Capítulo 610: Chapter 610: Do You Agree?
Koizumi's answer brought a smile to Jang Seong-taek's face.
"Don't even think about going back on your word later, Prime Minister Koizumi."
Jang Seong-taek's Japanese was surprisingly fluent.
He seemed well-versed in English, Chinese, and Japanese; he truly was a North Korean elite.
"Unless we completely abandon the negotiation table, that's unlikely to happen. So, can we count on you to agree to attend our government's talks?"
"Our Republic is in favor. However, it's crucial to consider the South's stance above all else, isn't it?"
As he spoke, Jang Seong-taek turned his gaze to Yoon Chang-ho.
Since the conversation was in Japanese, Yoon Chang-ho had no idea what was being discussed.
I smiled and summarized the dialogue for Yoon Chang-ho.
"While they can't specify it as compensation, they agreed to meet the amount requested by the North as closely as possible. I've also agreed to negotiate informally on behalf of the North before the official talks begin."
Surprise crossed Yoon Chang-ho's face as he absorbed my explanation.
"The Japanese government accepted that?"
"Yes. Didn't I mention? Japan intends to participate in this meeting due to domestic political issues. To improve relations with North Korea, they must first resolve the compensation matter. Given the current climate, they need to settle that issue one way or another. Since they have to do it anyway, accepting these terms and turning the five-party meeting into a six-party talks would be beneficial for them too."
"I see. Then they might also agree to our demands, right?"
Yoon Chang-ho's eyes sparkled with expectation.
I shook my head.
"That's hard to guarantee. North Korea and South Korea aren't the same, you know."
"Hmm."
While I was talking to Yoon Chang-ho, Jang Seong-taek and Koizumi wrapped up their conversation.
"Prime Minister Koizumi, if negotiations with the South are successful, we can arrange a summit. Let's sit down again when that time comes."
"Sounds good. If it's a dialogue with North Korea, I'm always open to it."
Jang Seong-taek regarded me with a satisfied expression as he spoke.
"I've said everything I needed to."
I nodded and resumed speaking.
"Prime Minister, it's Kim Mu-hyeok speaking."
"Thank you, Mr. Kim."
Koizumi expressed his gratitude instantly.
However, there was still someone left to persuade.
"It's premature to be thanking me. We still need to get past the barrier of the South Korean government. Let me outline their demands first."
Since Yoon Chang-ho didn't understand Japanese, I had to take the lead in the conversation.
"Go ahead. We'll consider most reasonable requests."
"An apology for past historical issues is going to be difficult. Isn't it?"
"·····That's impossible. It might change in the future, but not now."
"I understand. So, President Yoon's demand is to allow Japan to participate in talks in exchange for resuming exploration and development of the Seven Islands."
"You're talking about resuming the exploration and development of the Seven Islands, right?"
"That's right."
"Is that really enough? That's something we can jump into immediately."
Koizumi eagerly accepted the proposal.
But I suspected he was only pretending to be eager.
"The South Korean and Japanese governments don't trust each other. So how about we select a major oil company as an intermediary for the exploration?"
"Are you suggesting we delegate the development of the Seven Islands to an oil company from another country?"
Koizumi seemed taken aback, perhaps not expecting such a suggestion.
"Yes. Fortunately, I've recently acquired all assets and technology from Yukos related to this endeavor through Dream High. If we contract with Yugansk for exploration and development, our governments won't be able to halt the project for political reasons. If they do, it could escalate into a diplomatic conflict involving both America and Russia."
Though I owned Dream High, it was clearly an American company based in the U.S.
Even if Dream High acquired Yugansk, Yugansk remained one of Russia's major corporations.
If Yugansk were involved, even if Japan unilaterally tried to pay penalties and terminate the contract, it would have to face diplomatic disputes with both countries.
That's why I wanted to position Yugansk as our agent.
Japan would find it difficult to engage in disputes with both America and Russia.
"Why should we delegate exploration and development to another company? South Korea has its own Korea National Oil Corporation, and we have our own Japanese oil company as well. Just like before…"
"Because we don't trust you. Doesn't the South Korean government realize that the Japanese government intends to drag things out? That's why we're suggesting a contract with an oil company unrelated to both countries. If they handle exploration and development, we can trust them. Are you thinking you can just buy time and then get away with it?"
"That's not the case, but…"
"Yugansk is an oil company with proven competence in exploration and drilling. With the oil prices surging steeply right now, this is the perfect time to develop the Seven Islands."
"Still, that seems unlikely."
"Then the South Korean government will oppose Japan's participation in the talks. No matter how much the North Korean government pressures Japan to participate, if the North and South cannot reach an agreement, it will be hard for Japan to join the talks."
I turned to Yoon Chang-ho and asked.
"While they're open to resuming exploration, they cannot agree to transferring exploration and development rights to another company, Mr. President."
"What? They're trying to pull a fast one again. Then I cannot agree to the Japanese government attending the talks. Convey that to them."
I nodded.
"The President has decided to disregard that proposal."
This time, the message was clear about the necessity for genuine exploration.
"I'll make sure we proceed with the exploration this time. Mr. President Yoon, are you listening?"
"He hears you, but conversation in Japanese is impossible. He understands only up to a certain point."
"Please convey that I will make every effort to ensure genuine exploration and development can proceed this time."
I relayed the message straight to Yoon Chang-ho.
Yoon Chang-ho responded with a laugh of disbelief.
"I don't trust the Japanese government. So, I'd like you to convey the message that we should just forget this deal all together."
I added my own thoughts to what I was conveying.
"Given the Japanese government's previous conduct, the South Korean government can no longer grant them any trust. Therefore, unless they accept this proposal, this matter will be considered off the table."
Koizumi faltered at my words.
"If Yugansk secures the development rights, we will do our utmost to safeguard the interests of both Korea and Japan. If we just wait until 2028 to conclude negotiations, China will start claiming ownership of the Seven Islands as well. I understand they're currently conducting explorations nearby, as you are aware, Prime Minister?"
"It would be hard for China to claim ownership of that region."
"Is China a country that respects agreements? No one can predict what they might do. But I'm certain they will lay claim to it. This belief aligns with the thinking of the U.S. Therefore, securing control over it swiftly is of utmost importance. If Yugansk gains the development rights, China won't ignore the influence of America and Russia. This will benefit Japan rather than harm it."
"Hmm…"
Prime Minister Koizumi seemed to be lost in thought, swallowing hard.
"I understand why you want to wait until 2028. But that's still over 20 years away. We don't know if you'll still be in that seat then. Yet if successful drilling occurs during your tenure, it'll all be your achievement. So let's make a contract with Yugansk. It'll benefit you greatly as well."
I left my final remark lingering as I waited.
Koizumi's contemplation was quite lengthy. After some time, he inquired in a subdued tone.
"Do I have to provide an immediate answer?"
"The five-party talks are in three days. We must coordinate schedules soon to ensure participation. Delegations from each country will arrive tomorrow. Even if Japan is delayed by a day, they must arrive by the day after. It would be wise to confirm by today so that the South Korean government can begin negotiations with the U.S. government."
I spoke decisively; if we let him ponder for too long, who knows what cons and schemes he might come up with.
"Sigh. Is the South Korean government in agreement to transfer exploration and development rights to Yugansk?"
"Yes, that's correct."
"Fair enough. Let's proceed. I'll inform you informally, but we'll move forward as soon as the negotiations between the two countries are properly sorted out."
Koizumi replied in a resigned tone. I raised my eyebrow with a smile clenching my fist in triumph.
"You've made a wise choice."
I shared Koizumi's words with Yoon Chang-ho.
"Prime Minister Koizumi has agreed to proceed with that approach."
"What? Is that for real?"
Yoon Chang-ho seemed genuinely surprised, asking again.
"Ask them again. Is this for real?"
I laughed at Yoon Chang-ho's reaction as I answered.
"Mr. President, they said they will. Of course, it's an informal promise, but if negotiations between the two countries go well afterward, they've indicated willingness to finalize an agreement."
"·····It seems the Japanese government is in a hurry."
"That seems to be the case, doesn't it?"
"But can we really trust them? It's just a verbal agreement, right? They might attend just to back out later without any intention to follow through."
"I don't believe they would, but just in case, why not consider getting a safety net?"
"A safety net?"
"Yes. Record the conversation for evidence."
Yoon Chang-ho nodded in agreement.
"Alright. Let's do that."
After obtaining Yoon Chang-ho's permission, I called out to Koizumi again.
"Prime Minister, I'll be recording this for evidence from now on. Do you agree?"
"What? A recording?"
"Yes. There's a possibility the Japanese side might later deny everything. Therefore, I want to record this conversation to keep as evidence. Do you agree?"
"Must we go that far?"
"President Yoon is resolute in his intentions."
"Even though we are in a position of need…"
"I mentioned earlier that significant concessions are required. You were the one requesting to persuade the President, Prime Minister."
"Ugh… Alright. Let's proceed with it that way."
Koizumi sighed deeply and consented.
I retrieved a recorder from my pocket and started the recording.
"So, Prime Minister, I'll ask again. We'll begin recording now. Do you agree?"
"I agree."
"To facilitate the exploration and development of the Seven Islands, the Japanese government agrees to proceed jointly with the South Korean government to empower Yugansk with exploration and development rights. Do you agree?"
"I agree. However! We will finalize the contract only after discussions between the South Korean and Japanese governments."
I then turned to Yoon Chang-ho.
"Mr. President, do you also agree to delegating development and exploration rights for the Seven Islands to Yugansk? Do you consent to finalize the contract post negotiations with the Japanese government?"
Yoon Chang-ho replied with a ghost of disbelief on his face.
"I agree."
I picked up the recorder and tucked it back into my pocket.
"The recording is complete, Prime Minister."
"Sigh. Then I'll prepare for the six-party talks that will include Japan. Is that alright?"
"Yes. The delegations must arrive in Korea by the day after tomorrow at the latest."
"Understood. Then, Mr. President Yoon, Mr. Jang Seong-taek, let's sit down together next time."
After exchanging farewells, Koizumi abruptly hung up the phone.
I grabbed my cellphone and looked back and forth at Yoon Chang-ho and Jang Seong-taek as I spoke.
"Looks like Prime Minister Koizumi is quite upset?
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