"Why are you siding with Japan, the perpetrator, ahead of the Korea-Japan agreement? Can you still talk about justice?"
"Because we aren't tied to the past. We forgave Germany and moved forward. As painful as it is, Korea must do the same."
"Nonsense! You gained a country at the cost of blood. We haven't even received a proper apology from Japan yet!"
"The situations are different. We lost six million people. Six million! Can you even imagine that?"
This wasn't about who suffered more.
This woman refused to understand my point.
"Can you imagine it? My heart feels like it will burst from the pain. We have seven million direct victims. Young women were dragged off as comfort women, forced into labor without pay, made to commit suicide attacks, and even used for human experimentation. Pregnant women were frozen to see how fetuses would react. Is that something humans do?"
"Stop it! Stop! Who would believe such lies!"
"Lies? There's evidence right here!"
"Nancy... it's true."
Van Flint spoke quietly, chewing his cigar.
"Is that... true?"
Nancy was at a loss for words, her expression blank.
"Nancy, this history of East Asia is one of the many reasons Japan should never become America's forward base."
"One of the many reasons?"
Nancy pointed at the report, her eyes trembling as she asked me.
"Just as military power isn't everything in the Mediterranean, economic power and technology aren't everything in Asia."
"Then what else is there?"
"Universal values! The U.S. became a hegemon by respecting universal values like freedom and human rights. Japan, which ignores these, can never be America's spearhead."
"... A nation's diplomacy must prioritize reality, no matter how harsh it is."
Nancy did not back down from her stance.
She wanted more concrete reasons.
She needed proof that Korea should replace Japan in political, military, and economic aspects.
This was an easy task for a 21st-century person.
"Japan's foreign policy in Asia isn't aligned with the free world. They're focused on eroding Southeast Asian economies under the guise of U.S. influence. Their main goal is to form external capital."
Japan's Southeast Asia penetration policy only provided an excuse for anti-American forces there.
This was the fundamental reason China could launch its Belt and Road Initiative in the 21st century.
"Ha ha, CS's perspective is always a step ahead. Will Nancy understand that?"
Pretending to be bored, Van Flint sipped his Jack Coke and spoke nonchalantly.
He was letting me lead the conversation.
"What are you saying? Japan is successfully checking the Chinese Communist Party. It perfectly aligns with America's interests."
"Successfully checking? Is that what an international diplomacy expert would say? Do you even understand the Cold War?"
"What... what did you say? Do I understand the Cold War? You, a mere civilian, have no right to speak."
The Cold War strategy wasn't solid at the time. Listen, Nancy. The Cold War is about power struggles.
"The Cold War is like a game of Go, not chess. You win by dividing the enemy and growing your allies."
Nancy had a puzzled expression at the mention of Go, and Van Flint whispered, "Black stone, white stone."
"Who doesn't know it's a power struggle? That's why the U.S. aids Asia."
"Exactly! Japan is using that aid money for its own benefit. Building power plants, steel mills, dams, and taking all the carrots for itself. It's dividing the free world in Asia and taking all the profits. With American money."
Even our country, less influenced by Japan, wasn't free from Japanese funds.
Countries like Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines were economically overrun by Japanese funds.
The Asian economy, lacking self-sufficiency, was soon dominated by Chinese funds.
This was the primary reason China became the world's factory beyond Asia in the 21st century.
To counter China, Asia should have been bound together like a massive blockchain. But Japan had no intention of playing a leadership role.
They were busy accumulating assets in Southeast Asia.
They probably thought they were being smart.
"... You sure talk well. Van, why did you bring him here?"
"Haha, Nancy. This is the first time I've seen you so flustered. It's too amusing to keep to myself. Go on, CS."
Nancy questioned Van Flint, but he just laughed while drinking his Jack Coke.
"Are you saying Japan is pocketing the aid meant to unite the free world? From a safe rear?"
Nancy frowned.
At the time, most American politicians didn't believe Japan would ever pose a threat to them.
It wasn't until the 1980s that they realized and imposed the Plaza Accord to restrain Japan.
"I've been at supply bases. No matter how much food you stockpile, if rats get in, it's all ruined."
"How much can rats eat? It's natural for rats to get into the granary."
"The damned rats don't just eat the food, they spread diseases. It's not just about taking what they need. They gnaw everywhere, ruining all the food."
"Are you saying Japan is a rat?"
"Of course. A cunning and vicious rat. They sucked the U.S. finances dry with expensive military supplies during the Vietnam War, took bites out of America's international trade, weakened U.S. export competitiveness through intentional currency interventions, and pushed U.S. inflation up by raising export prices. Eventually, the U.S. will fall into a recession."
"That's nonsense. Japan is an ally."
Nonsense? It's a historical fact.
It's the scenario of the Nixon Shock, a historic U.S. recession.
"CS is right. Japan's productivity has already surpassed West Germany. Whether intentional or not, the U.S. wealth is leaking to Japan."
"Even while Korea and the U.S. are jointly fighting communism."
"That's also true."
"..."
Nancy couldn't find words to counter Van Flint.
Korea's participation in the Vietnam War was ongoing.
"Korea, which rushes to the battlefield with the U.S. no matter where it is, is a true ally. In the future, Korea will be better than Japan at separating China from the Soviet Union."
Diplomats love grand strategies like this.
The grander the strategy, the greater the political power, and the longer they can stay in power.
"To pull down China, the U.S. must intervene directly. Korea won't be used as a mediator."
She's a tough woman.
Yes, it's reasonable to think that way now.
But in 50 years, the U.S. and China will ask Korea, "Whose side are you on?"
"Our Republic of Korea will grow that much."
Nancy's face hardened at my words.
Don't believe it? It doesn't matter if you believe it or not.
I will make it happen.
I'm sewing the first button right now.
I must change the American politicians' perception of Korea and Japan's status.
As many as possible.
The more important they are, the more so.
"... Show me the proof."
"Convert the Korean government's $200 million short-term foreign debt into long-term debt. Then, I'll show you Korea's potential."
"Should we guarantee $200 million to confirm the potential of an underdeveloped country?"
"It won't be a losing deal. We can provide licenses for every advanced technology like Cabra that we develop. We'll grow together. Unlike Japan, we won't just reap the benefits alone."
Cross-licensing with American companies can explosively grow Korean manufacturing.
Neither side will lose.
"That's quite a confidence."
She slightly smiled at the mention of reaping benefits.
"We'll also transfer the private claims against Japan to Wall Street. It will be a steady money stream for decades. Just like post-war Germany completely succumbed to Wall Street Jews."
"!!!!"
"With this level of relationship, doesn't Korea deserve to be America's frontline?"
"Nancy, try investing once. Like a Silverstein. At least verify such a claim, right?"
Van Flint handed Nancy a piece of Cabra he had kept.
He meant for her to check its value herself. She tucked the Cabra piece into her pocket like a handkerchief.
"What about the short-term foreign debt size and repayment schedule?"
"$268 million, due in March."
"That's nearly a national bankruptcy. How do I persuade investors even if I believe you?"
"$40 million worth of new material clothing liked by Audrey Hepburn, $10 million worth of Cabra, $20 million worth of processed wood, military supplies and defense in Vietnam, national secret cross-licenses, and anything else that makes money."
"$70 million worth of goods and some future assets... your absurd confidence, moral superiority, Korea's geopolitical value, hmm..."
"I'll raise $100 million."
Van Flint was the first to speak.
$100 million was an unimaginable fortune.
"So the Silversteins have to raise the remaining $100 million?"
"Is that how it adds up?"
"Don't play dumb. You set it up to match our family's $100 million risk investment limit. Anyway, fine. CS, I'll recruit investors on the condition that you bring $70 million worth of goods to the U.S. by March."
Nancy gathered the documents on private claims against Japan.
Finally, as the tension eased, the smell of meat made me hungry. I didn't even realize a large steak plate was already on the table.
"Simple enough. Shall we toast?"
"$70 million worth of goods must arrive. The deal isn't done yet!"
"No problem."
I raised my glass high.
"Okay. Bravo, CS!"
"Nancy, you help. Brava!"
"A toast for all of us! Bravi!"
Honestly, it wasn't a losing deal for them.
It was just converting short-term foreign debt into long-term national debt.
Changing short-term commercial loans into financial loans was only a political burden.
Of course, the condition was that I pay off the ultra-short-term foreign debt with the $70 million worth of goods I bring in
.
I also wouldn't lose since I would receive the export payment in Korean won from the Industrial Bank.
Van Flint and Nancy would each raise $100 million, giving Korea long-term national debt while taking private claims against Japan and future patent licenses.
They could definitely attract investors.
It was achieved easily... no, really easily.
The national fortune was with us.
Heaven was helping us.
"Sambok, finalize the $40 million gold skin, $10 million Cabra, and wood export agreement. Full factory operation is needed."
After finishing the meal, I sent a telex from the hotel and headed straight to the airport.
There was no time to waste.
***
Vroom...
'The guy was in a hurry.'
Van Flint thought again about the earlier situation as he drove Nancy home.
Woo Chan-soo, pretending to be calm, shouting the toast, reminded him of something he once had. He was trying to recall what it was when Nancy interrupted him.
"Van, is this really okay?"
"Huh? What?"
"Japan won't sit still. Sooner or later, they'll notice and start interference operations."
"That's not our responsibility, is it? Overcoming that is necessary to prove they deserve to be on our side."
"True, no one can reach this position without tests."
Van Flint's car leisurely left Manhattan. Meanwhile, the taxi carrying Woo Chan-soo hurried towards JFK Airport.
Their situations were similar.
***
Late December,
I worked non-stop right after returning home.
Aside from reporting to the Blue House, I hadn't left the vicinity of the factory.
I couldn't even remember how Christmas passed.
All I did was eat, work, and sleep.
The Blue House sent someone to check daily, and now they sent someone every three days because we were working so hard.
"Didn't you say the goods from Factory 5 would arrive today?"
"They'll be here soon. We'll combine them with the head office goods and send them to Busan right away, boss."
"Okay!"
It was impossible to meet the March shipment deadline with over $40 million worth of goods.
We gathered sewing factories from all over the country. Since we also had to supply the Vietnam military with existing Polytec products, I was practically supporting the entire textile industry.
"All right, all right. Ah, stop. Stop."
"Did they properly clean this container? Do you know how expensive our goods are?"
"Mr. Kim, why are you like this today? I cleaned it enough to lick with my tongue. Hurry up and load it."
As the large truck arrived at the factory yard, the staff immediately started the shipping inspection.
Stockings, evening gloves, body suits, etc., didn't even have time to pile up in the warehouse.
A 40-foot container, when fully packed, weighed roughly 20 tons and was worth about $400,000.
There wasn't a more expensive export item in the '60s in terms of weight-to-value ratio.
The problem was that we had to fill 80 more containers like this.
"Everyone! Shift change. Shift change."
"Shift change. Go home."
"Before sitting, stretch your back, roll your shoulders, look at the sky... ah..."
"Look at the sky, ah..."
"If your shoulders hurt, shout! 500% Lunar New Year bonus!"
"500%! Waaaah!"
Even Sambok was busy overseeing the shift change of the female workers.
Everyone worked nonstop in shifts, and I promised a 500% Lunar New Year bonus for full operation.
"Miss Kim, bring the approvals. We need to clear customs at Busan port today."
"Yes, here you go, boss."
It was almost a national project, so when we sent goods to Busan, they cleared customs in a day and were shipped to Japan.
From Busan port, they were sent to Japan on feeder ships (small ships), then transferred to mother ships (large ships crossing the ocean) in Kobe port, and sent to the U.S.
"Mr. Kim, why do the goods keep getting stuck in Japanese customs?"
While approving, I repeatedly noticed the item "Japanese customs delay."
"Ha, they keep delaying by opening the packages for sample inspection. We're going crazy too."
"Damn. Are they asking for expedited fees or what?"
"I'm worried. It's getting harder to find large ships. Some of the goods might not make it by March and slip into April... ah..."
"What? April?"
"No, no. March! They must be in by March."
Mr. Kim stood up, shouting nervously.
That wasn't what I meant.
It's impossible that it's hard to find large ships now.
Usually, the cargo volume drops sharply in the U.S. after Christmas. Yet, it's getting harder to find ships?
"Bring the mother ship reservation list. Now!"
TL/n -
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