur.

"I'll do my best."

I said, looking at the Personnel Advisor of the Security Command.

"You must interpret the reason why the Security Command and the Central Intelligence Agency must actively support this operation differently, right?"

There is a reason, because the President ordered it.

'Wait a minute.'

Next year is 1972.

In October, the Yushin Constitution will be announced.

'Could the President have thought that far ahead?'

If so, it's chilling.

'When the Yushin Constitution is announced, the whole country will be in turmoil with anti-Yushin protests.'

The core of the protests?

Student movements.

'Everyone gathered here!'

There's a plot to brand them as traitors.

'The President is terrifying!'

He is a mass of desire to protect his power.

* * *

In the President's office at the Blue House.

"October would be good, wouldn't it?"

The President said, looking at the Chief of Staff.

"Yes, Mr. President."

"Korea needs a constitution that will exert stronger governance."

"You are right."

"When it is announced, the country will be heated up like a furnace with student protests. We need to turn the leading student activists into traitors to set the stage."

The Chief of Staff nodded in agreement with the President.

"Seong-su is also being very helpful to me and South Korea. Hehehe!"