章 681: Chapter 681: Considering Establishing a Foundation
In my past life, the construction of the oil pipeline linking Siberia and East Asia never came to fruition before my death.
While the tense relationship between the U.S. and Russia posed a problem, the variable of North Korea loomed much larger.
Moreover, constructing an underwater pipeline was more than twice as expensive as one running over land, not to mention the maintenance costs.
From Russia's perspective, there was no need to engage in a project that lacked profitability.
"You've managed to secure the permit after all,"
"Well, it's the right time now. Who knows what could happen as time goes on? The relations between the U.S. and Russia, Korea and North Korea, and even China—these all pose variables."
"That's true. The international situation is unpredictable, that's for sure."
"You know that Japan has proposed the construction of an oil pipeline to Russia, right?"
Yoon Chang-ho, his brow furrowed, nodded in acknowledgment.
"I know. How could I not?"
The Japanese government, unable to secure a significant stake from North Korea, hastily reached out to Russia.
They proposed an oil pipeline project connecting Russia and Japan, pledging over one trillion yen in support and actively working on the construction.
"We've been keeping a close eye on how things develop. However, we've received reports that Russia is withholding a positive response."
Japan wanted a route that passed through Sakhalin to the Japanese mainland.
However, unlike the route through North Korea leading to Korea, which overlaps with the Chinese route, this would be entirely new—an uncharted endeavor.
Even if Japan pledged over one trillion yen, the project wouldn't break even.
"The low profitability is the issue. But we're different. Our country imports more than twenty million tons of natural gas annually, over half of which comes from the Middle East. From Russia's perspective, we're one of their stronger potential customers."
"I understand what you're saying. Diversifying energy sources is a core policy of our government. We need to reduce dependence solely on the Middle East. The issue, however, is whether the profits from this oil pipeline construction can be accepted as concentrated in one person's hands."
Once the pipeline is complete, Jungwoo Oil would gain exclusive rights to use it and the gas pipelines, and no competition could ever succeed against them.
Yoon Chang-ho looked worried regarding this matter.
"That can be easily resolved. If we supply energy at a low price, people won't care who profits from the pipeline project. It's the issue of making ends meet. That's what matters most to the common folk, right?"
South Korea has a relatively high cost of living, but public utility fees are significantly lower than in other countries.
Because of this, the overall perception of living costs isn't too high.
If the government could provide a comfortable life, the public would support them even if they ran into some excesses.
"And this project won't be monopolized by Jungwoo Group either. I plan to involve another major corporation in the initiative. If a single company dominates, that's a problem, but creating competition among large businesses could be beneficial."
Of course, I would be the one choosing that large enterprise. But there's no better strategy than to cover my eyes with my palm.
"All the president and the government need to do is to package this project I've secured as a governmental achievement. The Russian government will reach out first."
"Wow … you accomplish what even the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Ministry of Industry can't, huh? You'd be better than hundreds of civil servants."
With a facade of seriousness, Yoon Chang-ho spoke.
"You know that the redevelopment project of Eunmi Apartments is also an ongoing issue, right? It's burdensome to give you all the perks."
Though I hadn't asked for it, Yoon Chang-ho proactively provided favors for the Eunmi Apartments project.
While the media remained silent, the online community, which had grown active, was a different story.
"If you were out in the open… if people knew the kind of work you're doing for the nation, they could never criticize Boss Kim. But you wouldn't want that, would you?"
"No. That's right. I don't particularly want to hide, but I also don't want to go out of my way to publicize it."
"I understand. Even if the oil pipeline project proceeds smoothly, it could still turn into an issue later on. It's best to have an idea on how to quell public opinion beforehand."
This had been a point of concern for me. But for Yoon Chang-ho to bring it up too, it was concerning.
It looks like the public opinion online is tougher than I thought.
However, with the recent acquisition of the Hussein Collection and the ideas I generated while touring the auction house, I felt I could address this issue to some extent.
"Mr. President, how about this? I participated in the Sotheby's auction recently and won a national treasure at the auction."
"Oh, you were the one who won that? I heard from the Cultural Heritage Administration that a national treasure was auctioned off at Sotheby's. If I had known beforehand, we would have participated…"
"Even if you had participated, it would have been hard to win it. The cultural relics that have gone abroad via normal channels are burdensome for the South Korean government to purchase at a high price since they were looted. Even if such policies were in place, the resources to do that are limited."
Yoon Chang-ho sighed and nodded.
The Chinese government, facing similar issues, handled it in a bold manner.
China pressured their chaebols to repatriate cultural relics.
It was comical that the government, which had once shattered their own cultural relics, was now fervently pursuing the return of Chinese cultural artifacts. The idea that this would be effective was even funnier.
However, in South Korea, which isn't a dictatorship, I couldn't just instruct conglomerates to pursue the repatriation of cultural relics unilaterally.
"Budget is always an issue. Luckily, the defense budget has slightly decreased, so we can now redirect some to other areas, but…"
Having engaged in an arms race with North Korea, South Korea had no choice but to increase its defense budget annually.
It was a little different now that Jang Seong-taek was in power and a warming breeze blew through North-South relations.
Yoon Chang-ho smiled a bitter smile.
"But there's always a shortage of funds."
"So I bring this up… I think we should establish a foundation involving Dream High Investment, Future Investments, and Jungwoo Group. A foundation aimed at repatriating Korean cultural treasures scattered abroad."
"You plan to create a foundation for culture repatriation?"
"But I won't be donating it to the government."
To be honest, I was quite negative towards donating cultural relics to the government.
When Seo Yong-geon, the chairman of Il-seong Group, passed away, the cultural relics and art pieces he owned became known.
These items, dubbed the 'Seo Yong-geon Collection,' held significant value.
All the heirs, except Seo Jae-hoon who became a vegetable and can no longer express himself, mentioned they intended to donate to the state.
Even though it was donated for a good cause, the art world perceived this differently.
The art scene wanted to construct a dedicated hall for the Seo Yong-geon Collection rather than display the art pieces scattered around.
While cultural relics will be housed in the main museum, other art pieces are still exhibited across various galleries.
If managed in such a disjointed way, it wouldn't be surprising if they disappeared again abroad unnoticed.
"I intend to establish a museum in the foundation's name and gather everything there for display."
I didn't want the cultural relics I had reclaimed to be carelessly managed.
Who knows if they could be illegally exported again without anyone's knowledge?
Yoon Chang-ho clapped his hands in approval of my idea.
"That's a good approach!"
During the Japanese occupation, a significant number of our cultural artifacts were exported to Japan, the U.S., and various European nations.
The cultural relics housed in national museums or galleries fared better than others.
The government could negotiate on their behalf.
But it wasn't easy to uncover the illegality of cultural relics privately held, and trading them was even harder.
Thus, this needed to be initiated on a civil level, not government-led.
He had picked up on my intent to take the lead in this endeavor.
"Additionally, I plan to undertake various social contribution projects. With that, perhaps the whispers about giving perks will quiet down."
"Sounds great. Let's get it rolling. But first, let's discuss the oil pipeline construction."
"This project will be primarily led by Jungwoo Group, not me. Once the South Korean and Russian governments reach an agreement, we'll similarly negotiate with North Korea. While I'm talking to the Russian government, I plan to conduct preliminary discussions with North Korea myself. I think I'll take a trip to North Korea to inspect the entire project myself."
"I understand. I'll inform the Ministry of Foreign Affairs."
Even now, gaining access to North Korea required governmental approval.
After wrapping up, I checked the time.
"Aren't you due for another appointment soon?"
The president split his schedule down to the minute.
We had scheduled our meeting days prior, though even this wasn't easy.
And canceling other appointments was out of the question.
That's why we managed to meet, even if it was just briefly during lunch.
As Yoon Chang-ho checked his watch, he shrugged his shoulders.
"It's alright. We still have about 30 minutes left. Let's chat about Iraq. How did the negotiations go?"
Everyone I meet keeps asking about what happened in Iraq.
Having faced the same inquiries even in Russia, I couldn't help but laugh. I chuckled softly and began to speak.
"As soon as I arrived in Iraq…"
I shared the events that transpired in Iraq within the limited time left.
Throughout my explanation, Yoon Chang-ho listened with admiration. Especially regarding the part where the Americans sold tactical equipment, he openly displayed a sense of envy.
"I should take my leave soon. Let's meet again, Boss Kim. Pop by the Blue House occasionally to share updates on the world. Don't only travel abroad, alright? Sometimes you need to enjoy life too."
Yoon Chang-ho's admonishment was laced with concern for my busy schedule.
"Yes, I will. Until next time, Mr. President."
After bidding farewell to Yoon Chang-ho, I exited the Blue House. Manager Ma, who had been waiting, opened the back door of the prepared vehicle for me.
"Let's head to Busan. We should arrive before sunset."
The car carrying me sped down the road.
* * *
Fortunately, we arrived in Busan before the sun went down.
"Kim Mu-hyeok! You scoundrel!"
"Grandma!"
As soon as I stepped inside, Grandma wailed and dealt a merciless slap to my back.
"What do you think you're doing? Where's your head at while wandering around like this! Oh dear, should I even say it? Oh dear, oh dear!"
"It just sort of happened. But look, I'm back safe and sound without any injuries."
"You little rascal!"
"Ah, alright! I got it. I won't do it again. Just let it slide this time, okay?"
Grandma learned the details of this situation because I had met Kim Mugil in Iraq.
She didn't know what kind of work I was doing specifically.
She knew I had been entwined with gangsters several times, but knowing them and going to a battlefield are two entirely different matters.
Thank goodness the grandmothers of Busan have a somewhat lower negative perception of gangsters.
"Oh dear… Even if you haven't been doing that lately, why do you still worry me like this?"
When she was hitting my back mercilessly, Grandma sighed deeply and rubbed my back.
I held Grandma tightly in return.
"It's all in the past, and everything turned out fine. I came back without injuries, and so did Kim Mugil. I was just negotiating. The government handled the rest. You watched the news, right? It wasn't that dangerous."
"But still…"
No matter how much I reassured her, Grandma continued to show a worried expression.
She was concerned that I might get involved in such matters again.
"I understand. I won't go to such risky places anymore. I've never broken a promise to you, Grandma. So, promise?"
"Yes, my dear will always keep promises made to me."
Extending my pinky, Grandma mirrored the motion, sealing it with a shake.
There was no avoiding dangerous work.
It was merely words meant to ease her concerns, but she believed every word I said.
While that weighed heavily on my conscience, calming Grandma was my priority.
"Grandma, I heard there's a feast prepared by the market people tonight. We should get going soon."
Only then did she seem to realize, and Grandma became flustered.
"Oh, right! It's a feast day today! Look at my mind. I'll prepare immediately, so you get ready too, Mu-hyeok."
"Sure, I'll change into something comfortable."
While Grandma went to her room, I instructed Manager Ma and the security team to patrol the market area.
Shortly after, Grandma emerged from her room.
"Wow, Grandma looks lovely!"
I complimented Grandma, who donned her treasured hanbok, resulting in her rolling her eyes.
Today, it seemed no matter what I said, I would surely get scolded. I'd better play the role of a well-behaved grandson.
"Enough of the flattery, let's hurry. We'll be late."
I set off to the market with Grandma, where the feast would take place.
Today, the market-goers who had closed their shop early gathered in the central plaza.
"Mu-hyeok!"
At that moment, someone shouted loudly upon seeing me, and all eyes turned my way at once.
Along with this, a middle-aged man came rushing towards me.
"Mu-hyeok! Thank you! I truly appreciate it!"
Though it had been a while since I last saw him, I instantly recognized him.
It was Uncle Byeong-geun, Kim Mugil's father, who ran a bicycle shop in the market.
He grasped my hand and cried tears of gratitude for a while.
"What on earth are you saying? I'm just glad to repay some of your kindness to me and Grandma."
"Does that even compare? I'll dedicate my whole life to repaying the kindness I owe you and Grandma. Isn't that what a decent human being should do?"
"Don't say that. I've already received enough from you. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't even have learned to ride a bike."
Jokingly, Uncle Byeong-geun laughed while shedding tears.
I continued to hold his hand tightly and smiled brightly.
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