Chapter 82: The Vaccine Scramble
Chapter 82: The Vaccine Scramble
Though I had argued with South Korea's Minister of Health and Welfare over the phone before.
“Unlike the United States and Europe, South Korea has a low number of confirmed COVID-19 cases, and the fatality rate remains low.”
I thought the minister’s statement in the article was correct.
South Korea’s pandemic prevention measures were yielding good results.
Though much of it was thanks to the citizens who followed the government's measures well, unlike in other countries.
“Rather than rushing to introduce a vaccine, we plan to manage the domestic situation stably and observe the vaccine's effects in other countries.”
The article’s conclusion was that they wouldn't rush to introduce the vaccine.
“That’s good.”
It was a rational and sensible argument.
Although the vaccine was undergoing clinical trials, its safety wasn't 100% guaranteed.
For South Korea, where confirmed cases were only in the tens or twenties, it was understandable not to rush vaccinations.
‘Globally, it’s a good thing, too.’
It would be better to vaccinate countries with many confirmed cases, like the United States or Europe, before countries where the virus was being managed stably. The same went for countries with poor healthcare systems.
“Sir.”
“Yes.”
“Are you not going to supply the vaccine to South Korea?”
“They say they don’t need it, so I can’t sell it to them. And it’s not urgent.”
If vaccinating 10 million people in South Korea could save 100 lives...
The same vaccine could save tens of thousands in countries where COVID-19 was spreading severely.
The value of life couldn't be calculated with numbers, but at this point, a choice had to be made.
The situation in the United States, where over 1,000 people were dying every day, was far more urgent than in South Korea, where not even one person died a day.
To date, the number of confirmed cases in the US alone had surpassed 4.2 million.
“In that case, may I inquire with the South Korean government about a vaccine supply contract?”
“Hmm?”
“You never know when a politician will change their tune. It’s better to have these things in official writing to be certain.”
Just like last time, it seemed Lee Jong-yeop had a deep-seated distrust and aversion to politicians.
“Have you ever been wronged by a politician?”
“Not me personally, but my father is an active congressman.”
“He’s a congressman?”
“My grandfather was rich. Thanks to the foundation he built in the region, my father entered politics and has already served three terms.”
From the moment he joined Arcor, I had the impression that Lee Jong-yeop had grown up comfortably.
Bright, confident, and relaxed.
He was a bit different from me, who was always worried and cautious about everything.
“When my father was in a difficult situation, he was nearly buried by his fellow politicians. He went through a very tough time before he was barely able to get back on his feet by winning re-election.”
“He went through a hard time.”
If that was why he distrusted politicians, it was an understandable reason.
“Later, my father crushed every single person who had made things difficult for him.”
“What?”
“He was just waiting for the perfect opportunity for revenge. Looking at my father, you can see why politicians shouldn't be trusted.”
“…”
The term ‘political retaliation’ didn’t exist for no reason.
Lee Jong-yeop sent an official document to South Korea, stating his intention to proceed with formal vaccine supply procedures.
[ Biolife wishes to confirm the South Korean government's intent to purchase the vaccine.
A supply of 30 million doses is available, and it will be sold at the international market price.
The timing and quantity of the purchase are open to negotiation. ]
30 million doses.
Several countries, starting with France and Israel, were making purchase inquiries.
The US was a few days late, but the Secretary of Health and Human Services called me directly, saying he would come to San Francisco anytime.
Despite all that, I had set aside a portion of the vaccine sufficient for South Korea's adult population and made the offer.
And the next day, it was rejected.
[ Due to issues such as securing the budget, the South Korean government is not considering a large-scale purchase of the vaccine at this time. ]
“As expected, they’re not buying.”
“Well, can’t be helped.”
* * *
The entire stock of the vaccine that had completed phase 2 clinical trials was pre-purchased.
The United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Canada, Japan, Israel, and Mexico.
A total of 430 million doses were reserved by these countries.
- Biolife Vaccine Swept Up by the US and EU
- The Vaccine Scramble Among Developed Nations
- European Union Pledges International Cooperation, Then Competes for Vaccines
- 80% of Biolife Vaccine Contracted by US, Europe, and Japan
- Good News on Vaccine, But Only Rich Countries Are Smiling
- COVID-19 Vaccine Only for the Wealthy Nations
A global controversy erupted over the fair distribution of the vaccine.
The media criticized it, and public reaction wasn't great either, but...
From the perspective of the one selling the vaccine, it was unavoidable.
‘Now that phase 2 trials are over, I can’t just turn away countries that come rushing with money, can I?’
The US requested 200 million doses. Still, I had to distribute it among several countries, so we settled on 150 million doses.
I made similar compromises with every country that came to me.
But there was nothing I could do about the countries that didn't come to buy it at all.
COVID-19 in low-income countries in Africa or South America.
I considered donating vaccines to them, but there were physical limitations.
- Lee Ho-yeon: Supplying Africa will be difficult for now.
- Kim Shin: Difficult?
- Lee Ho-yeon: I've done a lot of medical volunteering there. Realistically, they lack medical facilities and personnel, and the roads and transportation are poor.
- Lee Ho-yeon: Even if we provide the vaccine, it will be difficult to distribute it properly to the residents.
Even if I supplied about 20 million doses, it would have little effect given their population.
He even said there was a chance it could be smuggled.
For low-income countries where vaccination was difficult, we decided to look for a more realistic solution.
‘I’ll make money from the vaccine and build hospitals in those regions. I can supply them with next year's production batch.’
For now, I decided to endure the media's criticism of being a money-grubbing vaccine merchant. And there was a new contact added to my messenger.
- Kim Shin: Vice Chairman. I'd like to sign an additional vaccine production contract with Isung Biologics.
- Seon Jae-yong: I was waiting for you to say that. We wholeheartedly welcome it.
Additional vaccine production.
Now that it had passed phase 2 trials, I decided to produce as many vaccines as possible.
Every vaccine produced was money, and an item that could save lives.
- Seon Jae-yong: Considering the urgency of the matter, we believe it will be possible to produce an additional 300 million doses by early next year by modifying the existing pharmaceutical production facilities in our factories.
- Seon Jae-yong: We plan to bring in Isung Electronics' special team to expedite production. However, even if we hurry, production can only begin after it passes phase 3 trials.
- Kim Shin: Yes. Please proceed with that.
Isung was doing its best, I was sure.
I placed additional orders with Isung and DK, and also requested production from pharmaceutical companies in India.
With pre-orders completely filled, selling was not an issue.
* * *
Han Chae-won was living in a villa in Gangbuk.
The house she had taken from Kim Shin during the divorce.
‘This house might have some kind of good energy.’
If Kim Shin had good luck, perhaps a little of it had rubbed off on this villa.
It was old and got very drafty in the winter, but it was a decent enough place to live in spring, summer, and fall.
‘It would be nice if it got redeveloped. This damn neighborhood…’
Han Chae-won came out with a garbage bag, grumbling to herself.
When she lived with Kim Shin, she had gone through a lot of trouble.
He was meticulous about separating food waste, general waste, and recyclables like plastic and cans.
Now, she just conveniently threw most things into a general waste bag.
‘I just have to be a little careful not to be seen by others when I throw it out.’
After taking out the trash, she was about to take a short walk around the neighborhood.
There were men in suits near her house.
“Are you Ms. Han Chae-won?”
“Yes. Who are you?”
Just as she was thinking they might be those annoying reporters.
“We’re from Random Flower Publishing.”
“A publisher?”
“A publishing house based in New York.”
“Just a moment.”
Han Chae-won took out her phone and did a search.
A quick search confirmed that it was a real publisher with branches in several countries around the world.
“What do you want with me?”
“We’re here about a publishing contract.”
“A publishing contract?”
“Yes. Have you ever considered writing a book?”
Han Chae-won moved to a nearby coffee shop with the men. There, she heard about the book they wanted to publish in the United States.
“My married life with Kim Shin.”
“Yes. Mr. Kim Shin is gaining immense popularity with the public.”
“I know. His YouTube channel has over 3 million subscribers. That's huge in Korea.”
Envy and jealousy had kept her from sleeping properly at night.
She couldn't even digest her food properly.
“Mr. Kim Shin's popularity is also growing rapidly in the United States.”
“The United States?”
“Money, looks, youth. He has it all. A rich man like him is rare. That’s why he’s becoming very popular among American women.”
“…”
“So, our publishing house believes that if you write a book about your married life, it will sell extremely well.”
Han Chae-won’s mind raced for a moment.
This offer didn't seem bad for her.
Still, she was considering it carefully.
“If Mr. Kim Shin’s popularity grows even more, your book will sell over a million copies.”
“A million copies…”
“Millions of dollars in royalties alone. Yes. You could receive over 10 million dollars.”
Gulp.
With 10 million dollars, she could completely escape her current shabby life.
It was a pittance compared to Kim Shin’s wealth, but it was still a tremendous amount of money.
Visions of a luxurious life, flying to famous tourist destinations and playing on the beach in a bikini, flashed through her mind.
“It could also be made into a movie or a TV series.”
“A movie and a TV series, too?”
“Yes. If the book is popular, it won't be difficult. Hollywood is always looking for good material. If the book sells well, we can connect you with production companies.”
How much money could she make if it was made into a movie or a TV series?
Han Chae-won’s eyes sparkled.
“What are the terms of the contract?”
She thoroughly reviewed everything, starting with the basic royalty conditions.
She even called a friend from her university days who worked at a publishing house.
“She said 12% is generous?”
“Yeah. She said it's an amazing offer. And the publisher covers all the translation costs and everything.”
“Yes, that’s right. I don’t have to pay a single penny even if I sign.”
“What about the advance?”
“They said we could start negotiations at $100,000.”
“Ask for a higher advance.”
“They said this is a large amount for a publisher. She said no one in Korea gives a 100 million won advance, right?”
“No one else can write it. It’s a book only you can write. Since it’s an American publisher, they can afford to pay more if you ask. If they refuse, you can always compromise then.”
Following her friend’s advice, Han Chae-won revised the contract several times.
She raised the royalty percentage slightly and also the advance.
“A $400,000 advance. Would this be acceptable?”
“Yes. That's great.”
Han Chae-won smiled.
She had managed to create a contract that was satisfactory overall.
$400,000 was a lot of money, but once it was officially published, she could earn millions of dollars. Perhaps even more.
Maybe the villa in Gangbuk really was bringing her great fortune.
“Our publishing house also has a special condition to request.”
“What is it?”
“Until the book is published, you are prohibited from giving interviews to the media or talking about it to people. You will have many interviews once the book is out, but before then, it's better for sales not to reveal the book's contents to the public.”
“Okay.”
It wasn't like giving media interviews would make her any money.
Han Chae-won signed the contract.