Capítulo 588: Chapter 588: Decisions Are Best Made Quickly
4·25 Cultural Center.
It was North Korea's largest performance venue and boasted the biggest scale on the Korean Peninsula.
With a site area exceeding 120,000 square meters, this colossal venue is one of the most notable in Asia, set to host the 7th Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea.
It had been 20 years since the 6th Congress took place in 1980, and finally, the 7th Congress was about to commence.
Jang Seong-taek announced the Politburo's decision, setting the date, while simultaneously allowing foreign correspondents entry from around the globe.
At the 6th Congress, delegations from various countries were invited.
However, this time, whether due to cost issues or other political reasons, no one was invited.
"I hereby declare the opening of the historic 7th Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea!"
It was Kim Jong-il's inaugural speech, marking his first appearance on an official stage since Jang Seong-taek took power.
For many in attendance, it was the first time hearing Kim Jong-il's voice, as he was known to be a reclusive leader.
As his speech concluded, thunderous applause erupted throughout the grand theater.
Simultaneously, the North Korean national anthem began to play, prompting Jang Seong-taek to assist Kim Jong-il to his seat.
Countless people gathered at the grand theater bore witness to the scene.
In the center was Kim Jong-il's seat, with Jang Seong-taek seated right beside him.
While Kim Il-sung had been seated alone at the center during the 6th Congress, this time, Kim Jong-il and Jang Seong-taek sat side by side in the spotlight.
The person presiding over the current Congress was Kim Yong-nam, the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly.
"The agenda for the 7th Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea will proceed with a summary of the activities of the Central Committee, a review of the activities of the Central Inspection Committee, and amendments to the Party's rules. Additionally, we will discuss the retirement of our esteemed Chairman Kim Jong-il and the elevation of Comrade Jang Seong-taek to our Party's highest leadership position, followed by elections for the Central leadership body of the Workers' Party of Korea."
As Kim Yong-nam announced the Congress agenda, a buzz spread through the grand theater.
This was due to the official announcement of Kim Jong-il's retirement and the subsequent elevation of Jang Seong-taek as the highest leader.
It marked the moment when the highest leadership, previously held firmly by the Kim family from Kim Il-sung to Kim Jong-il, was to be transferred to Jang Seong-taek.
"Let's begin with a summary of the Central Committee's activities. Central Committee members, please… one by one…"
As the summary session commenced, Jang Seong-taek leaned toward Kim Jong-il and spoke.
"General, how are you feeling?"
Kim Jong-il turned to look at Jang Seong-taek. He seemed gaunt but held a stern expression, seemingly conscious of his demeanor.
"If it's too difficult, you can withdraw now."
Jang Seong-taek had already achieved his purpose. There was no longer a reason for Kim Jong-il to remain.
He publicly confirmed that Kim Jong-il was indeed alive for the citizens.
Additionally, by showing their side-by-side seats, he could stage a 'peaceful' transfer of power.
It echoed a similar sentiment from the last 6th Congress, where he recalled Kim Jong-il reporting on business while standing in front of Kim Il-sung at the center.
Kim Jong-il was certainly aware of Jang Seong-taek's true intentions.
"You want me to disappear, don't you?"
Jang Seong-taek, readjusting his expression, shook his head.
"No, it's better for you to stay until the end. I'm just worried about your health."
"You little bastard. Pretending to care. I plan to stay until the end today. But from now on, you handle things yourself. Got it?"
"Understood, General."
Though Jang Seong-taek stopped addressing him as 'Comrade Chairman' from a certain point, Kim Jong-il didn't scold him.
Instead, he turned forward again to listen to the reports from the Central Committee members.
Jang Seong-taek also listened to the reports, but his mind was elsewhere.
'Now the Republic must return to a normalized socialist state. Moving beyond Military First Politics and reverting to a Party-centered socialist government…'
Due to the rushed preparations for the Congress, it couldn't last as long as before.
The Congress had been postponed for years—after two complete shifts in regime yet only scheduled for a mere three days.
After the morning session, Kim Jong-il and Jang Seong-taek moved to have lunch, followed closely by the Politburo members.
Numerous photos captured them walking side by side, engaged in conversation, which would be distributed nationwide the next day.
The first day of the Congress concluded only after the sun set.
After seeing Kim Jong-il off, Jang Seong-taek returned to his office.
As Jang Seong-taek opened the door to his office, all his closest aides who had gathered immediately stood up.
"I seem to be a bit late."
After waving his hand in a casual greeting, Jang Seong-taek took his seat. The others followed suit.
In reality, the Congress was nothing more than a formality. The future of the Republic was essentially decided here.
"In two days, I'll officially become the supreme leader of the Republic."
"Congratulations!"
"Congratulations, Comrade…"
Jang Seong-taek raised his hand, cutting off their words.
"You'll call me by that title only after the Congress concludes officially. For now, focus on completing the Congress smoothly without any mistakes."
"Understood."
"Okay, let's dive into the meeting proper."
When Jang Seong-taek laid out the agenda, his aides began a heated discussion.
Jang Seong-taek only introduced the topics, then passively observed their debate, taking it all in.
Under Kim Jong-il's Military First Politics, the military held immense power, while the party was merely an accessory.
But Jang Seong-taek aimed for a return to a standard communist state where the party was prioritized in every aspect, much like China.
Those gathered here were intended to manage both the Party and the military.
Military officials expressed their views forcefully to minimize the diminishing military power, while those from the Party strived to siphon off as much power from the military as possible.
"Let's stop this."
When Jang Seong-taek spoke, the intense disputes ceased as if they had been a lie.
"From now on, Military First Politics must fade into the annals of history, and the Republic should revolve around the Workers' Party of Korea. This will never change."
The faces of the military leaders to Jang Seong-taek's right hardened.
"General O Geum-cheol. Or is it now Marshal?"
"Yes, Vice Chairman."
"Marshal O Geum-cheol must keep a tight grip on the military. That's why I'm appointing you as Chief of the General Staff. If the military moves now, our reforms will all collapse. Do you understand what I mean?"
"Yes. I will ensure the military's movements are under control."
"For the Republic to survive, our reform and opening policies must be implemented unconditionally. To do this, we need to announce to the international community that we are a normal nation. I trust you, Marshal O Geum-cheol. So make sure you meet my expectations."
O Geum-cheol stood up abruptly and saluted.
"I will dedicate my life to reforming the military!"
Jang Seong-taek nodded with a faint smile.
"Sit down. When we're among ourselves, let's not be overly formal."
As O Geum-cheol sat down, Jang Seong-taek's gaze shifted to the left.
"Choi Ryong-hae."
"Yes, Vice Chairman."
"Do you know why I appointed you as the Director of the General Political Bureau? The reason I placed you in that significant position despite not being a military official?"
"I understand. It's to show that the Party has completely dominated the military."
Jang Seong-taek nodded in agreement with his words.
"Exactly. That's correct. Hence, I appointed O Geum-cheol as a Marshal and you as the Director of the General Political Bureau. But what's going on now? Why are you pushing the military so hard? Do you think you're above Marshal O Geum-cheol?"
"W-Well…"
"I don't want to see the military and the Party at odds right now. This is a time that calls for unity among the Party, military, and politics to move forward. Understand?"
As Jang Seong-taek spoke coldly, Choi Ryong-hae lowered his head.
"I will keep that in mind."
"I'll be watching. If you're so consumed by ambition that you recklessly maneuver the military, then I'll leave the consequences to your imagination."
"Yes! I'll remember and take it to heart."
Jang Seong-taek encouraged and warned each person by meeting their eyes.
Should needless power struggles hinder the reform and opening policies, no one would be spared.
"Comrade Vice Chairman."
As the discussion wound down and people prepared to leave, Choi Ryong-hae spoke up.
"You must kill Kim Jong-il."
Jang Seong-taek narrowed his eyes.
"Choi Ryong-hae! I told you never to bring that up again! I promised I'd spare Kim Jong-il's life. Why do you keep mentioning that?!"
Though Jang Seong-taek shouted, Choi Ryong-hae did not cease.
"If you let him live, he will become a continual threat to you, Comrade Vice Chairman."
"Listen here."
"Comrade Vice Chairman, even if I die, if it means I can take that man down with me, I'd do it. He must die. As long as he lives, he could return to power at any time with a grand comeback."
"I've already taken control of the Party, government, and military. What are you so afraid of that you insist on killing Kim Jong-il? Don't mention it again."
Jang Seong-taek slammed the table, clearly showing his frustration. At that moment, O Geum-cheol spoke up.
"I share the same sentiment as Comrade Director of the General Political Bureau. Kim Jong-il must be eliminated."
Jang Seong-taek's eyes sharpened.
"Even you, O Geum-cheol…?"
"Kim Jong-il has ruled the Republic for decades. He is the sun of the Republic and the son of Comrade Supreme Leader. His significance will never fade. This will inevitably be a liability for you, Comrade Vice Chairman."
It wasn't just Choi Ryong-hae and O Geum-cheol.
Everyone gathered in the office echoed the demand for Kim Jong-il's death.
"Shut it. I'll warn you once more. Killing the General will never happen. If you mention it again, I will ensure he will absolutely die at my hands. Understand?"
Jang Seong-taek concluded firmly, making it clear he would hear no further opposition.
"That's my final warning. Now everyone, get out!"
With Jang Seong-taek's dismissal, everyone filed out of the office. Among the departing figures, Choi Ryong-hae and O Geum-cheol discreetly met.
"I heard that the director of the General Political Bureau will also be attending the upcoming summit. Is that correct?"
"Yes."
"There's only one way now. The director should meet with Kim Mu-hyeok separately in Seoul and persuade him to convince the Comrade Vice Chairman."
"Kim Mu-hyeok? You want me to meet with that man?"
O Geum-cheol nodded.
"Right now, he's the only person capable of persuading the Vice Chairman. While I'd prefer to meet him myself… I must protect Pyongyang, right? So the director must arrange a separate meeting to persuade him."
"Kim Mu-hyeok… Are you asking me to risk my life?"
"If that fails, then I will step in. Kim Jong-il must die. It's essential for our peace of mind."
After pondering for a while, Choi Ryong-hae nodded in agreement.
"Understood. I will meet him, but I can't promise anything."
* * *
The grand banquet hall of the Baekje Hotel was plunged into shock.
Hearing that I held the development rights for a major project in North Korea's administrative district, it was almost unbelievable.
Even when Chairman Song Young-ju was alive, I didn't have that much authority.
I had merely been involved in the construction of the Kaesong Industrial Complex and acquired the rights for the Mt. Kumgang tourism project. Besides that, I only had priority status for other ventures.
"Did you say you have the right to reside there? Are you seriously saying that the development and operational authority for Nampo City belongs to Boss Kim?"
Chairwoman Yeo Seung-jin, finally breaking free from her shock, asked hesitantly.
"Yes. That's correct. I have full rights to develop and manage that area. Additionally, I hold all negotiation rights regarding South Korean companies entering North Korea."
I surveyed the area once more before speaking.
"Decisions are best made quickly. We need to relay that to Jang Seong-taek during this summit. There are less than a month left. So please make a rapid decision and come find me afterward. That's all I have to say. I won't entertain questions."
After leaving my final words, I rose from my seat.
Before exiting the banquet hall, I halted behind one individual.
"Chairman Choi Woo-sik? Let's step outside for a moment to talk."
At the mention of my name, the chairman of the KS Group, Choi Woo-sik, stiffened.
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