The final speech session at the Busan Industry Summit was a coveted prize, but time was tight. Scheduled from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., it offered just four hours for speakers. With each allotted only a few minutes—ten at most—the stage was reserved for industry giants or second- and third-tier CEOs. Small players like Park Minho's Hansung Technology, with its modest 300,000-unit sales and regional fame in Gyeonggi Province, didn't stand a chance.
Even bigger mobile brands—KyungTech, Sony Ericsson, Yutian, Amoi—lacked the clout to speak. In the phone industry, only TLC's boss, a step below Saehan Mobile's Xu Hua, might qualify. Minho, despite his triple play splash, was too small to be considered.
To earn a speech slot, Minho needed to shine in the remaining discussions, proving his triple play pitch wasn't a one-hit wonder. He had to show unique, valuable insights into Korea's future, catching the organizers' eye. Only then might they invite him to speak, letting him showcase Hansung to the nation and smooth its path to a broader market.
Minho's plan was clear. He'd jot down every discussion topic the host announced, crafting tailored responses. Using the *Ultimate Imitation Emperor System*'s extra functions, he'd cram professional knowledge to elevate his expertise. If drawn to speak, he'd deliver sharp, standout answers, building momentum toward a speech invite. Preparation was key, so Minho dove into study, drafting notes like a scholar prepping for a thesis.
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**May 24, 2004**
The summit's second day dawned, one day shy of its official close. "Welcome back to the Busan Industry Summit," the host declared. "Today, we continue our discussions, contributing wisdom to Korea's rise."
The summit spanned three official days, but an unspoken rule added two more for business networking. Days four and five were a free-for-all where companies could pay to pitch products, unveil strategies, or deliver speeches. These "unofficial" days drove deals and connections, boosting Korea's business scene. Most bosses stayed through at least the third day's gala, a rare chance to rub elbows with national titans. Leaving early meant missing invisible opportunities—nobody did.
"After the panel's decision, our first topic today is 'How to Transform from a Major Producer to a Production Powerhouse,'" the host announced.
Minho murmured, "From producer to powerhouse? That's broad."
He'd prepped a draft for this, giving him confidence. "Any perspectives or suggestions?" the host asked, eyeing the front-row elite.
"Let me take this one," came a familiar voice. Big Kim of AliKor, ever the spotlight hog, jumped in first, as he did for every topic. His answers, while safe and unoriginal, were polished and faultless—classroom star student vibes. His hustle had clearly fueled his rise.
"Please, Boss Kim, share your thoughts," the host said, unsurprised. Big Kim always led off, and the front-row giants seemed fine letting him play pacesetter.
Big Kim stood, voice steady. "As we know, Korea's transformation over the past 30 years, especially since joining the WTO two years ago, has been seismic. Joining the WTO gave us wings, soaring us into global markets."
Nods rippled through the room. Big Kim was spot-on. Korea's biggest leaps came early in its opening-up and post-WTO in 2002, reshaping lives.
Sensing agreement, Big Kim's confidence grew, his lips curling slightly. "The WTO let our products flood foreign markets, boosting profits and jobs. That's why we've grown so fast. To shift from a major producer to a powerhouse, the path is simple: keep expanding globally. Make Korea the world's factory, serving humanity with our goods. That's how we'll become a production powerhouse."
Applause erupted, warm and widespread. Big Kim's vision—global market dominance—was a crowd-pleaser, resonating with many.
Minho listened, pen in hand, ready to raise it if drawn. His triple play pitch had put Hansung on the radar, but he needed more moments to prove his worth. Xu Hua's dismissal of triple play as a "dream" still stung, but Minho saw opportunity in this topic. With the *Ultimate Imitation Emperor System* and his foresight, he could offer a fresh take, one that might turn heads and edge him closer to that speech slot. The summit was his proving ground, and he was ready to fight for it.
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(end of this chapter)