[꼬꼬무 107회 요약] ＂건강한 국민만이 주권을 되찾을 수 있어＂ 미국 극비 작전 공작원의 정체가 의약회사 창업주? | 꼬리에 꼬리를 무는 그날 이야기 (SBS방송)

Summary

The script delves into the untold story of the NEKO Project, a secret operation during World War II involving Korean agents recruited by the US. It highlights the journey of Yoo Il-han, a prominent businessman and founder of Yuhan Corporation, who became involved in the project after witnessing the dire health conditions in Korea. Despite facing political resistance and the tragic division of Korea, Yoo's contributions to the country’s independence movement and post-war industrialization are explored. The narrative intertwines his business acumen with his patriotism, showcasing his lasting impact on Korean society.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Neko Project was a covert operation by the OSS involving Korean agents who were recruited to infiltrate Japanese forces before Japan's surrender in World War II.
• 😀 Yu Ilhan, a key figure in the Neko Project, was a former athlete and elite Korean intelligence agent who contributed to the fight against Japan during WWII.
• 😀 Yu Ilhan's career transitioned from being a successful accountant in the U.S. to a prominent entrepreneur in Korea, founding Yuhan Corporation.
• 😀 Despite his success in the U.S., Yu Ilhan returned to Korea, driven by a strong sense of duty to help the country recover from the devastation of Japanese occupation.
• 😀 Yu Ilhan invested in the pharmaceutical industry, focusing on providing affordable, quality medicine to the people of Korea, particularly for tuberculosis.
• 😀 His company, Yuhan Corporation, became one of Korea's leading pharmaceutical companies, revolutionizing the local industry and contributing to public health.
• 😀 Yu Ilhan's commitment to Korea extended beyond business; he also supported education by establishing Yuhan Industrial High School to provide free education for talented youth.
• 😀 Despite his achievements, Yu Ilhan faced political obstacles, including refusal to enter Korea until seven years after the establishment of the Republic of Korea.
• 😀 Yu Ilhan was a symbol of integrity, refusing to participate in political corruption, including rejecting bribes from the government during the Syngman Rhee era.
• 😀 In his later years, Yu Ilhan advocated for the idea that a company should not be owned by a single individual, promoting professional management to ensure long-term stability for Yuhan Corporation.

Q & A

What was the 'NECO Project' mentioned in the script?

The 'NECO Project' was a secret mission involving Korean operatives, primarily during World War II. These operatives, mostly ethnic Koreans, were tasked with infiltrating and sabotaging Japanese forces on the Korean Peninsula before direct attacks on Japan. It was organized by the OSS, the precursor to the CIA.

Why were Korean agents chosen for the NECO Project instead of American operatives?

Korean agents were chosen because of their knowledge of the local environment, their language skills, and their strong desire for independence from Japanese colonial rule. The mission was highly risky, with predictions that 70% of the agents would not survive.

Who was Yoo Il-han, and what role did he play in the NECO Project?

Yoo Il-han was a significant figure in the NECO Project. A successful entrepreneur and the founder of Yuhan Corporation, he was also a trained military officer and participated in the project to support Korea's fight for independence. He was involved in the covert operations aimed at weakening Japanese control over Korea.

What business did Yoo Il-han initially establish before his involvement in the NECO Project?

Yoo Il-han first founded a business that sold bean sprouts, which were a key ingredient in dumplings loved by both Chinese and American consumers. His innovative approach to preserving the bean sprouts for longer shelf lives contributed significantly to the business's success.

What motivated Yoo Il-han to return to Korea and start a pharmaceutical business?

Yoo Il-han was deeply moved by the high number of tuberculosis cases in Korea during his visit in 1926. This tragic situation motivated him to bring affordable, quality American medicine to Korea, aiming to address the urgent healthcare needs of his homeland under Japanese colonial rule.

What were the challenges Yoo Il-han faced when starting his pharmaceutical business in Korea?

Yoo Il-han faced significant obstacles, particularly the dominance of Japanese pharmaceutical companies in Korea. Despite this, he persisted by focusing on aggressive and innovative advertising strategies and later built his own production facilities.

How did Yoo Il-han manage to advertise his pharmaceutical products in a competitive market?

Yoo Il-han differentiated his pharmaceutical products through bold and creative advertisements, including teaser campaigns that emphasized the brand rather than the individual products. This approach helped boost the visibility and credibility of Yuhan Corporation in Korea.

Why did Yoo Il-han agree to participate in the NECO Project despite the risks involved?

Yoo Il-han saw his participation in the NECO Project as a crucial step towards supporting Korea's independence. Despite the risks and personal consequences, he believed that contributing to the war effort would ultimately help secure Korea's future as a sovereign nation.

What was the impact of Japan's surrender on the NECO Project?

Japan's surrender in August 1945 ended the war, halting the NECO Project just before it was set to launch. The operatives, including Yoo Il-han, were left disheartened as their efforts were ultimately overshadowed by the end of the war, and Korea's independence did not immediately follow.

What were Yoo Il-han's contributions to the development of Korea's healthcare system after the war?

After the war, Yoo Il-han continued to invest in Korea's healthcare by founding Yuhan Corporation as a leading pharmaceutical company. He also contributed to educational initiatives, including establishing a high school to support talented students, ensuring they received an education regardless of their financial background.