The Chaebols Are Back

"Yet will America's biggest energy business actually invest with such optimistic visions that approach torment?"

"I am able to think, as my godfather," I say to him, in a more humble tone, at least.

"I also rely upon the influence of your godfather, me, and the leverage of Ambassador Bush and his kin, who expect to enthrall you, just as I do."

Right.

'This is something beyond my doing alone.'

So I'm stressing to Senator Walker, who has kindly agreed to be my godfather.

"Seongsu, there has to be a reason the South Korean government cannot develop its own huge oil and natural gas reserves that can be hidden within its maritime border."

I'm inquiring despite knowing.

"The South Korean government remains poor and not affluent enough to undertake offshore oil field development projects akin to gambling."

"Is that all?"

"There is also the bad luck of having Japan, which is devouring the American economy, as our neighbor."

While discussing the 7th district, he didn't forget to add a pinch of chili powder on Japan.

"It seems like the Japanese government is intervening."

At the moment, the law of the sea applies the theory of the extension of the continental shelf, so the 7th mine area is South Korean territory. But if measured by distance, Japan is closer than South Korea."

"Haha, then the Japanese government would be angry if the South Korean government began developing it independently."

"Yes. Certainly, my president has shown his strong will to develop the 7th mine, but······.

"You have no capital?"

"Everything begins with getting capital. From my calculation of a great amount of data, the estimated size of oil buried in the 7th mining area is more than 100 billion barrels and the gas is 7.2 billion tons."

The reserves are unimaginable.

'Of course, that will happen when development is successful.'

This is what I ascertained through a marine geologist's report when I was the president of Shinsung Group.

The 7th mine is equivalent to the Black Sea oil fields, and holds not only oil and natural gas, but also new energy resources that can be utilized after scientific and technological developments.

This implies that it is a significant location where future sources of energy that will illuminate the Earth are found.

"Seongsu, you also explained to me that the development of offshore oil fields is a business of gambling."

"Yes, so the government of Korea cannot perform the development alone."

"Because Japan's interference is also significant."

"We are going to have to establish a joint venture with one of the biggest energy companies in the United States to begin development before we can begin drilling."

"You understand the soul of America better than anyone else."

"Isn't it the most logical and honest thing, that America is putting the interest and security of its people and the interest of its own firms first?"

Senator Walker nods to my words.

'I've run out of luck.'

Actually, the 7th mine offshore oil field development project is not a project that will be completed within a short time.

What I wish to do is to make the Korean government not have any alternative but to sign the Korea-Japan Continental Shelf Agreement as requested by the Japanese government, just like in 1974, and to avoid the establishment of a Korea-Japan joint development zone.

'World Maritime Law.'

It can be different based on the influence and national power of the country.

If the Republic of Korea that I shall raise with my own hands can develop 10 times more powerful than the Republic of Korea that I know, I believe the theory of extension of the continental shelf can also be upheld.

"It's not a project that needs to be started right away?"

"I told you a little while back. You have to lay the foundation like in Go, an oriental chess game."

Senator Walker nods at my words.

"Seongsu, I was highly interested in what you said and I have great expectations."

What this means is that I will use my influence to meet with Ambassador Bush.

"thank you."

"Of course, that won't be immediately possible. You have to go to Iran too."

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"Yes, that is true."

"When I first met the President of Korea, I said you were the hidden card of the Republic of Korea, but now I feel like you are my hidden card. Seongsu."

"Yes, sir."

As I replied, Senator Walker's eyes changed.

"Just as you are devoted to me, you should be devoted to my son, your friend and brother. If you do so, your descendants can enjoy the life you vowed to me."

Generation-long loyalty?

If someone heard this, he would think it was Kim Il-sung who said it.

"I will do that."

I am skilled at lying.

'Originally, furrows become ridges and ridges become furrows.'

No one knows where I will be someday, but at least I know I will not be Smith's servant.

Senator Walker Smith's color remains dark green.

The interaction between him and me is cooperation for a purpose, as the colors show.

As is unlike Smith Jr.

'Politicians are the servants of capitalists.'

I smiled at Senator Walker, thinking,

"Look at this."

Senator Walker unexpectedly pulled out his wallet from his suit jacket and presented me with a photo.

"The pretty smiling girl is my daughter Sophia."

But the senator's color, which had looked green to me, turned into light blue.

"I think Sophia is wisdom in Greek."

"Hahaha, yes. She's so beautiful and has an IQ of 158, so she's a genius."

East or West, fathers can't help being fools over their daughters.

'But if your IQ is 158.'

One head equals being intelligent.

And even though she's still a girl, if she's brought up well, she will probably grow up to be a representative American blonde beauty.

"Seongsu. There is nothing as strong and close as family."

Both Irish and Jews think that blood is significant.

"yes?"

I did not know what Senator Walker was talking about, but I acted like I did not know and asked again like a fool.

'Your mind has changed.'

He was groomed as a son-in-law candidate.

That is why the green turned light blue.

"I'm saying this because I think my wife likes you. Hahaha!"

If being handsome and talented is an issue, then it is an issue.

Beginning with the President of the Republic of Korea, Chairman Kim Byung-chul, and even politicians in the United States who were influential started thinking of me as a son-in-law.

"She still looks like a girl."

"I'm all grown up, I'm 17."

In Korean age, he is 19 years old.

"I'll make time for you later when you're less busy."

"Yes, sir."

"By the way, what are you going to do in Iran?"

The Iranian government has been commissioned to sign a five-year long-term contract to provide oil to South Korea." 

"Seongsu, if you go to Iran, even the Shah of Pahlavi will be interested in you. Hahaha!"

"To me?"

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"Since the Pahlavi King has numerous wives, he should have numerous daughters."

That's right.

"Father, I wonder why you are telling me this.

"Don't avert your gaze. Even though she's a princess, she's just one of many daughters."

"Yes, I see. Hahaha!"

I smiled self-consciously.

"How much money did Smith offer to invest in you?"

"We negotiated to invest $10 million as a condition for setting up a joint venture."

Senator Walker nods at my response.

"As I expected, Smith is lovesick over you, hahaha!"

It's evident that Senator Walker wants to use me as an able servant.

'But you know.'

There is a Korean saying, "A black-haired beast is not worth caring for."

And I'm the kind of guy who could be a black-haired beast.

* * *

January 13, 1972, outside the parking lot of Tehran International Airport, Iran.

Finally in Iran.

Walker Smith Jr. wired $10 million into my Citibank account.

That's enough money to fuel three 300,000-ton tankers with oil.

If you are able to acquire oil, you can earn 10% profit in a week.

'The price of world oil is currently $2.'

It's $2 per barrel. This covers the transportation cost from the country of production to the country of importation.

'What happens if international oil prices increase?'

Everything is on the rise, particularly international shipping fees. Now that I realize it, I missed this.

"What are those people doing?"

When I saw the Iranians bowing to one side, Lee Jae-gyu, president's special envoy, asked me:

"It's time for prayer. Muslims pray four times a day."

Muslims call their religion a religion of peace.

But 20 years later, everyone in the world is scared of Islam itself.

horror!

awe!

refusal!

Discrimination accordingly!

People cannot stand even a little difference.

You can tell that just by glancing at Special Envoy Lee Jae-gyu, who is appalled at the sight of Islamic prayer practices.

"No matter how much you pray, you can't do that on the street?"

Does Special Envoy Lee Jae-gyu not know how to be thoughtful towards others?

Or is he just an old fart?

"Religion is life and more to them. You may either remain quiet or bow along with me and express your deference."

I fell face down in the same direction as the Iranians immediately after talking to Special Envoy Lee Jae-gyu.

'And this.'

Show me.

"Must it be so?"

I can't tell what Special Envoy Lee Jae-gyu looks like because I'm reclining, but the tone of his voice indicates that he's upset with my actions.

".Because someone will be watching."

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"Is it like saying that when you are.in Rome, you must obey Roman law?"

"Similar."

If it was September, Ramadan time, during not January, you wouldn't know why I wouldn't swallow my saliva and spit on the road.

But do you necessarily have to do it like that?

'From nothing!'

If you want to win the approval of the wealthy and receive much from them, you must please them.

Then, an Iranian government official who knew us came up to me with a surprised face when he saw me standing up from the street after completing the prayer.

'What if it was a state visit?'

Iranian government officials would have been present beforehand, but as this visit to Iran is unofficial, they are being treated in this manner.

"Are you a special envoy of the Korean government's president?"

But it is an Iranian government official who asks us in English.

"Yes."

"Are you Muslim?"

He appears interested in what I did.

'My religion is capital.'

Because nothing instills as much faith and trust as money.

"no."

"Then why did you pray with the Muslims?"

"I would greatly appreciate it if you would take it as a matter of respect."

The Iranian government official smiled at my statement.

"welcome."

In an instant, the special envoy of the Korean president was turned into a sack of barley.

'I can't meet the King of Iran right now.'

Nevertheless, my actions could possibly speed up my audience with the King a bit.

Because important positions within the Iranian government are occupied by members of the royal family." 

My activities will be made known to the King of Iran.