The Chaebol Returns To The Presidency 1967 [EN]: Chapter 126

126. Finally, a Leading Power

Pyeongyang.

An emergency political meeting was underway.

The cause: the burgeoning ties between South Korea and China.

Chairman Kim began, “According to reports, South Korea is frequently engaging with China’s economic departments, even assisting in China’s economic construction. They’re supplying fertilizers, food aid, and discounted crude oil. Aren’t socialists supposed to unite? What is happening?”

The Minister of Economy responded, “China seems to be emboldened by Taiwan’s economic success. While they’ve engaged with the United States, they perceive cooperation with South Korea as a more palatable option, given the United States’ perceived imperialistic tendencies.”

“We should be dismantling capitalism, yet we’re practically inviting it into our home. Is something not terribly wrong here?”

“Chairman, while that sentiment is understandable, current global trends suggest capitalism is economically superior. Our policies of self-reliance [Juche] and controlled economies are proving inefficient and yielding poor results.”

“What? Are you suggesting we emulate South Korea and embrace openness like China?”

“Perhaps a partial opening, tailored to our specific needs…”

“We just enshrined the Juche philosophy, Juche economics, and self-reliance in the constitution, and the ink is barely dry! Are you proposing we overturn it already?”

No one dared to point out the inherent contradiction of advocating self-reliance while simultaneously importing raw materials and pushing for foreign currency through trade.

Even when attempting to export, their primary offerings were raw materials like underground resources, weapons, and seafood.

Heavy and chemical industries were disproportionately focused on military spending, divorced from broader industrial development or the people’s welfare. Consumer goods were mass-produced for distribution, resulting in abysmal product quality.

It was a twisted form of self-reliance where high-ranking officials shunned rations and exclusively sought imported goods.

Only Jang Song-taek, who had gained economic insights through exchanges with South Korea, truly understood the illusion of self-reliance.

However, he remained silent, fearing accusations of ideological impurity.

Jang Song-taek intervened to mediate. “It’s not too late to carefully observe China’s economic trajectory and then discern the beneficial aspects from the detrimental, Chairman.”

“Hmm, very well. Let’s maintain a close watch.”

The pressure on North Korea to open up intensified.

The longer they delayed, the more dependent they would become on South Korea for crucial resources like crude oil and light industrial complexes.

And a major event, poised to further exacerbate North Korea’s woes, was on the horizon.

*

UN Headquarters (New York, USA).

The North Korean UN Ambassador’s eyes widened as he reviewed the agenda items sent by the Secretariat in advance of the General Assembly.

“What is this? A recommendation for South Korea to become a permanent member of the Security Council? How could they proceed with such a significant agenda without any prior consultation?”

Even then, he still considered it merely a proposed agenda item.

The North Korean Ambassador hurried to the office of the Chinese UN Ambassador.

“Representative, is this agenda item accurate? Is it truly South Korea and not China being considered?”

“That is correct. It is as printed.”

“What? Is that correct? What has transpired? There have been recent trade exchanges between China and South Korea, but surely they didn’t make concessions in exchange…”

“Hey, comrade!”

“……”

“Why are you more agitated and creating a scene than we are?”

“Yes?”

It was understandable that the North was in an uproar.

If a hostile nation, with guns metaphorically pointed at each other, were to become a permanent member of the Security Council, North Korea’s international standing, already precarious due to the divided peninsula, would plummet.

He was at a loss as to how to explain this to the people of North Korea.

“Our Chairman and the leadership deliberated this decision carefully. Why is the North making such a fuss?”

“So, you’re not merely presenting the agenda, but you’ve already decided to support it?”

“China will express its opinion at the General Assembly.”

In essence, this was a passive excuse, highlighting that China was not currently a permanent member of the Security Council, but merely one vote in the General Assembly.

Still, the premonition was ominous.

The North Korean Ambassador rushed to the office of the Soviet UN Ambassador, the holder of veto power.

Even if China acquiesced, a Soviet veto would be decisive.

The North Korean Ambassador presented the agenda and inquired, “What is the Soviet Union’s position? Surely you won’t support this?”

The Soviet representative, with a Cuban cigar in his mouth, responded dismissively, “We will not support it.”

“That’s right! Whew, I was unnecessarily…”

“We will abstain.”

“Pardon?”

The North Korean representative leaped from his chair.

“Why is the Soviet Union abstaining? You should oppose it!”

“Since it’s not going to China anyway, what difference does it make whether it’s Taiwan or South Korea?”

“This is Deng Xiaoping receiving economic aid from South Korea and selling us out! We must stop it!”

“Hmm, honestly, doesn’t North Korea also receive aid from South Korea?”

“……”

“How can we oppose it when they claim to be in dire straits?”

In reality, China had already dispatched a special envoy in advance to explain the situation and secure the Soviet Union’s consent.

However, they were handling it discreetly, fearing repercussions from North Korea and Japan.

“Shouldn’t the Soviet Union provide aid to China to prevent this?”

“900 million out of 1 billion people are starving. Who will feed the 900 million? Will North Korea take responsibility?”

“……”

“We can’t take responsibility for 900 million either. Shouldn’t we prevent China from collapsing due to riots?”

“……”

“Let’s see if a mouse-sized Korea can feed an elephant-sized China.”

The Soviet Union concluded that Korea’s growth would be constrained.

The North Korean representative relayed this information to Pyongyang.

*

The Pyongyang leadership was in chaos, as if a war had erupted.

Chairman Kim, slamming his desk, roared, “Stop it! Persuade the UN member states to cast dissenting votes!”

The North Korean Ambassador visited the Swiss Ambassador, representing a neutral country, and pleaded, “…That’s why you must oppose it!”

The Swiss representative tilted his head. “In my opinion, shouldn’t North Korea adopt a more forward-thinking perspective at this juncture?”

“What do you mean?”

“If the Korean Peninsula were unified, wouldn’t North Korea also gain a seat as a permanent member of the UN Security Council?”

“……”

“Why are you opposing it when you’re the same people?”

“Then North Korea should also be granted permanent member status to ensure fairness.”

“Hahaha, permanent member status isn’t like bread that can be divided at will. You joined the UN as separate, independent nations.”

“……”

“I’m being serious. North Korea should unite with South Korea at this opportunity. South Korea is now an oil-producing nation, with a rapidly developing economy and defense capabilities, and it’s even ascending to the Security Council. Why are you trying to confront it? The momentum has already shifted.”

“……”

The ambassador also desired the reunification of North and South Korea. The North Korean people, too, longed to unite with the prosperous South Korea.

But why was it impossible?

Because of the opposition of one man.

That’s right, the Supreme Leader! Because he would lose his power.

Meanwhile, one country actively supported North Korea.

*

UN General Assembly.

After the US UN Ambassador concluded his speech in support of Korea, the Japanese UN Ambassador took the stage.

“The position of a permanent member of the Security Council carries significant weight. However, Korea is a divided nation under an armistice agreement, and it currently lacks nuclear weapons, unlike the other permanent members. It lacks the power to maintain peace. If they are granted this position simply because they possess some oil, then all Middle Eastern countries would be equally qualified. They are not qualified to maintain world peace. You must oppose this!”

North Korea echoed, “That’s right!”

“Furthermore, Korea has never hosted the Olympics, let alone the Asian Games. It is a country that is not ready to appear on the international stage.”

He astutely highlighted Korea’s vulnerabilities.

The vote commenced.

The Secretary-General announced the results. “…With 22 votes against, 12 abstentions, and an overwhelming majority in favor, I declare that the agenda item on the succession of Korea’s permanent membership has been passed!”

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Among the five permanent members of the Security Council, only the Soviet Union abstained, while all others voted in favor, making it impossible to overturn the General Assembly’s decision.

Global media outlets extensively covered the emergence of the new permanent member of the Security Council.

Korea had joined the ranks of the world’s top five powers.

*

The President delivered a national address.

“This achievement is the result of the unified efforts of all our people. We are fully entitled to celebrate. I hereby declare this auspicious day a national holiday!”

Wow~

A massive celebration ensued.

Special broadcasts were aired on television to reflect on the significance of the event.

*

Jangchung Gymnasium.

A celebratory pop culture performance was held, attended by the President.

Typically, folk songs and classical music were staples at cultural events attended by the President, but this time, at the President’s suggestion, half of the program was dedicated to pop culture performances.

Ten prominent pop singers graced the stage.

Among the most popular were Nam Jin and Na Hoon-a.

Nam Jin, sporting tight-fitting bell-bottoms and an unbuttoned shirt, tapped his legs and amplified the excitement.

♬ On that blue meadow~ (With You)

“Kyaak~ Oppa!” [Oppa is a Korean term used by women to refer to older brothers or male friends/celebrities]

The first wave of “Oppa” fans in the music industry erupted in cheers, igniting the atmosphere.

The President, too, swayed his shoulders and tapped his foot to the beat.

Na Hoon-a, with his thick caterpillar eyebrows, stirred the emotions of the audience with his 구수한 [Gusuhan means folksy, savory, or rustic] voice.

♬ Far away to a distant land~ (While the Water Mill Turns)

The President and the audience sang along.

Ha Choon-hwa sang with a 감칠맛 [Gamchilmat refers to a savory and appetizing flavor] with her small stature and big eyes.

During Chairman Wang’s time, Ha Choon-hwa was once his ideal type.

The President remarked to his Chief of Staff, “These artists are not fleeting. They are huge singers who will have very long careers, even into the 21st century.”

At the time, pop singers were often dismissed as mere entertainers, with the perception that they would fade away after releasing one or two hit songs.

This time, Twin Folio, emerging as idols among young people, created harmony with the melody of acoustic guitars.

♬ If I fall asleep in a dream of dazzling moonlight, I see the night of the festival again~

Next came original comedy.

When the first-generation comedians, the Troika Koo Bong-seo, Seo Young-chun, and Bae Sam-ryong, took the stage, the audience erupted in laughter at their swaggering gestures.

When Fry Boy Kwak Gyu-seok hosted, Koo Bong-seo delivered jokes, and Bae Sam-ryong, in his feeble state, performed the 숭구리당당 [Sungguri Dangdang is a nonsense phrase associated with a comical dance] crab leg dance, the audience laughed so hard their belly buttons fell out.

Wahaha!

“Whose belly button is this?”

“Whose dentures are these?”

Wahaha!

It is said that while Koo Bong-seo focused on skits and ad-libs, Seo Young-chun delivered comedy based on various facial expressions and slapstick in a style reminiscent of Jim Carrey.

Seo Young-chun captivated the audience with his rapid-fire delivery.

“Kim Suhanmu Turtle and Crane Three Thousand Gapsja Dongbangsak Chichikapo… Cat is a cat, Baduk [Baduk is a Korean board game similar to Go] is Baduk!”

“Even if cider floats in the Incheon sea, you can’t drink it without a cup! Booppara Booppa Booppappa, Kungjjak Kungjjak Ppiyak Ppiyak!” [These are all nonsense phrases and onomatopoeia used for comedic effect]

Wahaha!

Laughter never ceased, echoing throughout the gymnasium.

The President had never laughed so heartily in his entire past life.

The pop entertainers, having finished their performances, grabbed the microphone and faced the President.

The host announced, “For longevity, a grand bow to His Excellency!”

They knelt on the stage and performed a deep bow.

The audience cheered and applauded.

Suddenly, as the atmosphere shifted into a performance solely for the President, the President snapped back to reality.

Looking around, he saw that the presidential seat was elevated in a special VIP section facing the stage, with people unable to approach and maintaining their distance.

It resembled a banquet for the king of the Joseon Dynasty [Joseon Dynasty was the last dynastic kingdom of Korea].

The President sighed deeply.

Um~ I was unknowingly reigning like an emperor. At some point, governing became too familiar. This won’t do….

*

In stark contrast to Korea’s festive atmosphere, North Korea was like a funeral home.

Chairman Kim, upon receiving the report, slammed his desk and shouted, “Everyone should jump into the Daedong River and die!”

The artificial flag of the Workers’ Party was flown at half-mast.

It was a day of national humiliation for North Korea.