Chapter 584: What If We Have to Build It?

Even if the condition isn't great, calling it trash? I couldn't help but chuckle softly at Kim Byung-woo's blunt words defining the Ryugyong Hotel.

Kim Byung-woo pressed on, unfazed by my reaction.

"That building needs to be torn down right now. Even if it's completed, an accident is bound to happen. If the Ryugyong Hotel collapses, it will lead to a disaster!"

I pictured that scene in my mind. What if a structure over 100 meters tall were to fall?

If such an incident happened in Pyongyang, the largest city in North Korea, the damage would be unimaginable.

"Honestly, I was shocked while collecting data on the Ryugyong Hotel. Its design was flawed from the start. They pushed through the plans just to reduce the construction time. The result was a design that disregarded the building's function, focusing solely on height."

"You mean it was wrong from the beginning? A French contractor wouldn't be so careless, would they?"

"Of course, they probably opposed it at first. But I heard the North Korean government insisted on quick construction and made unreasonable design changes multiple times. The French did what they had to do to get paid, but in the end, they got thrown under the bus."

It seemed the condition of the Ryugyong Hotel was worse than I initially thought.

Suddenly, a mischievous thought crossed my mind, and I asked Kim Byung-woo, a smile creeping onto my face.

"What if Jungwoo Construction had to build it? Do you think they could pull it off?"

Kim Byung-woo looked shocked as he turned to Lee Sang-geun.

However, Lee Sang-geun remained expressionless, simply listening to our conversation.

In truth, Kim Byung-woo had no influence at Jungwoo Construction.

Though they shared the name Jungwoo, it was practically a different company.

As Lee Sang-geun stayed silent, Kim Byung-woo turned back to me and said.

"Are you suggesting that Jungwoo Construction would build the Ryugyong Hotel?"

"It seems that way, yes."

"…I oppose it."

For the first time since taking over Jungwoo Group, Kim Byung-woo disagreed with my opinion.

He swallowed nervously before cautiously adding,

"As I mentioned before, this is a poisoned chalice. It's a project that offers no benefit to Jungwoo Construction. Taking this on would make us a laughingstock among construction companies worldwide."

"But what if we had to build it? If it's a promise made with Jang Seong-taek and we absolutely must? Let's not consider gains or losses for now."

He continued to voice negative remarks, but I couldn't help wondering how Kim Byung-woo would react if it came down to it.

"What I'm saying is about politics, not business. It needs to be completed and handed over to the North Korean government."

"In that case, I recommend demolishing the current Ryugyong Hotel and building a new structure in its place."

Kim Byung-woo had the same thought as I did.

"Building something new… We can't expect to be paid for construction costs from the North Korean government. Starting from scratch instead of just finishing the exterior and interior of the current structure? Who's going to cover the extra construction costs?"

"Boss, while construction costs matter, the brand value of Jungwoo Construction is even more crucial. If that falls apart, the hard-won reputation of Jungwoo will plummet instantly."

"So, you're saying we should bear unknown construction costs just to protect our image?"

I shot him a sharp look, but Kim Byung-woo firmly nodded.

"Yes. In the long run, that's the right move. Jungwoo Group has already crumbled once. We're just now restoring that trust. But many still view Jungwoo with suspicion. Therefore, preserving our image is vital. If we carry Jungwoo's name, we ought to build it properly, even if it means taking some significant losses."

As Kim Byung-woo stated, the Jungwoo Group had indeed collapsed during the foreign exchange crisis.

The public scapegoated Jungwoo Group as one of the accelerators of Korea's foreign exchange crisis, with politicians joining in to blame them.

At that time, Dream High stepped in like a savior, allowing Jungwoo Group to survive.

However, even now, their image from back then hasn't fully recovered.

Thanks to being the main sponsor for Leeds United and having the Jungwoo brand displayed on their uniforms, their image in Europe had slightly improved, but back home, many still cast doubtful gazes.

Having experienced that once, Kim Byung-woo prioritized the group's image.

"To earn trust, we must build it right, even if it means suffering losses…"

"Exactly."

Kim Byung-woo stood firm, insisting on his opinion. At that moment, a genuine smile spread across my face.

This was why I entrusted Jungwoo to Kim Byung-woo.

"Alright. I thought if we were going to do it, we had to do it right too. It seems our thoughts align, Chairman Kim."

"Thank you."

Letting out a sigh of relief, Kim Byung-woo slightly bowed his head.

"The Ryugyong Hotel—an eyesore in Pyongyang—will be demolished. In its place, a high-rise building constructed by Jungwoo Construction will rise. With our improved technology, we can build higher and safer this time around."

"Yes, that's right. If we start from the beginning, we can construct it properly. Jungwoo Construction's capabilities are on par with any global firm, and I'm proud of that."

Kim Byung-woo's eyes sparkled with confidence as he spoke.

I was already aware of the construction capabilities of Daehyeon Construction and Jungwoo Construction. No need to elaborate further.

Nodding slightly, I opened my mouth.

"For now, both Daehyeon Group and Jungwoo Group should prepare ahead of time. I'm telling you this in advance. Don't mention it to anyone yet, and act covertly."

"Understood."

"Chairman Song and Chairman Kim, please head in first. I have other matters to discuss with Chairman Lee separately."

After sending Song Chan-woo and Kim Byung-woo off, only Lee Sang-geun and I remained in the study.

I pressed the bell beside me to summon Manager Ma.

Manager Ma entered, and I proceeded to give him instructions.

"Manager, I'm thinking of having a drink. Please bring some whiskey and some snacks to go with it."

"Of course."

Once Manager Ma left, I stood up from my seat.

I grabbed a bottle of whiskey and a glass from the display before returning to my seat.

"I asked to stay back so I could enjoy a drink and chat comfortably with Chairman Lee. Is this a good time for you?"

"Yes. I canceled all my appointments to be here."

Though I suggested a relaxed conversation, he seemed tense instead.

But I chose to keep that to myself. Instead, I uncorked the whiskey, pouring it moderately into two glasses, then slid one over to Lee Sang-geun.

"Give it a try. It's quite a fine whiskey."

Lee Sang-geun took the glass I offered and took a sip.

Moments later, he nodded and set the glass down.

"As you said, it seems like a good whiskey."

"It's Macallan 1946 vintage. Unlike other Macallans, it has a strong aroma and taste that I enjoy."

I smiled gently while lifting my glass. As I swirled it slightly, the signature dense scent of Macallan enveloped me.

After savoring the aroma for a moment, I took a sip.

Even as I set the glass down, Lee Sang-geun was still silent.

"How is Jungwoo Construction doing these days? I heard you just returned from Afghanistan. It takes some courage to go to such a dangerous place."

Although Afghanistan had stabilized quite a bit, sporadic terrorist incidents still occurred.

"I visited Kabul. Our staff is working there, so I felt it was necessary to check on them personally. I thought it was only natural for someone responsible for their welfare to do so. I was surprised that the security wasn't as bad as I expected."

"It's probably because the Taliban and other terrorist organizations find it hard to enter Kabul. How was your firsthand experience in Afghanistan?"

Lee Sang-geun shared details of his experiences in Kabul, which he had seen and lived through.

I listened carefully to his story, nodding along and tilting my glass.

By the time Lee Sang-geun finished, Manager Ma entered carrying some fruit.

"Manager Ma, please sit down."

Manager Ma took a seat, and I resumed my conversation with Lee Sang-geun.

"So, you only stayed in Kabul?"

"Yes. I didn't have the time or conditions to visit other areas."

"I see."

I turned to Manager Ma, asking him.

"Manager Ma, what's the current situation in Afghanistan?"

"Most areas have been reclaimed by the Afghan government. Also, Black Bear is training the Afghan National Army…"

Manager Ma reported on the situation in Afghanistan.

"Fortunately, Masood seems to be doing a proper job."

Ahmad Shah Masoud was showing quite radical moves as he firmly seized power.

"At this rate, we might be able to develop the mines faster than expected. Let's keep a close eye on Afghanistan for now."

Though reconstruction projects were important, the vast underground resources of Afghanistan held even greater value.

Afghanistan was filled with prime mines that had yet to be developed properly.

Bringing the conversation back on track, I said,

"Chairman Lee, as I briefly mentioned earlier, Jungwoo Construction must build the Ryugyong Hotel anew. Think of it as a completely new building rather than just a renovation with the same name."

"Then we need to start on the architectural plans."

"Who would you recommend handle the architectural design? Since it will become a landmark in Pyongyang, it might be wise to entrust it to a reputable architect. What do you think, Chairman Lee?"

I noticed that Lee Sang-geun seemed to agree with my thoughts as he nodded.

"I think so too. While we can handle the construction, it would be better to leave the architectural design to someone else. We're still lacking in design capabilities."

"Do you have any architect in mind who would be suitable?"

"Have you heard of Norman Foster? He's an architect from the UK."

"Norman Foster? That's the first time I've heard of him."

"He's the architect behind the HSBC building in Hong Kong."

At his words, I recalled the HSBC building I saw in Hong Kong.

"HSBC? I liked how natural light flowed in there."

"In addition, he has designed several important buildings and received the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 1998, often dubbed the Nobel Prize of architecture."

"He seems to be quite a skilled architect. But has he ever designed a high-rise building?"

"I'm not sure about that. I don't know all the buildings he's designed. But among the architects I know, he stands as the best."

If Lee Sang-geun spoke so highly of him, he must have great skill.

Norman Foster. I should meet him.

"Alright. I'll try to meet him and ask him to take on the design project."

"His schedule might be packed, but if we can manage to secure him, he'd be the best choice. However, it would be great if we can gather more candidates, so I'll also look for other architects."

"That would be great. Oh, and please prepare a dedicated task force for the Ryugyong Hotel construction. Make sure to select managers and technicians to send to Pyongyang in advance. As soon as the sanctions on North Korea are lifted, they should be ready to jump into action. We'll source the labor from within North Korea."

"Understood. I'll make sure to form the task force as you instructed."

I also went on to explain how to develop Nampo City to Lee Sang-geun.

While the plans existed in my mind, it was Lee Sang-geun who would turn them into reality.

I shared the blueprint with him, and he would need to confer with experts to build the city I envisioned.