-San Francisco Earthquake-
Known as the Big One, it was recorded as the largest earthquake not only of the 21st century but also of the 20th century.
At the same time, it was likely to be recorded as the disaster with the best response.
It was almost miraculous that the damage from the M9.8 earthquake was contained to this extent.
Experts, through simulations, estimated that if it had occurred without prior preparation, fatalities could have reached a minimum of 1.3 to 2 million.
Moreover, with key personnel in Silicon Valley research labs and headquarters casualties affecting various business plans and projects, tech companies like NPL, Google, and AMZ could have seen stock prices plummet by at least 40%, resulting in a market shock surpassing the 2008 financial crisis, pushing the global economy into recession for the next decade.
While the U.S., suffering from irreparable damage, spiraled into chaos, it was predicted that China would expand its influence in the international arena, leading to significant changes in the world order…
However, that event did not actually occur.
This level of damage was something the U.S. could sufficiently overcome with its strength. While it might have been unfortunate for China, nearly all countries breathed a sigh of relief.
Being a developed country isn’t simply about having a lot of money.
It requires civic awareness and community spirit. Developing countries tend to divide in crises, while developed nations unite.
The U.S. is a nation known for its strong individualism, but in the face of crisis, it unites more strongly than any other country. Volunteers poured in, and schools and local communities voluntarily initiated fundraising efforts.
Various races came together to support America.
However, the Big One left a significant trauma on the entire nation. Whether one experienced it directly or not, everyone trembled in fear of earthquakes.
Despite Professor Mohan’s and the government’s announcements that there would be no more aftershocks, the American public struggled to shake off their anxiety.
Ronald delivered a speech in the devastated Silicon Valley.
Unlike the inauguration ceremony that had sparse attendance, the crowd was so dense that there was barely space to stand.
Before beginning his speech, there was a moment of silence coinciding with the time of the earthquake. Everyone lowered their heads to honor the victims.
Ronald commenced his speech in a steady voice.
“Recently, we experienced a major disaster. The city that America was proud of, along with its bridges and the cradle of advanced industries, Silicon Valley, has been destroyed. But the greater tragedy is that so many lives have been lost. We have lost our beloved families, friends, and colleagues. It is a deeply painful matter.”
As mentioned, nearly everyone here has lost someone precious—a son, daughter, mother, father, brother, sister, friend, colleague, and so on.
“I would like to talk about hope alongside sorrow. You all remember the 9/11 attacks. The World Trade Center, which collapsed then, now stands more magnificent than ever. When our ancestors first came to this land, there were no roads or buildings. In this vast emptiness, we laid paths and built homes. Buildings and factories can be rebuilt. As long as Americans live on this land, we can achieve anything. When I became president, I promised you this: to make America great again. And here today, I reiterate that commitment. Together with you, I will make America a great place once more!”
Ronald’s speech was enough to move people’s hearts.
Has there ever been a president as great in history? He saved America from the brink of disaster despite facing criticism and opposition from all sides.
The audience slowly wiped their tears and applauded.
“I would like to introduce two people here today. I believe you all know who they are: Professor Kiran Mohan, who first identified the earthquake risk, and Kang Jin-hoo, who communicated it to everyone!”
Then, Professor Mohan and Kang Jin-hoo appeared.
At that moment, cheers and applause erupted.
“Wow!”
Ronald took both of their hands and lifted them high. He declared, “We will succeed! We will rescue the last survivor and recover the last body, returning them to their families! This disaster will be recorded in history as America’s victory!”
***
The whole world watched Ronald’s speech.
Leaders from various countries gathered in the U.S. to discuss support and recovery issues. South Korea was represented by Prime Minister Hwang Gyusang, as President Park Si-hyeong was always busy.
While Ronald spoke with them, I conducted a live interview with CNN.
A young female journalist named Mary Kenny asked me various questions.
“Why did you go to such lengths to inform about the risks of Big One, even pledging shares of OTK Company?”
I answered as if it were obvious.
“Because lives were at stake. Compared to that, money is nothing.”
“You truly saved countless lives.”
“Thanks to Professor Mohan, who first predicted the major earthquake, and President Ronald, who believed him and directed measures.”
As I answered calmly, Kenny threw a surprising question.
“I heard that director Arthur Fara wants to make a movie depicting your life and donate all profits to the victims. Are you aware of this?”
“…Yes?”
Arthur Fara is a famous Hollywood director, considered to follow in the footsteps of Steven Spielberg or James Cameron.
But my life? It’s only been a little over twenty years. What movie could he make?
I decided to be humble and do my best to elevate Ronald.
“I hope the movie focuses on President Ronald instead. Isn’t that much more interesting?”
Kenny smiled and continued the conversation.
“Many Americans are grateful to you after the earthquake.”
“The U.S. has always been South Korea’s closest ally. During the Korean War, 500,000 young Americans fought and risked their lives for this country, which they didn’t even know. Over 50,000 lost their lives on foreign soil. Thanks to that sacrifice, Korea can enjoy peace and prosperity today. If we could repay even a little of that debt this time, I would consider it fortunate.”
She nodded with a look of deep impression.
“What do you think about the title of ‘American hero’ or ‘superhero’?”
“Thank you for saying that. But I believe the true heroes are the American people who are coming together to overcome this disaster. I would like to give that title to them.”
“I heard you’re returning to Korea tomorrow.”
I said it jokingly.
“In fact, I entered on a tourist visa. My stay is about to expire, and if I’m not careful, I might become an illegal immigrant. As you know, President Ronald doesn’t like illegal immigration.”
She burst into laughter.
“Actually, many civic groups and politicians are claiming that we should grant special naturalization to Representative Kang Jin-hoo or award him honorary citizenship.”
“Thank you very much just for saying that.”
I spoke while looking at the camera.
“The reason I’m going back to Korea is that I am confident there won’t be any major earthquakes in the future. I know many people are still worried about aftershocks, but you can now rest assured.”
This was the reason for the interview.
By leaving, I announce the conclusion of Big One.
***
Before I left, I said goodbye to each of my staff members with whom I had lived together for that time.
The disaster victims held a modest farewell party for me. As I entered, everyone gathered in the restaurant stood up and applauded.
A young girl and boy presented me with a bouquet, and we took a commemorative photo together. They held my hands in gratitude, and I felt like tears might pour out, so I held back.
After the brief event, I headed to LAX with Ronald.
LAX had also experienced chaos due to the shock of Big One, with airplanes having accidents with the facilities. However, the recovery was completed in a day, and it was now back to normal, serving as a crucial gateway for transporting aid supplies and personnel.
As I thought about finally returning to Korea, my feelings were strange. I hadn’t expected such a long schedule until the very moment of departure.
I recalled everything that had happened over the past few months:
Meeting with Professor Mohan, White House briefings, press conferences, equity deposits, the Mexican earthquake, protests, impeachment… and Big One.
So many events had occurred that it felt like years had passed.
Ronald, sitting next to me, asked, “Are you really going to fly on a commercial plane? There are plenty of people offering private jets besides me.”
Apart from Air Force One, the presidential aircraft, there is also a private plane for the chairman of Stamper Corporation. Before becoming president, he used to fly around the U.S. campaigning on that plane.
“Do I really need to rent a private jet just to go home? In a situation like this, it’s better to use resources where they are more needed.”
CEOs of large corporations eagerly offered their private jets to the U.S. government to be used for disaster recovery.
“When we arrive at the airport, don’t be too surprised.”
“What do you mean?”
By the time we approached, I started to understand what he meant.
LAX was packed with crowds from the outside. As we got out of the car, people cheered while waving placards and Korean flags.
“Ronald! Ronald!”
“Kang Jin-hoo! Kang Jin-hoo!”
It looks like a Hollywood star has appeared at the airport.
My popularity is at this level these days.
At the departure terminal, Ronald patted me on the back and said proudly, “You’ve really worked hard. Thank you on behalf of all Americans.”
“No, Mr. President, you’ve worked hard too.”
He still has a lot of work left to do. He needs to lead the rescue operations until the end and address subsequent issues one by one.
Given the current mood, the midterm elections and even re-election should not be a problem, so he’ll have to work hard for another seven years.
He doesn’t see it as hardship but will gladly accept it.
“You’ll have a surprise gift on the plane, so look forward to it.”
“Really?”
What has he prepared?
When I asked, Ronald just smiled slyly.
“If I tell you, it wouldn’t be a surprise gift, would it?”
I boarded the flight to Korea amid everyone’s send-off.
I looked around my seat but couldn’t see anything that resembled a gift. Could he have requested some duty-free goods or wine?
I sat down, and the flight took off safely.
How long had it been since takeoff?
I was about to recline my seat and try to sleep when the captain’s announcement came on.
“[Would all passengers please take a moment to look out the window?]”
Following the announcement, I looked out. To my surprise, several fighter jets were surrounding the aircraft.
The captain explained to the startled passengers.
“[On this flight is Representative Kang Jin-hoo, the hero who saved California from crisis. A squadron of F-22s will escort this aircraft until it leaves U.S. airspace.]”
“……”
Was this the surprise gift Ronald mentioned?
What on earth is there to escort that requires fighter jets? And F-22s at that!
They’re really making a big show of this.
I bet this is definitely going to be on TV.
***
Upon arriving at Incheon International Airport and exiting to the arrival hall, I was met with a scene reminiscent of my departure from the U.S.
Just like LA International Airport, this place was packed with a massive crowd. Everyone was there to see my face.
While I had been criticized as a financial speculator back in Korea, this kind of warm welcome was a first for me.
Is this what they call a triumphant return?
The reporters thrust cameras and microphones at me in unison.
“How does it feel to be a hero in America?”
“What are your future plans?”
“Please say a few words.”
Instead of answering, I just waved my hand.
The bodyguards cleared a path, and I quickly hopped into the waiting car outside the arrival hall.
In the back seat, a familiar face was waiting.
“Jin-hoo!”
“Ellie!”
She was dressed in a suit, likely having come straight from work.
As soon as Ellie saw me, she embraced me tightly. I felt a warm, moving sensation.
Can I kiss her? It shouldn’t be visible from outside, right?
Just as I was thinking that, a voice came from the front.
“Hey, buddy. Can’t you see me?”
Turning my head, I saw Taek-gyu sitting in the driver’s seat.
“Oh! You were here too?”
“Yeah, I was.”
Taek-gyu started the car, and vehicles that looked like news vans followed behind us.
Taek-gyu spoke while driving.
“I didn’t realize it at the time because everything was so chaotic, but we really did something incredible, right? We saved so many people.”
I nodded.
“Yeah. We did it.”
