Han Woon-Sook showed genuine interest and asked, "What kind of technology is it?"
Upon hearing Lee Han's translation, Shin elaborated, "It's the IoT, or Internet of Things—a network of interconnected physical devices embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies that enables them to collect and exchange data over the internet."
Lee Han conveyed Shin's explanation to Han Woon-Sook, who learned that the technology involved sensors and microcontrollers—low-power chips processing data from sensors and controlling connected devices.
"We've already integrated this technology into our software, allowing communication through specific protocols. Just last year, we successfully incorporated IoT technologies into our industrial equipment and inventory management," Shin added.
Upon hearing Lee Han's translation, Han Woon-Sook remarked, "This technology seems incredibly useful." Simultaneously, he couldn't help but express admiration for Japanese innovations in technology.
"We always seem to be playing catch-up. Even a relatively recent company like KiShin has advanced significantly in just a few years," Han Woon-Sook pondered. His thoughts also drifted towards the utility of the technology introduced by Shinro Suzuki to his electronic products.
Han Woon-Sook found himself in a quandary, struggling to decline these enticing technologies. SamStar, being a corporation aiming to rival Japanese companies in technology, sought global technological advancement. Faced with the prospect of a technology that could propel SamStar toward this lofty goal, Han Woon-Sook felt the pull to agree with Shinro Suzuki's proposal.
Observing Han Woon-Sook's conflicted expression, Shinro Suzuki smiled. He was aware of SamStar's active research and development in various technologies integral to IoT—sensor technology, microcontrollers, and communication protocols.
Understanding that Han Woon-Sook likely had these considerations in mind, Shinro knew the significance of KiShin's IoT technology to SamStar's ongoing research and development efforts.
Speaking to Lee Han, Han Woon-Sook instructed, "Lee-Ryu, assist me in negotiating with this young man." Aware that Shin couldn't comprehend Korean, he relayed the message to Lee Han.
Lee Han furrowed his brows while looking at Han Woon-Sook and asked, "What do you mean?"
Han Woon-Sook responded with an indifferent expression, saying, "You know what I mean. Assist me in securing the best deal in negotiations with the young man... You're from the Han Family, after all."
While Han Woon-Sook spoke, Shin anticipated Lee Han's translation but noticed him frowning. Unable to comprehend Han Woon-Sook's words, Shin observed, waiting to understand Han Woon-Sook's intentions.
"I apologize, Mr. Han Woon-Sook. In business negotiations like this, familial ties hold no sway. Moreover, having worked in Mr. Suzuki's company, my commitment is to secure the best deal for KiShin, not because of family connections but due to my role as a senior executive," Lee Han explained. Pausing, he added, "I am the Chief Operating Officer of KiShin Rules—not family, not your cousin."
Upon hearing this, Han Woon-Sook frowned at Lee Han, remarking, "You place excessive trust in this Japanese company. It appears you've forgotten their actions against our land, our people, and our parents, grandparents."
Lee Han's expression turned serious as he asserted, "KiShin has no connection to that. Let's refocus on the business talks."
Han Woon-Sook remarked, "Trusting outsiders, especially foreigners, over your own people and family is a grave mistake."
"I'd rather trust Mr. Suzuki and his company than you or your corporation," Lee Han replied with a hint of contempt.
Han Woon-Sook frowned, cautioning, "KiShin will discard you once you're no longer useful. Consider this carefully, Lee-Ryu. Would you truly be more loyal to young Suzuki than to me, your own cousin?"
Lee Han smiled confidently, countering, "Don't worry. Mr. Suzuki is unlike you, and KiShin is not akin to your company. I know this from my experience working with them."
Han Woon-Sook's expression darkened, questioning, "Are you still harboring grudges against us from the past?" He scrutinized Lee Han, who remained emotionally composed, continuing, "It seems your grudges have clouded your judgment, or KiShin has deceived you with position and a high salary."
"Think what you will. Let's return to the business at hand. It's unrelated to emotions; it's purely business," Lee Han asserted with a smile.
Curious about their conversation, Shin asked Lee Han, "What is he saying, Mr. Han?"
"He wants me to employ tactics against you to secure a better deal in negotiations," Lee Han revealed with a smile.
Shin laughed, responding, "Hahaha, it seems he really wants the technology I presented."
Lee Han nodded, saying, "It's quite effective."
While Shin and Lee Han engaged in a cheerful conversation, Han Woon-Sook observed, unable to comprehend their exchange.
"What are his thoughts on my proposal? Will he agree?" Shin inquired, wanting Lee Han to convey his words to Han Woon-Sook.
Lee Han nodded and translated Shin's inquiry to Han Woon-Sook. After a thoughtful pause, Han Woon-Sook responded, "Let me think about it. I'll consider Mr. Suzuki's proposal." Lee Han conveyed this back to Shin.
Upon hearing Lee Han's translation, Shin smiled and remarked, "It seems RealSoft technologies have truly tempted him. Now we wait." Shin paused, then directed his attention to Lee Han, saying, "Mr. Han, I'd like you to handle the negotiations with the SamStar Group later."
Lee Han appeared surprised but then responded, "But I lack knowledge about that technology, and I'm not familiar with KiShin's cards as you are to fully utilize it in negotiations."
Shin smiled and assured him, "I'll provide you with the files and documents you need for the negotiations."
Looking at Shin, Lee Han questioned, "Do you truly trust that I can perform well in negotiations, especially with SamStar, my family's business?"
Shin replied confidently, "You're not under SamStar; you're under KiShin. I trust your ability to excel in negotiations."
Lee Han, touched by Shin's trust, couldn't help but feel moved.
After Shin had been in South Korea for a few days, negotiations between KiShin and SamStar were underway. Shin entrusted Lee Han, equipped with the key employees of KiShin, to represent the company in the negotiations. Simultaneously, Han Woon-Sook delegated the negotiations to the capable employees of SamStar Group.
As the negotiations would take some time to finalize, Shin returned to Japan after a week and a half in South Korea. Naturally, he brought back souvenirs to later gift to Mira and their child.
In Tokyo, Japan, the video game industry thrived, with various genres gradually permeating the market in the capital of the global video game industry. Over the years, the number of console gamers in Japan has grown to approximately 30-35 million, experiencing slow but steady growth.
Beyond Japan, many countries, including the USA, Canada, the UK, and China, are capitalizing on the profitability of the video game industry. Additionally, the side-scrolling style, originating from KiShin, has been incorporated into numerous games produced by various video game companies.
Whether it was a 2D fighting game, a 3D first-person shooter, isometric RPGs, or puzzle games with logic-based mechanics and engaging challenges, as well as sports games featuring realistic simulations with limited player models and animations, most of these genres drew inspiration from KiShin. The video games that introduced some of these genres first were actually able to do so because KiShin incorporated them into the toolkits and libraries provided to video game developers. Consequently, some video game companies, releasing their games on various platforms, paid KiShin higher royalty fees.
Regarding the new consoles that have entered the video game market in recent months, despite KS1 and TSX Fusion expanding their game libraries, SKES video games gained more users than initially anticipated, not only in Japan but also globally.
The 2D platforms proved to have a broader appeal to new players, leading KiShin to experience unexpected profits in the sales of SKES video games. This outcome surprised Shin and the executives when they first reviewed the report. In response to this success, Shin decided to continue releasing video games for SKES, ensuring they would also be available on KS1.
Simultaneously, Tora and Suzuki recognized the increasing potential of video games. Consequently, the board members made the strategic decision to invest more effort in the development sectors of their video game projects.
Itori Tanaka, Shiko Suzuki, Seki Suzuki, Nikko Tabata, and Taro Ikeda, the leaders of the Tora-Suzuki alliance, were exhilarated by this development. As a result, the research capabilities of Tora-Suzuki significantly strengthened in the development of their next game console.
Their expertise in semiconductors, including CPU, GPU, and other semiconductor technologies, surpasses that of KiShin, thanks to their concurrent development of computers and components. The only challenge for Tora and Suzuki lay in game console development lagging behind their progress in computer development, particularly in hardware design. Although Tora and Suzuki were making swift strides in video game console development, KiShin was advancing at an even faster pace.
Furthermore, KiShin possessed a deep understanding of gamers' needs and preferences, enabling them to tailor their hardware and software for a superior gaming experience. New entrants like Tora and Suzuki needed to bridge the gap between their research capabilities and the specific demands of the gaming market.
Moreover, even if Tora and Suzuki made strides in advanced electronics research, catching up to and surpassing KiShin in game console development, KiShin had already nurtured a robust ecosystem of game developers and publishers. Developers were well-acquainted with KiShin hardware and tools, streamlining the process of creating high-quality games for their consoles. New entrants needed to attract developers and provide tools to establish a thriving game library.
For instance, the VG Engine software, utilized by Tora, Suzuki, and emerging video game companies, predominantly in Japan and the USA, was developed by KiShin. The VG Engine software, along with communication protocols integrated into KiShin's software suite, facilitated the transmission of VG Engine data from these companies to KiShin's databases. This exchange not only enhanced the VG Engine software but also played a crucial role in improving the advanced Unreal Engine.
The video game industry remained unaware, but KiShin was steadily shaping the present and future of video game development, with 90% of companies in the industry contributing to KiShin's progress.
As Shinro Suzuki's Forbes magazine cover gained recognition worldwide, some journalists researching the video game industry began drawing parallels. They felt that just as Microsoft holds a pivotal position in the computer industry, KiShin plays a similar role in the video game sector. However, a faction of journalists, disliking Microsoft and Will Gates, extended their disdain to KiShin due to its partnership with Microsoft and Shinro Suzuki's comparable standing to Will Gates.
In Japan, Shin's fame as a tycoon surpassed even Yoshiaki Tsutsumi, the current richest person in Japan, who is a real estate tycoon.
Some media outlets in the USA went so far as to dub Shinro Suzuki as the "Will Gates of Asia" due to KiShin's dominance in the video game industry.
Adding to the intrigue, the latest issue of Fortune revealed that KiShin is the current major shareholder of Apple. Furthermore, KiShin is a major shareholder in Rebolt Technology, a recently publicized company. Unconfirmed reports also suggest KiShin holds substantial shares in other yet-to-be-disclosed companies, shocking many, including the Suzuki Family.