Capítulo 693: Chapter 693: Please Don’t Pay Attention to Me
Choi Ryong-hae was a key figure in the hardline faction pushing for Kim Jong-il's assassination.
At first, I too believed that Kim Jong-il had to be eliminated.
However, with the Baekdu bloodline's symbolism still intact, killing him now would only tarnish my reputation as a leader.
Whenever things went awry, Kim Jong-il's mere presence would lend support to Jang Seong-taek, significantly easing political pressures.
In fact, it had already proven effective once. I decided to respect Jang Seong-taek's opinions and refrained from mentioning Kim Jong-il since.
But for those who had risen to power alongside Jang Seong-taek, Kim Jong-il was the greatest source of anxiety.
They had urged Jang Seong-taek numerous times to dispose of Kim Jong-il, and eventually, Jang Seong-taek issued a warning.
'I will not entertain the thought of killing the General. Do you understand? If you utter such words even once more, I will see to it that whoever suggests it is replaced.'
Consequently, they approached me, requesting that I persuade Jang Seong-taek.
Since I had no intention of doing so, I flatly refused.
After my refusal, the hardliners kept a low profile, and no major political incidents occurred in North Korea.
'······What do you mean, Kim Mu-hyeok?'
'What do you mean? Just the fact that we can meet again in this troubled world is a joyous occasion, isn't it?'
I continued to smile as I extended my hand towards him.
Choi Ryong-hae, unable to miss the thorn in my words, maintained a stern expression.
He seemed uncomfortable, but finally, shaking my hand, he spoke in a stiff tone.
'We should get moving if you wish to stay on schedule. After visiting the Kaesong Industrial Complex, we have dinner planned with the Chairman in Pyongyang.'
'It seems I'll have less time than I expected at the Kaesong Industrial Complex.'
'It's unavoidable given the Chairman's schedule.'
Well, if that's the case, there's no helping it. At least I'd get a brief look around.
'Let's get going. How long will it take?'
'We should arrive at the Kaesong Industrial Complex in twenty minutes.'
We followed Choi Ryong-hae out of the immigration office.
Four Benzes and several military vehicles for escort were lined up, ready.
'Kim Mu-hyeok, you'll ride with me, and the rest of the staff will take another vehicle.'
'Sounds good.'
Choi Ryong-hae and I got into one vehicle, while Manager Ma and the remaining bodyguards took the others.
'Kim Mu-hyeok.'
As we sped toward Kaesong, Choi Ryong-hae initiated a conversation.
'What makes you think I'm harboring any bad feelings when you say that in front of your subordinates?'
Seemingly bothered by my earlier comment, he revisited the topic.
I glanced at the people's army driver.
'It's fine. He's a reliable friend.'
'What do you mean by bad feelings? I just remarked that it's good to see you.'
'······I know you don't appreciate wordplay.'
At Choi Ryong-hae's comment, I couldn't help but laugh out loud. After a few encounters, he had indeed shown he could jab back.
Perhaps my laughter irritated him, for Choi Ryong-hae seemed rather displeased.
'Chairman, just take it as it is. If you conveyed your words to Chairman Jang Seong-taek, do you think I would have come out to greet you today?'
'······.'
'I saw no reason to elaborate on that. I had no reason to kill you. I figured you would get yourself in trouble and face purging on your own. But you're still alive, so I merely expressed my happiness to see you.'
Choi Ryong-hae clenched his lips tightly as he spoke each word slowly.
'······You should be more cautious with your words.'
'Why? Is there a reason I should be cautious with the Chairman? Are you trying to intimidate me just because I'm on North Korean soil?'
Choi Ryong-hae glared at me as if he wanted to kill me, yet he responded in a mocking tone.
I found Choi Ryong-hae rather unappealing.
While Jang Seong-taek was irreplaceable, there were plenty of alternatives for Choi Ryong-hae.
'Chairman, just do as you please. Unless you want to end up back at some rural farm.'
'Kim Mu-hyeok!'
Choi Ryong-hae raised his voice, causing the driver to flinch.
'I'm still young. My hearing's fine. Lower your voice. Otherwise, will you truly fight with me to the end?'
'······.'
'Do you think Chairman Jang Seong-taek sent you out to welcome me without a second thought? You must have sensed that my relationship with the Chairman isn't exactly smooth. How could you have survived as the second-in-command under Kim Jong-il without that awareness?'
He couldn't muster a response that time; all he could do was silently fume.
'If you and he have some bad blood, then you've been sent to resolve it. The Chairman doesn't want anything to disrupt his plans. If I were to say I could no longer proceed with my business in North Korea because of you, how do you think the Chairman would react?'
Choi Ryong-hae's face turned ashen at my calm inquiry.
He knew what was at stake. Jang Seong-taek would have to eliminate Choi Ryong-hae while trying to placate me.
'While there are people who can replace the Chairman, there's no one to replace me. So don't pick a fight with me before I have to report to the Chairman.'
'Kim Mu-hyeok, why are you treating me like this? Is suggesting we eliminate Kim Jong-il such a terrible thing?'
There's no way that would be true. I shrugged nonchalantly as I replied.
'I don't think so. I shared your sentiments initially. I found it perplexing that the Chairman would leave behind such a burden.'
'Then what exactly is the problem?'
'Are you genuinely asking? If the Chairman has made a decision, you should follow it, regardless of any differing views. That's loyalty to the person you serve, is it not? And if you couldn't agree, you should have continued to persuade the Chairman. But to choose the nation over that… I was quite disappointed.'
In my past life, Choi Ryong-hae had been a man who betrayed Jang Seong-taek to cling to Kim Jeong-un for power.
No matter how you looked at it, someone who had betrayed once was likely to do so again.
If Choi Ryong-hae sensed Jang Seong-taek's downfall, he'd certainly jump ship in a heartbeat.
'If the Chairman has no intention of killing Kim Jong-il, I certainly won't have that in mind either. We simply thought that if it were you, perhaps you could sway the Chairman's opinion.'
'Are you implying that I manipulate the Chairman behind the scenes? You're quite bold to admit that.'
'No, that's not what I—.'
In North Korea, practically a kingdom-like state, the real power players always had to exist under the radar.
What I said was akin to treason. Choi Ryong-hae seemed flustered, scrambling for an excuse.
But I interrupted and continued.
'If the Chairman had not been Jang Seong-taek but Kim Jong-il, would you have even entertained such thoughts?'
'······.'
No, absolutely not. If that had happened, you would face execution or be sent to the Aoji coal mine.
'So please don't pay me any attention. Focus on your own matters. That way, we won't have to exchange heated words. I won't obstruct the Chairman in any of his endeavors, you see. Understand?'
I had little interest in Choi Ryong-hae. I stated that clearly and firmly to the pale-faced man.
'I won't concern myself with what you're doing, so there's no need for you to meddle in my affairs.'
While we conversed, we arrived at the Kaesong Industrial Complex.
I exited the vehicle before Choi Ryong-hae and took a look around.
Some areas had already started construction, while others were still laying foundations.
As I scanned the surroundings, I spotted people waiting for us in the distance.
'Welcome. I'm Han Jae-hoon from Daehyeon Construction, responsible for the Kaesong Industrial Complex project.'
'Ah, glad to meet you. I'm Kim Mu-hyeok.'
I reached out my hand to Han Jae-hoon, who beamed and shook it with both hands.
'How's the project going? Any difficulties?'
'None at all. At first, the North Korean workers struggled, but with time, they've been working harder than anyone. Thanks to them, we expect to shorten the construction period.'
'Is that right? That's good to hear.'
While I chatted with Han Jae-hoon, Choi Ryong-hae got out of the car.
Recognizing Choi Ryong-hae, Han Jae-hoon greeted him as well.
'Chairman, welcome.'
Choi Ryong-hae nodded in acknowledgment and began to survey the area.
'There won't be any instances of backdoor dealings from Pyongyang, will there? If such situations arise, be sure to report directly to Korea without giving in.'
'No, there won't. We are thoroughly monitoring from both Seoul and Pyongyang. Who would dare try to take advantage? I've been in the construction industry for decades, and candidly, it's easier here than in Korea.'
'Are there still many people demanding bribes in Korea?'
'Oh, don't get me started. The construction unions act like they're the masters. Not to mention, public officials delay permits endlessly if you don't pay up… It's better to have them demand money outright rather than subtly; it's far more exasperating.'
I chuckled at Han Jae-hoon's grievances. Sensing the atmosphere lightening, he began pointing out staff and the construction work.
'In contrast, this place feels like heaven. If you need anything, it gets reported to Pyongyang right away and taken care of. The North Korean workers don't dawdle either. Actually, rather than not dawdling, they have an eager attitude to learn. That's truly remarkable.'
'That's because you're paying them. They likely would have been doing this for free otherwise. We should probably wrap this up and go for a round. Just follow me, and the rest can get back to work.'
Han Jae-hoon nodded and instructed the employees who had been standing behind him.
'Get back to work, everyone.'
'Yes, Sir!'
As Han Jae-hoon directed the staff, I turned to Choi Ryong-hae.
'Will you be joining us for the tour, or will you wait here?'
'I'll stay here. Just be sure to return before too long. We can't keep the Chairman waiting.'
'If that's the case, that's fine. No need for security. My bodyguard is enough.'
With Han Jae-hoon having sent the workers away, we set off.
'What's the issue with the Chairman and you?'
Once it was just the two of us, Han Jae-hoon cautiously asked.
'Can you tell?'
Han Jae-hoon nodded, noticing my expression.
'Yes. Choi Ryong-hae looks terribly upset.'
'Leave him be. He's the only one harboring grievances.'
'Is that wise? He's known as the second-in-command in North Korea.'
This was reasonable concern coming from Han Jae-hoon, who known the situation there best.
'Even so, what can he do? This is Jang Seong-taek's plan. He can't interfere. If he tries to cause trouble, he'll end up in the Aoji coal mine.'
As we spoke, we circled the construction site. Han Jae-hoon explained the status as we walked.
The site manager was South Korean, while most of the workers were North Korean.
'How many Daehyeon Construction staff are on site? Quite a few, right?'
'About five hundred are here.'
'Oh, that's more than I expected.'
'We actually need more. Thankfully, this isn't a particularly challenging project; that number suffices. The North Korean workers lack any skills, however. Initially, they really struggled.'
Han Jae-hoon sighed, having faced significant challenges.
'The people sent here must have been decent workers.'
'Oh, don't even start! They seemed to have just learned how to do basic tasks, and all they care about is speed rather than safety.'
Indeed, North Korea had a collective mentality focused more on efficiency than safety.
'If we work today, we'll have tomorrow off! Let's work hard today!'
I heard a manager comforting the North Korean workers nearby.
'How can we rest? We have to finish this quickly to relax later. Isn't that right, comrades?'
The manager laughed at the North Korean workers' reactions. They seemed to have developed a decent rapport.
'You look quite friendly.'
'Communication is the key. It often leads to friendship quickly.'
'That's definitely a major advantage. Those working overseas often get frustrated when communication fails.'
I continued exploring the site with Han Jae-hoon. Unfortunately, I didn't have time to see every area.
'We should start heading back. I want to explore more, but I have someone waiting in Pyongyang.'
'Then you should hurry. Please visit us again, Sir.'
Having toured the Kaesong Industrial Complex, I returned to where Choi Ryong-hae was waiting.
'Sir, please ensure the project goes smoothly.'
'Of course. Don't worry; this is a critical matter for Daehyeon.'
With Kaesong Industrial Complex behind me, I set off toward Pyongyang.
I felt a sense of satisfaction at how well the construction site was progressing.
After about two hours driving on the Pyongyang-Kaesong expressway, we arrived in Pyongyang.
'Welcome, Kim Mu-hyeok.'
Jang Seong-taek greeted me warmly as he emerged from his office.
'Chairman, it's been a while. But why do you seem to have lost so much weight? Are you overworking yourself?'
Seeing Jang Seong-taek after a long time, I noticed he had become quite lean.
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