A few days later.
I departed for New Delhi, the capital of India, with David.
"Boss, isn't the reason we're in India to establish a Taewoo Electronics factory?"
"That's right."
"Then why aren't we meeting with the Indian government?"
"India has elections next year. There's no point in negotiating with the current administration."
"You're predicting a change in government? The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has held power for six years now."
"Six years is more than enough time for the political landscape to shift. That's why I asked you to set up a meeting with the Indian National Congress (INC)."
The Indian National Congress was a well-known party to us.
It was the party of Mahatma Gandhi, frequently mentioned in history books, and often referred to as the 'Gandhi Party.'
"Setting up the meeting wasn't difficult. I've arranged a dinner with the party leader, Manmohan Singh."
"We can't just show up to a meeting with a party leader. I'll freshen up at the hotel first."
After taking a quick shower at the hotel, I lay on the bed for a short rest before heading to the meeting venue.
However, considering it was a dinner with the leader of India's major opposition party, the restaurant we were led to was surprisingly modest.
"I guess they chose this place for security reasons."
"That seems likely."
"It doesn't matter what the place looks like. What matters is who we're meeting."
The restaurant was small, with only three tables.
Inside, Manmohan Singh was already waiting for us.
"I didn't realize you had arrived already. I apologize for keeping you waiting."
"There's no need to apologize. I just arrived earlier than expected."
Even though I had arrived 30 minutes before the scheduled time, Manmohan Singh had been there much earlier, reviewing documents at the table.
Was this just a show?
Many people tried to make a strong first impression by putting on an act.
But in Singh's case, it wasn't a performance.
I had met many politicians before, and their financial records always contained long lists of suspicious transactions.
However, Singh's records were spotless.
A clean politician.
That might be great from a citizen's perspective, but for someone looking to negotiate with him, it made things incredibly difficult.
"Allow me to formally introduce myself. I'm Kim Min-jae, Vice Chairman of Taewoo Group."
"A pleasure to meet you. I'm Manmohan Singh of the Indian National Congress. You look even more handsome in person. I watched your speech at Apple's product presentation."
Apple's influence was truly remarkable.
I had only given one joint speech, yet even an Indian politician recognized me.
This meant I had gained global recognition, and that was precisely why I had come to India at this moment.
"I'm grateful that you think so highly of me."
"I would love to have a long conversation, but my schedule is quite packed, so I can't afford to stay away for too long."
"I won't take up much of your time. I came to see you because I want to discuss how Taewoo Group and India can grow together."
The easiest way to build relationships with politicians was through lobbying.
David had managed to establish political connections in the U.S. and around the world thanks to the power of money.
However, that approach wouldn't work with Manmohan Singh. Instead, I had to take a more complicated and difficult route.
"That's a great idea. How do you propose Taewoo Group and India should grow together?"
"As you may have seen from Apple's product presentation, Taewoo Electronics' home appliance sales are skyrocketing. That's why we need a new factory."
"So, you want to build a factory in India. That's an excellent idea. But I don't see why you're discussing this with me. This is something you can negotiate with the current government. Even if there is a change in power after next year's general election, no one would oppose it."
Who would say no to hosting a factory?
Especially in a country with vast land and an abundant workforce, attracting factories was highly encouraged.
Even South Korea, despite its limited land, had local governments actively competing to attract major corporations' factories.
That's how beneficial factory investments were for any region.
So, of course, I wouldn't build one without something in return.
Securing factory deals was a bargaining chip I could use in negotiations.
"In addition to setting up the factory, Taewoo Group also intends to actively recruit talented individuals from India."
"That, too, is something you can discuss with the current government. Given that you're bringing it up with me, it sounds like you want something in return for these investments."
"I won't deny it. I have one condition. Taewoo Group wants to establish a South Korean campus of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)."
The Indian Institute of Technology, or IIT.
It was the most sought-after university among American tech companies.
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that without IIT graduates, many of America's IT firms wouldn't function properly.
IIT currently operated seven campuses.
Unlike in Korea, each IIT campus functioned as an independent university.
In other words, if we established an IIT campus in Korea, it would be equivalent to founding an entirely new IIT university in the country.
"IIT is India's pride. We have never established a campus abroad—not even once. Exchange programs, sure, but creating a full-fledged IIT campus in Korea is impossible."
"I understand how much effort India's brightest students put into getting into IIT. I also know that in Kota, an entire city has transformed into a massive prep school just to help students prepare for IIT."
South Korea was known for its intense education culture.
But could it compare to India's?
If Korea had Daechi-dong, India had Kota.
Not just a neighborhood, but an entire city had transformed into a massive boarding school district.
"What parent wouldn't want their child to succeed?"
"But the number of students who can enter IIT is far too limited. Wouldn't expanding the number of campuses help solve this issue?"
"The Indian government has already planned to establish new campuses. By 2010, we will add eight more campuses, and within 15 years, we plan to build eight additional ones. That will bring the total to 23 campuses. That's certainly not a small number, is it?"
What other university had 23 campuses?
In the end, supply existed because there was demand.
All Indian students aspired to get into IIT, and many companies preferred IIT graduates, making such expansion possible.
This was also due to India's skewed salary structure.
In Korea, medical school was more popular than engineering.
But in India, IT developers earned more than doctors, so everyone wanted to enter IIT.
"Wouldn't it be even better if those 23 campuses became 24?"
"Public sentiment simply would not allow it."
"Then I will offer terms that the people would support. Taewoo Group will fully cover the tuition fees for all Indian students admitted to the IIT Korea campus. We will also cover dormitory fees, meal expenses, and living costs. On top of that, Taewoo Electronics will invest over $5 billion in building a factory in India."
It was an undeniably generous offer.
But Manmohan Singh still shook his head.
"Public sentiment cannot be swayed by money alone. You need a story—something that transcends financial incentives, something that resonates emotionally."
"India and Korea already share such a story—one that has connected our people for 2,000 years. A story that all citizens can understand and accept."
"I'm intrigued. What story are you referring to?"
I took out several photographs from my bag.
Most of them depicted historical sites, including royal tombs where kings and queens were buried.
"Two thousand years ago, Korea was divided into multiple kingdoms. The founder of Geumgwan Gaya was King Suro, and his queen was an Indian woman. Her name was Heo Hwang-ok, a princess from the Ayuta Kingdom. In Korea, her royal tomb is preserved as a cultural heritage site."
"Would the people really accept a connection from 2,000 years ago?"
"I will make sure they do. The descendants of Heo Hwang-ok bear the surname 'Heo,' and many of them have achieved great success. In Korea, a drama based on her story was produced and became a massive hit."
In truth, whether Heo Hwang-ok was actually Indian remained uncertain.
It could have been one of many legends, or she might have genuinely been from India.
But did that even matter?
If forging a stronger relationship between Korea and India was possible, even a nonexistent legend could be turned into reality.
"So, an Indian princess became a queen in Korea. Her descendants became highly successful individuals. And now, to honor her, an IIT campus will be built in Korea? Is that what you're aiming for?"
"Exactly. Doesn't that provide a solid justification?"
"It might not be compelling enough for the public to fully embrace."
"That's why we plan to air a Korean drama in India. In Korea, Hur Jun reached nearly 50% viewership ratings."
In truth, Hur Jun had no real connection to India apart from the fact that he shared the surname 'Heo.'
But everything was a matter of presentation. If they timed the drama's broadcast with a large-scale campaign highlighting the link between Heo Hwang-ok and the Heo lineage, they could create a connection where none had previously existed.
Of course, it was a stretch.
A queen whose story had remained a legend for 2,000 years.
And a historical figure from Korea who happened to share her surname.
But with even the slightest thread of a link, the right storytelling could weave a compelling narrative.
"If the public accepts it, I will consider supporting the IIT Korea campus. The offer of a factory and talent acquisition is simply too appealing to ignore."
"Taewoo Group will handle the rest. All you need to do is uphold the agreement once you become the next Prime Minister."
"Hmm, you're getting ahead of yourself. I can't promise that I will be the next Prime Minister."
"I was merely asking you to honor the agreement if you are appointed."
"Very well. But keep this in mind—I won't be able to offer much direct assistance. The success of the IIT Korea campus will depend entirely on Taewoo Group's capabilities."
That was enough.
As long as the Indian government didn't block the project, it was as good as secured.
"Taewoo Group will prove how serious we are about bringing the IIT campus to Korea."
"I'll be watching closely. Now, I must leave for my next appointment. Until we meet again."
"Thank you for taking the time to meet with us."
Manmohan Singh gathered his documents and left the restaurant.
Dealing with someone as clean and incorruptible as him had been exhausting and challenging.
After all, the easiest way to get things done was always through money—and the next person they'd be dealing with belonged to that category.
"David! Get in touch with the chairman of the Indian National Congress fundraising committee."
"This time, can I put my expertise to good use?"
"Of course. How else do you think elections are won without money?"
"In that case, leave it to me! I'll make sure they're on our side."
David confidently got up from his seat.
Just because Manmohan Singh was unshakable in his integrity didn't mean everyone under him shared the same principles.
Political parties needed vast amounts of money to function, and winning a general election required an enormous amount of funding.