The Chaebol Returns To The Presidency 1967 [EN]: Chapter 3

3. The Second Coup

Kim Cheong-ryeom! He was the longest-serving Chief Presidential Secretary under President Park, a key figure in the economic growth of the 1960s and 70s.

He spearheaded the creation and implementation of industrial advancement policies, including the development of heavy and chemical industries and the bolstering of the defense industry. He played a crucial role in shaping import-substitution industrialization policies starting in the 60s.

The fact that Kim Cheong-ryeom, a non-military figure, continued to be appointed as Chief Secretary even after the constitutional amendment allowing a third term in 1969, demonstrates his importance to President Park’s economic achievements.

Within the military regime, Minister Kim uniquely believed that ‘economic policies function smoothly only when the Blue House is lean.’

Wasn’t that conviction the primary motivation for Chairman Wang to run for president before his regression [his time-traveling experience]?

During Chairman Wang’s time, he was able to initiate the establishment of Hyeonse Shipyard and Hyeonse Motors with Kim Cheong-ryeom’s active assistance.

He was a rare benefactor to be revered in the political arena, which otherwise only scavenged like hyenas.

Kim Cheong-ryeom’s tenure significantly shaped President Park’s time in office.

He served as Chief Presidential Secretary for 9 years and 3 months, assisting the President, before stepping down in 1978, taking responsibility for the ruling party’s defeat in the general election.

During the Yushin era [a period of authoritarian rule in South Korea], close aides unanimously testified that the October 26 incident, which led to President Park’s assassination, would not have occurred if Kim Cheong-ryeom had remained Chief Secretary, highlighting his significant, though often unseen, influence.

For Chairman Wang, Kim Cheong-ryeom was the only non-military ally among the heads of the Blue House and the Cabinet.

Kim Cheong-ryeom was one of the key figures in the civilian coup [a coup led by non-military individuals].

* * *

Central Government Building.

The Central Government Building, formerly the Japanese colonial government-general building, was decorated with a large inaugural celebration sign, and the streets of Gwanghwamun were lined with citizens holding umbrellas on both sides.

In reality, more than half of the citizens were students mobilized from nearby middle and high schools.

Swish-swish-
The monsoon rain drizzled, seemingly without end.

♬ Thump thump thump~

On the rainy streets, military bands and female high school bands played fanfares and marches, creating a festive atmosphere with an outdoor parade.

Behind the bands, female high school students marched, holding inaugural celebration placards and large Korean flags.

On the pre-ceremony stage, traditional dancers performed, and each broadcasting station mobilized its most advanced sports broadcasting cameras to ensure flawless live coverage.

In the front row of the outdoor seating, amidst the rain, were army, navy, and air force generals, as well as commanders of the U.S. Forces Korea.

The Chief of Security was on edge, checking on the plainclothes officers stationed in various locations via radio.

The presidential security was tight, with the Security Service heavily involved in most aspects of the event.

Especially on a rainy day like today, when it was difficult to detect firearms due to citizens carrying umbrellas, ordinary citizens were prohibited from approaching the venue.

Inside and outside the Central Government Building lobby, in the VIP seats, no opposition figures were visible.

In the July 8th general election for the 7th National Assembly, the ruling party secured 129 out of 175 seats, surpassing the two-thirds majority needed for constitutional amendments, through widespread fraudulent voting.

As a damage control measure, the ruling party expelled 8 elected members from the party, but the opposition party demanded their arrest and investigation, strongly protesting and refusing to attend the National Assembly for several months.

In the VIP section, Kim Young-wook, the head of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), flattered Kim Jeong-pil, the chairman of the ruling party.

“The next turn is Chairman Kim’s.”

At the time, the presidential system allowed for a single four-year term. Having succeeded in this re-election, it was President Park’s last term.

Just as Liu Bang had Zhang Liang [key advisors in Chinese history], and Yi Bang-won had Ha Ryun [influential figures in Korean history], President Park had Kim Jeong-pil.

He was a comrade who planned and executed the military coup, created the Central Intelligence Agency, and directed diplomacy with Japan—a relative and closest aide, truly the second-in-command.

The President controlled the Blue House [the executive branch] and the administration, while Chairman Kim controlled the National Assembly [the legislative branch], leading the nation.

As a result, from the day of the President’s inauguration, people began to line up to curry favor with Kim Jeong-pil.

Kim Jeong-pil, Park Jeong-woong’s comrade and greatest supporter, suddenly emerged as his greatest political rival.

Kim Jeong-pil didn’t dislike Kim Young-wook’s encouragement.

“Well, there are still four years left.”

“Actually, there are less than three years left. After two years into the term, preparations for the next presidential election must begin. We barely managed this time because we prepared too late.”

“With so much money and manpower being consumed, holding a presidential election every four years is a waste of national resources. Anyway, discussing the next election on the day of the President’s inauguration is likely to cause misunderstandings, so refrain from it.”

“Understood.”

At the same time, the veteran leaders of the opposition party, who had lost in the presidential and general elections, were conversing at the party headquarters.

“This time, we lost all our votes because of President Park’s economic development. It’s a shame that the opposition to the dispatch of troops to Vietnam and the Korea-Japan Basic Treaty was buried too early. It’s regrettable that we ended up justifying the military coup.”

“It’s more because the opposition party wasn’t fresh. The presence of outdated figures caused a lot of antipathy in the metropolitan area. We need to replace everyone this time to function as an opposition party. We need to put forward young figures. The people want innovation and reform.”

From this point on, the idea of Kim Tae-jung and Kim Yong-sam, leaders in their 40s, began to gain traction.

The Japanese ambassador and deputy prime minister also assessed the current regime from their moving vehicle.

“Since the President is a former Japanese officer, his pro-Japanese stance will continue.”

“Just looking at the inauguration taking place in the former Government-General Building is practically an extension of the colonial era. This economic development plan was also started with our aid, leading to his re-election. Korea cannot escape poverty without us.”

“That’s right. We need to pay more attention to North Korea. They are very belligerent.”

Among the foreign dignitaries, the most prominent was the Vice President of the United States.

The U.S. Vice President’s attendance was a sign of gratitude for Korea’s dispatch of troops to Vietnam.

The U.S. Vice President assessed the re-elected President while traveling in the U.S. Ambassador’s car.

“He has a history with the South Korean Workers’ Party, so we are always keeping a close watch on him. His talk of North-South unification is always suspicious.”

“He has met our demands by dispatching troops to Vietnam and signing the Korea-Japan Treaty, so I consider him a wise man. The dispatch of troops to Vietnam was only possible because he was from the military.”

“However, the military is a double-edged sword. They have drive, but there are limits to realizing democratic values. In developing countries, military regimes have never stepped down voluntarily.”

“That’s true, but this is his last term. That’s fortunate.”

“Well, there is information that his maternal relative, Kim Jeong-pil, will run in the next presidential election. There is a high possibility that military politics will be extended. He could turn into a dictator at any time. They have guns and swords, after all.”

“Hmm, we should distance ourselves. Keep a close watch.”

* * *

Presidential Office.

Chief Secretary Lee Woo-rak entered with Minister of Commerce and Industry Kim Cheong-ryeom.

“Chief Secretary, you may leave.”

“Yes, Your Excellency!”

After confirming that Chief Secretary Lee had left, the President spoke to Minister Kim.

“This is the inaugural address. I’ve revised it extensively. Take a look.”

Because the President was someone he respected, his words naturally became polite.

“Yes, Your Excellency!”

Minister Kim carefully examined the newly written inaugural address, then tilted his head.

The President asked Minister Kim.

“What do you think? I’ve made a lot of changes, haven’t I?”

Minister Kim adjusted his black horn-rimmed glasses and blinked.

“Your Excellency, are you really going to push this through like this?”

“Of course. The modernization of our nation isn’t just about solving three meals a day. We need to reform our consciousness as well. We will sweep away all pre-modern malpractices.”

“That’s true, but it includes Your Excellency’s support base, so there may be strong resistance.”

“That’s why I called Minister Kim here.”

“…….”

“I want Minister Kim to take on the role of my Chief Secretary.”

Kim Cheong-ryeom froze like a statue, as if struck by lightning. He doubted his ears.

“Ch-Chief Secretary, did you say?”

“Yes, Chief Secretary.”

“Y-Your Excellency….”

The President cut him off.

“Before telling the people what to do, I must lead by example. In fact, the Central Intelligence Agency and the military have been wielding power all along. Now, the Chief Secretary and the Cabinet will exercise power normally.”

Minister Kim was even more bewildered by the President’s vision.

“Your Excellency, I am infinitely grateful for your high evaluation of me. But I only know about economics, not politics at all. I would not refuse any other position, but the Chief Secretary is not the right fit for me, Your Excellency!”

He sincerely declined. However, the President knew well that the success or failure of his regression depended on appointing Minister Kim, so there was no room for reconsideration.

The President played his trump card.

“I am now going to start a second revolution.”

At the words ‘second revolution,’ Minister Kim’s eyes widened as much as his glasses.

“R-Revolution, did you say?”

Minister Kim’s glasses fogged up with sweat on his brow.

“I succeeded in the first coup with guns. The second coup is the liquidation of military rule and the transfer to civilian government. This is the core of modernization as the 6th President.”

Minister Kim felt a chill down his spine and his legs trembled at the words ‘coup’ and ‘liquidation of military rule.’

Any military officer who voiced the conviction that soldiers should not be involved in politics was invariably dragged to Namsan [location of the KCIA headquarters] or the Security Office, subjected to harsh torture and investigation, and forced to resign.

If such words had come from anyone else’s mouth, they would have been immediately dragged away under the National Security Law [a law used to suppress dissent], tortured, and imprisoned.

“Your Excellency, this re-election is your last term anyway. Even if you do nothing, the next leader will be a civilian president.”

The President shook his head. Chairman Wang knew well the history of Korean politics, where military rule was extended until the Fifth Republic in the early 1990s.

“Absolutely not. The military is entrenched in every corner of power. Even after my term ends, military rule will be extended. People are already lining up for Kim Jeong-pil. The liquidation of military rule is the greatest duty of this term.”

“…….”

Minister Kim could neither agree with the President’s shocking confession nor do anything but blink. To designate the military, his revolutionary comrades, as targets for liquidation was nothing short of shocking to him.

“Your Excellency, there is some truth to it, but it is a very adventurous statement.”

“I alone am enough as an unfortunate soldier. Now do you understand why the subject of this revolution must not be someone from the military like Minister Kim?”

“Y-Yes, but a mere Chief Secretary alone….”

Not only the military but also the ruling party, the government controlled by Kim Jeong-pil, the intelligence agency Kim Young-wook, and Chief Secretary Lee Woo-rak were all eyeing the throne, and in fact, the opposition party was not an ally either.

The President was resolute.

“That’s why it’s a revolution. If the first revolution was guns and swords, then the weapon of this second revolution is the economy. The economy is security, diplomacy, and national power.”

“…….”

“We must break away from pre-modernity and transform into a rational, merit-based liberal democracy. But looking back on history, there has never been a successful reform of consciousness on an empty stomach. Especially on the Korean Peninsula, diplomacy and security are important. Isn’t the division also due to weak national power? In particular, someone with connections to the United States is essential. This is not a request but an order.”

It wasn’t because he liked the United States, but because the United States would defeat the Soviet Union and rise to become the world’s superpower in the future, so it was important to align well.

Minister Kim’s eyes, which had been wavering, flashed strongly at the words ‘merit-based liberal democracy.’

Having majored in economics at Clark University in the United States, Minister Kim was more acutely aware than anyone else that South Korea was still being swayed by pre-modern connections rather than rationality.

The military is also a kind of academic clique based on family background.

It is not a democracy based on individual freedom and ability, but an authoritarianism based on factionalism that prioritizes one’s own, top-down command, and connections.

The President had seen through this and would make it his top priority, so regardless of its success or failure, it had great historical significance.

Minister Kim replied seriously.

“Your Excellency, a lesson from my time studying in the United States was ‘Challenge Convention. Change our World.’ I will take on the challenge.”

The President grabbed Minister Kim’s hand firmly.

“Thank you. Now you have become a revolutionary comrade. Hahaha.”

“Revolutionary comrade….”

It was a mysterious word of fear that made his heart tremble.

But the President had already succeeded in one coup revolution, hadn’t he?

Although the beginning was small, the President was as reliable as a rock.

Minister Kim’s appointment as Chief Secretary was advanced by two years compared to the history before regression.

Thus, the President began to recruit comrades one by one.

The President said to Minister Kim.

“I will give you your first mission.”