Chapter 194: Prime Minister vs Salesman
"Earth Channel's subscribers are increasing."
"Is the Great Firewall not doing its job?"
"The app itself keeps creating bypass routes nonstop. Unless we block all the countries with large overseas Chinese populations, like Vietnam, Singapore, and Indonesia, it's going to be difficult."
China's cabinet meeting, receiving a report from the National Intelligence Agency.
With over 1.4 billion citizens, it was problematic that so many were signing up for Earth Channel.
Movies, dramas, and other content not approved by the Party were circulating freely.
The State Administration of Radio, Film, and Television had strictly managed games, movies, dramas, and such content, but Earth Channel was beyond their regulatory reach.
"Kim Shin is disregarding the dignity of a great nation."
"Earth Channel's subscribers have surpassed 900 million. It's mocking and ridiculing our Party."
"A mere citizen of a small country."
In the cabinet meeting, they did not want Kim Shin becoming known within the country or gaining popularity.
In China, even the wealthiest individuals could be toppled overnight by state organs if they criticized the Party's core.
Earth Channel wasn't even formally entering China to do business; it was bypassing authorities and expanding its influence, making it a persistent headache.
Then, news of what happened at Korea's State Council meeting spread immediately.
"Building an Earth Factory in Korea? How absurd."
"A factory like that should naturally be built in our great nation."
"Koreans have a habit of not knowing their place."
They initially tried to brush it off, but the Foreign Minister made a suggestion.
"How about we use this opportunity?"
"Opportunity?"
"Yes. The secret to Kim Shin's business expansion boils down to two things: Source Coin and his mass popularity."
The Chinese government had once planned a massive attack and price manipulation on Source Coin.
They abandoned it just before launch because the full ownership of Source Coin wasn't clear.
It wasn't certain, but a significant amount was held by high-ranking Communist Party officials, as well as Russian and Middle Eastern tycoons.
"If we can't attack Source Coin, we can undermine his popular appeal."
"How?"
"By betraying the expectations of the Korean people."
Koreans would hope for the Earth Factory to be built in their country.
But what if Kim Shin officially rejected Prime Minister An Hee-sang's proposal?
"They could see Kim Shin as a traitor."
"We could add a public opinion campaign labeling him a pro-American sycophant. And if the Earth Factory does get built in Korea, it wouldn't be bad for us either."
"It'd be tough for them; it's a difficult business."
Korea's auto market was nearly 90% monopolized by Mirae Group.
Building an Earth Factory would intensify EV competition and strain Earth Resource's operations.
Domestic production alone couldn't absorb the output, so exports to nearby China would be necessary—and with their massive market, they could suppress Kim Shin.
Taming foreign entrepreneurs with the huge domestic market was a common Chinese government tactic.
Just look at Elon Musk; it had worked effectively.
* * *
Before heading to the US, Prime Minister An Hee-sang secretly met with his Chinese backers.
"We'll be on your side."
"With the great nation's support, you'll be much closer to becoming President of the Republic of Korea."
An Hee-sang was a four-term National Assembly member with over 20 years in politics.
He had steadily received political funding from China, but he figured they must want something specific this time.
"You think of China and Korea as one body, but what do you want from me?"
"We sincerely wish for Prime Minister An Hee-sang's success."
The Chinese side talked around the issue for a while before getting to the point.
"I heard you're meeting Kim Shin to lure the Earth Factory."
"Ah, yes."
"What we want is something truly easy for Prime Minister An Hee-sang."
"Tell me precisely."
An Hee-sang's expression turned peculiar upon hearing China's demands.
"This will do it?"
"Yes, we want nothing else."
"What about getting the Earth Factory built in Korea?"
"It would be a tremendous achievement for Prime Minister An Hee-sang. China welcomes any outcome."
* * *
Prime Minister An Hee-sang felt a bit awkward from the moment he arrived at Earth Resource headquarters.
"Is this the headquarters?"
The headquarters was a massive building in the heart of San Francisco.
His aides held cameras streaming live online in real time.
―He really came.
―Can we see Brother Kim Shin?! ㅓㅜㅑ
―This is huge. For real......
―Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea, fighting!
―But why'd he go all the way to the US?
―Heard it's to discuss the Earth Factory with the press.
China's request was none other than to live-stream his meeting with Kim Shin on Earth Channel.
They said the outcome regarding the Earth Factory didn't matter.
'It won't hurt my reputation either.'
As Prime Minister, he was used to broadcast cameras.
They followed him during events or National Assembly sessions.
'This is a chance to show the public.'
An Hee-sang was ambitious.
With only seven months left until the presidential election, it was time to pursue his own politics, even if it strayed from the President's gaze.
"Already 100,000 viewers?"
"Yes, that's right."
An aide whispered the info.
'Considering most are Korean, that's an enormous number.'
As a politician dreaming of the presidency, he'd easily achieved the goal of drawing public attention.
Viewers surged to 130,000 in moments.
'As long as I play it well.'
No matter the outcome with CEO Kim Shin, it seemed fine.
―Aide?
―Whispering in his ear is so cringy.
―Was this guy our PM? First time seeing his face lol
―Not into politics these days.
―Haven't watched news in ages. Earth Channel ftw.
―ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ
The tablet held by another aide showed viewer chats, but it was too far for Prime Minister An Hee-sang to read clearly.
"Ahem. Dear fellow citizens. Good day. I have come to San Francisco to visit Earth Resource."
Prime Minister An Hee-sang began his broadcast for his own politics.
Yet, despite the Korean Prime Minister's arrival, no one came out to greet them on the road.
"Did you properly inform them I'm coming?"
"Yes, Prime Minister."
His secretary fumbled, but with no one on the road, what could be done?
―What's he standing around for?
―Looks flustered 'cause no one's coming out.
―Used to being wined and dined everywhere, expects the same in the US?
―Attitude matches his face.
Chats weren't reacting well.
"Let's go in first."
Prime Minister An Hee-sang entered the Earth Resource headquarters with his entourage and reporters.
The lobby was full of sharp-looking foreigners, but only security guards paid their group any mind.
"I'm Prime Minister An Hee-sang from Korea. I have an appointment with CEO Kim Shin."
The secretary explained at the reception desk.
He expected an immediate apology for the lack of proper welcome upon mentioning the appointment with CEO Kim Shin.
"Your appointment is confirmed. Are you filming a broadcast?"
"Yes. We received permission this morning for the public's right to know."
"Yes, please go up to the upper floors."
They were treated like any ordinary visitors.
They arrived at an empty conference room and had to wait quite a while.
Lee Jong-yeop brought each of them a cup of mixed coffee.
"Welcome. Prime Minister, and everyone in your entourage. We appreciate the sudden visit, but there's a prior appointment, so please wait just a moment."
"An appointment? Meeting the British Prime Minister or something?"
An Hee-sang tossed in a slightly pointed joke, but Lee Jong-yeop smiled and replied.
"No, he's on a video call with President Biden. The US President wanted to introduce his grandchildren, so they're chatting. Should I ask him to end it quickly since the Korean Prime Minister is here?"
He could have just said what they were doing.
―Whoa......
―ㅎㄷㄷㄷㄷ
―Knew he was close to Biden, but this close?
―Feeling Brother Kim Shin's success. Chest swelling with pride.
―Insane. Totally insane. This is friends-with-the-president level.
An Hee-sang felt a twinge of humiliation but quickly said,
"No, we'll just wait."
If they actually cut off the US President's call, it could lead to uncontrollable fallout.
Even without an official White House statement, it would be highly displeasing.
An Hee-sang sat calmly waiting for the call to end.
Meanwhile, viewers exploded—perhaps due to news articles.
300,000, 500,000, 700,000.
Even presidential addresses to the Assembly or hearings didn't draw this much interest.
Then, shortly after, he met CEO Kim Shin and made his request to build the Earth Factory in Korea.
* * *
While running the EV and semiconductor businesses in the US, he felt inherently sorry toward Korea.
'It'd be great to do this kind of business in Korea.'
He wasn't a patriot, but he felt inexplicably glad seeing Koreans in San Francisco.
Hard to pass by a restaurant with Koreans inside.
"Please add these customers' meals to my bill."
It was the restaurant equivalent of ringing the golden bell.
Not a big deal, but he paid for all the guests' meals at once.
"Brother Kim Shin, thank you!"
"Brother Kim Shin is my idol!"
The same thing happened outside restaurants as well.
Walking the streets of San Francisco, Koreans would spot him, get excited, ask for photos and autographs.
Even with sunglasses and a mask, in his usual areas, they recognized him from the security detail and Rolls-Royce SUV.
In a world where crossing a certain wealth threshold made you hugely famous.
'I want to do more for Korea.'
A concern he'd had while building the Earth Factory in Texas.
Prime Minister An Hee-sang from Korea kept insisting.
"CEO, you've built enormous wealth in America. After such tremendous success, wouldn't it be wonderful to build an Earth Factory in Korea as an act of patriotism?"
"......"
"The Earth Factory will employ over 50,000 people. If it comes to Korea and creates high-quality jobs, the public will all rejoice."
He definitely wanted to do good for Korea.
So why did Prime Minister An Hee-sang's words fail to move him at all?
He hadn't been thrilled about the internet broadcast request either.
'Is it my lingering political aversion?'
He knew he disliked politicians.
As a kid, at welfare events at the district office or community center handing out rice, politicians would hug him for photo ops.
"Kid, your name's Kim Shin, right?"
"Yes."
"Study hard from now on. Poverty isn't a crime. But the country can't keep supporting you forever."
"......"
"Don't go down the wrong path; live straight."
Young and clueless, he'd hung his head in shame over receiving rice.
He later realized it was the state giving rice, not the politicians.
If anything, politicians were the ones squandering taxes.
"Prime Minister, let me speak from the perspective of running a business first."
I suppressed my anger and tried to resolve the matter calmly through dialogue.
Viewers were watching the broadcast, so he had to be rational and reasonable.
"First, please tell me what merits there are for me in bringing the Earth Factory to Korea."