Chapter 52
Chapter 52
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 52
Chapter Title: A Brother's Plea
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The next-generation fighter jet program at this time meant the introduction of the F-15K.
And we were going to develop our own fighter jet instead?
Even though I was the one who brought it up, I felt a wave of bewilderment as it became a reality.
“Why did you suddenly think of that?”
“During this trip, I realized that if we continue to let the U.S. lead us by the nose in national defense, there will be no end to it.”
He wasn't wrong.
Of course, it was true that by adopting American-developed weapons, we had built a military force that others couldn't easily challenge, but it hadn't come for free.
Moreover, it was frustrating that despite the massive expenditures, we could never raise our voices.
“Besides, I heard the operating cost for the F-15, which we're considering, is tens of thousands of dollars per hour. Our own jet wouldn't cost that much, would it?”
“Developing our own would be more beneficial in terms of operating costs. Plus, we could respond immediately to component failures, preventing a drop in operational readiness. But… have you really made up your mind?”
“That's my thinking for now, but is it possible?”
It wasn't impossible.
Our country was set to select the model for the next-generation fighter program around 2002, with the prototype scheduled for introduction in 2005.
That meant we had about seven years. As long as we met that deadline and avoided a gap in our military strength, it would be fine, right?
“It's possible.”
Besides, we were starting this project with a solid foundation.
We were about to acquire decades of Sukhoi's accumulated technology and operational know-how.
And through this deal, we had also secured complete engine manufacturing technology.
And that wasn't all. The data from fighter jet maintenance and operations up to 2024, not to mention the experience gained from the KFX development, were nothing to scoff at.
In other words, we could handle most of the common errors.
So, once the engine was complete, it wouldn't be unreasonable to skip unnecessary steps and go straight to building a technology demonstrator. If we did that, we would have plenty of time to iron out any operational issues that arose later.
“But if we develop it ourselves, how would it compare to the F-15? The Air Force will surely want a similar payload and operational capability.”
“Since we'll be improving upon the Sukhoi engine as a base, its power will surpass that of the F-15. So you don't need to worry about that.”
“Is that so?”
“Additionally, the radar will be capable of not only evading enemy jamming but also counter-jamming. To put it simply, it will be in a completely different league from the F-15.”
“…”
“If I may add one more thing, the engine we're developing will also have excellent power generation capabilities.”
“What does that mean?”
“It means that with software improvements, we can achieve partial electronic warfare capabilities through the radar. In that case, no country other than the United States will be able to surpass our ability to secure air superiority.”
“…”
The President let out a deeper breath than usual.
It must have felt unreal to him.
But that wasn't all I wanted to say.
“If the project succeeds, there's another advantage to be gained.”
“…”
“We'll be able to upgrade the KF-16. If we install the AESA and weapons systems we develop onto the KF-16, it will become a completely different aircraft.”
“But wouldn't that be impossible if Lockheed refuses?”
“Of course. But I don't think they'd turn down a chance to revive the F-16. Fortunately, our relationship with Lockheed has improved somewhat, so future cooperation should be possible if we want it.”
“Hmm… Let's discuss that later. For now, I understand.”
With that, the President stood up.
He started toward a door behind him, as if to rest, but then paused and turned back.
“Oh, and Jaewoo's role in the future MRBM development will be formalized as soon as we return. But you understand this will also be a classified project, so there won't be any public announcement, right?”
“Of course.”
The President's voice had grown hoarse.
Any more conversation would be too much for him.
Concerned about the long flight, the Chief of Staff subtly signaled to me. I quickly offered a brief farewell and returned to my seat.
“Senior Managing Director Jin!”
Just when I thought I could finally get some rest, the Director of the NIS called my name again.
I didn't even have the energy to respond and was about to pretend to be asleep when he shook my shoulder hard.
“Is your phone off?”
“Yes, since we're about to depart… Is something wrong?”
“Call your family home immediately. I just received word that Chairman Jin Hyun-pil has collapsed.”
“…”
******
“He was already discharged? What does that mean?”
Secretary Kim, who had come to meet me at the airport, delivered the unexpected news.
“The Chairman's office reported that it wasn't so much a collapse as a temporary dizzy spell that made it difficult for him to move. He received treatment at the hospital and was discharged shortly after.”
“Are you sure there's nothing else wrong?”
“Well…”
Secretary Kim looked uncertain.
“I did try to ask the attending physician, but they said they couldn't disclose personal medical records, so I couldn't find out more. Besides, the Chairman himself issued a gag order.”
“What did the Chairman's office say?”
“Lately, no information has been coming from them either. It seems the Chairman is personally keeping things under wraps.”
If it's that serious, something is definitely wrong.
I was about to wave to Secretary Yang to head to the family home immediately when Secretary Kim suddenly said something significant.
“However, the Group's legal team has been acting a bit strangely.”
“…What do you mean?”
“While you were in the U.S., the legal team apparently discussed the tax implications of inheriting the Chairman's entire stake.”
“Inheriting the Chairman's stake? To whom?”
“From what I heard, the entire inheritance would go to you, Senior Managing Director…”
“…”
If that was the case, trying to figure out more was pointless.
No wonder I'd had a bad feeling all this time.
In my haste, I was about to get into the car when the phone in my pocket suddenly rang loudly.
“I was just about to call.”
The caller was Jin Hyun-cheol.
He must have been in a hurry, too.
But what was this?
His voice on the other end was perfectly calm.
-I'm sorry, but I'd like you to talk with me before you see Father.
“…”
******
“What's going on?”
I met Jin Hyun-cheol at his home in Gangnam.
It was already 11 p.m.
But he was still in a suit, and a steaming teapot sat on the table.
“You're here?”
The expression on his face as he greeted me was very different from usual.
How should I put it? It was as if all the venom had been drained from him.
It didn't seem to be just because of his diminished standing; he looked like someone who had suffered a great personal blow and was utterly dejected.
“Would you like some tea?”
As I sat down, he offered me a teacup.
He filled it with fragrant flower tea and then simply stared at me in silence for a while.
“I don't think this is the time for this.”
“No, this is exactly the time. There's something you and I need to sort out before you see Father.”
He drank from his teacup with that brief explanation.
He then tilted his head, gave an awkward smile, and spoke again.
“Come to think of it, you and I have never had tea together, just the two of us. No, we haven't even had a drink. I'm sorry. As your older brother, I never even managed to arrange a proper meeting.”
“…”
The atmosphere was so unfamiliar and awkward that I quietly took a sip of tea.
The warm liquid flowed down my throat, and my whole body relaxed, likely due to exhaustion.
“Do you remember that day?”
“…”
“The day you first got in trouble and ended up at the police station.”
“Why are you suddenly bringing that up?”
I spoke nonchalantly and brought the cup to my lips again.
As I drained it in one go, he spoke quietly.
“I'm truly sorry for what I said back then.”
“…”
“They were words I never should have uttered.”
“…”
“Well, if I were to apologize to you, there'd be more than just one or two things, but that one came to mind first.”
“Did you have a drink before I got here?”
“No, I haven't had a drop. This tea is all I've had all day. And I'm sorry, but I still have a lot to apologize for, so I hope you'll hear me out.”
“…”
I remained silent.
He really didn't seem drunk, no matter how I looked at him.
As I watched him quietly, he continued.
“I'm also sorry about the Motor Sich incident. If it weren't for me, the Group wouldn't have struggled so much…”
“Strictly speaking, that wasn't your fault, brother. So you don't need to apologize for it.”
“…”
At my words, Jin Hyun-cheol's gaze wavered.
What was he thinking? After a long hesitation, he lowered his head.
“Thank you for understanding. In that case, could I ask you for just one favor?”
“…”
“I want you to help me persuade Father.”
“Persuade him? About what?”
“To please stop thinking about giving up on his life.”
For a moment, I felt like something was very wrong with this situation.
“…Explain in detail.”
“You must have heard the news, right? That Father is preparing for the inheritance.”
“Yes, I heard from the legal team that he's in the process of transferring his entire stake to me.”
“That's right. And about that… I no longer have any intention of opposing you leading the Group. My only wish is to save Father.”
“What… Just speak plainly. What the hell is going on?”
Frustrated, I pressed him.
He then looked at me straight on, his expression resolute.
“Father is having problems with the kidney he received in a transplant years ago. He needs another transplant as soon as possible, or his life could truly be in danger, but he's refusing it.”
“…Another transplant? When did he even have a kidney transplant?”
I had no memory of it, so I was stunned.
He continued as if it were only natural that I didn't know.
“You first came to the main house after leaving your birth mother around your senior year of high school, right? By then, Father had already had the kidney transplant surgery.”
“…”
“I'm sorry for only telling you now. But Father specifically asked me not to tell you, so I couldn't.”
“Anyway, so what? If he needs another transplant, he should get one. Why is he giving up?”
“The problem is that a second transplant is much riskier. The safest option would be a direct donation from a family member this time, but no matter how much I offer to be the donor, Father vehemently refuses. Please, will you help me convince him?”
I felt like I'd been hit over the head with a blunt object.
Even for a son, donating a kidney is no small matter.
As I blinked in bewilderment, he spoke again.
“I'm saying this just in case you misunderstand—I'm the one who's going to donate, so you don't have to worry.”
“How can you even say that?”
“…”
He gave a bitter smile.
He refilled his teacup and then brought up something completely unrelated to the situation.
“As I said, I have no intention of resisting your leadership of the Group. I hope there's no misunderstanding about that.”
Suddenly, my mouth felt dry.
Just as I was about to lift my teacup, another unexpected story emerged.
“You must have felt it was quite unfair all this time. When you think about it, you and I were in the same boat, yet you were the only one who had to endure the cold stares.”
“What are you talking…”
I was about to retort but stopped myself.
When I looked at him with an incredulous gaze, he offered a faint smile.
“That's right. I don't share a drop of blood with my current mother, either. In other words, I'm an illegitimate child, just like you.”
“…”
“Honestly, I didn't want to believe it at first, either. I only found out after I was already grown. It might be an excuse, but maybe that's why I was so harsh with you…”
“Let's go.”
I cut him off and stood up.
I clicked my tongue at him as he looked up at me, and he rose with an embarrassed expression.
“Where are we going?”
“To persuade him. What, are we just going to let him die?”
“…”