An Investor Who Sees The Future

As the evacuation plan was implemented, some chaos was expected. However, the current situation has far exceeded those expectations.

With the outbreak of the Bluebell Tower fire disaster, public opinion has worsened drastically.

Protests that began in memory of the victims spread across the United States. Demonstrators demanded the immediate end of the evacuation plan in San Francisco and called for Ronald’s resignation, gathering even in front of the White House.

In Korean towns across various cities, hate protests erupted.

“Koreans are ruining America!”

“Get out of our land!”

“Yellow monkeys, go away!”

The most intense protests happened in LA’s Koreatown, the largest Korean community in the U.S., not far from San Francisco.

The sight of the gathered protesters was reminiscent of the 1992 LA riots. The difference was that instead of African Americans, it was entirely made up of white people.

They shouted racist slurs, throwing rotten eggs and food waste toward stores and laundries, leaving Korean residents in fear.

As the chaos from the evacuation measures escalated, the protests grew more intense. Foot traffic in shopping areas came to a halt, and slingshots and Molotov cocktails began to be thrown.

Frustrated, Koreans organized a self-defense group.

Though America has relatively free gun ownership, not many could handle firearms well. In contrast, while gun ownership is illegal in Korea, nearly all adult men knew how to use guns.

Led by first-generation immigrant men with military experience, they began to patrol and provide security.

Concerned about the seriousness of the situation, state authorities sent police to disperse the protesters. However, hate protests against Koreans showed no signs of stopping.

Midtown Manhattan, New York City.

Amid buildings under 40 stories, one 72-story tower loomed high above.

This building, called Stamper Tower, was erected by Ronald after he acquired the air rights of surrounding buildings early in his real estate ventures.

Stamper Tower was nothing short of a symbol of Manhattan.

However, since the emergency measures were announced, fierce protests had been ongoing in front of it. There was no particular reason, other than the name “Stamper” being utterly distasteful to them.

As the protests continued, there was a discussion at the residents’ meeting about removing the name “Stamper.” When the seven letters affixed at the entrance were taken down, “Stamper Tower” simply became “Tower.”

The protesters who witnessed this erupted in cheers.

“Wow!”

“We won!”

“Get lost, Ronald! Die, Kang Jin-hoo!”

***

The entire U.S. was engulfed in chaos, with protests erupting everywhere, but Ronald remained unmoved.

He continued to issue evacuation plans without faltering.

Once he made a decision, he pushed forward without looking back. That was his style, whether in real estate or politics. In the end, he achieved victory.

Amidst the dizzying situation in the U.S., I spoke with my senior, Sang-yeop.

“Are you managing the tasks I assigned you?”

[Yeah. But public opinion here isn’t good. Protesters are constantly gathering in front of the company, and even the police seem to be in on it, not caring at all.]

It’s not something to brag about, but public opinion about me was also at its worst.

If you asked Americans to name two people they’d want to kill right now, they would likely point to me and Ronald. Add one more, and it would be Professor Mohan.

[I think the prosecution is going to launch a search soon.]

I was taken aback.

“A search? For what?”

Then Sang-yeop replied.

[Don’t you know? Right now, Korea is in an uproar because of your sex scandal.]

“What?”

A sex scandal?

***

[Kang Jin-hoo, sex with a Pornstar from Faceit!]

The first article appeared in a tabloid called Daily World News.

Korean media picked up that article and presented it as if reported by prominent U.S. outlets.

They continued to exchange articles without any fact-checking, inflating suspicions further.

If the other party was a pornstar or anyone else, having sex alone may invite moral criticism, but it wouldn’t necessarily lead to legal consequences.

At some point, sex transformed into sexual services, and the narrative that a payment was made evolved into prostitution.

The Joongilbo published an article on the front page and criticized it vehemently.

[OTK Company CEO Kang Jin-hoo received sexual services from subsidiaries FaceIt!]

-(Excerpt) Everyone is equal before the law. This applies to the rich and the poor, citizens and those in power alike. If the allegations of sexual services and prostitution are proven true, appropriate punishment should be administered.

Minister of Gender Equality and Family, Cho Yu-sun, mentioned this article during a meeting, strongly condemning it.

“Recently, a CEO of a company has been known to receive sexual services from several porn actors and has engaged in prostitution, shocking many. This is essentially sexual violence by power and is an intolerable crime. Even now, countless women around the world suffer from sexual assault and exploitation. I urge a thorough investigation for the sake of women’s rights, regardless of status.”

After the Hoseong Savings Bank incident, conservative groups, which had been quiet, began large-scale protests.

The Parents Association took the lead, joined by Doctor’s Mothers, Mom Volunteer Corps, and National Defense Veteran Association. This was a major gathering of conservative groups, with thousands in attendance.

They gathered in front of the OTK Company headquarters, demanding punishment for prostitution and holding a “Rally against Kang Jin-hoo,” blaming him for the turmoil in the U.S.

“Kang Jin-hoo, who destroys the Korea-US alliance, step down!”

“Step down! Step down!”

“Arrest Kang Jin-hoo!”

“Arrest! Arrest!”

“Seize all his assets!”

“Seize! Seize!”

The protesters shouted nonsensical slogans all day long through loudspeakers. Even though it was an illegal gathering that wasn’t reported in advance, there was no police control.

The protesters attempted to enter the building, while security guards desperately tried to hold them back. Calling the police only led to a police car coming to take a quick look before leaving.

The protest began on the 15th. However, after a major earthquake struck Mexico City, the protests disappeared for a few days.

Yet, after the Bluebell Tower fire, public opinion against President Ronald and Kang Jin-hoo in the U.S. severely worsened, prompting them to re-emerge.

The conservative group reported Kang Jin-hoo, and testimonies from voice-modulated whistleblowers followed. The prosecution stormed in with search warrants, claiming they were looking for evidence of sexual favors.

“We’ve come from the prosecutor’s office. Please cooperate with the search,” they said.

Park Sang-yeop raised both hands and replied, “Yes, yes. Do as you please.”

The prosecution swept through, taking the computer hard drives, documents, and even employees’ smartphones.

Unlike last time, when they were caught off guard, this time they were prepared for the search.

All important data had been backed up on the server, and most records were deleted in a way that made recovery impossible. The employees’ phones had also been replaced just before the search.

As public authority failed to take any action, the protests grew increasingly violent.

Eventually, an incident occurred.

Jung Gi-hong was assaulted by protesters while returning from an external task. Park Sang-yeop rushed to rescue Jung Gi-hong and ended up getting beaten as well.

Had it not been for the X-Cop security guards rushing in to save them, the situation could have become dangerously severe.

Park Sang-yeop only suffered minor bruises, but Jung Gi-hong was in such bad shape that he needed to be hospitalized. The police arrived long after the report was made but, as expected, took no significant action.

Furious, Park Sang-yeop stormed into the police station.

“Why aren’t you arresting the assailants? I got beaten up, and one of my employees is hospitalized!”

The officer on duty replied nonchalantly, “How do we know who hit you?”

“I’m submitting the surveillance video!”

The protest scenes were fully recorded by external CCTV and the action cameras of the X-Cop guards.

“They wore masks. How can you identify anyone from the footage?”

“Then why are you allowing masked individuals to protest illegally in a rule-of-law country?”

The police nodded listlessly.

“Fine, if you have evidence to submit, just leave it there.”

***

I spoke with Team Leader Lee Cheol-jin from X-Cop.

[The protesters have gathered not only in front of the CEO’s house but also in front of the Dongtan house. So far, there hasn’t been a problem, but if things go wrong, it might become dangerous.]

“Those bastards….”

In that moment, anger surged within me.

Do they not understand that family should be off-limits?

“Take my mother to the Ceylon Hotel, and completely shut down the area around the house. Also, double the bodyguards and provide 24-hour close protection.”

[Understood. I will take full responsibility for the security.]

The organized actions of the conservative group, coupled with the police standing idle, indicated that there was someone behind this.

It goes without saying who that might be.

As I hung up, letting out a sigh, Ronald lightly tapped my shoulder and said,

“We’re both dealing with sex scandals, aren’t we?”

“…….”

How is that the same?

You were involved in sex, and I’m just facing rumors!

Public officials went door-to-door distributing disaster preparedness supplies and life jackets, while TV broadcasts replaced dramas and variety shows with guidelines for action during disasters and information about shelters.

Not only were available resources insufficient, but now there was a move to commandeer private rescue equipment.

The most needed items were boats and helicopters.

Anticipating backlash from forced requisition, they opted for a different approach: offering tax exemptions.

Mario Gonzalez, who resided in a mansion in Beverly Hills, had a helipad and a personal helicopter on his property.

An employee from Seosung Electronics came to install GPS equipment and a radio in his helicopter.

“Just sign here, please.”

Mario scoffed and replied, “I agree to the exemption of three years’ worth of property tax, but I still don’t understand what this is all about.”

The young employee said, “If nothing happens, that’s great. But if something does happen, your helicopter could be a great help to someone.”

It seemed he had heard similar remarks while going around for installations.

After all, who would participate in such a crazy scheme if not for tax benefits?

Mario took the pen and signed the document.

“This is why democratic citizens should vote wisely. I hope those who voted for Ronald or didn’t show up at the polls reflect on their choices.”

***

The disaster response plan included the use of smartphones.

The app’s functionality was simple. When an earthquake occurred, the government would forcibly activate the GPS on smartphones in the affected area via the communication network, transmitting location information to rescue centers. Additionally, if necessary, it could activate calls, the microphone, and the camera to check on individuals’ survival status.

However, how many people would actually download and install the app provided by the government?

Thus, the direction of forcibly updating through the communication network was discussed. Since the telecom companies operated under government control by leasing frequencies, they had no choice but to comply.

The issue was with software and hardware manufacturers.

Currently, the smartphone OS market is effectively split between Npple and Goople. The two giant IT companies based in Silicon Valley strongly opposed this.

Npple CEO Tom Black personally spoke out, stating, “Under no circumstances should the government invade personal privacy. This not only raises constitutional concerns but also undermines the foundation of America.”

However, he stated that they would approve users downloading and installing the app and consenting to provide personal information.

Naturally, less than half would be willing to do so.

Even Chinese companies expressed their reservations. However, Seosung Electronics complied with the U.S. government’s measures. When Goople, the OS company, opposed, Seosung announced it would conduct forced updates through its own store.

Seosung Electronics held a 32 percent market share in the U.S. smartphone market.

If a user entered a dangerous area with a Seosung smartphone, the app was forcibly installed through the communication network, regardless of the user’s consent.

U.S. consumer groups strongly protested, claiming it violated customers’ decision-making rights, and some outraged consumers posted pictures of themselves breaking Seosung phones on social media, declaring they would never purchase them again.

***

Vice President Mike Bauer met with his longtime friend, former Republican Senator Tester Boyle, who has now retired from politics.

However, an unexpected guest had arrived first: Democratic Leader Louis Kincaid and several Democratic senators.

Yet, one person stood out among them.

With a smile, he addressed Vice President Bauer.

“Good to see you, Mr. Vice President.”

It was Simon Underwood, the Governor of New Jersey.

After losing the presidential election, Diane Underwood’s political career had ended. However, the Underwood family’s influence remained strong in politics, especially within the Democratic Party.

Diane’s younger brother, Simon Underwood, was touted as a top contender for the next Democratic presidential nomination. If nothing unusual occurred, he would face Ronald, who would be seeking reelection, in the upcoming election.

Bauer was surprised that he had come to Washington, D.C. without prior notice.

Looking around, he asked, “What’s going on here?”

Tester replied, “First, take a seat. I’ll explain.”

Reluctantly, Bauer sat down at the urging of his friend.

“It’s an honor to meet you, Mr. Vice President. You’re well aware of the current state in America. California is paralyzed due to absurd evacuation measures, and hundreds of citizens have perished in the fire.”

Vice President Bauer interrupted Simon. “Cut to the chase; get to the point.”

Simon complied and stated directly, “Support the impeachment of the President.”