Capítulo 694: Chapter 694: No Longer a Matter to Delay
Jang Seong-taek spoke with a smiling face.
"This isn't exactly a great place either. I've been so stressed that I can barely sleep. It's taken me this long to understand the General's mindset to some extent."
"It seems like you're going through quite a bit of heartache."
"Let's sit down first. There's so much that's happened over the past few months that we wouldn't get through it all in one night."
I took a seat at the spot Jang Seong-taek indicated, observing him more closely.
Although his face bore a smile, behind it lurked deep worries and exhaustion.
"Chairman Kim, what on earth has happened?"
At my question, Jang Seong-taek, who had appeared tired yet jovial, wiped the smile from his face and sighed.
"Do you have any idea how many times there have been attempts on my life? Three times, to be exact."
"What? There were assassination attempts?"
"I caught them all before they could act."
"Who were they? Could it be forces trying to reinstate Kim Jong-il?"
Is Choi Ryong-hae's worry not unfounded after all?
Kim Jong-il losing control might be due to those persistent assassination attempts.
If Jang Seong-taek were to become equally sensitive, the current thaw in North-South relations could be disrupted.
"No, that's not it. I would have felt better if it were."
It meant that the forces were not behind Kim Jong-il's reinstatement.
Then who exactly was trying to assassinate Jang Seong-taek?
"Who is behind this?"
"It's the hardliners within the military."
"Ah, so Chairman, you're upsetting them with your approach towards South Korea."
Jang Seong-taek nodded solemnly.
"Don't they realize this is all for North Korea?"
"They must know. They simply don't want to lose control over the military. Perhaps they think that if I die, the military will regain its control."
So they think legitimacy doesn't matter.
Despite assassination attempts and rebellions occurring during Kim Jong-il's reign, those instances were relatively rare.
The fact that three attempts happened within a few months cast doubts on Jang Seong-taek's legitimacy since he seized power through a coup.
They believed they could leverage their might to force Jang Seong-taek out of power.
"What are you planning to do about it?"
"I'm already in the process of purging them. I'll clean house of all the hardliners."
"Is that really wise?"
Weakening the military could present future problems.
However, for him to solidify power through economic policy, purging the hardliners might be his best option.
"Whether it's wise or not, I have no choice. That's why I bring this up… Have you settled things with Choi Ryong-hae?"
As expected, he was quite perceptive. It seemed he had intentionally sent Choi Ryong-hae to gauge the tension between us.
"There's nothing to settle. I'm not interested in him. Chairman, you can use him as you please. But I won't let him meddle in what I'm trying to do."
"What did Choi Ryong-hae do exactly? This is the first time I've seen you speak about him so strongly."
"It's not that anything happened. It's simply that I don't like the man himself. He's not my kind of person."
"Is that really the only reason?"
I nodded quietly. How could I explain that Choi Ryong-hae foresaw him betraying Jang Seong-taek?
It was a future that would no longer come to pass thanks to my changes to North Korea.
Yet it would be absurd to say I wanted Kim Jong-il dead.
"Yes. But is Choi Ryong-hae really that significant?"
"He's somewhat of a legitimate figure. He's the son of a comrade who fought alongside Kim Il-sung and even faced exile under Kim Jong-il. There are many old-timers who sympathize with him."
It was a sentiment I couldn't understand at all.
But Pyongyang likely had its own rules and nuances that couldn't be ignored either.
"To gain complete control over the military, I need Choi Ryong-hae. At least for now."
They plan to toss him aside once he becomes useless. I couldn't help but chuckle at the added remark he made while watching me.
"What can I do for you?"
"Can you manage just fine?"
I shook my head.
"I merely suggested that we keep our distance. I'd rather you not be concerned with what I'm doing."
Sighing wistfully, Jang Seong-taek nodded.
"Understood. I'll make sure he doesn't interfere with your projects. I know you have a good eye for people, so I'm sure you see something in Ryong-hae. But for now, I can't let him go."
"I won't interfere with your governance. After all, I'm a businessman. As long as my business can run smoothly, I don't have any reason to meddle. What concerns me more is your safety. Three assassination attempts? Should we send a mercenary or two?"
"Ha ha! No. Entrusting my safety to a mercenary would be a disgrace for the military. It would only incite greater backlash."
As the topic of the military came up, a brief silence followed. It appeared Jang Seong-taek had much on his mind.
I tried to change the subject by asking about Kim Jong-il.
"How is Chairman Kim doing?"
"The General? He's looking much better. His hysteria has almost vanished. He spends his time fishing now, catching the good days one at a time."
"Really? That's surprising. I thought he'd be drowning in liquor."
"He says he feels at ease now. He used to always suspect others. Now he just wants to spend his remaining time fishing."
The words came as a surprise. I couldn't tell if he was scheming or genuinely relinquishing power.
"But don't ever let your guard down. I can't believe that Kim Jong-il has let go of his hunger for power."
"That's right. He won't be able to leave his current residence. Worry not about that one thing."
Saying this firmly, Jang Seong-taek checked the time.
"I believe I've shared all the conditions in North Korea. Chairman Kim, let's get to the main topic now."
"Got it. I plan to head to Japan after finishing my schedule in Pyongyang. I'll lead the negotiations, but please send an envoy from Pyongyang to Tokyo."
"So we're finally moving forward with the reparations negotiations?"
A flush of excitement spread across Jang Seong-taek's weary face.
"Of course. This is no matter to linger on indefinitely. I intend to sort everything out in this visit to Japan."
"I can count on you, Chairman Kim, to handle it?"
"Send someone who holds adequate authority to Japan. After all, the author of the agreement must ultimately be North Korea. Since Prime Minister Koizumi has made a promise, it should only take fine-tuning of conditions."
Jang Seong-taek nodded repeatedly, a satisfied look crossing his face.
"I'll send someone trustworthy. Someone who can support you while leading negotiations."
"That would be great. Also, it's likely that the term 'reparations' won't appear in our negotiation documents. In the current North Korea, choosing utility over justification is more beneficial."
"Yes. I've already confirmed the details via phone from Seoul. As long as the amount is substantial, they won't fuss over the terminology between reparations or compensations."
Jang Seong-taek understood well. I appreciated not having to engage in pointless arguments.
"Thank you. It shouldn't be too difficult to arrange then. Japan is in quite a rush. You must have heard the news about the oil pipeline construction, right?"
I smoothly switched the topic to the oil pipeline construction. Seeing Jang Seong-taek nod, I continued speaking.
"This is a large-scale project involving Russia, Korea, and North Korea. The pipeline will allow North Korea to receive gas and crude oil, significantly reducing our dependence on China."
"That's the hope, indeed."
"Tomorrow, Chief Administrative Officer Medvedev is visiting Pyongyang. Perhaps we could all gather and discuss in detail then."
"I heard the administrative officer would suddenly be visiting. Turns out it's coordinated with your schedule, Chairman Kim."
I responded with a smile.
"The oil pipeline construction is indeed beneficial for our republic. Despite that, there are many bureaucrats opposed to it."
"Naturally. Most of the profits would go to Russia and Korea. But just like Ukraine's example, if we can secure low-cost oil and gas, the toll fees from the pipelines will greatly aid the government's finances. Keep your eyes on long-term benefits rather than immediate gains. We'll discuss the details tomorrow."
I was the project's primary beneficiary, with the Russian and Korean governments following behind.
North Korea stood to gain the least in comparison to the other two nations.
It was understandable that they wished to share more benefits, but it was awkward to involve a technology-absent North Korea in the venture.
Ultimately, providing cheap oil and gas while charging transit fees for the pipelines running through North Korea presented the best revenue model.
"I plan to tour Nampo City tomorrow and do a final check on the development plans. Then I'll return to Pyongyang in the evening."
"So you're finally starting?"
"Next month, a special bill will pass through the National Assembly. I have to finalize checks and mitigate variables."
Jang Seong-taek seemed progressively brighter as he approached the gift I had brought.
Since he looked to be struggling so much lately, I thought I might as well give him another present for encouragement.
"By the way, concerning the Ryugyong Hotel. I think the design is about to come out soon."
"The Ryugyong Hotel?"
"Yes. Didn't we promise to build it? For you, Chairman Jang Seong-taek, as a testament to you becoming the powerful man in North Korea. We need to demolish the Ryugyong Hotel, which has become an eyesore, and build a properly named hotel on that very site. Of course, we'll handle the operations. As North Korea progresses, foreign visitors to Pyongyang will increase. Leaving the Ryugyong Hotel as it is would be a waste."
Jang Seong-taek had previously suggested blowing up the Ryugyong Hotel.
It was a symbolic act demonstrating a break from the past and showcasing the forthcoming changes in North Korea.
Yet they had merely blown it up without proper demolition.
"As for that matter, a team for demolishing the Ryugyong Hotel will come in as soon as the relevant bill passes. I expect they will hire Pyongyang citizens for that work."
"That sounds good. Very good indeed. Chairman Kim, you always bring such grand gifts when you visit. It's no wonder I can't help but welcome you with open arms."
Jang Seong-taek genuinely looked pleased. The prospect of employing the citizens of Pyongyang seemed to cheer him even more.
"Once development in Nampo City begins and the Ryugyong Hotel starts construction, the residents of Pyongyang will find more job opportunities. Naturally, we must enlist soldiers as promised too."
"You needn't worry about that. We'll mobilize soldiers if the manpower is insufficient."
There would never be a lack of labor. Since labor costs constituted the biggest expense, being able to rely on North Korea was certainly a blessing.
"Let's put work aside for now. How about we take a break today? I'd like to share a drink with you and catch up a bit with the chairman after so long."
Jang Seong-taek glanced toward his desk and sighed.
"If I delay a day, tomorrow will be even tougher. Well, if it's drinks with you, I can always deal with tomorrow's difficulties. Please wait a moment."
Standing up, Jang Seong-taek began sorting through the documents on his desk.
He then placed the documents in the safe on the wall. Observing him as he carefully checked whether the safe was locked, I asked.
"Do you keep the documents in the safe?"
Once he was finished ensuring it was secure, he grinned sheepishly and replied.
"You have to have someone you can trust. In this position, there's no one you can trust."
"Indeed, Kim Jong-il has mentioned the same before. But… be careful. You might end up losing your hair over it."
"What did you say? Ha ha!"
Jang Seong-taek laughed heartily at my joke.
"It feels a bit odd to go far from here. I'll treat you at my place instead."
"I'm all for it."
As I prepared to leave, Jang Seong-taek pushed the bookshelf at the back of his office aside.
After the bookshelf was moved, a door leading to the basement became visible.
"It's just a short walk, and we'll arrive at my home. Let's go."
"Can you really show me a place like this?"
Jang Seong-taek chuckled as he replied.
"Chairman Kim, you are someone I trust. We both need each other for the things we want to achieve. If we rely on one another, then there shouldn't be any need for betrayal, right?"
I stood up with a smile. It was nice to see someone who had always been on edge loosen up a bit.
"That's right. Trust grows when we need each other. As long as our goals align, we'll walk the same path together."
As Jang Seong-taek and I entered, the secret passageway closed behind us.
We quickly arrived at Jang Seong-taek's home through the underground corridor.
The food was prepared in the house, likely due to prior notice.
"You should spend the night here. I'll arrange someone for Manager Ma separately."
"Thank you."
"I'll secure accommodations for Manager Ma in the adjacent building. If it's too far, he might be uneasy."
From that moment on, as night deepened, Jang Seong-taek and I drank and discussed current matters.
The following day.
Having resolved everything at Jang Seong-taek's residence until morning, I headed towards Nampo City.
In the seat next to me sat a man Jang Seong-taek had appointed.
"I've heard quite a bit about you from Comrade Chairman. My name is Mun Kyung-deok."
Hearing the name of my companion surprised me. Even with the trust Jang Seong-taek showed me, it was unexpected for him to assign someone so close to him.
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