The Chaebol Returns To The Presidency 1967 [EN]: Chapter 22

22. Political Master

The estimated construction costs varied across different ministries.

The Ministry of Construction proposed 65 billion won (later adjusted to 45 billion won), Hyunse Construction suggested 38 billion won (or 28 billion won), the Army Corps of Engineers 49 billion won, and the Seoul Metropolitan Government 18 billion won. It was internally decided to favor Hyunse Construction’s plan, which had experience in overseas construction.

However, the plan submitted to the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development presented the highest cost, 65 billion won from the Ministry of Construction, with 15 billion won covered by the national budget and the remaining 50 billion won financed through loans.

“I fully understand your intentions, President Black. President, how about we reduce it to half that amount, 27 billion won?”

“Reduce it by half, you say?”

“Yes, that’s right. We will supplement the *bujokhan* [ 부족한 – deficient] portion with more national budget.”

Although 27 billion won was still a large sum, President Black experienced a perceptual distortion when the original amount was discounted by 50%.

The president opened his fountain pen and said,

“Hmm, good. I’ll submit it to the loan team.”

The Deputy Prime Minister *beoljjeok ireonatta* [벌떡 일어났다 – jumped up] and bowed deeply.

“Thank you, President!”

“You’re welcome.”

“May I ask for one more favor?”

“What is it?”

“It takes time for the funds to be executed, so I would appreciate it if you could prepare a memorandum of understanding beforehand.”

“A memorandum of understanding?”

“Yes, it’s a necessary document for reflecting Korea’s budget plan. It’s to *matchwo* [맞춰 – align with] the domestic *hoegi* [회기 – fiscal] year.”

“I understand. I will do so.”

* * *

The President’s office.

Chief of Staff and Deputy Prime Minister Kim Chung-렴 reported to the President.

“Your Excellency, we succeeded. As you said, I slashed the percentage, and President Black fell for it.”

The President grabbed Kim Chung-렴’s hands.

“Hahaha, you’ve *jeongmal sugo haesso* [정말 수고했소 – really worked hard]! This deserves a medal. I’ll recommend you for one later.”

“I’m *songguhamnida* [송구합니다 – feel unworthy], Your Excellency!”

The President picked up the MOU document and said,

“This one piece of paper *jwauhada-ni* [좌우하다니 – determines] the fate of the Republic of Korea; it doesn’t feel real.”

“I’ll head over to the Economic Planning Board. We need to submit it to the *ye-gyeolwi* [예결위 – Budget and Accounts Committee] quickly.”

“Ah, hurry along.”

* * *

The Economic Planning Board.

The Planning Board Director *manjijakgeorimyeo* [만지작거리며 – fiddling with] his black *ppultte* [뿔테 – horn-rimmed] glasses, focusing on the MOU document.

“Is, is this real?”

Deputy Prime Minister Kim replied with *yeoyu neomchige* [여유 넘치게 – composure].

“President Black’s signature is right here. 27 billion won. It’s not a forgery or *heowi* [허위 – false] document.”

“*Nollal no jane* [놀랄 노 자네요 – I’m astonished]. How was this possible?”

“I explained the *Gyeongin* Expressway construction *hyeonhwang* [현황 – current status] and the industrialization *cheongsajin* [청사진 – blueprint] in detail. I made him fully understand that poverty comes not from the land but from the failure to modernize.”

The art of negotiation could not be revealed.

“*Heo, cham, jeongmal daedanhasimnida* [허, 참, 정말 대단하십니다 – Wow, really amazing].”

“*Jininsadaecheonmyeongirago* [진인사대천명이라고 – Do your best and wait for heaven’s will], Heaven must be helping the Republic of Korea.”

The ruling and opposition parties were equally astonished to hear the news.

“How is this possible?”

“Since the *yeoya* [여야 – ruling and opposition parties] agreed, we have no choice but to *pyeongseong* [편성 – incorporate] it in the budget, right?”

“*Geu, geuraeyagetjiyo* [그, 그래야겠지요 – Well, I guess we have to].”

It was Minister Kim Young-wook who was *bangbang ttwineun* [방방 뛰는 – jumping up and down] as if the sky had fallen.

“Ha~ *michigo paltteok ttwigetne* [미치고 팔딱 뛰겠네 – I’m going crazy]. Does the bank have money to spare? What kind of guy gives *chagwan* [차관 – loan] for something like this? Did he eat a lot of *ribeteu* [리베이트 – kickbacks]? Haa~ Anyway, we really have to build the expressway, but what do I know!”

He *yeondalla* [연달아 – continuously] exhaled *sok taneun* [속 타는 – burning inside] cigarette smoke.

Kim Young-wook, having taken a hit, was *jwajeol* [좌절 – frustrated], but an even bigger *jwajeol* [좌절 – frustrating] event was waiting for the ruling party’s elected officials.

* * *

The opposition party headquarters.

The leadership gathered for an emergency meeting.

The president said,

“Shall we really *doryeonaelkkayo* [도려낼까요 – cut out] everything?”

Spokesperson Kim Tae-jung said,

“Seeing him *geochanghage* [거창하게 – grandly] gather all the media outlets to make an announcement, it seems like he’s going to do something, but we’ll have to wait and see what it is. The President might be trying to *myeonpi* [면피 – save face] with some trick.”

Floor Leader Kim Yong-sam said,

“The President’s will is *hwakgohagin haenneunde* [확고하긴 했는데 – certainly firm], but it’s strange that the ruling party is so *joyonghan* [조용한 – quiet]. It would be hard for them to *gamanhi itgineun jeotoreok* [가만히 있기는 저토록 – stay still] when their own *bapgeureut* [밥그릇 – rice bowl, livelihood] is *nalaganeun* [날아가는 – flying away].”

In fact, the ruling party was *neujeut* [느긋 – relaxed] even though they were under investigation.

Because the number of seats in the ruling party was *dallyeoitgi ttaemune* [달려있기 때문에 – dependent on], they judged that it was just a *hyeongsigjeogin* [형식적인 – perfunctory] investigation, and they would *maedeupjieul* [매듭지을 – conclude] the election investigation by *hongboyong jemyeong* [홍보용 제명 – expelling for publicity] only a few people who were *miboin* [밉보인 – disliked] by the party.

When the ruling party asked Prime Minister Kim Jung-pil to inform them of the investigation results, the Prime Minister had said this:

“*Sangsigjeogin cheoriga doeji anhgetso* [상식적인 처리가 되지 않겠소 – It will be handled reasonably].”

That’s how the ruling party was *yedanhago* [예단하고 – predicting] based on their ‘sangsik’ [상식 – common sense].

* * *

The Supreme Prosecutors’ Office.

Reporters from *eolleonsa* [언론사 – media companies] and *bangsongsa* [방송사 – broadcasting companies] were *unjiphaeisseotda* [운집해있었다 – gathered] in the briefing room.

Because it was the day the Prosecutor General announced the results of the *bujungseongeo* [부정선거 – fraudulent election] investigation.

The *yeoya* [여야 – ruling and opposition parties] also *singyeongeul gonduseugo* [신경을 곤두세우고 – on edge] dispatched party officials to the *hyeonjange* [현장에 – scene] to prepare to receive *sokbo* [속보 – breaking news].

The Prosecutor General came out holding the manuscript.

*Peok-* *Peok-*

*Chalkak! Chalkak!*

Camera flashes and shutter sounds *teojyeotda* [터졌다 – burst] like a *sonagi* [소나기 – shower].

“Based on the Public Official Election Act, we are announcing the results of investigating 380 cases of *sabeom* [사범 – offenders] related to the 7th National Assembly election. For reference, *dangseoni muhyo doemda* [당선이 무효 됩니다 – election will be invalidated] if sentenced to imprisonment or a fine of 1 million won or more.”

The reporters were *chokgageul gondusewotda* [촉각을 곤두세웠다 – on high alert] to see who would have their *dangseon muhyo* [당선 무효 – election invalidated].

“The accused *gobalhan* [고발한 – indicted] by the prosecution is Representative Cha Jin-chul from the Gyeonggi Province, Gwangju-Icheon election district.”

The press corps *chulleonggeoryeotda* [출렁거렸다 – stirred] for a moment at the name Cha Jin-chul.

It was an unexpected reaction that the name of the core *hyeokmyeong seryeok* [혁명 세력 – revolutionary forces] and the President’s *choecheukgeun* [최측근 – closest aide] was called out first.

That’s how the list of 55 members of the ruling party and 7 members of the opposition party was called out in order.

Breaking news was broadcast on the radio, and the *seokgan sinmun* [석간신문 – evening newspaper] *1-myeon* [1면 – front page] emphasized the enormous number of election *sabeom* [사범 – offenders], nearly half of those *dangseon* [당선 – elected].

Opposition Party Headquarters.

Assemblyman Kim Yong-sam’s neck was stiff with pride.

“Look at this. It matches the number the President mentioned exactly.”

Kim Tae-jung was cautious.

“We need to see the final trial results. Not everyone the prosecution indicts will have their election invalidated.”

The party leader spoke.

“Of course, we need to see the trial results, but considering they’ve announced this so grandly, including the President’s close aides, it doesn’t seem like just a show.”

“That’s right. More than half are from the military. This is a golden opportunity for the opposition party to regain a majority.”

On the other hand, Kim Tae-jung remained cautious.

“If the trial goes as it is, the ruling party might take a hit for now, but we can’t jump to the conclusion that the lost seats will automatically become opposition seats.”

“What do you mean?”

“If they eradicate election fraud, wouldn’t the President and the ruling party’s popularity soar instead?”

“…….”

“Our opposition party will lose its justification for struggle, so the by-elections might not bring as much support as the opposition expects. Rather, the ruling party might seize control of the political situation.”

“Seize control… That’s a valid analysis. But we can’t stop the investigation now, and stopping it would have even greater repercussions. Regardless of the trial results, let’s start preparing for candidate nominations in the relevant areas.”

The opposition party, taking the by-elections as a foregone conclusion, began nominating candidates for the expected by-election areas.

* * *

The Prime Minister’s Office.

Cha Jin-chul and the ruling party leadership visited Kim Jung-pil for an emergency meeting.

It was called a meeting, but they came to argue.

Cha Jin-chul, unable to hide his emotions, was red-faced and raised his voice.

“What kind of disgrace is this! Hasn’t everyone, regardless of party, given voters a jug of *makgeolli* [Korean rice wine], a carton of cigarettes, or a pair of rubber shoes? Why me of all people?”

“…….”

The party leader also raised his voice.

“Prime Minister, is this common sense? If half the seats are lost, the National Assembly will come to a standstill. What are you trying to do?”

“…….”

“Surely not everyone will be found guilty in the trial.”

Kim, the party leader, who had been holding back, finally snapped.

“Listen here. The Republic of Korea is a country with separation of powers: legislative, judicial, and executive. I am the head of the executive branch. I can’t interfere with the judiciary.”

“Why are you stating the obvious? With the power of the Blue House [the presidential residence], there’s nothing you can’t do. Judges are people too.”

“Gentlemen, is it winter or autumn now?”

“Why are you asking such a random question?”

“Because you seem to not know what season it is.”

“Prime Minister, why are you beating around the bush?”

“Don’t you know that His Excellency [the President] is not the same as he was yesterday?”

“What?”

“He’s become a completely different person. He’s in a position to cut off anyone’s head if they can’t perform, regardless of their contributions. It’s like the opposition party has taken up residence in the Blue House.”

“Prime Minister, we won’t just sit back and take this. His Excellency must have fallen for some bastard’s trick. We just need to catch that bastard and get rid of him.”

“I’m really curious to know who that bastard is too. Just tell me who’s tricking him. I’ll torture him to death.”

“…….”

As the Prime Minister took a firm stance, the ruling party leadership’s momentum waned.

The party leader asked.

“Why is His Excellency really doing this? This is an own goal. What’s an own goal? It’s suicide.”

The Prime Minister clicked his tongue.

“Do you really not understand politics?”

“…….”

“The opposition party is trying to frame this as a repeat of the March 15th fraudulent election and overturn the situation. But His Excellency is preemptively countering it. He’s seizing control of the political situation.”

“How can you have control when you’re losing seats?”

“The saying ‘We may have lost the battle, but we’ll win the war’ applies to times like these. If we purify ourselves greatly, wouldn’t we become magnanimous and strengthen our governing base? The people’s approval ratings will rise in a reversal.”

“…….”

“It will actually have a positive impact on the by-election seats.”

According to the Prime Minister’s analysis, the President was playing high-level politics.

The party leader was dubious and couldn’t quite grasp it.

But Cha Jin-chul, whose livelihood was at stake, felt differently.

“What kind of sophistry is that? We’re just succumbing to the opposition’s threats and being dragged around. A positive impact on the by-election seats? With the calls for judgment of the regime, even a majority will be difficult.”

The Prime Minister tasted bitterness.

“We’ll know soon enough when the public opinion results come out. Assemblyman Cha, I hope you form a good legal team and maintain your seat.”

If Kim Jung-pil hadn’t been appointed as Prime Minister, he would have been in the same position as Cha Jin-chul, but now he was on the same boat as the administration.

However, as the party leadership trudged back without any results, Kim Jung-pil left them with this lingering thought.

“The opponent is a master of politics. He’s not the same straightforward soldier he used to be. If you just get angry and charge in haphazardly, you’ll just be a disorganized mob. You need to be quiet, meticulous, and organized.”

“…….”

* * *

Assemblyman Cha Jin-chul’s office.

In the office, which occupied an entire floor of the building, there was a congratulatory orchid pot sent from the Blue House when he was elected, and today’s evening newspapers from six companies were laid out on his desk.

As if by agreement, the front pages of the evening newspapers featured the results of public opinion polls showing over 80% approval ratings for the President, along with analyses of the reasons and the public’s reactions.

– The people enthusiastically cheer for the President who severely punished election fraud.

– The President who upheld the dignity of the law achieves the highest approval ratings in history.

– The people cheer for the President who is realizing a ‘society where common sense prevails.’

All 55 of the elected officials involved in the election crimes were gathered in the office.

They tried to stage an uprising at the ruling party level, but the assembly members who were not under investigation lowered their tails as if it were someone else’s problem and took a different path.

From the cabinet, only Minister of Construction Kim Young-wook participated.

Cha Jin-chul threw the newspaper down and raged.

“Those sons of bitches! They like cheering!”

Assemblyman Nam said.

“His Excellency is sacrificing us to save himself.”

“His Excellency? He’s not His Excellency anymore.”

“We must overthrow the Blue House!”

“That’s right!”