"Are you planning to turn it into a corporation? But isn't a steel mill a national key industry? Is that even permissible?"
"If the government holds about 30% of the shares, it's practically a state-owned enterprise. Moreover, the corporate tax rate is 25% for state-owned enterprises and 35% for corporations, so it's more beneficial for the country. The most important thing is that the investment funds are gathered with the expectation of dividends."
"Will developed countries be interested in investing in a steel mill in a developing country?"
"Why are you being so timid even after we've inserted attractive clauses? The government supports everything including the land for the factory, water, and electricity."
"But that's only possible because it's a state-owned enterprise..."
"We can create a special law for an integrated steel mill. What can't we do in our country? Whatever we do, it's better than using the Japan claim funds."
The officials started nodding one by one at my words.
On reflection, there's nothing impossible about it.
Whether we bring in a loan or receive investment funds, paying loan interest or dividends is essentially the same.
I had already sufficiently explained to Director Seok Gi-hoon the reasons for being wary of Japanese funds, so there was no need to mention it again.
Even though I didn't tell them, in history, Japan secured orders for more than 60 global steel plant projects in the 1970s through the construction of Pohang Iron and Steel.
If we achieve the Pohang Steel project with our own hands, we could take some of those orders.
"Then how should we handle the basic design? The Japanese Steel Company Union wants to sign a technology service contract with our country."
"A technology service contract?"
"Yes, they've expressed their intention through the Economic Planning Board."
They bypassed the core department of the Promotion Committee, the Ministry of Commerce, and went through the Economic Planning Board, which mainly formulates plans?
They must have already negotiated behind the scenes to secure a technology service contract. That means they've already received some sort of payoff.
Let's pretend to consider it and siphon off what we can.
"Tell them we will actively review it. Also, send the same contract proposal to Bechtel in the US."
Bechtel, which is already building two power plants in our country, won't hesitate to participate in the technology service contract.
Having experienced our country's potential, they will properly compete with Japan.
"Bechtel! Understood."
"Remember, make Japan and the US compete, and if necessary, make West Germany compete too to extract the most favorable conditions. Especially, craft a report to stimulate the US Department of Defense. We will take it to the Pittsburgh Conference."
"What kind of report do you want?"
"Emphasize that building an integrated steel mill is necessary for us to achieve minimal weapon self-reliance and to fulfill our role as a vanguard of the free world."
"Are you linking the steel mill to national security?"
"Of course. There's data showing that North Korea's steelmaking capacity is 2.12 million tons, while ours is only 580,000 tons. In such a situation, we can demand correction under the Mutual Security Act (MSA)."
"You are correct, Chairman. Steel is the foundation of industry and the cornerstone of national defense."
Several committee members raised their hands and agreed with my words. Being behind North Korea in steelmaking capacity meant more than just the numbers.
The core of the US's Asia policy is to position Korea and Japan as military and economic vanguards against the power of China and the Soviet Union.
In other words, they support our country militarily while supporting Japan economically. They even handed over the entire Southeast Asia market to Japan for that purpose.
Therefore, by strongly opposing policies that contradict this logic, we can secure investments.
In essence, we need to warn the US Department of Defense that not supporting the integrated steel mill in Korea would disrupt the very foundation of the US's military strategy in Asia.
"Send the report to the US Department of Defense, and also to the US Congress, Department of Commerce, Export-Import Bank, World Bank, and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)."
"That's a great idea. Recently, there's been a major personnel reshuffle among US policymakers, so we can use that as an excuse to send the report."
"A reshuffle?"
"Yes, Robert McNamara, the former US Secretary of Defense, has been appointed President of the World Bank. There have been quite a few other personnel changes as well."
"That's great news. By the way, please organize the list of reshuffled personnel and provide it to me."
"Yes, Chairman."
Has there been a large-scale personnel reshuffle in the US political and economic circles?
And they've replaced the Secretary of Defense while the Vietnam War is still ongoing? Could there already be signs of unrest in the Middle East?
Well, Israel is expected to launch a surprise attack next year, so they might have informed the US political circles in advance.
It would be problematic if the Suez Canal is blocked earlier than in the original history... or maybe the signs were already there even in the original history?
It's hard to judge, but it's clear that we need to expedite our work. Even knowing the future, it's difficult to move forward quickly without money.
"Also, Vice Minister Yeom and Director Seok should prepare to accompany me to the US. I'll handle some other matters and then depart for the US separately."
"Haha, we get to go with the boss again."
Vice Minister Yeom Won-chul reacted with delight.
It's not that I want to take them along because I like them.
Since the president appointed them as my 'reporting channel', I need to keep them close and control the information.
I'll make sure they can't even get near the telex.
If information leaks again like last time, it will be a disaster.
"Am I going too, besides the Vice Minister?"
"Since the West German government will also attend, I think it will be very helpful if Director Seok joins us."
"Ah, yes. I'll prepare."
I used the excuse of interpretation, but I actually wanted to observe this man further in relation to the Pohang Iron and Steel project.
I was curious why someone with his level of skill was not more prominent in the original history.
The scientists from the Korea Institute of Science and Technology participating in the committee also surprised me with their abilities.
Although it wasn't a full-fledged design, they almost perfectly calculated the equipment specifications needed for the steel mill.
Even if we only receive the basic design service from Bechtel, with the cooperation of these scientists and myself, we can produce the best design of the 60s.
"See you in the US then."
I experienced what could be called 'going home' for the first time in almost a week.
---
Seongsu-dong, Daese Industries.
"Sambok!"
"Chansu! Where on earth have you been wandering around? You only sent a telex and then there was no contact."
Sambok ran to me and hugged me tightly.
I was just busy, but it seemed he was genuinely worried about me.
"Were you worried?"
"Of course. I thought you had been dragged off by the KCIA. If you go in and out of the Blue House, you should report where you're going, you punk."
"Are you kidding? If I get dragged by the KCIA, can you pull me out?"
"Even if I can't pull you out, I still worry, you rascal."
It's funny and sad to make a joke out of human rights oppression in the 60s.
"Enough jokes. You need to go to Europe. I've created a special advisor position for the Integrated Steel Mill Promotion Committee, so it shouldn't be difficult for you to operate."
"I'm a special advisor? Why do I have to go to Europe?"
"You need to take charge of Incheon Steel. While you're at it, study the steel industry and sign technology agreements with the steel companies listed here."
I handed Sambok a thick report.
Would he realize that I had spent almost a week staying up all night to write this report?
"Incheon Steel? What nonsense is this? I barely understand the textile industry."
"There are plenty of people in the textile industry better than you."
"What?"
I looked around the office supervisors.
Each factory had already been well-staffed with managers trained by Sambok, so now it's time to make the headquarters independent.
"Supervisor Kim Bong-sook."
"Yes, sir."
I called Supervisor Kim, whom I once referred to as Miss Kim. She sprang up from her seat with sparkling eyes. As expected, she's quick to catch on.
"Honestly answer this. Who knows better about export-import operations, types of fabrics, and inventory management, you or Supervisor Lee Sambok?"
"How can I say that myself..."
"See? She knows better than you."
"Why do you have to say that in front of me?"
"What do you think? It's time for you to be promoted to Incheon Steel."
I poked the report into his arms.
"Supervisor Kim, how long have you been a supervisor?"
"Eight months and 22 days, sir."
Hmm... Promoting her to manager might be too soon.
Alright, let's make her an assistant manager for now.
"Alright. From now on, I'm appointing Supervisor Kim as Assistant Manager. Organize the team by splitting the export-import operations and product management."
"What? I'm becoming an assistant manager?"
"If you lead the supervisors and maintain the current sales growth until the end of the year, you'll be the first to be promoted to a full manager next year!"
"Oh my, thank you, sir! I'll work hard and definitely achieve it. Absolutely."
Assistant Manager Kim clenched her fists and responded energetically.
She had been exemplary in terms of enthusiasm and organizational control, becoming a model for other supervisors.
Even Sambok trusted and entrusted her, so she would do well.
"
Come on, Incheon Steel? What company names are these? Voest in Austria? Otto in West Germany? What kind of company names are these?"
Sambok frowned.
They must be unfamiliar names to him.
Although the names sound strange, these companies have revolutionized the steel industry.
"Since we are building an integrated steel mill, you must secure comprehensive technology agreements, no matter the cost. This is really important. I'm not exaggerating when I say our nation's fate depends on it."
"... The fate of our nation... Why entrust such an important task to me? You should go yourself!"
Cowardly Sambok was startled.
"Why else? Because if I move, someone will be watching."
"Who's watching you? The KCIA? The Secretary's Office?"
'No, our competitors across the sea.'
"!!!!"
Sambok's expression changed immediately after my whisper.
He realized it was indeed an important task.
"Assistant Manager Kim! I'll be traveling to Europe urgently, so please take care of the tasks."
"Yes, leave it to me, Director."
"Director??"
Assistant Manager Kim suddenly referred to Sambok as Director.
I intended to send him far away with this opportunity.
She's learning corporate life well.
"You should be promoted to Director if you're being sent to Incheon Steel. Congratulations in advance, Director Lee Sambok!"
"Wow! Really? Treat us, Director!"
"What's this? Are you already sending me off to Incheon Steel?"
"Director sounds a hundred times better than Supervisor!"
"Today's a farewell party! Hooray!"
The supervisors at Daese Industries' headquarters half-jokingly, half-seriously shouted for a farewell party and cheered.
Our company was gradually becoming more organized.
"Alright, announce a company-wide dinner for tonight!"
"Wow! The boss is cool."
"The cool one isn't me but Director Lee Sambok. Isn't the person paying for the dinner the cool one?"
"Hooray! Awesome."
What's happier for employees than a promotion? Other staff members were happier first.
"Wait, wait! I'll treat you, but isn't this too much? There's still an accident to be handled over there. Do I have to move there immediately?"
"That's why you have to go now! And Incheon Steel is essential for producing shipbuilding plates."
"I don't understand a word you're saying."
"I've detailed everything in the report, so read it thoroughly. I'm going to drop by Qui Nhon and then head to the US, so we won't see each other for a while."
"Qui Nhon again? You said you wouldn't go to Vietnam anymore!"
"I'm not going for work, it's just a business trip to the Vietnam branch."
He shook his head and locked the report in his drawer with a key. He knew it was an important document. Despite his words, he would read it overnight.
"Sigh, what's the point of resisting? If the boss orders, we have to obey. Let's go, I'll buy soju, beer, or makgeolli, whatever you want."
"Everyone heard that? Let's go!"
"Wow, a company-wide dinner!"
The entire Seongsu-dong factory quickly became excited.
Free alcohol is always welcome.
Since Sambok was also a busy guy, he had no time to spend money otherwise.
Going to Qui Nhon after a long time felt strange.
Although I was going for war scrap, I also needed to check my treasure vault.
I had to confirm how much it had been filled.
"Hey, President Woo. Long time no see."
I met Old Man Hwang as I left the factory gate.
True to his reputation as the Seongsu-dong stalwart, he was leisurely enjoying a walk.
"Haha, join us, Old Man Hwang. We're having a company-wide dinner today."
"I only eat dongtaejeon with makgeolli."
"Eat as much as you want. Today's treat is on Sambok."
"Really? Director Lee is treating?"
"Yes, he was just promoted to Director."
"Haha, I should go congratulate him then. Lead the way."
Old Man Hwang joined us.
I thought about creating a position for him if we built a research center.
All the fatigue that had accumulated over the week melted away in an instant. This was definitely the place where I felt most at ease.
---
Two days later,
Qui Nhon, Vietnam.
"Wow! The boss is here."
"How's everyone doing?"
I arrived in Qui Nhon after taking a flight to Saigon and a connecting ferry. When I got to the port, Daese Construction staff were there to welcome me.
The port was nearly complete and seemed capable of docking large oil tankers.
"Wow!!"
Bang! Bang!
As I disembarked, the staff popped several bottles of champagne like fireworks.
This place was truly overflowing with military supplies.
"Welcome, boss."
"President Jin Dalrae, you got quite tanned."
My father had turned completely bronze.
Even with a polytech cover, the tropical sun couldn't be fully blocked.
"Considering the money we're making, what does a little tan matter? Haha."
"Looking at the port, it seems the work is going well. The airport must be almost finished too."
"Yes, it is. The construction is about 80% complete, and you can consider Qui Nhon an impregnable fortress now. Of course, the dredging work in the Mekong Delta is progressing smoothly under the control of the Blue Dragon Division. Let's go to the office, and I'll give you a report."
"There's plenty of work, and everything is progressing well, isn't it?"
"Haha, that's right. I'll deliver the report before you return to Korea. At this rate, this year's sales and profits will be no less than when you were here."
"Since we've taken over Da Nang Port and Cam Ranh Bay, it seems more than just 'no less'. Haha."
Our key staff, like Silver in Da Nang and Mark in Cam Ranh, were utilizing our Daese Construction workforce, resulting in nearly tripled sales in Vietnam.
"Thanks to you sending us manpower, boss."
"It wasn't just sending people. I arranged for staff rotation to allow them to take breaks in Korea. Has everyone had a chance to go home?"
"Yes, boss!"
The response was immediate.
It seemed everyone had visited home once.
They must have strutted back with gift bundles from the PX, feeling proud.
"Thanks to you, we rotate 60 people weekly to take vacations back home. I went back three months ago."
With about 700 people here, rotating 60 people weekly means each person gets to take a vacation every three months.
"You're doing well."
"During my vacation, I saw the news about you opening the North American route. It's incredible."
It seems he returned to Qui Nhon just as I was heading to the US.
"What can I say? You're all doing just as great here, aren't you? Which other construction company can build a port and runway this quickly in Vietnam?"
"Exactly. We'll gather every penny in Vietnam. Right, everyone?"
"Daese Construction is the best!"
"Fighting!!!"
"Wow!"
The staff cheered enthusiastically.
It was clear that the Vietnam special boom was working even more significantly for us than in the original history.
"Let's save the reunion for tonight at B Zone beach. I'll meet General Godell first."
"Take your time with your business. We'll prepare plenty of bonfires, meat, and beer for tonight."
"Alright. See you tonight."
I exchanged greetings with our staff and headed further into the Qui Nhon camp.
What was once a container building for operational command had transformed into a large building bearing the sign 'Vietnam Military Assistance Office'.
"Come on in, friend."
"Haha, Godell!"
General Godell came out to greet me personally.
He was leaning against the veranda, waving at me with a pipe in his mouth instead of the usual cigar.
Even as a general, his laid-back demeanor hadn't changed.