A week had passed since the launch of Platform.
In just that short period, President Woo Sung-il, who had initially been skeptical about the game platform, had completely changed his mind.
"The number of Platform users is growing exponentially. In particular, MCSoft's 'Linji,' which you invested in, is generating tremendous popularity and revenue. We're earning tens of millions of won daily just from transaction fees."
"This is only the beginning. To maintain this growth, we need a steady stream of successful follow-ups. That means we need policies to support small and mid-sized game developers."
The cost of game development varied greatly.
Some games required hundreds of billions of won, while others could be developed with just a few million.
To attract all kinds of games to Platform, we needed compelling policies.
"Are you talking about a funding support program?"
"Funding alone has its limits. We can break through those limits by introducing an Early Access system and a crowdfunding model."
"Early Access? I don't quite understand. If I translate it directly, it means 'accessing early,' but what exactly does that mean?"
"In Korean, you could call it '앞서 해보기' (pre-play). It allows developers to launch an unfinished game on the platform and receive financial support from players. This helps game companies secure funding while allowing users to experience the game before its official release."
Like any business, game development was ultimately about making money.
That meant we needed to highlight that publishing a game on Platform was more profitable than signing with other distributors.
"Wouldn't users complain if they're paying for an unfinished game?"
"That's why transparency is crucial. If we frame it as a collaborative process where users help shape the final game, many will love the idea."
"I'll send official notices about Early Access to all registered game companies."
"And starting next month, we're expanding into the U.S. market."
"The Korean market hasn't even stabilized yet. Expanding into the U.S. now might stretch our resources too thin."
The IT industry was a brutal battlefield.
Despite expanding the IT department to 250 people, they still had to manage existing IT operations, making it difficult to handle global expansion simultaneously.
"We'll need to hire more IT staff. Post job openings, including for experienced professionals."
"How many should we hire?"
"About 500. Recruit across multiple fields—IT experts, music, art, business, and even mathematics."
"Do we really need business specialists? The planning division already handles company operations."
"Not for company management—for designing in-game revenue models."
Company management was handled by the planning and executive offices.
But games also needed business expertise.
Everything from in-game currency management to probability-based monetization mechanics fell under the realm of business strategy.
"I've heard that Linji's in-game currency is already being traded for real money."
"Exactly. Even though it's just 'virtual currency,' if mismanaged, it can lead to inflation or deflation—just like real economies."
"Now I understand why we need business experts."
"And the IT department will also support revenue models for games on Platform. After all, the more money they make, the more transaction fees we earn."
Platform was built on a commission-based revenue model.
A 5–10% commission was charged on every game purchase.
The same commission was applied to in-game item purchases made with real money.
"I'm genuinely impressed by your foresight, Director."
"Now, launch a promotional discount event. Offer 50–75% discounts on older and classic games."
"Do you really think people would pay for old games, even with a discount?"
"Why do department stores hold sales? Just seeing the word 'sale' makes people open their wallets. Classic games are cheap to begin with, so a steep discount will make them even more appealing."
Recycling old games was definitely profitable.
Until now, gamers only spent money on new releases.
But a massive sale event would redirect attention toward classic games as well.
"Understood. However, we have a problem."
"What kind of problem?"
"There are several places selling pirated copies of games released on Platform."
Pirated CDs.
At this time, copyright awareness in Korea was weak.
Many people still hesitated to pay full price for a game.
It was common for computer shops to pre-install pirated games when selling a PC.
"We need strict regulations. If the government cracks down on piracy, this problem can be solved."
"It's not just games—pirated music is also a major issue."
"I'll talk to my grandfather. The government wants to promote the IT industry, so once they understand the piracy issue, they'll take action."
"Even if the government enforces regulations, will consumers listen?"
At this time, the general sentiment was:
"Only a fool pays for games."
Even if the government cracked down on piracy, changing public perception wouldn't happen overnight.
"Then we need to go bigger. Rally the game, music, comic, and film industries to take a stand against piracy. If famous singers and movie stars appear in public service ads urging people to stop piracy, it will have a strong impact."
"Since piracy hurts all of these industries, they'll likely be eager to participate."
"Also, have Taewoo Electronics cover part of the production costs for the public service ads. That way, we can hire even bigger celebrities."
Completely eradicating the piracy market overnight was impossible.
But by taking immediate action, they could gradually shift public perception toward rejecting piracy.
"And sell games at a lower price than pirated CDs, even if we take a loss."
"Are you suggesting a price war?"
"We need to crush the illegal piracy market, even if it means throwing money at it. Also, distribute coupons to Taewoo Telecom subscribers so they can purchase three platform games. If we get them to enjoy buying games through the platform, it won't be a losing business."
It was also a way to increase both platform users and Taewoo Telecom subscribers at the same time.
Taewoo Telecom was involved not only in mobile phone services but also in the internet business. By giving away platform games for free, they could attract teenage and young adult subscribers.
"This is going to turn into quite a costly game of chicken."
"It's okay if we don't make a profit for a year or two. That's why we need to seize the momentum from the start."
"Taewoo Electronics will take the lead on this."
Even if they poured in a large amount of money right now, it wouldn't be a huge loss.
The revenue from MMORPGs and other online games would be enough to offset the costs.
There were only two months left in 1998.
For Taewoo Group, it had been an outstanding year, but a sudden incident led my grandfather to call me in urgently.
"You must have seen the news. Chairman Jang of Hyunjae Group has finally driven a herd of cattle into North Korea."
"It seems Hyunjae Group is aligning itself with the government's Sunshine Policy."
"This will bring Hyunjae Group even closer to the government."
Hyunjae Group was still holding onto its position as the top conglomerate.
My grandfather had always been looking for an opportunity to surpass them.
That's why he was paying close attention to their North Korea-related business ventures.
"Starting with aid for North Korea, Hyunjae Group will likely pursue various business deals with them. The Mount Kumgang tourism project will probably be the first."
"Tsk, tsk. I've put so much effort into building ties with North Korea, and now someone else is reaping the rewards."
My grandfather also had a decent relationship with North Korea.
He had visited multiple times and even played a bridge role in facilitating inter-Korean summits.
But now, that role had been taken by Chairman Jang Young-joo of Hyunjae Group.
Personally, I didn't see it as a major issue, but many large corporations viewed North Korea as a land of opportunity.
Of course, if one could successfully establish business ventures there, it would be a massive opportunity.
But at least before my regression, nothing substantial had come of it—though the attempts had certainly begun.
The projects never reached completion, and the companies that invested in North Korean ventures ended up suffering significant losses.
"I actually think this is for the better. Business with North Korea comes with too many uncertainties. From a management perspective, nothing is more dangerous than an unpredictable venture."
"Judging by the government's stance, this time might be different. Don't you think we could see a day when exchanges between the North and South are as free as they were between East and West Germany?"
Was this what they called false hope?
Every time it seemed like inter-Korean relations were improving, North Korea would launch missiles. It would be no different even if Chairman Jang led a herd of cattle there.
"North Korea is too unpredictable. Let Hyunjae Group handle those ventures."
"Setting North Korea aside, the real problem is if the government starts giving Hyunjae Group special treatment. I can't help but suspect that their acquisition of CL Semiconductors is somehow connected to this whole situation."
"Don't dwell too much on North Korea. While Hyunjae Group focuses on that, we should expand globally."
"Haha, you're right. Globalization is what truly matters."
Just as I had finally managed to calm my grandfather down, his chief secretary burst into the office in a hurry.
"Chairman Lee Sun-il has passed away."
"You mean the 'Gwanghwamun Bear,' Chairman Lee?"
"Yes. He was found deceased at his residence, and his funeral is being held today."
"He's really gone? He was in such good health—why so suddenly?"
When I had seen him just a few months ago, he had looked as robust as ever.
In fact, Chairman Lee always seemed to grow younger each time I saw him.
It was hard to believe that a man who would have probably chased away the Grim Reaper himself before securing his dominance over Myeongdong had passed away so suddenly.
"The cause of death hasn't been disclosed, but it's said he passed due to old age. His funeral is being held at the temple he frequently visited."
"We should go. We had our fair share of battles, but he was instrumental in Taewoo Group's growth. Min-jae, get ready. You're coming with me."
My grandfather and I dressed in black suits and headed to the funeral hall.
Chairman Lee was more respected than I had realized—the place was packed with mourners.
As soon as people recognized us, they made way.
My grandfather and I bowed in front of Chairman Lee's portrait and lit incense.
When we turned around, a young man in his 30s, standing in the chief mourner's position, was waiting for us.
"Thank you for coming. My grandfather often spoke about Chairman Kim."
"So, you must be Chairman Lee's grandson. I wonder why he kept such an impressive young man hidden away."
My grandfather shook hands with him and then stepped aside.
I also bowed my head in greeting.
But the moment I did, the atmosphere around Chairman Lee's grandson shifted dramatically.
"So, you're the Taewoo Group heir? My grandfather helped your family a lot, didn't he? Let's get along well, shall we?"
"My deepest condolences."
I extended my hand for a handshake.
But his hand was shockingly cold—so cold it felt like touching a cold-blooded creature.
TL/n -
Cold hand - It can symbolize emotional coldness, detachment, or lack of warmth in personality. A weak, cold handshake might suggest indifference, discomfort, or even something eerie and unnatural.