But Samsung did not know I intended to write a book.
“Key contacts,” I explained, “would be coached on what to say, sources
would go quiet, and my hard-earned access through unofficial channels
would go cold.”
Nonetheless, I couldn’t keep the book secret forever. In September
2015 I woke up to an email from one of my PR contacts at Samsung,
“Nam,” who had arranged a number of my earlier interviews.
“I hope you aren’t annoyed or alarmed by us knowing about your media
inquiry,” he wrote.
A former Samsung employee had forwarded him my request for an
unofficial interview. Now that Samsung knew of my intentions, we agreed
to meet over coffee, a gesture meant to smooth out any future interactions.
In our subsequent meetings, another public relations executive told me that
a suggestion that Samsung cooperate on the book had been flatly rejected.
Nevertheless, through my magazine work, the company’s official
channels, and my own unofficial sources, I interviewed more than four
hundred current and former Samsung employees, executives, politicians,
businesspeople, board members, journalists, activists, and analysts, as well
as a member of the founding family. The interviews took place in South
Korea, Japan, China, New York, New Jersey, Texas, and California. Some
interviewees were afraid of being named. Others did not want to go on the
record at all. I have respected their wishes. Many graciously offered to help
me, knowing their careers were at great risk, and with little benefit to
themselves.