The Chaebol Returns To The Presidency 1967 [EN]: Chapter 114

114. Not Cutting the Tail

People nearby were surprised, some sitting down abruptly, others falling to the ground.

It was a warning shot fired into the air, so thankfully, no one was hurt.

The three reporters also stopped, startled, and looked around, trying to understand what was happening.

The head of the security detail shouted a warning.

“Stop! If you approach the royal tomb, we will fire!”

The reporters were bewildered by the aggressive stance.

“Are you shooting because of the relics now?” one of them asked incredulously.

A reporter holding a camera pushed past a member of the cultural heritage committee who was blocking his way and defiantly took a step forward.

“I’m a reporter! Get out of the way!”

That’s when it happened.

“Bang!”

“Ugh!”

The reporter tumbled to the ground, clutching his leg.

His thigh had been pierced by a bullet.

Realizing this was more than just a threat, the other reporters immediately flattened themselves on the ground.

The head of the security detail approached and stomped on their cameras, smashing them to pieces.

Crack! Crack!

Crunch~

At that moment, other reporters and police officers who had just arrived rushed to the scene, creating a chaotic scene.

The head of the security detail and the security personnel stood firm in front of the royal tomb like guardian deities, aiming their pistols, a clear line in the sand.

“If you come any closer, we will fire!”

The other reporters, seeing their colleague bleeding from his leg, widened their eyes in shock and stopped their advance.

Instead, they began snapping photos of the unfolding scene.

“This is a scoop!”

Click! Click!

The President, who had arrived on the scene, shouted to the reporters.

“Trespassing on an unexcavated royal tomb isn’t excavation; it’s tomb raiding! Leave immediately!”

The reporters were even more taken aback to see the President himself.

“The President flew here because of a mere tomb?” one of them muttered.

They had never witnessed a President visiting an excavation site before.

The head of the security detail fired more warning shots at some reporters who were still attempting to approach.

Bang! Bang!

The bullets kicked up dust, creating small plumes in the air.

The reporters, who had been trying to rush forward relying on their numbers, hesitated and stepped back.

The local police officers who arrived were bewildered, unsure of what was going on.

They couldn’t determine if it was a hostage situation or simply a press frenzy over the tomb.

At that moment, the President stepped in front of the police chief.

“I am the President!”

The police chief snapped to attention and saluted smartly.

“Your Excellency! Loyalty!”

The President issued his orders.

“Chief, control the area within a 500-meter radius from here. Block everyone, whether they are reporters or anyone else!”

“Yes, Your Excellency!”

The police officers, having received the President’s orders, wielded their batons and began driving the reporters away.

“Get out! Get out!”

They requested additional manpower to manage the situation.

The injured reporter was carefully carried away to receive medical attention.

Before the police special forces arrived, they contacted a nearby military unit, and soon armed soldiers were controlling the area.

The military unit, under the assumption that armed guerrillas had appeared, armed themselves with live ammunition and secured the perimeter.

The Minister of Culture, who arrived later, attempted to reason with the soldier blocking the entrance.

“I am the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism. I need to go in!”

“No one is allowed to pass. Please turn back!”

“I am in charge of the royal tomb excavation. I need to be present for things to proceed smoothly.”

“Minister or whatever your title is, we have orders to fire if necessary. A reporter was already taken to the emergency room with a gunshot wound. Please turn back!”

The Minister of Culture was only able to access the royal tomb excavation site the next day, after the situation had calmed down.

The excavation work continued for two months, yielding significant discoveries.

* * *

Presidential conference room.

A countermeasures meeting was held with relevant ministers present. The head of the security detail was also in attendance, his presence heavy in the room.

The Minister of Public Information reported on the escalating situation.

“The Journalists Association is condemning the shooting as a suppression of the press. Newspapers are intentionally addressing this issue in editorials, so it seems like it’s not a problem that can be simply overlooked.”

Although the President’s actions had prevented a potentially disastrous, botched excavation like the one during Chairman Wang’s era, it was proving to be extremely disadvantageous to him politically because there was no concrete way to prove the averted disaster.

These kinds of situations were the most frustrating for a regressionist [someone who has knowledge of future events].

The President nodded, acknowledging the gravity of the situation.

“The repercussions are bigger than I anticipated. Good. I have no intention of avoiding responsibility. I will sort out the rights and wrongs and take responsibility for any mistakes I made.”

The audience stirred, surprised by his directness.

The Minister of the Interior cautioned.

“Your Excellency, you must not step forward yourself. Reporters only use their mouths to stir up trouble, and the controversy will only spread further.”

The head of the security detail spoke up, his voice filled with conviction.

“I will take responsibility since I was the one who fired, Your Excellency!”

In fact, the executive branch hoped that the matter would be resolved with the head of the security detail taking responsibility and resigning, effectively ending the crisis.

The President firmly stated.

“I gave the order to fire, so the ultimate responsibility lies with my instructions. I have no intention of cutting off the tail [sacrificing a subordinate to save oneself]. The head of the security detail should remain in his position.”

“Your Excellency! Due to my overreaction….”

“Chief, I told you to stay put!”

“…….”

“The commander is responsible; what responsibility does the shooter have! Let’s leave our fate to the heavens!”

It was another crisis looming large.

To make matters worse, public opinion, heavily influenced by the newspapers, was also turning unfavorable.

“Shooting because of a mere tomb is an excessive reaction.”

“That’s right. They could have just allowed the reporter to take a few pictures; there was no need to resort to shooting.”

“I heard that the head of the security detail shot out of excessive loyalty to the President.”

“If the President simply apologized and fired the head of the security detail, it would all be over, but why is the President dragging his feet?”

* * *

National Assembly.

The President delivered a special address at the National Assembly, a tense atmosphere filling the chamber.

“I will state my position on the recent reporter shooting incident to the representatives of the people.”

The lawmakers listened attentively, most assuming it was a formality to apologize and resolve the situation.

“Some newspapers claim that the head of the security detail’s firing was an act of excessive loyalty, but this is not true.”

“…….”

“It was an order I gave. I am the main culprit!”

The audience stirred greatly, murmurs rippling through the room.

“Ordering a shooting because of a tomb may seem like an overreaction, but in my eyes, it was not just a tomb. It seemed like a crucial piece of history that would reveal the secrets of our ancient past. There was a previous incident where relics were damaged because reporters rushed into the Songsan-ri tombs and took pictures before the excavation was even completed. It was obvious that the same thing would happen this time. I cannot help but be appalled by the low level of cultural awareness and the fact that cultural heritage is not included in the ethics of journalists.”

The speech was deviating further and further away from an apology, becoming a defense of his actions.

“I am sorry and apologetic to the reporter who was shot. However, rushing in against the instructions of the Cultural Heritage Administration is clearly obstruction of official duties. There are many who believe that the response was excessive. They rushed in despite the warning shots. Even if such a situation were to happen again, my choice would be the same.”

“…….”

“I will give the same order. This is my sincere feeling.”

The lawmakers murmured amongst themselves, exchanging uneasy glances.

The President had no intention of apologizing at all, standing firm in his conviction.

“No matter how much of a reporter you are, you are not above the Constitution. I could offer a political apology and quietly cover it up, but I have no intention of doing so. I will bear the legal responsibility. Furthermore, I ask that you also address the issue of so-called freedom of the press infringing on the public interest fairly.”

One lawmaker shouted, cutting through the tension.

“Doesn’t Your Excellency have the privilege of immunity from arrest and liability because you are in office?”

“That’s right. So sue me when my term is over, or if you can’t wait until then, there is a method called impeachment. Please judge both me and the press.”

The news spread like wildfire, igniting public debate and outrage.

The newspapers were ablaze with headlines, claiming that the President had declared war on the press, framing it as an attack on freedom of speech.

In the National Assembly, some lawmakers began to seriously discuss the impeachment of the President.

Centered on opposition lawmakers, nearly one-third of the seats agreed, and an impeachment motion was formally introduced.

Although the prevailing prediction was that it would be difficult to reach the required quorum of two-thirds of the seats, the political damage to the President was inevitable, casting a long shadow over his administration.

It was a precarious political situation, threatening to destabilize the government.

* * *

Gongju National Museum.

The highly anticipated exhibition of artifacts from the Muryeong Royal Tomb was being held, drawing crowds from all over.

Although the excavation was not completely finished, the museum had been carefully prepared to release the major artifacts and internal photos, all under strict control and with media access.

The elaborate gold crown, the dignified ring-pommel sword, and the epitaph [an inscription on a tombstone], which served as the tomb’s nameplate, were prominently displayed, captivating visitors.

Foreign media companies from Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, in particular, attended the exhibition and showed great interest, recognizing the historical significance of the finds.

Domestic reporters were bewildered when foreign media, overwhelming Korean reporters, flocked to the artifacts, eager to learn more.

The museum director, who had led the excavation, explained the artifacts and their historical significance in detail, providing valuable context and insights.

The reporters who mainly asked questions and engaged in thoughtful discussions were primarily from the foreign press, demonstrating their deeper understanding and appreciation of the historical context.

Korean reporters, with their comparatively shallow historical and cultural awareness, were mostly just taking notes, struggling to keep up with the depth of the discussion.

The next day, an article about the Muryeong Royal Tomb artifact exhibition appeared in a domestic newspaper.

It was just a short, four-column article with a photo of the gold crown on the society and culture page, a rather underwhelming display.

The main content focused on the fact that the gold crown, ring-pommel sword, and other burial goods were intact and that the tomb belonged to the 25th king of Baekje, offering little in the way of historical analysis or context.

But the foreign press coverage was markedly different, reflecting a deeper understanding and appreciation of the historical significance.

The daily newspapers devoted entire pages to the story, and the weekly magazines featured it over several pages, exploring the broader implications of the discovery.

In Japan, the discovery sparked intense interest in the relationship between Japan and Baekje, and the theory of the Korean origin of the Japanese royal family suddenly resurfaced, igniting a national debate.

Japan was turned upside down by the claims of a Japanese scholar who argued that the current royal family is also a descendant of Baekje, challenging long-held historical narratives.

British newspapers, which had previously thought of Korea only as a border region of China, focused on the fact that an independent kingdom of the Korean Peninsula had thrived for thousands of years and ultimately led to the modern Republic of Korea, highlighting the country’s rich and complex history after seeing the treasures of the Muryeong Royal Tomb.

* * *

National Assembly.

It was the day to vote on the presidential impeachment motion, a day of high political drama and uncertainty.

The final pleas were given, each side making its case with passionate conviction.

The lawmakers leading the impeachment poured out criticism, accusing the President of abusing public power and failing to acknowledge his mistakes, painting him as an autocrat.

“This is an incident where the shadow of a dictator has fallen!” one lawmaker thundered, his voice echoing through the chamber.

On the opposing side, the Minister of Culture stepped forward to defend the President, his presence adding a layer of intellectual weight to the proceedings.

The Minister of Culture, wearing his signature glasses, opened and compared foreign newspapers and domestic newspapers that covered the Muryeong Royal Tomb article, highlighting the stark contrast in their coverage.

“Foreign media listened to the opinions of experts and focused on the historical significance, recognizing it as not a mere border vassal state of China but a brilliant kingdom of the East, the origin of the Japanese imperial family, and so on. But what is this domestic newspaper article?”

“…….”

“The main content is how many gold pieces there are and that it is intact because it was not looted. Is this all the significance of the Muryeong Royal Tomb? This is the perspective of a tomb raider!”

“…….”

“Cultural properties are history. A reporter who used to cover fire scenes without any insight into history only thinks about running into a dark tunnel and pressing the camera shutter. Is the press, which is so full of monopolization, quick reports, and fame-seeking, really worth protecting?”

“…….”

“Do you lawmakers even know what you are doing now?”

“…….”

“Freedom comes with responsibility. Why should the press have unlimited freedom without responsibility? You lawmakers who are now launching an indictment should be ashamed of the fact that you are acting as henchmen for an irresponsible and reckless press. You are now escorting tomb raiders, tomb raiders!”

Jeers erupted from some quarters, a sign of the deep divisions within the assembly.

Boo~ boo~

The Minister concluded his impassioned defense.

“A mad dog needs a stick. I believe that the actions of an irresponsible press do not need to be protected! I expect a wise decision.”

There was no strict party line in the ruling party, allowing lawmakers to vote according to their conscience.

The opposition party attempted to enforce a party line, but the backlash was surprisingly strong, with many members resisting the pressure.

“This is about expressing one’s own opinion according to conscience. The ruling party also has a free vote, so why does the opposition party have a gang vote?” one lawmaker argued, challenging the party’s authority.

In the end, it went to a vote by free vote, a rare moment of individual expression in a highly partisan environment.

The Speaker of the National Assembly announced the results of the vote, his voice echoing through the tense chamber.

“I declare that the presidential impeachment motion has been rejected with 85% against!”

Bang! Bang! Bang!

There were even fewer votes in favor than when it was initially proposed, a resounding defeat for the impeachment effort.

The impeachment was a complete failure, a major victory for the President and a significant setback for his opponents.

The aftermath was a reckoning for the press, who faced intense scrutiny and public criticism for their handling of the situation.

There was no reflection on themselves in the newspapers, a sign of their continued arrogance and lack of accountability. Instead, the newspaper’s reader contribution column was flooded with opinions criticizing the irresponsibility and recklessness of the press, a clear indication of the public’s growing disillusionment.

– Have you seen the Muryeong Royal Tomb article in the foreign press? The arrogant Korean press, which has low expertise and only demands rights, must wake up.

– Who is trying to judge whom! The press should prostrate themselves and beg for forgiveness!

– We will refuse coverage from now on. Reporters should not even come near our government offices!

– Let’s eradicate reporter bribery!

– No reporter is above the law!

– Let’s start a newspaper subscription refusal and advertising refusal campaign!

Newspaper subscriptions were canceled one after another, centered on the newspaper in question, dealing a significant blow to their revenue and influence.

Companies began to stop advertising in the newspaper, further exacerbating their financial woes.

When President Jung’s related companies stopped advertising, several other companies joined in, creating a domino effect that threatened the newspaper’s very survival.

Newspapers were filled with empty advertising spaces, a stark reminder of their declining influence and public trust. In particular, the advertising space of the newspaper in question was almost entirely blank, a symbol of their isolation and disgrace.

The media, with their feet on fire, hurriedly set out to put out the fire, scrambling to repair their damaged reputation and regain public trust, a daunting task in the face of widespread anger and disillusionment.