Chapter 641: Silently Pass By

Ideally, the groundbreaking ceremony shouldn't take place for at least another year.

In my previous life, we only began construction at the Kaesong Industrial Complex after a regime change, having prepared for so long just to finally break ground.

However, this time, both the South Korean and North Korean governments quickly reached an agreement, and the leaders were strongly committed to the project.

Moreover, the site for the Kaesong Industrial Complex was already prepared.

With all these factors aligning, we were able to hold the groundbreaking ceremony just a few months after the North-South summit.

Originally, only representatives from the Blue House were supposed to attend, but the leaders of both the ruling and opposition parties wanted to be present. Their collective involvement made the event larger than planned.

I also climbed aboard the bus prepared for the groundbreaking ceremony.

"Boss, you've arrived?"

As I boarded the bus with the Daehyeon Group representatives, Chairman Song Chan-woo stood up from the front and greeted me.

"Ah, Chairman Song! It's been a while.\"

"Yes, it has been a while. I heard you've been busy. Was everything alright?"

After exchanging greetings with him, I also greeted Chairman Song Chan-seong, who oversees Daehyeon Automotive.

"Chairman Song Chan-seong, the growth of Daehyeon Automotive is almost frightening."

"Haha! Is that so? I don't know where to put myself with such compliments from you, Boss Kim!"

Song Chan-seong chuckled warmly and bowed his head.

Under his leadership, Daehyeon Automotive had been thriving.

It was only natural, as he was the capable one who had catapulted Daehyeon Automotive to the second spot in the business rankings in my past life.

Of course, there were differences compared to my previous life. This time, Daehyeon Automotive was still part of the Daehyeon Group.

I supported Song Chan-woo as chairman in accordance with the wishes of the late Chairman Song Young-ju, intending to prevent the group from splitting.

By consolidating my shares into Song Chan-woo's hands, Song Chan-seong ultimately yielded, and as a result, the Daehyeon Group did not experience any affiliate separation like it did in my last life.

Thus, Song Chan-woo granted Song Chan-seong full control over the management of Daehyeon Automotive, on the condition that it remained part of the group without any interference.

Daehyeon Automotive, wholly managed by Song Chan-seong, faced struggles during the IMF crisis but achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the top domestic automobile company through various attempts at mergers and acquisitions.

However, nothing is perfect.

Daehyeon Automotive's union was notorious for being a privileged one, often making it hard for the management.

"I'll level with you… But more than that, it's tough because of the union, isn't it?"

Turning my gaze away from the wistful Song Chan-woo, I decided to chat with Chairman Song Chan-seong after a long time.

As I sat beside him and broached the topic of the union, he grimaced.

"Ugh… Don't even get me started. Sometimes I envy the Jungwoo Group."

The first thing I did after acquiring the Jungwoo Group was to dismantle the union. I smiled while playfully responding to him.

"Well, couldn't Daehyeon Automotive do the same?"

"If we did that, the government would create chaos. It's not as easy as it sounds."

Song Chan-seong wore a bittersweet smile. It seemed he must have considered the idea of dismantling the union after all.

"Then how about seizing this opportunity to build a car factory in North Korea? The union wouldn't be able to establish itself there anyway."

"Build a car factory in North Korea?"

"Yes. I've taken charge of developing the Nampo Economic Special Zone this time. Wouldn't it be better to construct a factory there than in China? What do you think about pivoting a few toward Nampo City?"

"I appreciate the suggestion, but we just started operating a factory in China last year. If we spread our factories to Nampo…"

"I understand. But can it really be deemed as wholly belonging to Daehyeon Automotive?"

The factory built in China was a collaboration with Beijing Automotive, focusing solely on the Chinese domestic market.

Beijing Daehyeon, co-funded by Daehyeon Automotive and Beijing Automotive in equal shares, was rapidly growing.

However, that would be momentary; as more forces emerge to contain China, the position would inevitably become precarious.

Growth would eventually stall, and it would likely become a liability later on.

"Well, that's true, but… The Chinese market will continue to grow."

"I think so too. However, wouldn't the Chinese government want to bolster its own automotive industry? A strategy solely concentrating on China isn't wise."

"Of course, it's not my intention to focus only on China. We are also building factories in India, Turkey, and the U.S."

"But I assume you won't be building any more factories in Korea."

"…"

Daehyeon Automotive hadn't always had a union from the start.

Chairman Song Young-ju would never have permitted one.

Even with the powerful charisma that captured the staff, Chairman Song Young-ju eventually succumbed to government pressure and allowed the establishment of a union. It was a stark contrast to Il-seong Group's approach.

Ultimately, that choice would cause Chairman Song Young-ju to regret it for years to come.

Even the action of building a factory was met with union opposition, which demonstrated how extreme the situation had become.

"Producing cars in Nampo City and exporting them abroad would be competitive enough. Labor costs would be cheaper than in China. Plus, if North Korea's economy grows rapidly, it would serve as a stepping stone to dominate the domestic market there."

The growth rate of Korea's economy had noticeably declined. In contrast, North Korea was bound to replicate Korea's path and grow rapidly.

Once basic needs are met, people will look elsewhere.

For better meals, better housing, and luxurious items like cars.

"…I'll think about it."

"Caution is good, but you might miss a chance if you're not careful. I see this as an opportunity. If we propose building a car factory, I'm sure Minister Jang Seong-taek would welcome it with open arms. I believe we discussed this before, didn't we?"

"We did, but I didn't receive a definite answer. I still can't fully trust the North Korean government. It's the reason my father opposed North Korean business ventures when he was alive."

After all, it's understandable not to trust them when there haven't been any results yet.

Thanks to Chairman Song Young-ju's strong push, there were some North Korean business operations, but I heard that Song Chan-seong remained staunchly opposed until the end.

Had I not been there, Song Chan-seong's foresight would have proven correct.

North Korea was indeed an untrustworthy lot. However, voicing such concerns wouldn't benefit anyone now.

"Chairman, if you can't trust the North Korean government, trust me instead."

"…yes?"

"I intend to transform the Nampo Economic Special Zone into Asia's largest logistics hub, mobilizing all my strengths to do so."

Such an opportunity to turn a city into a massive logistics hub may never come again.

If not now or not North Korea, it would be impossible.

Seeing Song Chan-seong deep in thought, I chuckled softly.

"If you don't have the funds to build a factory, I can lend you some. If you use your shares as collateral, I could provide enough cash to build several factories."

"Don't joke about that, please."

At the mention of collateral, Song Chan-seong's eyes widened in disbelief, and his expression hardened.

"Haha, I'm just joking. I can lend you money, so consider it. This could be your only chance to strike while the iron's hot."

"Hmm…"

Song Chan-seong was pensive. While a businessman should sometimes gamble on good fortune, I knew he was the type to carefully wait for the right opportunity.

There was no point in pushing him further. I decided to end the discussion on the factory.

"If you're considering it, it wouldn't hurt to see what benefits you could gain by speaking with Minister Jang Seong-taek. Particularly on a joyous day like today."

While chatting with Chairman Song Chan-seong, we arrived at the site for the groundbreaking ceremony within the Kaesong Industrial Complex.

"It's completely barren."

My immediate thought upon stepping off the bus was that there lay an expansive flatland before me.

In the middle of the empty space, a platform was set up with a banner reading, 'Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Kaesong Industrial Region Construction.'

In Korea, President Yoon Chang-ho, the leadership of both ruling and opposition parties, and the executive team of Daehyeon Group were present, while in North Korea, Minister Jang Seong-taek and an array of the top ten power figures attended.

North Korean residents who would work as laborers for this construction, alongside Daehyeon Construction managers, were also noticeable.

Of course, journalist delegations from both South and North Korea were also present to cover this historic groundbreaking ceremony.

After briefly scanning the surroundings, I took a seat not in the VIP area but in the chairs placed below.

Today, the main characters were not me but President Yoon Chang-ho, Minister Jang Seong-taek, and Chairman Song Chan-woo.

As I shared a glance with Myeong-su, who was seated in the VIP area, the ceremony began.

"I am Jang Seong-taek, Minister of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea."

With Jang Seong-taek's grand opening speech, the ceremony commenced.

"…And finally, here on this land in Kaesong, the North and South come together to build a factory."

Jang Seong-taek's speech continued for quite a while, his face lit with a sincere smile.

As I watched Jang Seong-taek giving his speech, I let a quiet smile escape my lips.

But that didn't last long. Toward the end of Jang Seong-taek's address, I unknowingly wiped the smile away from my face.

"In addition to President Yoon Chang-ho's resolve, there's an unheard of unsung hero behind this groundbreaking at Kaesong."

Jang Seong-taek paused and looked at me.

All eyes followed Jang Seong-taek's gaze toward me.

'Hah…'

I sighed deeply inwardly. Soon, Jang Seong-taek opened his mouth once more.

"Kim Mu-hyeok, please come up. The place for you is not among the crowd, but right beside me and President Yoon Chang-ho."

Jang Seong-taek beckoned my way. I was told to pass quietly, yet he wasn't listening. Reluctantly, I rose from my seat.

With Jang Seong-taek personally calling me, I couldn't just sit there as if I were ignoring him.

Remaining seated would be equivalent to disregarding Jang Seong-taek altogether.

"Let's all welcome Kim Mu-hyeok with applause!"

Jang Seong-taek began clapping first, and people around him quickly joined in.

Good thing it wasn't a live broadcast. Although I could request that the footage captured by the cameras be deleted later, I couldn't erase the memories of those watching.

As I swallowed down a string of curses and mounted the stage, Jang Seong-taek extended his hand.

Upon taking his hand, he spoke again.

"Thank you, President Kim Mu-hyeok, for your efforts in the construction of the Kaesong Industrial Complex."

Perhaps due to the formal occasion, Jang Seong-taek addressed me in a semi-respectful manner.

"Not at all. This was only possible thanks to the will of President Yoon Chang-ho and Minister Jang Seong-taek."

As I managed my expression amidst the flashing cameras, Jang Seong-taek pulled me close and embraced me.

"I apologize, Boss Kim. Please understand me today."

While we embraced, Jang Seong-taek whispered in a low voice, and I reluctantly nodded in response.

Jang Seong-taek entrusted me with the full authority to develop Nampo City.

He needed to give the North Korean officials a justification for such a decision, and mentioning me here was fully understandable.

After the brief and awkward spectacle concluded, I took my seat at the place designated by the facilitator.

Fortunately, it turned out to be where the executive team of Daehyeon Group gathered.

"Boss Kim, it seems Minister Jang Seong-taek thinks highly of you."

Chairman Song Chan-woo, unaware of the full circumstances, remarked with awe.

Minister Jang Seong-taek attributing credit to me at such an official event certainly startled him.

"If it appeared that way, I'm glad. I was just trying to slip by quietly."

"Haha, but isn't it magnificent? To have the credit for this moment of unification between the North and South bestowed upon you? This will go down in history."

I merely half-registered Chairman Song Chan-woo's praise, focusing instead on the continued speech.

The conclusion of Jang Seong-taek's address was followed by President Yoon Chang-ho's speech.

"Hello, fellow citizens of the North. I am President Yoon Chang-ho of the Republic of Korea."

Yoon Chang-ho began his address by introducing himself to the North Korean residents in front of him.

"Thanks to the determination of Minister Jang Seong-taek, today North and South come together to commence construction at Kaesong. This is not the end; it is our hope that our kin from both sides unite further to astound the world someday."

Yoon Chang-ho spoke with a powerful voice, painting a bright future.

As he spoke with conviction, I noticed some North Korean residents nodding in agreement.

"If young entrepreneurs like President Kim Mu-hyeok here work even harder, unification could someday be a reality for us all!"

I never expected my name to escape Yoon Chang-ho's lips. It wasn't a scripted moment.

Wait, unification? It seemed like Yoon Chang-ho was quite dedicated to that idea.

Merely commencing the Kaesong Industrial Complex would etch our names in history, and now he seemed even more driven for achievements.

"The Kaesong Industrial Complex symbolizes the dawn of a new era. Now is the time for the North and South to progress through cooperation rather than conflict."

Following Yoon Chang-ho's address, Representative Han Ji-ho from the ruling party and Kim Sung-keen from the opposition party each delivered their speeches.

At long last, the tedious speeches concluded, and we relocated to a new venue to continue the event.

Several shovels were stuck in piles of dirt and sand. This was the setup for the ceremonial groundbreaking, where shoveling a pile of dirt was the ritual.

President Yoon Chang-ho, Representative Han Ji-ho, and Kim Sung-keen stood side by side, while across from them stood the North Korean power holders led by Jang Seong-taek.

While I watched from a distance,

"Boss Kim! What are you doing? Come join us!"

President Yoon Chang-ho called for me. Following suit, Jang Seong-taek also gestured for my inclusion.

"Boss Kim Mu-hyeok, you should take the first shovel!"