章 303: Chapter 303: Is There a Problem?
I pondered what kind of help President Kim Hak-gwon might need from me.
The answer sprang from Kim Hak-gwon's lips.
— Convince the Moderate Party.
"The Moderate Party?"
— Yes. Can this matter be resolved solely by my decision? We are talking about the burial of Chairman Song Young-ju of the Daehyeon Group on North Korean soil. The political burden is enormous.
"So, you've decided to go through with it?"
I vaguely sensed that Kim Hak-gwon would have no choice but to accept this situation. No, to be accurate, I suspected he wouldn't refuse.
The primary goal of the Kim Hak-gwon administration was to normalize relations with North Korea.
Thus, he couldn't turn down the chance to create a grave for a South Korean in North Korea for the first time since the division.
— That's right. My chief advisors and aides are split on this issue. The Minister of Foreign Affairs is particularly opposed.
"But you've ultimately decided to proceed, haven't you?"
— If Chairman Song Young-ju is buried in North Korea, wouldn't it present a natural opportunity for the North and South to unify?
"Perhaps."
In a normal country, that would make sense, but…
North Korea, under Kim Jong-il's rule, was a country where common sense held little value.
If we were to use Chairman Song Young-ju's grave as leverage, Daehyeon would be at the mercy of others.
— I understand what you're thinking. It might seem suspicious. But I don't want to miss this opportunity.
I felt disgusted by how he would even use Chairman Song Young-ju's death for his political gain.
My voice turned icy without me realizing.
"You don't want to take responsibility but still want to reap the benefits? Is that it?"
— ….
"If I help persuade the Moderate Party to ease the political burden, what do I gain in return?"
When I pointedly asked, Kim Hak-gwon seemed at a loss for words.
I didn't wait for his response and continued speaking.
"I'm an investor, Mr. President. I never engage in one-sided deals. If you want to work with me, it's all about give and take. What will you give me?"
— Do you want something?
"Not at the moment, but who knows what I might want in the future? Helping without anything in return is just charity. That's not how I treat you, Mr. President."
Right now, I had nothing specific to request from Kim Hak-gwon.
But perhaps someday, that moment would come? After all, a good insurance policy is always beneficial.
— Huh… Will the spokesperson of the Moderate Party issue a statement supporting this by tonight?
"Sure, that much is doable."
When I answered nonchalantly, Kim Hak-gwon let out a deep sigh.
His sigh seemed to carry his worries.
— Then make sure to do it. Just this once. If it's something I can help with, I'll consider it.
"Understood. I'll share the good news with you soon."
— I'm counting on you. I'll end the call now.
Kim Hak-gwon hung up. As I set the receiver down, I turned to Manager Ma.
"Contact Chairman Yoon and ask him to come to Pyeongchang-dong. Also, let Myeong-su know… No, I'll call Myeong-su myself. Just contact Chairman Yoon."
"Yes, Boss."
After Manager Ma left, I took out my phone and dialed Myeong-su.
— Oh, Mu-hyeok. What's going on?
"Are you busy?"
— No. But I think I'm about to be. Did you hear? They're going to create a grave for Chairman Song Young-ju in North Korea. Our party is in an uproar because of it.
"I was actually calling about that. Come home for a bit."
— Huh? Home? Pyeongchang-dong?
"Yes. I've also asked Chairman Yoon to come."
After a brief pause, Myeong-su spoke up again.
— Ah, I see. I just got a call and was talking. Looks like Manager Ma reached out.
"Are you with him?"
— We were discussing how to handle party opinions. We need to determine how to convey our stance through the spokesperson.
While on the call, I checked the time. It was still early morning, just past noon.
Well, it was indeed a significant issue that required a meeting this early.
"That's great. Then come in together."
— Got it. Make sure to have something ready for my meal. I couldn't eat anything since I rushed in here this morning.
"Really? Alright, I'll prepare something. Let's eat and then talk."
After finishing the call with Myeong-su, I tucked my phone away.
'I wonder if there's anything to gain from Kim Hak-gwon…'
Manager Ma seemed to have wrapped up his call as well, entering my study.
"Boss, he says he will arrive within an hour."
"That's good to hear. He's with Myeong-su, and since they mentioned not having breakfast, tell the Ajumma to prepare enough so we can all eat together."
"Understood."
After I finished speaking, I got up and sat at my desk, turning on the computer.
As I checked various community forums, I assessed the public sentiment regarding Chairman Song Young-ju's grave.
Online discussions were just as heated. Opinions for and against clashed fiercely.
"Boss, Chairman Yoon has arrived."
Hearing Manager Ma's voice, I checked the time and stood up.
As I was engrossed in the debates, an hour had passed unknowingly.
"Time really flew by. Let's go."
As I stepped outside my study, Chairman Yoon and Myeong-su were entering the house.
"Welcome, Chairman."
"Kim, it's been a while."
Myeong-su waved his hand behind Chairman Yoon. Though tired, his face showed visible joy.
"I heard you hadn't eaten yet, so I prepared breakfast. Let's eat first before we talk."
"Sounds good."
I led Chairman Yoon and Myeong-su to the dining table.
"Please sit down."
I took the head seat at the table and spoke.
It was the seat where my grandfather always sat. From here, he had looked down upon many chairmen and politicians.
Noticing the significance of the seat, Chairman Yoon's expression stiffened, but he quietly took a seat to my left.
Myeong-su, sensing the atmosphere, also sat down to my right.
"The Ajumma's meals are really delightful here. Let's fill up first."
As I smiled and picked up my chopsticks, the tension in Chairman Yoon's face finally eased.
"Really? I'll have to try it then."
Chairman Yoon chuckled warmly and picked up his chopsticks as well.
In Pyeongchang-dong, people tend to talk less while eating.
Chairman Yoon understood this, and Myeong-su, who had spent a few days here as a child, knew too.
Chairman Yoon was the first to set down his chopsticks.
"Have you finished?"
I followed suit and put down my utensils. Nodding, Chairman Yoon started chatting.
"The food is really good. I want to take some home. My wife is great, but her cooking skills… well…"
Myeong-su cleverly chimed in.
"I know that well. I've had the chance to eat together at your home a few times, and I can't say it's great to be honest. But you love your wife, don't you, Chairman?"
"Haha, of course. I appreciate your honesty. While other congressmen suck up and say it's delicious when it's not, you tell the truth."
"I'd like to try it too. If you're done, shall we get up?"
After finishing the meal, we relocated to the study.
Similarly, I took the head seat, and the other two sat across from me.
"Would you like coffee, Chairman? Or something else?"
"I'll have coffee."
"Me too."
"Manager, please bring three cups of coffee."
While sharing updates and passing the time, the servant placed the coffee down and exited with Manager Ma.
Holding my coffee cup, I glanced at Chairman Yoon. His face appeared just as tired as Myeong-su's.
"Enjoy. By the way, what's the atmosphere like in the party regarding Chairman Song Young-ju?"
Chairman Yoon, lifting his coffee cup, spoke. I noticed a hint of a bitter smile flash across his lips before he covered his mouth with the cup.
"Some are raging, calling it insane while others welcome it, raising both hands in approval. Isn't that the way of the world?"
The Moderate Party didn't lean toward either the left or right.
As a result, its congressmen were a mixture of both progressives and conservatives.
Moreover, it wasn't just seasoned politicians but also junior members of varying ideologies.
It was a hybrid structure forged from the charisma of Yoon Chang-ho and my funding.
However, this allowed for active support from the people.
Even without being in the ruling party, they didn't oppose everything without question. They backed the government on sound policies and opposed those they disagreed with.
Thanks to this, internal conflicts within the party were harsher than fights in the National Assembly.
"You're doing a great job, Chairman Yoon."
"Don't say that. I'm also struggling, and your friend across from you is having a rough time too."
"Is the conflict really that severe?"
"Haa… If you haven't experienced it, you wouldn't know. The older folks act aloof, and the younger congressmen think they have guts, but they're completely clueless."
Myeong-su let out a deep sigh while venting to me.
Seeing the worn face I hadn't seen in a while made me feel sorry.
"You need to take some tonic. Your face looks…"
"…Is it that obvious? Should I quit?"
Chairman Yoon smiled at our banter, amused by how we teased each other.
"I always feel that you two have a great rapport. Boss Kim, you're the same, and so is Chancellor Lee. People usually change when they rise to higher positions. I wish I had a friend like that."
"Ah… I'm sorry, Chairman."
Myeong-su quickly apologized.
"No need to. I'm just envious, so don't take it too seriously. I wasn't asking for an apology."
As the playful mood faded, we returned to the main topic.
"So, what are your thoughts, Chairman?"
"I'd like to oppose this matter."
"Why do you oppose it?"
"Because I can't trust North Korea. If Chairman Song Young-ju's grave is there, Daehyeon might be manipulated by Kim Jong-il's intentions. Daehyeon is one of the largest conglomerates in South Korea. Can we allow it to be subject to North Korea's whims?"
I agreed with Chairman Yoon's concerns. Nodding in response, I said.
"I share your sentiments. Still, this was also Chairman Song's long-held dream, and I promise to monitor Daehyeon closely to prevent any wayward direction. I hope you'll express your support for this matter."
"…"
Chairman Yoon merely twitched his lips, hesitating.
"Is there a problem? Is this too much to ask?"
I pressed again, still waiting for Chairman Yoon's reply who remained silent.
"If it's difficult, feel free to say so."
I instantly wiped the smile off my face. I could see Chairman Yoon's expression hardening.
"If the limits of your ability are being tested, there's nothing that can be done. Myeong-su, what about you?"
I diverted my gaze from the unresponsive Chairman Yoon to Myeong-su.
"I…"
Myeong-su glanced at Chairman Yoon before attempting to respond. However, it was Chairman Yoon's voice that interrupted.
"No, let's proceed with that."
Chairman Yoon cleared his throat softly, perhaps to mask the tremor in his voice. My gaze refocused on him.
"If it's burdensome, you don't have to force it."
"No, I was just thinking about it for a moment."
"…"
I fixed my eyes on Chairman Yoon without speaking. He didn't shy away from my gaze.
"Chairman, let's not engage in unnecessary power struggles. I consider you a valuable partner."
"I think that as well."
"I'm determined to make you president one day. Are you worried I might ask for something like this even after you become president?"
"…I can't say that's impossible."
From that response, I could glean Chairman Yoon's thoughts.
Now that the presidency was drawing close, he seemed to be feeling some greed.
"Have I ever asked you for anything that could harm you? I've treated you better than President Kim Hak-gwon…"
I trailed off, scratching my chin. Still, I never took my eyes off Chairman Yoon.
After a prolonged and awkward silence, I broke the stillness.
"I don't see you as a puppet. I see you as a comrade walking down the same path with shared aspirations. However, if you can't trust me, let go of my hand anytime. I won't force you."
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