Yoon Changho was writing something in the presidential office.

The sun was beginning to rise outside the window, dawn slowly brightening the sky, yet the room itself still remained wrapped in darkness.

Yoon Changho repeatedly wrote and erased lines as he drafted the outline of a presidential address.

The draft he wrote passed through the hands of experts and was polished into a flawless statement.

“Whew. I’m nervous.”

Yoon Changho only had around two years left in his presidential term now.

Once this year’s local elections ended, everyone’s attention would inevitably shift toward the presidential election scheduled for next year.

Even now, Yoon Changho’s approval rating still hovered around fifty to sixty percent.

It wasn’t bad enough to worry about a lame-duck presidency, but it could still become an obstacle to the things he intended to accomplish moving forward. That made this matter all the more important.

After leaving the presidential office and finishing a simple breakfast, Yoon Changho began reading the finalized statement the Chief of Staff had brought him.

“Citizens of the Republic of Korea......”

After reading through the entire speech, Yoon Changho spoke with satisfaction.

“This should be enough, shouldn’t it?”

“Yes, Mr. President.”

“What’s Japan saying?”

“The Japanese cabinet is also preparing a statement. It seems they plan to announce it this evening.”

Seven-Gwanggu was an oil field jointly developed by Korea and Japan.

It was only natural for Japan to make an announcement as well, but that didn’t mean Korea could afford to speak after Japan did.

“We should speak before Japan. Move the schedule forward.”

“When would you like it scheduled?”

“I’ll stand in front of the cameras around lunchtime.”

“Then I’ll contact the press immediately.”

“I’m counting on you.”

The Chief of Staff left to contact the media outlets, leaving Yoon Changho alone in the room.

He looked back down at the paper containing the speech and quietly muttered to himself.

A massive crowd of reporters from every major news organization had already gathered in front of Chuncheongwan, where the press conference would be held.

“To think they found oil. We won’t have to worry about energy anymore now, right?”

“Since it’s joint development with Japan, won’t they have to split it?”

“Well, that can’t really be helped, can it? At least they found something.”

Even among the reporters, this issue had become the center of attention. Conversations about the oil discovery spread nonstop.

“The President is entering.”

All the seated reporters rose to their feet. President Yoon Changho stepped up to the podium.

“Sorry for calling everyone during lunchtime.”

“Haha, not at all.”

“After the statement concludes, Blue House staff will guide everyone to the dining hall. Please have lunch before you leave.”

“Thank you, Mr. President.”

The atmosphere was warm.

After casually chatting with the reporters to ease the tension, Yoon Changho gave a signal to the Chief of Staff.

The Chief of Staff gestured toward the cameras, and the recording lights switched on.

* * *

A quiet Myeongdong office.

The only thing making noise was the television.

I silently watched the news playing on the screen.

A moment later, Yoon Changho’s face filled the television, followed by his voice.

— Citizens of the Republic of Korea.

Today, I stand before you to speak about a historic discovery that will illuminate the future of our nation.

A massive oil field has been discovered in Seven-Gwanggu off the southern coast.

This represents a new source of strength that will allow our nation to confront the many challenges before us.

We are now opening a new chapter of economic prosperity.

This discovery does not simply represent economic gain.

It represents the possibility of providing a better future for our children and the generations that follow them.

Through this opportunity, we can pursue sustainable development, strengthen our national energy independence, and reinforce our position within the global market.

However, to make the most of this opportunity, all of us must work together.

The government promises to carry out this oil field development transparently and responsibly.

We will prioritize environmental protection and sustainable growth above all else, and we will seriously address any problems that may arise during this process.

This historic moment was created by all of us together.

Through this opportunity, we will build a stronger and more prosperous Republic of Korea.

Together with the people, I am ready to welcome this new challenge with confidence.

Thank you to every citizen who has shared this moment with us. Let us move forward together with faith in our future.

Thank you.

Yoon Changho delivered the statement in a calm voice.

“He doesn’t mention the most important part — Japan.”

Soon, the television announced the start of the Q&A session with reporters.

— Mr. President, could you explain in more detail how this oil discovery will affect the Korean economy?

Yoon Changho didn’t answer immediately. He paused for a moment.

He lowered his eyes slightly as though carefully considering his response before finally opening his mouth.

— Above all else, this oil discovery will significantly improve our nation’s energy independence. Additionally, it will lead to growth in related industries and job creation, bringing economic prosperity.

— Many environmental organizations are concerned about pollution caused by excessive oil development. Are countermeasures currently being discussed?

Yoon Changho answered the environmental question carefully as well.

— Our government intends to prioritize environmental protection and sustainable development throughout this process.

— What specific plans are being considered?

— We intend to introduce state-of-the-art technology that meets global environmental standards. We also plan to establish a committee of experts to minimize environmental impact. Every part of this process will proceed transparently.

The reporters’ questions continued from every direction.

Questions poured in regarding oil development, international cooperation, and protection of national interests, and Yoon Changho answered each one calmly.

“That damned environmental issue......”

Resource development inevitably brought environmental pollution.

That was why resources with severe environmental impact during extraction — like rare earths — were mostly mined in developing nations such as Africa or China.

“To bring up environmental concerns when there’s this much economic profit waiting from oil development.”

I clicked my tongue without realizing it.

From my perspective, it was impossible to understand.

After the press conference ended and the President disappeared from the screen, I turned off the television.

“Manager Ma. Call Chairman Kim Byungwoo.”

“Yes, boss.”

While waiting for Kim Byungwoo, I began calculating the profits that could be gained from this oil development project.

A short while later, Manager Ma knocked and spoke.

“Boss. Chairman Kim Byungwoo has arrived.”

“Send him in.”

The door opened and Kim Byungwoo entered.

I stood up and extended my hand.

“Welcome, Chairman Kim.”

“It’s been a while, President.”

“It has, hasn’t it?”

“You look much more worn out.”

“Do I? I suppose I stayed in Mexico too long. Please, have a seat first.”

I guided Kim Byungwoo to his seat.

His face looked just as troubled with thoughts as mine did.

“You saw the President’s address, right?”

“Yes. We were about to call an emergency meeting over the issue ourselves, but canceled it after receiving your call.”

Good thing I called before the meeting started.

I nodded and said:

“Joongwoo Chemical will benefit the most.”

Once crude oil began flowing in earnest from the oil field, more than half of the oil entering Korea would be allocated to Joongwoo Chemical.

Kim Byungwoo seemed to have reached the same conclusion, answering calmly.

“I thought that might be the case as well.”

“But you can’t monopolize it. That would trigger controversy over preferential treatment.”

“I’ve considered that too. President, then......”

I spoke with Kim Byungwoo for quite a long time.

The first topic was oil allocation.

Since there was still time before the Korean government made an official announcement, we decided to postpone concrete action for now.

On top of that, negotiations with Japan still remained, so it wasn’t something we could approach recklessly.

“As you said, President, we’ll prepare in advance.”

“Yes. Good. You’ll have to work hard.”

“Understood.”

After finishing the discussion regarding the oil development project, I shifted the conversation to another topic.

“Does the group have sufficient reserves?”

“Yes. We aren’t lacking.”

“And your debt management? Everything under control?”

“Yes. Most of our loans are handled through discussions with Taesan Bank. We’re borrowing at lower interest rates than expected, so it’s not at a problematic level.”

Joongwoo Group’s primary bank was Taesan Bank.

Since Taesan Bank and Joongwoo Group shared me as common ground, things were managed fairly well between them.

“Even so, start tightening debt management now. A shock is coming.”

“A shock?”

“It’s difficult to explain in detail. Just take my word for it and secure as much reserve capital as possible.”

“Understood. I’ll do that.”

That concluded the conversation, and I sent Kim Byungwoo away.

It was almost time for the Japanese Prime Minister’s statement.

I turned the television back on.

Koizumi’s live address was already being broadcast.

A moment later, Koizumi appeared on screen.

— Today, I stand before you to make an important announcement.

Recently, an oil field was discovered in the Seven-Gwanggu region jointly surveyed by Korea and Japan.

This is a significant development for both nations and presents a major opportunity for securing future energy resources and economic growth.

This oil discovery is the result of the joint efforts and cooperation of both countries.

Korea and Japan shared technology and resources to conduct exploration and investigation in this region. Such cooperation has opened a new chapter in relations between our nations and clearly demonstrates the advantages we can gain when we work together.

Citizens, this oil discovery is a major opportunity for both nations.

We must make the most of this opportunity and establish a solid foundation for the future of both countries.

The Japanese government will work closely with Korea to develop this oil field and do its utmost for the prosperity of both nations.

Thank you.

It was a much more moderate statement than I expected.

Prime Minister Koizumi immediately moved into the Q&A session.

— You stated this is a joint development project with Korea. ➤ NоvеⅠight ➤ (Read more on our source) Does that mean Korea and Japan will each hold half the rights to the oil field?

— Yes. That is correct. Both the Korean government and our government will each possess half the rights to the oil field.

— Is that truly the right thing to do? Seven-Gwanggu lies within Japan’s maritime territory. Korea simply unilaterally named it Seven-Gwanggu and claims it as its own waters.

Koizumi’s expression stiffened instantly.

But the reporter didn’t stop.

— Public opinion opposing joint development is growing stronger. What are your thoughts on that?

Koizumi answered with a rigid expression.

— Seven-Gwanggu is a region jointly developed by Korea and Japan. This was an agreement reached decades ago. It was an agreement recognized under international law. And by honoring that agreement, we resumed joint surveys, which ultimately led to the discovery of this oil field.

— Once the validity period expired, the region would have become Japanese waters under international law. Many people opposed restarting the joint survey in the first place. Now oil has been discovered, and Japan is essentially handing over its resources to Korea, isn’t it?

Perhaps recalling how negative Japanese public opinion had been at the time, Koizumi’s face turned red.

— No one could know for certain whether delaying endlessly would truly result in the area being recognized as Japanese waters. Our government acted in Japan’s national interest.

Koizumi gave a textbook answer, but the reporter continued pressing aggressively.

The sight was so absurd it made me let out a hollow laugh.

“That reporter’s got guts.”

Attacking the government like that during a press conference being broadcast live around the world?

As expected, Koizumi abruptly cut off the Q&A session.

— We will end the Q&A session here.

With a stiff expression, Koizumi exited the press room.

Soon the television switched back to the anchor.

I turned off the TV and immediately contacted Japan, requesting a call with Prime Minister Koizumi.

Several hours later, a call finally came from Prime Minister Koizumi.