章節 569: Chapter 569: Respecting Each Other’s Domains
President Yoon Chang-ho set down the coffee cup he had been holding.
He wore a smile, but his eyes remained cold and unyielding.
"I hear Chief Justice Oh Jeong-seok has been quite worried. Why is that? What troubles him so?"
"He's concerned about the prosecutor's reform you are planning and the ensuing judicial reform. You are aware of this, aren't you?"
Yoon Chang-ho studied my face silently, his expression still a mask of feigned cheerfulness.
I continued speaking, observing him closely.
"The Chief Justice is indeed a key supporter of your administration, President Yoon. We must respect each other's domains. It's essential for our mutual good."
At that, his expression shifted slightly. Yoon Chang-ho responded with an uncomfortable look.
"I have no intention of interfering with the judiciary. I don't know what misunderstandings you might have, but reforming the prosecutor's office is something that must be done. So…"
I raised my hand to interrupt his words.
"Mr. President, there's no need to explain that to me."
"…"
"No matter how much you deny it, I don't trust the legal cartel. If you succeed in the prosecutor's reform, it will inevitably lead to judicial reform. Everyone knows that."
"Mr. Kim."
Yoon Chang-ho called my name softly, yet I pressed on.
"What exactly are you planning to do? I don't understand. If you push ahead like this, the prosecutor's reform will fail. The legal cartel is more resilient than any other organization. They will attempt to stab you with whatever weapon they have. Even if they can't kill you, they will definitely leave their mark. If that happens, all the agreements we've made will sink before they even begin."
"The public has no trust in the judiciary. Therefore, we must reform it to become a trustworthy institution for the citizens."
I wiped the smile off my face before replying.
"Do people trust politicians? If you conduct a survey, politicians will rank among the least trusted groups. It's exhausting, Mr. President. Solving the North Korean issue is already a headache, and now we bicker among ourselves? How can I operate my business peacefully? So, let's just conclude with a restructuring of the prosecutor's office."
"Is that the Chief Justice's opinion?"
I shrugged lightly. At that, Yoon Chang-ho let out a soft sigh.
"He asked me to convey a message to you. He's willing to help with the prosecutor's reform. But if you seek more than that, he will have no choice but to fight back. However, he doesn't intend to fight you. You already know, don't you? He is at the pinnacle of the legal cartel. If you cross the line, he will inevitably take action to protect the cartel."
"…"
"Have a conversation with Chief Justice Oh Jeong-seok. If you truly desire reform, consult with him and make your decision. It will be better for both sides, don't you think?"
If the two clash, right now, Yoon Chang-ho had a higher chance of winning. But presidential power is not everlasting.
On the other hand, the legal cartel had been entrenched for decades.
For now, they might hold their breath and evade the blade Yoon Chang-ho wielded, but eventually, the final victor would be them.
If I sided with Yoon Chang-ho, who knows what might happen, but I saw no reason to take that risk.
Both Yoon Chang-ho and Oh Jeong-seok were people I needed.
"What will you do?"
Yoon Chang-ho's face clearly showed his discomfort.
Yet, his options were limited.
"Alright, I'll meet with Chief Justice Oh Jeong-seok."
"Good decision. He's a senior who understands. If you genuinely want reform, entrusting it to him would be wise."
Oh Jeong-seok would handle it well. Even if it wasn't what Yoon Chang-ho desired.
"Let's drop that subject for now."
"One last word. He is also willing to compromise. Find a middle ground. It may be a retreat from the reforms you envision, but he can carry out changes they can tolerate."
Though displeased, Yoon Chang-ho simply nodded.
"Let's do that. Now, what are we going to do about the North Korean issue? Our advisors have conflicting opinions."
The sudden turmoil in North Korea. No one had grasped the situation yet.
"When will you assemble the delegation?"
"We're still negotiating. I need to consult with the U.S. as well."
"What's the U.S. saying?"
Yoon Chang-ho let out a deep sigh. The mention of the U.S. seemed to age him a decade.
"They said they wouldn't tolerate any violation of the sanctions against North Korea. While they won't obstruct dialogue… Without violating the sanctions, nothing can be done. It's like expressing dissent without actually offering solutions."
"When the South Korean delegation visits Pyongyang, China and Russia will likely lift their border restrictions. That will weaken the sanctions significantly. The U.S. can't do anything alone. While they won't openly disregard the sanctions passed by the UN, goods will get through to North Korea in various ways."
It seemed North Korea hadn't contacted the U.S. yet.
"No, the U.S. is taking a tough stance."
"Right now, yes. But soon, Jang Seong-taek will negotiate with the U.S. as well. They'll start with our country and then talk with the Americans. He's already begun talks with China and Russia."
Pyongyang has embassies for China and Russia.
Of course, their range of action is not as broad as it once was, but dialogue was still easier than with the U.S.
"Jang Seong-taek is completely different from Kim Jong-il in terms of attitude. He aims for economic development through openness rather than isolation. He will likely use that to solidify his power. South Korea should benefit the most from these interests."
"But there's nothing we can concede right now. The only negotiable item is the Kaesong Industrial Complex, and that would be a complete violation of the sanctions."
"Yes. They want entry for our large companies as well."
"The U.S. won't just sit back and watch."
The U.S. wanted change from North Korea. I reminded myself of that fact.
"Mr. President, no country desires change from North Korea more than the U.S. The elections are coming up. The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq are still ongoing. Though a declaration of the end of war has been made, battles against guerrillas continue. But if they can resolve the North Korean nuclear issue through dialogue, the U.S. would gladly ally with North Korea."
"Will Jang Seong-taek give up the nuclear program?"
In response to that doubtful question, I nodded firmly.
"Yes. He will. He understands that dollars he can use anytime are far scarier than unusable nuclear weapons."
At last, Yoon Chang-ho nodded and smiled.
"If the nuclear issue is resolved, we would also willingly support North Korea. I hope for good results from this visit to Pyongyang. You're going along as well, right?"
"Yes. That's why I asked for Myeong-su to be appointed as the head of the delegation. I need to have a one-on-one with Jang Seong-taek. It's better when the fewer people know, the better."
"What are you hoping to gain from this?"
As I noticed a hint of eagerness in Yoon Chang-ho's voice, I chuckled softly.
"I asked for Nampo City as my share."
"Nampo City? You mean the one next to Pyongyang? Do you think Jang Seong-taek will just give that?"
Yoon Chang-ho appeared taken aback.
It seemed he thought Jang Seong-taek wouldn't easily grant it after his recent coup.
"He hasn't given me a definite answer yet, but I believe it's possible. After designating it as a special economic zone, I intend to transform it into a region where free enterprise can thrive. Afterward, I plan to attract large corporations. There aren't many places that compare geographically."
"Hmm. Even so…"
"He will consider it, but in the end, he'll accept. Jang Seong-taek has China as a successful model. He's seen firsthand how Hong Kong, Shanghai, and other special economic zones have developed. There's no way he can refuse my proposal."
Moreover, Jang Seong-taek owed me a significant debt. He had to repay it somehow.
Giving up Nampo City wouldn't settle that debt completely, but…
I didn't feel the need to share all this with Yoon Chang-ho.
"If you say so, you'll surely manage it somehow. Nampo City… Now that I think about it, isn't that where Jungwoo Group used to build factories in North Korea?"
I nodded.
"Yes. Its location is excellent. That's why the Jungwoo Group chose it. It might be fate that I picked that location after acquiring the Jungwoo Group."
"That's surprising, Mr. Kim. I didn't expect you to say the word fate. You, who are usually so rational, surprised me."
"Isn't it fate that I met you, Mr. President?"
I joked lightly, and the corners of Yoon Chang-ho's mouth lifted.
"Maybe. Now that I think about it, it truly feels like fate that you were in Busan when I was sent into exile there. It's like you're a lifeline sent from above."
Yoon Chang-ho and I exchanged smiles.
* * *
2004. The New Year dawned, and time flew quickly.
As planned, the delegation was formed and the schedule was released.
The designated head of the delegation was Myeong-su, and several people from the Ministry of Unification and Foreign Affairs also joined the delegation.
One day before the minimally staffed delegation was to depart for Pyongyang.
I received a phone call from the U.S.
— Charlie, it's Powell.
It was the Secretary of State Colin Powell reaching out.
"Yes, Mr. Secretary. Long time no see."
— I heard you're going along with the South Korean delegation.
"Yes. Jang Seong-taek personally nominated me."
"— Hmm. So it seems Jang Seong-taek has completely taken control of the regime. We've received a secret proposal for a meeting from his side. You're aware of that, right?"
"No, that's the first I've heard of it."
Jang Seong-taek's handling of matters was faster than I had anticipated. I hadn't expected him to contact the U.S. already.
— There's a sharp divide in the White House. Some say we must immediately resume dialogue with North Korea, while others insist that talks should only happen after a complete declaration of abandoning nuclear development. Neither side is making any concessions.
"You're likely in favor of resuming dialogue first, Mr. Secretary. The opposing side must be Dick Cheney."
— Exactly.
Am I creating too many enemies? I felt a sense of concern as he responded so matter-of-factly.
"Are you okay, Mr. Secretary? It seems you're clashing too much with the neocons. That won't yield any benefits, will it? After all, the neocons are currently the mainstream in Washington."
— I'm fine. I was a soldier, and I inadvertently ended up as Secretary of State. I prioritize America's interests above all else. My own advancement comes afterward. For the sake of U.S. interests, I could even shake hands with the devil.
"You prioritize U.S. interests at all costs, huh? Typical American first policy."
Of course, the neocons prioritize U.S. interests too.
Both the moderate camp, like Colin Powell, who advocated dialogue, and the hard-liners who believed in pursuing America's justice through war ultimately had the same objective.
"So, what's the outcome? Has there been any decision?"
— Not yet. President Bush has also been unable to make a decision. We still don't know what Jang Seong-taek is thinking.
"So you reached out to me hoping I could gauge Jang Seong-taek's thoughts?"
— Exactly.
"You could have simply asked the South Korean government instead of me, you know."
— I trust you more than the South Korean government.
Am I being loaded with too much responsibility as a mere businessman?
I forced a laugh, recalling what I had heard in the Bush administration office.
"Let me ask one thing."
— Yes. Please, ask.
"If North Korea completely abandons nuclear development and opens its market… Would you be able to lift the sanctions against North Korea and guarantee its regime?"
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