章 604: Chapter 604: Encounter at the Blue House
You didn't mention anything important.
President Yoon Chang-ho and State Councilor Jang Seong-taek's group moved to have lunch.
After they disappeared, Kissinger and I left the Blue House through the back entrance.
As we exited Panmunjom, I glanced at Kissinger beside me and couldn't help but chuckle.
"Why are you smiling like that?"
Seeing me laugh, Kissinger grumbled, his mood evidently soured.
"I'd say I listened patiently from your perspective; doesn't that earn my meal?"
Our discussion about peace was merely an appetizer.
Kissinger was the first high-ranking American official Jang Seong-taek had met.
Consequently, he bombarded Kissinger with questions, and Kissinger obliged, sharing whatever views he could about the U.S. government.
While most of it was disguised as his personal opinions, we could safely regard it as the U.S. government's stance since it came from him.
Jang Seong-taek appeared deep in thought the entire time. He furrowed his brows at times, and at others, he smiled, raising the corners of his mouth.
"I'm grateful, really. It's surprisingly cooperative, or should I say… does this mean the U.S. is that eager?"
"I don't represent the White House. The peace talks exceed my authority. However, aside from that, there shouldn't be significant issues in areas under my control."
I nodded.
A major decision like peace couldn't be left to Kissinger, who held no official title.
Still, just receiving positive feedback would surely have Yoon Chang-ho and Jang Seong-taek buzzing with thoughts.
They were likely busy crunching numbers in their heads, deciding how to move forward.
With a strange smile, I turned to Kissinger.
"By the way, you mentioned Germany and Japan as examples… but you missed the most crucial point."
"What? What are you saying? There are no better examples than that."
"Come on, don't play coy. Germany hasn't apologized or compensated any of the lesser nations they colonized, especially in Africa. Ignoring that and citing Germany as a remorseful country is contradictory, isn't it?"
Not just the African nations subjected to colonization, but the Gypsy genocide and Eastern European countries remained unresolved.
"That's…"
Kissinger hesitated to respond, clearly taken aback by my blunt critique.
This man actually shows a reaction sometimes.
Germany's apologies were still a work in progress. They didn't simply apologize for the Jewish genocide once and call it quits; they continued to do so repeatedly.
However, they had yet to offer appropriate apologies or compensations for their African colonies.
It was understandable that Kissinger, being of Jewish descent, had a favorable view of the German government's repeated apologies to the Jewish community, but omitting that aspect while citing examples was telling.
"I don't think they didn't know, so let's use an example. Germany has apologized for its colonial rule over Namibia but hasn't even acknowledged the genocide. They've also refused compensation requests. Instead, they provide economic aid to Namibia, but that's no different than what Japan did."
"..."
Kissinger's face was a picture of discomfort. After a long pause, he managed to speak.
"The international community doesn't prioritize morality. It ultimately follows the logic of power."
"Exactly. There's no reason to delve into such intricate discussions at that moment. I'm sure both of you recognize the contradictions in the examples Kissinger presented regarding Germany and Japan. They didn't oppose because they stood to gain from it."
Everyone operates in their own interest. Politics and business were no different.
It's natural to pick and choose the parts that suit you.
Regardless, it was undeniable that Kissinger had offered considerable help, so I naturally shifted the topic.
"You'll be entering the Blue House with the U.S. ambassador, right?"
"The visit to the Blue House is an official schedule, so I should move with them."
"Then, I'll see you at the banquet."
Just then, the vehicle we were in stopped in front of the Myeong-dong Hotel.
"Right. Today was quite enjoyable."
Kissinger waved goodbye as he exited the car. I merely nodded in response.
After dropping him off, the car set off again.
"That guy's really sly, you know."
I chuckled while watching Kissinger glance back at us in the rearview mirror.
* * *
After finishing lunch with President Yoon Chang-ho, Jang Seong-taek arrived at the Goryeo Hotel, where he would stay during his time in Seoul.
Throughout the summit, the Goryeo Hotel had been designated as the accommodation for Jang Seong-taek and the North Korean delegation, with all rooms cleared out.
The hotel and its surroundings were under the protection of soldiers from the Guard Headquarters, while the outside was controlled by South Korean police.
Under tight security, the top-floor suite of the Goryeo Hotel was where Jang Seong-taek assembled with high-ranking North Korean officials accompanying him to the meeting.
"Director of the General Political Bureau. Minister of the United Front Department."
At Jang Seong-taek's call, Choi Ryong-hae and Kim Yang-gun lowered their heads and responded.
"Yes, Comrade Chairman."
"What is this? I was in the middle of talking, and you interrupted me? Do you dare to disregard me?"
At Jang Seong-taek's chilling inquiry, Choi Ryong-hae responded defensively.
"No, that's not it. But Chairman Kim Mu-hyeok made some absurd remarks…"
"Hey, Choi Ryong-hae!"
Jang Seong-taek slammed the table forcefully and shouted.
"Are you looking to go back to the provinces again? Haven't you seen enough since rising to the position of Director of the General Political Bureau? Do you truly want to die?"
Under Jang Seong-taek's fierce glare, Choi Ryong-hae bowed so low his head nearly touched the table.
"I'm sorry. I've committed a grave mistake."
He hit the table hard enough that the sound echoed throughout the room.
Jang Seong-taek, however, merely glared daggers at Choi Ryong-hae.
Perhaps sensing Jang Seong-taek's fury, the others seated at the table swallowed nervously.
"What kind of setting is this? As the ruler of the Republic, I'm meeting with the President of South Korea. And yet, you dare interrupt me?"
Jang Seong-taek's growing anger was fueled by the demeanor of Yoon Chang-ho and the people seated at his table.
They hadn't uttered a word without President Yoon's approval.
"This is an act of disrespect towards me. Utterly unforgivable."
With his head bowed on the table, Choi Ryong-hae trembled violently.
Jang Seong-taek turned to Kim Yang-gun, who was seated across from Choi Ryong-hae.
"Minister of the United Front Department. The same goes for you. Why did a person who knows better commit such a diplomatic faux pas?"
"I'm sorry. But if we hadn't stepped in, the atmosphere would've unfolded just as the South wished. We've already expressed sufficient regret, in my opinion. That is the maximum I can express as the representative of the Republic, Comrade Chairman. Going beyond that would result in humiliation diplomacy. Therefore…"
"You fool. So you demand reparations from Japan while forcing them to apologize? Your words don't even make sense!"
"That's a separate issue, Chairman."
Fear was evident on Kim Yang-gun's face, yet he did not hold back his words.
"What Japan did to our Korea was pillage. The skirmish in the West Sea was merely a military clash. Our Republic suffered immense losses as well. To be honest, the expression of regret was overly generous."
"Listen, Kim Yang-gun, Minister of the United Front Department."
"Chairman, even if you dismiss me, I must say this for the Republic. We can't afford to continue with humiliation diplomacy. Internal grievances will erupt. This could jeopardize your ruling authority, Comrade Chairman. Radical changes aren't good."
At Kim Yang-gun's words, Jang Seong-taek's cheeks twitched.
However, unlike with Choi Ryong-hae, he didn't unleash his anger on Kim Yang-gun.
Exhaling deeply, Jang Seong-taek placed his forehead in his hand and replied.
"The South Korean government claimed they would resolve the reparations issue. If diplomatically bowing my head yields substantial results, then isn't that acceptable?"
"The supreme leader of the Republic bowing his head? Even if it's to the people, bowing to South Korea is absolutely out of the question."
Kim Yang-gun's answer came back firmly. Jang Seong-taek sighed again, looking around the room as he repeated the question.
"Does everyone think the same as the Minister of the United Front? That for the sake of pride, one shouldn't bow their head for something achievable?"
"I agree."
Jang Seong-taek's eyes narrowed.
"Does pride fill your stomach? People are starving to death. You could resolve this by merely bending your neck a little… it's exasperating."
Shaking his head, Jang Seong-taek tsked.
"It's only the beginning, so take your time thinking it over. For now, everyone take a break until the welcoming banquet. Only Choi Ryong-hae will stay behind, everyone else leave."
He dismissed everyone.
Up until that point, Choi Ryong-hae remained bowed over the table, not moving an inch.
"Lift your head."
At Jang Seong-taek's command, Choi Ryong-hae finally raised his head.
A faint smear of blood dripped down from his cut forehead. Frowning at the sight, Jang Seong-taek pulled out a handkerchief from his pocket and handed it over.
"Wipe your forehead. We need to head to the banquet soon with that injury."
Silently accepting the handkerchief, Choi Ryong-hae wiped his forehead.
It appeared to be a minor injury, as soon his forehead was clean. Jang Seong-taek, who had been silently watching Choi Ryong-hae, finally spoke up.
"Hey, Ryong-hae."
"Yes, Comrade Chairman."
"We've known each other for a long time. So I thought you could read my mind. I may also possess pride, but do you think I want to just stand there silently? No. I think it's humiliating too. But for the sake of the Republic, I can cast aside my pride. That's how I govern the Republic."
"..."
"I'm not planning to end up thrown out like Kim Jong-il. If I do step down, I want to leave after strengthening the Republic. So you have to help me a lot. That's why I put you in that position. How many people can I trust, hmm?"
After a long pause, Choi Ryong-hae replied in a barely audible voice.
"It's my fault for not understanding your feelings, Comrade Chairman."
"That's enough, my friend. Now go wash up and rest. I have a feeling the banquet will be hectic."
Choi Ryong-hae, head bowed, opened the door and left.
After seeing Choi Ryong-hae out, Jang Seong-taek began to ponder deeply, tapping the table.
* * *
I left Pyeongchang-dong to attend the welcoming banquet at the Blue House.
I soon arrived at the entrance of the Blue House.
Due to security concerns, even Manager Ma was kept waiting outside the Blue House while I walked from the entrance straight to the banquet hall.
"Hey, Mu-hyeok!"
Just then, a familiar voice called from behind. Myeong-su came running, waving his hand.
"Seriously, think about your image for once. Why are you rushing like that?"
Stopping briefly next to me, Myeong-su took a moment to catch his breath before nudging my shoulder playfully.
"It's in front of you, so who cares about the image? Besides, I heard you entered the House of Peace today?"
We started walking again.
"Did the news spread that quickly?"
"There's no secret in this world. I'm Lee Myeong-su, after all. The Secretary-General of the ruling party and one of the most trusted aides to the president."
Myeong-su grinned playfully, and I couldn't help but chuckle at his antics.
His lively nature never seems to change.
"I must've overlooked that. How dare I offend the esteemed Secretary-General."
I replied jokingly, and Myeong-su laughed, giving my back another playful pat.
"Enough. What did you discuss inside?"
"What? You boasted so much, but didn't hear that?"
"All the people present were key aides to the President. I can't disclose anything without the President's approval, and since he's busy right now, I couldn't inform you."
I nodded. Indeed, with the banquet and press conferences, Yoon Chang-ho must be stretched thin.
"Did you see the apology regarding the First Yeonpyeong Naval Battle?"
"Yeah. I was completely shocked. The party leadership watching the special live broadcast was stunned as well. There's never been a precedent where North Korea directly apologized before."
"So, while we're addressing this, I suggested that since we're at it, we ask for a proper apology and reparations."
At my words, Myeong-su suddenly froze, his expression turning serious. Naturally, I stopped and stared at him.
"What did you just say… Kim Mu-hyeok, you crazy bastard!"
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