章 605: Chapter 605: You’ll Think You’ll Get What You Want
Lee Myeong-su was taken aback. He was well aware that Kim Mu-hyeok was an extraordinary person.
Yet, this idea seemed utterly insane no matter how he thought about it.
What on earth is this crazy guy saying?
"Hey… Mu-hyeok. Did I mishear you? You actually told Chairman Jang Seong-taek to offer compensation right there? Are you out of your mind?! Do you think just expressing regret will turn public opinion in our favor? Just look at how well the current reaction is!"
The live broadcast of the meeting between the two leaders of the hostile nations spread across the airwaves.
Jang Seong-taek's televised expression of regret, aired just before the reporters exited, was the best outcome for Korea, regardless of his true intentions.
"Even our party's conservatives are keeping quiet about this summit, and you want a proper apology? Compensation? It's nearly unheard of for a nation's leader to bow their head and apologize to another in international politics—it's practically nonexistent!"
Despite Lee Myeong-su's exaggerated reaction, Kim Mu-hyeok merely chuckled softly.
As Kim Mu-hyeok started to walk away, Lee Myeong-su hurriedly followed.
"Hey, where are you going? You ought to explain yourself."
"Let's talk as we walk. I meant what I said because it was appropriate for the situation. So don't worry too much."
Lee Myeong-su's heart sank at Kim Mu-hyeok's nonchalant response.
Casting a sideways glance at Lee Myeong-su, Kim Mu-hyeok continued.
"I didn't say we should apologize unconditionally…"
Kim Mu-hyeok elaborated on the details of the discussions until they arrived at the guesthouse.
"Hmm… But still, it's a bit too much."
Having heard all the explanations, Lee Myeong-su muttered in a subdued voice.
While the situation made some sense after hearing the particulars, he couldn't shake off the feeling that it was too extreme.
Worried, Lee Myeong-su voiced his concerns.
"I hear that the North Korean government is taking a submissive stance to lift the UN sanctions, and there's a lot of talk in Pyongyang about it. Don't you think they might change their posture under pressure?"
"That could be true. Radical changes always provoke backlash from the vested interests. But who would openly express discontent in front of Jang Seong-taek? And in the end, all problems can be solved with money. If money circulates in North Korea, the citizens will thrive, but they'll eventually realize that the real beneficiaries are themselves. That's when they'll be begging for an apology, even if it means bowing to Jang Seong-taek!"
As Kim Mu-hyeok spoke with a smile, Lee Myeong-su frowned deeply.
"You madman. Can't you speak sense?"
"Just wait and see. Money is a terrifying entity. Why do you think Kim Jong-il released a massive slush fund to hand out to his close aides and party elites? Nothing buys loyalty better than money."
Lee Myeong-su walked briskly for a while in silence.
As he matched his pace with Lee Myeong-su, Kim Mu-hyeok fell into thought.
No matter how you looked at it, there were no sales when money was involved—even in North Korea.
Looking at the cases of China and Russia, it was clear. If you ensure their basic needs are met, that's all it takes.
Pride? That's something people only care about when their stomachs are full.
For North Korea at this moment, filling their empty bellies took precedence over pride.
"It wasn't a demand, just a suggestion. President Yoon did express some negativity toward my suggestion, but…"
"Of course! Are you serious? He's just praying for this summit to go well. He wouldn't be hoping for Jang Seong-taek to genuinely bow his head!"
With his eyes narrowed, Lee Myeong-su let out a heavy sigh.
No matter how he thought about it, it was hard to imagine. Would Jang Seong-taek accept Kim Mu-hyeok's proposal?
"So you really think Jang Seong-taek would lower his head? Are you actually going to bring up compensation?"
"Who knows? From what I know of Jang Seong-taek, if he sees a significant gain from lowering his head, he'd do it willingly. But the backlash from those around him would be fierce. Still, the ultimate decision lies with the supreme leader, so it depends on what he's thinking, right?"
As Kim Mu-hyeok shrugged in response, a vehicle passed by the two.
Through the slowly descending window, Jang Seong-taek's smiling face came into view.
"Mr. Kim, would you like a ride?"
"No thanks. We're almost there; I'll walk with my friend and continue our discussion."
Jang Seong-taek nodded readily.
"Alright. See you at the dinner later."
Jang Seong-taek rolled the window back up, and just like that, his vehicle sped off.
"…Seems like he's not particularly offended?"
Lee Myeong-su asked, watching the car retreat.
"His pride may be hurt, but I bet he's convinced that he'll get what he wants. That's how he secures his power legitimacy. And… he knows perfectly well that there's no benefit in clashing with me over this matter."
As they walked on, they soon reached the guesthouse.
A sizable crowd had already gathered, forming groups here and there.
Adjusting his outfit, Lee Myeong-su waved his hand.
"I'm heading off first. Catch you later."
Lee Myeong-su made his way to where the Moderate Party leadership had gathered.
After exchanging hand waves with Kim Mu-hyeok, he paused for a moment, scanning the surroundings.
* * *
After parting ways with Myeong-su, I spotted Chairman Ha Myung-hoon and made my way over to his table.
"What were you all laughing about, Chairman Ha?"
Chairman Ha Myung-hoon, who was seated with others, stood at the sound of my voice.
"Mr. Kim!"
"Don't bow so much in a place like this; it embarrasses me. Just shake hands, Chairman Ha."
He quickly stopped himself from bowing further and offered his hand instead.
This guy really hasn't changed. Or has he? He seems to have changed quite a bit.
His once-expressionless face now wore a range of expressions. He smoothly smiled and introduced me to the bank presidents.
After shaking hands with the bank presidents Chairman Ha introduced, I took a seat.
While conversing with them, more guests started arriving at the guesthouse. In no time, the room was packed.
The guests invited were all quite glamorous.
Leaders from both the ruling and opposition parties, along with chaebol chairmen from the top twenty in the business hierarchy, naturally made an appearance.
The religious sector was also represented, with monks, pastors, and cardinals all in attendance.
Additionally, ambassadors from various nations, including the U.S., China, Russia, and Japan, were all present.
"Hmph… Looks like he showed up."
Seeing Cheon Ji-young chatting with people from the entertainment industry made me chuckle involuntarily.
"I heard there's a congratulatory performance today."
Hearing my musing, Ha Myung-hoon explained.
While entertainers always performed at summits, I couldn't help but wonder if Ji-young would do well.
Upon seeing my face, Ha Myung-hoon smiled.
"Isn't Ji-young brave enough to handle an audience of many? I'm sure she'll do great."
His remark made me smile faintly, as if he had read my mind and provided the response I wanted.
"What's there to worry about? She'll manage just fine."
Seeing Cheon Ji-young's bright smile, I found my own lips stretching into a natural grin.
"President Yoon Chang-ho and Chairman Jang Seong-taek will be arriving soon. All guests are requested to take their seats and wait."
As soon as those words were uttered, the banquet hall doors opened.
In walked Jang Seong-taek and Yoon Chang-ho, matching their steps inside the guesthouse.
Everyone seated at the tables stood up and started clapping.
They made their way through the center of the banquet hall, shaking hands with predetermined individuals.
The two men stood beside the table, receiving applause for quite some time.
Jang Seong-taek took his seat while President Yoon Chang-ho walked up to the prepared podium.
He then began reading the prepared welcome address.
"Chairman Jang Seong-taek and esteemed guests from the North. After the bitter cold of winter, spring, the season of blooming flowers, is finally here. I warmly welcome Chairman Jang Seong-taek and his entourage, who have made this difficult journey. …I see this historic first step as the beginning of peace on the Korean Peninsula. No one can stop this powerful tide. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Chairman Jang Seong-taek, who must have faced a lot of contemplation before arriving here."
President Yoon Chang-ho's brief welcome speech concluded with a toast.
"To the health of Chairman Jang Seong-taek. And I suggest a toast for the health of all the esteemed guests from the North and for everyone present here!"
As President Yoon raised his glass, Jang Seong-taek stood to join him in raising his glass.
At once, all attendees rose from their seats to raise their glasses.
President Yoon clinked glasses with each North Korean attendee and finished his speech by downing his glass.
Following that, Jang Seong-taek walked up to the podium.
Standing at the podium, he glanced around briefly, seemingly searching for someone.
His eyes suddenly met mine, and I noticed them tremble slightly.
"That guy's nervous."
Having observed Jang Seong-taek for a long time, I could tell he was quite anxious.
After taking a moment to compose himself, Jang Seong-taek began his reply speech.
"President Yoon Chang-ho, esteemed guests. Thank you deeply to our southern compatriots for the warm welcome I received on my way here. As I traveled around Seoul, I was truly amazed by its development. Seeing the towering skyscrapers lining the Han River and the bright faces of Seoul's citizens…"
He interrupted his speech now and then to glance around at the attendees.
"If the North and South could freely intermingle and develop together, the world would be amazed. We are stepping into a future that no one has experienced or anticipated. The cooperation between the North and South is just beginning. In the military, economy, society, culture… if we can achieve substantial cooperation in all fields, and escape the military tensions and threats of war that have persisted for so long between the North and South, we will surely be able to advance even further."
His lengthy response also concluded with a toast.
"I propose a toast. You may respond with 'Cheers!' Yoon Chang-ho and his spouses' health, and for the future of the 80 million people of North and South!"
As Jang Seong-taek raised his glass, everyone stood and raised their glasses in response.
"Cheers!"
"Cheers!!"
With that, the welcome banquet kicked off, commencing with performances from the artistic group Jang Seong-taek had brought from Pyongyang, followed by congratulatory performances prepared by the South.
Watching Cheon Ji-young sing at the center stage filled me with pride, and I couldn't help but smile continuously.
After all the planned performances wrapped up, and with the press fully cleared out, the official welcome banquet commenced.
Jang Seong-taek and Yoon Chang-ho moved towards the tables where the chaebol chairmen were seated.
As the chaebol chairmen, who were divided among three tables, stood, Jang Seong-taek shook hands with each of them.
"I have high hopes for the chairmen seated here. I know very well that the economic cooperation between the North and South cannot be achieved without the help of all you chairmen. I kindly request your substantial investments."
While Jang Seong-taek and Yoon Chang-ho engaged in conversation with the chaebol chairmen, I conversed with Cheon Ji-young.
Thanks to our eye contact during her congratulatory performance earlier, she rushed over to my table.
"Oppa! You should have told me you'd be here!"
Cheon Ji-young feigned annoyance as she lightly punched my arm.
"Sorry. I didn't even know you were coming, Ji-young."
"Well, I got a sudden call from the Blue House asking me to attend, so I canceled my commitments in China and hurried over, so you probably wouldn't have known."
"Is that so?"
My indifferent reaction drew a sharp look from Cheon Ji-young, who glanced towards Jang Seong-taek.
"What's up with that reaction? I was invited by Chairman Jang Seong-taek himself! Apparently, he's a fan of mine."
At her words, I couldn't help but burst into laughter.
"A fan? Chairman Jang Seong-taek is your fan?"
"Why? Is it that funny? Is that supposed to be a joke?"
Watching Cheon Ji-young respond with feigned innocence made me stop laughing just in time.
A fan, huh? He probably knows you're my cherished little sister and asked you himself.
Finding her misunderstanding rather amusing, I held back from clarifying the truth.
"No, it's just… it's fascinating. The fact that a high-ranking official from North Korea is a fan of a Korean singer…"
"What's with this? When I perform in China, Taiwan, or Southeast Asia, I get treated like a state guest!"
"Okay, I'll take that for granted. But why'd you look so thin? You're eating well, right?"
"Am I a child? You really seem like an old man, always nagging about eating and sleeping."
"Given how thin you are, I can't help but worry. I miss the chubby Cheon Ji-young from back then."
"Oh, come on! When was that?"
While chatting with Cheon Ji-young, I noticed Yoon Chang-ho and Jang Seong-taek entering a room at the back of the banquet hall with Song Chan-woo from Daehyeon Group.
"Chairman Ha Myung-hoon! Please keep Ji-young company. I have urgent matters to attend to,"
I said as I stood up, and both Cheon Ji-young and Ha Myung-hoon followed my lead.
"What? You're leaving now? Come join me later!"
"No, I have something pressing to take care of. I'll be back soon. Just chat with Chairman Ha for a bit."
I smiled reassuringly at Cheon Ji-young to put her at ease.
Then, I turned and walked towards the room where Yoon Chang-ho, Jang Seong-taek, and Song Chan-woo had entered.
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