Several days had passed since the National Assembly elections concluded.
The media was buzzing with stories about the centrist party's overwhelming victory.
While the centrist party was in a festive mood, the Progressive Party saw its leader, Kim Seok-jin, resign, taking responsibility for the defeat.
The Progressive Party held a meeting to form an emergency response committee.
However, it was embroiled in infighting right from the start.
"Are we really discussing following the centrist party's lead? We should be doing politics our own Progressive way. Why are we talking about weird things like party leaders and collective leadership?"
Choi Pil-yong, a close aide to Kim Seok-jin and a four-term lawmaker, raised his voice.
"Hey, Choi. Times are changing. Even President Kim Hak-gwon's era was the peak of boss-style politics. We need to prevent too much power from concentrating in one person's hands, don't we?"
A fierce debate ensued over whether to maintain the party leadership or switch to a collective leadership system like the centrist party's.
The conflict between Kim Seok-jin's faction and the reformist faction intensified as time passed.
Despite the presence of faction heads, Kim Seok-jin and Hong Jin-woo, they didn't even attend the lawmakers' meeting.
* * *
At the same time, amidst the fierce struggle between factions during the Progressive Party's lawmakers' meeting,
two men faced each other in a shabby restaurant in Gyeonggi Province's Gapyeong.
"Chairman, you look like you've aged a lot in just a few days. It seems like you're feeling the weight of your responsibilities."
Hong Jin-woo said with a gentle smile, causing Kim Seok-jin to offer a bitter smile in return.
"You know how it is, Hong. The leader defeated in an election can't even take a break in solitude, can they?"
"If it's that uncomfortable, then step down gracefully. Why cling to power? You're not stirring up trouble with your faction members, are you?"
Hong Jin-woo's words abruptly turned aggressive, causing Kim Seok-jin's eyes to widen.
"What?"
"Just step down cleanly. Things have changed. It's time for us to adapt to the times. The reason the centrist party, after absorbing the Conservative Party, maintains public support is straightforward. They've innovated. President Yoon Chang-ho has relinquished power over the party and is solely focusing on government affairs. Didn't you see how difficult it was even for President Kim Hak-gwon to relinquish party control? The centrist party and President Yoon Chang-ho succeeded in doing what seemed impossible, even embracing the remnants of the Conservative Party."
Kim Seok-jin merely raised one eyebrow in response.
It was an old habit of his when he was feeling displeased.
"How about you lay down the party leadership and get ready for the next presidential election instead?"
"You want me to give up party leadership right now? Then what, are you and your faction just trying to eliminate me?"
"How about a short trip abroad? Doesn't everyone say that?"
"I see, you and your faction are plotting to take complete control of the party in my absence."
Hong Jin-woo didn't deny it.
"The responsibility for this defeat falls heavily on you, Chairman. We had cards we could play to change the atmosphere, but it was you who chose not to use them, wasn't it?"
"And now we could put President Kim Hak-gwon in a difficult position. We can't force him into a corner over this centrist alliance, can we?"
"Mistakes should have consequences. That applies even to former President Kim Hak-gwon."
Kim Seok-jin sighed deeply, lost in thought. That was the difficulty of dealing with someone who seemed flawless.
Bringing up the issue surrounding the North Korean funds during President Kim Hak-gwon's term would be a bad move for the Progressive Party. Yet, it was a powerful card to question everything happening in the current Yoon Chang-ho administration.
Hong Jin-woo urged Kim Seok-jin to reveal this information, but Kim Seok-jin flatly rejected the idea.
As a result, Hong Jin-woo intentionally leaked the illicit North Korean funds scandal involving President Kim Hak-gwon to the centrist party. Strangely enough, the centrist party didn't respond at all.
Even when it reached the media, they brushed it off without raising any serious doubts.
That puzzled Hong Jin-woo.
"Unless there's something I'm missing, right?"
"You're trying too hard to play politics with a clean slate. One day you'll experience a big setback for that. "
"You have to be clear at the top for everything below to be clear. That's why I'll keep my approach clean and transparent."
"That's easy for you to say because you're in a comfortable position. Politics is primarily about money and power battles."
Hong Jin-woo's irritation grew as Kim Seok-jin gave vague responses.
"Why are you bringing that up?"
"The moment we bring that up, this defeat won't matter. Someone far more terrifying will jump into action. That's why neither the centrist party nor I have acted."
Hong Jin-woo narrowed his eyes. He still felt discontent with Kim Seok-jin's vague and lofty words.
"What on earth are you talking about? You mean there's someone that both the centrist party and the Progressive Party fear? You expect me to believe that?"
"I know you've passed on North Korean funds-related documents here and there. Did you think I wouldn't find out? But nobody has acted. The media, the centrist party, and even the Prosecutors' Office. What do you think is the reason?"
To Kim Seok-jin's question, Hong Jin-woo answered as if it were obvious.
"Isn't it because President Yoon Chang-ho stopped them? That guy is someone who has put his political career on the line with this summit. Besides, being a former Prosecutor, it wouldn't have been difficult for him to keep things under control, would it?"
"Sure, President Yoon Chang-ho would have acted. But tell me, in this day and age, who listens to the president? No, that's not it."
"What exactly are you trying to say?"
Kim Seok-jin habitually dismissed the reformists with incomprehensible remarks.
He must be doing it on purpose, thought Hong Jin-woo as his voice grew louder.
Yet, Kim Seok-jin continued calmly in his usual tone.
"I've had enough. Let's not talk about that issue again. It's already too late. Wipe it from your mind, and don't even think about using that card once you take the leadership. It will be blocked from the start in the Assembly."
"What could that possibly mean…?"
"Do you know a man named Kim Mu-hyeok?"
"Who's that?"
"The richest man in our country. The one who dismantled the Il-seong Group. The one who has our weaknesses firmly in his grip."
Hong Jin-woo narrowed his eyes, as if pondering Kim Seok-jin's words.
"You mean the people who defected from the centrist party due to dissatisfaction with the primary outcomes? Do you think it's just a coincidence that their doubts are surfacing one by one in the media? No. It's a warning to everyone, showing what happens when they cross the line."
"…"
"Let's see. Are you up for re-election this time? You have never even received a political donation, right? So you might not know. But I bet some members of your faction have accepted his money. Or rather, they probably got it without knowing it was his money."
Hong Jin-woo found it hard to believe what Kim Seok-jin was saying.
"Are you telling me there's someone pulling the strings behind the scenes in Korea? You expect me to believe that?"
"It's something you could find out if you really wanted to. Why would I lie about it?"
"…Are you saying this is true? All of this?"
"Yes. While you act all high and mighty, he's been quietly gathering our weaknesses from the shadows. His grandfather is Cheon Tae-san. You've heard of Cheon Tae-san, right?"
Hong Jin-woo, who had been staring blankly, slowly nodded.
"I've heard of it. They call him the president of the underground economy. But isn't his surname different?"
"Maybe he's a maternal grandson? Likely. He overcame all challenges at a young age and became the successor of Cheon Tae-san. From that moment on, he gradually devoured Korea's underbelly. That's the power of money."
"…What the heck does money mean?"
Hong Jin-woo sighed hopelessly, and Kim Seok-jin chuckled before continuing.
"In today's Korea, money solves everything. Don't anger him. As long as you know where the line is, you're safe. But dare to cross it, and you'll be thoroughly crushed."
"I will think about it."
"You really should for the sake of our party. Especially if you want to seize the leadership. Keep my words in mind."
Kim Seok-jin spoke earnestly. Hong Jin-woo nodded, then brought up a side note.
"Chairman, please go study abroad. I'll organize the party while you're gone. When you come back, you'll be mentioned as a presidential candidate."
"I can't trust you."
"What if I don't believe you? Are you saying you'll fight me instead? We're in a complete mess right now. It's as if the opposition has swallowed up not just the majority but even the constitutional amendment line. And you're saying you want to plunge the Progressive Party into an internal struggle over some party leadership?"
Hong Jin-woo sharply retorted, but Kim Seok-jin stood firm in his stance.
"You promise me that you'll back me as a presidential candidate."
"I'm saying again, once you return from studying abroad, I'll organize things so you're nominated as a presidential candidate."
Kim Seok-jin shook his head.
"No, what's said by a politician is often the hardest to believe. I want a document. A signed pledge from you. If it's in writing, I'll consider it."
"What? A signed pledge? Do you really think that makes sense? Would I willingly create a liability that can be held against me for my political career?"
Once it's documented, who knows when or where it could come back to bite me?
It was an unacceptable demand for Hong Jin-woo.
His strength lay in maintaining a clean image in politics.
If the pledge were made public, it was obvious his image would be tarnished.
"Then I'll go to the end. Let's see if you really can do as you please."
"Chairman!"
"I fear you. How can I trust a pure white crane in a place where crows gather? I need to have a hold on something, or else I won't feel at ease."
"…That's out of the question. Please ask for something else."
"Then I'll agree to a collective leadership system as you wish. But the party leadership goes to Choi, understood?"
"Chairman, how can you be so obstinate?"
Kim Seok-jin raised one eyebrow again. Crossing his arms, he spoke coldly.
"You dislike this, and you dislike that. So tell me, what exactly do you want me to do? This is why young people… don't be emotional. I've clearly stated it. You'll have to choose one of the two. Otherwise, I'll do what I can within my means."
With that, Kim Seok-jin stood up.
"I'm off. Don't take my advice lightly."
After Kim Seok-jin left, Hong Jin-woo's aide walked in.
"Did your conversation go well, Chairman?"
"…Hey! Do you know anything about a guy named Kim Mu-hyeok?"
"You mean CEO Kim Mu-hyeok?"
"Do you know him?"
"I've heard stories. Eva, the representative from Future Investment, supposedly takes his orders. There are rumors he's the actual owner of the Jungwoo Group."
Hearing an unexpected name made Hong Jin-woo's eyes widen.
"What? Jungwoo Group?"
"Yes. They've reached out to us once, but you didn't want that sort of thing, so we declined."
"Hah… So I was the only one in the dark. Find out as much as you can about this Kim Mu-hyeok and report back to me. Do you understand?"
"Yes, understood."
After seeing his aide bow, Hong Jin-woo stood up.
"Where are you going?"
"Home. I just want to rest today. What do I stand to gain by going back to the office, but to fight?"
Hong Jin-woo slammed the door open and stormed out.
His aide let out a deep sigh and followed behind.
The first schedule in the U.S. was a visit to Apple's headquarters in Silicon Valley.
This was due to persistent requests from Steve Jobs over the past few days asking me to come.
"Hey! Charlie!"
As soon as Steve Jobs saw me, he cheerfully embraced me.
"How have you been, my friend?"
I responded to Jobs' question with a smile.
"Of course. But you don't look so good, Jobs. It seems you haven't slept properly for days?"
"Hahaha! Well, I had no choice. Come on, let's go inside. I have something to show you—my secret weapon that no one knows about yet."
Secret weapon. From that word, I could only guess what Steve Jobs had created.
His grin widened as he caught my surprised expression.
"Wait… did you already make it?"
"You'll know as soon as you see it. Just follow me for now."
Jobs led me inside.
After going through several security procedures, we finally arrived at an office.
"Where is this?"
"Let's just say it's my personal playground. No one can enter here but me."
Despite the claim, it appeared to be an ordinary space without anything unique.
Jobs opened a safe in the innermost part and retrieved a small square box.
He then opened it and handed it to me.
"What do you think?"
I was astounded by the object inside the box he had opened for me.
No matter how much he hinted, I never expected it would be ready this soon.
"Could it really be completed already?"
It looked a bit different from what I knew, but it was definitely an iPhone.
Steve Jobs shook his head at my question, but his expression remained confident.
"It's just a prototype. It works fine for the most part. Go ahead and turn it on! Do you know how long I've waited to show it to you first?"
I carefully grasped the item from the box.
The compact phone fit snugly in my hand, a familiar sensation akin to the iPhone I knew.
I cautiously pressed the power button. As I navigated through the Apple-styled boot screen, the interface I recognized finally appeared.
"How is it? Is it what you imagined?"
Not responding to his slightly anxious question, I merely checked the iPhone's interface.
It looked almost identical to what I recalled from the early models. At this point, it could be released immediately.
However, one difference stood out: the Apple Store was already integrated.
"Try pressing it. See if it works properly."
I nodded gently and first tapped the app labeled iPod.
The distinctive interface of the iPhone welcomed me as I swiped my finger up and down, testing the response speed.
'It definitely feels a bit sluggish…'
But this was probably a feeling I experienced because I'd been using smartphones from several generations ahead.
For this era, that level of response speed was nothing short of revolutionary.
I continued to tap on other apps one by one to check them out.
While I wasn't fully satisfied, it was good enough.
"The phone and internet don't work yet, right?"
"Yeah, that's true. It's still a prototype that hasn't been revealed to anyone. I'm still tweaking it. Sometimes it crashes…"
I nodded. It was well-known that Apple prepared multiple iPhones for their first demonstration, and if one malfunctioned, they would use another to present.
"Just like we talked about before, you've included the App Store, huh?"
"Exactly! If it weren't for that, it would have launched by now. Creating a system that allows anyone to freely upload apps takes quite a bit of work."
"But I knew you would pull it off, Jobs. So, is everything prepared?"
"I think everything will be ready by the end of this year."
He might say that, but Jobs would never release it unless the quality met his standards.
"When do you plan to launch it, then?"
"At the latest, I aim for 2006. I hope to have it out next year at the earliest. It's still not perfect. I won't unveil it to the world until I'm satisfied with it."
This is why perfectionists are exhausting, I said while shaking the iPhone in my hand.
"This is good enough to sell right now."
"Absolutely not! I'm not satisfied yet. I can't sell something under the Apple name that isn't perfect. There's still room for improvement."
They could always release it and gradually fix it piece by piece.
But that stubborn belief was what made Steve Jobs who he was.
I handed the iPhone back to Steve Jobs.
"I can't wait to try it out right now!"
"Right? I couldn't sleep because I was eager to hear your feedback. After all, this whole project started from our conversation, didn't it? That dreamy idea is now on the cusp of becoming reality."
"I merely provided the idea. You and the engineers at Apple brought it to life. It's typical of Apple, where geniuses gather."
Of course, smartphones existed even now. But those devices that went by the name still felt crude.
They needed plastic buttons for input, making the screens small while the controls were complicated, and they weren't very 'smart' either.
That's why the iPhone Jobs created would change the world.
Just like in my past life, and in this one as well.
I watched Jobs, who was continually smiling, and cautiously asked,
"But Jobs… did you keep our promise?"
"Promise?"
My question made him look puzzled, and I felt a bit uneasy.
"I mean the health check-up."
"Oh, what's that? Yes, I did. They found a malignant tumor in my pancreas. Thanks to you, it was caught early, and I underwent a simple operation. But how did you know something was off with my body years ago?"
"Really? It only required a simple operation?"
Knowing his stubbornness, I found it hard to believe he had already undergone surgery.
But Jobs answered nonchalantly, shrugging his shoulders.
"Yeah. Your concern made me feel strange, so I got the health check-up. The doctor said if it had been a year later, my survival rate would have dropped below fifty percent. I learned just how scary pancreatic cancer can be at that moment. Anyway, the surgery went well. No issues now."
"…Post-operative care is also important. Make sure to have regular check-ups at the hospital. If Jobs collapses, Apple will crumble. I don't want that to happen."
In fact, even after Steve Jobs' death, Apple continued to thrive.
Or perhaps it grew even more. But it might be more like a hollow growth.
After Jobs, Apple lost the image of an innovative company and became just another firm that focused solely on profit, draining the wallets of enthusiasts.
The Apple I hoped for was one that continuously innovated, with Steve Jobs leading the charge.
"As a friend and a major shareholder of Apple, I ask you this: your health isn't just your problem."
"Hahaha! I understand. The hospital told me I must increase my protein intake. So lately, I've been trying to adjust my diet to get more protein. It may take time to shift completely, but I'll start adjusting gradually. So don't worry too much. If someone were to overhear, they might think you're my wife."
Steve Jobs attempted to lighten the mood with a joke, causing me to chuckle.
"Alright then. Let's set aside the nagging for now and talk business. What do you think about revealing the iPhone early, even if the launch is delayed?"
"You want to rush the revelation? Why?"
"The quality of the iPhone itself is important, but every app from small developers will also contribute to the iPhone's quality and usability. Just relying on the basic apps Apple provides will limit its functionality in the end."
"…But we can't expect Apple to create every single app out there either."
"Yes, that's right. So, how about we reveal it first and provide the developers with the tools to create their apps in time for the iPhone's launch?"
If we released the development tools at the same time as the launch, it would take a while to see new apps.
It was more efficient to reveal it early and allow the developers to create apps.
"Hmm… That's a good idea, but it might be premature to announce it still."
"I'm not saying you should reveal it right now. It's just something to think about."
"I'll think about it. By the way, how long do you plan to stay in the U.S.?"
"Probably around two weeks. I have various places to visit, so I extended my stay. Besides, I came here first since you kept contacting me so often."
He burst into laughter at my words and pointed at the iPhone.
"You know how much I wanted to show that off, right? Thanks to you, I also resolved the troublesome touch-related patent issues. Oh, and didn't you mention you have connections to a semiconductor company?"
"Yes. Both Il-sung Semiconductor and Jungwoo Semiconductor are connected to me."
"Oh! Then there shouldn't be any problems with semiconductor supply. Naturally, you'll help out, right?"
"Of course. Don't worry about it. I'm in the process of relocating Il-sung Semiconductor to the U.S. We'll produce and distribute it from there."
At my words, Jobs' eyes widened.
"You're relocating Il-sung Semiconductor to the U.S.? Did you get permission from Korea for that?"
"Ah, I plan to move the headquarters to the U.S., but most of the production facilities will remain in Korea. Of course, we will set up a production plant in the U.S. too. Currently, North Korea is engaged in economic cooperation, so I plan to build the new factory there instead of in China."
"North Korea… Can we really trust that place?"
I answered casually despite the concerns and suspicions embedded in his words.
"I think it might be safer than China? Jobs, don't even think about outsourcing the production plant to China. They're the type that would steal technology as soon as possible."
"I'll keep that in mind. Now, let's go grab a bite to eat. But first, let's put this back inside."
Carefully, Jobs placed the iPhone prototype back into the box and then stored it in the safe.
"Alright! Let's go."
I left Apple's headquarters with Steve Jobs and headed to a nearby restaurant.
We shared a meal and engaged in numerous conversations.
"Oh, what's your relationship with that Elon Musk fellow?"
"Elon Musk? He's someone I invested in."
"He came looking for me using your name."
"Musk? Why would he approach you?"
Steve Jobs shrugged.
"Well, I don't know. But after talking with him, I realized he's even more of a dreamer than I am. What? He intends to go to Mars? Do you really think that's possible?"
It seems Musk shared his dreams when he visited Jobs.
If Jobs was reacting this way, Musk must truly be something else.
"Even if he can't go to Mars, he'll likely be able to launch satellites someday. That's why I invested in him."
"Is that really feasible?"
I never even entertained the ridiculous notion of terraforming Mars. My goal was always about satellites.
"No investment comes with a guarantee of success. But I believe his fantasy could become reality. That's why I chose to invest. Imagine launching hundreds, no, thousands of satellites into space. If that becomes a reality, can you fathom how many more iPhones yours will sell? Sure, it's a distant future, but I see the potential."
"Really? Then I might as well invest too. Musk told me to invest in him as well. He probably needs my name more than anything else."
So that's why he had been seeking Jobs while using my name.
At that point, the value of Jobs' name far exceeded mine.
"Well, Jobs, that's your decision to make. I can't force you. But if you invest, you will likely reap significant rewards later."
"Is that so…"
My affirmative made Jobs' eyes brighten.
He would likely meet Musk in the coming days for investment discussions.
"It was a great meeting, Jobs. Next, I'd like to see you announce the iPhone at a conference."
"Sure. I'll be sure to invite you."
Jobs nodded with a smile, agreeing to my words.
After finishing the meal, I shook Jobs' hand and returned to the hotel.
The next day.
I left Silicon Valley and headed to Washington.
There, I met a man.
"It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Charlie."
"I'm Barack Obama. I've heard a lot about you."
The man sitting across from me was Senator Barack Obama.
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