The economic crisis caused by the Lehman collapse was not limited to the United States.
Its effects were felt across Asia and even Europe, and every company was fighting desperately to secure cash liquidity.
In such circumstances, the power of money multiplied many times over.
David leveraged that power effectively to complete his mission.
"We've secured co-production rights for Tamiflu from the Swiss pharmaceutical company. Negotiations with the original U.S. developer are also complete, so production could start immediately. We spent a fair amount, but less than expected."
"Good work. How's the recruitment of Dr. Kim Jung-woo going?"
"We've met, but he wasn't particularly interested in salary. We'll need a few more meetings to persuade him."
Although obtaining co-production rights was crucial, it meant nothing without production. And for production, the participation of Dr. Kim Jung-woo, the developer of Tamiflu, was indispensable.
"CEO Seo Jung-joon of Centurion will be arriving in the U.S. soon. I want the recruitment finalized before that."
"We have a meeting scheduled today, but I doubt he'll agree that easily."
"You have a meeting today? Then I'll go meet him personally."
"Since he's of Korean descent, it would be more effective if you meet him yourself. Lunch is scheduled, so we can leave now."
David and I headed to the Korean restaurant where the meeting was to take place.
Upon entering, the familiar aroma of garlic instantly made my mouth water.
"He's already here waiting."
"So this must be Dr. Kim Jung-woo."
From a distance, I could see Dr. Kim, who already looked like a master in his field.
Upon reviewing his detailed profile, I saw he possessed S-level research capabilities.
If I hadn't known, it might have been uncertain. But now that I was aware of his abilities, I was even more determined to recruit him.
With that in mind, I quickened my pace and approached Dr. Kim to greet him.
"It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Kim Min-jae of Taewoo Group."
"Ah, Chairman Kim Min-jae of Taewoo Group, isn't it? Haha, I didn't expect the chairman himself to come out personally."
Dr. Kim Jung-woo glanced between David and me, clearly surprised.
When David had made the recruitment proposal, he might have mentioned Taewoo Group, but he surely hadn't said that the chairman himself wanted to recruit him—so the surprise was understandable.
"I came out like this without scheduling a meeting because I wanted to meet you personally, Dr. Kim. I apologize if this seems rude."
"Not at all. Haha, how could it be considered rude to meet the chairman of Taewoo Group?"
The initial atmosphere was positive.
Taewoo Group's name was well-known not only in Korea but also in the U.S., which contributed to Dr. Kim's favorable reaction.
"Before the meal arrives, I'd like to say this first: Taewoo Group wishes to bring you on board."
"I heard that you want to recruit me to a biotech company where Taewoo Group has invested. But would I be able to conduct the research I want in such a place?"
"Taewoo Group promises to support you fully. Not just promises—we can even draft a formal contract. For the research you wish to pursue, we'll provide any equipment you need and supply as much staff as required."
Dr. Kim's eyes flickered slightly.
But it seemed his mind wasn't completely made up yet, so we decided to continue the conversation over the meal.
"Hmm, I think I need to consider this a bit more."
"Let's start with the meal, and then we can discuss further."
How long had it been since he last enjoyed Korean food?
Kimchi stew, bulgogi, and seasoned crab.
Perhaps because David had carefully chosen and reserved the restaurant, the taste was almost identical to what one would have in Korea.
Of course, eating Korean food in the U.S. gave it a slight bonus in authenticity, but it was still excellent.
"It's been a long time since I've had such delicious Korean food. Thanks to you, Chairman, my taste buds are being pampered today."
"Does it suit your taste?"
"It's almost exactly like the food my mother used to make."
"I'd like to properly treat you to Korean food in Korea someday."
I subtly hinted at our desire to recruit him once again.
But Dr. Kim Jung-woo still didn't give a definitive answer.
"I'm not sure yet what I could actually do if I joined."
"If you don't mind, may I help you sketch out part of that vision?"
"If Chairman Kim offers advice, I'd listen—even if I had to pay for it."
"Compared to developed countries, Korea's biotech industry is significantly behind. Of course, there are many pharmaceutical companies, but very few are capable of developing original new drugs independently."
Patriotism.
For overseas Koreans, the bond to their homeland tends to be strong.
But patriotism alone wouldn't be enough to recruit Dr. Kim, so I also presented a new vision.
"So you're asking me to contribute to Korea's biotech industry?"
"It's not just about contributing. I plan to grow Korea's biotech sector to a point where it can lead the world."
"You seem to overestimate me. Even if I join, it won't make much difference."
"I'm not thinking about starting big from the outset. Taewoo Group has just secured co-production rights for Tamiflu. We'll begin with Tamiflu production and build from there."
Dr. Kim's expression briefly showed surprise.
He was taken aback that we had obtained the production rights for the Tamiflu he had developed.
"So you want to recruit me to produce Tamiflu?"
"That's just the beginning. There will inevitably be more severe epidemics without available treatments in the future. That's why I want to start preparing with you now."
"I have a somewhat blunt question. Taewoo Group is undoubtedly impressive, but it focuses on manufacturing and IT. Biotech isn't an industry that can succeed overnight."
This was Dr. Kim's concern.
Did we have any comparative advantage over other pharmaceutical companies?
As he pointed out, Taewoo Group lacked technical expertise in biotech, so his question was a natural one.
"As you said, Taewoo Group excels in other industries. We plan to leverage those strengths in the biotech sector."
"Biotech isn't a simple manufacturing industry. I'm a bit disappointed that you think of it that way."
"I think there's a misunderstanding. I don't plan to apply simple manufacturing techniques to biotech. I intend to integrate more advanced technologies into the industry."
Dr. Kim Jung-woo tilted his head in confusion.
He stared intently at me, as if urging me to answer quickly.
"We plan to combine artificial intelligence with biotech."
"…I don't quite understand. By artificial intelligence, do you mean the technology used in smartphones?"
Dr. Kim pulled out his iPhone to show me.
He didn't believe that AI, which at most serves a secretary-like role, could be useful in biotech.
"Of course, we'll use AI at a much higher level than what's applied in smartphones."
"I still don't understand how AI would be used."
"May I ask how many experiments were conducted when you developed Tamiflu?"
"Counting even the minor tests, it would have taken over ten years with tens of thousands of trials."
"With AI, that ten-year period could be reduced to five years—or less. Deep learning AI can conduct thousands of experiments in a single day."
Pharmaceutical companies use a lot of cutting-edge technology.
Since new drug development requires various advanced techniques, Dr. Kim was naturally well-versed in the latest technologies.
But he seemed unfamiliar with deep learning AI.
Outside of Taewoo Group, there were essentially no other companies formally using it, so his lack of knowledge wasn't surprising.
"Conducting experiments with AI… I can't quite comprehend it with my current understanding. I'm not even sure it's necessary to rely on AI."
"Are you aware that the flu is currently spreading? According to Taewoo Group's intelligence, it's highly likely to be an influenza virus."
"So that's why Taewoo Group secured the production rights for Tamiflu."
"Tamiflu is effective against the influenza virus, but if a mutant strain appears, its effectiveness drops dramatically."
All living organisms evolve according to their environment.
Viruses were no different. Once a treatment emerged, they would evolve through mutations to enhance their survival.
"The emergence of mutant viruses can be seen as a law of nature."
"To find a cure for a rapidly mutating virus, we must deviate from current methods. We need to analyze and conduct experiments as quickly as possible using AI to respond swiftly."
Dr. Kim Jung-woo paused to think.
Then he said something I hadn't expected.
"How can you be certain that the flu currently spreading is influenza? Neither the government nor the pharmaceutical industry has reported anything."
"Would you believe me if I said it was also thanks to AI? Through AI algorithms analyzing portal sites and social media, we were able to detect in advance that this flu is influenza."
It was slightly embellished.
I already knew that this flu was influenza.
But no one else knew, so claiming it was due to AI wouldn't raise any suspicion.
"Just knowing in advance that it's influenza confirms the necessity of AI."
"Will you accept our offer?"
"I've always wanted to contribute to the development of Korea's biotech industry. I didn't expect it would be through Taewoo Group. I accept your offer."
"You'll have a lot to do ahead. Don't worry about salary or benefits—we'll handle all that. Focus entirely on advancing Korea's biotech industry."
We had successfully recruited the top drug developer who created Tamiflu.
I wondered how CEO Seo Jung-joon of Centurion, still unaware of all this, would react when he found out.
***
Two days later.
CEO Seo Jung-joon flew to the U.S. in a hurry.
He didn't know why he had been called, so his expression was one of clear displeasure.
"It's been a long time since I last saw you, Chairman. I never expected to be called to the U.S. instead of Korea."
"First, let me introduce you properly. This is Dr. Kim Jung-woo, the developer of Tamiflu. You'll be working together with Centurion from now on."
"P-pleased to meet you! I've admired you for a long time."
"Have we met before?"
"Before founding my pharmaceutical company, I traveled around the world speaking with experts. I had the chance to meet you briefly then."
CEO Seo extended his hand, shaking slightly, warmly welcoming Dr. Kim.
But the surprises weren't over—there was even better news.
"We've secured the production rights for Tamiflu. Please begin production as quickly as possible with Dr. Kim."
"By Tamiflu, do you mean the avian influenza treatment? The one in Japan that's so scarce it's impossible to obtain?"
"Yes. Would I lie in front of the person who developed Tamiflu? Now do you understand why I asked you to fly to the U.S. so urgently? So please, release any discomfort you might have felt."
"No, not at all! I am truly grateful. Thank you for giving me this opportunity! I will do my utmost to live up to your expectations."
CEO Seo bowed at an angle exceeding ninety degrees.
Beside him, Dr. Kim Jung-woo wore a satisfied smile.
Thus, the meeting of the two individuals who would lead Korea's biotech industry was successfully arranged.