The Group's Foundation and the Planned Site
President Park In-tak pondered the intent behind Taesik's question before answering. "We are currently in the process of system development for both air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles, and we are finalizing the propulsion method for the hypersonic missile."
"What about the Electro-Optical Targeting Pod (EO TGP) for next-generation aircraft? What about the Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) for drones and satellites? And the high-power laser weapon?"
"...If you give us just a little more time, we will soon be able to show results."
"Then let me ask you something else. In the Korean-style missile defense system linked with the Three-Axis System, isn't it true that two types of interception systems were supposed to be developed domestically based on a 40km altitude?"
"Yes. That is correct. I understand that the remaining altitudes are to be covered using Patriot and THAAD systems."
"We are currently reviewing the relocation of the research institute to secure talent because we lack engineers, but do you think research and development is possible with such limited resources?"
"...Representative! Even if we lack manpower, shouldn't we still take on the challenge?"
"I agree with you, President Park. However, there are many weapon systems that need to be developed right away, so you should finish those first before proceeding with other projects."
"Understood. I will ensure that the ongoing projects are concluded first."
"In return, I will not oppose collaborating with KIG Nex1 on the radar for the Korean-style defense system."
Upon hearing that the AESA radar could be used for the Korean-style missile defense system, President Park In-tak relaxed his stiff expression. "Are you serious?"
"The radar for the Cheongung developed by the Agency for Defense Development a while ago is mechanical, so it seems it needs to be replaced. Since we have the AESA radar, is there any reason to use PESA (Passive Electronically Scanned Array radar)? Collaborate with KIG Nex1 and upgrade the Cheongung."
"Thank you. I will propose the collaboration to President Kim Min-jae of KIG Nex1."
Since President Park In-tak was already there, Taesik decided to discuss the review results for the research institute's location and called in President Park Kyung-hoon and President Cha Young-jin, who were nearby. President Park Kyung-hoon had reviewed potential sites considering the characteristics of defense companies and had been contemplating a plan to accommodate all Starlink affiliates in the planned site at once.
After a while, when Presidents Park Kyung-hoon and Cha Young-jin entered, they exchanged greetings, and Taesik spoke.
"President Park Kyung-hoon, I apologize for the sudden call. Since President Park In-tak is here, I wanted to discuss the review of the research institute's planned site."
"Not at all. Actually, it worked out well. It's better if we can talk about it all at once. By the way, where is President Jo Yoon-je of Starlink Aviation...?"
"President Jo will not be attending this meeting."
"Understood. First, please take a look at the materials."
President Park Kyung-hoon handed out the prepared materials and began explaining the two condensed potential sites.
"In reviewing this planned site, I considered two premises as principles. The first is to gather the core functions of the currently dispersed Starlink affiliates in one place, and the second is to be able to apply security measures considering the characteristics of high-tech and defense companies."
"..."
"Considering these two points, I selected the Pangyo area and the Yongin area as expected candidates. Please refer to the attached report for the estimated costs. For your reference, the Pangyo area is already fully developed, so the site is narrow and we would have to build in the form of high-rise buildings, while the Yongin area requires negotiations with the Misung Group."
Regarding President Park Kyung-hoon's presentation, Taesik remarked, "Pangyo's site is too narrow."
"Yes. Since good locations have already been preempted by other companies, it is not easy to secure a large site."
"The Yongin area is next to the amusement park site, isn't it?"
"That's correct. Considering the relationship with the Misung Group, I judge that it will be possible through negotiations. Although it is a region that is effectively difficult to purchase, I thought that if it were you, Representative, a request for sale to the Misung Group would be possible. It is 1 hour away from Seoul, and if we use commuter buses, there shouldn't be any major problems for employees' commuting."
Following President Park Kyung-hoon's presentation, the other presidents commented:
"In terms of location, Pangyo is good, but in terms of site area, Yongin is better. Thinking about the company's future, Yongin seems appropriate. If the company operates nearby stations and buses, employee commuting shouldn't be a problem either."
Since the presidents were not making a clear decision, Taesik said, "If you don't like it, we can review other areas as well. Pyeongtaek, where Misung Electronics is currently under construction, is not bad either."
"Pyeongtaek is actually difficult because it's too far. Considering accessibility, Yongin is better."
"Understood. For now, we will set the planned site to Yongin and proceed with negotiations with the Misung Group. And we will begin work on supporting politicians who are friendly to Starlink."
At Taesik's declaration, the presidents looked surprised. "Are we going to cultivate supporters like the Misung Group?"
"We will provide formal political fund donations, not in the Misung way. Those who provide support from our side will be at the executive level or higher. It is a slight loophole, but considering that the maximum donation amount for executives is 3 million won, I will increase their annual salary by 10 million won."
At Taesik's words, President Park In-tak stepped forward. "Then, Representative, will you be designating the supporters?"
"Yes. And I will allow executives to autonomously choose their supporters within the amount of the additional salary."
"Understood. If it helps Starlink, I will follow any method. There are many new projects, and we cannot be dragged around by politicians and bureaucrats like before."
"I will contact you individually once the targets for political support are decided, and we will proceed with the group's planned site in Yongin."
Following President Park In-tak's words, they tentatively selected Yongin as the planned site and decided to proceed with consultations with the Misung Group. Taesik decided to negotiate with Executive Director Lee Yong-jae of the Misung Group while the topic was up, and informed Miso of this fact. Miso was startled at the fact that she would be meeting her brother, but when he explained the purpose, saying they were meeting for business, she immediately set up the appointment for him. Executive Director Lee Yong-jae also responded immediately to Miso's call and agreed to have lunch together, and Taesik headed to Seocho-dong to have a meal with Miso.
When they arrived at the restaurant near Seocho-dong, a Misung Group employee was waiting in the parking lot. Taesik handed the car keys to the employee and went straight into the restaurant.
"Representative Kim! It's been a while."
"Executive Director Lee Yong-jae. Have you been well?"
"I'm... well, I think I'll have to go to prison sooner or later."
"Why? Isn't the legal battle still ongoing?"
Executive Director Lee Yong-jae was under investigation on charges of illegal succession related to the former president's state affairs manipulation case, and all of Misung Group's personnel were mobilized, including the legal team and Korea's top legal experts, to prevent his arrest. "Well, the situation is that they say it's necessary to be arrested once because the illegal succession of Misung Group is clear. It's not a bad condition if I can take over the Misung Group on the condition of going in for a while. More than that, why did you want to see me?"
"I'm thinking of bundling Starlink affiliates in one place this time. I want to purchase the land around the amusement park that the Misung Group owns as a planned site, is that possible?"
"How much land do you need?"
"I need at least 100,000 pyeong. It's not for the entire affiliate staff, but I'm thinking of gathering the research institute personnel and headquarters personnel."
"Hmm... do you necessarily need the site near the amusement park?"
"Why...? Is there a problem?"
"There is a matter related to this succession investigation. Misung Mulsan and the amusement park are the core, so..."
"Is it not possible?"
Executive Director Lee Yong-jae, who had been lost in thought for a moment, said, "Rather, how about acquiring the golf course owned by Misung Mulsan? Isn't there a golf course near the amusement park?"
"Ah! Are you talking about the Yongin golf course? Isn't that too large since it's a golf course site?"
Executive Director Lee Yong-jae called his secretary waiting outside and instructed him to bring the Yongin golf course information. As they waited while eating, the secretary brought the golf course information. The secretary approached to whisper, but Director Lee told him it was fine and instructed him to report the results immediately.
"The Yongin golf course is 1.27 million pyeong, and the purchase price as of '14 is 350 billion won. It is operating with an 18-hole membership course and a 36-hole public course."
After hearing the secretary's words, Director Lee said to Taesik, "How about it? It's been about 4 years since the purchase, so if you take it for 500 billion won, there shouldn't be any talk..."
"Would the approval for the change of use of the golf course be easy?"
"Well, wouldn't it be possible if we negotiate with Yongin City with the logic that it helps revitalize the local economy? If Yongin City opposes it, we can donate a certain portion of the site to set the mood... How about it? It's a golf course owned by Misung Mulsan anyway, so it's less of a burden from my perspective than the amusement park."
"Understood. I will purchase it. Instead, I ask for Misung's cooperation regarding the change of use."
"There will be no problems. If the amusement park is nearby and Starlink employees move in, there will be no reason for Yongin City to oppose it. Since the seller is Misung Mulsan anyway, our influence is bound to be involved, so I will support you."
"Then, once the real estate use change is made, I will request construction from Misung Mulsan."
"As expected, our brother-in-law gives rewards right away, so it's easy to talk!"
As Executive Director Lee Yong-jae spat out the word brother-in-law, Miso blushed, and Director Lee continued with a laugh.
"By the way, when are you and Miso going to hold the wedding ceremony, Representative Kim?"
"There is still a lot of work to do, so it's impossible right now. I'm thinking of holding the ceremony once the UAM business that Miso is conducting gets on track to some extent."
"Of all the things Father did, introducing Representative Kim to Miso seems to have been the most excellent. The rest of the younger siblings are stuck to the group, but only Miso has become independent!"
As Director Lee mentioned their father as if he had passed away, Miso was startled and shouted, "Oppa! Father is still alive!"
"What! I'm just praising Father..."
Miso had been going to the hospital every day, worrying about Chairman Lee Hyundo, as the frequency of him not being able to get up from his sickbed and losing consciousness had been increasing recently. As the atmosphere became strange, Director Lee put down his chopsticks. "Representative Kim! Let's finish here for today. Since it will be difficult to see each other once the first trial result for the succession work comes out soon, I'll give you a heads-up in advance."
"Isn't there still a lot of time left?"
"I think I'll have to go to prison early in exchange for negotiating with the government to reduce the sentence. Misung Techwin, which we talked about last time, will proceed once the succession work is finished. Now that there is no need to worry about the government's eyes, there will be no reason for Misung Group to conduct defense business. Representative Kim, be aware of that and prepare in advance!"
"Understood."
"And for the Yongin golf course matter, I will send the working-level staff to Starlink, so finish it well on your own..."
Taesik felt the loneliness of Director Lee at his back as he left the restaurant, and he held Miso's hand and said, "Miso! Let's finish the UAM business quickly and get married."
"What is it? Are you proposing so uncoolly?"
"Hahaha. I guess I'll have to do it coolly next time."
Since they had come out for the first time in a while, the two did not return to the company, but walked around the neighborhood, sharing stories together.