The Next Day.
I arrived at the research lab on time.
Most of the researchers had already started their work for the day, and Advisor Fukuda was waiting for me outside my office early in the morning.
"What brings you here so early? Don't tell me you've already finished writing the report?"
"I only added a few words to the draft you prepared. If I'm going to be paid as a advisor, this much is the least I should do, don't you think?"
"Let's talk inside."
I led Advisor Fukuda into my office.
As I sipped the coffee my secretary had brought in, I carefully read through the report.
"There's certainly more emphasis on the positives than the negatives."
"Since this report is about Taewoo Group's future revenue sources, of course, I had to highlight the positives. Honestly, it was torture holding back. Negative points kept popping into my head, but I forced myself to suppress them."
"Well done. If you do write about any negative aspects, just compile them separately and show them only to me."
The report was exactly what I had hoped for.
I especially liked how it emphasized mobile phones as the future of Taewoo Electronics.
Currently, Taewoo Electronics' main business revolved around televisions and white goods.
However, the profit margins in the white goods industry were typically below 10%.
This was partly because the company had to pay royalties to various firms, including Japanese companies.
Additionally, market growth was sluggish, and fierce competition prevented them from freely raising prices.
"I did highlight the high profit margins of mobile phones, but that's only possible if sales volume is high enough. With Taewoo Electronics' current lineup of mobile phones, it'll be difficult to increase market share."
"So, as long as we create a great product, it's possible? Then there's nothing to worry about. I'll present this report to my grandfather as is. And please continue writing more reports."
"I'm already working on another one. This time, I'm focusing on industries that Taewoo Group hasn't yet entered but could become major future revenue sources."
"That sounds excellent. Please continue. I'll make sure your reports are used in the most critical discussions."
Advisor Fukuda looked pleased.
Before I became the director, his reports had rarely even been properly reviewed. Now, he was more enthusiastic than ever, eager to pour his efforts into writing.
But even now, things hadn't changed all that much.
At best, his reports were only influencing my grandfather's perception bit by bit.
The real game-changer was something else entirely.
The flip phone prototype.
Once I placed a tangible prototype in my grandfather's hands, his perception would change in an instant.
To make that happen, I needed to push for faster production.
So, I went to find Vice Director Joo Kwang-il.
"How's the prototype coming along?"
"We are in the process of signing contracts with multiple companies. However, when it comes to manufacturing the phone's exterior, injection molding is required, and many companies are hesitant."
"Is there a reason for their hesitation? It's not like we're not paying them."
"It seems to be because the request is coming from the research lab rather than Taewoo Electronics."
I could already guess the reason.
Orders from mobile phone manufacturers usually involve large volumes.
However, an order from a research lab would be small in quantity and unlikely to lead to a long-term contract, making companies reluctant to take it on.
"If that's the issue, solve it with money. If we increase the unit price by more than 30% compared to production companies, won't they take the order immediately?"
"That might work, but the research lab's budget is limited."
"Don't worry about the money. I'll cover the costs with my own personal funds if necessary. How much more do we need to offer to get them to start production immediately?"
"If we increase the unit price by 50%, they might even work overnight to get it done."
"Then raise it by 60%."
As I've said time and time again, this is a race against time.
This wasn't the moment to be frugal and waste valuable time.
"What about contracts with other companies? We're facing the same issue with the mock-up (prototype) manufacturers."
"Pay them whatever they ask. That will take care of the exterior. How's the hardware coming along?"
"For now, we're modifying existing hardware as much as possible. To manufacture custom hardware specifically for the foldable phone, a large-scale contract is necessary, so we don't have much choice."
A mobile phone consists of numerous components—memory, CPU, antennas, and more.
Taewoo Electronics couldn't possibly manufacture all of these components in-house. Naturally, we had to purchase parts from other companies.
"Will modifying existing components be an issue?"
"Our researchers are more than capable of handling it. However, the battery remains a problem."
"Perfect timing. The prototype battery for the foldable phone has arrived."
Professor Goodenough had acted swiftly.
As soon as he returned to his lab, he sent the prototype battery to Korea, and it had arrived this morning.
"Is this really a mobile phone battery? It's so small. I'm not sure if the phone will function properly with it. Even if it does, I feel like it'll drain within a few hours."
"Try using it first. This battery can last up to 100 hours. Even with heavy call usage, it will easily last over 50 hours. Plus, it's removable, so users can carry spare batteries."
Smartphone users often carried power banks.
However, with a foldable phone, they could simply swap out an extra battery, making it much more convenient.
"If this battery truly performs as you claim, then there won't be any major obstacles to completing the prototype."
"So, how long will it take to produce the prototype?"
"At the latest, we can have it ready in three months."
"Three months? That long?"
"Since it's a completely different model from previous ones, it will take time."
"Even if everything has to be handmade, I want the prototype ready by next month."
"…Anything less than three months is really difficult."
"What if we minimize the features and make it capable of only calls?"
"In that case, one month would be enough."
"Honestly, even a month is too long. So please make it as quickly as possible. I'll provide bonuses to the prototype team for every day they shorten the timeline."
"We'll do our best."
I provided every possible resource to speed up the production of the foldable phone prototype.
If we lacked manpower, I recruited skilled professionals.
For outsourcing, I increased the unit cost to ensure our project was prioritized first.
It took exactly 24 days.
By spending more than twice the usual amount on prototype production, we managed to complete it in just 24 days.
Click! Snap!
The foldable phone gave off a strangely satisfying feeling every time it was opened and closed.
Jonathan, who led the design, and Vice Director Joo Kwang-il, were just as captivated by the sensation as I was.
"The design turned out even better than I expected. There's no comparison to any other phone on the market."
"That's thanks to Jonathan refining the details in the design."
"It also helped that Steve revised the initial design. That made the product even better."
Jonathan spent hours on the phone with Steve every day.
It was clear that Steve was eager to return to Apple, as he poured his full talent into the foldable phone.
As a result, we had created a device that even I—someone used to smartphones—couldn't help but admire.
This gave me the confidence to move on to the next stage.
"As you know, the prototype must not be leaked under any circumstances."
"The researchers involved in the project are practically living at the lab. We conduct security checks three times a day, so you don't need to worry about leaks."
We couldn't afford to lose this hard-earned innovation.
To prevent any leaks, the lab had implemented a strict security system.
In addition, I personally checked in with all the researchers daily to monitor any unusual activity.
If anyone had contacted the outside world or attempted to smuggle out the prototype, it would immediately raise red flags.
"Now that the prototype is ready, I'll go report to the Chairman."
"I'm sure he'll be extremely pleased. Won't he want to move forward with production plans right away?"
"That will probably be the case. Everyone, you've worked incredibly hard. Honestly, I'd love to give you all a day off, but there's still too much work left to do."
The prototype was, after all, just a prototype.
Aside from call and text functions, all other features were absent.
It couldn't yet match the capabilities of existing mobile phones, and incorporating the new features developed by my team and the patent division left no time to rest.
"Everyone enjoys working here. The research lab used to feel more like an outsourcing company, but now we're creating an entirely new product. It's incredibly rewarding. And, well... the generous bonuses help too."
"Since you're working so hard, I'll make sure you're well-fed. I'll speak to the cafeteria and arrange for daily meals with nutritious foods—everything from beef to eel."
"Thank you! With such good food, we'll work even harder."
After giving Vice Director Joo Kwang-il a reassuring pat on the shoulder, I headed to the group's headquarters.
In my hands were two foldable phone prototypes, which I carried with the utmost care, as if they were sacred relics.
Stepping into the chairman's office, I carefully presented them.
"Well, well. What brings the General Manager (Director) of Research Centre all the way here? I hardly even see you at home, yet you've made time to visit me?"
"I can finally show you what's been keeping me so busy."
I pulled a box from my coat and, ever so slowly, lifted the lid—revealing the elegant form of the foldable phone to my grandfather.
"You're telling me this is a mobile phone?"
"It's a foldable phone—a compact, lightweight alternative to conventional models."
Click! Snap!
My grandfather cautiously flipped the phone open.
He held it to his ear, testing its feel, then pressed the keypad firmly.
"It's certainly different from any phone I've seen before. Customers will definitely be intrigued by this."
"Of course. This is a product created by your grandson. I'm confident it will change the history of the mobile phone industry."
"Hmm... Yes, I can see it. This could make a lot of money."
My grandfather had a sharp eye for business.
He had built Taewoo Group into the third-largest conglomerate in the country.
Naturally, he recognized the value of the foldable phone at a glance.
"So this is what you've been busy creating. Impressive, truly impressive."
"Also, please take a look at this report from the Economic Research Institute. It outlines the future of the mobile phone market and Taewoo Group's long-term growth opportunities."
I handed him the report compiled by Advisor Fukuda.
It highlighted key insights on the mobile phone industry, with a strong emphasis on projected profit margins.
"This report claims the operating profit margin could reach up to 30%. Is that true?"
"It won't happen immediately, but once mass production begins, it's entirely feasible."
"Considering technology royalties, achieving a 30% margin seems impossible."
"We've filed over 50 patents related to foldable phone technology, and we're filing new ones every day. By the time we launch, we'll have at least 200 patents."
Attorney Park Jun-il had officially taken charge of the patent division.
Since all researchers submitted their patent specifications to him for review, he naturally became the team's core.
Under his leadership, the patent division accelerated its output—some days, they were drafting more than five patent applications.
"So your strategy is to amass patents and reduce technology licensing costs?"
"Exactly. The more patents we hold, the less we'll need to pay other companies in royalties. Eventually, instead of paying fees, we'll be the ones collecting them."
"We'll be the ones collecting royalties? Ha! Now that's music to my ears."