The Chaebol Returns To The Presidency 1967 [EN]: Chapter 5

“Freedom stems from equal opportunity and fair procedures. We will establish fair competition rules and foster a corporate culture where labor and management share profits. To that end, I will establish a Ministry of Labor and Welfare.”

The mention of the Ministry of Labor and Welfare caused a stir among the audience. This was a preemptive measure intended to address potential labor disputes that might arise in the 1980s, a period when workers were often marginalized during the rapid economic development championed by Chairman Wang.

“We will severely punish those involved in corruption and illicit wealth accumulation, regardless of their position. To this end, I will lead by example, starting with myself and my family. My aim is to usher in a golden age for ordinary citizens.”

‘A golden age for ordinary citizens’ This slogan echoed the presidential campaign slogan of Roh Tae-woo, who would later become president. Its early use here served as a bridge from military to civilian rule.

Many listeners were skeptical of the president’s bold pronouncements, which seemed to predict the future. They dismissed them as mere self-congratulatory rhetoric designed to enhance the celebratory atmosphere of the inauguration.

The President continued with vigor.

“If the past four years were dedicated to overcoming chaos, my second-term cabinet will focus on the economy. Economic prosperity is national defense and security.”

The President then outlined the major policy objectives to be achieved during his term.

These included: achieving $10 billion in exports, reaching a national income of $1,000 per capita, completing the Seoul-Busan Gyeongbu Expressway [a major highway], introducing a minimum wage, establishing a Labor-Management-Government Council, implementing industrial accident insurance, increasing taxes on the wealthy, achieving self-sufficiency in rice production, setting a ceiling on private loan interest rates, establishing the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) and Daedeok Research Complex [a science and technology hub], developing heavy and chemical industries and bolstering the defense industry, and promoting a comprehensive medical security system.

This was a modernization plan accelerated by at least 5 to 10 years. While he couldn’t guarantee its full realization within four years, he aimed to lay a solid foundation.

The President read from the manuscript, occasionally glancing at the expressions of those in the VIP seats.

The audience members were stunned, their mouths agape and eyes wide, as if frozen in time.

*Heh heh, they’re all stunned.* *Well, it’s a blueprint for the future of Korea that no one could have imagined.*

Kim Jong-pil, listening intently to the President’s inaugural address, tilted his head in contemplation.

“Isn’t this substantial enough to form the basis of a presidential platform? Why weren’t these crucial policies mentioned at all during the election campaign?”

The Chief of Staff responded.

“Exactly my thought. It’s remarkably detailed and specific, suggesting it wasn’t conceived on the spur of the moment. Who could have devised such a comprehensive policy framework?”

He grew uneasy, wondering if the President had secretly assembled a support team without their knowledge.

The Director of the Intelligence Agency interjected sharply.

“If the Chief of Staff is unaware, who would be? How effectively are you assisting His Excellency?”

The two resumed their habitual bickering.

Kim Tae-jung, a prominent member of the opposition party, watched the proceedings on television, his brow furrowed in concern.

“This is… unexpected. Labor welfare is a policy initiative I’ve been developing. How could it originate from a soldier’s mind?”

Kim Tae-jung, who would later become president himself, had been formulating his own vision based on mass economics, and now felt his ideas had been preempted.

Moreover, he felt a sense of unease at the unexpected dismantling of the remnants of Japanese imperialism, the proposed demolition of the Central Government Building, and the progressive welfare and labor policies being advocated.

“Who is the mastermind behind this? Even if Lee Woo-rak’s strategies are ingenious, he’s not the type to formulate such ambitious and forward-thinking policies.”

Simultaneously, Kim Yong-sam, a member of parliament from the opposition party recently appointed as floor leader, watched the broadcast with his aides and remarked.

“What? I had planned to demolish the Central Government Building, but he’s beaten me to it. Why is he only announcing these policies now, instead of during the election?”

“Perhaps because the likelihood of actually implementing them is low?” one aide ventured.

“What do you mean?”

“In my view, it’s merely empty rhetoric, borrowed from the systems of developed nations. If these were formal presidential pledges, he would be held accountable later. Instead, he’s simply paying lip service on this celebratory occasion.”

“Hmm, that makes sense. 10 billion dollars in exports? The Gyeongbu Expressway? Unlikely. Welfare is a policy only feasible in affluent countries like Europe or the United States. Where would we find the necessary funds? The only vehicles using the highway are US military trucks.”

“At best, it’s impossible to achieve in four years, even if you were to die and be resurrected. And then he has to step down from power. Soon, it will be our turn.”

The opposition party focused on minimizing the significance of the President’s surprising promises.

But the President was a man who had experienced a metaphorical death and rebirth.

The inauguration ceremony, which had been anticipated as a predictable exercise in self-congratulation, instead sent shockwaves through the political landscape, like a sudden storm.

The media was saturated with feature articles about the inauguration ceremony.

– President’s Second Inaugural Address: “Demolish the Central Government Building, a Vestige of Japanese Imperialism.”

– President Declares, “Building a Merit-Based Republic of Korea.”

– President Proclaims “A Golden Age for Ordinary People.”

– Emphasis on Consciousness Reform: “Eradicating Cronyism and Bureaucracy is Essential for Modernizing the Nation,” Predicts Large-Scale Cabinet Reshuffle.

– Introduction of ‘Distribution’ and ‘Welfare’ Policies: Surprise Policy Announcement at Inauguration Ceremony.

– Gyeongbu Expressway Construction, Pledge of $10 Billion in Exports.

Citizens watching television also gathered in small groups to engage in lively discussions about the President’s inaugural address.

“If we achieve self-sufficiency in rice, does that mean we can eat rice three times a day?”

“Easier said than done. How can the yield suddenly increase two or three times on the same land? Unless we reclaim land from the entire sea.”

“What is the minimum wage? Does that mean they will only pay the minimum wage?”

“Are you uninformed? It means employers won’t be allowed to pay less than a certain daily wage. Like 1,000 won [Korean currency] per hour, something like that.”

“Oh my, does that mean we could earn more than that?”

“Yes. It means cracking down on unscrupulous business owners who exploit workers by paying them meager wages.”

“That’s beneficial for the workers.”

Another point of contention was the dismantling of military rule.

“If it’s merit-based, isn’t the ability to shoot a gun the most valuable skill for soldiers? Shouldn’t they return to the military?”

“What’s the point of arguing? Politics should be left to politicians.”

“Hey, the Liberal Party politicians made a mess of the country, leading to a revolution with guns and swords. They’re just licensed thieves who spend their time bickering in the National Assembly.”

“He said he would lead by example, so we’ll see if he follows through.”

* * *

The Yeongbingwan [State Guest House] at the Blue House [the Korean presidential residence].

Inside the resplendent Yeongbingwan, adorned with chandeliers, cheerful classical music played, and a large seven-tiered cake enhanced the festive atmosphere of the banquet.

Resembling a royal banquet in medieval Europe, domestic and foreign dignitaries mingled, holding glasses of fine wine and engaging in conversation.

Deputy Prime Minister Kim Chung-ryum approached the US Vice President, the US Ambassador, and the Commander of the US Forces in Korea, embarking on his first mission.

He inquired about the President’s family studying abroad, speaking in fluent English. As anticipated, their eyes widened in surprise.

“Oh my God! Are you referring to during his term?”

“Yes. As soon as possible.”

“Surely you don’t mean everyone, including the First Lady?”

“Yes.”

“Jesus! That’s highly unusual in Korea, with its family-oriented agricultural traditions. Minister, may I ask the reason?”

“As he stated in his inaugural address, he is striving to lead by example in dismantling the patriarchal authoritarianism prevalent in the Republic of Korea. How can we promote free democracy and merit-based modernization if the President’s family is treated like royalty?”

“Still, I didn’t expect it to be this revolutionary.”

“Consciousness reform is the true revolution. Challenge Convention. Change our World!”

“Oh, that’s truly inspiring. I will contact my home country immediately to inquire about US residences. I will arrange for special bodyguards to be assigned.”

“Thank you.”

The fact that the Korean President’s family would reside in the United States sent a clear signal that the Korean President was not anti-American, giving the United States no reason to object.

The President viewed his family’s trip to the United States as a strategic move to achieve two objectives simultaneously: furthering the second revolution and securing American trust.

In the future, the United States would face defeat in the Vietnam War, leading American public opinion to shift towards anti-war sentiments and Americanism. President Nixon would then publicly announce the withdrawal of US troops from Korea, jeopardizing Korean national security.

Former President Park used this as a pretext for the Yushin dictatorship [a period of authoritarian rule], claiming it was necessary to prevent division of public opinion and the waste of national resources, allowing the nation to focus on security.

The President’s family’s trip to the United States was an excellent preemptive measure to prevent the United States from excluding the Korean Peninsula from its security perimeter.

* * *

The President’s office.

The President, having concluded the hectic inauguration events, began to plan the personnel appointments.

But the weight of history pressed heavily on his shoulders.

As a returnee who knew the future, the second revolution seemed straightforward, but he had overlooked a crucial aspect.

Knowing the future and changing the future are distinct challenges.

For instance, if he dismissed cabinet members with military backgrounds, using his authority as the highest appointing power, it would provoke significant backlash. Kim Jong-pil, who controlled the legislature, would likely absorb those disgruntled individuals and emerge as the leader to oust him or turn him into a puppet.

However, there was no reason to believe that the opposition party, driven by its own ambitions for power, would offer the President any assistance.

He chewed on an unlit cigarette, lost in deep thought.

*Hew~ Tens of millions of people, no, the entire population of the Earth, are intricately connected within the fabric of history. Despite being a president who has regressed to a previous life, I cannot independently create events or historical occurrences that do not already exist. I am not a god.*

He was unsure how to navigate the course of history, where chain reactions could ignite like a trail of gunpowder.

The pine tree branches in the garden swayed violently in the wind, as if on the verge of breaking, before returning to their original form.

*Yes, it is said that ‘the highest good is like water.’* Even if he cannot create people, he can harness the flow of history that flows like a river. He will only be able to adjust the water flow by slightly moving the obstacles blocking the flow of history to the side.

‘The highest good is like water’ is a saying from Lao Tzu’s Tao Te Ching [a foundational text of Taoism], which means that the highest good is like water.

The spirit of flexible water, which does not destroy the opponent but exerts flexibility and ultimately reaches a great destination, was the creed he absolutely needed now.

He wrote down a list of key military figures from before his regression and revised the government organization chart.

Such large-scale cabinet reshuffles must go through the investigation and verification of the Secretariat and the Personnel Committee, but Chairman Wang had already gone down this road once in the past and knew the destination of that person, so he did not bother with the personnel verification organization.

In doing so, he was able to shorten the time and punctuate the most accurate causal relationship than anyone else.

For the returnee, the fear of new people without information was greater, so it was easier to move the familiar board.

The President spent the night matching the puzzles of his connections and drawing a new government organization chart.

As the President did not go to his bedroom and stayed up all night in his office, several of the Secretariat staff also stayed up all night.

Cock-a-doodle-doo~

The sound of a rooster crowing could be heard in the distance from a private house.