บท 643: Chapter 643: The More Urgent, The More You Must Return
I didn't stop and continued to provoke Kim Sung-keen.
"I can't possibly like the Progressive Party. Let's just say our colors don't match too well."
"…The rich certainly don't have an affinity for the Progressive Party."
"No, it's not just that. I pay my taxes on time and don't even bother trying to avoid them. With a bit of common sense, it's only natural to lean towards the Moderate Party, which considers both policy and people's livelihoods. If you look at the Moderate Party's policies, you'll see they often care for welfare even more than the Progressive Party does."
Kim Sung-keen, unable to find fault in my words, simply bit his lip.
I had never failed to pay taxes on the wealth I revealed, nor had I even attempted to reduce its scale.
After all, I held much more in my hands than what was visible on the surface, so there was no need to make trouble.
"But doesn't the Progressive Party only aim to take from those who have?"
"Wealth redistribution is the essence of politics, you see."
Kim Sung-keen said this with a sneer, glaring at me. It showed he had only learned about politics from books.
"Wealth redistribution, huh? Sounds good; that's a nice slogan. But shouldn't the Progressive Party members and their assets be redistributed first? It's strange, isn't it, how many wealthy individuals belong to a party that condemns the rich like that?"
"Then doesn't the Conservative Party need reform first?"
Watching Kim Sung-keen shift his target from the Moderate Party to the Conservative Party, I couldn't help but smile wryly.
He seemed unaware that I was the one who had taken down the Conservative Party.
"You're absolutely right. That's why I dismantled the Conservative Party myself. Along with the Cheongpung Group, the pestilent forces undermining Korea and the pro-Japanese factions, I sent them all into the pages of history. I will remove anyone who stands in my way, no matter who they are."
"You… have quite a terrifying ideology, don't you?"
Kim Sung-keen murmured, looking aghast.
Seeing him react with such distaste to my declaration that I'd clear any obstacles in my path, I let out an amiable laugh.
"Is that so? But doesn't everyone think that way? Whether it's the Conservative or Progressive Party, the right-wing or left-wing… I don't care about any of that. All I want is for the people around me to be happy, and as long as I can protect my wealth, I would sell my soul to the devil if need be."
"…"
"So I hope you, Professor, will stop now. You were one of the few genuine professors I respected."
In my memories of my previous life, Kim Sung-keen retired after completing his tenure and returned quietly to his hometown to end his life.
He had turned down all offers from students who wanted him to be active in the political arena.
Though I had only attended his classes for a semester, I had great respect for him because I could sense a scholar's demeanor in his unwavering attitude.
But this time, perhaps because of me, or perhaps due to the Progressive Party's abrupt downfall, he was appointed as the chairman of the emergency committee.
While I could understand that the internal chaos of the Progressive Party could not be resolved by outsiders, it was still disheartening to see him, a true scholar, skirting around the crows.
"The theoretical politics taught in the university is fundamentally different from real political affairs. If you gaze into the abyss, eventually, the abyss gazes back at you. So why get your hands dirty? You're bound to witness the shattering of the ideals you once held as a scholar. That is what truly saddens me."
"…Are you implying that I'm too naive? Do you think I accepted this position without being prepared for such things?"
"You're a smart man, so you might guess this: the factional strife within the Progressive Party is more vicious than you think. It's been that way for a long time. Since Kim Hak-gwon's presidency ended, it feels like the Progressive Party has reached its end. Do you really think there's no reason why Kim Hak-gwon hasn't said a word during this chaos? It's because he's already lost all interest in the Progressive Party."
I had a few encounters with Kim Hak-gwon after his presidency ended.
After stepping down, he seemed to improve remarkably, his complexion brighter than before.
"What could possibly be so good about that position that I would struggle for decades to sit in that chair? After trying it, I found the presidential seat far heavier than I thought. I'm fed up with politics now."
There was a bittersweet smile when he was asked if he was going to help mend the Progressive Party's internal strife.
"I'm now a man of the past. The Progressive Party I belonged to and the current Progressive Party are entirely different parties. Few things are as ridiculous as a person who should have vanished into the pages of history stepping back into the limelight. That's why I've reorganized my party membership. I want to live comfortably now."
His face no longer seemed different from any ordinary villager, full of regrets.
Recalling some of our past conversations, I advised Kim Sung-keen.
"As a student who once attended your class, I'm speaking out of concern for you, Professor. If you wait until regret hits, it may already be too late. Given the history of the Progressive Party, you should know better than I do why I'm saying this."
"…Change is necessary. That's how we survive. That's why I've taken this position."
"It might be better to let it fester until it bursts. If you stitch it up carelessly, it'll only hurt more. As a professor with deep knowledge and experience in political studies, I won't say more."
With that, I decided to stop trying to convince him. It was a pity to see a smart person stubbornly walking down a thorny path, but it was beyond my control.
He seemed resolute enough to look me in the eye.
Matching his calm gaze, I too solidified my own determination.
If he ever stood before me as an enemy and tried to thwart my plans, I'd do everything in my power to bring him down.
The groundbreaking ceremony party went on for quite a while. Yoon Chang-ho and Jang Seong-taek also had an extended conversation.
I approached Representative Han Ji-ho to strike up a conversation.
"Representative."
"Mr. Kim."
"I kept my promise."
I conveyed that there would only be formal investigations regarding those who had been elected in the ongoing investigation by the Prosecutor's Office.
Oh Hyeon-woo was pleased with my words and immediately jumped into action.
With everyone who could be spared already cleared out, the investigations targeting the remaining individuals gained momentum rapidly.
"So please keep your promise, Representative."
"I will do so. Don't you worry about that."
"I don't want to have a falling out with you, Representative. There's currently no weighty politician in the Moderate Party like you. That doesn't mean I want to meddle in party politics either. If we fought within defined rules, I wouldn't be acting this way."
Han Ji-ho seemed to notice my displeasure and quietly nodded.
"No more chances. Just wait and see how your longtime rival, the Progressive Party, falls apart this time."
It was almost a warning that if he didn't keep his promise, he'd find himself in a similar situation.
Han Ji-ho awkwardly smiled, as he understood the underlying message, and I wrapped up the conversation with a bright smile.
"Mr. Kim, come over here for a moment."
At that moment, President Yoon Chang-ho called out to me, waving his hand. As I walked over to him, he quickly got to the point.
"Jang Seong-taek asked when the development of Nampo City will begin."
"The development of Nampo City? Wasn't it set to start next year?"
The relevant legislation for the Nampo Port project had yet to be firmly established.
If the bill passed next year, I planned to send in specialists for preliminary inspections right away.
"Mr. Kim, if you're having trouble right now, at least please operate the Nampo Port normally for now."
"Nampo Port?"
"Isn't the operation of Nampo Port part of the agreement? You mentioned you'd run it. Our people also need a means to make a living, don't they?"
Jang Seong-taek appeared quite urgent. However, since it was such a focal project, I couldn't just launch into it recklessly.
I gave a look that indicated I needed a moment and asked Yoon Chang-ho.
"Mr. President, can we proceed with the Nampo Port development? With the Kaesong Industrial Complex, we have an established legal framework for operations, but Nampo Port still lacks relevant legislation, doesn't it?"
What I planned to do was a large project that would require specialized personnel to command it.
A logistics project doesn't just function because a port exists; it needs reliable managers and supervising staff.
If time allowed, I could appoint a North Korean as a manager, but I couldn't trust anyone just yet.
"I will urge for the legislation to be drafted as quickly as possible. If not, I'll issue an administrative order immediately…"
Even if he was in a hurry, that wouldn't do. In a situation such as this, where many eyes were watching, I couldn't say such things.
Desperate, I interrupted Yoon Chang-ho.
"No, that would raise issues of favoritism. This is a major project that Jungwoo Construction and Jungwoo Shipping will oversee. Of course, we can proceed with an administrative order, but that's not a proper way to handle things."
As this was a long-term project, any controversy would be problematic.
"They say, 'The more urgent, the more you must return to the beginning.' Let's have the government propose the bill, and the National Assembly will quickly approve it. I think that way we can handle it within this year."
"Hmm…"
My words weren't incorrect; Yoon Chang-ho was deep in thought, contemplating.
I turned to Jang Seong-taek, giving him time to gather his thoughts.
"Chairman, are you in a hurry?"
"Naturally. Nampo City needs to be developed quickly to create jobs for the people living in Pyongyang, doesn't it? We will prioritize placing residents from Pyongyang, who are deemed important in North Korea, there. Our Republic is charging forward with the market economy beginning with the currency reform."
A typical statement from a Pyongyang official.
Even Jang Seong-taek, however powerful he was, couldn't disregard the residents of Pyongyang.
They were the supporting force sustaining North Korea.
The moment their sentiments shifted from joy, disaster would be imminent.
"I plan to start collecting taxes first in Pyongyang. Afterwards, I will expand it nationwide. For that, quality job opportunities are essential, and I intend to break the dam starting from Nampo City."
It seems they're planning to experiment with tax collection in Pyongyang and once stabilized, expand it throughout North Korea.
Indeed, there are very few undertakings that create job opportunities as large as civil engineering projects.
However, that doesn't justify rushing the Nampo Port development project.
I asked Jang Seong-taek, who looked somewhat uncomfortable.
"Is there significant backlash against the recent announcement of the currency reform?"
"Not too severe. Those holding Dollars have protested, but that can be suppressed with power. For now, thanks to the food aid received from China and South Korea, we've solved any immediate survival issues, but that's not enough for people to truly live, is it?"
That was a valid point. If proper job opportunities didn't spread, North Korea's currency reform would quickly collapse.
But before that, there were still matters to address.
"I will ensure the process moves forward as swiftly as possible. As you know, there are few projects better for job creation than civil engineering. Please use slush funds to maintain the Nampo-Pyongyang highway before the legislation passes."
"…"
"The roads are in poor condition. Ultimately, for the logistics that come through Nampo Port to flow smoothly into Pyongyang, its state is quite critical."
"Let me think about it."
I mentally clicked my tongue at his unenthusiastic reply.
Whenever I hinted at using slush funds, he always tried to backpedal.
To soothe him, I waved the carrot slightly.
"And as soon as the relevant legislation passes, I will also build a new Ryugyong Hotel."
"Oh, really?"
At the mention of constructing the Ryugyong Hotel, Jang Seong-taek's previously gloomy expression lit up.
"Yes. I've already hired a famous architect for the design. I'll explain the details later, but it will be built so magnificently that it will be a top landmark in Asia."
"Sounds great. That's wonderful! You, Mr. Kim, are indeed a trustworthy man. You always keep your word."
"Thank you."
He only treats me specially when he wants something. I could see right through it, but I just smiled.
"Ah, Chairman, when will China and Russia begin to reorganize the special economic zones?"
"They merely talk and haven't provided proper plans to us yet. It's quite frustrating. Would you be able to take charge of that, Mr. Kim?"
"That won't work. I shook my head firmly."
"All related nations have already convened and reached an agreement. If the State Council Chairman breaks that agreement, no one will trust North Korea again. Ultimately, business boils down to trust. North Korea is currently in the phase of rebuilding its lost trust, so as frustrating as it may be, please endure it a little longer. Even now, China is trying various inducements to attract foreign capital. If China is doing that, breaking this agreement now would mean a complete return to isolation for North Korea."
"I understand. I fully recognize how crucial trust is. But I just feel frustrated, you know? I went public and made these bold claims, yet all I have to show is the Kaesong Industrial Complex, at the moment, it feels quite discouraging."
Jang Seong-taek made quite a political misstep while proceeding with this. Sudden radical changes often lead to backlash, and when there's nothing visible, it can become very frustrating.
"Understood. I'll talk to both the Chinese and Russian sides."
"Thank you, Mr. Kim."
After that, Jang Seong-taek continued to raise various requests.
I let out a sigh inwardly, but had no choice but to agree to whatever feasible demands he made.
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