Kapitel 602: Chapter 602: Expressing Deep Regret
President Yoon Chang-ho and State Councilor Jang Seong-taek sat facing each other for their meeting.
To Yoon Chang-ho's left and right were Security Chief Choi Tae-min and Minister of Unification Lee Cheol-woo.
On either side of Jang Seong-taek were General Political Bureau Chief Choi Ryong-hae and Deputy Minister of Unification Kim Young-gun.
Reporters continuously captured the moment, snapping photos of the two Koreas sitting across from one another.
"As I traveled from Pyongyang to here, a journey that could be considered far or near, I found myself deep in thought. It's surprising how difficult it is to come here when we're not separated by a towering wall, but merely a thin line."
Jang Seong-taek began speaking first, as if delivering a well-prepared speech.
"It's not a physical wall that blocks us, but an invisible barrier in our hearts that stands tall. It's time for us to dismantle that wall and move forward together, ending the era of confrontation. The moment for peace is now."
After a quick glance at the reporters, Jang Seong-taek smiled.
"As I mentioned earlier, some may be excited for this historic moment, while others may have concerns. I understand well what those worries are. The agreements made during the previous summit in Pyongyang were filled with promises, yet they fell silent as empty cries, didn't they?"
Jang Seong-taek brought up the meeting between Kim Jong-il and Kim Hak-gwon.
None of the agreements from that meeting have been fulfilled.
"I hope this summit yields genuine agreements, not just political ones. We must show tangible results for the people of the Republic and South Korea. Even if we can't reach an agreement, I pledge before President Yoon and all the journalists here that we won't make empty promises."
Jang Seong-taek concluded his statement with a determined tone.
Once the press had enough time to take photos, Yoon Chang-ho began to speak.
"As winter passes and the weather warms, this is the first time State Councilor Jang Seong-taek has crossed the military demarcation line in history. This marks the arrival of spring at Panmunjom, the symbol of division, where the first shoots of peace are blooming. Just like spring brings new growth, I hope that the South and North can move toward a new relationship."
Yoon Chang-ho also started with some comforting words.
"The eyes of our citizens and the entire world are on this Korean Peninsula. First, I want to express my respect for State Councilor Jang Seong-taek for creating this occasion today. I sincerely hope this dialogue will help us reach a significant agreement through understanding each other's circumstances. We will work hard to share the discussions we've missed over the past fifty years during this visit."
Yoon Chang-ho's speech ended, and just as before, reporters clicked their shutters madly.
After a flurry of camera flashes, Jang Seong-taek spoke.
"I believe it's time for us to have an earnest conversation now."
As Jang Seong-taek turned his attention to the reporters, President Yoon smiled in response.
"Dear journalists, could you kindly allow us to converse freely?"
At their request, the reporters began to gather their cameras and leave.
Then, Jang Seong-taek looked at the reporters and said.
"But before that, I have something important to say."
President Yoon Chang-ho looked at Jang Seong-taek with a puzzled expression. This was an unexpected, unscripted move from Jang Seong-taek.
The agreement was to deliver formal statements with the press present, followed by closed talks.
No one knew what Jang Seong-taek was about to say, and a tense atmosphere settled over the room.
"The clash between North and South in the West Sea two years ago was a mistake by our Republic. I sincerely express my regret to the citizens of South Korea and the bereaved families affected by it."
Gasps filled the room. Who would have thought Jang Seong-taek would directly mention the First Yeonpyeong Naval Battle?
And he even used the word 'regret'…
The reporters, who were gathering their equipment, quickly raised their cameras again to capture Jang Seong-taek.
"I promise to do everything in my power to ensure military clashes between North and South do not occur again as a result of this summit."
Jang Seong-taek slightly lowered his head.
Choi Ryong-hae and Kim Yang-gun, who were next to him, also looked startled and followed suit.
Since the division, North Korea's highest leader had never bowed directly to South Korea.
Of course, there had been unofficial apologies.
During the incident known as the Kim Shin-jo incident, when the Blue House was attacked on January 21, the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency secretly visited North Korea, during which Kim Il-sung delivered a message.
— The Blue House attack was an incident caused by radical leftists in our Republic. Would killing the President of South Korea make South Korea disappear? Or would my death erase our Republic? It's the same logic. How could I initiate such an act? After receiving the report on this incident, I dismissed all relevant individuals. When you return to South Korea, please convey my apologies to the President.
Although it could have led to the outbreak of war, only an unofficial apology was exchanged.
This was the first time that North Korea's supreme leader publicly expressed regret to South Korea in their own voice.
In international relations, a genuine apology is indeed challenging.
Thus, when a political figure expresses regret, it's often accepted as an apology.
President Yoon's eyes widened as he understood this.
"Now it's time for President Yoon to speak. Journalists, please step aside."
Under normal circumstances, reporters would have clamored with questions, but this was not such an occasion.
The reporters swallowed their disappointment as they gathered their gear and exited the venue.
Once everyone had left, Yoon Chang-ho asked.
"I never expected you to express regret over the First Yeonpyeong Naval Battle directly."
Jang Seong-taek smiled broadly.
"Surprised? I contemplated a lot about what gift to present to President Yoon. I've heard there's an important election coming up in South Korea."
"Thank you. This will be a great help."
"I'm glad to hear that. This statement was impromptu, made without anyone knowing. Just look at the expressions on my two comrades beside me."
And indeed, Choi Ryong-hae and Kim Yang-gun's faces looked stiff.
A statement acknowledging the Republic's mistake was made by its highest leader.
Both of them knew this was being broadcast live to the world.
However, they were in no position to reprimand Jang Seong-taek.
"Since Chairman Kim Jong-il was responsible for this matter, I could have easily avoided expressing regret. Yet, I wanted to make it clear that I am different from Kim Jong-il."
"You did well. Our people in the North and the South, as well as people around the world, would have recognized the sincerity of the State Councilor."
Though it was an action taken unilaterally by Jang Seong-taek, it instigated a warm atmosphere.
Regardless of how his comrades felt about it.
"Our Republic has high expectations from this summit. It's not just about economic cooperation; there are many matters we could work on together."
Yoon Chang-ho responded to Jang Seong-taek's words.
"That's right. I think the same. Since you have made such a significant decision, we should also make significant concessions."
Jang Seong-taek nodded in agreement with Yoon Chang-ho's response.
"A single meeting won't erase decades of rivalry. But if our leaders meet regularly and work through dialogue, we can resolve any issue through conversation, can't we?"
This implied making the summit a regular event.
Yoon Chang-ho seemed willing to accept Jang Seong-taek's proposal.
"Of course. Next time, I'll visit Pyongyang. The former president used to rave about the delicious cold noodles he had there. I wonder what those who haven't tasted it would feel about it…"
"Hahaha! That sounds great. If President Yoon visits Pyongyang, I will personally treat you to some Pyongyang cold noodles."
After some ceremonial flattering, the real agenda finally surfaced.
"Let's start by discussing the Kaesong Industrial Complex issue."
As the friendly atmosphere turned lively, the discussion heated up.
"I hope to conduct the groundbreaking ceremony right after the summit. I need to have something to say to the North Korean people, don't I?"
Noticing Yoon Chang-ho's discomfort, Jang Seong-taek observed his expression.
"Is this too difficult for you? But isn't this part something we agreed upon at the last summit? It might have been delayed due to our Republic's circumstances, but it shouldn't be that hard. What matters is the willingness to move forward. I've heard South Korea can complete the construction quickly."
"No, let's do that. The chairman of Daehyeon Group, Chairman Song, will attend tonight's welcoming dinner, so let's set aside some time to finalize this discussion then."
Since the agenda was coordinated in advance, they reached almost all agreements without substantial disagreement.
However, there were indeed differences in opinion, particularly regarding military matters.
"As previously mentioned in the agreement, we have moved key military facilities, including the 2nd Corps' 6th Division and 64th Tank Brigade, stationed near Kaesong, to the rear. Yet, I noticed no movement on the South Korean side. Since we've relocated to the rear, corresponding redeployment from South Korea is needed as well."
Choi Ryong-hae challenged this point.
"We can assure you that once the Kaesong Industrial Complex construction begins, we'll coordinate closely with the U.S. military…"
"Hey, Security Chief Choi Tae-min. Why must the South Korean military's movement depend on coordination with the U.S. military? Isn't it something that should be agreed upon by North Korea and South Korea?"
Security Chief Choi Tae-min replied, sweating.
"…I will consider it positively."
"We can't be the only ones bearing the losses, right? Our Republic has even given up nuclear development for the sake of peace, so we believe South Korea will show corresponding military measures. Can we trust you on this?"
"Of course. We believe the same. However, changes in a short period will be challenging."
Unlike North Korea, where the leader can make swift decisions, South Korea can't move on anything solely based on presidential intent.
South Korean troops couldn't act without communication with the U.S. military.
Several issues continued to be discussed, showing different opinions, but consensus was not easily reached.
However, since this meeting was meant more for discussion rather than formal proceedings, the atmosphere wasn't extremely tense.
About an hour into the meeting, President Yoon Chang-ho spoke.
"Shall we now invite CEO Kim Mu-hyeok and Dr. Kissinger to join our discussion?"
"Sounds good. Let's proceed as you suggested. We shouldn't exhaust ourselves this early in the discussion."
Jang Seong-taek agreed with Yoon Chang-ho's suggestion, and the president signaled to his security chief.
Choi Tae-min got up from his seat, opened the door, and instructed the waiting secretary.
"Please bring in CEO Kim Mu-hyeok and Dr. Kissinger."
A moment later, the meeting room door opened and Kim Mu-hyeok and Kissinger entered.
"Greetings, I am Kim Mu-hyeok."
Seeing the bright smile of Kim Mu-hyeok, Yoon Chang-ho and Jang Seong-taek beamed back.
"Welcome, CEO Kim."
"Welcome, CEO Kim Mu-hyeok."
Following them, Kissinger spoke in English.
"It's an honor to be invited to this occasion. I am Dr. Kissinger."
Yoon Chang-ho had previously met with Kissinger. They exchanged greetings with a nod.
However, it was the first meeting for Jang Seong-taek.
Jang Seong-taek stood up and extended his hand toward Kissinger.
"I'm Jang Seong-taek. I've heard a lot about your reputation, Dr. Kissinger. You have many comrades who are friendly toward China, don't you?"
Kissinger twitched one side of his mouth, grasping Jang Seong-taek's hand.
"I've also heard much about you, State Councilor."
After the handshake, Jang Seong-taek and Kissinger took their seats.
Since Kissinger couldn't sit on the North Korean side, Jang Seong-taek found himself next to him.
Perhaps that's why Yoon Chang-ho jokingly remarked.
"Well, now that CEO Kim is here, doesn't it feel like we have a representative from North Korea among us?"
Jang Seong-taek responded to Yoon Chang-ho's comment.
"It would be a great honor if you could send CEO Kim Mu-hyeok to our Republic."
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
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Rangliste 
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Stein