The Chaebol Returns To The Presidency 1967 [EN]: Chapter 206

206. Who Will Be the First President of a Unified Korea?

The first cabinet meeting of the new year commenced.

Chairman Jang and key leaders from the North were specially in attendance.

The Prime Minister began, addressing the room.

“Because each department’s representatives from the South and North are operating independently, we’re seeing budget overlaps, omissions, and frequent scheduling conflicts. We need a unified control mechanism. It might be wise to dissolve the Ministry of Unification, which has arguably served its purpose, and establish a Ministry of Inter-Korean Exchange to oversee the North Korean reconstruction project.”

The President responded,

“I agree. But instead of a ministerial level, let’s place it directly under the President’s office and elevate it to a Prime Minister or Deputy Prime Minister level. That way, it will have the authority to resolve conflicts between departments.”

Jang Sung-taek added,

“That’s right. It needs power as strong as the President’s to be effective.”

Everyone concurred.

The Ministry of Inter-Korean Exchange would be responsible for the integration roadmap for the next three years.

“Who would be a good fit as the first Prime Minister of the Ministry of Inter-Korean Exchange? I think it would be beneficial to have an equal number of representatives from the South and North.”

Jang Sung-taek actively stepped forward.

“If there are two heads, we’ll just end up with another stalemate. Let the chairman be from the South. We will establish a department to receive the chairman’s instructions and ensure smooth operation.”

The North seemed to prefer a unified, top-down approach over a system of checks and balances.

“Would that be acceptable to you all?”

“Of course. And I strongly recommend CEO Jeong as the Prime Minister of Inter-Korean Exchange. CEO Jeong is providing essential aid to the North Korean people; in many ways, he’s seen as a leader already.”

“I had CEO Jeong in mind as well.”

CEO Jeong hadn’t been informed yet, but it was assumed he wouldn’t refuse such a request.

The Prime Minister moved on to the next agenda item.

“This year, there are presidential and National Assembly elections in the South. But the government is currently divided. We need to gradually integrate into one unified government. There’s no immediate problem with National Assembly members from the South and North being elected by region, but when the South and North are fully integrated in two and a half years, we need an agreement on whether to hold another unified presidential election.”

The President turned to Jang Sung-taek.

“Electing a unified president of South and North will significantly accelerate the synchronization of our two systems. What are your thoughts? There must be a single, unified president for effective governance.”

Chairman Jang responded,

“Here’s my perspective. This time, the North Korean people will participate in the South’s political schedule and hold National Assembly elections together. The National Assembly constituencies can be elected in proportion to the population, and it is right to re-elect a single president in two and a half years.”

It was the expected response.

In reality, the single presidential election in two and a half years presented a potential problem.

If Jang Sung-taek were to run, North Korean residents would almost certainly cast all their votes for him. If the South remained divided among the ruling party, opposition parties, and minor parties, a president could potentially emerge from the North.

There had been internal discussions about this, but the issue hadn’t been openly addressed.

But Jang Sung-taek made an unexpected proposal.

“However, there is a way to have a single president elected this time around.”

“Oh? What method do you have in mind?”

“I have a question. Is President Park planning to step down as promised and not run for re-election this time?”

“I am retiring; it’s a promise I made to the people.”

“Why not simply amend the constitution and run again? Why bother changing leaders so frequently? Isn’t it disruptive to have policy changes every time there’s a new administration?”

“That’s a valid point, but democracy is about respecting the people’s choice, and progress often comes through change.”

“If President Park were to run for re-election, I believe the North Korean people would accept it.”

“…….”

All eyes turned to the President.

The President seemed uncomfortable and avoided eye contact.

“Well, I’m planning to take a break for a while now.”

“…….”

Silence filled the room.

Jang Sung-taek pressed on.

“There is another way.”

“…….”

“We will not field a candidate in this first South-North presidential election. Since the South is leading the reconstruction efforts, it would be inappropriate for a president to come from the North at this stage.”

“Hahaha, frankly, we were concerned about that, but thank you so much for relieving our worries, Chairman Jang!”

“But instead of simply not running from the North, there is a condition.”

“…….”

“The North Korean people will only fully accept a single president if CEO Jeong is elected as the first president of South and North.”

“CEO Jeong….”

“If a completely unknown South Korean person becomes president, it could create regional tensions in the North. CEO Jeong is dedicated to the development of the North, and the North Korean people overwhelmingly support him, so his election as the first president of South and North would be widely accepted.”

“Well, I fully understand your point, and I personally agree, but it’s difficult to decide on the next president in this meeting. We don’t even know if CEO Jeong will run, and we have to follow the national election process. Public officials are not allowed to interfere in elections.”

“Hmm, the South is certainly encumbered by many procedures. Then, we will finalize the North’s position after gauging CEO Jeong’s interest in running.”

*

Gaeseong.

Seoul and Gaeseong were being developed together as a unified metropolitan area, symbolizing the growing integration.

Workers were working hard on the construction of 8-lane highways, railways, and bridges.

North Korean Government Building.

The President was meeting with CEO Jeong.

CEO Jeong said,

“I should be the one visiting you, but I apologize for making you come all the way here, Your Excellency.”

“Don’t mention it. I came to inspect the North Korean construction area, and I’m also scheduled to appear on Gaeseong Broadcasting today to connect with the North Korean people.”

“Then I’m less apologetic. You mentioned you had something to discuss?”

“CEO Jeong, do you still have no interest in entering politics?”

“Politics? Are you referring to the next presidential election?”

“Hahaha, you guessed it.”

“You’re certainly persistent.”

“I understand CEO Jeong’s reluctance very well. So I know it’s probably futile to pressure you.”

“…….”

“But this time, during the discussions about the South-North unified government, the North made a specific proposal. I’m here to share that with you. Listen to the details, and then CEO Jeong can decide.”

“A proposal?”

The President conveyed Jang Sung-taek’s suggestion that a president of a unified government should be elected in this upcoming election, and that CEO Jeong should be the candidate.

“It’s crucial to quickly unify the divided South and North governments. Power is something that can cause conflict even between siblings. The South and North could easily drift apart due to power struggles. The North has indicated they are willing to concede everything if CEO Jeong assumes power.”

“…….”

In fact, Jang Sung-taek had already made a similar proposal to CEO Jeong.

He had initially dismissed it as a passing compliment, but it seemed he was serious.

“CEO Jeong, the situation is different now. This presidential election is not just about gaining power. We need to set the right course from the beginning for a smooth transition into a unified nation. The future of the Korean Peninsula hinges on the next leader.”

“Hmm….”

CEO Jeong’s demeanor turned serious.

“I’ll need to consider it carefully, Your Excellency.”

It was a positive sign that CEO Jeong didn’t immediately reject the idea.

The President added,

“I’m also concerned about what I’ll do when my term ends. I returned as president as I wished, but I’m worried about my future after retirement. If the new president reverses the progress we’ve made during my term or causes renewed inter-Korean conflict, my return would have been pointless. CEO Jeong, as someone who also returned and worries about national security, I’m sure you understand my concerns.”

“I’m working tirelessly for the country to atone for my past mistakes, but I am genuinely worried about Your Excellency’s future after retirement.”

“Even if Chairman Jang hadn’t made this proposal, I was considering suggesting that CEO Jeong and I revert to our previous roles before our returns.”

“…….”

“What if I return to being a businessman, and CEO Jeong returns to the presidency?”

“Return to the original state….”

“CEO Jeong has already dedicated his life to the country, so I don’t believe it would be against your principles to serve as the first president of a unified Korea. In fact, it’s arguably the most appropriate position for you.”

“Unified President….”

CEO Jeong’s ears perked up at the phrase “unified president.”

“And instead of simply avoiding the position, CEO Jeong, consider this an opportunity to change your fate by taking office again. I believe the true meaning of returning is not just about avoiding the mistakes you made as president in your previous life. Try to become a democratic president who is supported by the people, not driven by a desire for long-term power. You have to evolve to make your return truly worthwhile.”

“I need to give this a lot of thought… I’ll consider it seriously, Your Excellency.”

The President saw a flicker of ambition in his eyes.

*

Cabinet meeting.

The President instructed the Minister of Culture to implement the cultural powerhouse project, fulfilling a key presidential election pledge.

“I had a discussion with the US President, and we’re planning to open our culture to the US market in the future.”

“Yes? The United States? The opening of Japanese culture is only just beginning to take hold. If American pop culture floods in, it will lead to widespread imitation of American trends, Your Excellency!”

“Of course, that’s a valid concern.”

“Yes? The potential side effects are significant. Are you still planning to proceed with this?”

“We’re planning a gradual opening over a 10-year period. We need to build our competitiveness within those 10 years.”

Pop culture couldn’t be developed and internationalized simply through presidential directives.

A strong motivating factor was needed, so he introduced the idea of a non-existent opening plan to create a sense of urgency.

He said to the Minister, who appeared flustered,

“Our culture, especially pop music, needs to build international competitiveness. If we want the Korean Wave [Hallyu, the global popularity of South Korean culture] to sweep the globe in the future, we need to prepare thoroughly now. Let’s develop a plan to strengthen the competitiveness of pop music!”

During Chairman Wang’s era, in the 2000s, the drama ‘Winter Sonata’ sparked the Yonsama craze in Japan [referring to the immense popularity of actor Bae Yong-joon] and became a catalyst for the Korean Wave. Since then, several idol groups, including those associated with “Gangnam Style”, have topped the Billboard charts in the United States, and the Korean Wave has surpassed even the Beatles in global influence.

The President, fully aware of this history, was trying to accelerate the process by laying the groundwork in advance.

“Your Excellency, did you specifically mention pop music?”

“Yes, I’m referring to pop music.”

“Our traditional Korean music is a musical genre that represents Korea’s unique identity, but I doubt whether pop music, particularly trot [a genre of Korean pop music], will be accepted outside of Japan. There are singers who occasionally perform folk songs or covers of pop songs from the US 8th Army [a US military presence in South Korea after the Korean War, which influenced local music], but most of them are imitations of Elvis Presley or the Beatles, so it’s difficult to see it as part of the Korean Wave.”

“That’s likely the current situation. Trot and Korean traditional music represent our own unique emotions, while folk songs and rock are largely imports. That’s why we’re discussing ways to globalize pop culture, especially pop music. It’s not an immediate goal, but a 10-year long-term project.”

“Yes, I understand the purpose, but it seems like a very challenging task, Your Excellency.”

“That’s probably true. We can’t simply package singers and export them. Let me offer a hint.”

“…….”

“To be accepted globally, genre barriers must first be broken down within Korea. It will only be accepted overseas if it’s free and diverse within Korea. And there must be healthy competition to drive development.”

“…….”

The Minister of Culture didn’t fully grasp his meaning.

“Well, I’ll give you a month to consult with pop culture professionals and report your plan to me.”

“I understand.”

He could have given them direct instructions, but there were limitations to top-down directives.

He assigned them the task because the field staff needed to engage in deep thinking to develop a comprehensive strategy.