Senator Catherine, Professor David of Brooklyn Medical Center, and Kang Taeho from Korea stood together in the press conference hall.
Hundreds of cameras and lights turned toward them all at once. CNN, BBC, Reuters, the Associated Press—media from all over the world had gathered.
Senator Catherine took the microphone.
“New York has faced an unidentified new virus. And today, we have overcome a major crisis.”
She gestured to her side.
“The contribution of Dr. Kang Taeho of Korea and the Geumsan Research Institute team was decisive. By combining wastewater-based surveillance with clinical models, they detected a high-risk signal three days ago, and through an early treatment protocol, they protected the group of severe patients.”
A CNN reporter in the front row raised his hand.
“Dr. Kang, how was it possible to predict a high risk three days in advance? Was there an inside tip?”
Taeho answered calmly.
“There was no inside information. We used wastewater-based surveillance data and epidemiological models. RNA copies/L in samples collected from major treatment zones in New York City had been rising sharply since a week ago, and on the 28th, they exceeded the upper bound of the risk zone and showed a flash signal. When we corrected for multiple variables and fed them into the model, the risk of outbreak within 72 hours was estimated to be roughly in the 70 to 90 percent range.”
A BBC reporter shouted from the back row.
“If such precise prediction is possible, why couldn’t the CDC do it?”
Taeho hesitated for a moment before answering carefully.
“The CDC also operates a national surveillance network. However, for several months, we had been tracking similar nucleotide sequence patterns reported in France, Korea, and the UAE, and had separately trained the preceding signals of this variant. That allowed us to narrow down the range of ‘when and where’ a little further.”
A Reuters reporter cut in.
“Then does that mean this was not a natural occurrence, but an artificial attack?”
The press hall fell silent. Senator Catherine looked at Taeho.
Taeho chose his words cautiously.
“An international joint investigation is underway, so I cannot make a definitive statement. However, some characteristics have been observed that are difficult to explain by natural occurrence alone.”
“Do you see it as terrorism?”
“Not yet. What we can say for certain is that the data was consistent, and the early treatment protocol proved effective. If cooperation continues, the next wave can also be contained.”
Taeho could not let too much information slip through the press conference. If he chose the wrong nuance or the wrong word, unrest more serious than the pandemic itself could erupt.
An Associated Press reporter raised his hand.
“Dr. Kang Taeho, citizens around the world are watching. Please say a few words.”
“The WHO and medical teams in each country are preparing. Please guard against excessive anxiety, and follow basic quarantine guidelines. That is the strongest line of defense.”
Taeho spoke clearly, his expression composed.
Once again, camera flashes burst in rapid succession.
The COVID-19 pandemic that began in 2020 had killed 1.2 million people in the United States alone. That figure far exceeded the number of American soldiers killed in World War I, 110,000, and in the Vietnam War, 58,000.
Even more shocking was the fact that it had reduced the average life expectancy of Americans by 2.7 years. It was the lowest point since 1996. The United States now recognized pandemics as a national security threat, and it had no choice but to be enthralled by Kang Taeho, who possessed the ability for early prediction and rapid response.
At that time, in the Presidential Office of the Republic of Korea.
A live broadcast of the New York press conference was playing on a large screen.
President Min Yeongsu had loosened his tie and was staring at the screen with a coffee cup in hand. Beside him sat Park Seonyeong, commissioner of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, along with the National Security Office chief and the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Taeho’s voice flowed out through the speakers.
‘But we are prepared. Science does not lie. The data was clear, and the treatment protocol also…’
Commissioner Park Seonyeong murmured in admiration.
“We truly passed a major turning point. All 104 severe patients survived.”
The National Security Office chief set down his report.
President Min Yeongsu looked at Taeho on the screen and slowly nodded.
“It should be seen not as a miracle, but as the result of thorough preparation. That young man has been preparing for this scenario for months. Fitting the pieces together in France, Geumsan, and Abu Dhabi.”
There was a heavy weight in the president’s voice.
Commissioner Park Seonyeong looked at Taeho on the screen.
On the screen, a reporter asked a question.
‘Dr. Kang, do you represent the Korean government?’
Kang Taeho answered.
‘I am a doctor. However, the Korean government has already proposed an international cooperation system. We are ready to share treatment protocols, diagnostic kits, and epidemiological surveillance systems with the entire world.’
A faint smile appeared on President Min Yeongsu’s lips.
“That young man knows how to do diplomacy properly, too.”
“The media in every country is in an uproar.”
The Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke while looking at his tablet.
“CNN is calling him ‘Korea’s Pandemic Hero,’ the BBC ‘the Albert Schweitzer of the 21st Century,’ and Le Monde ‘the Virus Hunter.’”
Commissioner Park Seonyeong opened a report.
“The U.S. Senate is preparing an emergency hearing. Senator Catherine is leading it. The White House is also positive about our proposal.”
“We have also received contact from the United Kingdom and Japan. They want to invite Director Kang Taeho.”
The Minister of Foreign Affairs added.
President Min Yeongsu took a sip of coffee and looked at Taeho on the screen again.
“That young man is opening a new chapter in our country’s medical diplomacy.”
The president turned to Commissioner Park Seonyeong.
“Commissioner, when Director Kang returns to Korea, bring him straight to the Blue House. Review awarding him the Order of Civil Merit as well.”
“Understood, Mr. President.”
On the screen, Taeho delivered his final remark.
‘This is not the victory of one person. It is the victory of science and cooperation. We will fight together, and we will win together.’
Applause erupted in the press conference hall.
In the office as well, Commissioner Park Seonyeong clapped softly.
President Min Yeongsu looked at the screen and murmured.
“That young man is raising the prestige of the Republic of Korea.”
***
Kang Taeho and the members of the Geumsan Research Institute team finished their schedule in New York and returned to Korea.
Taeho sent the team members home, then headed straight to the Presidential Office.
He took the car sent by the Presidential Office, and when he arrived, the chief presidential secretary was waiting outside the door.
“Director, you’ve worked very hard. We’ve heard all about your performance in New York. The whole world is in an uproar.”
“You flatter me.”
Taeho gave a slight bow. The chief presidential secretary led the way down the corridor.
“Whether it’s CNN or BBC, all they talk about is you, Director. The White House has also sent an official request for cooperation. Invitations are continuing to come in from the United Kingdom, Japan, and Germany as well.”
“I’m grateful.”
“The president has been waiting since early this morning. The prime minister, the National Security Office chief, the KDCA commissioner, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs are all attending as well.”
The chief presidential secretary stopped in front of the office door.
“And everyone is on edge because of the London outbreak prediction. You said an outbreak would occur within 36 hours, correct?”
“Yes. The countdown is currently underway.”
The chief presidential secretary knocked on the door.
“Mr. President, I have brought Director Kang Taeho.”
“Come in.”
The door opened.
President Min Yeongsu was seated at the central conference table in the office. The prime minister, the National Security Office chief, KDCA Commissioner Park Seonyeong, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs were seated on either side. Thick reports and laptops lay on the table.
The president stood and extended his hand.
“Director Kang, you’ve been through a great deal. I heard the news from New York. As a citizen of the Republic of Korea, I am proud.”
“You are too generous, Mr. President.”
Taeho shook his hand and took a seat.
The president’s expression turned serious.
“I hear New York was only the beginning.”
“Yes, Mr. President. London has a high probability of entering the risk zone within 36 hours, Tokyo within five days, and Delhi within approximately one week. This is the result of combining preceding signals in wastewater data, air traffic volume, and seasonal variables.”
Tension flowed through the conference room. The National Security Office chief opened his laptop.
“The WHO has already issued an alert. The British government has shifted to an emergency quarantine posture, and Japan has strengthened quarantine inspections at Narita Airport.”
Commissioner Park Seonyeong turned a page in the report.
“The domestic response system is already in operation. Wastewater surveillance has begun at major airports and ports across the country, and rapid diagnostic kits have also been deployed.”
The president nodded, then looked straight at Taeho.
“Director Kang, we must now prepare for the next stage. Specifically, how should we prepare for the pandemic going forward?”
Weight settled into the president’s voice.
Taeho caught his breath for a moment, then took a tablet from his bag.
“I will explain, Mr. President.”
Taeho swiped the tablet screen. A map of Korea appeared.
“Seoul’s average concentration is rising, at approximately 650 copies/L. It does not mean an immediate explosion right now, but if major cities overseas cross the critical threshold in succession, the possibility of a domestic wave is high.”
The president’s face hardened.
The commissioner showed the detailed data.
“These are the averages from five wastewater treatment plants in Seoul. Jungnang, Tancheon, Nanji, Seonam, and Gangseo are all showing the same pattern.”
“Are you saying Seoul is in immediate danger?”
“If outbreaks begin in overseas cities, there is a 90 percent chance that they will occur domestically within two weeks as well.”
“Why two weeks?”
“There is a chain reaction in viral activation.”
Taeho brought up a simulation graph.
“When one city crosses the threshold, other cities with similar concentrations cross it in succession. Like dominoes.”
Taeho manipulated the tablet and displayed a hologram in the center of the conference room. It was a simulation of red dots spreading across a map of Korea.
“This is a scenario calculated by computer. This virus has a fatality rate of 55 percent and a reproduction number of 10. Considering that COVID-19 was 2 to 3, its infection speed is five times faster.”
In the hologram, the red dots spread explosively with Seoul at the center. Within one week, the entire capital area was dyed red.
“In the first week of the outbreak, there will be 30,000 confirmed cases. Fifteen thousand severe patients will emerge. Negative-pressure isolation beds are at the level of about 1,200, and ECMO devices are estimated at 300 to 400. Looking at the numbers alone, it may seem sustainable, but medical personnel and simultaneous operating capacity are the bottlenecks. If the first week skews toward 30,000 confirmed cases and over 10,000 severe cases, the negative-pressure isolation beds and ECMO units that can actually be operated will rapidly hit their limits.”
Taeho’s voice sank coldly.
“That is not the end. By the second week, severe patients will exceed 60,000. Medical staff will enter 72-hour continuous shifts, and emergency rooms will be packed with patients even in the corridors. Oxygen supplies will run short, and the problem of choosing who receives ventilators will begin.”
Commissioner Park Seonyeong drew in a low breath.
“By the fourth week, the medical system will be completely paralyzed. Thirty percent of medical personnel will be infected and leave the field, and the remaining staff will be driven into extreme conditions. From that point on, the fatality rate will surge not to 55 percent, but to 80 percent. More people will die because they cannot receive treatment than because of the virus itself. That is what happened in Bergamo, Italy, in 2020.”
Taeho switched the screen. It was footage of military trucks carrying coffins.
“The crematoriums reached capacity, so the military had to transport the bodies. Doctors had to make the choice to remove ventilators from patients over sixty and attach them to younger patients. This was when COVID-19 had a fatality rate of 3 percent. What would happen if a virus with a 55 percent fatality rate spread?”
The astonishing speed of infection and mortality rate.
The president’s face had also hardened stiffly.