The Chaebol Returns To The Presidency 1967 [EN]: Chapter 27

27. Cleaning House (1)

The Central Government Building.

In front of the Central Government Building, a crowd as large as the one that gathered at the Jangchung Gymnasium for Kim Il’s wrestling matches had assembled.

The Central Government Building was draped with banners proclaiming:

– Celebrating the Restoration of Gyeongbokgung Palace / Demolition of the Former Joseon Governor-General’s Building

Broadcasting station cameras were positioned to capture this historic moment.

In the front VIP seats sat the three chiefs of government (the President, the Speaker of the National Assembly, and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court), along with the Minister of Construction and President Jung.

Invitations had been extended to the Japanese Cabinet, but no one attended.

Unsurprisingly, negotiations regarding the return of the Central Government Building and Joseon’s [Korea’s historical name] unreturned cultural assets had also stalled.

The dismantling work commenced immediately, without any elaborate congratulatory speeches.

A large crane hoisted the spire from the Central Government Building.

The spire was destined for a museum.

The crowd erupted in applause and cheers.

“Long live the Republic of Korea!”

“Japan, wake up!”

Meanwhile, an uncomfortable meeting was unfolding behind the scenes.
The Minister of Construction, Kim Young-wook, and the construction company president, President Jung, were the central figures in this tense exchange.

The Minister of Construction, seemingly oblivious to the undercurrents, patronized President Jung with an innocent demeanor.

“President Jung, the President specifically instructed me to support Hyundai, so I ensured you were selected for large-scale civil engineering projects and historic events like today. You should express your gratitude to the President.”

President Jung was inwardly fuming.

‘That backstabber! Just looking at his face makes my blood boil. He betrayed me, fled the country, and leaked Hyundai’s confidential information. He was the one who blabbered about nuclear weapons development, which ultimately sabotaged our nuclear armament ambitions. A traitor to the nation!’

President Jung felt an almost irresistible urge to smash Kim Young-wook’s face with a sledgehammer right then and there.

The President, sensing the rising tension, quickly intervened.

“President Jung, please ensure a job well done.”

“Ah, Your Excellency!”

“It may not be highly profitable, but please consider it a service to your country.”

“Of course. It’s an honor.”

“See that, Kim Young-wook?”

“Yes, Your Excellency!”

“President Jung is busy building roads, so don’t overburden him.”

“Yes, Your Excellency!”

“And I’m warning you, if you try to extort money from companies, you’ll be fired immediately. I’m making that perfectly clear. Remember that.”

“Yes, I will keep that in mind.”

Kim Young-wook was already discreetly accepting regular kickbacks from construction companies under the guise of holiday bonuses.

However, because Hyundai consistently feigned ignorance of these practices, he had attempted to exclude them from government-funded projects. But each time, the President had intervened, thwarting his efforts.

Nevertheless, he remained determined to settle the score with them someday.

The President couldn’t allow the strained relationship between Kim Young-wook and President Jung to fester for much longer.

Today also marked the unexpected return of the opposition party to the 7th National Assembly, which had been effectively paralyzed by their boycott.

The opposition’s return, however, was largely overshadowed by the demolition of the Central Government Building.

The President still firmly held the reins of power.

*

The President’s office.

Kim Jong-pil inquired of the President.

“Are you truly planning to renegotiate with Japan?”

“Of course. But the timing isn’t right just yet.”

“What are you waiting for?”

“Until all the compensation money has been received, naturally.”

“Ah, I see….”

Although it was merely media speculation, Japan, sensing the potential for renegotiation, had softened its stance and was closely monitoring President Park’s every move.

The President was patiently waiting for the opportune moment.

*

In anticipation of the National Assembly’s resumption, the ruling and opposition party budget committee secretaries collaborated on the next year’s budget, which was facing delays due to the previous boycott.

The ruling party secretary stated.

“There’s a document confirming that the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development [World Bank] will provide a loan of 27 billion. We pledged to allocate the budget for the Gyeongbu Expressway if we secured the loan, so we must honor our commitment.”

The opposition party secretary wore a troubled expression.

“Ha, if we allocate the entire budget to local construction here, how am I supposed to explain that to my constituents?”

“It’s the same for me, even as a member of the ruling party. But since it’s a promise we made with the administration, we have no choice but to follow through.”

“I understand. However, I oppose the implementation of a value-added tax [VAT]. It’s obvious that prices will increase as taxes are passed on to consumers. I am firmly against this.”

“Once established, the value-added tax will encounter the least resistance. To minimize any adverse effects, we will gradually increase it by 1% each year, aiming for 10%, and initially apply it to expensive goods exceeding a certain value, starting with a higher tax rate.”

“Then, instead of setting a uniform target tax rate of 10%, let’s apply it differentially, with 5% for essential goods and 15% for luxury items.”

“Good. I will relay that proposal to the Deputy Prime Minister.”

While the lawmakers implicated in the election fraud were embroiled in an off-parliament power struggle, a value-added tax bill, designed to compensate for past misdeeds, was negotiated and passed by the ruling and opposition parties within the National Assembly.

“The submitted value-added tax bill has been passed as originally proposed.”

The Speaker of the National Assembly struck the gavel with such force that it nearly broke.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

*

The ruling party headquarters.

Cha Jin-chul and 55 lawmakers descended upon the ruling party leadership for a protest meeting.

Cha Jin-chul challenged the party president.

“President, the judiciary is brazenly trampling on the parliament, and reopening the National Assembly to surrender is a betrayal of the separation of powers. We should issue a statement of protest and initiate a boycott alongside the opposition party.”

“That’s right!”

The party president’s brow furrowed.

“What Assemblyman Cha says has merit, but if we fail to finalize the budget settlement this session, the administration will grind to a complete halt. How will we deflect the inevitable criticism from the public?”

“Isn’t the very purpose of a boycott to disregard such concerns? If we continue down this path, the ruling party will lose its majority. Are you willing to hand over the government to the opposition party, President?”

The party president spoke with newfound resolve.

“Assemblyman Cha and the assemblymen gathered here, listen carefully. Let’s be frank. If the prosecution and police had conducted a biased investigation, there might be grounds for claiming parliamentary oppression. But isn’t this the result of a thorough investigation based on substantial evidence?”

“…….”

“The assemblymen present must prove their innocence in the second trial, and the National Assembly must resume its normal functions. But if we boycott simply for the sake of opposition, how are we any different from the opposition party? Now is the time to return to the parliament and voice our opinions.”

Faced with the leadership’s unwavering determination to return to the assembly, Cha Assemblyman and his faction were left with little recourse.

After careful deliberation, Cha Assemblyman addressed the party leadership.

“Alright, I will fight within the parliament as you suggest, President.”

“You’ve made a wise decision.”

“But don’t come to regret it.”

“Regret?”

“If the prosecution and police are truly impartial, shouldn’t they investigate not only the general election but also the presidential election with the same rigor?”

“What? Investigate the presidential election?”

“Of course. Let’s see if they can uncover any wrongdoing. President, I’ll see you in the National Assembly.”

“Hey, Assemblyman Cha! Assemblyman Cha!”

The 55 lawmakers departed the party headquarters without remorse, despite the leadership’s attempts to dissuade them.

Cha Assemblyman proclaimed triumphantly.

“The National Assembly is all about numbers. Don’t you realize that if our 55 members join forces with the opposition party, we’ll instantly become the leading party!”

“That’s right!”

Cha Assemblyman promptly contacted the opposition party president by phone to request a private meeting to discuss potential collaboration.

“This is Assemblyman Cha. I’m calling because there’s a pressing matter of national importance that I wish to discuss with you privately, President.”

The two met at an exclusive restaurant outside the city and engaged in a clandestine meeting that lasted over three hours.

*

The National Assembly.

It was the scheduled day for voting on pending legislation, including the Gyeongbu Expressway construction and the next year’s budget.

Cha Assemblyman delivered a fiery speech from the National Assembly podium.

“The prosecution and police are oppressing the National Assembly, and this is not the time to be idly tinkering with the budget. Is it justifiable to construct an expressway for imported cars and leisurely outings by extracting more taxes from the people! We cannot squander the people’s hard-earned money on such frivolous projects!”

Eventually, the vote commenced.

The voting process was chaotic due to the rebellion spearheaded by Cha Assemblyman.

The Speaker of the National Assembly announced the results of the vote.

“The Gyeongbu Expressway budget bill, with 91 votes in favor and 82 votes against out of 173 participating seats, has secured a majority and is hereby declared passed!”

Bang! Bang! Bang!

The bills agreed upon by the ruling and opposition parties in the Budget Committee were all narrowly approved despite the opposition of Cha Assemblyman and his group.

The President’s economic growth initiative had gained momentum.

However, the situation took a different turn with the next agenda item.

The opposition party president delivered a speech.

“The people are applauding the eradication of election irregularities by public officials, regardless of their position. Not only the general election but also the past presidential election must be investigated thoroughly to dispel any lingering doubts.”

Cha Assemblyman and his group raised their fists in solidarity.

“That’s right!”

*

The President’s office.

Chief of Staff and Deputy Prime Minister Kim Chung-ryeom reported the latest developments from the National Assembly to the President.

“The opposition party has publicly demanded an investigation into the past presidential election fraud.”

As Kim Jong-pil had predicted, the opposition party was seizing upon any opportunity like a pack of hyenas.

“They’re aiming to escalate the conflict.”

“And Assemblyman Cha, along with the assemblymen facing sentences that would invalidate their election, have joined forces.”

“Hmm, they’re attempting a coup through the parliament….”

“According to my sources, Assemblyman Cha will be coordinating the future parliamentary schedule with the opposition party.”

“Even if it violates party lines, we cannot prevent a member of the National Assembly from participating in parliamentary activities within the parliament. We have no choice but to await the Supreme Court ruling.”

“Then how do we respond to the accusations regarding the presidential election investigation?”

“Let’s confront them head-on.”

“Your Excellency! That would be tantamount to admitting to presidential election fraud.”

“If we evade it, they will become even more persistent. The public will also grow suspicious.”

The President picked up the landline phone and dialed the prosecutor general’s speed dial number.

“It’s me.”

– Ah, Your Excellency!

“The strict law enforcement during the general election was truly commendable. You’re doing an excellent job upholding the law.”

– Thank you, Your Excellency!

“The opposition party is vociferously calling for us to investigate the presidential election in the National Assembly right now.”

– I am aware, Your Excellency.

“Do as they request.”

– What? Are you suggesting that we accept the demand to investigate Your Excellency’s election?

“Yes. We must proceed according to the law. Unnecessary political attacks do not serve the national interest. We must investigate all candidates from both the ruling and opposition parties fairly. Let’s clean house swiftly.”

– Ah, both the ruling and opposition parties! I understand, Your Excellency!

As the President hung up the phone, the Chief of Staff next to him bowed respectfully.

“You are truly remarkable, Your Excellency!”

“It’s always refreshing to clean house.”

*

The Blue House [South Korean presidential residence].

The Blue House spokesperson addressed reporters.

“The President has acknowledged the opposition party’s concerns regarding potential presidential election fraud and has stated that an investigation should be conducted, and the prosecution must investigate rigorously.”

*

The opposition party, upon hearing the briefing, was mentally shattered.

“A sudden acceptance? W-what’s going on here?”

“I know, right? No one is entirely clean if you dig deep enough, are they really going to do it?”

“That’s good. Let’s overturn the presidential election this time and hold another election.”

Spokesperson Kim Tae-jung, who had been listening intently, interjected.

“It doesn’t seem that simple. This is a double-edged sword.”

“A double-edged sword? What are you suddenly talking about?”

“You mentioned that no one is entirely clean if you dig deep enough. If we investigate all the presidential candidates from both the ruling and opposition parties, who would ultimately benefit?”

“…….”

In reality, both the ruling and opposition parties had spent exorbitant sums of money during the presidential election.

“If we are branded as election protesters, the opposition party will be unable to recover.”

“…….”

“We were ensnared in the President’s trap from the very beginning.”

It was an accurate assessment.

The prosecution swiftly launched an investigation into the presidential election, and the findings revealed a similar number of illegal activities committed by both the ruling and opposition parties.

The law of investigation is beneficial when one is clean, but because it was a mutual mudslinging contest, and because the vote margin was so substantial, the outcome remained unchanged, and the opposition party was left to bear the stigma of election protest.

The political landscape had completely shifted in favor of the President.